Our Magical Universe

The Universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper~

Eden Phillpotts , A Shadow Passes

Winter~ Spring~ Summer~ or Fall~....you've got a friend!

This video has several of my favorite female singers. They create magic together. This song, originally sang by Carole King and also James Taylor has always touched me. It is a song that cuts to the core about friendship. I am so blessed to have beautiful friends and I blogged this today in honor of each and every one of them.......seen and unseen!
Love~
Desiree

Divine Nature

Ever let mercy outweigh all else in you. Let our compassion be a mirror where we may see in ourselves that likeness and that true image which belong to the Divine nature and Divine essence.

St. Isaac of Syria
Directions on Spiritual Training Memorial Day Blessings~
Desiree

Peace

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.

Blessed Mother Teresa

Starry Starry Night~ In honor of Vincent Van Goh

The stars are amazing! When I look at the night skies...I can only slip into my dream world. The space of wonder and mystery. I love this space. And then like magic... a shooting star makes it's way across the sky right before my eyes....and I say to myself...."they are alive!" We are.....but made of star dust!

This blog is in honor of Vincent. He was inspired by the stars!

“For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream. ~Vincent van Goh “Silently one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven, Blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow “When it is darkest, men see the stars.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

ONE LOVE-Playing for Change!

I am a huge Marley fan. When I was in Jamaica, it did not take long to realize who was King!!! This video is awesome and I love the different instruments from around the world......We (you and I) are like the instruments ...WE are BEAUTIFUL MUSIC!!!! Pay close attention to our brother towards the end of the video who sings about when the man comes...Father of Creation! !!! Enjoy!

The outer music
Comes from an outer instrument.
The inner music
Comes from the heart.
The name of this inner music
Is oneness.
`Sri Chinmoy

One Love~
Desiree

Synchronicities in Life!

"Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous."
Albert Einstein

I agree with Albert and I have often said that synchronicity is God's way of seeing if we are paying attention. Synchronicity is a term coined by Carl Jung, the Swiss Psychologist and he explains it in his own words. "Synchronicity reveals the meaningful connections between the subjective and objective world."

A few days ago I blogged about 'serendipity'. The difference between synchronicity and serendipity would be that serendipity is something of value that shows up while you are looking for something else and synchronicity actually takes on another whole twist when things show up in our reality. Often called 'coincidences', synchronistic events show up kind of like in 'pairs'. A good example would be that you may be studying something and then that exact thing you are studying shows up in your reality in some way, shape, or form. Sometimes it may appear over and over again. When this happens one can only begin to wonder what the message is or what is it that the universe is communicating to us. I find it fascinating when this happens.
I rarely look at things as coincidental. I actually look at them more as 'universal gifts' and I am always patiently awaiting my next synchronistic event to show up in my life!
One of my favorite events happened when I was a child. I was about 10 years old and I was fascinated by the astronauts trip to the moon. I went to work with my father one day and on the drive to the job site I was asking him every question under the sun about the moon missions. My father was at a loss because he really did not have the answers. He kept saying that I would have to ask my teacher or that is a good question but he did not hold the answer. When we got to the job site I had to go to the bathroom. Unfortunately there were no bathrooms on this property and my dad pointed to a field with small sage like brush and said "You are going to have to go behind one of those bushes." I did not think twice about it so I walked far out into the field,I found a bush and as I went to squat, there lying on the ground was a library book titled 'Apollo'. I could not believe it! As an adult however.....I totally believe it!!!

"Can such things be,
And overcome us like a summer's cloud,
Without our special wonder?"
William Shakespeare, Macbeth

The School of Athens~ fresco painting by Raphael

1: Zeno of Citium^[9] 2: Epicurus 3: Federico II of Mantua? 4: Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius or Anaximander or Empedocles? 5: Averroes 6: Pythagoras 7: Alcibiades or Alexander the Great? 8: Antisthenes or Xenophon? 9: Hypatia (Francesco Maria della Rovere or Raphael's mistress Margherita) 10: Aeschines or Xenophon? 11: Parmenides? 12: Socrates 13: Heraclitus (Michelangelo) 14: Plato holding the Timaeus 15: Aristotle holding the Ethics 16: Diogenes of Sinope? 17: Plotinus? 18: Euclid or Archimedes with students (Bramante)? 19: Strabo or Zoroaster? (Baldassare Castiglione or Pietro Bembo) 20: Ptolemy? R: Apelles (Raphael) 21: Protogenes (Il Sodoma, Perugino or Timoteo Viti)<sup>[10]

This is one of Raphael's most famous paintings. I always thought it was the one of the two Cheribums! This fresco is found in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican. The two center philosophers carrying their books are none other than Plato holding the Timaeus and Aristotle holding the Ethics. Also in this painting you can find Pythagoras, Raphael, and Heraclitus with the features of Michelangelo!</sup>

The setting

The building is in the shape of a Greek cross, which some have suggested was intended to show a harmony between pagan philosophy and Christian theology^.

The architecture of the building was inspired by the work of Bramante, who, according to Vasari, helped Raphael with the architecture in the picture.^[1] Some have suggested that the building itself was intended to be an advance view of St. Peter's Basilica.^[1]

There are two sculptures in the background. The one on the left is the god Apollo, god of the Sun, archery and music, holding a lyre.^[1] The sculpture on the right is Athena, goddess of wisdom, in her Roman guise as Minerva.

Raphael was the youngest of the Italian Renaissance Painters. Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were an inspiration to Raphael.

I am fascinated by them all!

Blessings~

Desiree

Divine Providence

In theology, Divine Providence, or simply Providence, is the sovereignty, superintendence, or agency of God over events in people's lives and throughout history.

Etymology

The word comes from Latin providentia "foresight, prudence", from pro- "ahead" + videre "to see". The current meaning of the word (Divine Providence) derives from the sense "knowledge of the future" or omniscience, which is the privilege of God. The initial meaning of providere remains in 'to provide' = "to take precautionary measures".

Divine providence is the means by and through which God governs all things in the universe. The doctrine of divine providence asserts that God is in complete control of all things. This includes the universe as a whole , the physical world , the affairs of nations , human birth and destiny , human successes and failures, and the protection of His people .

God governs the affairs of men and works through the natural order of things. The laws of nature are nothing more than a depiction of God at work in the universe. The laws of nature are the rules and principles that God set in place to govern how things work.

There are many interpretations of Divine Providence and some are more elaborated on than others. For instance Dr. King explains Divine Providence:

Lutheran Theology : According to Martin Luther, Divine Providence began when God created the world with everything needed for human life, including both physical things and natural laws. ^[4]. In Luther's Small Catechism, the explanation of the first article of the Apostle's Creed declares that everything people have that is good is given and preserved by God, either directly or through other people or things ^[5]. Of the services others provide us through family, government, and work, he writes, "we receive these blessings not from them, but, through them, from God."^[6] Since God uses every one's useful tasks for good, people should look not down upon some useful vocations as being less worthy than others. Instead people should honor others, no matter how lowly, as being the means God uses to work in the world.

However, I truly believe that we each hold our truth in regard to God's will and our gift of free will. In my heart I know that there is a Divine Hand guiding the universe and that force is of the purest love one can fathom. When we stray from love we are missing the point of life here on planet earth.

May your day be filled with Divine Love~
Desiree

Serendipity~ A closer look!

One could describe serendipity (by the way...I love this word!!!!) as finding something of value or incredible luck or helpfulness while looking for something else. We all have experienced this in our lives. It is like the fairy tale of two that are out seeking their life purpose and find each other! I have a friend that was looking for a plumber and found her soul mate! Or I can share a story about a friend that went into a place of business to find something for a friend and landed the career of her lifetime! Great discoveries have been made that would be considered 'serendipitous' events. For instance the discovery of planets in our solar system, like Uranus or the discovery of penicillin, or other medical breakthroughs ...all was discovered while looking for something else. My favorite discovery (it is the only chemical I keep in my house) is WD40. This was discovered by a scientist working on a project for NASA and the creation of this miracle spray in a can evolved. The WD stands for water diplacement and it was the 40th time he had concocted the mixture.

Here are some definitions and quotes in regard to serendipity:
Serendipity: A very good coincidence, often leading to something really awesome. (Urban Dictionary.com)

'Mistakes are the portals of discoveries' ~James Joyce

good luck in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

In the field of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind.
- Louis Pasteur

Serendipity is the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serendipity

An unsought, unintended, or unexpected discovery or occurrence, made by accident and sagacity
en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Serendipity

Wikpedia references serendipity as being voted as one of the ten English words that were hardest to translate in June 2004 by a British translation company.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE:
Serendipity is putting a quarter in the gumball machine and having three pieces come rattling out instead of one—all red.
- Peter H. Reynolds

Whatever the case may be...when we pay attention and really experience the serendipitous events that happen in our life, we can see how beautiful and magical life can really be!
Next time you are driving and get lost....it may because you are going to discover something that will change your life....for the better!

May this day bring you incredible discoveries!
Desiree

Heraldic Symbol- The Fluer-de-lis

This sacred symbol of antiquity and quasi-mystical has been of great controversy and the history stretched far back into time. It was said to be given to Clovis, King Frank by the Mother Mary and that they were the lily tears shed by Eve as she left Eden. From its earliest records (it was the flower of Hera, the Greek moon goddess) it has been the symbol of purity and was accordingly readily adopted by the Church to associate the Virgin Mary's sanctity with events of special significance.
Adopted as the royal emblem by the kings of France in the middle ages, the triple lily, or fleur de lys, stood for the triple majesty of God, his creation, and royalty. The three petaled lily is also associated with the trinity of mind, body and soul, which come together only in mankind.

The company I work for one of the brands (bras) is called Lily of France, the logo is the fleur de lis. Many of my friends use this symbol on their business cards and their websites. In fact my paper towel holder in my kitchen is the fleur-de-is!

The most probable origin: So although the legendary origins of the fleur-de-lis have caught imaginations down the centuries, and are still to be found in heraldic textbooks, Nisbet's casual comment is worth more than later writers have allowed it. The lily, now called an iris, still grows along the Lys in lands drained by the Franks. When pressed and dried it reveals clearly the shape of the stylised heraldic charge. This is, on balance, its most probable origin.

Poetry- Emily Dickinson

Nature -- the Gentlest Mother is, by Emily Dickinson


Nature -- the Gentlest Mother is,
Impatient of no Child --
The feeblest -- or the waywardest --
Her Admonition mild --

In Forest -- and the Hill --
By Traveller -- be heard --
Restraining Rampant Squirrel --
Or too impetuous Bird --

How fair Her Conversation --
A Summer Afternoon --
Her Household -- Her Assembly --
And when the Sun go down --

Her Voice among the Aisles
Incite the timid prayer
Of the minutest Cricket --
The most unworthy Flower --

When all the Children sleep --
She turns as long away
As will suffice to light Her lamps --
Then bending from the Sky --

With infinite Affection --
And infiniter Care --
Her Golden finger on Her lip --
Wills Silence -- Everywhere --

Quote For the Day~

Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love. Then for the second time in the history of the world, we will have discovered fire.

Teilhard de Chardin

The Oculatum~ Desiree's selection for Today

Would the eagle know he flies so high~
www.oculatum.com

Train Graffiti ` Artistic Expression

I am enamored by the trains! I love the sound of the train coming! The whistle, the rumble, the rattle, and the roar! It is one of the most comforting man made sounds for me. I have lived near the tracks for over nine years, and my newest location is two blocks from a railroad crossing. In the area that I have moved to I have also come across something else in regard to trains. I am in area where there are miles of freight trains parked along the tracks. I have been seeing unbelievable artwork on them. So I googled it and found it to be a big thing. On this one highway I travel in my commute there is miles and miles of graffiti freight trains! I pulled over the other day and just sat and was in awe. While most people look at this as vandalism, and quite frankly I moved from a city that had huge graffitti laws, I saw artistic expression on these freight cars. Crazy I know...my mail box was graffitied so many times that it had about 20 layers of silver spray paint on it! But I am really taken away by this train thing!

Grace

Absence of grace and inharmonious movement and discord are nearly allied to ill words and ill nature, as grace and harmony are the sisters and images of goodness and virtue.
~Plato The Republic bk.iii sec. 401

The Oculatum~ The Book of Choices for today

Gratitude should be not silent~

Th Oculatum Mother's Day 2009

www.oculatum.com

Blessed Mother's Day~

To all of the Mothers all over the planet (and beyond!) may this day find you in your full Goddess energy and power. May you shine like the most brilliant star in the darkest sky. May
you be blessed with the love and compassion this day and every day!

From my heart to your heart~
Happy Mother's Day~
Love~
Desiree

The Oculatum~ The Book of Choices

I have been fortunate enough to come across this treasure. This book has no beginning and it has no end. It is a textbook that may offer for the attentive reader clarity, strength and awareness in their daily life, but it will change all who read it. It is also known as the book of choices. Today when I picked it up it was my choice to which side was up and which is the front or the back of the book and to which page I would read. Today I chose:
The crop needs every season to grow strong

This should be repeated three times throughout my day.

The Oculatum is wisdom and sanctuary from the medieval times which was marked by great superstition. Masons would hide scraps of paper containing wisdom and well-wishes between the bricks. They did this to ensure safety and harmony. The Oculatum is a book compiled in one place for these great insights and is for those who wish to see~ After six days of reading it is noted that one will have greater clarity, higher self-awareness, renewed focus, and inner strength.
You can check it out at:
www.oculatum.com

Have an insightful day~
Desiree

Universal Altruism

True compassion is not just an emotional response, but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change, even if they behave negatively. Through universal altruism, you develop a feeling of responsibility for others: the wish to help them actively overcome their problems.

~His Holiness the Dalai Lama

~Believe~

God is not too hard to believe in. God is too good to believe in, we being such strangers to such goodness. The love of God is to me absolutely overwhelming.


Rev. William Sloane Coffin
Religion and Ethics Newsweekly, 8/27/04

Getting ready for Wesak Festival (Vesak Buddha day)

The first full moon in May marks the celebration of the birth and the death of the Buddha. Buddha has taught us universal peace and understanding. This year it falls on May 9th. I honor this day because I believe in the teaching of Buddha, and just like Jesus, he was a master of love and patience. I celebrate on this day and I start preparing for the festival 5 days prior. I do not eat meat and I drink a lot of water. I meditate three times, morning, afternoon, and night. I burn nag champa and white candles. While I have Buddha statues all around my home and yard, I leave small offerings at each statue. This is my time to fully give my undivided attention to the Buddha and what he has brought to my life through his teachings.

Blessings~
Desiree