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Groups > Hand To Hand Love First...^i^ > Discussions > Topic: Ponderings from the mind of a Cherokee Elder
Topic: Ponderings from the mind of a Cherokee Elder

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Runningfox M.	September 18, 2008 6:41 PM The old Indian teaching was that is is wrong to tear loose from its place on the earth anything that may be growing there. It may be cut off, but it should not be uprooted. The trees and the grass have spirits. Whatever one of such growth may be destroyed by some good Indian, his act is done in sadness and with a prayer for forgiveness because of his necessities... John Wooden Legs (late 19th century) - Cheyenne [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	August 19, 2008 8:20 AM Navajo woman Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride. With a word or two of thanks, she got in the car. After resuming the journey and a bit of small talk, the Navajo woman noticed a brown bag on the seat next to Sally. "What's in the bag?" asked the old woman. Sally looked down at the brown bag and said, "It's a bottle of wine. Got it for my husband." The Navajo woman was silent for a moment, and then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder said, "Good trade." [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	My personal views on American Indians and spirituality March 23, 2008 4:51 PM We who are American Indians or as some mistakenly call us Native Americans do not have a religion or practice spirituality..We believe in the worship of a Creator..Our lives are based upon our belief in a Creator, plain and simple..We live our lives to honor the Creator and everything we do, we do to honor the Creator..We pray to the Creator by singing,dancing,speaking,exercising and in all our walks of life.. Religion and being spiritual are not American Indian concepts.. We never ask what another American Indian's religion is because we already know the answer.. Religion/spirituality is all about the Creator... I as well as most of my American Indian friends do not regard our spiritual beliefs and practices as a "religion" as most other people do. Our beliefs and practices form an integral and seamless part of our every day life. I practice my own personal belief system by praying to the one who made everything ,positive thinking,positive action, positive speaking, placing others before myself and being a caretaker for Mother Earth and all that lives here.. Before anything else existed in the physical universe only the Creator lived..I believe there was a large void of darkness and space and the only thing that existed in that void and space was a brain and that brain we call God or the Creator.. There is no telling how long the brain,God or Creator lived alone until one day decided to use the power of thought to start creating and the first thing that was created was Light (atoms) and from those atoms everything else was made..What do people think everything was made from when there was nothing except the Creator that existed?..Everything is made from Creator spirit substance because that was all there was to make it from.. Everything from the largest thing there is down to the smallest is made from the same thing..Everything is made from atoms and in the center of the atoms what do you find? A blinding brilliant light of enormous energy..That light is the Creators spirit and it lives in us and everything else.. [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	Set your own pace September 04, 2007 11:20 AM In these modern times we often find ourselves moving too fast, being dragged along by the tide of life rather than living in each moment..We must strive to walk in balance and always keep an even comfortable pace.. Your pace may be slower or faster than someone else's but when you are comfortable with your pace of life you will find that you will accomplish much more than trying to keep up with the pace of others.. So "SET YOUR OWN PACE"and in the language of an old warrior Forward March.... [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	December 10, 2006 5:58 PM Become aware of people with the can't help it's,wouldn't help if she/he could help it stories that are circulated during the holy days this time of year.. During this time of holy days we all hear lots of hard luck stories from a number of people many of which are true while there are some which are not true..Feeling pity and showing compassion are very commendable but a person must be on the alert for those who use the warm giving hearts most people have during this time of year to gain undue wealth.. Pity is an emotion,usually resulting from an encounter with an unfortunate, injured, or pathetic person or creature. A person experiencing pity will often have compassion on the person/creature, giving them aid or money. Many people pity the homeless,orphans,the terminally ill,and victims of rape and torture and those who use the warm giving hearts of honorable loving people this time of year to obtain wealth use this to their advantage.. Because pity will result in people aiding the pitiful, most people consider it a positive thing.Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, however, believed that pity causes an otherwise normal person to feel the suffering of others; "Pity makes suffering contagious," he says . He felt that it is important not to make oneself feel superior to the person you are taking pity on. This imbalance could result in retaliation against the help. People value their sense of pride, and pity can negatively affect the situation. As I pointed out previously it is very commendable to help someone in need but caution must be taken before help is rendered because there are people out there who will take from the needy to line their own pockets and I recommend all hard luck stories be fully checked out before giving.. There are some people who wallow in self pity and not make much effort toward helping themselves.. Self pity is thinking you are in a hopeless situation and all you can do is feel miserable and you don't know the appropriate action to take..People suffering from self pity should be referred to a counselor rather than be given other material things because self pity is an erosion of the spirit and emotions and unless it is brought under control often leads to self destruction resulting in self harm and even death.. [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	Become Caretakers for Mother Earth December 09, 2006 6:17 PM When I was young I was taught that all the Creator made has life in it and as I get older I see evidence this is true..I believe the first thing the Creator made was light and everything after that was made from light..If we had the capability to see things down into the atomic level we would see that even the darkest substance has as its center the nucleus of an atom which is light..I also believe that at a certain level everything has life within it..I believe even the very dust of Mother Earth and the rocks have a type of life within them as well as every thing else that exists within the rest of the universe.. Most scientific evidence maintains that humanity was among some of the last to be created and I believe the Creator did this with a purpose in mind..I believe we were among the last to be created so that we could take care of all that was created before us..In my opinion we are the caretakers and as such we must honor and care for all things..In order for us to honor and care for all things we must learn as much as we can about everything and connect with all things and we must also learn ways to communicate with all that was created.. I think humans need to become the caretakers we are supposed to be..We are learning more and more about all that was created but in my opinion most humans are failing when it comes to connecting and communicating with all that was created.. There are many different ways many people have used to connect and communicate with all that was created..Some connect through raising flowers or various trees and gardens with a variety of different plant life..Some work with animal life through farming and some through caring for their sickness..Still there are others who study the science fields covering rocks and minerals and the other matter within the universe.. There are a few like myself who some consider to be mentally deficient who select to take off their shoes, weather permitting, and finding a quiet place connect with all creation either through standing barefooted in the middle of a forest or even in their lawn or on a beach or other places and becoming spiritually one through meditation and concentration with all the surrounding things of creation.. I think it doesn't really matter how you learn,connect and communicate with all that was created but it does matter that you do find some way of doing it and becoming the caretaker the Creator meant for you to become.. .. [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	March 12, 2006 7:42 PM We each must do all we can to walk in balance here on Mother Earth in everything we do and say..We must strive to become strong Physically, Mentally and most of all Spiritually.. Some among us are physically weak, some are mentally weak and some are spiritually weak.. There are some among us those who are physically weak yet they are very mentally and spiritually strong.. Some who are physically or mentally sick and weak often ask themselves why they are still alive...For you who ask yourself that question stop and remember you are more than a physical person..You are a mental and spiritual person also and although you might not be able to do physical or perhaps mental exercises you have other parts of yourself you can exercise.. You are made up of three parts..Physical, mental and spiritual and all these parts require care..They each must be nourished and exercised.. I am sure we all know how to feed our physical self..some, myself included, often over do the feeding part and get over weight.. Most of us also know we need to nourish our mental self by learning or doing something.. Of all the parts that we are, the spiritual part is the most important because that is the part of us that will exist forever...Some of us have forgotten how to nourish ourselves spiritually.. We must nourish ourselves spiritually through prayer to our Creator asking for guidance and wisdom and by striving to walk in balance here on Mother Earth.. [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	January 17, 2006 9:42 AM The right atmosphere for conversation is crucial if the words of the participants are to be heard, comprehend and understood. The same goes for the person himself, when 'heard' is not just the chemical/physical process, but also the mental process itself. One has to gain peace of mind before one can observe, process and comprehend words of wisdom. The phrase also implies that in order to achieve listening and comprehension some physical conditions have to prevail: the right ambiance, comfortable chairs, etc. In addition, 'words of wisdom' can go a greater distance since these are words the soul aspires to by nature, engulfing within the capacity of generating peacefulness and quiet. Source Daily Kabala for living [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	January 16, 2006 12:30 PM According to scientific evidence human beings were among the last things on earth to be created and I believe the Creator had a reason for this.. I believe humans were made last to be the care -takers over all that was created before them.. I have traveled to many places in the world and observed many people and based upon my personal observations I have found that most people are only doing fifty percent of what the Creator placed them on earth to do..It is my opinion, based upon what I have seen, most humans are takers and many do not care about anything or anyone but themselves.. I believe it is time we all become caretakers over all that exists because if we do not everything will cease to exist along with us... [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	December 27, 2005 1:17 PM Manitutshu the Spirit Mountain at Muskrat Falls *Manitutshu* is the Innu name for the hill at Muskrat Falls on the Churchill River, Labrador. N 53.248, W 60.774 degrees. The Evil Creature, **Uentshukumishiteu, lives in this hill. From Etien Rich*. Sheshatshiu. Fall 1994. This story was told to me by two Innu from Natashquan who had traveled to Sheshatshu. An Innu man saw two young otters. One was white and that is the one he wanted to kill. He silently approached the white otter while his friend stayed behind. When the hunter was about to shoot, his friend heard something in the water, like a dog growling. The hunter shot at the otter and killed it. Then the water started to form a wave and the hunter ran towards his friend. Then they saw the ground shaking and moving just like the water. The creature was chasing the hunter who had killed the otter and when it caught up with him, a hole opened up in the ground and he fell in it. His friend could hear him screaming. The creature did not come after the one who had not shot at the white otter. The Innu say it was Wentshukumishiteu, a very dangerous creature. From Greg Penashue. Sheshatshu. Fall. 1994. My uncle Tshetshishepateu* (Edward Rich) talked about having seen the evil creature (manitush) Uentshukumishiteu near the mountain called Manitutshu. The Innu say the evil creature Uentshukumishiteu is able to travel anywhere on the water and under the water and it is able to break through the ice. It can also travel under the ground and through rocks. My father talked about the manitush Uentshukumishiteu. During the night, they heard the ice cracking at a far distance. They were camped near Mekentsheu-shipiss (MacKenzie River). He said the ice had the shape of a circle as if something had broken through it. Yet the ice was very thick. What could have broken the ice like that if not the evil creature called Uentshukumishiteu? [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	November 23, 2005 10:23 AM The History of Thanksgiving By Cheri Sicard The Pilgrims may be the quintessential symbol of Thanksgiving, but the truth is, the Pilgrims never held a "Thanksgiving" feast. The actual "First Thanksgiving" most likely refers to a mid October feast the pilgrims held in 1621, after their first successful harvest in the new land. Since the pilgrims never repeated the celebration, it can't really be called the start of a tradition. It is also doubtful that the devoutly religious Pilgrims would have had termed it a "Thanksgiving" feast either, as giving thanks would have called for a day of fasting and prayer. A Native American named Squanto was said to befriend the Pilgrims and it is doubtful they would have survived the first harsh New England winter without him. Squanto taught the Pilgrims how to tap maple trees for sap, how to plant Indian corn and other crops as well as which plants in the surrounding areas were poisonous and which had healing powers. The resulting October harvest was so successful, the Pilgrims had stored enough food to sustain them through the winter with plenty to spare. There were smoked cured meats, fish packed in salt cures, fruits, vegetables and the American staff of life, corn. We do know a few facts about the first feast. For instance it can be assumed that it was held in the great outdoors, as the colonists didn't have buildings large enough to accommodate the large number of guests. If you've ever spent an autumn in New England, you know this can be a chilly proposition. Turkey was probably served, as was pumpkin or squash in one form or another. One entrée that hasn't stood the test of time is venison, a staple of the ninety or so Native Americans who were invited to the celebration, including Squanto and Chief Massasoit. The first feast was, in essence, a big pot luck dinner that went on for three (count them) days! In addition to turkeys and venison, the dinner probably included ducks, geese and even swans. There were games, races and demonstrations of skills with bows and arrows and muskets, making a true festival atmosphere. Customs of celebrating an annual day of Thanksgiving after the autumn harvest began to spring up in the colonies, but didn't get national recognition until the late 1770's when it was suggested by the Continental Congress during the American Revolution. New York officially adopted Thanksgiving Day as an annual custom in 1817, and many other states soon followed suit, but it wasn't until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln appointed a national day of Thanksgiving. Since then, each president has issued a Thanksgiving Day proclamation, usually designating the fourth Thursday of each November as the holiday. Our neighbors in Canada celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October, a time closer in fact to the date of the first feast. Official Canadian observance of Thanksgiving began in 1879. While that covers the traditions of modern Thanksgiving in a nutshell, the day's true history actually goes back far before the Pilgrims arrived in the New World. Harvest festivals were held by many ancient civilizations. The ancient Greeks honored Demeter, the goddess of grains, each autumn at the festival of Thesmosphoria. The Romans celebrated a harvest festival called Cerelia, which honored Ceres their goddess of corn. The harvest festival, Chung Ch'ui was celebrated by the ancient Chinese with the full moon that fell on the 15th day of the 8th month. Hebrew families have celebrated a harvest festival called Sukkoth for over 3000 years. The ancient Egyptians celebrated their harvest festival in the spring to honor Min, their god of vegetation and fertility. So this Thanksgiving when you sit down to feast, think about the ancient tradition that is still kept alive today through the sharing of food, family, friends and love. [ send green star]
YourDaddy D.	HANAI LAKOTA October 10, 2005 3:39 PM "I KA OLELO NO KA OLA, NO KA MAKI" (In the word is life and death) [ send green star] [ accepted]
Runningfox M.	October 10, 2005 2:45 PM When you appear to be happy even if inside you are not you are like a great ripple in a lake, you reach out and touch everything around you and your happy demeanor makes all around you more pleasant and happy.. So in the words of some wise person long ago " Put On A Happy Face". It will have an effect on others..... [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	October 04, 2005 7:35 PM Be confident that no matter what problems you may face, you have the strength within you to remain positive and optimistic. Knowing that there are very few problems you cannot overcome will give you that strength. Stop unnecessary worrying because worrying is a waste of your time and effort and is the breeding ground for negative thinking. Worrying will lead you to think about potential losses instead of finding an effective solution to the problem. Positive thinking and action will help you overcome unnecessary worrying. [ send green star]
Barbara B.	Thank You Cheif! May 12, 2005 1:43 AM [ send green star]
Pete O.	Forgivness May 12, 2005 12:54 AM One has to hear the words im sorry One has to see the end of an assault - to find forgivness when we are free then - we are free to forgive till then we are stuck with the devil for company [ send green star] [ accepted]
Pete O.	Fixing it ?? May 07, 2005 8:49 PM Throw the tv away --- nature is warmer [ send green star] [ accepted]
Pete O.	It is hard May 03, 2005 11:46 AM Society expects us to remain still, so it can count us and filter us. Society expects that we conform to non seasonal lifestyals. Society expects us to, eat the un nutritional foods that it presents to us. Society takes our hopes and dreams by placing us in boxes Society tears our souls and places strains on us if we wish to break free. "We kiss the very foot. that is the boot apon our head -oh aye Die- Die we will -but it is the life, The life for which we are remembered. and the waste of if , is that which we should ask, to be forgiven." William Wallace on the eve of stirling [ send green star] [ accepted]
Karen P.	Living in the Now January 27, 2005 8:32 PM Very Zen, Chief! I've learned from being bipolar that this is the only way for me to live - to know that everything is all right - now. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Runningfox M.	January 22, 2005 3:20 PM When you fully live each moment, nothing in the future exists because you are making the next moment right now - and nothing you did before this moment is holding you back. You'll discover that by living in the now, you'll be calmer, more productive, and most importantly, more content and at peace with your life. Do the best you can right now ... Living in the moment is about living life to it's fullest all the time...Making plans for the next moment is good but in order to make those plans you must make the best of right now and bring that best forward... Living in the moment is a good philosophical approach for us to live. [ send green star]
Birdman L.	Cheif Running Fox Osiyo...^i^ January 20, 2005 1:24 PM The problem I see is too many define for an individual if their actions define who we think they ought to be. I find it's a very long road to look at self and adjust who we are to make since to ourself. I want to be who I feel comfortable being as I always have to live with myself. I liked your words and thought yet I also see the importance of Individualism in our world and peoples right to define what their roll in life will be. Your right, peoples actions add weight to their words. We all were born with the right to choose right from wrong and actions show how we are doing in this department. We ourselves know our own result...^i^ No one is perfect yet everyone wants us to be and if we aren't it becomes a focal point for others to judge and raise upon their own failures. I believe if we truely look inside ourselves and become the mechanic of our own vehicle the sound we make will show others how to adjust their own lives. I see to many in life who think they know better how to be me than me and I think this developes hinderance in development. I believe we need to shine our own chrome so others can look and see their own reflection and add polish to their own being accordingly. I believe we all must do our fair share to insure life is respected for all and if we are too busy looking on others we loose the way of ourself. Actions truely do speak louder than words yet words lead to actions. I hear people say, "It's not what you know but who you know!", I always say it's what you know that put's you in line with who you know...Birdman^i^ [ send green star]
Petra C.	Hmmmm January 20, 2005 1:18 PM As always I am in complete agreement with you James, thank you, it is always a pleasure to read your posts. Bless you my friend, with love to you and yours [ send green star] [ accepted]
Runningfox M.	January 20, 2005 12:54 PM Some of our best teachers are the other living creatures on Mother Earth ... This morning at sunrise I became aware of the fact that actions speak louder than words or sounds..When most of us think of a very ferocious bird we think of the hawk and the eagle and other birds of prey but they are not the most ferocious..I stood beneath the large elm tree in my back yard listening to the beautiful voice of a blue jay and then I heard off in the distant sky the sound of a hawk as it was hunting ..The blue jay immediately stopped singing and took to the sky and I witnessed it flying high and meeting the hawk and literally driving the hawk away through its dive bombing and I could see feathers being ripped out of the hawk..that is when it really hit me that even in nature actions speak louder than sounds..The blue jay has a beautiful voice but it's actions are louder than it's voice... There are some humans , who just like the blue jay, have very beautiful voices who can as the saying goes " make honey flow from their lips" but often their actions are much different than their voices.. In other words they say one thing yet do something else... We are known for our actions much more than we are from our words and our actions really do speak much louder than our words.. We must do our best to balance what we say and do and make our voices and actions help make the world we live in a better place...It is wrong for someone to speak of love and peace when their actions say otherwise... [ send green star]
Miss L.	I just have to say ... January 20, 2005 9:10 AM that I am a very fortunate person that have the privilege to get to know so many nice people ...and I also want to say thank you to you, Runningfox for sharing your wisdom with us. Many hugs Littlemother [ send green star] [ accepted]
Runningfox M.	January 19, 2005 8:12 PM Being hurt by someone we care for is one of life's great sorrows, but forgiveness is one of life's great joys. Practicing forgiveness eases strain on relationships that have been put to the test and will bring peace to your spirit. [ send green star]
anonymous	Faith & Patience... January 17, 2005 1:13 PM Thank you, Chief Runningfox, for what you wrote about times of great difficulty. Your words give me strength and I am sure I will read these over and over again to help myself be strong through this time. As you have said, times like these are times to hand up your prayers to the powers that be and have faith that all will be well. I have found that it is a "letting go" of sorts. That is what gets me through each day these days. It would be easy to give up... well, no, since it's not in my nature to do that. But it would be for many in my situation. Instead I try to stay positive, do the best I can with each precious day, do a lot of praying and just have faith that somehow, everything will work out. One day I will look back on this time and see that everything is okay. And in the meantime, I am so very grateful and thankful for the things I do have. It could be much worse. *Thank you again, Chief.* *Robyn* [report anonymous abuse] [ accepted]
Eric A.	Faith and patience January 15, 2005 9:50 PM No work or effort? [ send green star] [ accepted]
Runningfox M.	January 15, 2005 6:39 PM When there is sickness or another unscheduled event that must be paid from our budget and we begin to worry about buying food and paying our utilities and making other payments, we must look upon this as a test..View this as a test of faith and the time when we must lift up prayers and smoke for the Creator to assist us in making ends meet..After we lift up prayers and smoke we must have faith, trust and patience that everything will be ok..Most of us have been there and when we look back upon that time when we worried... we now see that things were not as bad as we thought and everything turned out ok and the Creator sent us help in our time of need... Our faith becomes stronger when we are tested and we pass the test... So when times sometime get hard look upon that time as a test and know that the Creator will answer your prayer and assist you in your time of need.. Lift up prayers and smoke to the Creator when in need, in thanksgiving and in praise... Our prayers will be answered and all that is required is for us to have faith and patience... [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	January 13, 2005 7:53 AM Always expect more from your self then you do others...Anyone who expects more from others than themselves do not accomplish much in life...The axiom "Do as I say, not as I do"is not appropriate because a person is known mostly for what they do in life, not what they say... In most cases Actions Do Speak Louder Than Words..... [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	January 13, 2005 7:03 AM Families are friends we have through our biological connection and we had no choice over their selection and friends are family members we personally selected through our own choice.. Our family and friends are a very important part of what makes our lives more enjoyable. Are your relationships with your family and friends supportive? Do your family and friends build you up or drag you down? Do you practice, sharing, caring and supporting your family and friends? If you have not reviewed your family and friendship relationships lately, maybe it's time you do so now. [ send green star]
De A.	January 12, 2005 6:10 AM Thank you, Running Fox for the invite to the group and for words that can not be said too often and thank you , Birdman for creating the group. Love is the true nature of the universe and so also ourselves, but there are so many obstacles in the way of just being that which is our true nature and self. Why can we not be what and who we really are? Why is it so difficult? - The Creator has made us actors in his movie here on earth called "Life" and the purpose of this movie is the discovery and return to Self, who is Him who is Love. Feel love shining through your whole being with your heart as the center like the sun at noon Feel, see, experience the love as light penetrating everything around you and yourself, the people animals trees plants earth water air sky, everything, all of creation. Unite, merge with this light/love let it fill your whole being. All love all peace all knowledge All you ever wanted and needed is in this light which is you and everyone and everything who is One. Experience yourself; " I am the source of this love and the source of this love is me." Om Tat Sat [ send green star] [ accepted]
Merry S.	I Ponder the mind of CHEROKEE ELDER January 12, 2005 1:41 AM pONDER THE PATH OF YOUR FEET ,AND LET ALL YOUR WAYS BE ESTABLISHED. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Birdman L.	Joan Welcome Love is One Order...^i^ January 11, 2005 10:38 PM Welcome and thank you Chief RunningFox for bonding others in love. Welcome and Osiyo! all new members, we need to span the world and raise joy in thought and actions. I can be myself but need each and every soul to raise love around the world. For New people or you who don't Know I live in a small Yu'Pik Eskimo village on the SW bottom of Alaska named Togiak and Togiak is one of many global locations where the Creator spared no beauty, it's all found here! With of course the location you hold now. I wish you all Love through out 2005. 175 members today and let's see how far we can spread love through 2006 but let's do it one day at a time and together...Birdman^i^ [ send green star]
Joan R.	Connectedness January 11, 2005 9:33 PM Thank you for the invitation to join this group also, dear Runningfox. As well as belonging to care2 and various groups, I'm also an Oblate of St. Benedict (Christian monastic order)--trying to live the spirit of the great monastic rule in the secular world. As I read thru your messages on this site and those of others, I'm struck once again how wisdom twines itself thru the great religions and peoples of the earth, saying essentially the same things: that God is love, that we show forth God/the Great Spirit/whatever our name for the Creator is when we act in harmony and lovingly, as much as possible, with all creatures, whether these be human, other animal, plant, sky, water...the list goes on. Again and again we hear the words "walk in love and kindness, see the Creator in all things, strive to live so that you radiate love and kindness, atone for bad behavior". These precepts seem like beads on an eternal strand of meditation beads. I agree that we need to try to live so that our gifts from the Creator, whatever they are, are not wasted, even if, because of handicaps, our only gift is to be able to smile at another. Thank you, all, for your meditations and words. I look forward to reading more of them in this group. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Runningfox M.	January 11, 2005 8:49 PM In these modern times we often find ourselves moving too fast, being dragged along by the tide of life rather living in each moment..We must strive to walk in balance and always keep an even comfortable pace..Your pace may be slower or faster than someone elses but if you are comfortable with your pace of life you will accomplish more than trying to keep the pace of others.. So "SET YOUR OWN PACE"and in the language of an old warrior Forward March.... [ send green star]
Nezer K.	Thank you for the Bridge my friend Running Fox... January 11, 2005 8:33 PM Thank you for the invite Chief Running Fox. Many of my friends have joined this group and I am glad I sought your company here because of them. Have a Wonderful Day My Friends. Nezer [ send green star] [ accepted]
Bossy B.	January 11, 2005 8:21 PM I must also thank Runningfox for the invitation as well as his ponderings, I find them fascinating and want to try and incorporate them into my life in the hopes they will make me a better person. Shari [ send green star] [ accepted]
Eric A.	life January 11, 2005 7:26 PM Hello to you all !! Running Fox just invited me here. Looks like good stuff and good people! Will input when I can! Peace to you all!!!! Eric, A. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Birdman L.	Your Welcome Robyn...^i^ January 10, 2005 12:55 PM Wow 135 and growing! Watch love grow!!! As for my moniker, I used to raise and train birds as well as I have communicated with them in thier natural place. I had one I kept with me named Samson who after 141/2 years swallowed bubble gum. Not good! Anyway Samson brought me the moniker...Birdman^i^ [ send green star]
anonymous	January 10, 2005 9:26 AM Oh how wonderful, Chief Runningfox.... I will look for your books, and I look forward to reading more of your wisdom. Your words always make me feel better, like sunshine to my heart. And thank you for the welcome, Birdman. May I ask how you got your name? I love birds as well, all animals but especially birds and cats (but not in the same room, lol). I love this group and am very grateful that I was invited to be here. It is a warm and comforting place, as I wish the world were... as the world could be if only everyone tried. Peace & Bright Blessings Robyn [report anonymous abuse] [ accepted]
Birdman L.	Osiyo Cheif Running Fox...^i^ January 09, 2005 5:44 PM Glad to hear and see you again. Wow we are 131 members strong and growing. Welcome Robyn and all new friends. How nice it is to see everyone unite to share simplicity in Love and understanding for all Creation above, below and all around building a strong circle of trust. May this always continue to grow in good numbers for development of positive life styles. Thank you Cheif Running Fox for sharing your time and thoughts of wisdom in this process, but above all our Creator for joining us under his umbrella of Love for enjoyment of and understand towards Harmony in All Things...Birdman^i^ I Love You All The Time...^i^ [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	Response to Robyn January 09, 2005 5:26 PM I have written two books both of them about my dad..Today is dad's 84th birthday.he went throughthe entrance to the spirit world about ten years ago but his spirit still guides me.. He was the most honorable man I have ever known and is and was my hero after which I have petterned my life.. He aws an Indian Free Wil Baptist Minister in and around Gatlinburg and Sevierville Tennessee.. I wrote a book called Brother Jacks Boy and told about life growing up in the Great Smoky Mountains as a preachers son.. I have written a sequel to that book titled Bob Jacks Son and it is at the publishers now.. When it is published I will let everyone know and it will be available in Baptist Book Stores world wide after it is published.. [ send green star]
anonymous	Thank you, Chief... January 09, 2005 4:49 PM Thank you, Chief Runningfox, for your words of wisdom. They warm my heart like sunshine!! Have you ever thought of writing a book and sharing your wisdom with the world? Peace & Much Love, Robyn [report anonymous abuse] [ accepted]
Birdman L.	We All Have A Positive Nature To Concider...^i^ January 01, 2005 12:45 PM I find if we if we allow negitiveness around us to ground the feet or cuff the hands to a situation 10 years from anytime will become a waste unless we learn we must take control of our own destiny in a positive way, then we release all the gifts that are locked inside. By this ten years from now we will be teaching by example and answered questions so others may follow on this path to success...Birdman^i^ [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	January 01, 2005 10:15 AM Don't find yourself waking up ten years from now being disappointed by the things you didn't do... It is much better to try to do something and fail than to do nothing and succeed.. [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	December 31, 2004 3:32 PM Have you ever noticed that how we perceive things depends upon how we think and often how we see ourselves? Take for instance a sunset..Some see it as the end of a day while others , for example people of the Jewish faith, see it as the end of one day and the start of a new one..How we see life depends on individual perceptions...When we look for positive things in our life we will find them even though it does seem like the negative things are easier to find. If we will be patient and seek them out the positive things far out weigh the negative ones and are really worth the time and effort to seek and find... [ send green star]
Birdman L.	I've lived this all my life...^i^ December 28, 2004 2:56 PM Small children you should never under estimate thier degree of intelligence. We all are born with natural intelligence and need to refine it with the help of intelligent adults. This doesn't always happen. When we listen and use the knowledge given us we can only grow to pass this on in an intelligent way to our peers, be it young or old...Birdman^i^ [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	December 28, 2004 2:27 PM A person does not become wiser just because they became a certain age and became known as an elder. I have found it to be true that wisdom does not have anything to do with the age of a person. I have met young adults in their twenties who have more wisdom than some adults I have met who were in their eighties. Everyone deserves to be respected not because of their age but out of courtesy. I believe It is appropriate for young persons to sometimes question older adults and to occasionally have a misunderstanding as long as name calling does not take place from either side. Simply because someone is older than you does not mean that person is wiser or deserves anymore respect than you do. Respect is a two way street getting people to respect you is only the other side of respecting them. [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	December 27, 2004 5:00 PM Sometimes a change in attitude can have a profound effect on our relationship with the world. Sometimes situations or events in our life can make us become more negative and get what I call the "Poor Old Me's" or the "Woe Is Me's" or as some call it the "Poor Pitiful Me's"...When we get that kind of outlook and we let the negative elements around us start affecting our lives it is time to change our attitude.. Sometimes we all need to make adjustments in our attitudes, it is all part of being a human being.. [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	December 26, 2004 9:12 PM True happiness and joy should never be a big effort or a struggle. When it becomes one, it is time for you to retrace your steps and ask where your happiness really lies. Sometimes our real happiness is not really where we think it is and we must find it someplace else.. [ send green star]
Birdman L.	Chief Running Fox, Osiyo & Wado!...^i^ December 26, 2004 8:01 PM You give great ponderings and now that I'm back into it I'll read and re read them to place them solidly in heart. I love you my friend and extremely proud to have you within this forum to share your wisdom & knowledge. I can't wait tell the day arrives when I can give you a big Kinsman Hug and share conversation at the same camp fire...Birdman^i^ [ send green star]
Aisha Ameena R.	SALAAM December 26, 2004 8:48 AM I WISH TO THANK YOU, FOR YOUR WORDS OF WISDOM HAVE TOUCHED MY HEART AND TAUGHT ME SO MUCH. I EMBRACE EVERY THOUGHT AS A GUIDELINE FOR LIFE AND LIVING. IT IS TRUE-SOME OF US WERE TAUGHT TO GIVE, AND THIS IS HOW WE LIVE OUR LIVES, GIVING UNTIRELESSLY, WITH JOY AND PRIVILDGE...BUT SOMETIMES BECOMES HARD TO RECEIVE GIFT..I REALIZE THIS NOW THRU YOUR PONDERINGS, AND THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME SEE THINGS IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT..YOUR WORDS AND TEACHINGS ARE A GIFT TO US-THANK YOU!!!! MAY YOU ALWAYS BE BLESSED! LOVE & PEACE AISHA [ send green star] [ accepted]
Michael T.	recieving December 22, 2004 5:24 PM I like Picassos painting of the bunch of flowers being exchanged. It is impossible to tell who is giving and who is receiving. To receive graciously is a form of giving .Mike [ send green star] [ accepted]
Runningfox M.	December 22, 2004 5:16 PM Giving and receiving are both blessings and each builds its foundation on the other. As children, most of us are taught to give generously but seldom are we given instruction on how to graciously receive. To give of ourselves, our talent, time, and treasure, comes naturally, but being presented with a gift is often a source of embarrassment or confusion when it isn't clear how to respond or we feel unworthy. Learning to receive is as much an art as giving and it begins when we open our eyes and ears to the simple gifts we're presented each day. If you fail to express gratitude, even for gifts that seem insignificant, you're unconsciously denying the emotions of the giver, but receiving gratefully lets the giver know that he or she is valued. [ send green star]
Michael T.	what is important. December 21, 2004 9:44 AM I will begin by saying "to be myself". It would be easy to mistake this as a cliche' but it has specific and significant meanings to me. First, God placed me in this world, and he gave me certain gifts and tasks. I give him thanks. Life is the first gift, so I have responsibility to take care of my body, mind, and spirit. That means I need to enjoy eating, resting, exercising, learning, and thinking well. Do I ALWAYS do that? Of course not, but I work at it daily. With the base formed of the first thing, I can do a reasonable job of raising my son. Raising my son well means loving, teaching, protecting, encouraging, and stating/living good examples. My third task is to share knowledge of various types with others to make their lives better. All this means I have to first learn what gifts God put into me, and develop them. [ send green star] [ accepted]
Runningfox M.	What is most important to you? December 21, 2004 9:11 AM Today ask yourself what is most important to you and think about the trail of life you would most like to follow even without material gain. I have found that a blessing can even be found in the migraine headache pain I suffer from time to time for within that pain I always discover what my true riches are.. [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	Do It Your Own Way December 03, 2004 10:11 AM The Creator made you a unique person and you will never achieve your life's goal by trying to be someone you are not or trying to copy someone else. Embrace your uniqueness and remember in all the universe there is no other like you, always be yourself.. Use what someone else did as a guideline only but do things your way.. You will receive much more respect and admiration, and people are a lot more likely to listen to you. [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	Build some Bridges December 02, 2004 6:38 AM When you think of a bridge you probably think of a structure similar to the Golden Gate Bridge or The London Bridge but a bridge is much more than just a structure... . When you become a friend with someone you are building a bridge and joining two people...Bridges are designed to fill a gap and before you made friends with that someone there was a gap in your life and by becoming friends you filled that gap.. I encourage everyone to build some bridges by making some friends... [ send green star]
Birdman L.	Gaah gay you hee to you also...^i^ December 01, 2004 7:15 AM Just passing threw and thought I'd say a fast hello and Thank you. Words to ponder for good change is a daily thing. I'm so happy fofr yours, Thank you and I Love you also...Birdman^i^ [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	Using the gifts you were given December 01, 2004 6:28 AM Each person here on our group and all people whether they are a member of our group or not and whether they realize it or not have talents and special gifts which were given to them by the CREATOR... These gifts and talents were given to be used to help make Mother Earth a better place.. It is a great blessing to know, develop and use the talents you have and if you are not developing and using your special gifts and talents you are not doing what the Creator intended when you were given those gifts..Some of you may be thinking you have no special talents or gifts but you are wrong..You have them but you have not explored your talents and gifts and you have not exercised and developed them...For those who are not aware of their special talents and gifts don't get discourage but instead think of it as a blessing and try many different things.. Try the things you like to do, things that make you happy and develop them and become proficient and an expert at doing them and then use them to make everything around you better.. Gaah gay you hee ( I Love You) Jim Running Fox Moss [ send green star]
Runningfox M.	Ponderings from the mind of a Cherokee Elder November 29, 2004 4:30 PM These are just some of my own thoughts about various things which I hope will give you something to think about after reading.. Some will make sense to you and some might not..You might even ask yourself if this old Cherokee Elder is out of his mind and you might just be right and again maybe it is you not me..Hmm I guess it is in how things are perceived and whose perception it is.. I personally believe the universe you and I live in is based upon our own individual perceptions.. I also believe Love and Happiness are connected, love is full of happiness and being happy is being in love.. Both Love and Happiness starts with us... It is up to all of us to create our own love and happiness, and it must first come from within our spirit and then reflect outward. Sometimes because of special circumstances it might take a lot of time and effort for us to really love and be happy. In order to create our own happiness we must first understand our self. We must make an effort not to worry about the things we have no control over in order to be happy.. Before we can be happy we must get to know our self better and learn to love our self on a deeper level. To be happy we must first love our self and be happy with our self... If you disagree with me on this that is OK but if you do disagree with me then prove that I am wrong and until you do prove I am wrong I am right , and even if you do prove I am wrong I might not perceive that you are right and I will still be right..After all I do believe things are how I perceive them to be.. I hope this gives you something to think upon,, Much love to you and yours Jim Running Fox Moss [ send green star]