July 22 - Daily Feast

July 22 - Daily Feast Years ago, a very wealthy man was asked about the condition of his soul. He responded as he always had - with the idea that money can buy anything. A large sum of money was offered if anyone could give him tangible proof that he even had a soul. His business acumen was not in keeping with the spiritual, so he did not know his soul was a combination of mind, will, and emotions - the very things he used to accumulate his wealth! Many real things are not tangible - fragrance, the wind, sounds; but we feel their influence and know them to be actual and sometimes more enjoyable than they which is touchable. To hear the wind chimes, to smell the bed of petunias and honeysuckle, to feel the breezes - these lovely things prove that we do have souls. ~ My friends, your people have both intellect and heart; you use these to consider in what way you can do the best to live. ~ SPOTTED TAIL - SIOUX "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day July 22 In this universe, all activities, events, and entities are related. Indians believe that everything in the universe has value and instructs us in some aspect of life. Everything is alive and is making choices that determine the future, so the world is constantly creating itself? With the wisdom and time for reflection that old age provides, we may discover unsuspected relationships. ---Vine Deloria, Jr, STANDING ROCK SIOUX We are all connected. This is what the Elders have told us for a long time. If we are connected to all things, then whenever we harm anything, it causes harm to ourselves. If we destroy the air, then we will be affected by what we breathe in. If we poison the Earth, we poison ourselves. We must respect our Mother Earth and She will respect us in return. We must open our eyes and obey the spiritual laws that govern the Earth and ourselves. Grandfather, today allow me to honor and respect the things You have made. Let me see the beauty of all things. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Have you considered the effect your presence may have on people around you? Do they need you? The answer is yes. We are somewhat selfish with our presence at times. We want to withdraw and think our own thoughts and read quietly rather than entertaining someone or just listening to them. Bur we never really know how much they need us, not to perform good deeds for their good, but only to be company to share a happening of the day. Perhaps within their minds we can quiet some restlessness, assure them that they are needed or give them a feeling of tranquility. To many life is no simple matter, and to hear them out may be the remedy. It has been said by a very wise man that if you never make a mistake you're not doing anything. It's a relief to know that every day, without fail, we come in contact with people who put such confidence in us that we strive ever harder to never fail. Such people build human beings - and there is no job more worthy, or more creative. Building character and confidence in fellow human beings is a delicate task...for no two people respond in the same way. Challenges may be the way to boost up some individuals, while others may need encouragement and praise to guide them on the way. But, oh, how human we all are, having the same need for accomplishment....for attention....for approval. And how great the responsibility for leaders who must have the wisdom to inspire....the integrity to trust....the heart to understand. The race is hard for leader and follower, for each must understand the other - and there must be compassion for the slow, courage for the weak, and appreciation for the loyal. To follow one must be secure; to lead one must be very wise. It should be the practice of all of us that when we hear something complimentary about someone to tell them. It is so true that man does not live by bread alone, and to be recognized in having done something that rated approval is a very great reward. Nothing so builds character in children than to let them know someone believes they have a fine potential. That feeling that "someone believes in me" can be the very thing that will anchor their faith deep in hope for humanity. To be able to see the good acts of others renders service to ourselves. Swiss theologian John Casper Lavater once said, "He is incapable of a truly good action who finds not a pleasure in contemplating the good actions of others." Appreciation for the achievement of others is akin to sunshine - we simply can't help it shine on other people without feeling the glow ourselves. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Available online! 'Cherokee Feast of Days' By Joyce Sequichie Hifler. Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones......and also for those who don't have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com Elder's Meditation of the Day By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* If you would like to Subscribe\Unsubscribe, or change your subscribed email address for The Daily Feast email list, visit here: http://dailyfeast.info and fill out the form!