Thanksgiving Day History – Thanksgiving is a day to spend some time with the people we care about, and to think about what it is that has made us the way we are today. It is a time of year to be thankful for everything we have. There’s something about the warm, coziness of being home with family for the holidays that lifts everyone’s spirit. Thanksgiving is a day filled with the sound of a crackling fire and the smell of a turkey roasting in the oven. But how did it all come about?
Thanksgiving Day History – Celebrating the Pilgrims!
Thanksgiving Day of today is the celebration of the Pilgrim’s meal with the Native Americans on the fourth Thursday of November. It commemorates how newcomers were first welcomed by celebrating the harvest with their Native American neighbors. Originally, it was traditionally celebrated on the last Thursday of November in the early 1800’s, but left up to the individual states to decide when each would celebrate. In 1863, President Lincoln issued a proclamation that all states will celebrate Thanksgiving on the same day. This act was an effort to unite the North and the South, but due to the rebellion of the North’s authority, the holiday was not consistently celebrated on the same day until after Reconstruction. A joint resolution was signed by Congress and President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941 to change the holiday to the fourth Thursday of November rather than the last, believing the earlier economic boost to be beneficial to the United States economy.
Thanksgiving Day History – Thanksgiving in Canada!
Canada’s Thanksgiving is very similar to the American celebration, marking the successful harvest of French settlers in modern-day Canada. This celebration takes place in October when the weather is warmer. In 1957, Parliament moved it from November 6 to October, declaring, “A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed—to be observed on the 2nd Monday in October.” Feasting on turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn are common the weekend before. Vacations and parades are also traditional.
Thanksgiving Day History – Thanksgiving in Germany!
Germany celebrates the Harvest Thanksgiving Festival in October, which, like American celebrations, consists of feasting and religious traditions. Their Thanksgiving takes place on the first Sunday of October. Erntedankfest is essentially a harvest festival that gives thanks for a good year and good fortune.
Thanksgiving Day History – Thanksgiving in Japan!
The Japanese observe Labor Thanksgiving Day, which has roots with harvest celebrations but now celebrates labor, production, and thankfulness. Derived from ancient harvest festival rituals named Niinamesai, its modern meaning is more tied to a celebration of hard work and community involvement, hence its translation: Labor Thanksgiving Day. In Japan, Labor Thanksgiving Day is about being thankful for workers who do their job and do it well. Sometimes you literally thank those people — school kids make thank you cards and gifts for municipal workers like police, firefighters, and hospital workers.
Thanksgiving Day History – Thanksgiving in West Africa!
A variation on America’s Thanksgiving can be found in the West African nation of Liberia, which was founded in the 19th century by freed slaves from the U.S. Mainly celebrated by Christians, Liberians take the concept of the cornucopia and fill their churches with baskets of local fruits like bananas, papayas, mangoes, and pineapples. An auction for these is held after the service, and then families retreat to their homes to feast.
Thanksgiving Day History – Thanksgiving in the Netherlands!
The Netherlands observes a Thanksgiving Day service to honor the Pilgrims that lived in Leiden before continuing on to Plymouth. The people of Leiden still celebrate the American settlers who once lived there with a non-denominational church service on the fourth Thursday of November. Afterwards, there’s no turkey, but cookies and coffee are offered.
Thanksgiving in America!
The American tradition is highlighted by the Thanksgiving meal. Turkey is the most common main dish of a Thanksgiving dinner. Ham is often served alongside turkey in many non-traditional households. Delicious, classic recipes are always in style for a Thanksgiving feast. America’s favorite classic side dishes for Thanksgiving are mashed sweet or white potatoes and gravy, stuffing, corn muffins, cranberry sauce, and either a green bean, corn or Brussels sprouts casserole. Desserts include: pumpkin, apple or pecan pie.
Thanksgiving Prayer!
Thank you, Father, for having created us and given us to each other in the human family. Thank you for being with us in all our joys and sorrows, for your comfort in our sadness, your companionship in our loneliness. Thank you for yesterday, today, tomorrow and for the whole of our lives. Thank you for friends, for health and for grace. May we live this and every day conscious of all that has been given to us.
Thanksgiving Gratitude Tree!
A gratitude tree is a fun way to share what Thanksgiving means to each person. You can free-cut the shape of a tree with lots of branches from a brown 12″x12″ sheet of paper, then tape it to your dining room wall or attach it to the refrigerator. Cut out leaf shapes from various fall shades of paper. Let each family member write something for which they are thankful on a leaf and attach to the tree with tape.
Thanksgiving Centerpiece!
A variation could be a Thanksgiving Centerpiece. Cut a branch or two from the yard and put in a vase. Cut leaves from colored construction paper and put a string on each one. Each person takes a leaf or two and writes their name and date on one side and what they are thankful for on the other side, then hang them on the branch that would be in the vase in the center of the table. Leaves can be carried over from year to year as new ones are added. If your celebration includes many, you might want to have a side table for the tree, with cut greens from the yard, pine cones, and a few Christmas ornaments around the bottom.
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Coronavirus and astrology, karma, auras, horoscopes, etc., is a topic that is getting some attention in the spiritual community. How do major negative events like this effect our energies, and what can we do to bring more positive energy to the situation? Let’s review some core elements to the spiritual world and how we can be a positive force.
A Coronavirus Prayer
Loving God, Your desire is for our wholeness and well being.
We hold in tenderness and prayer the collective suffering of our world at this time.
We grieve precious lives lost and vulnerable lives threatened.
We ache for ourselves and our neighbors, standing before an uncertain future.
We pray: may love, not fear, go viral.
Inspire our leaders to discern and choose wisely, aligned with the common good.
Help us to practice social distancing and reveal to us new and creative ways to come together in spirit and in solidarity.
Call us to profound trust in your faithful presence,
You, the God who does not abandon.
Coronavirus and Astrology – Changing Bad Karma To Good
When we see that the old ways of doing things aren’t benefiting us, we need to modify our behavior and act in a different way. There are, also, many things we do in our life that we know won’t bring results for many years, but we do them anyway. We know that eventually, the results will come. These are all the result of cause and effect, or Karma. Karma is an energy created by a willful action, through thoughts, words and deeds. We are all creating Karma every minute, and the Karma we create affects us every minute of every day. There are many different ways we can change our “Bad Karma” to “Good Karma.”
40 Ways to Better Karma
Smile at 10 strangers every day
Bake cookies for your colleagues
Donate unwanted clothes to a charity
Help an elderly relative (or someone confused) with their computer
Make amends with a friend you’ve fallen out with
Lend someone a shoulder to cry on
Buy a gift for someone who is struggling for money – but only if you can afford it yourself
Help an elderly shopper reach the high shelves
Do you know someone who spends a lot of time alone? Make plans with them
Make an anonymous donation on an online fundraising page
Do you drive? Give a lift to someone who needs to get somewhere fast
Guide someone into a tricky parking space
Offer to help a friend with a task
Offer to babysit a friend’s kids so they can go out for the day
Take your friends’ kids for an exciting day trip
Help someone make a big decision
Share inspiring posts on social media
Defend someone who is being picked on (a must)
Help a stranger find their missing pet
Sign up for a sponsored walk or run
Sponsor a marathon runner
When grocery shopping, buy extra for a friend in need
Take a friend to the cinema and pay for it yourself
Help a parent carry a stroller up the stairs
Carry a neighbor’s shopping from their car to the house
Send a friend a postcard, even if you haven’t gone anywhere special
Buy a sandwich and a drink for a homeless person
Take a case of water to a spot where the homeless congregate
Cook a meal, or have a picnic, for all your friends
Sneak money into a friend’s pocket, maybe (or not) include a note from you
Pay for the food of the person behind you at the drive thru
Make your partner breakfast in bed
Volunteer with a local charity
Send a handwritten letter to a friend or relative
Say something nice to someone
Call a friend you’ve not spoken to in years
Buy a lottery ticket and give it away
Help someone with their homework
Buy lunch for a friend
Write compliments on post-it notes and hide them around a friend’s house.
Coronavirus and Astrology / Karma – Bringing Happiness
By seeking to do the right thing in any given situation, we, as well as those around us, will become conditioned for peace and happiness in a very real and concrete sense. Likewise, through negative actions we condition ourselves, as well as those around us, for suffering now and in the future. You can’t control the behavior of others, but your reactions and actions will dictate your path. Understand that the way you treat people is a reflection of how you feel about yourself.
Coronavirus and Astrology – Karma and Others
It’s not just that God said we should love one another. He also created the universe in such a way that, in time, we are sure to learn to do just that. If everything we do has a consequence, if everything we do comes back to us, then surely we will come in time to learn that it is ultimately in our own best interests to put out only what we would want to get back. ~ Marianne Williamson ~
Karma is the result of our own past actions and our own present doings. We ourselves are responsible for our own happiness and misery. We create our own Heaven. We create our own Hell. We are the architects of our own fate.
Situations seem to happen to people, but in reality, they unfold from deeper karmic causes. The universe unfolds to itself, bringing to bear any cause that needs to be included. Don’t take this process personally. The working out of cause and effect is eternal. You are part of this rising and falling that never ends, and only by riding the wave can you ensure that the waves don’t drown you. The ego takes everything personally, leaving no room for higher guidance or purpose. If you can, realize that a cosmic plan is unfolding and appreciate the incredibly woven tapestry for what it is, a design of unparalleled marvel. ― Deepak Chopra, The Book of Secrets: Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life.
Coronavirus and Astrology – Being Compassionate
Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant with the weak and wrong. Sometime in your life, you will have been all of these. ~ Siddhartha Gautama
Always treat others the way you would like to be treated. The way you act is a reflection on yourself.Your words or actions can last forever on others. Sometimes it doesn’t feel permanent to you, but to the other person, it could be everlasting. Treat others well, and Karma will take care of the rest.
We all need help. Some of us need more than others. When you do what you can to help someone who needs it, it connects you with another person, at least for a moment, if not for life. When you show kindness, that kindness is passed on, it can multiply and multiply. A simple little thing like a smile can put a smile and warm feeling in someone else’s heart, and make their day a little better. Offer a hug or a helping hand to someone who is sad. It will make you feel good to be compassionate. When we care for or help others while expecting nothing in return, we feel happy to have helped. Compassionate living is not an act of kindness, it is a way of life.
Coronavirus and Astrology – Auras from Negative to Positive
We all have an Aura! Our Aura reflects our current condition. People who are sick or emotionally upset have weak, shadowy Auras, while healthy, happy people have Auras that are strong and bright. To have a strong positive Aura means you have a strong healthy body, well-balanced, psychological and emotional health, and a spiritual maturity and strength. A weak or negative Aura indicates physical illness or disease, conflicted emotions, unresolved psychological issues, any/or limited spiritual development.
The human Aura is both an energy field and a reflection of the subtle life energies within the body. These energies make us what we are, and in turn, are affected by our surroundings and life style. The Aura reflects our health, character, mental activity and emotional state. It may also show disease, often long before the onset of symptoms.
The color of the Aura is impacted by health—both physical and mental—what we are experiencing in the moment, and how we “run” our energy most of the time. Drug use, trauma, prayer, and healing work can all change the substance of the Aura for better or worse. What we spend our time thinking about, viewing, doing, and believing, all have an impact on the quality of our Aura.
When people realize that their Aura is on display and many people are able to see it, they will watch what they think. And they will try to see and improve their own Aura. In the process they will become better and wiser, being able to recognize intentions of other people.
Practice Forgiveness. Not only letting go of the pain in your past but forgiving the person who caused it, can clear the negative energy from your Aura. Instead of focusing on your wounded feelings, and thereby giving power over you to the person who caused you pain, look for the love, beauty, and kindness around you.
Be aware. Recognize when the emotions that you feel belong to someone else. If your spouse is angry, identify that emotion and acknowledge it, but remind yourself that it is their anger, not yours. When someone is trying to bring you down, it’s more a reflection of them as a person, and their relationship with themselves, than of your worth.
Have a shower in the morning and imagine the water washing away all of your negative energy down the drain, and the water filing you with white light and love. Drinking at least one large glass of water upon waking up will help a lot, too. Water is naturally grounding.
Thanksgiving is a day to spend some time with the people we care about, and to think about what it is that has made us the way we are today. It is a time of year to be thankful for everything we have. There’s something about the warm, coziness of being home with family for the holidays that lifts everyone’s spirit. Thanksgiving is a day filled with the sound of a crackling fire and the smell of a turkey roasting in the oven. But how did it all come about?
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Thank you, Father, for having created us and given us to each other in the human family. Thank you for being with us in all our joys and sorrows, for your comfort in our sadness, your companionship in our loneliness. Thank you for yesterday, today, tomorrow and for the whole of our lives. Thank you for friends, for health and for grace. May we live this and every day conscious of all that has been given to us.
Thanksgiving Day of today is the celebration of the Pilgrim’s meal with the Native Americans on the fourth Thursday of November. It commemorates how newcomers were first welcomed by celebrating the harvest with their Native American neighbors. Originally, it was traditionally celebrated on the last Thursday of November in the early 1800’s, but left up to the individual states to decide when each would celebrate.
Sarah Josepha Hale is a writer known for campaigning for an official date for 40 years through letters to political leaders to get this holiday recognized. Finally in 1863, President Lincoln issued a proclamation that all states will celebrate Thanksgiving on the same day. This act was an effort to unite the North and the South, but due to the rebellion of the North’s authority, the holiday was not consistently celebrated on the same day until after Reconstruction.
A joint resolution was signed by Congress and President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941 to change the holiday to the fourth Thursday of November rather than the last, believing the earlier economic boost to be beneficial to the United States economy.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Redeemer, we also want to give You thanks for waking us up on this glorious day.
We thank You for protection, not only over ourselves, but for our loved ones as well.
We give thanks for health, strength, grace, forgiveness, peace, joy, for loving us unconditionally and never failing us.
Canada’s Thanksgiving is very similar to the American celebration, marking the successful harvest of French settlers in modern-day Canada. This celebration takes place in October when the weather is warmer. In 1957, Parliament moved it from November 6 to October, declaring, “A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed—to be observed on the 2nd Monday in October.” Feasting on turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn are common the weekend before. Vacations and parades are also traditional.
Germany celebrates the Harvest Thanksgiving Festival in October, which, like American celebrations, consists of feasting and religious traditions. Their Thanksgiving takes place on the first Sunday of October. Erntedankfest is essentially a harvest festival that gives thanks for a good year and good fortune.
The Japanese observe Labor Thanksgiving Day, which has roots with harvest celebrations but now celebrates labor, production, and thankfulness. Derived from ancient harvest festival rituals named Niinamesai, its modern meaning is more tied to a celebration of hard work and community involvement, hence its translation: Labor Thanksgiving Day.
A variation on America’s Thanksgiving can be found in the West African nation of Liberia, which was founded in the 19th century by freed slaves from the U.S. Mainly celebrated by Christians, Liberians take the concept of the cornucopia and fill their churches with baskets of local fruits like bananas, papayas, mangoes, and pineapples. An auction for these is held after the service, and then families retreat to their homes to feast.
The Netherlands observes a Thanksgiving Day service to honor the Pilgrims that lived in Leiden before continuing on to Plymouth. The people of Leiden still celebrate the American settlers who once lived there with a non-denominational church service on the fourth Thursday of November. Afterwards, there’s no turkey, but cookies and coffee are offered.
Thanksgiving Day in the United States is a holiday on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a day for families and friends to get together for a special meal. On this day, people express gratitude and thankfulness to God for his blessings and pay their thanks to dear ones for their immense love & support in their life.
The American tradition is highlighted by the Thanksgiving meal. Turkey is the most common main dish of a Thanksgiving dinner. Ham is often served alongside turkey in many non-traditional households. Delicious, classic recipes are always in style for a Thanksgiving feast. America’s favorite classic side dishes for Thanksgiving are mashed sweet or white potatoes and gravy, stuffing, corn muffins, cranberry sauce, and either a green bean, corn or Brussels sprouts casserole. Desserts include: pumpkin, apple or pecan pie.
Create a Gratitude Tree/A Thanksgiving Centerpiece
A gratitude tree is a fun way to share what Thanksgiving means to each person. You can free-cut the shape of a tree with lots of branches from a brown 12″x12″ sheet of paper, then tape it to your dining room wall or attach it to the refrigerator. Cut out leaf shapes from various fall shades of paper. Let each family member write something for which they are thankful on a leaf and attach to the tree with tape.
A variation could be a Thanksgiving Centerpiece. Cut a branch or two from the yard and put in a vase. Cut leaves from colored construction paper and put a string on each one. Each person takes a leaf or two and writes their name and date on one side and what they are thankful for on the other side, then hang them on the branch that would be in the vase in the center of the table. Leaves can be carried over from year to year as new ones are added. If your celebration includes many, you might want to have a side table for the tree, with cut greens from the yard, pine cones, and a few Christmas ornaments around the bottom.
Twelve Thanksgiving Fun Facts:
Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird, not the eagle.
Americans eat 46 million turkeys each Thanksgiving.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed 2,020 pounds and measured just over 12 feet long.
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s first meal in space after walking on the moon was foil packets with roasted turkey.
The heaviest turkey on record, according to the Guinness Book of Records, weighs 86 pounds.
Californians consume the most turkey in the U.S. on Thanksgiving Day!
Female turkeys (called hens) do not gobble. Only male turkeys gobble.
The average turkey for Thanksgiving weighs 15 pounds.
No forks at the first Thanksgiving, only spoons and knives.
Wild turkeys can run 20 miles per hour when they are scared.
Thanksgiving is the reason for TV dinners. In 1953 Swanson had so much extra turkey that a salesman told them they should package it onto aluminum trays with other sides like sweet potatoes.
Campbell’s soup created green bean casserole for an annual cookbook 50 years ago. It now sells $20 million worth of cream of mushroom soup.
Some Gift Ideas for Saying “Thanks” to Someone Special or a great hostess gift:
Perfect for Dads that love to snack! A decadent gift basket of chocolate, caramel, and crunchy gourmet treats
Two buttery and crisp caramel corns, traditional and chocolate drizzled, plus rich peanut brittle
Chocolate covered pretzels with white chocolate caramel drizzled pretzels. Presented in a keepsake seagrass basket tied with a red ribbon for a festive gift
Spread joy with some freshly brewed Ahmad English tea and a gift basket loaded with nuts, cookies, crackers and more
The Connoisseur Gift Basket offers a wide variety of snacks and tea to satisfy your taste buds
The sweet stuff includes Mia Dolce Chocolate Vanilla Swirl Cookie Crisps, Vanilla Sea Salt Caramels, Lille Chocolate Cookie Thins, Lily O’Brien’s Chocolate Chip Cookies, Lovely Candy Co. Raspberry Fudgees, Perugina Sorrento Fruit Hard Candies, and Walkers Shortbread Cookies
Enjoy the savory flavors of Hot Honey Crunch Mix, Veggie Sticks, Sea Salt & Olive Oil Crackers, Hummus, Mozzarella Cheese Swirls, Butter Toffee Nuts, and Sonoma Jacks Garlic & Herb Cheese Wedges
Wine Country Gift Baskets is a high quality brand that your loved one or friends will appreciate; our gift baskets are hand assembled and include some of the top brand named ingredients that we know you’ll love
Sweet Spirit: I am so happy to be who I am, the being You created As I share my gifts and talents, I am aware of the contribution I make to the collective.
I release any “not good enough feelings” as they arise. I fully express the person that I am and invite Love to have its way with me. And so it is. Amen.
A Thankful Prayer, just because. Thank you, God, for being always next to us.
Today is a special day. Today I feel connected to my source. Today I feel that I am a step closer to what I should and will become. No need to ask for favors, for I know everything comes when the timing is perfect. TODAY, LET US THANK GOD TOGETHER!
Thank you God for giving me another day, another chance to become a better individual, another chance to give and experience love. Thank you God for giving me health, for the food you provide, for the awareness you have awaken in me…Thank you for the energy that feeds my soul, the sun that warms our bodies and the air that fills our lungs…
Because of you I believe in the good without the bad and the ugly, because of you I am learning to love and accept myself, because of you I believe in believing. My source, stay connected to me today and always, for I need you in order to fulfill my spiritual tasks…
God, show me how to love myself, to be able to love others. Help me become the type of person that I would like to befriend, help me forgive myself and forgive others… God, make me a channel of your energy and help me understand. I thank you God for giving me another day, another unused opportunity to do it right. Keep us all close to you and listen to our prayers. Amen.
Universal Spirit: Help me focus beyond myself today. Sometimes, I am so busy with my “stuff” that I miss the love that is all around me. Today, I choose to pay close attention to each person I meet. I open my heart and listen carefully – beyond the words – for Your voice. Open my ears to the Truth. Open my heart to my sisters and brothers. Open my mind to Your indwelling presence. Open my life to Love. And so it is. Amen.
“Today Lord I am going to do my best with Your help and for Your glory. I realize that there are many different people in the world with a variety of opinions and expectations. I will concentrate on being a God-pleaser and not a self-pleaser or man-pleaser. The rest I leave in Your hands lord. Grant me favor with You and with men and continue transforming me into the image of Your dear Son. Thank You Lord.” ~ Joyce Meyer, Beauty for Ashes: Receiving Emotional Healing ~
“The inner voice is something which cannot be described in words. But sometimes we have a positive feeling that something in us prompts us to do a certain thing. The time when I learnt to recognize this voice was, I may say, the time when I started praying regularly.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi ~
Be still. Be still. Be still. God in the midst of you is substance. God in the midst of you is love. God in the midst of you is wisdom. Let not your thoughts be given to lack, but let wisdom fill them with the substance and faith of God. Let not your heart be a center of resentment and fear and doubt. Be still and know that at this moment it is the altar of God, of love; love so sure and unfailing, love so irresistible and magnetic that it draws your supply to you from the great store-house of the universe. Trust God, use God’s wisdom, prove and express God’s love. ~ Myrtle Fillmore (Healing Letters) ~
Prayer Father, forgive me for not always making you the center of my life. I will commit to spending more quiet time reflecting on your goodness. And then when things become stressful through the day, remind me to be calm, and to remember that you are in control. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen
Lord, in this holy season of prayer and song and laughter, we praise you for the great wonders you have sent us: for shining star and angel’s song, for infant’s cry in lowly manger. We praise you for the Word made flesh in a little Child. We behold his glory, and are bathed in its radiance.
Be with us as we sing the ironies of Christmas, the incomprehensible comprehended, the poetry made hard fact, the helpless Babe who cracks the world asunder. We kneel before you shepherds, innkeepers, wisemen. Help us to rise bigger than we are. Amen.
Before Breakfast Prayer for Christmas Season
The Word was made flesh, alleluia, alleluia!
And dwelt among us, alleluia, alleluia!
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, before the face of the Lord, for He comes. Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Christmas Anticipation Prayer
((Beginning on St. Andrew the Apostle’s feast day, November 30th, the following prayer is traditionally prayed 15 times a day until Christmas. This is a very meditative prayer that helps us increase our awareness of the real focus of Christmas and helps us prepare ourselves spiritually for His coming.)
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment
in which the Son of God was born
of the most pure Virgin Mary,
at midnight,
in Bethlehem,
in the piercing cold.
In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God,
to hear my prayer and grant my desires,
[State your intention(s) here…]
through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ,
and of His blessed Mother.
Amen.
Opening Prayer for Christmas Eve Service
Rev. Dr. Sean B. Murray
Gracious, loving and merciful God, on this Christmas Eve, as the light of your Word penetrates our hearts, as we are reminded of the gift of life and faith, as the glories of the heavenly hosts are echoed in our church, we open ourselves up to your Spirit and give you thanks. We are grateful, Lord Jesus, that your story has become our story, and we celebrate your birth.
Continue, we pray, to instill in us a profound sense of your abiding presence, and help us to take to heart the wonder of your love, that we may walk in your ways and delight in your will.
Help us, Lord God, to be the faithful, gracious, loving, giving and forgiving people you would have us be.
Lord Jesus,
Please forgive me for being so grumpy as I trudge through the never-ending tasks set before me this holiday season…
My to-do list seems to keep growing with shopping, church services, and family gatherings—
and I’m running short of time!
Restore the joy of Christmas to my heart . . .
and help me to relax each day and make time for
YOU–
my one true Source of Joy.
Before opening presents
Lord and Giver of all good things, the magi travelled for miles to bring the Christ child the first Christmas presents. So may we, too, remember with thankful hearts the love that comes with each present we open. We also thank you for the love you have for each of us, and we thank you for the many gifts that you give us, especially the gift of live itself. Amen
A Christmas Prayer for those who have suffered the recent death of a loved one
God of compassion, there is such a hole in my heart! Today should be a day of joy, but I feel only emptiness and loss. While the world celebrates around me, I remember Christmas celebrations of the past and I long to have my loved one with me. I bring my sorrows to you, Lord, like some odd gift of the magi and dump them at your feet. In my blind tears I wonder if anyone can possibly understand the depth of my sadness.
I know, you can. You sent your son to be with us in our deepest sorrows and I know that even though I might not feel it now, you are here with me, grieving with me, caring for me in my sadness. Dearest lord, help me to turn to the one I miss so much today and speak. Help me heal the loss of our parting and help me not to regret the things I didn’t say. Sorrow tears at my heart, but today I ask that my loss soften my heart and make me more compassionate with everyone I meet, so that my loss may become a gift to others.
Christmas Dinner Grace
In the peace of this season our spirits are joyful:
With the beasts and angels,
the shepherds and stars,
with Mary and Joseph we sing God’s praise.
By your coming may the hungry be filled with good things,
and may our table and home be blessed.
Bless us O Lord, and these Thy gifts,
which we are about to receive from Thy bounty
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Candle Wreath Prayer
God of love, Father of all,
the darkness that covered the earth
has given way to the bright dawn of your Word made flesh.
Make us a people of this light.
Make us faithful to your Word
that we may bring your life to the waiting world.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Christmas Gift Prayer
Thank you, God for the wonderful gift of your son, Jesus, as we celebrate His birthday. Help us to remember Him as we give and receive gifts, taking time to pray for each person and for those who have nothing. Help us, Lord, to fill this Christmas with you and with your love, peace and joy.
Amen
A Prayer for Christmas Morning
The day of joy returns, Father in Heaven, and crowns another year with peace and good will.
Help us rightly to remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men.
Close the doors of hate and open the doors of love all over the world?
Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil, by the blessing that Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children,
And the Christmas evening bring us to our bed with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake.
Amen
Christmas Prayer
Let Your goodness Lord appear to us, that we
made in your image, conform ourselves to it.
In our own strength
we cannot imitate Your majesty, power, and wonder
nor is it fitting for us to try.
But Your mercy reaches from the heavens
through the clouds to the earth below.
You have come to us as a small child,
but you have brought us the greatest of all gifts,
the gift of eternal love
Caress us with Your tiny hands,
embrace us with Your tiny arms
and pierce our hearts with Your soft, sweet cries.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
Christmas Tree Blessing
Holy Creator of Trees, Bless with your abundant grace this our Christmas tree as a symbol of joy. May its evergreen branches be a sign of your never-fading promises. May its colorful lights and ornaments call us to decorate with love our home and our world. May the gifts that surround this tree be symbols of the gifts that we have received from the Tree of Christ’s Cross. Holy Christmas tree within our home, may Joy and Peace come and nest in your branches and in our hearts. Amen.
Nativity Prayer of St. Augustine
Let the just rejoice, for their justifier is born. Let the sick and infirm rejoice, For their saviour is born. Let the captives rejoice, For their Redeemer is born. Let slaves rejoice, for their Master is born. Let free men rejoice, For their Liberator is born. Let All Christians rejoice, For Jesus Christ is born. Amen.
Miracles happen to those who believe in angels. In the stillness of the night, listen for an angel. They are always there to listen, have you shared your innermost thoughts yet today?
Our lives are a journey that we should travel with angels. Our mind is a sacred place for our thoughts to gather and spend time with these angels. They enhance our lives in the gentlest yet most powerful way. Wherever you go, whatever you do, may the Angels watch over you.
Prayer to the Guardian Angels,
My good Angel, Thou comest from heaven; God has sent thee to take care of me. Oh, shelter me under thy wings. Lighten my path, direct my steps. Do not leave me, stay quite near me and defend me against the spirit of evil. But above all come to my help in the last struggle of my life.
Deliver my soul so that with thee it may praise, love and contemplate the goodness of God forever and ever. Amen
Follow us at www.secretserendipity.com, as we await our miracles.
Sweet Spirit: We have used Your gifts of intelligence to create interesting, sometimes wonderful and occasionally frightening technologies. Gadgets and inventions that can help, heal or destroy depending on how they are used. Now, we seek to harness the power of Love in order to guide our use of what we have created.
Each day, we are more aware of our inherent oneness with all life. Love alone can help us make the course corrections required to express this oneness in a positive way. We surrender our pettiness and gratefully accept Your gifts of wisdom and grace. And so it is. Amen.
“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets,” as stated in the Bible. We often refer to this as the golden rule. Since we are one with all life, we should love each other as we would love ourselves. We are all one, and as one, this is a principle that should apply to every encounter we have.
O Lord, hear my prayer for all who are in trouble this day. Comfort those who are facing the loss of a loved on. After the wrenching grief, let their lonely hours be filled with fond memories of days gone by. Also comfort those who are passing their days without work. During this time of financial stress, give them energy to make their employment the job of finding new work.
Encourage those who are finding it difficult to believe in the future. Let your hope fill their hearts as they recall all your past faithfulness. Though doubting the truth of your existence or the validity of your promises, bring wise friends into their lives who have long known the reality of your love. While they struggle to make ends meet, please let them be assured that you can take care of every need, no matter how large or small.
Heal those who are suffering pain and illness. Let them find rest and calm as they seek to make the idle moments pass more quickly. While they are racked in mind and stressed out emotionally, cradle their minds in your love and soothe every irrational thought that seeks to run out of control.
Uphold those who are being tempted in any way today, especially those who may want to end their lives. Show them that while there is life, there is hope, that change is the only constant, and that change for the better is so likely. Looking at all the negative aspects of life and finding it depressing, may they find joy in just one moment at a time. And may that be enough for now.
In all these ways, I ask your blessing upon those who are in trouble.
Just like a sunbeam can’t separate itself from the sun, and a wave can’t separate itself from the ocean, we can’t separate ourselves from one another. We are all part of a vast sea of love, one indivisible divine mind. ~ Marianne Williamson ~
My mind is a center of Divine operation. The Divine operation is always for expansion and fuller expression, and this means the production of something beyond what has gone before, something entirely new, not included in past experience, though proceeding out of it by orderly sequence of growth.
Therefore, since the Divine cannot change it’s inherent nature, it must operate in the same manner in me; Consequently in my own special world, in which I am the center, it will move forward to produce new conditions, always in advance of any that have gone before. ~ Thomas Troward ~
We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves. ~ Buddha ~
Oh, dear Father God, I come—
As I always come to Thee— And, with all my love, I bring
My wholehearted, earnest plea.
Not for wealth nor jewels, rare, Do I ask of Thee each day,
But for that which I so need, I do ask of Thee; and, pray,
Give Thy richest gift to me:
Give, oh, give me peace of mind!
Nothing else can take its place… Peace, sweet peace, Lord, let me find!
~ Gertrude Tooley Buckingham, “Peace of Mind” (1940s) ~
Pour some water into a tub and stir it up. Now try as hard as you can to calm the water with your hands; you will succeed in agitating it further. Let it stand undisturbed a while, and it will calm down by itself. The human brain works much the same way. ~Koichi Tohei, Ki in Daily Life ~
Sweet Spirit: In every moment of each experience, I have the ability to choose love or fear. With Your help, I choose the path of peace. I have no idea what this coming week holds or even what today has in store. However, I do know that You are with me as my strength and guide. I choose peace and joy. I choose to be whole. I am willing to be a presence for love. I am willing to look at life differently. Please show me how. Thank You. Amen.
Whenever I’m stressed, anxious, or afraid, help me remember to run to you. You’re the only one that can calm my fears and end my fretful behavior. Whether in trivial or heavy matters, I know you will not only give me peace; Lord, you will be my peace. And when I draw close to you—in prayer, in reading your Word, in helping another, in taking my mind off myself—you will be there, up close and personal.
I can’t handle these times alone, Lord. Will you speak peace and calm my storms, or hold my hand while we walk through them together? Will you bring the reassuring wisdom of those who have come through similar times into my life? Thank you, Lord. I’m trusting you.
In the name of the One who makes the wind and the waves stand still, Amen.
I once read in an essay on Buddhism that “nothing is so fragile as action without prayer.” Prayer aligns our internal energies with truth in a way that mere action cannot. Events ultimately unfold according to subconscious rather than conscious programming, and prayer is a way of healing and releasing the subconscious mind.
When we pray that God take a situation into His hands, we are praying for two things – one, that events unfold at the highest vibration of love for all human beings touched in any way by the situation, now and forever; and two, that our minds remain aligned with truth. ~ Marianne Williamson
Prayer to Resolve a Difficult Situation
Pray once:
May the Father command it, may the Son arrange it, and may the Holy Spirit appease the hearts of those who are against us.
Repeat 10 times:
Come, Holy Spirit, enlighten the hearts of those who can help us.
Pray Once:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen
Holy One,
When I am receptive, I connect with a reality beyond my five senses.
At the corners of my mind, I catch a movement of energy, a subtle feeling.
In these moments, I am at peace.
My eyes and ears are easily drawn to the outer pictures of an endlessly repeating cycle of drama, trauma and tragedy, both personal and global.
Beyond this apparent chaos is a sweet and sublime order, a subtle rhythm that is hard to notice at first.
Spiritual practice brings this inner world into my conscious awareness.
Passion, peace, love and joy flow from this spiritual reality through me now.
Your Light shining as my life can eliminate the darkness.
I let it shine.
Amen.
God, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy!
Sometimes I feel stuck in a loop of analyzing my life and experiences.
If I could figure things out on my own, I would have done so already.
Lift me above this trap of the past.
I open my mind and heart to Your spirit now.
Reveal Your wisdom in me that I might live the life You intend me to live.
Establish a path before me that I can understand and follow.
I follow as You lead. And so it is.
Amen.
We are all divine creatures. There is reason and meaning, not only for the different experiences in our lives, but for our life as a whole. as well. We are all here to learn and better our lives for ourselves and those around us. Trust in every experience because every single one of them will bring you closer to your life’s destiny. Never think of them as a distraction or a detour. Recognize the lesson in each positive or negative experience, and try to find the meaning of each one.
The ego would have us born with great potential, and die with great potential. In between, there is ever-increasing suffering. A miracle frees us to live fully in the present, to release our power and to claim our glory. The Son of God is risen to Heaven when he releases the past, releases the future, and thus releases himself to be who he is today. Hell is what the ego makes of the present. Heaven is another take on it altogether. ~ Marianne Williamson ~
The Miracle Prayer
Lord Jesus, I come before Thee, just as I am, I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In Thy Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce Satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give Thee my entire self, Lord Jesus, I accept Thee as my Lord God and Savior. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul, and spirit.
Come Lord Jesus, cover me with Thy Precious Blood, and fill me with Thy Holy Spirit, I love Thee Lord Jesus, I praise Thee Lord Jesus, I thank Thee Jesus, I shall follow Thee every day of my life. Amen.
Mary, My Mother, Queen of Peace, all the Angels and Saints, please help me. Amen.
Say this prayer faithfully, no matter how you feel. When you come to the point where you sincerely mean each word with all your heart, Jesus will change your whole life in a very special way. You will see.
Sweet Spirit: How may I serve my sisters and brothers today? How can I help our world? I am listening for Your guidance in the quiet of meditation. Work through me as You will. Now is the time and I am willing. And so it is. Amen.
We must all contribute in some way to serve. No matter how small the act, any contribution you make can possibly impact or even change someone else’s life. Never let a day go by where you don’t at least contribute 5 minutes to your cause.
“This is what you shall do; Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men, go freely with powerful uneducated persons and with the young and with the mothers of families, read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life, re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul, and your very flesh shall be a great poem and have the richest fluency not only in its words but in the silent lines of its lips and face and between the lashes of your eyes and in every motion and joint of your body.” ~ Walt Whitman
“Lord, thou knowest better than myself that I am growing older and will soon be old. Keep me from becoming too talkative, and especially from the unfortunate habit of thinking that I must say something on every subject and at every opportunity.
Release me from the idea that I must straighten out other peoples’ affairs. With my immense treasure of experience and wisdom, it seems a pity not to let everybody partake of it. But thou knowest, Lord, that in the end I will need a few friends.
Keep me from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point.
Grant me the patience to listen to the complaints of others; help me to endure them with charity. But seal my lips on my own aches and pains — they increase with the increasing years and my inclination to recount them is also increasing.
I will not ask thee for improved memory, only for a little more humility and less self-assurance when my own memory doesn’t agree with that of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be wrong.
Keep me reasonably gentle. I do not have the ambition to become a saint — it is so hard to live with some of them — but a harsh old person is one of the devil’s masterpieces.
Make me sympathetic without being sentimental, helpful but not bossy. Let me discover merits where I had not expected them, and talents in people whom I had not thought to possess any. And, Lord, give me the grace to tell them so.
The Angel for Animals is an Angel we can call when we need to protect and heal our fuzzy friends. The Angel of Animals brings love, understanding, and amazing healing. She often shows herself surrounded by nature in flowing clothes, and holding an animal in need of blessings.
Angel for Animals: Angel Ariel
“In the tranquil embrace of Angel Ariel, every creature finds solace and serenity. From the tiniest insects to the mightiest beasts, she watches over them all with a heart full of compassion.”
Angel Ariel is a beautiful and compassionate angel known as the Angel for Animals. She embodies qualities that make her a beloved and cherished celestial being for those who hold a deep connection to animals and the natural world. Here are some wonderful aspects of Angel Ariel:
Guardian of the Animal Kingdom: Ariel is a devoted guardian of all creatures, from the tiniest insects to the mightiest beasts. She watches over them, ensuring their well-being and safety in their natural habitats.
Compassion and Empathy: Ariel possesses an unmatched level of compassion and empathy for animals. Her heart overflows with love for every species, and she actively works to alleviate their suffering.
Healer and Protector: When animals are injured or in distress, Angel Ariel is there to offer her healing touch and protection. She shields them from harm and guides them toward recovery.
Environmental Stewardship: Ariel is not only concerned with the individual well-being of animals but also with the broader health of the ecosystems they inhabit. She encourages humans to care for the environment and protect the delicate balance of nature.
Communication with Animals: It is said that Ariel has the ability to communicate with animals on a profound level, allowing her to understand their needs and desires. She inspires humans to develop a deeper connection with the animal kingdom.
Spiritual Connection: For those who have a strong spiritual bond with animals, Ariel serves as a bridge between the earthly realm and the spiritual realm. She helps people connect with their animal spirit guides and totem animals.
Symbol of Hope and Harmony: Ariel represents hope for a world where animals and humans coexist in harmony. She reminds us that by treating animals with kindness and respect, we can create a more peaceful and balanced world.
Inspiration for Compassionate Action: The presence of Angel Ariel inspires individuals to take compassionate action in support of animal welfare. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or advocating for animal rights, she encourages positive change.
Nurturer of Wildlife: In times of environmental crisis or natural disasters, Ariel is there to provide comfort and support to wildlife. She helps guide them to safety and ensures their survival.
Unconditional Love: Above all, Ariel’s love for animals is unconditional. Her radiant energy embodies the purest form of love, reminding us all of the importance of showing kindness and love to every living being on Earth.
Angel Ariel’s role as the Angel for Animals is a source of inspiration for animal lovers and conservationists alike. Her presence serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life on Earth and the importance of nurturing and protecting our fellow creatures.
O Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, Physician of all living things, who through thy love and compassion doth heal all manner of sickness and affliction: do thou O Lord visit this pet (pet’s name) of his (her) suffering and heal him (her) of every sickness and affliction. Also grant to me patience and acceptance of whatever you may deem worthy for this humble pet. Be with my pet in this time of need and help him (her) to be comforted by our care and love. Amen
Whenever you need assistance with an animal, surgery for a pet, a missing pet, or maybe a stray that needs to find a home, call on the Angel of Animals, Angel Ariel, for help. All creatures of our planet reflect this Angel’s love. If you are looking for a physical connection with the Angel of Animals, try wearing a piece of jewelry made of coral or opal. Try taking a quartz crystal and blessing it with this Angel’s healing for your pet. Then place them near their cage or bedding to assist your loved pet.
Feed your pet in times of need. Some animals may have problems eating food during their illness. Your pet should eat smaller portions to help them get the nutrition they need. Feeding your pet by hand can encourage them to eat. You can also offer warm, scented foods.
Human baby food, found in the small jars on your grocery store shelves, is an easily digestible choice for a cat or dog with tummy trouble. Just be careful to avoid ones that include onions, which can cause damage to red blood cells.
Help Angel Ariel by Doing What You Can!
Animal shelters are always in need of a helping hand. Whether it’s taking dogs for a walk, cleaning out cages, or answering the phone, your free time can be used to help shelters keep the doors open so potential pet parents can connect with their new family members. Wherever you’re located, items like towels, old newspapers, food, and kitty litter go quickly, so when your schedule doesn’t allow time to volunteer, consider donating these goods instead. If your local shelter doesn’t have donation or volunteer terms on its website, give them a call. They’ll be delighted to share a few ways you can help.
Angel for Animals: Do Animals Go To Heaven?
In the beautiful realm of eternity, a realm where compassion and love know no bounds, animals, and pets find their way to heaven as surely as the stars adorn the night sky. In this heavenly sanctuary, their pure and unyielding spirits frolic in meadows of eternal bliss, accompanied by the gentle whispers of the wind and the warmth of celestial sunbeams. Here, they are free from suffering, and their loyal hearts are forever intertwined with the souls of those who cherished them on Earth. In this serene paradise, the bonds forged between humans and their beloved animal companions transcend the boundaries of mortality, reuniting them in a place where love is the eternal guiding light.
We’ve been taught in Sunday school that God created all the different species to be Adam’s friends and neighbors in the Garden of Eden. Revelation 21:1 says that heaven is a place where we will enjoy a glorious and perfect version of creation as we already know it! Recently Pope Francis told a young boy whose dog has died that paradise is open to all of God’s creatures.
God had literally created the animals before He had created Adam and Eve. God did this so Adam and Eve would have everything they would need to be happy and fulfilled in the new life that He was going to give them. If animals were not going to be fully enjoyed by Adam and Eve and everyone to follow after them, then God would have never created them in the first place.
Angel for Animals: Animals have an Animal Soul!
There is hope that our pets, and all creatures, will rise again. How and why? The reason you can have this hope is that from the very beginning of time, in the original state of holiness (the Garden of Eden) it appears there were animals. So, even though animals do not have eternal spirits, they are physical and have what we may call an animal soul. Since heaven is to be a place of unending joy, perhaps God will feel that it will not be complete for humans without their pets.
Angel for Animals: Animals and Noah’s Arc!
If God did not think the animals and living creatures He had created at the beginning were important, He would have never had Noah put them on the boat to save and preserve them. For God to go to this extreme length in order to save all of these living creatures shows us how much God really does love and care for all of the animals that He has personally created.
Angel for Animals: Animals in Heaven!
We at SecretSerendipity.com believe that God loves and cares for his animals and there is indeed a place for them in heaven. The pets that we had to say goodbye to are alive in heaven right now in their spiritual, perfect bodies and we will see them again.
Picture a place adorned with lush meadows, vibrant gardens, crystal-clear streams, and endless blue skies. It’s a place where the sun always shines warmly, and a gentle breeze rustles the leaves, carrying the melodious chirping of birds. Here, our furry, feathery, or scaly companions are reunited, healthy, and free from pain or suffering.
In Pet Heaven, every pet is given a second chance at life. Frisky kittens chase after iridescent butterflies, their tails swishing playfully. Dogs of all breeds run together in open fields, leaping with boundless energy as they fetch their favorite toys. Birds soar through the skies, their vibrant plumage gleaming in the sunlight as they explore the heavens above.
This heavenly realm is a place where pets are eternally young and vibrant, where ailments and old age no longer hold them back. They bask in the purest form of happiness, forming new friendships while cherishing the bonds they shared with us on Earth.
Just as they did when they were with us, our pets in heaven continue to shower us with love and affection. They send us gentle signs from above, a wagging tail in the rustling leaves, a playful purr in the breeze, or a comforting presence in our dreams. They let us know that they’re watching over us, waiting patiently for the day when we’ll reunite once more.
In Pet Heaven, there’s no concept of time, no goodbyes, and no tears. It’s a place where our pets await us with excitement, their eyes filled with the same unwavering love and devotion they had in life. When the time comes for us to join them, we’ll be greeted by a jubilant procession of all the pets we’ve ever loved, welcoming us with boundless joy.
So, take comfort in the knowledge that our pets are not truly gone, but rather, they reside in a paradise where happiness knows no bounds. Their spirits remain alive in our hearts, and one day, we will be reunited in the glorious embrace of Pet Heaven, a place where love endures forever.
The Angel for Animals: Our Pets and Us!
One day our pets will be joined with us in heaven, a comforting belief that has brought solace to countless hearts over the years. This cherished idea paints a beautiful picture of eternal happiness and reunions with our beloved animal companions, filling our hearts with warmth and hope.
In this heavenly realm, the boundaries that separated us from our pets on Earth vanish. Dogs, cats, birds, and all the creatures we’ve cherished find themselves beside us once more, their loyal eyes sparkling with joy. The idea of being reunited with our furry and feathered friends in the afterlife evokes a sense of profound happiness and fulfillment.
Imagine a paradise where the sun always shines, and the fields are lush and endless. In this blissful place, pets and their human companions frolic together, just as they did in their earthly days. There are no more illnesses or old age to hinder their joyous romps, and the pains of separation are but distant memories.
Our pets, who fill our lives with unconditional love and companionship, greet us with boundless excitement. Tail wags, joyful barks, and purring affirmations of love fill the air. All the special moments we shared, from lazy afternoons in the sun to adventurous hikes in the woods, are relived with a newfound intensity.
In heaven, our pets are no longer limited by the constraints of their physical forms. Cats soar through the skies, chasing ethereal butterflies, while dogs run with the wind, their spirits untethered. Birds sing sweet melodies that resonate through the heavens, and every creature, great and small, finds its unique form of expression and delight.
The bonds between humans and animals in this heavenly realm are unbreakable. We communicate through a language of love, understanding each other’s desires and feelings effortlessly. Our pets become our guides, leading us on wondrous adventures through this paradise, as we explore breathtaking landscapes and experience moments of sheer wonder together.
Heaven is a place where time loses its meaning. Days blend into one another, and yet each moment is cherished. We watch our pets grow, learn, and play, all the while growing closer with every shared experience. The happiness we feel in their presence is eternal, a continuous stream of love and companionship that knows no end.
As we gaze upon the horizon, knowing that our pets are always by our side, our hearts swell with gratitude and joy. The belief that one day, we will be reunited with our pets in heaven offers solace, hope, and an enduring sense of happiness. In this heavenly paradise, our love for our cherished animal companions is celebrated for all eternity, reminding us that the bonds we share with our pets are truly everlasting.
The Angel for Animals: In Conclusion!
“Angel Ariel, the ethereal guardian of the animal realm, is a luminous presence whose celestial wings shimmer with iridescent hues as she watches over the creatures of the Earth. With her gentle touch and soothing whispers carried on the wind, she safeguards the delicate balance of nature’s tapestry. Ariel’s essence embodies the harmony between humans and animals, ensuring that every sentient being is heard and cherished. She weaves enchanting spells that awaken empathy and compassion in the hearts of those who encounter her, inviting them to embrace their kinship with all living creatures. In her mystical role as the Angel for animals, Angel Ariel kindles the divine connection between the terrestrial and the divine, guiding us to protect and honor the wild wonders of the world, reminding us that in the eyes of the universe, we are all but threads in the same cosmic tapestry.”
The Enchanted Afterlife in Heaven!
In the realm of fascination, there exists a hidden dimension, called Heaven, where the souls of animals reside, a place as enchanting as it is mysterious. In this world of wonderment, the bond between humans and their beloved pets transcends the boundaries of mortality. It is a realm where the essence of animals is eternal, and the promise of reunion in the afterlife is a cherished reality.
In this fantastical realm, animals are not merely flesh and blood; they are imbued with unique, radiant souls that shimmer like stars in a moonlit sky. Each creature, whether it be a loyal dog, a graceful feline, a majestic horse, or even a mischievous parrot, possesses a soul that carries the memories of the love and companionship they shared with their human counterparts.
When the time comes for a beloved pet to depart from the mortal world, a wondrous transformation occurs. The earthly vessel may fade, but the soul of the animal embarks on a journey through a celestial gateway, guided by ethereal beings that watch over this mystical realm. As the pet’s soul crosses into the afterlife, it is enveloped in a warm and comforting light, where all pain and suffering vanish, and only joy remains.
Here, among the celestial meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers and the gentle rustling of willow trees, pets are free to roam and play. In this paradise, they are reunited with other animal companions and form friendships that know no bounds of species. Cats and dogs frolic together, birds sing in harmony with rabbits, and even the most unlikely pairs of creatures find themselves kindred spirits.
The Promise of a Reunion!
But the most magical part of this fantastical realm is the promise of reunion with their beloved human companions. As time passes in the mortal world, the bond between humans and animals grows stronger in the afterlife. In dreams and moments of quiet reflection, humans may catch glimpses of this mystical world, where they see their cherished pets running through fields of golden grass, their eyes filled with boundless love and happiness.
And when the time comes for humans to transition from their earthly existence to the realm of eternal bliss, there is a grand reunion. Humans and their pets are drawn together by an irresistible force, like the magnetic pull of stars aligning in the night sky. Tears of joy are shed, and laughter fills the air as they are once again united.
In this enchanted afterlife, humans and their pets embark on new adventures together, exploring the wonders of the celestial realm. They ride on the backs of unicorns through enchanted forests, soar on the wings of magnificent eagles, and dance with fireflies under the glow of the eternal moon.
As the ages pass in this magical world, the bonds between humans and their pets continue to grow deeper, and the love that brought them together in the first place remains undiminished. The promise of a joyous reunion in the afterlife serves as a beacon of hope for all who share their lives with animals, reminding them that love knows no boundaries, and that in the end, the heart’s connection is eternal.
In this very special realm where animals have radiant souls, and humans are reunited with their beloved pets, there is nothing but happiness, love, and the eternal promise that those who have shared their lives will forever share their hearts. It is a place of endless joy, where the bonds of love are unbreakable, and the spirit of companionship lives on, forever and always.
Let’s delve deeper into this magical realm, where the connection between humans and their animal companions is boundless and everlasting.
In the afterlife of this enchanting world, there are meandering rivers of shimmering water that run through pristine forests, and these rivers hold a unique secret. When a human and their beloved pet come together by the river’s edge, a transformation occurs. The water reflects their shared memories, illuminating the past in a mesmerizing display of colors and lights.
As they watch their memories dance upon the water’s surface, both humans and pets are able to relive the most cherished moments of their earthly life together. They see themselves playing fetch in the park, cuddling by a cozy fireplace on a chilly winter’s night, and sharing secret adventures known only to them. Each ripple in the water holds a story, a testament to the love they shared.
The celestial creatures of this realm, such as benevolent winged foxes and gentle spirit wolves, join in these reunions, guiding both humans and pets as they navigate the memories. They offer a comforting presence, ensuring that the experience is filled with warmth and love.
In this fantastical world, there are endless wonders to explore. Majestic floating islands hang in the sky, adorned with ethereal gardens filled with flowers that sing harmonious tunes when touched. Pets and their human companions can climb aboard these islands and soar through the sky, feeling the wind in their fur and hair, laughter bubbling up as they share in the exhilarating freedom of flight.
One of the most beloved places in this magical realm is the Grand Meadow of Eternal Play. Here, animals of all kinds come together to engage in playful activities that transcend the limits of their earthly forms. Dogs chase their tails with boundless energy, cats perform gravity-defying acrobatics, and horses gallop freely without ever tiring. It’s a place where all creatures, regardless of their species, revel in the joy of pure, unadulterated play.
As time passes in this world, humans and their pets grow closer still. They share stories and wisdom, not through spoken words, but through a deep understanding that transcends language. Humans learn from their pets’ unwavering loyalty and unconditional love, while pets gain insight into the complexities of the human heart.
The Moments of Joy and Connection Stretch on for Eternity!
In this realm, time is an abstract concept. The passing of days, months, and years becomes irrelevant, for the moments of joy and connection stretch on for eternity. There is no fear of loss, no pain of parting, only the comforting knowledge that love endures, and reunions are constant.
In this fantastical afterlife, where animals have radiant souls and the bonds between humans and their pets are unbreakable, there is an overwhelming sense of peace and contentment. It is a world where dreams come to life, where love knows no boundaries, and where the promise of eternal companionship is fulfilled beyond imagination. Here, in this realm of pure happiness, the beauty of the human-animal bond is celebrated forevermore.
Diwali (and also known as Deepavli) is the official holiday of India, Pakistan, Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname. It is the Hindu festival of lights and celebrated in the autumn or spring, depending on location. The exact date of the holiday is determined by the position of the moon and the Hindu lunar calendar.
The festival is marked by five days of celebration, marked by fireworks, large family feasts, houses decorated with candles, and lit up with lights, where people share gifts and say prayers.
One of the primary events of Hinduism, Diwali celebrates the victory of light of dark, good or evil, and knowledge of ignorance. The festival is celebrated over five days, but the primary celebration is reserved for the new moon night of Hindu Lunisolar. Before the Diwali night, celebrants clean and decorate their place of work and homes. That night, people get dressed up, light diyas (candles and lamps) both inside and outside of their home.
Prayers are most often said to Lakshmi, and after the prayers the fireworks take place. The family then has a feast that includes special sweets, and gifts are exchanged.
Diwali celebrations differ by region in India, and from country to country.
The Diwali festival is one of the most joyous of all holidays in India and involves a large amount of preparation before the festival. It is also one of the most important shopping times of the year, and important to the economy.
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. The holiday is a metaphor for being wary of evil, conquering it, and having a proactive approach to goodness, and self-improvement.
Prayer for Diwali (in Sanskrit and English):
Om Asato Ma Sad Gamaya
Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityor Ma Amritam Gamaya
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Lead us from untruth to truth
From darkness to light
From death to immortality
Om Peace Peace Peace
True Message of Self–Enlightenment & Enlightening To All (Ajay Singh Niranjan):
O cosmic power!
Ignite our spirits for purposeful mission
Inject positive energy in our brains
Transmit divine virtues in our attitudes
Transform inner self on the path of Self–Enlightenment
O Infinite Intelligence!
Supercharge the light of knowledge in our hearts
Circulate the wave of creativity in our minds
Stabilize thy adorable glory in our consciousnesses
Spread thy glorious radiance on our bodies.
O Super Consciousness!
Pour purity of knowledge in our thoughts
Lead our deeds towards self- realization
Equalize our frequencies of souls with thy super soul
For attaining perfect condition of Resonance-Bliss
O eternal love!
Inspire us for structuring an architect of character
Supercharge high intensive love in our all actions
Illuminate our life with glare, grace and grandeur
Generate rays of happiness in our family matrix.
May you celebrate this day with all your heart. Rejoice in the beauty of its light and warmth. Give thanks for the air and grass and sidewalks. Let gratitude for others face flow into your soul. And cherish the chance to work and play, to think and speak – knowing this: All simple pleasures are opportunities to praise.
Prayer in Good Times
Bless us in this time of good fortune. Give us the grace to be grateful for newfound comforts, magnanimous among those who have less, and thoroughly giving with all we’ve been given.
Small Miracles
Praise you, Lord! The heavens declare your glory; the skies proclaim your might power. And here I am, looking up into these vast regions, knowing that the tiniest cell in my body is a most glorious miracle, as well. Praise you, Lord!
Sweet Spirit: Thank You for the faculty of imagination. I imagine a world at perfect peace. I imagine harmony, joy and friendship between people. I imagine a world free of disease. I imagine clean air and water everywhere. I imagine freedom for all people. I imagine a planet where love is the law. I imagine Heaven on Earth. And so it is. Amen.
“Unless and until we have peace deep within us, we can never hope to have peace in the outer world. You and I create the world by the vibrations that we offer to it. If we can invoke peace and then offer it to somebody else, we will see how peace expands from one to two persons, and gradually to the world at large. Peace will come about in the world from the perfection of individuals. If you have peace, I have peace, he has peace, and she has peace, then automatically universal peace will dawn.” ~ Sri Chinmoy, The Jewels of Happiness: Inspiration and Wisdom to Guide Your Life-Journey ~
“When you love yourself, you teach those around you how to love themselves. That love will change the world into what it was intended to be.” ~ Eileen Anglin ~
Some life experiences really stretch me, showing me places within myself that are in need of healing. There are times when I cannot see that I am holding onto the past, until I have started to let go. Thank You for being patient with me. Teach me how to be gentle with myself. I realize that, at times, I am fighting my own good, clutching the very attitudes and thought patterns that keep me tied to the past.
Show me how to live by my own advice. I surrender my willfulness to You. I release my fear of the unknown. Thank You. And so it is. Amen.
One part of your life to evaluate is the people you spend your time with. If you constantly spend time with negative people, you’ll become negative as well. If you spend time around people with no ambition, you’ll find your own dreams slipping away as well. On the other hand, surrounding yourself with awesome people who want the same things you want in life will set you up for success.
Sweet Spirit: We have not forgotten the events of September 11, 2001 or the many people who have served all around the globe since that day. We share the sorrow of everyone who has lost someone they loved to war and terrorism. Bring us all a sense of comfort without bitterness. Together, we yearn for that day when all people will have learned that we are all sisters and brothers in You.
Teach us how to see the wonder in each other. Lift us above our fears and fighting and into Your radiance. Show us how to open our hands and hearts in peace and friendship. We are willing to be peacemakers and we are willing to be peace filled. And so it is. Amen.
A variation could be a Thanksgiving Centerpiece. Cut a branch or two from the yard and put in a vase. Cut leaves from colored construction paper and put a string on each one. Each person takes a leaf or two and writes their name and date on one side and what they are thankful for on the other side, then hang them on the branch that would be in the vase in the center of the table. Leaves can be carried over from year to year as new ones are added. If your celebration includes many, you might want to have a side table for the tree, with cut greens from the yard, pine cones, and a few Christmas ornaments around the bottom.
