THE FIRST 100 THINGS TO DISAPPEAR

Why prepare? One only has to listen to the news or read the news to realize that we are
in for some volatile times. It may not be a war or terrorism. Instead, it could come from Earth Changes. Humankind has taken much from the earth and there is the possibly that She is going to let us know how it feels. All over the world, there is an increase in the number of earthquakes, hurricaine force, tornados, typhoons, floods along with changes in the weather.
There could also be acts of terrorism on this soil in the U.S.

This list came to me over 10 years ago on a legal size sheet of paper. I re-typed it and sent it out to friends and family via email. Now this list has been returned to me by a correspondent from a United Kingdom blog! When disaster hits, it is well to be prepared and not to depend on being able to go to the grocery store every day. Think of what happened to New Orleans and the people who have had floods, tornados and hurricaines, and tsunmis.


In addition to the 100 things, one might consider having copies of drivers licenses, marriage licenses, social security cards, insurance papers, photos of loved ones and anything else treasured placed in a safe place.

1.Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy-target of thieves; maintenance etc.)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6-12 months to become dried, for
home uses.
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce,
stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice - Beans - Wheat
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food bums/must be boiled etc.,)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR
PLASTIC ONLY - note - food grade if for drinking.
14. Short wave radio - portable.
15. Sleeping bags/blankets
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.
17. Survival Guide Book.
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term
lighting is difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula, ointments/aspirin, ect.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cook stoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
22. Vitamins
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous
without this item)
24. Feminine Hygiene/Hair care/Skin products.
25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets. Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels
31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman's Pump Repair Kit
35. Salmon
36. Fire Extinguishers (or.-large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes...buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches. {"Strike Anywhere" preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go
first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in
Wintertime.)
45. Work boots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, "No. 76 Dietz" Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)
48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with
wheels)
49. Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail
clippers, etc
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes or a tent
55. Candles
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffle Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, ect.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles...Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Ram gear, rubberized boots, etc.
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soy sauce, vinegar, boullions/gravy/soupbase
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. "Survival-in-a-Can"
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels. Trail mix/Jerky83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable mattresses
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Juices
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, ect,)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, ect.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Goats/chickens
******
From a Sarajevo War Survivor:
Experiencing horrible things that can happen in a war - death of parents and
friends, hunger and malnutrition, endless freezing cold, fear, sniper
attacks.
1. Stockpiling helps, but you never no how long trouble will last, so
locate near renewable food sources.
2. Living near a well with a manual pump is like being in Eden.
3. After awhile, even gold can lose its luster. But there is no luxury in
war quite like toilet paper. Its surplus value is greater than gold's.
4. If you had to go without one utility, lose electricity - it's the
easiest to do without (unless you're in a very nice climate with no need for
heat.)
5. Canned foods are awesome, especially if their contents are tasty without
heating. One of the best things to stockpile is canned gravy - it makes a
lot of the dry unappetizing things you find to eat in war somewhat edible.
Only needs enough heat to "warm", not to cook. It's cheap too, especially
if you buy it in bulk.
6. Bring some books - escapist ones like romance or mysteries become more
valuable as the war continues. Sure, it's great to have a lot of survival
guides, but you'll figure most of that out on your own anyway - trust me,
you'll have a lot of time on your hands.
7. The feeling that you're human can fade pretty fast. I can't tell you
how many people I knew who would have traded a much needed meal for just a
little bit of toothpaste, rouge, soap or cologne. Not much point in
fighting if you have to lose your humanity. These things are
morale-builders like nothing else.
8. Slow burning candles and matches, matches, matches.

The Forgotten Symbol Omitted from The Lost Symbol

The Forgotten Symbol Dan Brown Omitted From The Lost Symbol

In reading Dan brown's latest book, The Lost Symbol, I was delighted and I applaud him for his magnificent research along with his knowledge of symbols and ciphers. His book is one to read if one wants to understand the symbolism of the Freemasons and their effect on our nations' capitol. Several years ago I traveled to Washington D.C. and visited the Capitol. I have been a student of symbols for many years, and it was each to the Masonic symbolism there. I often wonder how many people really understand these great symbols which hold messages for all to see and to realize what their meaning are.

There is an unobvious obvious that Dan Brown did not touch on in his latest book, but then he was developing his plot based on Freemason symbols and these are really universal symbols. Our senators, representatives and the many tourists who visit the Capitol have almost overlooked the Feminine Principle so blatantly obvious for those who recognize the unobvious obvious.

I had not visited the Capitol in over forty years. When I first arrived, my eyes were drawn to the 19-1/2 foot bronze statue crowning the dome. This statue is a female and her original and formal name is Freedom Triumphant in War and Peace. Beginning at her head, she wears a helmet with a circle of stars topped with a crest of an eagle's head, talons and feathers. She is clothed in a long full robe with creases. Her right hand rests on a sheathed sword while the left holds a laurel wreath representing victory and a shield of thirteen stripes representing the original thirteen states. This statue is standing on a globe with e Pluribus Unum atop a pedestal with fasces, which are rods with an axe blade as a symbol of ancient Roman magistrate's authority. She was erected on top of the Capitol dome on December 2, 1863.

There she stands in all her glory – a female figure. Who said this was a male country? Ah, there is even more. When entering the east central entrance to the Capitol, one can look up and see the pediment over the entryway titled, "Genius of America" with three female figures representing Justice, America and Hope. President John Quincy Adams wanted these figures to "represent the American Union founded on the Declaration of Independence and consummated by the organization of the general government under the Federal Constitution, supported by Justice in the past, and relying upon Hope in Providence for the future." I find it amazing that there are three feminine figures representing 'Genius in America.'

The pediment above the House entrance wing is the "Apotheosis of Democracy." The central figure is a female representing Peace. Peace has her right arm stretched out over a youthful winged figure named Genius who holds a torch signifying immortality. The wings signify knowledge and wisdom. Flanking the sides of her are figures representing Industry and the other Agriculture representing two sources of wealth. The pediment has ocean waves on each end standing for the Atlantic and the Pacific. Apotheosis is an interesting word meaning "exaltation to divine rank, stature or deification. Again, we have the feminine principle as the center figure.

The entrance to the Senate side of the Capitol also has a pediment, "Progress of America" with the central figure a woman named America. She has an eagle at her side, a laurel wreath in her right hand and the sun at her back. The feminine principle once more.

In walking into the Rotunda, my eyes were drawn to the domed ceiling. These paintings by Brunei with the central one titled Apotheosis of Washington. We see George Washington rising to the Heavens surrounded by female figures representing Liberty, Victory and Fame. Once more, we have the word 'apotheosis' meaning deification. On the perimeter of George rising to heaven are six other frescoes. One is dedicated to Science and portrays the goddess Minerva/Athena teaching Benjamin Franklin, Robert Fulton and F.B. More while she is pointing to an electric generator creating energy in stored batteries.

The fresco of "War" is "Armored Freedom" with her sword raised and cape flying, with a helmet and shield reminiscent of those on the Statue of Freedom. She tramples Tyranny and Kingly Power and a fierce eagle carrying arrows and a thunderbolt assists her. Armored Freedom is a woman. All of these frescos were painting by Constantino Brumidi in 1865.
Moving on to the other frescoes, we have "Marine" showing Neptune, god of the seas in a boat with the Goddess of Love, Venus laying a transatlantic cable. The frescoes of "Commerce" and "Mechanics" portray men while the one named "Agriculture" has the goddess Ceres sitting on a McCormick reaper. Only when we unify the female-male principles in balance will we have peace and true justice.

If our history books are correct, the men who have governed this great nation have been blind to the feminine principle, and they have denied women the right to vote until 1920. The Equal Rights Amendment only needs three more states to ratify it and I find it pitiful that women have to get their rights law-by-law. Our feminine principle dominates the early art of the Capitol. She graces the top of the Capitol through heat, rain, sleet, snow and watches over those who govern us. It is time for revelation and acceptance of the feminine principle.

Dan Brown's book, The Lost Symbol is excellent because it has brought the Freemasons into a true perspective of what the organization is truly about. There have been women Freemasons in history; however, this is an obscure attribute. Perhaps with the revelations of Brown's book, it may be open to women once more.

For more representations of the feminine principle, one only has to see the statue of Abraham Lincoln in the Capitol Rotunda. The sculptor was a female, Vinnie Ream, the first woman artist commissioned by the U.S. Congress in 1866 to create a memorial to President Abraham Lincoln. She was eighteen years old.

How can the United States fulfill its destiny when women do not have full equal rights? How can this be the 'land of the free and the home of the brave' when women do not have full freedom and the ugly heads of bigotry and prejudice suppress freedom for all? It is time for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and equal opportunity for everyone. The forgotten symbol in our U.S. Capitol is the Feminine Principle.

Where Is My Pot of Gold?

There is an ancient saying that at the end of every rainbow there is a pot of gold. Most people think it means money – wealth. It is this and more. It is said that the rainbow is a sign of God. This is not a treatise on religion, but more of sharing realizations from knowledge and experiences.

There is also a well-known statement: change your attitude and change your life. What does this have to do with a pot of gold? Everything. There are those who read all the self-help books and I have been one of those, and there are also those who seek the pot of gold by believing it means great financial wealth. It could also be that. Many become disillusioned because the use of affirmations and positive thinking has not brought them the financial rewards they thought they would get.

Getting to the root of the lack of not getting is very much like peeling away the layers of an onion. This is what I have discovered. I have realized that in order to change an attitude, the belief must be addressed and changed. How does one do it when our beliefs hold the emotions of guilt, fear, anger, resentments, regret and doubt?

We have a brain that is unprogrammed when we are born. Parents begin the programming by instilling in the baby their belief systems and dogmas. Added to this is input and influences by other members of the family, peers, religion, school, the media and government. Have you ever wondered why you might have an unhappy relationship with your mother or your father? Perhaps you had problems at school. There is a deep-rooted guilt covered up by many attitudes with the primary one being that you don’t measure up to someone else’s expectations and therefore you feel unworthiness. Could it be that why you didn’t measure up is because you also brought with you into this lifetime an innate knowingness of something else?

There are four beliefs that contribute to lack and they are guilt, regret, fear and doubt. We can use all the affirmations we want but first we begin by changing our beliefs, which are followed by a change in attitudes. Have you ever had a yearning inside that you wanted something different? I have and I wasn’t sure of what it was going to be. I only knew I was dissatisfied with my life. I was in a marriage that was dull and boring. A friend loaned me a book and the book had a message for me. I was searching for intimacy from a relationship. When I attempted to share this with my husband, he looked at me and asked if I wanted a divorce. I said yes, and the horse was out of the barn. I have never looked back with regret.

What has followed has been a journey of discovery - a discovery about me and who I am. I have searched high and low for the pot of gold. First I had to shed some old beliefs. I had never been a religious person, but after my divorce I sought a spiritual aspect of my life and became a minister of Divine Science. It was there that I met my late husband and he gave me the intimacy I had been seeking. Once I attained that, I began searching for something more. I realized during the short time I was a minister that religion promotes hypocrisy and I retired. I knew I did not want to be a hypocrite and that if I was going to talk the talk that I had to learn to walk the walk. My attitudes began to change because I began addressing beliefs.

When a new idea or new information was presented to me, instead of discarding it I began telling myself that it was a possibility. The more I told myself this, the more old beliefs fell by the wayside and my attitudes changed. This led me to the teacher, Ramtha the Enlightened One. I have been a student at the Ramtha School of Enlightenment, an academy of the mind for over twenty years. One of the first things I learned was that adversity was the propellant for change. I also realized that too many people fall victim to adversity by failing to heed the opportunity for change. Richard Bach wrote in his book Illusions had this to say: "Every problem comes with a gift in its hands." I began to look for the gifts in all of my adversities.

I have learned to seek knowledge and not to accept Ramtha’s teachings blindly. I finally accepted within me that I was here to change and to experience the unknown. I have been encouraged to research and this I have done. I have expanded my knowledge base to include quantum physics, the biology of emotions, how the brain works, ancient history, religion and how it developed along with other subjects.

It has been an interesting odyssey from 1979 when I read a book that changed the course of my life. It has been a wonderful journey of self-discovery. What about the pot of gold? Having been taught about the light spectrum made up of the colors of the rainbow, it has taken me many years to finally get the message of the pot of gold. The pot of gold is the light spectrum filled with potentials and possibilities. It depends on what frequency we are in tune with.

The rainbow is God’s (or whatever name you choose to use) promise because just as the sun cannot be separated from its rays, neither can we be separated from the All-in-All, God, Isness, Creator or It. It is not outside of us as religions have taught. It is within each of us and we are here to experience our aspect of It. The reason we get so many versions is that each one of us is a unique aspect of God or It that is neither female nor male.

How do we change our beliefs? First we forgive our self of harboring guilt, regret, resentment, anger, fear and doubt. Now we can move into new attitudes and allow our pot of gold, which is our life to be filled with the manifestations of our dreams and our desires. We live on the plane of opposites. It is not possible for everything to always be positive. When we begin to change, I have learned that in the beginning it threatened my family who were use to the old me and friends began dropping away. The rewards for me have been attracting into my life new friends of like-mind and the fulfillment of dreams.

The pot of gold was a symbol created by wise beings from thousands of years ago as a sign or a symbol of our own divinity. We have all been part of the light spectrum and our dreams and desires come from those various frequencies. What we send out comes back to us according to the level of our acceptance. Each of us is our own pot of gold and those gold coins that are coming from the rainbow represent the fulfillment of our dreams, our desires and our experiences. Enjoy your own pot of gold. It is all within you. Change your beliefs and your change your mind.

LOST SYMBOLS

In reading Dan Brown's latest book, The Lost Symbol, I applaud him for his magnificent research and his knowledge of symbols and ciphers. His book is one to read if one wants to understand the symbolism of the Freemasons and their effect on our nation's capitol. Several years ago, I traveled to Washington D.C. and visited our nation's Capitol. Having been a student of symbols for many years, it was easy to see much of the Masonic symbolism in our capitol building plus more.

There is an unobvious obvious that Dan Brown did not touch on, but then he was developing his plot based on Masonic symbols, which are primarily universal symbols.

When I first arrived at the Capitol, I looked up and what I noted was a 19 1/2 foot bronze statue crowning the dome. This statue is a woman named the Statue of Freedom. Now, what is a woman doing gracing the top of the United States Capitol? The creator of this marvelous statue was a Thomas Crawford and it has graced the top of the Capitol since 1863 with the original and formal name of Freedom in War and Peace.

What astounded me as I walked around the Capitol Rotunda and over the entries into the Capitol was the unobvious obvious feminine principle depicted in the frescoes, pediments and sculptured statues.

For instance, when entering the entrance to the Capitol, there is a pediment over the entryway titled "Genius of America" representing Justice, USA and Hope, which are female figures. Together with Justice, USA and Hope there is a female figure named Peace protecting Genius represented by the goddess Minerva, also known as the goddess Athena. A Roman/Greek goddess in our U.S. Capitol Building? However, wait; this is not the only depiction of Minerva/Athena.

The pediment over the House wing is titled Apotheosis of Democracy. Interesting word - apotheosis. It's sub-title is Peace Protecting Genius and this is depicted by a female figure representing Peace. Peace points to a youthful winged figure named Genius holding a torch signifying immortality. The wings signify knowledge and wisdom. The pediment was done by Paul Wayland Bartlett (1865-1925). Again we have the feminine principle as the primary figure.

Entering the great Rotunda, one looks up and sees the Apotheosis of Washington representing George Washington rising to the Heavens surrounded by female figures representing Liberty, Victory and Fame. According to the dictionary I used, apotheosis means deification or godlike. On the perimeter of this marvelous fresco are six other frescoes. One is dedicated to Science and portrays Minerva/Athena teaching Benjamin Franklin, Robert Fulton and Samuel F.B. More while she is pointing to an electric generator creating energy in stored batteries.

Another fresco is titled War and the female America stands in a chariot while holding a sword aloft with a eagle by the chariot. Moving on to another fresco, we have Marine showing Neptune, god of the seas in a boat with the goddess of love, Venus laying a transatlantic cable. I find this very interesting to contemplate. The frescoes of Commerce and Mechanics portray men while the one named Agriculture has the goddess Ceres sitting on a McCormick reaper.

The feminine principle, which has been almost ignored for eons, is well and alive in our U.S. Capitol. However, those who are our representatives appear to be oblivious to this. It is the unobvious obvious. Only when we unify the female-male principles in balance will we have peace, justice and true justice.

Unfortunately there are those who will read this book and reject its powerful message sprinkled throughout and these are the ones who have a narrow or closed mind. We are moving into a new age and the truth is being revealed, however the close minded people will be blinded and fearful of organizations such as the Ramtha School of Enlightenment that teaches students to expand their minds and to look within for their own salvation.

There is an old adage that says many eons ago four wise sages were creating the human form and one asked 'where will we put God?' One sage, let's put God in the ocean because the human will never look there. The other sages disagreed, saying "No, they will conquer the oceans." Another spoke up and said, "Let's put God in the sky" and again the other sages disagreed by saying, "No, the human will conquer the sky." A third sage spoke up and said, "Let's put God in deep in the Earth" and the others shook their heads no while saying "No, the human will conquer the Earth." A fourth sage smiled and said, "I know where to put God. Let's put God inside the human. They will never think of looking there." And so it has been.

Dan Brown's book The Lost Symbol is an excellent book that has brought the Masons into a true perspective of what the organization is truly about. I am delighted to have this understanding since my maternal grandfather was a Mason and my mother a member of the Eastern Star. Nevertheless, wouldn't it be even more wonderful if there were no separation of the male and female in the Masons? And wouldn't it be even greater if the word 'man' was not used as being the human form? Why not use the word 'human'? This includes both woman and man. It is something to think about.

MY BRAIN – A Praise Poem

This brain is my brain
It is big and roomy.
At times it seems filled with clutter
And then I sort of snort and mutter.
Time to expand.
Make room for more.
No – not clutter, but something unknown.
What will it be today?
A trip to the moon
Or singing an old tune.

My brain is a magic brain.
It can picture anything.
Its imagination brings forth treasures
Of the most marvelous pleasures.
My brain is always making word pictures
Stories that entertain uplift or inform.

My brain has hidden cubbyholes
That hide the past of things long gone
Then when I am unaware
My brain brings them forth for me to share.
My brain is the engine
And I am its driver.
Praise be to my brain!

MANIPULATIONS OF THE MIND

What is mind? Very few people understand this question. From a layperson, I will say that our brain is like a sophisticated computer. Whatever we think, feel and accept ideas from outsides sources are put into a data bank and this becomes our mind. It is due to outside sources that the way we believe and the way we think influences us. To understand how our mind can be manipulated, we can go back to the past as recent as the past eight months.

This year has been an interesting year to observe. During the Cheney/Bush years, the Religious Right had its heyday. In researching the Religious Right, I learned that it actually began in the early nineties of the last century when Pat Robertson said at a Christian Coalition meeting, "We are not coming up against just human beings to beat them in elections. We're going to be coming up against spiritual warfare." Spiritual warfare? From my progressive education, spiritual warfare is a misnomer because if it is spiritual, there can be no warfare. In order to re-educate the mind, I would say this is bigoted warfare.

During the these years and continuing through the Cheney/Bush administration, it would appear that these co-called religious people were in a comfort zone because they were fighting abortion, yet happy that this country was at war because it was killing Muslims. This is spiritual? Somehow, I find this a contradiction. If it is wrong to have an abortion, then it should also be wrong to approve of war unless a country is attacked first. Every person has a right to defend his/herself. Could this be a way to build up an army? Meaning, that a woman's job is to bear children so they can grow up to fight and possibly be killed or maimed.

It would appear that the Religious Right infiltrated the Republican Party and it has become the Religious Right/Conservative Party. Craig Berkman, a former chairman of the Republican Party in Oregon is reported to have said this:

"They have acquired a very detailed and accurate understanding of how political parties are organized. Parties are very susceptible to being taken over by ideologues because lower party offices have no appeal to the vast majority of our citizenry. Many precincts are represented by no one. If you decide all of a sudden because it's your Christian duty to become a precinct representative, you only need a few votes to get elected."

This is important: "Many precincts are represented by no one." Few people fully understand the role of a Precinct Chairman Officer is. These people are powerful and if you want to make a difference, become a Precinct Chairman Officer in your state. Search Google for additional information.

It is my understanding that none of these so-call religious people thought that Obama would win the election. The inauguration day was an awesome turning point for this country. Nothing like this had happened before and a black man was sworn in as President of the United States of America.

I sense that these Religious Rights people were reeling from shock and now that President Obama has taken drastic measures to pull the U.S. out of a quagmire of economic woes that began during the Cheney/Bush regime and before, we are seeing the emerging of bigotry and prejudices. The most shocking ones that I have learned about are two pastors of the Baptist sect who declare for everyone to hear that they wish Obama would die. There are the religionists who are fearful of anything President Obama introduces and the real telling point is when they did not want their children to watch the video of Obama speaking to the children of this country. If one were to scratch the surface, one would find the deep-rooted prejudice that he is not a white man. That is spiritual? I asked myself how this mindset came about.

I remember as a child of age four that with my parents' permission that my sister and I were allowed to go to a Wednesday night prayer meeting with next-door neighbors. Nothing had prepared me for this 'holy roller' meeting. I know I was frightened by what the pastor said and then the people went into a frenzy of ecstasy and some fell down and began rolling on the floor. I was scared and ran outside and stayed until the meeting was over. The residue stayed with me for a few years and I was afraid to think of God, because if I did then God would strike me dead. This was a form of mind programming. Later when my family began attending a Methodist Church, I became aware of the hypocrisy I observed and I was turned off of religions.

Religions have kept women in bondage and one only has to research the Mormon sect, Catholic sect, Christian sects and the sects of Islam. An example is the Quiverfull movement, which brainwashes the women to think that their womb is meant to have children and if a woman were to die in childbirth, then that would be okay. If one were to scratch the surface, I think we would learn that whoever created the Quiverfull had a sex problem. When I was growing up, I heard often the saying, "Keep a woman barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen," meaning their place is in the home and to keep them ignorant. We can laugh at this however; there are people who actually have this ignorant mindset. This is one way to program the mind of both men and women and the program is passed on in the form of fear.

For centuries, the majority of the population on this Earth has had their minds manipulated. One might ask 'How?' The major culprits of the manipulations are easy to find by observing the two major religions. What better way to control people than to teach them fear. Using the treatment of women as an example…and this is a big example. Women have been treated as second-class humans and it has only been within the past 100 years that the role of women has been changing. This has been an uphill battle and it is not over yet.

In my years of research, observing and interacting with many women, I learned that most religions use a single God 'out there' who has told the priests, popes, preacher, pastors, etc that the word of God is that women should be submissive to their husbands. Nothing could be further from the truth. These fear messages are actually man messages. An example of this is the use of the word hell. "You will go to hell," is a condemnation for not agreeing with whoever says it. I know a man who was told this and his reply was, "I've already been there and I conquered it;" meaning he had no fear.

The greatest tool to instill fear is to use Satan or the Devil such as "If you do this or that, Satan is in you." Or, "You are condemned to hell or purgatory if you do not follow the dictates of the Church." People have been burned at the stake for not being blind followers of the Catholic Church and many of these people were women who were considered witches. These women had an inner knowingness and used their abilities to heal people. It was fearful to the Church for women to have beneficial abilities that they did not have.

In our modern day, there are other avenues in addition to religions that influence and manipulate the minds such advertisements, television, movies and the medical modalities. One of the current blatant one is "The flu season is here and it is time to get a flu shot." This instills fear in the minds of many people. A side effect of this is that a large number of these people who get flu shots become ill with the flu. Most people are programmed to rely on the medical modality as being the cure-all, when according to Dr. Barbara Starfield of the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health; doctors are the third leading cause of death (250,000 per year) after heart disease and cancer.

In the U.S., we have become a nation of fears and it is time for us to take back our own individual power by developing our innate power of discernment. Women are beginning to develop this and to a degree so are some men. Each of us must develop our own path in life and not depend upon religions, television, movies and advertisements to manipulate our minds.

If we do not do our own research, then we become controlled and powerless. Change your mind and you change your world.

A REVOLUTION OF BELIEFS

We are indeed living in interesting times. The years of 2000 – 2008 were years of domination and control here in the U.S. In all my years, I had never experienced the trashing of the U.S. Constitution. Now that we have a new president, there is a new freedom of expression in the news media. This can be good, and it can also bring out the worst in a segment of people.

The inauguration of President Obama was inspiring, and the responses of the public were awesome to view. It was a call for a change for the better. It was an expression of love. Obama has been in office for a little over eight months and now we are a nation at odds within our population.

Many were shocked by the radical strategies the President initiated and fear reared its ugly head. It knocked most of us out of our comfort zones. If one were to reason it as I did, there would be a realization that many of these measures undertaken were necessary to break the hold of corporate world on the people of this country.

It takes a shock to move people out of their beliefs. This happened to me when Nixon's Watergate affair was exposed. I had been a Republican up until that time and this expose cracked my beliefs egg. All of the cherished ideals I had held on to were suddenly stained. It isn't that I was truly naïve. No, I knew Lyndon B. Johnson was a scoundrel from the politics of Texas where I grew up. Nixon's fall from grace was the tip of a buried iceberg and I am thankful that I was able to examine my beliefs and make changes.

What I am observing now after the dust of the inauguration has died down, is the emergence of beliefs and the resentments of the policies of President Obama. The old anger of racism and prejudices has reared its ugly head and is fueled by possibly the Republican Party and/or Corporate World. What better way to chop at the beanstalk of freedom than to fuel the fans of racism, bigotry and prejudices?

An example is the current health care bill that Obama wants for the American people. Who stands to lose if it is passed? I call it the "Big 3" made up of the pharmaceutical companies, health care insurance companies and the American Medical Association. The larger and greedier these Big 3 have gotten, the sicker the population has become. One only has to stand back mentally and observe.

One can also trace the effects of racism in this country back to the days of slavery. It has been ingrained in the psyches of people primarily in the South by religions. Recently there was a news item on ABC News of a pastor in Phoenix, Arizona who vocally calls for the death of Obama. This pastor's website states this and then thee is a place to click on for a prayer that says: Jesus Loves You. Another pastor urges his parishioners to pray for Obama's death. Both of these pastors claim allegiance to the Baptist Church.

I was born in Texas and grew up there amidst the segregation, bigotry and prejudices. I know it well. Fortunately, I left the state when I was 23. This is when my real education began. These diehard racists use the Bible as the word of God. They bypass the teachings of Jesus as if they did not exist. By doing so, they dumb-down the minds of their parishioners.

They do not realize that at the time of Jesus the skin colors were dark. The people interacted with Egypt and at that time, many of the Egyptians were black skinned. One only has to research history. Apparently, what most religions want is to have power over the minds of the people. They emphasize the crucifixion and bypass what the teachings are. They allege that Jesus died on the cross to remove their sins. These beliefs turn people into blatant hypocrites. I understand that Jesus said "woe be unto you hypocrites."

Where is the practice of "It is done unto you as you believe." "Love your neighbor as yourself." "Judge not, lest you be judged seventy times seven?"
Another biblical saying is "As a man/woman thinketh so it is." Somewhere down the line of centuries, most religions have replaced God and Jesus with the Devil or Satan. This instills fear in the minds of those who follow the dictates of a preacher, priest, pope, pastor or minister. When we strip away the bigoted beliefs, we have only fear. Fear spawns hatred. Fear spawns wars. Fear spawns lack. Fear spawns poverty. Fear spawns ignorance.

There must be a change of consciousness in this world for humans to survive. The Earth will survive, as Mother Nature will see to this. We are on the cutting edge and to survive turbulent times we must rise above the issues of war and enslavement. Let this change begin with the women and those men who are open-minded. Change will come with a change of attitudes along with a revision of beliefs. This is the true revolution.

MY NEW SHOES ~ A Praise Poem – Part 6
In Praise of Praise

Who says God is dead?
How can that be?
God is Life for all to see
Yeah, God is Life in all people,
All creatures – all things.
God is Life!

Not a judging being out there or up there.
I touch my chest and feel my heart beating
I give thanks and praise my Life
I praise my parents from whom I sprang
I praise my parents for providing me with necessary things.
God is Life!

I give thanks and praise my Life
For all my ups and downs.
I praise my adversities and all the
Pearls of wisdom I have gained.
I praise my God for giving me Life.
God is Life!

I praise the sadness I have felt
For how else could I know the meaning of joy?
I praise the disappointments I have had,
They really weren't so bad
For how else could I understand the accomplishments I have done?
God is Life!

I praise my eyes that I see the blue of the sky,
the sun shining down on me.
I praise the rain
I praise the night
Filled with stars, planets and UFO's
God is Life!

I praise my body – fat or thin.
When I praise all pains dissipate
Into a blessed peace.
I praise my laughter and that of others
It lightens my spirit and dissolves my load of cares.
God is Life!

I laugh with glee when the essence in me
Kicks my butt
To move me out of my rut
Telling me Change, Change, Change!
Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!

Each morn when I awaken
I praise the God I Am
I give thanks for this beautiful day
I give thanks for my Life.
Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!

"As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives." Henry David Thoreau

WALKING IN MY NEW PAIR OF SHOES - Part 5
An Odyssey of Changing My Mind

In the four previous posts, I have written about attitudes, beliefs, health, wealth and now I am moving into a new aspect of changing life so that I am not stressed out. Yes, we are living in stressful times for those who invite stress into their lives. I have learned through many trials and tribulations that when I use the tools I am sharing in these 5-article blog posts that knowledge is power. Knowledge and application of tools can turn the tide in any circumstance. I am not a teacher. I am only one who has used these tools and am willing to share. If you can find a better way, then I honor you.

One of my greatest challenges has been judgment. It is a daily practice. There is an old biblical quote: Do not judge another lest you be judged. I recently read a blog regarding judging another. The author of this blog article wrote that he use to have a judgment against people who have eating disorders. He writes that he now has cancer of the esophagus. One could call this a boomerang effect.

Now, I view situations and people as an observer – although once-in-awhile judgment inches in. I am learning to have compassion for others and my definition of compassion is: to have awareness of another and not judge it to be either good or bad. In this lifetime, it is part of their journey. I am also viewing others with empathy, which is the capacity of understanding another's situation, feelings and motives. As I have written previously, I have been a student of a great teacher named Ramtha for over 20 years and I have been taught how the brain works, frequencies, quantum physics, the biology of emotions and much, much more.

The above does not mean that I do not help others. I use discernment and know when to help and when not to help. I have learned the hard way that to help some people cripples them and they do not learn the lesson presented to them. I have learned to offer help only when it resonates within me. I mentally stand back and assess the situation. Help and kindness are two different actions.

Kindness to others, whether it be a smile or an act is an antidote for judgment. Perhaps you remember some years back when random acts of kindness became popular. Professor Chuck Wall in 1993 was wondering what assignment he could give his class at Bakersfield College in California. Wall had 18 students ranging in age from 18 to 65. As he was pondering this, his radio was on and he heard "…a random act of violence." He immediately changes the word 'violence' into 'kindness' and he knew he had the class assignment. Wall entered the classroom and told his students to take out pen and paper and he gave them an assignment to do one random act of kindness and write about it. They were to bring their paper to class and share. The results were phenomenal. Thus, Random Acts of Kindness began. It is now a non-profit organization. By the way, Chuck Wall is blind.

Perhaps if we applied Random Acts of Kindness daily, then we would have fewer judgments and find that our lives change in the most miraculous ways. A smile goes a long way along with a 'thank you.'

"As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives." Henry David Thoreau

GOT SOME NEW SHOES? – Part 4
…An Odyssey into Releasing the Past

Sometimes change comes when we least expect it. For some people it can be an illness, an accident, a divorce, a death of a loved one, getting fired, taking on a new job and raising children to name a few. There are people who find it hard to change because their beliefs have become hardwired in their brains. This is what is called a 'closed mind,' and to open the door to accept change it must be initiated from the closed-minded person.

We can change our minds and our programming by choosing carefully our thoughts and our attitudes. Attitudes carrying blame, shame, guilt, regret, resentment, anger, and jealousy, to name a few are similar to wearing a pair of shoes that pinch because they do not fit, or they are old and worn-out. It is time to discard them. When old attitudes are replaced by open-minded attitudes, our brain becomes like a lotus – opening petal by petal. Doors open in our mind and we now have new experiences and new realizations.

We can do this by becoming detached and observing our attitudes, our thoughts and our reactions when we become aware. Detachment does not mean not caring. Detachment of the old attitudes makes room for caring. The first test run may appear to be a failure; however, with persistence and practice, attitudes do change. We have the mind to do it.

Yes, there is risk to changing. Our family may not understand the new change and often pull at us to return to that part of us that is familiar to them. Friends may drop out of our lives and that is purposeful. There is a part of us that wants to hold on to the past and at times it can seem to be heart wrenching. I can say this because I went through it and am now living a more fulfilled life. This is why I am sharing this information.

Attitudes that attract illnesses and accidents are what I have concluded are the major ones such as blame, shame, guilt, regret, anger, resentment and jealousy, along with judgments. Blame is not taking responsibility for our own choices and actions. It is so easy to blame someone else. When I was raising my three sons, it seemed as though there was a fourth son living in the house and his name was Not Me and fortunately, my sons outgrew Not Me and he moved out of the house. The outgrowth of blame is shame.

Those who are always blaming someone else carry within them a feeling of shame because subconsciously they know they lied. Blame and shame are bedfellows with guilt. One's guilt may not be overt, however it is lurking in the subconscious and the body cells react to this. I know, because I have experienced this. Blame and shame invite another bedfellow that is guilt. Guilt is rampant in the Western world where Christianity is prevalent. The Catholic Church has seen to it that everyone needs to be loaded with guilt. One popular phrase is the sins of the fathers are visited upon their sons a thousand fold and Christianity for the most part has perpetuated this even though there are mixed messages in the Bible. What would be the purpose? To instill fear and from fear comes control. This is how the Church and Christianity have controlled people. Another creation is Satan or the Devil. It is so easy to use this on people in order to keep them in line.

We are guilty if we do and we are guilty if we do not. Is it no wonder why people hang on to guilt and take it to their graves? The four bedfellows spawned by guilt are regret, resentment and jealousy. Regret is to dwell on the past. So many people hash and re-hash the what-ifs. The body cells are aware and listening to these thoughts and conversations creating illnesses in the body. Isn't it time to let go of the past and go forward into the future? These four attitudes and beliefs go hand-in-hand with anger. All of these emotions play havoc on the cells of the body and is it any wonder why there are so many ill people? One only has to go early on a weekday morning, and observe the parking lots in medical centers and hospitals. We have become a nation of sick people.

Why not put on a new pair of shoes – meaning making peace with the past? Why not create a life where we are fulfilled, happy and able to move through hard times with ease? Those who are wise and smart will make choices to change. It may be painful in the beginning, however the prize is health, wealth and satisfaction of a life well lived.

How do we change our attitudes and beliefs? The 12-Step programs have a process called "Taking Moral Inventory." In the inventory, one sheds blame, guilt and regret. This is Step 4. It has helped a multitude of people to release the past. We do not have to use the format of Step 4. The key to changing our attitudes and beliefs is to forgive. Yes, we first forgive our self. Forgiveness is a healthy antidote against sickness. Each of us can take a moral inventory of our self. I wrote about this in Part 2 and I reiterate it here.

Once we can accept that we are not victims and that the frequency of our thoughts and words drew the event to us, we begin healing the past. My father's family lived in the past and as a child, I observed and swore to myself that I would not be like them. I took another path and have had a rich, fulfilled life.

When I become aware that I am angry, resentful or make judgments about people when I really do not know the circumstances, I take inventory and forgive myself. We can also go back to the past and change it. Some years ago, I read a book written by Neville Goddard, popular in the 30's, 40's and 50's of the last century. In his book Imagination, I remember him writing that there was something in his past that he wanted to change, so he went into a deep meditation and imagined a different outcome. It worked.

Recently a friend of mine wrote asking what to do about sleep privation she was having. I wrote back that I am not an M.D., however I suggested the following affirmations:

I always get enough sleep for my body to function healthy. (We can alter this affirmation to fit our own needs.)
I always turn any worries over to my God – my Holy Spirit for resolution.
I let go and let God.

I have learned that when my body is screaming of fatigue to sit in my comfortable chair and I close my eyes and take a very deep breath and while holding it, circulate the breath throughout my body while thinking the word Life. When I release the breath, I think the words, health or wellness. After ten minutes of this, my body is refreshed as if there had been no fatigue.

I have learned that to alleviate my stress and change my own attitudes and beliefs that I must daily be aware of what I think and speak. The frequencies of our words and thoughts do create our life experiences. Part 5 to follow.

"As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives." Henry David Thoreau

WEALTH OR AN OLD PAIR OF SHOES? ~ Part 3
Your word is your Magic Wand

Down through the ages, the unobvious obvious has been passed down to humankind. A few get the message and use it. Others have thought of the human magic wand as something of the Devil and people have been killed for this. The magic I am referring to is not the sleight of hand nor conjuring up some mystical thing. No. The magic I am referring to is the power of each person's word and thought.

Sages have attempted to tell people for eons about the power of words and thoughts and most people go unconscious when they hear phrases such as, As a man/woman thinketh, so it is. Another well-known phrase is It is done unto you as you believe, and another phrase from Matthew 12:37 is, For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.

In the first half of the last century, there was a stream of teachers attempting to impart to those who would listen about the power of words and thoughts. In 1928, Florence Scovel Shinn published her first book titled Your Word Is Your Wand. This is a small book packed with powerful affirmations and how they helped people. Later Catherine Ponder published The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity along with other books. These two women have passed a Magic Wand on to thousands of readers.

I had read these authors' books numerous of times and when I began studying under Ramtha at the Ramtha School of Enlightenment, his teachings resonated with me because my mind had been prepared by the books of Shinn and Ponder.

Several years ago, I was led to a website of two Russian scientists who found that the human DNA is changed by the words and thoughts we speak. This is exactly what Ramtha has taught for the past 20 years. Grazyna Fosar and Franz Bludorf wrote: Esoteric and spiritual teachers have known for ages that our body is programmable by language, words and thought. Yes, our words and thoughts do affect our DNA. How? They carry frequencies.

Mary Desauliniers has followed up on the Russian scientists and wrote in an article titled, DNA Changes and Psychic Consciousness: According to the findings of the Russian Scientists, the genetic code follows the same rules found in human languages. By modulating certain frequency sound patterns on a laser ray, they are able to influence DNA frequency and genetic information. The most interesting aspect of their discovery is that simple words and phrase can work just as well as laser beams. Man can literally reprogram his genetic blueprint through words, which explains why affirmations and hypnosis can have powerful effects on mind and body.

In my book Awakening the Genie Within, I impart the same information in my own words. This book has been well received and I do recommend it, but of course. I am delighted that this scientific information is proof that our words and thoughts not only affect our DNA and genetics, but also creates the world we experience. The following are a few of my own affirmations.
I have always been healthy.
I have always known____.
I have always had all debts paid in full.
I have always been free of debt.
I have always had a lavish increasing income.
I always speak and think words of kindness towards others.
I have always been joyful.

Affirmations are more powerful than positive thinking. The word positive has an opposite and that is the word negative, which comes back something like a seesaw. Affirmations are a statement.

Our affirmations are our seeds that we plant in the soil of our mind. We do not dig them up to see how they are coming to us. We water them with thoughts of it is. If you want your affirmation to materialize by a certain date, I suggest you declare it. I also suggest writing down affirmations or declarations 15 times. This implants it in the mind and helps to change our mind programming. We are our own Genie and our words and thoughts are our own Magic Wand or lamp.

"As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives." Henry David Thoreau

HEALTH or OLD PAIRS OF SHOES? – Part 2
~ An Odyssey of Health

As I wrote in Part I that attitudes and beliefs are like an old pair of shoes, I also identify this with our health. Are you aware that here in the United States that we have more sick people than ever before? In this day and age of technology, we have given our power away to the pharmaceutical companies and to the medical community. And, what do attitudes and beliefs have to do with this? Everything.
My odyssey began in the late sixties of the last century when I noticed a trend in me. For three consecutive years in August, I came down with laryngitis. After the third year, I realized that something was out of kilter. I told myself that this was ridiculous and that I had had enough. I was never bothered with laryngitis in August after I firmly made my declaration. I did not think too much about this until some years later when I began connecting the dots.

I had been plagued with allergies for a number of years and in the late seventies, I went to an allergist who tested me for a large number of possibilities. I was living in southern California at the time and when the results came in, I was allergic to dust mites and mold. Dust mites in southern California – yes, but mold no. I began taking weekly shots and after six weeks, I did not see any measurable improvement and told myself that this is for the birds. I stopped going in for shots or taking medication. Soon my allergies began disappearing and when I moved to the Pacific Northwest where there is lots of mold; my allergies did not come back.

It was also in the late seventies when I was introduced to the healing statements in a small booklet titled Heal Your Body by Louise L. Hay. Her simple – yet profound probable causes of various health conditions helped me to acknowledge suppressed feelings. I realized that the major cause of health problems is due to suppressed feelings.

During the early eighties, I became a program director for a holistic health center and for me this became a school of learning. I scheduled almost every modality of healing that I could from workshops to lectures. I learned that they all worked and they all didn't work – meaning that for some there was a healing and for others there was none. The ancient biblical phrase came to me: It is done unto you as you believe. There is also another ancient phrase that is well known: As a man/woman thinketh, so it is. Some people were receptive and healed and others were not.

My major change regarding my own belief and attitudes began in the late 1970's. I recall that I learned at some healing workshop that our first reaction to an injury such as saying 'ouch' or 'ow' gives the body a message that this is pain and the cells go to work at reacting. One evening I was frying something and grease popped out on my left hand. My first reaction was to tell myself, There is no pain. I repeated this over-and-over and immediately plucked off a piece of my aloe vera plant and smeared it over the spot. Within minutes, there was no pain and within ten minutes there was no red spot. I had proven to myself that this worked.

Taking this one step further, I read Frederick Dodson's book Parallel Universes of Self. Dodson tells an incident where he was riding his bicycle and had an accident. One of his little fingers was broken and the bones were sticking out of the skin. The pain was unbearable and as Dodson tells it: This can't be happening; I have an important meeting. No way. This did not happen. He did not tend the wound. He went home and continued his tasks while insisting that it did not happen. As he describes it, I will go to the meeting tonight, feeling refreshed and well. Nothing ever happened. Fifteen minutes later, the swelling and the cut had disappeared; there was no sign of anything having ever happened. The finger was not only completely healed, it looked like nothing ever happened in the first place. I had reversed cause and effect.

Since reading about Dodson's reversing cause and effect, I have used this often and it works. When I get a bump, stumble, a cut or a burn, I immediately say, It never happened. I say this repeatedly until I sense that it is done and there is no pain. I have realized that we can reverse health conditions and injuries. The key is to be aware and to immediately state the opposite of what occurred.

Our thoughts – our suppressed emotions are the root of our health challenges. Some of these can go back to early childhood. I know one of mine did. It wasn't until I attended a week-end workshop that I had a major breakthrough from a traumatic incident at age three. When the anger I had suppressed for over fifty years erupted, I became hysterical with anger and my anger was so volatile that my body rocked with it for three days. On the third day, I told myself that I had had enough and then I began the healing and forgiveness.

I am aware of the vast epidemic of sickness in this country. We worry about our food we eat and what we drink. Scientists have declared that eggs cause cholesterol and are bad for us. Other scientists declare that eggs are healthy and we should all eat them. This goes for peanuts, coffee, chocolate, and so on. We are bombarded with various twists and recommendations and we give our power away. We give our power to others to diagnose what is wrong with us and what we can do to correct the condition. Perhaps it is time to develop the power of discernment. Why do we want to chemicalize our bodies with drugs? Too many people are chained to taking this pill or that pill and to be sure it is taken on time.

Beliefs and attitudes are like wearing a pair of old worn-out shoes. It is time to shed them and to re-think our unhealthy thinking. The first step is to give oneself a life review. This is to go back in time and pull up all hurts, traumas, resentments, and anger. What is suppressed must come out in order to have health. In Louise Hay's booklet, she gives a probable cause for cancer as Deep secret or grief eating away at the self. Long standing resentment. Deep hurt.

It takes courage to look at our hidden suppressed feelings and emotions. Once we can take them out of our emotional box and look at them individually and objectively, we are using the Power of Discernment. The next step is to forgive not only the other person(s), events, but also our self.

Forgiveness is cleansing. There is an old saying regarding forgiveness and that is to forgive seventy times seven if it is necessary. The result is an emptying of old beliefs and attitudes and allows for healing and a healthier happier life. The cells of the body will respond.

An affirmation I have used effectively is, I forgive myself and I forgive_____. We are each free now and forever. When I know I must forgive, I write down at least fifteen times the above statement or something similar. It works. It is not up to me to determine if the other individual has forgiven me. What matters is that I have forgiven. Forgiveness of self and others is the key to healing and maintaining health.

"As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives." Henry David Thoreau

OLD PAIRS OF SHOES – Part I
~ An Odyssey Into Attitudes and Beliefs

Attitudes and beliefs are like an old pair of shoes that may feel comfortable but are actually worn out. What keeps some people healthy, active and alert? From my perspective, it is to have an open mind without walls. Old attitudes and beliefs are walls that keep us from experiencing new and exciting opportunities.
One has only to look around our community, our country and the world to note how beliefs and attitudes determine people's lives. One of the major beliefs or attitudes is lack. One only has to listen to the words another person says. Here are a few of the old worn-out statements:
* I (we) can't afford it.
* I (we) don't have enough money.
* It costs too much.
* Money doesn't grow on trees.
* The price is out of my reach.
All one has to do is search one's memory for similar statements of beliefs.

Changing one's beliefs or attitudes is like putting on a new pair of shoes that fit beautifully once we have broken them in. One might ask how do I hold on to my new attitude or belief. This is where the power of affirmations comes in. An affirmation is not positive thinking. We can attempt to think positive all we want, however the opposite of positive is a negative. To affirm is to make the statement firm, which means that no negative can enter. It also means to maintain that it is true.

In 1979, I began reading The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity by Catherine Ponder. This book helped me to begin to unravel the attitudes and beliefs that I had once held sacred. Since that time, I have created my own affirmations and they change from time to time. Since I am writing about lack, I have affirmed that I always have plenty. A favorite affirmation of mine is, "I always have lavish increasing income for my use." I came upon the word lavish when I read in one of my many books a blurb about a U.S. physicist who as a teenager was living almost in poverty. His dream was to become a physicist and he began affirming, "I always have a steady lavish income." He went to college on a scholarship and later became a noted physicist. I do not recall his name; however, he was born in the late 1800's.

Religions can keep us in bondage to someone else's beliefs. Being a retired minister of Divine Science and having studied the Judeo-Christian bibles, I came to the understanding that much of it adopted from ancient Egyptian credos gives us profound statements such as "As a man/woman thinketh, so it is." Another statement is "It is done unto you as you believe." These two statements go hand-in-hand with quantum physics. There have been experiments showing that the results of an experiment can be altered by whoever is viewing it. It is called the Observer Effect. We are our own Observer. This passage in the Book of Job applies to each of, "For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me." Our fears send out a frequency that brings to us the thing we fear.

I have also learned from Catherine Ponder and others that it is recommended to write an affirmation 15 times in order to get it accepted by the brain. I keep a small notebook where I will write an affirmation 15 times each time an idea comes to me. There are many ideas regarding the use of an affirmation. One is to draw a symbol or something to represent the idea of what is wanted on a card and look at it often at night upon retiring, in the morning upon arising and also during the day. Our brains have been programmed by our old outmoded beliefs and we now have to retrain the brain.

I have also learned by changing my belief and attitude, I do not think that my lavish income has to come from a certain source. My belief has since turned into a knowing. Knowing to me indicates acceptance. Our outmoded attitudes and beliefs are simply weeds in the garden of our mind. We can pluck them out at any moment and when they want to grow again, we can pluck them out. I liken this to Gandalf standing on the bridge and told the orcs, "You cannot pass." The orcs represent our unwanted thoughts, beliefs and attitudes. We can be our own Gandalf.

THE FEMALE ASPECT OF THE U.S. CAPITOL

Few citizens of the U.S. realize that our Capitol in Washington D.C. has a treasure trove of feminine statues and the feminine represented on the pediments of some government buildings. The Statue of Freedom adorns the top of the Capitol building. She stands there in all her glory overseeing the Senate and House of Representatives. She was created by Thomas Crawford and is 19 feet 6 inches tall and stands 288 feet above the east front plaza. She was placed there on December 2, 1863. I wonder if any of our government officials have taken the time to contemplate this.

Within the Capitol rotunda, the center fresco is titled The Apothesis of Washington (George) and was done by Constantine Brumidi in 1865. George Washington is portrayed as rising to heaven accompanied by the goddesses Liberty and Fame. He is surrounded by 13 females representing the original states. I learned that Apothesis means the raising of a person to the rank of a god.
Yes, honoring George Washington by raising him to the rank of a god!

Surrounding this fresco under the dome are other frescos and the two that are of the most interest to me is the one titled Science. Science shows the goddess Minerva (aka Athena) teaching Benjamin Franklin, Robert Fulton and Samuel F.B. Morse. The fresco titled Agriculture has the goddess Ceres seated on the McCormick Reaper with feminine entities.

One should wonder what goddesses have to do with the United States Capitol. My knowledge is that goddesses are usually associated with paganism. There is not one Judeo-Christian figure or symbol used to represent Liberty and its ideals! There also seems to be a number of Italian artists/scultors who portray these goddesses in the U.S. Capitol. There is nothing associated with the Catholic Church.

Outside the Capitol building, there are sculptural pediments. One, over the East entrance is titled Genius of America. Yes, genius! There are three females. This pediment was created by Luigi Perseco from 1825-1828 out of sandstone. This deteriorated and a reproduction was created by Bruno Mankowski 1959-1960.

Perisco's original design included the figures of Peace, Plenty and Hercules and these were replaced by John Quincy Adams with the figure of Hope. As it is today, the Central figure is America and she is resting her right arm on a shield inscribed with "USA" and it is supported by an altar inscribed with "July 4, 1776." America is pointing to Justice lifting scales of Justice in her left hand and in her right hand, she holds a scroll inscribed with "Constitution, 17 September 1787." On America's left is an Eagle and also the female figure of Hope who is resting her arm on an anchor. The entire pediment is 81 feet and 6 inches wide and the female figures are 9 feet tall.

Outside the Supreme Court is a large statue of a female representing Justice. She is seated and holding a small female who is blindfolded. Interesting. There is also a pediment over the entrance to the Supreme Court. In the center is a female Liberty and flanking her are males representing Law and Order. Under this pediment is engraved in stone "Equal Justice Under Law." I would think that the Supreme Court Justices and lawyers would take this to heart because women have not received equal justice nor have people of color.

Several years ago I visited Washington D.C. and viewed what I have written about above. It was an awe-inspiring experience. Not once did I see anything that pertained to the Judeo-Christian religions or Islam. Our Founding Fathers did not create these United States based on Christianity. These symbols of goddesses and females go back to ancient antiquity. They knew something that our current officials apparently do not know. Perhaps we should remind them.

WAITING FOR GANDALF

by Barbara Blue, July 6, 2009
Dedicated to Bettye Johnson

At least since the times of ancient China, fireworks displays have been used to highlight, or to give emphasis and power to was or to commemorate events. Thus, when I attended a friend's 4th of July Life Celebration, and sat overlooking a field beyond that was set up and ready for dusk to fall, my mind wandered to the early scenes of "Lord of the Rings," as Gandalf rode his pony cart full of explosive potential into the Shire. I like the way he was puffing on the ember in his pipe carrying with him the latent spark of fire, the magic still contained.

Everyone was in a celebratory mood, anticipations in the air. People, like Hobbits, are very fond of their creature comforts, and sometimes it takes a pretty big bang to get our attention, to jar our senses out of the velvet-lined boxes we create for ourselves. This was going to be one of those freeing, awesome evenings. The food was great, the wine plentiful, and the guests all happy to be there. Children had a special interest in what they knew or had been told was coming, and as the light faded, the ember glowed, the spectacle began.

Eyes grew wide as tiny rockets flashed apart into bursts of color, amazing mid-air bouquets of fire and noise. Volley after volley shot up in the air, veils of smoke forming in curtains around the spent combustion. Ooo's and Ahhh's were hurd amid the deafening waves of pops and booms, fizzles and sighs. On and on it went, with little delay and constant surprises, until everyone was on the verge of saturation. When the finale started, the best had been saved for a last glorious statement from the Wizard, and no one was disappointed.

Pleased with himself, Gandalf suckled softly, knowing with special delight what he had done. As the air cleared, he departed to his further business, contented with the day. The children felt their tiredness and did not resist going home, being tucked into their beds to sleep and dream of lights in the night sky. Fill with wonder and possibility, the Shire had been renewed. As our friend's life was reflected back to her by all the people who'd come in appreciation of her love and wisdom, she felt a surge of inspiration, a new wind to sail on into the next adventure.

A TRIBUTE TO WOMEN

The following was given to me in celebration of my many years of wisdom. This was written by Mark Leyner, a husband, father, son and a brother as well as the author of 8 books and a co-writer of the movie "War, Inc. When he was asked what he knows for sure, he said the following:

"This sage knowledge of and ability to abide the inherently fugitive nature of happiness somehow accounts for the extraordinary beauty of women as they age.

"In their most casual offhand sisterly moments, women are capable of discussing sex in such uninhibited detail that it would cause a horde of arousing cossacks to cringe.

"Women are for all intents and purposes indomitable. It really requires an almost unimaginable confluence of crushing, cataclysmic forces to vanquish a woman.

"Women have a very specific kind of courage that enables them to fling themselves into the open sea, whether it's a new life for themselves, another person's life, or even what might appear to be a kind of madness."

Leyner says, "One last thing he knows with a certitude that exceeds anything, is that men's final thoughts in their waking days and in their lives are of women...ardent, wistful thoughts of wives and lovers and daughters and mothers."

EMERGING WOMAN

Emerging Woman from Shadows of History

A Workshop with Bettye Johnson
Saturday, June 13 2009 from 9:30 a.m. ~ 2:30 p.m.
Olympia Center,
222 Olympia St., NW
Olympia WA 98501

Bettye has long been an advocate for the status of women and is bringing together a dynamic workshop using her experiences as a Federal Women's Program Coordinator for a government district of 5 offices, a holistic health center program coordinator, an ordained minister of Divine Science, a wife and mother and now a self-published author of four books, two of which are award winning Independent Publishers Book Awards.

Bettye will lead the participants through:
~ Why the female power was subjugated to male power.
~ Moving out of the Shadow into the 21st Century.
~ Reweaving the past into the future.
~ Creating your personal Life Map.
~ Balancing your unique personal power.

Cost is $50.00 and there is pre-registration on-line using Paypal by going to http://www.magdalenescrolls.com and clicking on Bookstore.
Or, sending a cashier's check or money order to:
Bettye Johnson
P.O. Box 97
Rainier, WA 98576
Cash at the door and please bring a sack lunch.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I AM WOMAN

I am woman.
I am awakened to my greatness.
No longer do I hold anger, hatred or condemnation.
No longer do I hold jealousy, envy or greed.
I give up sickness and blame.
I am woman.
I am awakened to my power.
I have always been powerful.
I have always been genius.
I am a Keeper of Wisdom.
I am woman.
copyright Bettye Johnson
excerpt from Mary Magdalene, Her Legacy

A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS

The Great Depression of 1929 was taking its toll with so many people unemployed people, which were mostly men who were the breadwinners for their families. I was three years old and with my family, living in Dallas, Texas. My father had been out of work and finally secured one of delivering blocks of ice. Few people at this time had electric refrigerators. Most of the people had what we called iceboxes. The ice deliveryman would load up his truck with 25 or 50 lb blocks of ice and drive to houses on his route where with a leather pad on one shoulder, he would take large tongs and grip the ice block between the points and hoist the ice up on his shoulder. He would then deliver it to the house and place the ice in the icebox. This year my father had injured his back while delivering ice and was laid up for for a long period of time.

My family and I were fortunate because we had relatives in Dallas who supplemented our income until my father could find another job. There was no welfare during those days. There were ‘poorhouses’ for the destitute people who were primarily the elderly and disabled. Those who could physically labor were forced to do so on ‘poorhouse’ farms. This gradually faded away after the Social Security Act of
1935. I also learned later that my mother’s family who were in better financial situations also sent money or clothes.

My sister and I were secure in the love of our Dallas grandparents, aunts and uncles. We were the only children on my father’s side of the family and they doted on us. My grandmother worked as a seamstress in downtown Dallas and my grandfather was on a small state pension due to an injury he received while working for the Texas Highway Department. One aunt and uncle who were not married lived at home. To make ends meet, two rooms were rented. This meant my adult aunt, uncle and grandparents all slept on a ‘sleeping porch’ that was an addition to the house.
Another aunt had married and she was a shrewd businesswoman. Her husband had a garage where he repaired automobiles and always smelled of oil and grease. Aunt Jewel invested their money in apartment houses and usually had a nice income coming in. She was the mainstay of the family during these hard times.

Christmas of 1932 was upon us. We were given a tree and we had some beautiful ornaments that had belonged to my mother’s mother. The tree sparkled and I know I felt secure and excited that Christmas morning would be the time to wake up and run into the living room to see what Santa Claus had left. Then this would be followed by the unwrapping of presents. Later we would drive over to my grandparents’ home for Christmas dinner.

This Christmas morning Santa had left my sister and me each a china tea party set. When we opened the presents, we found we each had received another china tea party set. Of course my sister and I felt very fortunate to have received two sets! Then Mother suggested that Gloria and I take the extra sets next door where a family poorer than we were lived. They had two little girls almost the same ages and Gloria and me.

We learned that the family had to wait until Christmas Eve to get a leftover tree and when we took our gifts to them, we saw there were no gifts. I can even now remember standing and gazing at their tree. They had made balls out of cotton and strung popcorn around the tree. In my childlike wonder, it was the most beautiful tree I had ever seen.

I learned at this early age the reward of a random act of kindness. My gift was and is the memory of that beautiful tree. This is not the Christmas season; however it is always a season for Random Acts of Kindness. Each of us in our own way can reach out and do a random act of kindness. We can even do it for our self.

When was the last time you treated yourself with kindness? Did you forgive your neighbor? Did you forgive a parent, a relative, a co-worker, an employer for deeds you thought were detrimental to you? Forgiveness cleanses the past and is a kindness to one's self. Why not make every day a Random Act of Kindness beginning with self?

REGARDING MARGARET STARBIRD

Today I received a comment posted on the Guestbook of my website www.magdalenescrolls.com. The one who posted the comment asked if I had read the books of Starbird and saying that she lived in Washington State. The guest commenter went on to ask why don't I get together with Starbird - or something to that effect.

This brought up a memory reaching back to 2005. I had just published the first edition of Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls. I listed Starbird's book "Woman With the Alabaster Jar" in my bibliography. I met another author who suggested that she, Starbird and myself create a documentary regarding our views and research on Mary Magdalene. Each of us had different approaches. Starbird was approached and thought it was a good idea, however after asking her publisher, Inner Traditions, she declined following the dictates of her publisher.

Yes, I knew Starbird lived in Washington State and I admire her for what she has written. The commenter wrote that Starbird was a student of divinity. I am a retired ordained minister of Divine Science and for those of you not familiar with Divine Science, it was founded by three women in the early part of the last century. There were a number of great teachers and books that were spawned by Divine Science, i.e. Dr. Joseph Murphy who authored The Power of the Subconscious Mind to name one.

I have done extensive research on the background of Mary Magdalene and Jesus, and also the Bible. I have also written articles on my research and my research uncovered a different history than what the traditional so-called authorities found. I submitted my 2nd edition of Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls to The Writers Digest competition and although I was not a winner, I was a winner - the reason being that the judge gave me a hi-5 in all five categories and had this to say in answer to questions posed:

What did you like best about this book?
"Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls is a tantalizing story depicting the discovery of ancient scrolls about Mary Magdalene and Jesus. Though it covers some of the same ground as the Da Vinci Code, the writing is infinitely better and far more believable. The heroines in the story are more realistic and the adventures described in a truer voice along with a possible time-line--something very much lacking in Dan Brown's tale. Whether the reader choose to believe what is revealed in story form or not, the book is entertaining from beginning to end."
How can the author improve this book?
"No suggestions--the author knows how to write and tell a compelling and convincing story. Hopefully the promotion for this book will be enough to make those who read the Da Vinci Code want to read the Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls."

Having received awards for Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls and Mary Magdalene, Her Legacy, I don't know if having been part of a documentary with Margaret Starbird would have benefited me. On the other hand, the book could have been made into a movie or a mini-tv series. However, I am not ruling it out as anything is possible.

RITA LEVI-MONTALCINI – A TRIBUTE
This Nobel Prize winner for Medicine in 1986, truly deserves high praise and a tribute. On April 22, 2009, she reaches the century mark of 100 years. Levi-Montalcini is still working and to quote her, "At 100, I have a mind that is superior—thanks to experience—than when I was 20." That is quite a statement and it is also encouragement for women and men to seek knowledge and expand their minds.

From her autobiography, she writes that her twin sister Paola and she were born in Turin, Italy on the 22 of April 1909 – the youngest of four children. Her father was an electrical engineer and gifted mathematician. Her mother Adela Montalcini was a talented painter. She goes on to say that she and her siblings grew up in a wonderful family atmosphere "filled with love and reciprocal devotion." Although her father had a great respect for women, he felt that his three daughters should not pursue studies that would lead to a professional career.

Levi-Montalcini writes that at age twenty she realized she could not "possibly adjust to a feminine role as conceived by my father, and asked him permission to engage in a profession career. In eight months I filled my gaps in Latin, Greek and mathematics, graduated from high school and entered medical school in Turin." In 1936 she graduated from medical school with a summa cum laude degree in Medicine and Surgery. She then enrolled in a three-year specialization in neurology and psychiatry.

One would surmise that the way was clear at that point, however in 1936 Mussolini issued the "Manifesto per la Difesa della Razza, " which was signed by ten Italian scientists. What followed were laws barring academic and professional careers to "non-
Aryan Italian citizens" – in other words, Jews. She then moved to Belgium as a guest of a neurological institute and return to Italy just before the Germans entered Belgium.

Not to be defeated in her desire to pursue her chosen career, she created a research unit in her bedroom. In her autobiography, Levi-Montalcini goes on to describe living in Italy during the bombing by Anglo-American forces and when in 1944 the Anglo-American forces forced the Germans out, she was hired as a medical doctor by the Anglo-American Headquarters, and assigned to a camp of war refugees keeping busy by epidemics of infectious diseases.

This outstanding woman continued her studies and career after the end of the war and an invitation to work with Viktor Hamburger Rita Levi-Montalcini to join him at Washington University and investigate what seemed to be substantial differences in trophic effects on embryonic sensory and motor neurons. This collaboration led to the first identification of a developmental growth factor, Nerve Growth Factor, which is essential for the differentiation and survival of many sensory and sympathetic (but not motor) neurons. This opportunity led Rita into a new direction leading to her Nobel Prize award.

In her words, "I should thank Mussolini for having declared me to be of an inferior race. This led me to the joy of working, not any more unfortunately, in university institutes, but in a bedroom. Above all, don't fear difficult moments. The best comes from them."