Full Moon of November 2010 - Another Blue Moon

In the Native American culture this evening’s full moon is known as the Beaver Moon. This indicates that it is time to set beaver traps before the swamps freeze to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation is that the name comes from the fact that the beavers are now active in their preparation for winter.

This moon has also been called Mourning Moon and the Hunters' Moon. With the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it is time to hunt. Since the fields have been reaped, hunters can ride over the stubble, and can more easily see the fox, also other animals, which have come out to glean and can be caught for a thanksgiving banquet after the harvest.

The full moon that you will see this evening looks like an ordinary full moon, but it is actually a bit extraordinary—it is also a blue moon.

What is a Blue Moon?

There are two definitions for a blue moon. According to modern folklore, a blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month. February is the only month that can never have a blue moon.

Here are the facts. Generally, there are only three full moons in any one season. Three in summer, three in autumn … you get the idea. So today’s full moon is a Blue Moon. It’s the third of the season’s four full moons.

Almanac makers like to give each full moon a name, depending on where the full moon falls relative to the year’s two equinoxes and two solstices. But when a single season presents four full moons, the extra full moon complicates the otherwise ordered nomenclature of full moons. It is easier for almanac makers to call the third – rather than the fourth – full moon a Blue Moon.

When you hear someone say "Once in a blue moon" you know that they are usually talking about something rare or unusual.

The term 'blue moon' dates back at least 400 years. Does the blue moon actually turn blue? No. Blue moons are rare, and that's where the phrase "once in a blue moon" comes from. There are occasions though when pollution in the Earth's atmosphere can make the moon look particularly bluish. The extra dust scatters blue light.

How Often Does a Blue Moon Occur? - Over the next 20 years there will be about 15 blue moons, with an almost equal number of both types of blue moons occurring. No blue moon of any kind will occur in the years 2011, 2014, and 2017.

Blue moon myths runs wild - Today’s Blue Moon definition comes from old editions of the Maine Farmer’s Almanac.

Ancient cultures around the world considered the second full moon to be spiritually significant.

Today’s November full moon is a Blue Moon. It isn’t blue in color. It’s only blue in name – at least, by one definition. Tonight’s moon is the third of four full moons in a season.

Just relax and enjoy. Watch as this November Blue Moon – the third of the season’s four full moons – shines boldly from dusk until dawn!

Yes. Tonight’s November full moon is a Blue Moon. It isn’t blue in color. It’s only blue in name – at least, by one definition.

So, heads up - enjoy this gift of Mother Nature tonight.

peacesojourner

Sunday Reflection - World Kindness Day

Yesterday was World Kindness Day.

Those who observed it had a great time doing little acts of kindness to family, friends and complete strangers. Some who were in a drive through food or coffee line gave the cashier extra money to pay for the items of the people who were in the car behind them. Or paid the other person's toll while driving through toll booths. One lady purchased 6 bunches of flowers and took them to the Emergency Room at her local hospital and gave them to the Nurses who were on duty.

You get the idea. What if we all took one day to practice random acts of kindness? What if it became a way of life for us? It doesn't have to cost money. You could shovel the driveway of an elder, or pick up their groceries from the store. You could give a ride to a member of your place of worship who has to walk there in the inclement weather. How about donating food to the local food pantry?

What does the Bible tells us about 'kindness'?

Here are ten great Bible verses for World Kindness Day

(a day to practice random acts of kindness).

1. “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” (Proverbs 12:25)

2. “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.” (Proverbs 19:17)

3. This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

4. “[God] has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” (Acts 14:17)

5. “God’s kindness leads you toward repentance.” (Romans 2:4)

6. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)

7. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

8. “… the incomparable riches of [God's] grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:7)

9. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

10. “When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.” (Titus 3:4-6)

(compiled by Pastor Ray Fowler)

So here is your call for this week:

peacesojourner

Birthday Greetings to Baha’u’llah - the founder of the Baha’i Faith.

Seat of the Universal House of Justice,

governing body of the Bahá'ís, in Haifa, Israel

Greetings to my friends who are members of the Bahá’í International Community.

Today Bahá'ís observe the anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah (born Mirza Husayn-‘Ali) on Nov. 12, 1817, in Tehran, Persia (now Iran).

The Bahá'í Faith is a monotheistic religion founded by Baha’u’llah in nineteenth-century Persia, emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind. There are an estimated five to six million Bahá'ís around the world in more than 200 countries and territories.

The following principles are frequently listed as a quick summary of the Bahá'í teachings.

Unity of God

Unity of religion

Unity of humankind

Equality between men and women

Elimination of all forms of prejudice

World peace

Harmony of religion and science

Independent investigation of truth

Universal compulsory education

Universal auxiliary language

Obedience to government and non-involvement in partisan politics unless submission to law amounts to a denial of Faith.

Elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty

Baha’u’llah, which means the “Glory of God,” is the founder of the Baha’i Faith. It is one of the nine holy days of the year when work is suspended.

*****

Over the years I have been invited to many Bahá'í ‘firesides' and have formed friendships with some of the kindest people I know. I have also co-conducted many 'Healing of Racism' workshops with members of the Bahá'í faith whose main goals in life are that people live peacefully and give each other the respect that they deserve. My sentiments exactly!

peacesojourner

Sunday Reflection - Going Back in Time

Going Back in Time

Last night, because of daylight savings time, we gained an hour of time.

We lived through 1 a. m. to 2 a.m. and then there it was – 1 a.m. back again.

This had me thinking about what it would be like if we could relive certain times in our lives. If that moment could, somehow, be given back to us to experience again.

Do you have any moments in your life that you regret? Did you ever say something unkind that you felt sorry about later? Did your actions hurt another person or yourself?

Think about it for a moment. What if you were given the precious gift of returning to a certain place in time – would you do it differently?

Our happy moments are burned in our memory where we can recall them on a whim. The birth of my first child, my son, is high on that list for me. At any time that I wish, I can recollect the happiness that I felt when I first looked at his little face. And after counting his fingers and toes I was in awe at this perfect little person who had come into my life.

But what about those times that we often deliberately choose to forget, the things that we push back in the archives of our mind? The moments that we feel uncomfortable about that live in that deep dark place that some would call ‘denial’.

What if we used our extra hour today to relive that moment in time? What if we made some sort of amends to the person, place, family member, community or society at large that we have harmed? 


A phone call, a letter, even an email, can be the beginning of erasing the line of separation. As long as the goal is pure, coming together again can happen.

What if we need to forgive ourselves for harm that we have caused to our own body, mind or spirit?

When you feel forgiveness in your heart, it’s easier to be happy and at peace with yourself. Asking for forgiveness can free, nurture and release you.

It can fill you with compassion and good will. Bring you closer to God or goodness. Pray to God for forgiveness, too, if you wish.

*****

This can be your reconciliation day –

that is if you use your extra one hour to relive over again.

Let me know how you used your extra hour today.

Peacesojourner

Daylight Saving Time Continues to Remain a Mystery To Me

Have you ever wondered why we change our clocks twice a year?

This has always been a mystery to me.

I seem to recall that daylight saving time somehow saves money and reduces consumption of energy. For me, it has always been a struggle with my biological makeup. I seem to take longer than most to adjust to the loss/gain of one hour.

Originally Benjamin Franklin's idea, Daylight Saving Time is a little bit different everywhere it is practiced and has been controversial since its introduction. It has two main purposes: to increase evening daytime hours for outdoor leisure activities and to save on energy consumption.

Benjamin Franklin first conceived the idea that would become DLT during a 1784 post as an American delegate in Paris. It was similar to his oft quoted maxim, "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." Half-jokingly, Franklin suggested that Parisians shift their sleep schedules an hour back in order to save on candles in the evening. He did not suggest changing the clock and it was not until World War I, in 1916, when several countries in Europe that had initially rejected the idea adopted it.

Spring forward...Fall back....

It's ingrained in our consciousness almost as much as the A-B-C’s. Yet in those four words is a whole collection of trivia, facts and common sense about Daylight Saving Time.

DLT - for the U.S. and its territories - is NOT observed in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and by most of Arizona (with the exception of the Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona).

It is difficult to predict what will happen with Daylight Saving Time in the future. Many countries change the date and they desire to change the time due to special events or conditions. The United States, Canada and some other countries extended DST in 2007. The new start date is the second Sunday in March through to the first Sunday in November.

Daylight Saving Time statistics for 2010:

Daylight saving time in most of the United States ends this at 2 a.m., local time, on Sunday, November 7.

Contrary to popular belief, no federal rule mandates that U.S. states or territories observe daylight saving time.

To add to the confusion:

We also have the International Date Line, abbreviated as the IDL; this is an imaginary line, which runs roughly along the 180-degree line of longitude, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

International convention accepts the IDL as the location where one day rolls over to the next, with the area east of the IDL one day ahead of the west. The line is necessary to address certain oddities which occur during travel: people going all the way around the world perceive themselves either gaining or losing a day, depending on which direction they traveled in, as happened to Magellan on his first voyage.

I recall, while travelling to India on a plane over the Pacific Ocean, the Pilot announced, "We have just lost one day as we travel over the International Date Line."

We went from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon in a blink of an eye. Hey, I wanted that day! How will I ever know what wonderful things could have happened on my lost day? Later, when I returned home they 'said' that they returned it to me but I have never quite believed that. Where did it go? What did I do? Now I ask you, would you voluntarily give away a day of your life? Of course not :-)

Action:

If you are interested in changing DST, either abolishing it or having it extended year-round contact your state's elected officials or your Congressional representatives. You can also contact the U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C.

Final observations:

Daylight Saving Time differs in other areas of the world. To further complicate it, India makes their change difference 1-½ hours and Chatham Island New Zealand has a 1-3/4 hours time difference. It is amazing that the countries around the world can keep up with so many variations of what appears to be a vague promise of energy consumption.

Do you think when the world was created that there was ever such a plan regarding 'time' predicted for the future?

I find this website very helpful when I need to know what the time and weather is in almost every corner of the globe.

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/difference.html

Conclusion:

Tonight when we hear the news bulletins reminding us to put our clocks back one hour – don’t ask questions - just do it!

Election Day is Finally Over.............

Enough is Enough!I have encouraged my family and friends to vote today. I have worked in local campaigns and stood outside my local polling station for 12 hours in the chilly temperatures - all to give the candidate of my choice some support.
I have endured months of political advertising - 267 pieces of mail begging me to vote for certain people or telling me horrible, hideous secrets or the malicious acts of the person running against them in the election.
Then there were the thousands of ads on the TV and radio airwaves - not to mention dozens of the endless, unwanted (by me) phonemessages. Even President Bill Clinton phoned me twice urging meto vote for the person of his choice.
All of which, I found extremely annoying - then to top it all off -tonight I turn to my only TV relaxation these days. I am all settled in to watch "The Good Wife" only to find that she has been preempted for election results. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

I am having a cup of hot chocolate and off to bed for me!

I am glad that election day is OVER!

Sunday Reflection - A Grandfather's Wisdom

Native American proverb

An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice...



"Let me tell you a story. I too, at times, have felt great hate for those who have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down,

and does not hurt your enemy." 



"I have struggled with these feelings many times. It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take offense when no offense was intended.

But...the other wolf... ah! The littlest thing will send him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all of the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing."

"Sometimes it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."



The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked,

"Which one wins, Grandfather?" 



The Grandfather smiled and quietly said,

"The one I feed."

*****

Psalm 145:7-9 (New International Version)

7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

James 1: 19-20:

19 Remember this my dear brothers! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. 20 Man’s anger does not achieve God’s righteous purpose.

*****

I pray for those who are wrestling with inner trauma - may they find peace and tranquility

peacesojourner

Now for Something a Little Different..............

The Alternative Hair Show was recently held in London, England

Here are some of the latest fashions.

• 
  

  In its 28th year, the Alternative Hair Show is recognized as the world's most prestigious annual hairdressing event, hosting leading show teams and inspirational hair artists from all over the globe. The photos above show the creativity and fun of the artists.

As a woman who has had basically the same hairstyle all of my life it will surprise nobody that I have never attended a hair show, however, when I saw these photos recently I was intrigued with these 'hair' styles and thought I would share them with you. I love the creativity and sense of fun.


What do you think about them?


peacesojourner

Thoughts on Hunger and Poverty

When Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of "beloved community" he was describing the ultimate goal of non-violent activism for peace and justice -- a global community of caring where poverty, hunger and injustice are no more.

Poster by Silk Oak - Syracuse Cultural Workers

*****

October 17, 2010 was recognized as the

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

The theme this year is "From Poverty to Decent Work: bridging the gap"

At this time we have more of our human family suffering from the unnecessary evil of hunger than ever before in the history of our planet.

There are millions of residents in the United States who go hungry every day. Children are going to school without breakfast, senior citizens have to decide whether to buy medicine or food and many parents are working two jobs in order to survive.

The most basic principle is the belief in the dignity of the human person. Each person is created in the image of God. Each person is precious. When we close our eyes to our neighbor we close our eyes to God. In this human family no one ought to go without the necessities of life.

Globally, over 1.1 billon people will not get enough food today. Please think about them today. Pray for them today. Then take the time to do something positive on their behalf.

Tell someone about the plight of the hungry.

Make a donation to an organization working to feed the hungry.

Volunteer to help feed the hungry at a local shelter or soup kitchen.

Contact your elected representatives to encourage them to support legislation favoring those who are hungry in a world of plenty.

Don’t let this day slip by without making a difference on behalf of the hungry.

If each of us simply does what we can, right where we are, using whatever resources we have, we can erase the obscenity of hunger in our lifetime.

*****

How marvelous is your world O Lord!

You have given us the grains of the fields, the water from the seas to sustain and feed us.

Help us to be good stewards, to care for the gift we have been given, to ensure that all have enough to eat.

As we gather today open our hearts and minds to your wisdom.

Remind us that whatever we do for those who are hungry, we do for you.

Lord, hear our prayer

*****

"I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education culture for the minds and dignity, equality and freedom for the spirits."

Martin Luther King Jr.

The 2010 commemoration will take place today at

United Nations Headquarters in New York.

On this day I urge you to take at least one of the actions listed above

and help to eradicate hunger and poverty.

peacesojourner

Sunday Reflection - Peaceful World Movement

An important event is happening in Buffalo New York this week. The local press has not covered it widely, perhaps because it does not have enough sensationalism for headline news. The message is: How we can have a peaceful way of life and live in a peaceful world.

I have been lucky enough to take part in some of the events so far this week and there are plenty more ahead.

Dr. Peter K. B. St. Jean of Chicago, IL is in town to share with the community the

‘Peaceful World Movement - Buffalo’

He is suggesting that today October 15th, be a

“Spiritual Enrichment and Call for Service Day”

He says “As a result of ongoing work by the Buffalo based Quality of Life Group, and Lessons from Homicides Team, as well as in response to the need for more efforts to help reduce the problems of violence in the City of Buffalo, the Buffalo chapter of the Peaceful World Movement was formed on September 18th 2010, and on that day, declared October 15th – 22nd 2010 as Peaceful Buffalo Week.”

Here is a statement that could be read at your places of worship or shared with your family and friends:

“WE AT _____ (NAME OF CHURCH OR GROUP)

SUPPORT THE IDEA OF A PEACEFUL WORLD

MOVEMENT, WHICH AIMS TO DEVELOP A PEACEFUL

WORLD INDUSTRY TO REPLACE THE VIOLENCE

INDUSTRY THAT IS SO PROBLEMATIC IN OUR

SOCIETY.

WE SUPPORT THE EFFORTS TO TRANSFORM OUR

SOCIETY FROM THE CURRENT DOMINANT CULTURE

OF VIOLENCE, TO A CULTURE OF PEACE.

WE SUPPORT THE EFFORTS TO TEACH AND USE

PEACE INTELLIGENCE TO REPLACE PEACE

IGNORANCE THAT IS SO PREVALENT IN OUR

CURRENT SOCIETY.

WE ASK YOU, OUR MEMBERS, TO SUPPORT, AS IT IS

REASONABLE FOR YOU TO DO, THE EVENTS OF THE

2010 PEACEFUL BUFFALO WEEK, WHICH RUNS

FROM FRIDAY 15 th TO 22 nd OCTOBER 2010.

WE ARE PLEASED TO KNOW THAT OUR CITY OF

BUFFALO, NY IS THE FIRST PLACE EVER WHERE A

PEACEFUL WORLD MOVEMENT WEEK IS

IMPLEMENTED, AND WE ARE SETTING THE

STANDARD FOR SUCH WEEKS TO FOLLOW AROUND

THE WORLD.

WE ARE ASKING FOR YOUR ACTIONS, PRAYERS,

AND REFLECTIONS AIMED AT MAKING THIS

IMPORTANT INITIATIVE A SUCCESS.

TODAY, WE ALSO ENCOURAGE YOU TO HELP

UPLIFT THE SPIRIT OF SOMEONE IN NEED SUCH AS

A FRIEND, FAMILY MEMBER, YOUTH, ELDER,

NEIGHBOR, HOSPITAL PATIENT, AND THE LIKE, BY

VISITING THEM TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AND

ENCOURAGEMENT THROUGH THEIR STRUGGLES.”

“We look forward to your participation. If you choose to participate, please go to the “guest book” section of our websitehttp://www.stjeanpeacefulworld.com/Guestbook.php and enter a brief comment indicating to us that you have participated, or wish to participate, and we will let this be known to the public.

Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. St. John at 716-603-0992, or at peter@peacefulworldmovement.org.”

*****

Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers:

for they shall be called the children of God.

*****

I urge you to take part in the events that are scheduled for this coming week - who knows, it just could change your life and change the world.

peacesojourner

Happy News - The Miners Are Safe - all 33 of them

How wonderful to hear some happy news - the miners are safe - people from around the entire world are celebrating - bless them and their families - gratitude to the rescuers and of course thanks to God. Amen.

AP/Hugo Infante, Chilean government

AP/Roberto Candia