June 30 - Daily Feast (THURSDAY)

June 30 - Daily Feast Our full attention is like a powerful camera that focuses with such lighting and automatic adjustments as to be most potent for accomplishment. Inattention is sleeping on the job and the camera produces a fuzzy image. Stop and think - what do you want? To do the job right? Or to hope you can outrun the competition? Yes, many are running, but only on personality. The right look, the right smile, the right lingo may work for a time - and then comes the substance. Make it real. Make it work. Give it your full attention. ~ I must give something of real value to show that my whole being goes with the lesser gifts. ~ CHASED-BY-BEARS - SANTEE YANKTONAO SIOUX, 1867 "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 30 "Words hypnotize and deceive everyone at one time or another, but these hypnotic words cannot last long in the hearts of true warriors." --Barney Bush, SHAWNEE We are a part of an interconnected system. Words in themselves have no meaning. It is the spirit and intent behind the words that really show the meaning. We are connected to each other at the center of the atom which makes up the air and our body. The center of the air's atom system is connected to the center of our body's system. I am connected to you and you are connected to me in the center of our being. If my words have no meaning, you can feel this through the center of your being. Great Spirit, help me make my word good. Let me do the things I say I will, and let me say the things I will do - and do it. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler All of us have at sometime questioned our normalcy as human beings. We wonder why we did this or that, why we reacted to something so violently, or why we failed to react at all. An American author, Katherine Fullerton Gerould, has written, "The only glory most of us have to hope for is the glory of being normal." And for all our questionable actions sometimes, normal people must be those who have felt not only the high points, but the low points of their emotions. It is not the fact that people run the gamut of their emotions that make them normal, but that they have had the ability to right themselves before they could impose upon the rights of others. The persons who never lose their tempers, nor shed tears, nor refuse to respond to other people, but stay day after day in light, shallow experience, have never known what it is to come into the center of the calm so richly appreciated. All of us have made mistakes in behavior, some in ignorance, but more in bad taste. Perfection belongs to a higher Source. It is ours to strive for, and our mistakes are to use in the growing-up process. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 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, email: Daily.Feast@gmail.com and give your new or updated info!   If you are receiving The Daily Feast From FeedBlitz, you must login there to unsubscribe from their service.   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

June 29 - Daily Feast (WEDNESDAY)

June 29 - Daily Feast Until a dog wags its tail, we are not sure it is friendly. Not so with humans. Many have learned that the friendly approach gets them everywhere. And among the many we meet are those with a mean spirit, regardless of the wagging tail. Life is give and take - but in all honesty we need to tread lightly, especially if we are being offered a good deal for little money. Certain kinds know to ingratiate themselves into our lives. If this is holy the Spirit will tap you on the shoulder with assurance, but be aware that it may be unholy. ~ He pauses for an instant in the attitude of worship. ~ OHIYESA - SANTEE DAKOTA "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 29 "We forget so we consider ourselves superior. But we are, after all, a mere part of the creation and we must consider to understand where we are and we stand somewhere between the mountain and the Ant. Somewhere and only there is a part and parcel of the creation." --Chief Oren Lyons, ONONDAGA Every human being gathers information from the center of a circle. If we are not careful, we soon think we are the center of all things. Therefore, it is easy to become self centered. Once we become self centered we start to think we are above all things and therefore superior. But we are really only one part of a great whole. The universe is all connected. Each part is here to do something special and according to its design. We are here to honor and respect the job of each part. We are neither above nor below anything. We need not be ruler over anything, we need only to live in honor and harmony with the system. My Creator, help me to view and conduct myself in a manner of respect, dignity and honor to all creation. Let me see You in all things. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler We often wonder why we must come in contact with some phases of life that seem so unrelated to how we think and plan. It seems we should be able to proceed without stopping all along the way to contend with things that really have little kinship to what we're trying to do. But no matter how we question and analyze, situations and events continue to present themselves for solving. It takes a great deal of wisdom to know the difference between that which we must do and that which we must refuse serious consideration. This very thin line is the deciding factor in the victory or defeat of any plan. Like a well-written story, sometimes the smallest incident hidden among our experiences can play a very big part at some later time. It is difficult to know just which parts of the puzzle will fall into place to complete a picture we seek. We must take one step at a time, being sensibly aware of the thoughts we store in our minds. For "as a man thinketh in his heart, so he is." As long as we dwell on all the unnecessary activities we will never have time for the important things. If we seek the wisdom of the one Creative Mind we have much less chance of being led astray by the glitter of unimportant things. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 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, email: Daily.Feast@gmail.com and give your new or updated info!   If you are receiving The Daily Feast From FeedBlitz, you must login there to unsubscribe from their service.   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

June 28 - Daily Feast (TUESDAY)

June 28 - Daily Feast To love is a privilege. To love kids and cats and dogs and chums, to adore an old one, to even love a material thing or place - this is life! Love all you can. It is better than medicine, healthy to the body and soul, and it is scot-free. Laugh freely and with total enjoyment for this is a part of love. Forget the reasons why you should not love; though they are many, they give nothing and take everything. Sweeten your life - love something dearly and it will add to your well-being. ~ It is that kind of paradise which he only by his manner of life on this earth, is fitted to enjoy. ~ FLATMOUTH - PILLAGER, 1851 "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 28 "Whenever you take anything from the earth, remember to leave an offering." --Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE We need to look at nature and its inhabitants as our brothers and sisters. Whenever we pick plants or herbs, we should leave an offering of tobacco. We should talk to the plants and ask their permission to use them. The plants will feel honored to be of service for each of them knows they are here to serve. Each of them knows they carry a special medicine and this medicine is about continuing the cycle of life. We need always to be grateful to our brothers and sisters. Creator, I thank you for the opportunity of life. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler At night sometimes the world seems so topsy-turvy and you're so weary of doing things the same old way. Then nothing seems to please....You try desperately for something new and different, something that doesn't seem so much like you. Why? Tonight you are different. One cannot expect the world to be top side up all the time. Such perfection does not come so easily to human nature. And always there is a search for something new and different. A change of pace.....that thought that I don't want to be me today, to think my thoughts and do my daily chores. I want to make a complete change now, to know a whole new way of life. And it is good to leave behind the many daily situations that sometimes stand too closely to be seen clearly, but to be wise enough to know which things should be left behind. There have been clean sweeps that have left behind the dearest things.....and have taken along the same dreary, dark unhappy things of the mind that should have been left behind. A line from the prayer of serenity is "The wisdom to know the difference...." And wisdom, says Samuel Taylor Coleridge, is common sense in an uncommon degree. If one has the wisdom to wait a bit, wait until morning - or several mornings - that uncommon degree of common sense will give us the wisdom to know the difference. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 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, email: Daily.Feast@gmail.com and give your new or updated info!   If you are receiving The Daily Feast From FeedBlitz, you must login there to unsubscribe from their service.   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

June 27 - Daily Feast (MONDAY)

June 27 - Daily Feast Discouragement knows exactly where our weaknesses are. Like a jackal it sniffs out the scent that fear creates and sets about a plan of destruction. It is a tool of the enemy and should be squashed at its very beginning. When the spirit is like a deflated balloon, discouragement moves in swiftly. Be watchful and leave no opening, no sign of weakness. Take no offers to be underhanded - the pay is fraudulent, and defeat follows. Rise up and speak the word that you will not tolerate discouragement. Invite power and hope and eagerness - and see trouble dissolve. ~ A man ought to desire that which is genuine instead of that which is artificial. ~ SHOOTER - TETON SIOUX "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 27 "What could be greater than to be Wakan-Tanka's mind, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, arms, hands, legs, and feet here on earth?" --Fools Crow, LAKOTA In order for the Creator to do His work on this earth, He needs the human being to do it. How He guides us is through our eyes, ears, hands, nose, mouth, arms legs and feet. We are instruments of the Creator. We are His keepers of the earth. We are the keepers of our brothers. We are to teach His children. We are to respect the things He has made. We are to take care of ourselves and treat our bodies and our minds with respect. We are to do respectful things. We are to walk the Sacred Path. We should have good thoughts. We should do only things that we think the Creator would have us do. What an honor to be a human being. What an honor that He would talk to us and guide us to perform His wonders. Oh Great Spirit, let me appreciate the role you have given me. Let my sense be sharp to hear Your voice. Keep my mind clean so I can do the things You would have me do. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler How weak-willed we are at times when we've made a decision and know we must stand on it. It is so much easier to give in to the easy way of doing things. We are almost a "house divided against itself," and the strain of staying with a decision seems almost our enemy. But we never gain much stature by giving in to ourselves against our better judgment. And we never get anywhere by scattering our efforts. Making a decision is difficult enough without losing one's determination in following through. Laying down the responsibility is somewhat like warning children to behave themselves and then permitting them to continue to misbehave. How long has it been since you've proven to yourself that you mean business in carrying out a plan? A man of wisdom has written that we have firmness of character when we have the ability to say "no" to the wrong as well as to those things which are good but stand in the way of our progress. Always remember that to want something that is good and right is the blessing. God gave us the ability to desire or we would never have thought of using it. But God also gave us the ability to cry, to feel pain, and the freedom to choose whether we go on or quit. In our lives we face many decisions that are more challenge than decision. They are good things that are placed before us, and our will to follow through is tested. When defeat seems sure, then is the time to begin to fight. When others are quitting, then is the time to throw more strength into the battle. Anything worth having is worth working for, and is of lasting value. Very often these sieges must be made silently and without seeming effort. And yet we know we cannot get something for nothing. We have a service to perform. We can make it a drudge or we can make it a delightful experience, according to our faith. Be persistent. Unless you do not particularly want your dreams to come true, you can't afford to know the meaning of apathy. You must continually be on the scene with the muscles of your mind toned. It isn't difficult to have a dream. But it often ceases at that point. The willingness to follow through, the determination to look impossibilities in the eye and trudge on must be practiced before that dream can amount to anything. All along life's road there are those who would discourage you, very often in ignorance, not realizing the effect of their words upon you. It is then that you must muster the strength to believe that theirs is only an opinion while your plans are based on the principle that all good things come to those who hustle while they wait. It is too bad that they cannot see your invisible companions, persistence, faith, and a worthwhile plan. Smile and walk on. There is a Divine Being with whom we can place all our obstacles, all our doubts and fears - and then our work begins. We give lovingly of friendship, of any kind of help that we are capable of giving, of positive words and thoughts and understanding. Give without thought of return. For while we are giving with loving selflessness, life shapes for us our heart's desires. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 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, email: Daily.Feast@gmail.com and give your new or updated info!   If you are receiving The Daily Feast From FeedBlitz, you must login there to unsubscribe from their service.   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

June 26 - Daily Feast (SUNDAY)

June 26 - Daily Feast Make a quality decision to put aside anything that makes you worry the first thing in the morning. Keep morning as putty in your hands - that time to pray when your mind and spirit are rested. And if they are not rested, it is more important than ever to insist in morning freedom. Lift your arms and give thanks that you are you and a new life is pouring into you this very moment. Bow down and be grateful for the freedom to do it. Keep fear out by rebuking it. Keep joy in by cultivating it. You are not helpless, you just forget to be blessed early in the morning. ~ Get a little further, lest I tread on thee...... ~ QUOTED BY SPECKLED SNAKE - 100-year old CREEK, 1829 "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 26 "...when faithful human beings or other creatures called upon them for help, they [the Powers of the Four Directions] must send their powers..." --Fools Crow, LAKOTA Each of the four directions has special powers. These powers or Grandfathers are there to help us. The powers are from the East, the South, the West, and the North. To call upon the power we need to stand in the center and face each of the directions and honor all forms of life in each direction. Facing the East we honor all the two legged, four legged, winged ones, plants' nation and the animals. We repeat this prayer in each of the four directions. This allows us to become centered. When we are centered, then we are ready to call the helpers. It is said, when the student is ready, the teacher appears. If we are to be ready, we need to remember to always get quiet first. We do this by honoring and praying to the four directions. Grandfathers from the four directions, come to me today with Your powers. Give me Your gifts so I can serve the people. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler It has been written that an optimist is someone who can fall ten stories and call out to each floor in passing that everything is okay so far. It has also been said that an optimist is someone who refuses to see things as they really are. It is far better, the pessimist believes, to look for the worst so as to be pleasantly surprised when things are better than expected. Then, if they are as bad as imagined, the disappointment won't be quite so great. But this is somewhat like backing into a room so to avoid seeing the beauty of it, only to find it is an elevator shaft. There can be no advancement where we expect the worst and believe that going outside the limits of ordinary thinking is only day dreaming. Thinkers, capable of forecasting and predicting answers before the questions arise, are in great demand. Only the optimist can fill the bill. Only the optimist can dare to believe there are things waiting for discovery and further development. An optimist questions life the same as a pessimist - the difference is that the optimist knows there is an answer and that the answer can be found. Optimists are aware that the cherries of life have pits, but they are prepared to remove them. Their minds do not dwell on the pits, but on the sweetness of the cherries. There will be situations that will make us afraid. Fear is a common sense emotion that keeps us from walking out in front of a moving car or from jumping off the deep end of anything. And there are periods of natural anxiety when we want too much to perform well, and the butterflies begin to flutter. Then, there is another kind of fear that is unnatural. It has the ability to possess us and rule over our very lives. It is that "what if" fear that builds nests in our minds and hatches dire images that scare the daylights out of us. It can keep the lights off, the doors bolted, and the windows of our souls locked against the most beautiful things in life. It is no disgrace in this day to ask for professional help in understanding our fears. Only the very foolish would consider this help a crutch. It is a brave person who admits the need for help and has the courage to go and find it. They are the pioneers in recognizing our existence as threefold; spirit, mind, and body. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 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, email: Daily.Feast@gmail.com and give your new or updated info!   If you are receiving The Daily Feast From FeedBlitz, you must login there to unsubscribe from their service.   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

June 25 - Daily Feast (SATURDAY)

June 25 - Daily Feast Every morning, liquid gold slips under the trees and pours down the slopes to puddle against the purple locusts. Shafts of sunlight caught in crystal dew light each blade of grass and splash color against the trunk of every tree. The Sioux told their white invaders that they were digging in their Black Hills for gold to get rich - but the Sioux were rich by simply watching the Black Hills. And so it is with the morning sun. It brings a wealth that no material thing could give. Joy is gold and peace of mind cannot be evaluated. These things draw long-term interest. ~ I am grateful the Creator made me an Indian, because it is natural for a Cherokee to pray and believe in the supernatural. ~ CHARLES SEQUICHIE - GRANDFATHER "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 25 "We are called hollow bones for our people and for anyone else we can help, and we are not supposed to seek power for our personal use and honor." --Fools Crow, LAKOTA In order for us to use our power well, we must become a hollow bone. We must prepare ourselves to become a channel. Our channel must be clean before we can use our power well. We must be free of resentments, guilt, shame, anger, self pity and fear. If these things are in us, we cannot be hollow bones. These things block us from our power. The cleaner we are, the more power we move. We must become a hollow bone so the Creator can use us to do what he wants us to do. My Creator, remove from me today all resentment, anger, fear, guilt and selfishness. Do not let my weaknesses stand in the way of my usefulness to You. Make me a hollow bone so Your power can flow through me. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler "There is no royal road to anything - One thing at a time, and all things in succession. That which grows slowly endures." - J.G. Holland The first lessons we have to learn is that instant success in anything is a fantasy. The overnight success stories we hear about are really products of much preparation. If we could view a life laid out before us, we could see it is much like a hand sewn quilt, built of many tiny pieces, colors of every hue, fabrics of every kind, and patiently joined together by tiny stitches to give many years of service. Maybe we missed a stitch someplace and it caused a weak place, but the strength of many other stitches will carry it through. Finally a complete quilt has been created and it is strong and lasting. When we truly want to move ahead we build our lives a quilt block at a time, patiently adding to another part of life until we have the strength and courage to endure. Take one step at a time, but take it positively forward! The patience will be rewarded. To have a dream come true we must first have a dream. Don't look back. The past is gone, but the future is still in our hands. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 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, email: Daily.Feast@gmail.com and give your new or updated info!   If you are receiving The Daily Feast From FeedBlitz, you must login there to unsubscribe from their service.   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

June 24 - Daily Feast (FRIDAY)

June 24 - Daily Feast Tears are not always shed because of unhappiness. Emotions are stirred by the tears of other people and by music and gratitude and love. Hurt and humiliation and despair are washed away by tears - because that is the healthy nature of things. We have been told there should be an end to our grieving, an end to the pain that brings tears, but time eases those things and cleanses at the same time. Long-term grieving is not natural and should not be the authority of what we think. But Spirit knows what we need - if we will ask. ~ My brother, you can go into the agency if you wish; but I intend to work my way up to the Powder River country. I think it will be better for us all if the people are not divided. ~ LITTLE WOLF - CHEYENNE "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 24 "Believing people can soar beyond ordinary life." --Fools Crow, LAKOTA We are created by God to be vision people. First we set the goal and then we see. If we create within ourselves a picture or vision and we hold that picture or vision in our mind, whatever we picture will show up in our reality. If we can see ourselves being educated, then schools and teachers will show up in our lives. If we picture in our mind a positive, spiritual person to be in our lives, we will attract this type of person in our relationships. How big can our dreams be? Great Spirit, let my visions today be Your vision. Put within me a vision of the being you would have me be. Then help me to keep the vision in my mind. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Life equips us in many ways for very special purposes. Some never catch the high vision as to why they may be the objects of ridicule or the witness of cruelty - while others bear the brunt of many heartaches and still are capable of knowing compassion for those who cause it. Jesus was such a man - He withstood more than we are able to comprehend, but He asked that His tormentors be forgiven for they knew not what they were doing. It is our individual decision whether we choose to be one of the throng of agitators who see only to confirm what everyone else is doing, or we can catch the vision of greater things and walk firmly in paths we believe are right. To fall into the role of just another face in the crowd is an ill-chosen path, but to lead others to follow is the essence of parasitism - the need to have others be just as nameless and even more dependent. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 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, email: Daily.Feast@gmail.com and give your new or updated info!   If you are receiving The Daily Feast From FeedBlitz, you must login there to unsubscribe from their service.   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

June 23 - Daily Feast (THURSDAY)

June 23 - Daily Feast Our vitality does not go first - our interest goes. Dreams, one by one, that we let skip through our fingers, cannot be sustained and they drift. When that happens, what else is there? Like rare pieces of old delicate lace, we fold away our dreams in tissue and forget them. Without realizing it, we have put away our vitality as well. Vitality - life, strength, creativity. Priceless interest must be restored if we are to be strong and healthy and able to contribute to our own benefit as well as others. ~ All living creatures and all plants are a benefit to something. ~ OKUTE - TETON SIOUX, 1911 "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 23 "He [Wakan Tanka] walks with us along the pathways of Life, and He can do for us what we could never do on our own." --Fools Crow, LAKOTA With the Creator in our lives, we are everything. Without the Creator, we are nothing. When the Creator is in our life, suddenly the impossible becomes possible. The extraordinary becomes ordinary. Things we thought could never happen start to happen. Talents we never know we had, start to blossom. Resources appear. Help arrives to give us guidance and direction. We become happy. We have peace of mind and confidence. Oh Great Spirit, today I want You in my life. The days that I know You are with me are the days that are perfect. Let me be joyful today. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Sensibility is said to be neither good nor evil in itself, but in its application. Sometimes we just "out-sensible" ourselves. In the course of years we come to see the pattern of the truly sensible. What have we at this moment that really means anything? Does it give us happiness? Did it once seem most impractical? Was it worth fighting for? The intellectual strives for knowledge and in his absorption leaves the world but hardly leaves a vacancy. The materialistic must have everything at the price of peace, and their possessions decay but never their chaotic souls. And the insecure forfeit the most minute comforts to save for that rainy day. Happiness would have been greater and far more lasting if the fund had been smaller and used as an opportunity fund. The fine line of sensibility can be most elusive, but it seems to be more clearly seen when we relax and quit shoving to get there. If the place we desire is meant for us, it will come when we learn the way isn't always sharp and direct and by demand. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 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, email: Daily.Feast@gmail.com and give your new or updated info!   If you are receiving The Daily Feast From FeedBlitz, you must login there to unsubscribe from their service.   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

June 22 - Daily Feast (WEDNESDAY)

June 22 - Daily Feast Like the tsi s qua, the baby bird, we are sometimes help inside a firm shell with the job of pecking our way to freedom. Weak as gelatin and with no one to help, we begin freeing ourselves. One or two tries shows very little progress - except maybe we are a little stronger. And then with more pecking, we begin to gain strength and determination. Is this not what we are supposed to do? Can we get strong with no effort? One of two more pecks and the shell cracks a little -but oh, it seems great. No one lifts us out and we are wobbly - but the mere act of standing up gives us something to sing about. ~ Do not ask us to give up the buffalo for sheep. ~ TEN BEARS - COMANCHE, 1867 "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 22 "The one who wishes to be a true medicine person must be a person of faith, and they can only work successfully with those who also have faith." --Fools Crow, LAKOTA Medicine People are spiritual beings who have made a decision to seek the Red Road. They sacrifice and seek the way of the Creator. After many years of dedication, the Grandfathers teach them about power and about laws and about how to use the medicine. The Medicine People develop tremendous faith in their medicine and in the Creator. When we go to the Medicine People, we too must have faith so they can help us. We can only be helped if we want to be helped. Because the Medicine People know how to help - that is only one half of it. The other half is up to us. We must have faith that the medicine has powers to help. My Creator, faith is belief without evidence. Today, give me the faith. Let me trust that You are running why life. Let me know You are in charge of all things. Let my mind not wonder; let me stand strong on Your path today. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler It is written that where there's a will there's a way. If a desire is sincere and the results are for the good of everyone, the first giant steps have already been taken. American clergyman Joel Hawes has been quoted, "You may be whatever you resolve to be. Determine to be something in the world, and you will be something - 'I cannot' never accomplishes anything; 'I will try' has wrought wonders. A positive attitude can be one of the greatest joys to experience. To begin a day by willing everything good, and meeting any obstacle with the idea that it has no power, can make some of the most sudden and drastic changes in anyone's life. To be something or someone is one of the strongest desires, but it does mean sacrifices of doubt and apprehension and feeling sorry for oneself. It means standing straighter when it is more comfortable to crawl. It means laughing instead of lamenting. It means thinking positively and speaking good words. It is said that a great deal of talent is lost in this world for the want of a little courage. We often think of courage as the kind that wins wars and braves new fronts. But there is another plain, ordinary kind of courage that helps us face our everyday problems. There is a surprising lack of this kind of courage, and it leads us to seek ways to dodge our responsibilities. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to face everything and everyone and take a firm stand for what we believe. It takes courage to admit we have weaknesses and needs that we must overcome. It is a daily fight to follow the right road when the wrong one looks so smooth. And it takes courage to believe, when obstacles face us. God has given courage to each of us, for strength to overcome is available to all who are courageous in asking for help to be courageous. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 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, email: Daily.Feast@gmail.com and give your new or updated info!   If you are receiving The Daily Feast From FeedBlitz, you must login there to unsubscribe from their service.   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

June 21 - Daily Feast (TUESDAY)

June 21 - Daily Feast Memories bind us - even when they are good. To step past certain memories brings up that emotion that says we are disloyal. It is not true, but we hear and take it to heart and go on hurting. Time is supposed to take care of many things - but sometimes it doesn't. If it is something deep-seated and was traumatic from the very beginning, it is apt to ride us as long as it can. At times like these we have to make the decision to remove a memory by replacing it. Not by force - but by gentle but deliberate effort. ~ We, as the original inhabitants....and sovereigns of the sold....look upon ourselves as free as any other nation. ~ JOSEPH BRANT - MOHAWK, April 21, 1794 "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 21 "The God that people reject is not the true God, it is a God they have conjured up apart from proper education, and understanding. In such cases, the least Fools Crow will do is to call their assumptions into question, and force them to reevaluate their position." --Thomas Mails on Fools Crow, LAKOTA Inside of every person - man, woman, and child - is the knowledge that there is a Supreme Being. Many of us have been taught that the Creator is a punishing God. We have been taught about feelings of guilt and shame when we do things wrong. We have been taught that God gets angry and disappointed with us. The Elders teach us that the Creator is a loving and forgiving God. He loves us during our good days and He loves us during our bad days. He doesn't know how to do anything but love. If I really want to find out about the true God, I only need to ask in prayer. There is one thing that God cannot do and that is refuse help to one of His children who asks. My Creator, I ask You to be a part of my life today. Whisper to me Your wisdom. Let me feel Your presence. If I am doubtful and afraid, show me, in terms I can understand, You are real. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler There are many fears in the minds of man, but none so subtle, yet so effectual, was fear of failure. We are so afraid we've been unwise and wasted valuable time and it makes us wonder how many times we've failed those who depended upon us, and how many times we've failed ourselves. Time seems too short to make up and overcome the things long past. It seems sometimes that opportunities are there and gone before we've had time to make use of them. We condemn ourselves so much for the lack of knowledge when we most needed it. But if decisions were made on afterthought, they might not be as wise as those made quickly, without time to think. We should no longer think about past failures, nor give undue thought to our chances for future ones, but only begin now to do the very best we can. True failure comes only to those who stop trying, for no age, no time, no place can stop the person who decides to try one more time. As Frederick William Farrar, English author, has written, "There is only one real failure in life that is possible, and that is, not to be true to the best one knows." *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 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, email: Daily.Feast@gmail.com and give your new or updated info! If you are receiving The Daily Feast From FeedBlitz, you must login there to unsubscribe from their service. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

June 20 - Daily Feast (MONDAY)

June 20 - Daily Feast Most of us avoid major change. Our nature is to catch hands with something we are comfortable with and to walk a long way with it. Change can take place so naturally that is does nothing to upset the harmony, because we change with it. But everyone has known change that shook their foundation and left them afraid and unhappy. This is the place where profound personal change can move mountains. The unproductive feelings and fears drop away and a new challenge enters to boost and enliven the one that knows he can do it. ~ The Red Man must leave the land of his youth and find a new home in the far west. ~ SHABBONA - POTAWATOMI, Circa 1800 *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 20 "But in the Indian Spirit the land is still vested; it will be until other men are able to divine and meet its rhythm. Men must be born and reborn to belong. Their bodies must be formed of the dust of their forefathers' bones." --Luther Standing Bear, OGLALA SIOUX It is said when we walk on the Earth, we are walking on our ancestors and our unborn children. This is the relationship Native People have with the Earth. It is this relationship which gives insight into the Earth's rhythm and heartbeat and creates the feeling of belonging. If you feel you belong to something, you'll treat it with respect. If you feel you are above something, you'll treat it with disrespect. Indian Spirituality is tied to the Earth. We belong to the Earth along with all other creatures on the Earth. We must align to this realization. Great Spirit, today, teach me to respect the Earth Mother. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler What is the texture of life? Texture is that finely woven fabric of life that demands we have a congenial environment. It asks that we be industrious toward success, and that we should have a way of life, a purpose. We should hear the music of life and taste the bitter and the sweet. Texture requires us to research every experience and learn the lesson in it. It orders us to communicate with life and make discoveries about ourselves and progress towards a texture where the coarse has been refined. Frequently we should examine the texture of life to identify the quality. How wide is my world? How high is my sky? All of us should know our own makeup, our capabilities, our gifts with which we have been divinely endowed. And we should think long on these words from Edna St. Vincent Millay's Renascence: "The world stands out on either side no wider than the heart is wide. Above the world is stretched the sky, no higher than the soul is high." *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 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, email: Daily.Feast@gmail.com and give your new or updated info!   If you are receiving The Daily Feast From FeedBlitz, you must login there to unsubscribe from their service.   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

June 19 - Daily Feast (SUNDAY)

June 19 - Daily Feast To touch the earth is a lovely thing. The warmth of once again finding our beginnings, whether to walk or plow or plant. This place was created for us to have a place to stand and feel the pulse of the earth spread quietly through us. Bitterness and fear are short-lived where we blend with the simplicity of natural things and know that we are supposed to take dominion - but never without knowing the mere privilege of walking down a country lane bright with sunflowers and field sparrows in song. ~ For all these favors we thank the Great Spirit and him only. ~ "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 19 "Respect should be given those indigenous nations who still carry on their ceremonies; still following the ancient laws of nature with songs and ceremonies." --Oren R. Lyons, Spokesman, Traditional Circle of Elders Many of our Tribes still have the ceremonies, songs and traditions. Today, the ceremonies and songs are coming back even stronger. The Elders have a lot of this knowledge. The young people need to learn these songs and traditions from the Elders. This is the strength of the people. The ancient Wisdom and Knowledge of ancient Laws are hidden in the ceremonies and songs. We should seek out these songs and ceremonies. Great Spirit, teach me the songs and ceremonies. Make my eyes open to see. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler This is a day that God has made, rejoice and be glad in it. What we do with each day is largely decided by the thought we give it in the beginning and how we start a new day plays an immense part in the success or failure of either carefully laid plans, or helter-skelter activity. We should open this day with as much reverence as if it were gift wrapped and presented to us personally, which it is. What wonderful thing can I do this day that no one else can do? Shall I spend these precious moments complaining? Shall I sit glum at my work to make others feel morbid? Should I continually acknowledge how little I have and how badly I feel? Or should I speak kindly, think kindly, feel kindly, and be so grateful that I have another opportunity today to do something for others that will bring them joy and lift their spirits? This day is in your hands. You will reap from it what you plant. If you would be loved, then be lovable; if you want peace, be peaceable; and if you would ask freedom, grant freedom. And learn to forgive without reservation. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 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, email: Daily.Feast@gmail.com and give your new or updated info!   If you are receiving The Daily Feast From FeedBlitz, you must login there to unsubscribe from their service.   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

June 18 - Daily Feast (SATURDAY)

June 18 - Daily Feast Survival is a decision. It seems not to be true when we are face to face with something or someone that is bent on destruction. But say to yourself many times a day, "No weapon formed against me shall prosper." It is a declaration of freedom and absolute intent. When you are standing on the edge of a very steep mountain, get your balance. Walk firmly away from any situation that would push you over. You'll never know what a tremendous part your decisions plays until you feel its power lifting you out of danger. ~ I am no child; I can think for myself. No man can think for me. ~ CHIEF JOSEPH - NEZ PERCE "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 18 "I am particularly found of the little groves of oak trees. I love to look at them, because they endure the wintry storm and the summer's heat, and, not unlike ourselves, seem to flourish by them." --Sitting Bull, SIOUX Every season, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, has gifts that it gives to all creatures. The animals will develop thicker furs just before Winter and will shed this fur in the Spring. Squirrels will store their food in the Fall; other animals build up fat so they can hibernate during the Winter. We can watch all forms of nature and see all creatures work in harmony with the seasons. The secret for us is to learn by observing nature. Watch the trees. Learn from them. We human beings need to learn the gifts and blessings of the seasons. Grandfather, Grandmother, teach me to live in harmony with the seasons. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler What is it that keeps us from doing the creative things we want to do? Fear of venturing and losing, fear of the unknown. And yet, every day of our lives we venture and seldom acknowledge the fact that we didn't lose. We too often accomplish something because circumstances forced a courage we could not muster from mere desire. Frequently we must simply have the audacity to lay aside the taboos we have built for ourselves, for fear of appearing foolish, and follow a creative curiosity. When Robert Louis Stevenson wrote, "Give me a young man with brains enough to make a fool of himself," he didn't mean intentionally acting foolishly. He meant that a fearlessness of appearing foolish can enable us to step outside the realms of what others would call the limits. The simplest ventures often bring joy to many, particularly to those who in the beginning dared to stand on their own chances of winning or losing. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 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, email: Daily.Feast@gmail.com and give your new or updated info!   If you are receiving The Daily Feast From FeedBlitz, you must login there to unsubscribe from their service.   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

June 17 - Daily Feast (FRIDAY)

June 17 - Daily Feast Pressure destroys some people and helps others rally to do their best. One seeks peace and order and another heads toward noise and chaos. A little of both keeps us on our toes, but it means we have to have good judgment. Peace is necessary - even under pressure. Like the rhythm of the sea, we rise to high tide and relax back to calm. No different from inhaling and exhaling, we are created to keep the balance. ~ I am much indebted to the Father of us all - Him who made us and placed us on this earth. ~ PETALESHARO - PAWNEE PRINCIPAL CHIEF "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 17 "Your power comes from the songs." --Ethel Wilson, COWICHAN If you do not know any of the songs, ask an Elder to teach you. Get yourself a drum. When you sing a song and play the drum, you'll be surprised how your mind, body, and spirit will react. Everything becomes calm and joyful. Our bodies love the songs. The songs allow us to touch the hand of the Creator. When we sing and touch the Great Spirit's hand, He gives us power. Songs are another way to pray. My Grandfather, teach me a song today. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Leave yourself a choice. It is a sorry state of affairs when a person's life becomes so regimented that it is impossible to make even one change in plans. There is a story about a gentleman who kept a record in minute detail of his living and every cent he earned so that he could make a trip abroad. The record keeping became such an obsession that when he could make the trip he took along crackers to keep from eating in the dining room aboard ship. The journey was nearly over before he discovered the price of his meals was included in the fare. How much do we miss by refusing to accept the bounty of choices? "If only" and "I wish" are so over used. We bind ourselves daily by refusing to recognize the volume of opportunities open to each of us. All of life is not free, but there is much available for our personal selection. Dr. William S. Sadler wrote of a woman who was so orderly and systematic in her living that she inquired of her minister how to go about dying since she had never done it before. Living in a systematic world is possible, but there are limits to what we can prepare for and about which to be orderly. Daily we meet and settle many small emergencies, and some not so small. And it is our developed ability to meet these things successfully and on the spur of the moment that makes a well-rounded individual. But the steady, uniform methods of doing things do not necessarily mean a person is ready to meet every situation in life. In fact, such living often makes change practically impossible when change is sorely needed. Order is heaven's first law. But order means first things first. A place for everything and everything in its place. Then, if we've learned how to live, we never have to worry about the art of dying gracefully. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 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, email: Daily.Feast@gmail.com and give your new or updated info!   If you are receiving The Daily Feast From FeedBlitz, you must login there to unsubscribe from their service.   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

June 16 - Daily Feast (THURSDAY)

June 16 - Daily Feast Strangers are often treated with more respect than our own families. And it is true that our brief meetings give us less reason to feel irritated than when, as the Cherokee expresses it, ga ne lv, we live very close to someone. But those we love are still most important and must be tolerant of us - and often more so than we are of them. Patience and endurance are of the spirit - and tension and irritation of the mind. We cannot throw aside our wits and respond to total strangers with more concern than we do our loved ones. ~ Let your good judgment rule and ponder seriously before breaking bonds that have served you well. ~ PUSHMATAHA - CHOCTAW *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 16 "For me, the essence of a medicine man's life is to be humble, to have great patience, to be close to the Earth, to live as simply as possible, and to never stop learning." --Archie Fir Lame Deer, LAKOTA The Medicine people focus on their Being, not their doing. After all, we are human beings not human doings. The Medicine people are very patient and consciously trying to live a live of humility. Medicine people are servant leaders. Their main purpose is to serve the needs of others. By this service attitude, they become the leaders people listen to and the leaders the people want to follow. The Medicine people say everyone is their teacher. Maybe we should try to live this way ourselves; humble, patient, honoring the Earth and listening to our teachers. Grandfather, today, let me know all people are my teachers and I am the student. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* "THINK on THESE THINGS" By Joyce Sequichie Hifler James Russell Lowell once wrote, "No man is born into the world whose work is not born with him." Each of us has been given a talent. It may not be some great shinning thing that will attract attention and bring fame. But living has become so intricate, so great in detail, so fine in its workings, that it requires that skill of all men. Every time we touch something, hear, see, and feel, we are using the results of other people's talents. Too many take their own abilities for granted and see a task as just another job. But that isn't true, because no matter how small your part may seem, it takes its place in the world of living as important and necessary as the greatest talent. The secret of a successful talent is in its use. The most minute gift was put there for a purpose and we should never belittle it but gratefully devote our attention to developing its perfection. There are a number of self-improvement books on the market today. Among them are excellent etiquette books teaching us the correct way of doing things and how to live more graciously with our fellow man. But one can be quite learned and lose the benefit of keeping the social graces with oneself. You owe it to yourself to quit belittling your abilities in thought or word. Self-respect is a necessity in order to keep on good terms with oneself. You owe yourself spiritual growth - the ability to enter a church reverently and to sit quietly in your own preparatory service before the formal service begins. It is your duty to fill your mind with the better thoughts, the sweetening of the nature and a measure of tolerance - for you will make mistakes, but there should also be the power to forgive oneself; to go on from there. To be on good terms with oneself is to worry less about violating the rules of good behavior with all others. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* 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, email: Daily.Feast@gmail.com and give your new or updated info!   If you are receiving The Daily Feast From FeedBlitz, you must login there to unsubscribe from their service.   *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*