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 Elder's Meditation of the Day July 29, 2009 4:19 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - July 29 When we want to talk to Him we burn tobacco and it takes our prayers all the way up to the Sky World." --Louis Farmer, ONONDAGA Our herbs and our medicines are all here for the purpose of serving. Offering tobacco as a gift to the Creator is proper use of our medicine. In this way, we are able to communicate from the physical world to the spiritual world. Sometimes we have a hard time coming up with the right words when we pray, especially if we are really mixed up. The tobacco and the sage will take the intent to the spirit world. The meaning behind the words are more important the the words. The Creator always knows our intent. The tobacco helps us get to the Sky World. Today, my Creator, I offer You this tobacco. I want to thank You for being in my life. I want to tell You how much I appreciate the honor of being here to serve You. Tell me this morning what I can do for You. You are the reason I live.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 July 30, 2009 2:06 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - July 30 "You want to know who's a real medicine man? He's the one who doesn't say 'I'm a medicine man.' He doesn't ask you to come to him. You've got to go and ask him. And you'll find he's always there among his own people." --Louis Farmer, ONONDAGA The Medicine Man is a role model of what it is like to live in harmony and balance with the Creator. It takes a long time, a lot of sacrifice and discipline to become a Medicine Man. A Medicine Man is humble and never crass about anything. He knows he lives to do the will of the Great Spirit. He knows he is to help the people. He lives very low key - the more low key he lives, the more people seek him out - and such is life. The more one serves the people and is quiet about it, the more he is sought out. The quieter he is, the more powerful is his medicine. Great Spirit, allow me this day to be humble. Allow me this day not to seek attention, but to live quietly and keep my focus and attention on serving You.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 July 31, 2009 11:44 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - July 31 Look behind you. See your sons and your daughters. They are your future. Look farther and see your sons' and your daughters' children and their children's children even unto the Seventh Generation. That's the way we were taught. Think about it: you yourself are a Seventh Generation." --Leon Shenandoah, ONONDAGA The Creator designed us with a free will. That means we function from choices and consequences. It is important that we practice thinking about consequences before we make decisions about choices. Every choice I make is like setting up dominos one after the other that produce consequences. Not just for me but also for my children and for the children that are unborn. My choices and decision today will have consequences for seven generations. For example, if I work on my own spiritual development and I walk the Red Road, the odds are that my children will. They will marry and their children will follow the Red Road and so will my grandchildren even up to the seventh generation. This will happen because of the choices and decisions that I make today. Great Spirit, grant that the choices and decisions that I make today will honor Your laws and values. May I live in peace today that will ripple into the seventh generation.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 01, 2009 9:41 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 1 "Everyone has to find the right path. You can't see it so it's hard to find. No one can show you. Each person has to find the path by himself." --Charlie Knight, UTE There are certain times in our lives when a voice whispers to us. The voice doesn't always talk. Usually we hear it best when we are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Inside every person is the knowledge that a Supreme Being exists. Sometimes a restlessness occurs and it makes me feel I need to be doing something or I need to be going somewhere or maybe I start wondering who am I? Often when this happens, I feel lost. Inside of everyone is the natural, built-in desire to be walking the Red Road, or to be seeking a relationship with the Creator. No one can force us to make this journey. We must make this journey because we want to. This journey is not on the outside. The path is inside of ourselves. It is inside that we must begin our search. Oh Great Spirit, help me this day to look within myself. If trouble arises, let me realize that it's not what is going on but how I am looking at what is going on. Give me Your power this day to conduct myself according to Your way of life.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 02, 2009 11:05 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 2 When you get older and you are ready, your ancestors will show up to guide you." --Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE Many of us, when we are young, spend a portion of our lives in learning. Unfortunately, some of us spend this time learning the hard way. When we are young we sometimes think we know everything. Sometimes we do foolish things. As we get a little older, we realize we don't know anything. This is when we become teachable. There is a saying that goes, when the student is ready, the teacher appears. We usually aren't teachable unless we are ready. The ancestors are waiting and willing to help. When we are ready, many beautiful teachers start to come into our lives. Then we really start to grow and mature. We are ready for the spiritual lesson. Creator, help me to become ready and teachable  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 04, 2009 6:14 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 4 Telling about our lives is important for those who come after as, for those who will see our experience as part of their own historical struggle." --Linda Hogan, CHICKASAW How important it is for us to support one another? How important it is for us to know our culture and to share our experiences with one another? How powerful it is to be authentic? How important it is to hold no secrets? I am as sick as my secrets. Grandfather, allow me today to be willing to share with my brother and sister. Let my eyes see You in their eyes. Let me not judge them but only love them. Grandfather, help me, for I am Your humble servant.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 05, 2009 11:34 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 5 It is a paradox in the contemporary world that in our desire for peace we must willingly give ourselves to struggle." --Linda Hogan, CHICKASAW The Grandfathers have taught us about sacrifice. We have been taught to pray for the people in a pitiful way. Struggle and conflict is neither good nor bad, it just is. Everything that grows experiences conflict. When the deer is born it is through conflict. When the seed first grows, it is through conflict. Conflict precedes clarity. Everything has the seasons of growth. Recognize - acknowledge - forgive and change. All of these things are done through conflict. Great Spirit, give me the courage today to see that struggle and conflict are here to teach me lessons that are a gift from you.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 06, 2009 6:55 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 6 "We have to have one mind for the Four Directions. Until we reach that one mind, we cannot be filled with understanding.... The Creator will not answer until you have just one mind, just like if you have one person." --Grandfather William Commanda, ALGONQUIN The Elders have taught us to balance our lives emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. If I am out of control emotionally, I get angry, doubtful or erratic, I am out of balance. If I trigger bad mental pictures of my brothers and sisters, I am out of balance. If I get too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired, I am out of balance physically. If I don't pray and talk to the Creator daily, I am out of balance spiritually. To be centered, I must be in balance. The Creator talks to me in the quiet and still place. So if I get angry, what I should do first is to pause and get still so I can hear the guidance of the Grandfathers. Oh Great Spirit whose voice I hear in the winds, protect and keep me safe today - hear my prayers.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 07, 2009 2:51 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 7 Everything I know I learned by listening and watching." --Vernon Cooper, LUMBEE Sometimes my mind is talking so fast about so many different things that I can't slow it down. All day long I am judging and making assumptions about everything. Great Spirit, help me this day to slow down. Help me to listen - quietly. Help me to watch carefully. Help me to listen to my inner voice. Let me listen and watch only the thing You would have me observe. Guide my eyes and my ears to be focused on You. Grandfather, love me today and teach me to be quiet.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 08, 2009 10:42 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August The Creator told everyone of us in our tribal beginnings to look after our ceremonies, and each other." --Barney Bush, SHAWNEE Our ceremonies are important and each has a purpose. They teach us about the Creator and about each other. The ceremonies teach us to be humble and teach us to pray. They teach us to look inside ourselves. We should remember to pray each morning. Ask the Creator to guide our thinking. Think only good thoughts. Think good thoughts about our relatives and about our brothers and sisters. Pray for our children in ceremony. Give thanks to the Great Mystery of life. All life is sacred. Pray in a sacred way. Oh Great Spirit, I come to You this morning in ceremony. I come to this sacred place to talk to You. I thank You for Your guidance and protection. Give me Your eyes today so I may see the beauty in all things.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 09, 2009 2:57 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 9 "Praying to seek a vision, to seek truth is always right. Truth builds upon itself - as the true mark of a warrior who conducts himself/herself accordingly - so that its beauty may shine in the faces of our children." --Barney Bush, SHAWNEE We move toward and become like that which we think about. What we think about creates our vision. If our thoughts are wise and good, then our vision becomes strong and truthful. If our thoughts are junk, then our vision becomes contaminated. It's important to be aware of what we are thinking about. As I live my vision, my children watch and live their lives the same way. We need to live the walk of the Warrior. We need to walk in beauty and respect. Oh Great Spirit, give me a vision for today. Let me see truth. Let me walk in beauty. Let my heart guide me in truth. The law says the truth shall set you free. Let me be free today.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 10, 2009 11:36 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 10 Nature is the storehouse of potential life of future generations and is sacred." --Audrey Shenandoah, ONONDAGA We need to honor and respect our Mother Earth. She is the source of all life. The sun shines life to the earth, then the earth produces life in all forms and in a balanced way. Everything is here to serve everything else. If we interrupt the flow in any way, we leave nothing for the future generations. Before every decision is made, we should ask, and answer, a final question; "If we do this, what will be the effects on the seventh generation? What will we cause our children to live with?" We need to have respect and love for all things and for all people. We need to do this for ourselves and for all the children still unborn. My Creator, let me look at nature today and let me have the highest respect for all the things I see. All the two legged, the four legged, the winged ones, the plants, the water, the air, the Mother Earth. Let me have respect for myself.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 11, 2009 1:39 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 11‏ May there be peace when we meet." --Audrey Shenandoah, ONONDAGA The Elders tell us the greatest gift we can seek is peace of mind; to walk in balance, to respect all things. For us to do this, we must have peace within ourselves and peace within ourselves cannot come unless we are walking the path the Creator would have us walk. Sometimes the tests on this path are difficult, but we know that each test makes us stronger. Oh Great Spirit, I ask You to whisper Your wisdom in my heart. You are the only one who knows the secret to peaceful living and the mystery of harmony. Teach me of Your peace, understanding and balance, and guide me onto your good path.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 12, 2009 3:03 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 12 "With one mind we address our acknowledgement, respect, and gratefulness to the sacred Cycle of Life. We, as humans, must remember to be humble and acknowledge the gifts we use so freely in our daily lives." --Audrey Shenandoah, ONONDAGA The sacred Cycle of life - the baby, the youth, the adult, the Elder. Let us respect all directions, the four directions of the Grandfathers; let us respect their power. Let us remember we belong to the earth, the earth does not belong to us. Help us to be respectful to all the gifts You have given us. Oh Great Spirit, help me this day to be humble. Let me not attack anything in deed or in my thoughts. Let my thoughts focus on the beauty You have created in all things.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 13, 2009 2:31 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 13 "A bit of sunshine, a drop of rain, a puff of life from the Great Spirit as He gently breathed upon that spot, created the Native Americans. They were well formed and agile, copper colored and proud. --Harriet Starleaf Gumbs, SHINNECOCK We are made in the image of the Great Spirit. A long time ago He breathed life into our ancestors. He made the Indian strong. He created a Warrior. Our ancestors created more warriors. We have been tested throughout the seasons and we are still here, stronger than ever. It is good to be Indian. We are proud of ourselves and our ancestors. Mostly we are proud the Great Spirit has never forsaken us, and continues to guide us. My Creator, let me live my life today in a way that would make my ancestors proud. Let me remember each month that I am here to serve You. Today let me conduct my life in a way that also would make You proud.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 14, 2009 8:31 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 14 It's time Indians tell the world what we know... about nature and about God. So I'm going to tell you what I know and who I am. You guys better listen. You have a lot to learn. --Mathew King, LAKOTA A long time ago the Creator came to Turtle Island and said to the Red People - "You will be the keepers of the Mother Earth. Among you I will give the wisdom about nature, about the interconnectedness of all things, about balance and about living in harmony. You Red People will see the secrets of nature. You will live in hardship and the blessing of this is you will stay close to the Creator. The day will come when you will need to share the secrets with the other people of the earth because they will stray from their spiritual ways. The time to start sharing is today." Oh Great Spirit, today I am ready for You to use me as a channel of Your peace. Let my walk today be visible so the people will say "There goes a Man of God." I want to know what He knows. If they ask, I will tell them to go out into the wilderness and pray for You to guide them.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 15, 2009 11:00 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 15 "There are many people who could claim and learn from their Indian ancestry, but because of the fear their parents and grandparents knew, because of past and present prejudice against Indian people, that part of their heritage is clouded or denied." --Joseph Bruchac, ABENAKI There were many injustices done to Native people. Sometimes I wonder; why am I connected to the past injustices done to Indian people? Why am I so angry about the past? The Elders say our ancestors are alive within each of us. Therefore, I may experience anger and resentment inside of me because of the injustice done to them. The way I get rid of these past feelings is to forgive. It may be necessary to even learn to forgive the unforgivable. Great Spirit, teach me the path of forgiveness; teach me the courage to forgive; teach me to let go. Give to me a forgiving heart.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 16, 2009 12:46 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day August 16 "The best teachers have shown me that things have to be done bit by bit. Nothing that means anything happens quickly - we only think it does." --Joseph Bruchac, ABENAKI There are no short cuts. Every tree must grow according to the growth plan of the Creator. Every flower must grow according to the plan of God. The moon must make its trip around the earth according to God's plan. Every human being must grow according to the plan of the Creator. Sometimes we look at ourselves and we think we are not growing but we are always growing. Because we cannot see it with our mind does not mean it is not happening. We must be patient with ourselves and let the Creator direct our growth. My Creator, let me be patient. Let me realize that You are in charge of all things. Let me realize that I must grow my roots a little at a time to become strong.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 17, 2009 4:43 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 17 "If a child hasn't been given spiritual values within the family setting, they have no familiarity with the values that are necessary for the just and peaceful functioning in society." --Eunice Baumann-Nelson, Ph.D, PENOBSCOT When we are born, we start with a beautiful empty mind ready to be given our beliefs, attitudes, habits and expectations. Most of our true learning comes from watching the actions of others. As we watch our family or relatives, whatever their actions and values are, so will be the children's values and acts. If we see our families living a just and peaceful way of life, so then will the children. If we see our family shouting, arguing, and hateful, so will it be for the children. The cycle of life - baby, youth, adult and Elder is all connected. If the older ones have good values, it will be connected to the children. Oh my Creator, if there are values I have missed, it is not too late. I can get them from You. Teach me today Your spiritual values. Respect, trust, giving, honesty, wisdom - teach me these  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 18, 2009 12:57 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 18 "You have to have confidence in your own ability to be able to go it alone, to go against what the rest of the culture is doing." --Eunice Baumann-Nelson, Ph.D., PENOBSCOT God, this is hard. Today, allow me to be a Warrior. Let me be strong. Let Your voice be clear to me. Let me hear Your guidance. My goal today is to serve You, to develop myself to be the kind of Indian person that You would have me be. To Walk the Red Road must sometimes be walked alone. Great Spirit, let me walk the Red Road today with the confidence that You are with me. If I fall, I will quickly ask You to help me know what I should do next.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 19, 2009 12:32 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 19 "If we keep everything in balance, we are in harmony with ourselves and are at peace." --Fools Crow, LAKOTA As within, as without, our present thought determines our future. If we want peace outside ourselves, we must first have peace inside ourselves. It's not what is going on but how we are looking at what is going on. We need to keep ourselves in balance. We must be careful to not get too hungry, angry, lonely. or tired. We must know the times - time to work, time to rest, time to play, time to sleep, time to pray, time to lighten up, time to laugh, time to eat, time to exercise. There is a saying "The honor of one is the honor of all." This means when we work with all, we need to also work on one. We need to take care of ourselves. You cannot give away what you don't have. Great Spirit, let me walk in balance today. Remove from me resentment, self pity, and self seeking motives. Let me love myself so I can love my neighbors.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 20, 2009 7:34 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 20 "...remember and think about the closeness of Wanka-Tanka. If they live in this wisdom, it will give them endless strength and hope." --Fools Crow, LAKOTA The value of staying close to the Creator is the immediate help we have available to us whenever we need it. I can listen to the whisper of my heart for this is the place He communicates with me. Staying close helps me remember that we are here to serve Him and to help other people. The Grandfathers are my direct access to wisdom. He who has wisdom has everything. If we have wisdom, then we will see our lives become more effective in the areas of jobs, relationships, family, friends, and finances. My Creator, today grant me the wisdom to seek Your wisdom. Help me to Walk of the Red Road.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 21, 2009 6:22 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 21 The greater the faith, the greater the result." --Fools Crow, LAKOTA The Creator designed us to act on faith. We are able to do this by holding firm to our beliefs. If we believe something and if we don't want the belief to change, we need to add the power of the Great Spirit to this belief. We must always have the spiritual added to our beliefs. If we don't add the Spirit, then we may very well change our minds the first time we are tested. Each time we are tested and we don't change our minds, we get stronger. The wind may blow on the red willow trees bending them and causing the roots to grow deeper. The more the wind bends the tree, the bigger, stronger, and deeper the roots grow. We should be happy that we are tested. It's the Creator's way of making us have greater faith for greater results. Great Mystery, Grandfather, I know if I am tested today that I can count on You to give me the courage to get to the other side. On the other side of every test is the reward of strength. Make me strong  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 22, 2009 9:00 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 22 When life is too good, we think too highly of ourselves and our blessings. Then we decide we are the wisest and the favored ones, and we don't think we need Wakan-Tanka and the Helpers anymore." --Fools Crow, LAKOTA It is sometimes easy to get off track when times are good. We start to take the credit and start to think we are in control. We start to think we are smart. Then we quit praying or pray only with lip service. We say the words but don't mean them. Sometimes our head is our greatest enemy. We start acting like a foolish child. We must develop the discipline to be humble during the good times. We need to remember how honorable it is each day to come into the presence of the Creator. How happy we should be to talk to the Grandfathers, to have the choice to start each day on the Sacred Spot - our place of communion with the Great Spirit. Oh Great Spirit, first let me thank You for the honor of talking to You today. To have the insight of Your love, that only You can love me when I don't deserve to be loved. Let me be reminded to talk to You all day long.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 23, 2009 7:31 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 23 They also learned, and perhaps this was the most important thing, how to look at things through the eyes of the Higher Powers." --Fools Crow, LAKOTA Our eyes can only see our beliefs. Our beliefs cause us to make assumptions, draw conclusions, and cause confusion. Our five senses are very limiting. The Creator has a way of allowing us to see or know in the spiritual world. This is called the Sixth Sense. The Sixth Sense is like a radar system; our personal radar system. It will help us "see" opportunities and help us avoid disaster. This Sixth Sense is controlled by God. We must learn to listen to it. We must learn to trust it. We must learn to act on it even if our head says differently. We must learn to look at things through the eyes of God. My Creator, guide me today. If my eyes cause confusion, let me close them and see through Your eyes. If my ears hear confusion, let me listen to my heart. Let me let You guide me.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 24, 2009 12:12 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 24 The mind's eye changes the way we judge things." --Fools Crow, LAKOTA "What you see is what you get." Our head has inside it a movie projector that projects out from our foreheads and shines on a screen a picture of our true thoughts. This is our reality. We can only see what we project (our beliefs). If we believe someone is a jerk, every time we see them we reflect our beliefs about what we think about that person and that is all we can see. Even if someone tells us this person is a kind, loving, caring, intelligent individual, we wouldn't be able to see it. If we change our belief about them, that person will change and so will our judgment about that person. My Creator, let me realize the power of choice. Let me see the advantages of changing my beliefs. Today, if I am judging my brother, let me change my beliefs to acceptance. If my thoughts are of anger, let me change them to love. Let my eyes only see you in everything and every person  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 25, 2009 11:40 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 25 "God is making use of you - you should be grateful He's found a use for you." --Mathew King, LAKOTA The Creator can only create through human beings. Each human being has a purpose given to us by the Creator. We are on this earth to fulfill this purpose. Our only work is to make ourselves ready, to become a channel, to perform for the Creator. We prepare ourselves by prayer. We prepare ourselves by becoming unselfish. We prepare ourselves by seeking and choosing to walk on a spiritual path. Each morning we look to the east and we say an honor prayer to the Creator. We offer our gifts: tobacco and corn. We ask him to help us do His will for today. In this simple way, we still fulfill our purpose. It should be an honor to serve the Creator. Great Spirit, today I am ready to serve You.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 27, 2009 2:58 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 27 --Fools Crow, LAKOTA There are certain prayers or actions we can take that will call the Powers. The Powers can only work through the people. The Powers are always waiting to express themselves through people that are ready. Every person born is born with a purpose. They have a song to sing. They have a mission to accomplish. Every true purpose will always be about serving the Creator and helping others. When we let the Powers know that we are ready to serve the people, the Powers get excited because they can now do things to help the people and make things better for them. The decision is powerful because it turns an idea into action. Great Spirit, the greatest joy or feeling that I have ever experienced is when you are using me to help the people, the feeling of giving, the feeling of being your channel. Today, let me have that feeling of giving. Use me as You will.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 28, 2009 2:19 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day August 28 "With prayer and good intentions, we make our lives sacred and come into balance." --Don Jose Matsua, HUICHOL SIERRA MADRE MEXICO Only through prayer can we make spiritual changes that are permanent. You have told us that all life is sacred. Today I intend to serve you, my Creator. Allow me to overcome temptation, and if one comes along, let me see the lessons that will give balance. You have told us that all life is sacred. Let me see today with a sacred eye. Let me see beauty in all things. My Creator, let me know what You would have me be today. Let my intentions be honest, respectful, humble, and loving.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 29, 2009 11:49 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 29 The devastated earth, the air, water, the extinct species of mankind, animalkind, and plantkind, the drugs, suicides, family separations - these are all the result of false ceremonies." --Barney Bush, SHAWNEE All life is a ceremony. Every act is a ceremony creating a result in our lives. Every ceremony we do always brings results to our lives. If we do bad medicine to others, we do bad medicine to ourselves. If we keep on doing bad ceremonies, we will eventually destroy ourselves. Any time we live our lives out of harmony, we are doing bad ceremonies. Any time we treat anything with disrespect whether it is another human being or a plant or an animal, we are performing bad ceremonies. These ceremonies not only have an effect on ourselves but will simultaneously affect everything. We need to use our power well, only do good ceremonies. My Creator, teach me only good ceremonies. Teach me ceremonies that accomplish good for all the people. Good ceremonies cause good results. Teach me ceremonies that are helpful.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 30, 2009 6:49 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day August 30 I started drinking more seriously, seeking refuge, seeking death actually, from a world that was feeling more and more unnatural to me. Following a painful accident related to drinking, I finally realized that I must decide whether I want to follow my grandparents or truly take up this life. Circumstances that followed led me to choose life." --Barney Bush, SHAWNEE My life is run by choices and decisions. Every choice I make today will carry with it the consequences of that choice. Every decision I make today will carry with it the consequences of that decision. The question I will ask myself today is, "Do I want to be happy or do I want to be right?" Which ever one I choose will have a lot to do with the consequences I will experience today. If today was the last day of my life, what choices and what decisions would I make? Oh Great Spirit, guide my path today and help me see the value of choosing the Red Road.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 August 31, 2009 5:37 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - August 31 Our Creator makes available to us all that we need. It is an honor to go out and gather it. We must remember to say 'Thank You.' It is honorable to give away, to show our gratitude... and to let the children see this." --Barney Bush, SHAWNEE So many times we forget to say "thank You" to the Creator. He made for us an abundant universe. He built the Mother Earth to reproduce plenty of everything. It is an honor to be a part of the Great Spirit's world. The Creator always gives us what we need. When we are given things, we should be willing to share it with others. Whenever we give to others, this makes us feel good inside. The more we give, the better we feel. The better we feel, the more we want to give. We need to teach this to our children. The children learn by our behavior. My Creator, thank you for today. Thank you for the sun. Thank you for the earth. Thank you for my life. Thank you for......  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 01, 2009 7:34 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 1 "Everyone has a song. God gives us each a song. That's how we know who we are. Our song tells us who we are." --Charlie Knight, UTE As we start to walk the Red Road and as we develop ourselves as Warriors, a song will come to us. This song is given to each of us from the Great Spirit. Whenever we sing this song, we will receive courage and strength, not only for ourselves but if we sing this song for others, it will also help them. The song will give us power and make us feel really good. The song will make us see life in a sacred way. If you don't have your song yet, ask the Creator in prayer if He will give you your song. With the song comes a responsibility - the responsibility to act and conduct oneself as a Warrior according to your song. Oh my Creator, let me live my song. Let my song honor Your way of life. Let me sing my song each day. At the end of today, let my song tell people who I am. I am a beautiful child of the Creator.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 02, 2009 10:25 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 2 "I remember Dawson (No Horse) said, 'Once you say your prayers, don't worry about them. If you worry about them, they'll just fade away.'" --Chuck Ross, LAKOTA Today I need to remember You are everywhere. I need to remember how much You love me. I need to know, Grandfathers, that You are always listening. Today I need to know how much You care. Today I will remember the advice of the Elders. "Say your prayers and then don't worry - know that the Great One has heard you." It's so much easier to do this, Grandfather, when I feel connected to You. My Creator, allow me this day to feel your presence. Let me walk the path of life today and talk to You many times. Give me faith, my Grandfather.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 07, 2009 5:12 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day September 7 "Education is the new weapon of Indian people." --Eddie Box, SOUTHERN UTE People have the ability to adapt. In these modern times we must get educated so the people don't lose. We need lawyers, doctors, nurses, foresters, scientists, educators, carpenters, welders. These skills are needed to help the people. While we are learning, we need to remember to keep the culture, learn the dances, sing the songs, learn the language and maintain the Red Road for future generations. Great Spirit, let my education never lack the meaning and value of spirituality  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 08, 2009 7:28 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 8 Keep your life simple because the more you get, the more complicated it becomes." --Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE The old ones say, lead a simple life. The society we live in is all about getting more houses, cars, luxury and credit cards. The law of worry says, the more you have, the more you need to worry. You get a house, then you need insurance, then you need to take care of the yard and the list goes on. Next, you may want a bigger house with a bigger yard which costs more in insurance. Along with the accumulation of materialism, are other "gifts." Soon you become a slave and the materialism owns you. Lead a simple life and have peace of mind. Lead a simple life and be spiritual. Creator, let my foundation be spiritual and simple.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 09, 2009 10:17 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 9 "...[W]isdom comes only when you stop looking for it and start truly living the life the Creator intended for you." --Lelia Fisher, HOH There are many things that block us from wisdom such as; selfishness, secrets, hate, anger, jealousy and judgments. Another thing that can block us from wisdom is trying too hard or wishing something would happen. Wishing implies doubt and trying implies control. We need to let go of these things. We need to abandon ourselves to the Creator. As soon as we surrender everything, the wisdom starts to flow. The Elders know how to help us with this. Just ask them. My Great Spirit, today I surrender my life and my will to Your care.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 11, 2009 7:38 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 11 "Listen to all the teachers in the woods. Watch the trees, the animals, and all living things - you'll learn more from them than from books." --Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE Nature is a living example of how communities live in harmony. If you go into the forest or mountain and sit still and watch, ask yourself, what lessons are being taught? Then watch how the animals conduct themselves. The trees could represent diversity. The flowers could represent people. Notice how everything in nature assists one another. See how balance works. See how conflict is handled. Can you see acts of forgiveness? Can you spot respect? Nature is full of wisdom if we will only consider her to be our teacher. My Creator, today let me learn from nature.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 12, 2009 8:09 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 12 "If you get troubled, go and sit by the river. The flowing water will take your troubles away." --Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE Sometimes we get mixed up and we don't know what to do. Go to the river or creek. Take your sage and tobacco; sit and be still. Talk to the water, offer tobacco and the healing water will take your problems downstream. Give thanks. Great Spirit, heal my mind today, let me see love.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 13, 2009 10:54 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 13 "The most important thing you can do during the course of the day is to pray." --Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE There are many things we do during the day that are important. There are many places we have to go and there are many things to accomplish. The old ones say, the most important thing we can do is remember to take the time to pray. We should pray every morning and every evening. In this way we can be sure that the Great Spirit is running our lives. With the Great Spirit we are everything but without Him we are nothing. All Warriors know their greatest weapon is prayer. To spend time talking to the Creator is a great honor. Great Spirit, thank You for listening to my prayers.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 14, 2009 10:08 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 14 Follow the Old One's advise." --Tom Porter, MOHAWK The Old One is called by many different names - Grandfather, The Four directions, Father Sky, Mother Earth. We should seek the advice of the Old One to help us build our vision. He will put inside of our mind and heart the vision that we are to follow. This vision is recognizable by the feeling that it has with it. This feeling is hard to describe. It feels right, it feels calm, it feels joyful, it feels warm, it feels sacred. The Old One has a way of letting us know it really is His advice. Listen carefully! Grandfather, I'm listening.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 15, 2009 10:30 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 15 Knowledge is a beautiful thing, but the use of knowledge in a good way is what makes for wisdom. Learning how to use knowledge in a sacred manner, that's wisdom to me. And to me, that's what a true Elder is." --Sun Bear, CHIPPEWA We grow in wisdom by developing ourselves according to the four directions of the Medicine Wheel - emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. Let's say we started drinking and drugging in our teenage years. Our emotional development will stop, but we will grow older physically. We could then develop into an immature adult. As adults we might be acting like we were teenagers. Once we stop drinking or drugging, our emotional development will begin again. We need to grow and nurture ourselves in all four directions. We need to involve the Great Spirit's guidance in our development. That's the only way we become wise individuals and live our lives in harmony and in a sacred way. Oh Great Spirit, guide my thinking today. Let me walk in a sacred way on the Red Road. Let me be a learner of lessons and give me Your greatest gift - wisdom!  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 17, 2009 12:25 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 17 The old people must start talking and the young people must start listening." --Thomas Banyacya, HOPI We are at a critical time in transferring cultural knowledge and spiritual ways. During the last few years the young people have not been interested in learning the old ways. The only place this knowledge is found is among the Elders. We must encourage the young to visit with the Elders. The adults need to think also about learning the culture. The Elders are getting old and soon will go to the other side. Each of us must pause and think about our individual responsibility to learn the culture and teach this to our young. Great Spirit, help us to learn and remember the old ways.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 18, 2009 4:43 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 18 "I walk in and out of many worlds." --Joy Harjo, CREEK/CHEROKEE In my mind are many dwellings. Each of the dwellings we create ourselves - the house of anger, the house of despair, the house of self pity, the house of indifference, the house of negative, the house of positive, the house of hope, the house of joy, the house of peace, the house of enthusiasm, the house of cooperation, the house of giving. Each of these houses we visit each day. We can stay in any house for as long as we want. We can leave these mental houses any time we wish. We create the dwelling, we stay in the dwelling, we leave the dwelling whenever we wish. We can create new rooms, new houses. Whenever we enter these dwellings, this becomes our world until we leave for another. What world will we live in today? Creator, no one can determine which dwelling I choose to enter. No one has the power to do so, only me. Let me choose wisely today.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 19, 2009 10:40 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 19 "I am building myself. There are many roots. I plant, I pick, I prune. I consume." --Wendy Rose, HOPI/MIWOK The most sacred thing on this Mother Earth is life. My life on this earth is governed by God's laws, principles, and spiritual values. These things are my roots. Let me see Your gifts of growing and becoming a spiritual warrior. Make my strength based on values - spiritual values; on principles and laws, the laws of God that really run the universe. We need to realize the seeds we plant in the spring will be what shows up in our summer season of growth and will be the fruits that we will harvest in our fall season. We really have a lot to do with what shows up in our lives. Great Spirit, let my seed that I plant today be based on values that will make You pleased with my selection.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 20, 2009 11:10 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 20 You will only get back what you give out." --Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE The Great Spirit created a system of balance and justice. This law says, if you treat others with respect, you will be treated with respect. If you gossip about no one, no one will gossip about you. If you are fair in all of your dealings, you can expect the same. If you share with others, others will share with you. If you judge others, others will judge you. You will always get back what you give out. The original teaching talks about being a giving person. A giving person will constantly be on the receiving end. My Creator, help me to be a giving person today.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 24, 2009 11:02 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 24 Touch not the poisonous firewater that makes wise men turn to fools and robs the spirit of its vision." --Tecumseh, SHAWNEE It's not an accident that firewater is also called spirits. Firewater affects our judgments. The Great Spirit created a set of laws and principles by which we are to live our lives. When we have problems we should pray and ask for the wisdom of these laws. If instead we turn to liquor, our judgement will be affected. It is the decision and choice made under the influence of booze that causes us to be fools. We need to learn to lean on prayer and not on the spirits of alcohol. Great Spirit, teach me to pray. Let not one drop of liquor touch my lips today  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 25, 2009 9:17 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 25 "Even the trees have spirits - everything has a spirit." --Mary Hayes, CLAYOQUOT The trees are great teachers. The trees are great listeners. That is why we should meditate in their presence. The Great spirit is in every rock, every animal, every human being, and in every tree. The Great Spirit has been in some trees for hundreds of years. Therefore, the trees have witnessed and heard much. The trees are the Elders of the Elders. Their spirits are strong and very healing. Great Spirit, teach me respect for all spiritual things.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 26, 2009 3:56 PM

No one likes to be criticized, but criticism can be something like the desert wind that, in whipping the tender stalks, forces them to strike their roots down deeper for security." --Polingaysi Qoyawayma, HOPI You move toward and become that which you think about. Creating a vision is what guides our lives. If we get off track with our vision, then we experience conflict. Conflict is nature's way of telling us we are not in harmony. Criticism can be a way for one human being to help another. Often our Elders will give us criticism. This feedback is intended to be helpful. Criticism from our Elders helps us grow strong. Great Spirit, today, if I need it, please provide me positive criticism.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 27, 2009 6:12 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 27 "I received my education from my culture. My teachers were my grandmothers, and I am really thankful for that." --Mary One Spot, SARCEE Our often unrecognized, but most powerful teachers are our women. In order for men to learn a balanced way, we need to learn from our men Elders and our women Elders. Learning from the women Elders will teach us a whole different set of values and insights to life. When we have life problems, we need to go to the grandmothers to get their advice. Grandmothers, teach me the values of the Great Mystery.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 September 30, 2009 5:24 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - September 30 "Don't be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts." --Don Talayesva, HOPI Human beings function from choice. We can choose to stuff things, or we can choose to let go of things. If we choose to stuff things, then we will feel a heaviness, or sorrow, self pity or fear. Sometimes we feel the need to cry. Sometimes we are taught it is not okay to cry. The creator designed the human being to cry. Crying is a release. This release allows us to let go of thoughts that are not helping us so we can open to new thoughts that will help. Crying is natural for women and men. Grandfather, if I need to cry, let me realize it's a natural process and help me to let go.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 October 03, 2009 1:43 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - October 3‏ "Spiritual Values are an Attitude." --Leonard George, Chief Councilor Attitude is a direction which we follow. If you have a positive attitude, it means you will lean towards a positive direction. If you have a negative attitude, it means you will lean away from the Spirit. Therefore, if we lean toward spiritual values, then our actions will become significant and important. If we lean away from spiritual values, our actions will become insignificant or unimportant. For example, if we value love, we will lean towards it; we will prefer to express and embrace it. Great Spirit, teach me the significance of spiritual values.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 October 04, 2009 9:04 AM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - October 4 "Search for the truth. Indian values teach the holistic approach to the use of technology for mankind's good." --Al Qoyawayma, HOPI The Great Spirit had given us certain values to live by. If we learn to think in harmony with these values such as; respect, love, patience, tolerance, commitment, trust, etc., we cannot get off track. No matter what we do, we will always be in harmony. For example, if we are respectful, then we will respect the earth, our children, our women, our men, and ourselves. Indian values help us walk under the guidance of the Great Spirit. My Creator, today I search for the truth, Your truth. Please let me see it.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
 October 06, 2009 12:40 PM

Elder's Meditation of the Day - October 6 Lots of people hardly ever feel real soil under their feet, see plants grow except in flower pots, or get far enough beyond the street light to catch the enchantment of a night sky studded with stars. When people live far from scenes of the Great Spirit's making, it's easy for them to forget His laws." --Tatanga Mani (Walking Buffalo), STONEY Nature is life's greatest teacher. The natural laws are hidden in nature. Hidden are solutions to everyday problems such as; conflict resolution, how to forgive, lessons about differences, how to manage organizations, how to think. Hidden are feelings. You can look at something and you will feel it. At night, have you ever looked at the sky when there are no clouds? As you look at all the stars, your heart will become very joyful. You will walk away feeling joyful and peaceful. We need to visit nature so we can see and feel these things. My Creator, let me learn nature's lessons.  [ send green star]  [ accepted] 		 
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