PASTOR COUGARMOON CHIEF OF THE NATIVE AM...'s blog: "american indian devotional"

When a child is learning to walk, he falls and gets up to try again. If he were to stop getting up, he would never learn to walk. His effort not only teaches him to walk but to run and skip and do many other things as well. All of us are learning to walk in some area. We fall down and wonder if it's worth getting up again. But we never really fail until we give up. One of the lessons we learn is that only those who are trying ever make it. We can't let go, for someone is watching us and learning courage to do the impossible. ~ When the sun goes down, he opens his heart before his God. ~ CORNPLANT - SENECA CHIEF "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - March 15 "We were taught generosity to the poor and reverence for the Great Mystery. Religion was the basis of all Indian training." --Charles A. Eastman (Ohiyesa), SANTEE SIOUX Every Indian knows and has a feeling inside that, bottom line, our real purpose on earth is to be of service to our fellow man and to be of maximum service to the Great Spirit. The Creator designed the earth to be self supporting -- everything is interconnected and all things were created to be of service to each other. The Indian way is to pray about all things. Religion is not separate from any part of our lives. Everything is spiritual and we are to view all matters in this way. Family is spiritual, work is spiritual, helping others is spiritual, our bodies are spiritual, our talk is spiritual, our thoughts are spiritual. We need to practice seeing all things as spiritual. Great Spirit, today let me help the needy and allow me the wisdom to have respect and reverence for Your teachings. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* THINK on THESE THINGS By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Two qualities so well liked in people are brightness and warmth, both parts of the sun. Sir David Brewster was a Scottish physicist of the eighteenth century. His study of the material world and its phenomena called the sun glorious, "the center and soul of our system, the lamp that lights it, the fire that heats it, the magnet that guides and controls it, the fountain of color which gives its azure to the sky, its verdure to the fields, its rainbow hues to the gay world of flowers, and the purple light of love to the marble cheek of youth and beauty. What more beautiful qualities for any human being to possess than to have a soul at the center of its system, to light the appearance, to warm the feelings, to guide and control it through its colorful moods, and to let it rise as high as the azure skies and as wide as the gay world of flowers. But better yet, to be most beautiful with the purple light of love. What more to be given than the same qualities of the sun - by one Creator. To live we need more than light, we need warmth. We need more than strength, we need grace. And more than all these we need love. There can be no greater joy than to see our respect for each other - the warmth and grace and love that binds together people in mutual concern. Only when we can lay aside our personal feelings, our self-concern and worry of our own gain, can we join in true communion and fellowship with others. And to feel a sense of belonging is necessary to humankind. It is the nature, not only to be liked and wanted, but to like and want others. And in this relationship find not just warmth but light, not only grace but strength, and in all of these find love. "Walk in the light and thou shalt see thy path, though thorny, bright; for God, by grace, shall dwell in thee, and God himself is light." Aho , Amen , e-men . *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* The Sacred Instructions given by the Creator to Native people at the time of Creation were as follows: A. To Take Care of Mother Earth and the other 3 colors of Man. B. To Respect this Mother Earth and Creation. C. To Honour All life, and to support that Honour. D. To be Grate-ful from the heart for All life. It is through life that there is Survival. Thank the Creator at All times for All life. E. To Love and express that love. F. To be Humble. Humility is the gift of wisdom and understanding. G. Kindness. To be Kind with one-self and with others. H. Sharing. The Sharing of feelings and personal concerns and commitments. I. Honesty. To be Honest with one-self and with others. To be Responsible for those Sacred Instructions and to administrate those Instructions to other Nations. Aho , Amen , e-men . Final Vision Life is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of the buffalo in the winter. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset. Aho , Amen , e-men . Great Spirit Prayer "Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the wind, Whose breath gives life to all the world. Hear me; I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. Help me to remain calm and strong in the face of all that comes towards me. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. Help me seek pure thoughts and act with the intention of helping others. Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelming me. I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy Myself. Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame. Aho , Amen , e-men . An Indian Prayer My grandfather is the fire My grandmother is the wind The Earth is my mother The Great Spirit is my father The World stopped at my birth and laid itself at my feet And I shall swallow the Earth whole when I die and the Earth and I will be one Hail The Great Spirit, my father without him no one could exist because there would be no will to live Hail The Earth, my mother without which no food could be grown and so cause the will to live to starve Hail the wind, my grandmother for she brings loving, lifegiving rain nourishing us as she nourishes our crops Hail the fire, my grandfather for the light, the warmth, the comfort he brings without which we be animals, not men Hail my parent and grandparents without which not I nor you nor anyone else could have existed Life gives life which gives unto itself a promise of new life Hail the Great Spirit, The Earth, the wind, the fire praise my parents loudly for they are your parents, too Oh, Great Spirit, giver of my life please accept this humble offering of prayer this offering of praise this honest reverence of my love for you. Oh Great Spirit, Whose voice I hear in the wind, Whose breath gives life to the world, Hear me! I come to you as one of your many children. I am small and weak. I need your strength and wisdom. May I walk in beauty. Make my eyes behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things that you have made, And my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make me wise so that I may know the things That you have taught your children-- The lessons that you have hidden in every leaf and rock. Make me strong, not to be superior to my brothers, but to be able to fight my greatest enemy: myself. Make me ever ready to come to you with straight eyes, so that When life fades as the faded sunset My spirit will come to you without shame. Aho , Amen , e-men . God's Minute CAST ALL YOUR ANXIETY ON HIM BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU. ( 1 PETER 5:7 *NIV ) Dear Member's, We are often filled with worry and anxiety in the fast paced World of ours today. When you think about it, what is worry but the opposite of faith! Now Jesus Christ said, "I TELL YOU, DO NOT WORRY ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WHAT YOU WILL EAT OR DRINK; OR ABOUT YOUR BODY, WHAT YOU WILL WEAR. IS NOT LIFE MORE IMPORTANT THAN FOOD, AND THE BODY MORE IMPORTANT THAN CLOTHES? LOOK AT THE BIRDS OF THE AIR; THEY DO NOT SOW OR REAP OR STORE AWAY IN BARNS, AND YET YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER FEEDS THEM. AND WHY DO YOU WORRY ABOUT CLOTHES? SEE HOW THE LILIES OF THE FIELD GROW. THEY DO NOT LABOR OR SPIN. YET I TELL YOU THAT NOT EVEN SOLOMON IN ALL HIS SPLENDOR WAS DRESSED LIKE ONE OF THESE." ( MATTHEW 6:25-26; & 28-29 ) Therefore Member's, know that God is always with you, and there is no reason to worry about what might happen. After all it is written: DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW, FOR TOMORROW WILL WORRY ABOUT ITSELF. EACH DAY HAS ENOUGH TROUBLE OF ITS OWN. ( MATTHEW 6:34 ) So instead DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING, BY PRAYER AND PETITION, WITH THANKSGIVING, PRESENT YOUR REQUESTS TO GOD. And; LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST RULE IN YOUR HEARTS, SINCE AS MEMBERS OF ONE BODY YOU WERE CALLED TO PEACE. AND BE THANKFUL. Aho , Amen , e-men . ( PHILIPPIANS 4:6 ) & ( COLOSSIANS 3:15 ) With My Love & Prayers, your servant , Pastor cougarmoon

February 23 - Daily Feast Late on a snowy winter's evening the woods are quiet as though a woolen blanket has been laid over everything to muffle the sound. The sunset lights the western sky with wispy clouds like horsetails. Pink and orange and purple streak the sky and slide down to glowing embers along the horizon. A thin spiral of blue smoke rises from a chimney and the sun's reflection bronzes all the windows. It is suppertime. It is the end of the day and time to be peaceful. Grievances and unhappiness can go by the wayside and let companionship come in. It is suppertime - a time reserved for sharing the best. A pot of soup, a loaf of bread, and peace. ~ The many moons and sunny days we have lived here will long be remembered by us. ~ KEOKUK - SAUK LEADER, 1780 "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - February 23 "We've got to learn what's going on today in the world, and we've got to get an education so we can survive." --Jimmy Jackson, OJIBWA Indian people have the ability to adapt. In these modern times, we Native people must walk two roads. We must get educated so our 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 our culture, learn our dances, sing our songs, learn to speak our own language and maintain our culture for future generations. Great Spirit, let my education never lack the meaning and value of Indian spirituality. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* THINK on THESE THINGS By Joyce Sequichie Hifler All of us have at sometime questioned our normalcy as human beings. We wonder why we did this or that, why we reacted to something so violently, or why we failed to react at all. An American author, Katherine Fullerton Gerould, has written, "The only glory most of us have to hope for is the glory of being normal." And for all our questionable actions sometimes, normal people must be those who have felt not only the high points, but the low points of their emotions. It is not the fact that people run the gamut of their emotions that make them normal, but that they have the ability to right themselves before they could impose upon the rights of others. The persons who never lose their tempers, nor shed tears, nor refuse to respond to other people, but stay day after day in light, shallow experience, have never known what it is to come into the center of the calm so richly appreciated. All of us have made mistakes in behavior, some in ignorance, but more in bad taste. Perfection belongs to a higher Source. It is our to strive for, and our mistakes are to use in the growing-up process. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* God's Minute WHY ARE YOU DOWNCAST, O MY SOUL? WHY SO DISTURBED WITHIN ME? PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD, FOR I WILL YET PRAISE HIM, MY SAVIOR AND MY GOD.*** ( *PSALM 42:5 * NIV ) Dear Member's, Discouragement or depression strikes all of us once in a while. After all, depression is one of the most common emotional ailments. One antidote for depression is to think about how much God Loves You and Blesses You as well. This will take your mind off the present situation and give you Hope, that with God's Help, it will improve! For THE LORD IS GOOD TO THOSE WHOSE HOPE IS IN HIM, TO THE ONE WHO SEEKS HIM. For; THOSE WHO HOPE IN THE LORD WILL RENEW THEIR STRENGTH. THEY WILL RUN AND NOT GROW WEARY, THEY WILL WALK AND NOT BE FAINT. ( LAMENTATIONS 3:25 ) & ( ISAIAH 40:31 ) So PRAISE BE TO THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST! IN HIS GREAT MERCY HE HAS GIVEN US NEW BIRTH INTO A LIVING HOPE THROUGH THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DEAD. ( 1 PETER 1:3 ) Now Member's, MAY THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY AND PEACE AS YOU TRUST IN HIM, SO THAT YOU MAY OVERFLOW WITH HOPE BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT! ( ROMANS 15:13 ) And kiss those blues good-bye forever! Aho , Amen , e-men . NOTE:***The Sons of Korah, who were temple musicians and assistants, wrote Psalm 42. You will find that it Ministers to us when we are discouraged or depressed. With My Love & Prayers, your servant , Pastor COUGARMOON

O'siyo, Hello everyone, on Wednesday I went to a Parents committee meeting for the Indian Education Program for children in grades K - 12TH. and we were told that the Government is cutting back on the funding for the Johnson O'Malley program , please write or call your Congressman or Congresswoman and State and Federal Representives. Pretty soon they'll probably try and cut back on all the funding for all the childrens programs in school , so please pass it on and be aware of the funding that is being cut that pertains to your childs education. Wa-do Thankyou very much and blessings be upon all mankind , your Friend always and forever, Pastor COUGARMOON

A Cherokee Feast of Days by Joyce Sequichie Hifler We are persons with a desire for variety. Rigid routine can make our spirits sag. Following the same path at the same time every day, repeating and repeating without the slightest change, dulls the spirit. Life gets to be routine because we let our minds fall into a rut that has no future. Nagging fear enters when living falls into inertia, and we are troubled not so much by what is going on around us as what is going on inside. There are many words for spirit, but the Cherokees call it a da nv to, or life, v le ni to nv. It means to show some initiative, some serious intention. It is not something we only hope to have one day. It is a necessity - moisture that feeds the roots and sunlight that draws new life. But it must be stirred up. ~ Warriors stir themselves to go to battle - and so must we. ~ STRONG LEGS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elder's Meditation of the Day - February 22 "In the Indian way, we are connected to that flower if we understand its spirit, the essence of its life." --Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA Everything on our Earth is alive. Every rock, every plant, every animal, every tree, every bird, every thought is alive. This is true because everything is made by the Great Spirit and the Great Spirit is alive. We need to slow our lives down each day and realize, consciously, that this is true. First we need to realize it, second, we need to acknowledge it, third, we need to appreciate it and, finally, we need to go on. Great Spirit, let me see life through Your eyes. Today let me be alive. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THINK on THESE THINGS by Joyce Sequichie Hifler When there's thinking to be done a person does well to have a little private retreat....a place where there's no worry that any minute someone will interrupt. And at the very ease of knowing that here is a little time to do nothing but just think. Except that I must carefully direct those thoughts so to never let them roam to things that serve only to disturb. But where does one find a place these days that affords a time alone? It doesn't take much room to think. Some have little special places hidden from view....a hillside maybe....a sunny spot along a path....a closet not so large....a park bench....or they may even take a drive. But that place that is always available to us is that place within our own selves. This is the secret place within the heart where desires are stored. And no matter what we do, where we go, thoughts are productive. Here is where thankfulness is stored....here is where love is born....here is where the very life of life is built and rebuilt. This is our retreat when there's thinking to be done. February 22 - Daily Feast Eager expectations is the activity of the spirit; it doesn't come from some outer excitement. Enjoy friends and don't criticize - however much the need seems to arise. Spend time with friends and family but save some time to be alone. Peace and hope come to those who wait for them - and joy overtakes the grateful one. Even to withdraw for ten minutes breaks into the emotions to smooth away sharpness. Be a good friend to yourself and the sweetness of it will draw others like nectar lures the honeybee. Open your spiritual eyes and see that you are never alone. ~ Do not take up the warpath without a just cause and honest purpose. ~ PUSHMATAHA - CHOCTAW LEADER "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - February 22 "In the Indian way, we are connected to that flower if we understand its spirit, the essence of its life." --Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA Everything on our Earth is alive. Every rock, every plant, every animal, every tree, every bird, every thought is alive. This is true because everything is made by the Great Spirit and the Great Spirit is alive. We need to slow our lives down each day and realize, consciously, that this is true. First we need to realize it, second, we need to acknowledge it, third, we need to appreciate it and, finally, we need to go on. Great Spirit, let me see life through Your eyes. Today let me be alive. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* THINK on THESE THINGS By Joyce Sequichie Hifler We often wonder why we must come in contact with some phases of life that seem so unrelated to how we think and plan. It seems we should be able to proceed without stopping all along the way to contend with things that really have little kinship to what we're trying to do. But no matter how we question and analyze, situations and events continue to present themselves for solving. It takes a great deal of wisdom to know the difference between that which we must do and that which we must refuse serious consideration. This very thin line is the deciding factor in the victory or defeat of any plan. Like a well-written story, sometimes the smallest incident hidden among our experiences can play a very big part at some later time. It is difficult to know just which parts of the puzzle will fall into place to complete a picture we seek. We must take one step at a time, being sensibly aware of the thoughts we store in our minds. For "as a man thinketh in his heart, so he is." As long as we dwell on all the unnecessary activities we will never have time for the important things. If we seek the wisdom of the one Creative Mind we have much less chance of being led astray by the glitter of unimportant things. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* God's Minute BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE, DO NOT FEAR OR BE AFRAID OF THEM; FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD, HE IS THE ONE WHO GOES WITH YOU. HE WILL NOT LEAVE OR FORSAKE YOU. ( DEUTERONOMY 31:6 *NJKV ) Dear Member's, Those words were spoken by Moses to all the children of Israel. The Prophet David wrote, IN GOD I HAVE PUT MY TRUST; I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT CAN MAN DO TO ME?" ( PSALM 56:11 ) Our Savior Jesus Christ said, AND LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN TO THE END OF THE AGE. ( MATTHEW 28:20 ) Those words are as true today as when they were spoken by Jesus, David and Moses! For our Heavenly Father is always with us, helping, guiding and protecting us as we walk the pathway of this life. With help like that why be fearful of the future or anything else? Therefore as a child of God do not fear another person, place or thing! After all what is fear but the opposite of faith! So put all of your faith in God and you will be able to say, "I SOUGHT THE LORD, AND HE HEARD ME, AND DELIVERED ME FROM MY FEARS." Amen. ( PSALM 34:4 ) Have a Wonderful day Member's, and may God Bless You! With My Love & Prayers, your servant , Pastor Cougarmoon

King Soloman said that where the tree falls, there it lies. It is done, and we will not raise it up again. But it is what we do from this point forward that makes the difference. Something that seemed so sure turns questionable, and something for which we had little hope sudden;y works out. Regardless of how things appear, they can be totally different - and it is what we do from now on that will make or break us. Moving on does not mean we do not care, it means we will not let it keep us from living fully. ~ Tribe follows tribe, and nation follows nation, like the waves of the sea. It is the order of nature, and regret is useless. ~ SEATTLE - SUQUAMISH "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - February 21 "Every thing or living being that exists in this world, be it trees, flowers, birds, grasses, rocks, soil of the earth, or human beings, has its unique manner of existence --its essence, its spirit that makes it what it is. That is what is meant by connectedness." --Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA Scientists are finally realizing what the Elders have taught for thousands of years-every- thing is connected. Because everything is interconnected, whatever you do to any one thing, you do to everything. If you poison any part of the earth, the poison eventually affects everything else. If you poison the plants, the birds will eat the plants, which poisons the birds. The birds are eaten by humans which poisons the humans. The humans will have babies who could be deformed because the plants were poisoned. We must learn to live in harmony with the earth. We must learn to think good things. Every good thought is felt by everything, which causes everything to be happy. Creator, let my thoughts only be good thoughts. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* THINK on THESE THINGS By Joyce Sequichie Hifler At night sometimes the world seems so topsy-turvy and you're so weary of doing things the same old way. Then nothing seems to please.... You try desperately for something new and different, something that doesn't seem so much like you. Why? Tonight you are different. One cannot expect the world to be top side up all the time. Such perfection does not come so easily to human nature. And always there is a search for something new and different. A change of pace... That thought that I don't want to be me today, to think my thoughts and do my daily chores. I want to make a complete change now, to know a whole new way of life. And it is good to leave behind many daily situations that sometimes stand too closely to be seen clearly, but to be wise enough to know which things should be left behind. There have been clean sweeps that have left behind the dearest things.... And have taken along the same dreary, dark unhappy things of the mind that should have been left behind. A line from the prayer of serenity is "The wisdom to know the difference..." And wisdom, says Samuel Taylor Coleridge, is common sense in an uncommon degree. If one has the wisdom to wait a bit, wait until morning - or several mornings - that uncommon degree of common sense will give us the wisdom to know the difference.

A Cherokee Feast of Days by Joyce Sequichie Hifler A young Indian boy named Slow was so brave in battle when he was fourteen that he was renamed Sitting Bull. He had a great love for birds and imitated their songs - finally writing songs of his own and chanting them. How many of us have been called slow? If not in one category, then in another. The change comes when we study something we love, doing what comes so naturally that we succeed in an area that was totally unexpected. Never underestimate the power of small beginnings. Sufficiency in all things more often than not begins in small ways. Little ideas and tiny steps evolve into greater accomplishment. Someone said it takes twenty years to become an overnight success, but it only takes seconds to recognize the beginning of one. ~ Let us look forward to the pleasing landscape of the future. ~ CHIEF ROSS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elder's Meditation of the Day - February 21 "Every thing or living being that exists in this world, be it trees, flowers, birds, grasses, rocks, soil of the earth, or human beings, has its unique manner of existence --its essence, its spirit that makes it what it is. That is what is meant by connectedness. " --Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA Scientists are finally realizing what the Elders have taught for thousands of years-every- thing is connected. Because everything is interconnected, whatever you do to any one thing, you do to everything. If you poison any part of the earth, the poison eventually affects everything else. If you poison the plants, the birds will eat the plants, which poisons the birds. The birds are eaten by humans which poisons the humans. The humans will have babies who could be deformed because the plants were poisoned. We must learn to live in harmony with the earth. We must learn to think good things. Every good thought is felt by everything, which causes everything to be happy. Creator, let my thoughts only be good thoughts. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THINK on THESE THINGS by Joyce Sequichie Hifler At night sometimes the world seems so topsy-turvy and you're so weary of doing things the same old way. Then nothing seems to please.... You try desperately for something new and different, something that doesn't seem so much like you. Why? Tonight you are different. One cannot expect the world to be top side up all the time. Such perfection does not come so easily to human nature. And always there is a search for something new and different. A change of pace... that thought that I don't want to be me today, to think my thoughts and do my daily chores. I want to make a complete change now, to know a whole new way of life. And it is good to leave behind many daily situations that sometimes stand too closely to be seen clearly, but to be wise enough to know which things should be left behind. There have been clean sweeps that have left behind the dearest things.... and have taken along the same dreary, dark unhappy things of the mind that should have been left behind. A line from the prayer of serenity is "The wisdom to know the difference.. ." And wisdom, says Samuel Taylor Coleridge, is common sense in an uncommon degree. If one has the wisdom to wait a bit, wait until morning - or several mornings - that uncommon degree of common sense will give us the wisdom to know the difference. God's Minute FOR I AM PERSUADED THAT NEITHER DEATH NOR LIFE, NOR ANGELS NOR PRINCIPALITIES NOR POWERS, NOR THINGS PRESENT NOR THINGS TO COME, NOR HEIGHT NOR DEPTH, NOR ANY OTHER CREATURE, SHALL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD. (ROMANS 8:38-39 *NKJV) Dear Member's, God fills us with His love, and He wants us to share that great love with others. So, BELOVED, LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER: FOR LOVE IS OF GOD; AND EVERYONE WHO LOVES IS BORN OF GOD AND KNOWS GOD. HE WHO DOES NOT LOVE DOES NOT KNOW GOD, FOR GOD IS LOVE. ( 1 JOHN 4:7-8 ) So why not show your love for others each and every day. After all, it's written: YOU SHALL NOT TAKE VENGEANCE, NOR BEAR ANY GRUDGE AGAINST THE CHILDREN OF YOUR PEOPLE, BUT YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF: I AM THE LORD. ( LEVITICUS 19:18 ) Now you can do that by being a good friend, and lending a hand when someone is in need. It is also as simple as smiling and saying hello to every one you meet, and asking them how their day is going. Therefore let your love light shine brightly. Yes indeed, LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN. ( MATTHEW 5:16 ) Most important of all, remember what Jesus said, YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH. 'THIS IS THE FIRST COMMANDMENT.' AND THE SECOND, LIKE IT, IS THIS: 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' THERE IS NO COMMANDMENT GREATER THAN THESE. For then when you do, God will fill you with the same amount of His Love in return! Aho, Amen, e-men ( MARK 12:30-31 ) Have a Wonderful Day Member's, and please don't wait until Next St.Valentine's Day to show your love for others! ( Just Kidding ) With My Love & Prayers, your servant , Pastor Cougarmoon

MITAKUYE OYASIN (All My Relations.) Keyword----Respect. Tradition and Teaching. Mitakuye Oyasin is a prayer recognising the oneness of all creation and our relationship with all two-legged, four legged, livers in the waters, winged ones, creepy crawlers, stone and rock people, standing people, plant and herb people. In fact all our relations that live with us, and have lived on Maka (Mother Earth). As we enter the Sweat Lodge in a bowed position we say the prayer “Mitakuye Oyasin” giving honour and respect and inviting “All our Relations” to join with us in prayer within the womb of the Inipi. Message from “All our Relations” Bring to your mind and actions that which is known and felt in your heart. Bring to your lips that which sings to you within. Bring to your hands that which touches your soul within. Bring to your feet the dance that moves within. Bring to your eyes the fire and vision that sees within. Allow the inner world to manifest in your life. This is the message of Mitakuye Oyasin. Guidance and Reflection. Honour all forms of life, and the oneness of all creation. Begin by respecting your needs, your emotions, thoughts, and ideas. Then invite all your brothers and sisters into the great Circle of Life. Showing respect for all forms of life means honouring our own unique individuality and potential, without forgetting our unity with the Whole. We are created from the same source and share the earth together as a family. Through honour, humility and respect we live in mutual harmony. Give honour and regard to each and everyone’s growth and individual life cycle. Respect everyone’s time to receive and give. Their times of sacrifice to help sustain the lives of others. When we burn sacred herbs, the prayer plumes rise as we give thanks to all our relations for the sacrifices they make for the good of all. When any creature eats to sustain its life, it is able to do so through the sacrifice of another’s life. When we drop our robes, we nourish the earth, providing new life and growth for those that come after us. AFFIRMATION. I will seek and find my kinship with all life. I give honour and respect by “Treading Softly on our Earth Mother”. February 19 - Daily Feast Though opportunity sometimes has flashing lights and ringing bells, wisdom comes on soft shoes. Opportunity is no good without wisdom. It sees the chance to do something but wisdom knows why and when and how. Personality and the opportunity to perform is a part of every venture. But it takes more than a sparkling show window full of inviting merchandise. It takes staying power and quiet wisdom - and the ability to blend the two. ~ There need be no trouble. Treat all men alike.... Give them the same law.... Give them an even chance. ~ CHIEF JOSEPH - NEZ PERCE, 1879 "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - February 19 The Old Man said, `you are both ugly and handsome and you must accept your ugliness as well as your handsomeness in order to really accept yourself." --Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA My Grandfather told me one time that any person who is judgmental to another is also judgmental to themselves. If we want to be free of being judgmental, we need to first work on how judgmental we are to ourselves. If we quit judging ourselves and start accepting ourselves as we are, we will start accepting others as they are. Then we will experience a level of new freedom. Great Spirit, let me accept myself as I am, honoring both my strengths and my weaknesses. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* THINK on THESE THINGS By Joyce Sequichie Hifler It has been written that an optimist is someone who can fall ten stories and call out to each floor in passing that everything is okay so far. It has also been said that an optimist is someone who refuses to see things as they really are. It is far better, the pessimist believes, to look for the worst so as to be pleasantly surprised when things are better than expected. Then, if they are as bad as imagined, the disappointment won't be quite so great. But this is somewhat like backing into a room so to avoid seeing the beauty of it, only to find it is an elevator shaft. There can be no advancement where we expect the worst and believe that going outside the limits of ordinary thinking is only day dreaming. Thinkers, capable of forecasting and predicting answers before the questions arise, are in great demand. Only the optimist can fill the bill. Only the optimist can dare to believe there are things waiting for discovery and further development. An optimist questions life the same as a pessimist - the difference is that the optimist knows there is an answer and that the answer can be found. Optimists are aware that the cherries of life have pits, but they are prepared to remove them. Their minds do not dwell on the pits, but on the sweetness of the cherries. There will be situations that will make us afraid. Fear is a common sense emotion that keeps us from walking in front of a moving car or from jumping off the deep end of anything. And there are periods of natural anxiety when we want too much to perform well, and the butterflies begin to flutter. Then, there is another kind of fear that is unnatural. It has the ability to posses us and rule over our very lives. It is that "what if" fear that builds nests in our minds and hatches dire images that scare the daylights out of us. It can keep the lights off, the doors bolted, and the windows of our souls locked against the most beautiful things in life. It is no disgrace in this day to ask for professional help in understanding our fears. Only the very foolish would consider this help a crutch. It is a brave person who admits the need for help and has the courage to go and find it. They are the pioneers in recognizing our existence as threefold: spirit, mind, and body. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* God's Minute PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD, THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO STAND AGAINST THE WILES OF THE DEVIL. ( EPHESIANS 6:11 *NKJV ) Dear Member's, God tells us to put on the Gospel Armor to protect us from satan's evil tricks and temptations as well. This is BECAUSE YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL WALKS ABOUT LIKE A ROARING LION, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR. ( 1 PETER 5:8 ) Therefore God also tells us what the Gospel Armor is, for He said: STAND THEREFORE, HAVING GIRDED YOUR WAIST WITH TRUTH, HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HAVING SHOD YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; ABOVE ALL, TAKING THE SHIELD OF FAITH WITH WHICH YOU WILL BE ABLE TO QUENCH ALL THE FIERY DARTS OF THE WICKED ONE. AND TAKE THE HELMET OF SALVATION, AND THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD. ( EPHESIANS 6:14-17 ) Now that you know what the "Gospel Armor" is, wear it with pride. It is perfect for every occasion from a black tie affair, to mowing the lawn! Best of all it never goes out of style and one size fits all! So Member's, think of it like the American Express Card, "Don't leave home without it!" For wearing that armor will help you to RESIST THE DEVIL AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU. Aho , Amen , e-men . ( JAMES 4:7 ) With My Love & Prayers, your servant , Pastor cougarmoon

Appropriate Methods When Teaching About Native American Peoples: Understand the term "Native American" includes all peoples indigenous to the Western Hemisphere. Present Native American Peoples as appropriate role models to children. Native American students should not be singled out and asked to describe their families' traditions or their peoples' culture(s). Avoid the assumption there are no Native American students in your class. Use books and materials which are written and illustrated by Native American people as primary source materials: speeches, songs, poems, and writings, which show the linguistic skill of a people who have come from an oral tradition. When teaching ABC's, avoid "I is for Indian" and "E is for Eskimo." Avoid rhymes or songs that use Native Americans as counting devices, i.e. "One little, two little, three little..." Research the traditions and histories, oral and written, of Native Americans before attempting to teach these. Avoid referring to or using materials which depict Native Americans as "savages," "primitives," "The Noble Savage," "Red Man," "Red Race," "simple," or "extinct." Present Native American Peoples as having unique, separate, and distinct cultures, languages, beliefs, traditions, and customs. Avoid materials which use non-Native Americans or other characters dressed as "Indians." Avoid craft activities that trivialize Native American dress, dance, and beliefs, i.e. toilet-paper roll kachinas or "Indian dolls," paper bag and construction paper costumes and headdresses. Research authentic methods and have the proper materials. Realize that many songs, dances, legends, and ceremonies of Native American Peoples are considered sacred and should not be "invented" or portrayed as an activity. If your educational institution employs images or references to Native American peoples as mascots, i.e. "Redskins," "Indians," "Chiefs," "Braves," etc., urge your administration to abandon these offensive names. Correct and guide children when they "war whoop," use "jaw-breaker" jargon, or employ any other stereotypical mannerisms. Depict Native American peoples, past and present, as heroes who are defending their people, rights, and lands. Avoid manipulative phases and wording such as "massacre," "victory," and "conquest" which distort facts and history. Teach Native American history as a regular part of American History and discuss what went wrong or right. Avoid materials and texts which illustrate Native American heroes as only those who helped Europeans and Euro-Americans, i.e. Thanksgiving. Use materials and texts which outline the continuity of Native American societies from past to present. Use materials which show respect and understanding of the sophistication and complexities of Native American societies. Understand and impart that the spiritual beliefs of Native American Peoples are integral to the structure of our societies and are not "superstitions" or "heathen." Invite a Native American guest speaker/presenter to your class or for a school assembly. Contact a local Native American organization or your library for a list of these resources. Offer an honorarium or gift to those who visit your school. Avoid the assumption that a Native American person knows everything about all Native Americans. Use materials which show the value Native American Peoples place on our elders, children, and women. Avoid offensive terms such as "papoose," and "squaw." Use respectful language. Understand that not all Native American Peoples have "Indian" surnames, but familiar European and Hispanic names as well. Help children understand Native American Peoples have a wide variety of physical features, attributes, and value as do people of ALL cultures and races. Most of all, teach children about Native Americans in a manner that you would like used to depict YOUR culture and racial/ethnic origin.

February 17 - Daily Feast Listen for wisdom and instruction. If you do not, it will pass by the way a deer moves soundlessly over the woodland path. Listen for the inner voice that will never be the source of anything wrong. Listen to how you use your own words. Words are seeds that plant a living garden or they are seeds that sprout weeds that are invasive. Stop being down on yourself. No human being is perfect - least of all those who believe they are. Give yourself credit for what you have done right, and, even though that may seem like a miracle, you can do it again. ~ He [the president] can sit in his town and drink his wine, while you [Governor Harrison] and I will fight it out. ~ TECUMSEH - SHAWNEE "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - February 17 "Silence and self-control permeate the entirety of our lives." --Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA The Creator gave us all the Red Road and on this Red Road we are required to think and act in a spiritual way. To make sure I conduct myself according to the Red Road, I must make sure I develop my self discipline. Self control works best when we pray for the courage and power t do the will of the Great Spirit. We are here on the earth to do the will of the Great Spirit. Sometimes, we must battle ourselves to do this. Great Spirit, help me to have my self-control guided by spiritual ways. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* THINK on THESE THINGS By Joyce Sequichie Hifler Life equips us in many ways for very special purposes. Some never catch the high vision as to why they may be the objects of ridicule or the witness of cruelty - while others bear the brunt of many heartaches and still are capable of knowing compassion for those who cause it. Jesus was such a man - He withstood more than we are able to comprehend, but He asked that His tormentors be forgiven for they knew not what they were doing. It is our individual decision whether we choose to be one of the throng of agitators who see only to confirm what everyone else is doing, or we can catch the vision of greater things and walk firmly in paths we believe are right. To fall into the roll of just another face in the crowd is an ill-chosen path, but to lead others to follow is the essence of parasitism - the need to have others be just as nameless and even more dependent. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* GRANDFATHER'S PRAYER FOR TODAY. My Prayer to you today my Creator is that you help us all seek Peace and Justice in all our endeavours. Nothing will work without Peace, Peace only comes through work, Work for peace and nothing becomes everything, Never think that thoughts of peace are soft. Thoughts of peace show an inner strength. May thoughts of peace be your guiding light. Peace comes from a sense of Justice for all. All require peace but many are unable to know it. Knowing comes from being at peace. Peace is gentle, it is kind, It is not just a state of mind. Peace is not just an idle whim. To be at peace one must go within, To find the gentle waters that ebb and flow, To find the warmth of your inner glow. Thoughts of peace journey far, They are felt beyond the farthest star. They are felt by the grandfathers’ Who sit in circle in their sacred robes. Around the ancient campfires is their abode! They join with you and dance the dance, And pray that we all “Give Peace a Chance” GRANDFATHER PETER DA NAHO AWEO God's Minute Jesus Christ said; "LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, DO GOOD TO THOSE WHO HATE YOU, BLESS THOSE WHO CURSE YOU, PRAY FOR THOSE WHO MISTREAT YOU." ( Luke 6:27-28 *NIV ) Dear Member's, As you know it is written: LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. ( MATTHEW 19:19 & LEVITICUS 19:18.) So today I would like to share with you a message that was sent to me by one of our Member's. May it minister to you as it has to me. It is titled..... The Dart Test... A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in a seminary class, given by her teacher, Dr Smith. She says that Dr Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons. Now one particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of some- one that they disliked, or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture. Sally's friend drew a picture of who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. Sally was very pleased with the overall effect she had achieved. The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target. Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall. Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. Needless to say a hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced. It was then that Dr. Smith said only these words... "I TELL YOU THE TRUTH, WHATEVER YOU DID FOR ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE BROTHERS OF MINE, YOU DID TO ME." ( MATTHEW 25:40. ) No other words were necessary; as tears filled eyes of the students, as they focused only on the mangled picture of Jesus Christ. ____________________________ With My Love & Prayers, your servant , Pastor Cougarmoon

February 18 - Daily Feast Walk away for a minute. Stop, listening to the hard luck stories, because as concerned as you are, it is no good if you sink out of sight. Rest. Let it all go, because mind, body, and spirit all need a quiet place. If the Spirit is in the right place, the body can rest more deeply. Taking care is a personal responsibility. No one else is going to do it for you - because no one can. If there is anything good to think about, if there is anything to dwell on that is joyful, then think on these things. Give it time and see it work. ~ We meet as brothers that have been away from each other many years. ~ TIN-RIN-MEET-SA, UMATILLA CHIEF "A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II" by Joyce Sequichie Hifler *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Elder's Meditation of the Day - February 18 "Laughter is a necessity in life that does not cost much, and the Old Ones say that one of the greatest healing powers in our life is the ability to laugh." --Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA Laughter is a good stress eliminator. Laughter causes healing powers to be distributed through our bodies. Laughter helps heal relationships that are having problems. Laughter can change other people. Laughter can heal the sick. Laughter is spiritual. One of the greatest gifts among Indian people has been our ability to laugh. Humor is natural to Indian people. Sometimes the only thing left to do is laugh. Great Spirit, allow me to laugh when times get tough. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* THINK on THESE THINGS By Joyce Sequichie Hifler "There is no royal road to anything - One thing at a time, and all things in succession. That which grows slowly endures." J.G. Holland The first lesson we have to learn is that instant success in anything is a fantasy. The overnight success stories we hear about are really products of much preparation. If we could view a life laid out before us, we could see it is much like a hand sewn quilt, built of many tiny pieces, colors of every hue, fabric of every kind, and patiently joined together by tiny stitches to give many years of service. Maybe we missed a stitch someplace and it caused a weak place, but the strength of many other stitches will carry it through. Finally a complete quilt has been created and it is strong and lasting. When we truly want to move ahead we build our lives a quilt block at a time, patiently adding to another part of life until we have the strength and courage to endure. Take on step at a time, but take it positively forward! The patience will be rewarded. To have a dream come true we must first have a dream. Don't look back. The past is gone, but the future is still in our hands. *<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>* Great Spirit Prayer "Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the wind, Whose breath gives life to all the world. Hear me; I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. Help me to remain calm and strong in the face of all that comes towards me. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. Help me seek pure thoughts and act with the intention of helping others. Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelming me. I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy Myself. Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame. Aho , Amen , e-men . Great Spirit, God, Creator of All Great Spirit, God, Creator of All I welcome You into my heart, mind, body and soul There is always room for You here. Grant me the wisdom to heed my inner voice And the strength to stay grounded while I sing my sacred song. Guide me down my chosen path and give me the courage to pursue what is available to me. I am thankful for the lessons and grateful for my struggles; I have not forgotten what has brought me to where I am today. Open my heart to the healing wholeness of nature; We are all related, and through this I will find serenity. Great Spirit, God, Creator of All Cleanse my spirit and wash my soul. There is always room for You here. Aho , Amen , e-men . God's Minute THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN JEW AND GENTILE--THE SAME LORD IS LORD OF ALL AND RICHLY BLESSES ALL WHO CALL ON HIM. ( ROMANS 10:12 *NIV ) Dear Member's, When we are feeling low and depressed there is no better way to cheer ourselves up, than to count our many blessings. After all, KNOW THEREFORE THAT THE LORD YOUR GOD IS GOD; HE IS THE FAITHFUL GOD, KEEPING HIS COVENANT OF LOVE TO A THOUSAND GENERATIONS OF THOSE WHO LOVE HIM AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. ( DEUTERONOMY 7:9 ) Therefore, HE WILL LOVE YOU AND BLESS YOU! ( DEUTERONOMY 7:13 ) So Member's, when you find yourself feeling blue, always concentrate on your blessings and you will find yourself thinking, "Your Blessings Are So Many, Lord," and that will chase those blues away! For indeed..... Your Blessings Are So Many, Lord, To count them one-by-one Would take much longer than the day That has just now begun! You fill each day with miracles From dawn to setting sun. Each night you hear a million prayers When day's work is done. You keep the old World spinning As seasons come and go, And each one is a masterpiece That sets our hearts aglow. You fill the Earth with beauty, Lord, With flowers, shrubs and trees, And butterflies and bees. Your Words still give us comfort For Your promises are true. Your blessings are so many, Lord, In everything we do! Have a wonderful Sunday Member's, and may GOD'S Grace shine down on you! Aho , Amen , e-men . With My Love & Prayers, your servant , Pastor Cougarmoon