Dimming of the Moon
Moonlight softly dims,
Swallowed by the black abyss,
Blood moon awakens.

#March #Poetry #Haiku #Moon #IandThouReflections #LunarEclipse #BloodMoon #WormMoon
Dimming of the Moon
Moonlight softly dims,
Swallowed by the black abyss,
Blood moon awakens.

#March #Poetry #Haiku #Moon #IandThouReflections #LunarEclipse #BloodMoon #WormMoon
The Spirit of the Opal
O Spirit of Opal,
Awaken your creativity,
As you fascinate us with your rich spiritual guise.
Transform us with your imagination,
And lead us to where we need to go.
Adorn our sacred spaces with divine presence,
So we may focus our minds and open our hearts.
Provide protection over us,
While we foster deep introspection and emotional clarity.
O Spirit of Opal,
Stones of metamorphosis.
Grant us divine revelation,
As you purify us for heavenly glory.

#October, #Birthstone, #Poetry, #Spirituality, #Spirit, #Transformation
In our previous two posts, we discussed how faith can help us see life through a different lens. We learned how faith can transform and turn us into new creations by providing the courage to move beyond our past. Then, we explored how we can find peace with ourselves and others by seeking reconnection and reconciliation. Today, we will explore divine intervention and new beginnings.
Divine Intervention and New Beginnings

Peace and reconciliation bring newness to our relationships with God, our families, and our communities. Divine intervention allows us to grow into this new creation, like cranberries and stevia, transforming lemonade into something fresh and different. The key is to be receptive and hear God’s calling. We must allow God to work within us as we feel a nudge to do something different.
How do you see divine intervention in your daily life?
What role does prayer play in your life?
Action
This week,
consider reaching out to someone you have lost touch with.
Prayer – Let us pray…
Divine Creator,
Amen
You are in and around me.
I surrender my life and all of my relationships to the Universe.
Fill me with love.
I trust You will direct my path and journey with me.
Help me to create something spectacular with lemons!
#Faith #Transformation #SpiritualJourney #Reconciliation #Relationships #NewCreation #Reflections #Peace #DivineIntervention
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Last time we imagined we were a glass of lemonade. We tried envisioning what we could add to our lives (the lemonade) to make it new and different (cranberries). We learned that faith shapes us and can help us become a new creation.
The Power of Reconciliation
Reconciliation is a natural consequence of personal transformation. We seek to heal past wounds and rebuild broken relationships as we grow in faith. However, reconciliation can be complicated. It takes two willing hearts.
John and Sally
Consider John, who has recently embraced his faith. In his journey of self-discovery, he feels compelled to reach out to his cousin Sally, whom he hasn’t spoken to in over a decade due to an old argument. John is ready to reconcile, but Sally may not be. John’s willingness to reach out is a powerful first step. He has done what he can and now can rest in the knowledge that he has made an effort, continuing to pray and hope for a future reconciliation.
Cranberry Lemonade: A Symbol of Newness

Just as adding cranberry juice to lemonade creates a new and refreshing drink, welcoming the Creator and others into our lives makes us new. Paul’s words echo this truth:
“The old has gone; the new is here!”
This newness isn’t just a surface change—it’s a complete transformation of our spirits, connecting us to the Divine and one another. It’s about embracing a new way of thinking, a new way of living, and a new way of relating to others.
What practical steps can you take today to embrace the newness of realizing you are a faith-based person?
Start by reflecting on your beliefs and values and how they influence your actions. Then, consider how you can align your life more closely with these principles. This could involve regular prayer, attending religious services, or engaging in acts of kindness and compassion.
Finding Peace in Reconciliation
True peace comes when we accept relationships as they are, not as they were or as we wish they might be. In his message, Paul urges us to be reconciled to God. But before we can do this, we must make amends with those around us. Apologizing and seeking forgiveness allows us to find peace within ourselves and the world around us.
In the case of estrangement, I am not advocating writing a letter of amends. However, I am advocating that you write a letter or multiple letters for your eyes only and then place them in a memory box or burn them. Experts have mixed thoughts on this. Remember, both hearts need to be ready. Processing emotions is part of healing, even when reconciliation isn’t possible, yet.
Is there someone with whom you have had a falling out?
How might your own transformation inspire you to reach out and seek reconciliation?
Next time, we will conclude this series on Cranberry Lemonade as we explore the topic of faith and new beginnings, where we will explore divine intervention.
#Faith #Transformation #SpiritualJourney #Reconciliation #Relationships #NewCreation #Reflections #Estrangement
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Introduction
Life often hands us challenges—those sour, difficult moments that can leave us bitter or discouraged. But just as we can transform tart lemons into refreshing lemonade, faith has the power to transform our lives in profound ways. Through faith, we become new creations, shedding the past and embracing a future full of hope, reconciliation, and renewal.
In this three-part series, Cranberry Lemonade, we’ll explore how faith can lead to transformation, reconciliation, and new beginnings. We will discuss how faith can lead to personal transformation, turning us into new creations with the courage to move beyond our past. Then, explore the natural outcome of this transformation—seeking reconciliation in our relationships and finding peace with others and ourselves. We will complete this series by considering how divine intervention and reconciliation lead to new beginnings, not just in our spiritual lives but also in our connections with family and community.
A New Creation in Faith
“…Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:16-19
Faith is a trust or belief in something, whether it’s nature, the Universe, or Mother/Father God. This belief is deeply personal and shapes us into who we are. Some may adapt to fit their circumstances like chameleons, while others stand firm on their principles. But when faith takes root in our hearts, we undergo a transformation—a rebirth into a new creation. This change can come through various actions, whether connecting with nature, attending church, or exploring biblical prophecy.
The Lemonade Analogy

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” It encourages us to stay optimistic, even when life presents challenges. With their sourness, lemons symbolize life’s difficulties, while sweet and refreshing lemonade represents the positive outcomes we can create.
But what if we take this a step further? Imagine adding cranberry juice and stevia to plain lemonade. This new combination is something wonderfully different, just as we can be transformed when we embrace reconciliation.
If your life were a glass of lemonade, what ‘cranberry juice’ (new element) would you add to make it even more refreshing?
It could be forgiveness, understanding, or a new perspective. Consider what you can add to your life to make it more refreshing and transformative.
Transformation Through Faith
When we accept faith and become a new creation, we experience a profound sense of freedom. The past no longer holds us back, and we are empowered to move forward with courage and strength. This transformation naturally leads us to consider our relationships—especially those needing mending.
Can you recall a time when you experienced a significant transformation?
How did faith play a role in that change?
What old habits or mindsets have you let go of since embracing your faith?
Next time, we’ll look at the power and peace of reconciliation as a symbol of newness in this journey of life.
#Faith #Transformation #SpiritualJourney #Reconciliation #Relationships #NewCreation #Reflections
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Have you ever felt cursed?
Or that your family heaped baggage onto you?
Intergenerational curses have a profound impact on the family. These cycles, often perpetuated unintentionally, can manifest in various forms. This can include domestic violence – a cycle rooted in power and control. Or addiction. Or incarceration. Or alcoholism. Or mental illness. Or a host of other issues like depression, anger, or anxiety.
A Blessing or a Curse?

What type of family do you have?
Did you grow up feeling loved, wanted, and cared for?
Or did you grow up feeling like a burden? Like your parents were going through the motions but didn’t want you around?
Today, we want to break the chains. We want to embrace love, empathy, and resilience. By understanding and addressing the roots of these challenges, we pave a path to healing. And healing leads to transformation. Which ensures that our legacy is one of strength and compassion. Let’s free ourselves from the shadows of the past.
1 in 4 people are estranged from a family member.
Psychologytoday dot com
1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced domestic violence.
40-50% of marriages end in divorce.
-National Center for Health Research
-American Psychological Association
There is no denying that the family unit has disintegrated over the past several decades. This piece is a call to:
Educate.
Create awareness.
Take action.
We must confront the intergenerational curses affecting our families head-on. No sidestepping this issue anymore. Because our parents’ choices continue to scar us and future generations. We’ve inherited patterns of abandonment. Lack of belonging. Pain, anxiety, and dysfunction. Including the cycle of sexual, emotional, physical, or financial abuse. These issues must be addressed with honesty and with an open heart.
We must acknowledge that our ancestors were flawed. Which contributed to our parents’ and our own imperfections.
The Inherited Legacy
Our families are like ancient trees with roots deep in tradition. We inherit not only physical traits but also emotional legacies. Perhaps your great-grandfather struggled with addiction. Or your grandmother’s unfulfilled dreams haunted her. These experiences shape how we perceive the world and interact with others. Thus, our childhood experiences have affected every single one of our relationships. Past, present, and future. Unless we break the cycle.
Breaking the Cycle
Recognizing generational curses is the first step to breaking free. It’s not about blame; it’s about understanding. By shedding light on these patterns, we empower ourselves to make different choices.
Actions: Choose forgiveness and open communication. Seek financial literacy and create a new path to end the plague of economic struggles. Read and educate yourself on the cycle of power and control. Learn how behaviors can affirm or minimalize.
Understanding the cycle of domestic violence can stop it in its tracks. Power and control perpetuate abuse across generations. Recognizing this cycle enables us to intervene, break the chain, and offer support. Ask, “Who abused your abuser?” Realizing that your abuser was also most likely abused fosters compassion and understanding.
Hope and Healing
Let’s rise above the issues that threaten the fabric of the family. One step at a time.
American Family Day is on the first Sunday in August. It invites us to rewrite our family narratives.
Actions: Start by replacing curses with blessings. Reach out to an estranged relative, or a relative that harmed you. Listen without judgment, and offer compassion. Seek therapy or counseling if needed.
Healing isn’t linear; it’s a journey of small victories and setbacks. But with each step forward, we honor ourselves and our ancestors. By creating a brighter future.
As we celebrate family today, let’s break the chains of generational curses. Let love, empathy, and resilience be our legacy. One that transcends time and transforms lives.
#AmericanFamilyDay #Family #Compassion #Forgiveness #Listen #Therapy #Relationships #Divorce #PowerandControl #Estrangement

Freedom is one of those words that is hard to describe. Its meaning is unique to each person.
The Cambridge Dictionary describes freedom as:
The condition or right of being able or allowed to do, say, think, etc., whatever you want to, without being controlled or limited.
Such as:
freedom of choice
freedom of speech
freedom of thought
freedom of information
freedom from (condition)
For me, freedom is having peace of mind. It is about feeling safe. And you can’t have freedom without respect.
Respect for property.
Respect for others.
Respect for yourself.
When I think about freedom, it’s not about politics or whether you believe in God. Freedom is the right to live in a society without fear. It also means going home to a place of safety.
So what exactly is freedom for you, and how does it apply to your life?
Imagine a world where kids can be kids. A world where parents love (storge) their children and family members love (philos) each other and feel safe. One where love (eros) does not enter the picture before the brain can mature.
Imagine a world where adults do not inflict their own pains and trauma on their children or younger siblings. Where children can speak openly and honestly without fear of condemnation from their parents, church, or themselves.
Imagine a world where college students can learn and focus on academics without feeling pressure to socialize. Or, if they choose to do so, not to worry about being forced into a situation they can’t get out of.
Feeling helpless is not freedom. Imagine a world where no means no.
Imagine living in a world where spouses speak to one another in kindness. One where respect for one another is essential. It does not stifle. Mutual love encourages freedom.
Freedom to explore.
Freedom to experience.
Freedom to be yourself.
Imagine a world where your partner builds you up instead of tearing you down.
That is what freedom looks like to me.
But let’s get real.
Life is life. Life is made up of imperfect people. People who have been caught in a vicious cycle. People who hurt each other and make mistakes.
How do we sympathize and try to understand their plight?
How do we stand up for ourselves and not harm others?
Do others need to pay for the harm they do to us?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. What does freedom mean to you?
Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media.
Let’s start a conversation!
#Freedom, #NoMeansNo, #Respect, #Love, #PeaceofMind
The Spirt of the Diamond

O mighty Spirit of the Diamond,
Cast your spell on us, humble mortals.
Majestic heavens embrace your power,
Where galaxies collide, and stars ignite.
Reveal to us your universal secrets,
Magnetic forces under your command,
Guiding planets in their cosmic dance,
Around the blazing orb of day.
Pull us toward the gravitational center,
Infuse us with your holy Spirit,
Impart your wisdom to us, we pray,
Renounce the demons, cleanse our souls.
Mesmerize us with incandescent brilliance,
Chip away our dark and hardened shells,
Revealing the authenticity within,
An unadulterated mind, free to soar.
Your flawlessness radiates purity,
Summoning Angels from realms on high,
To join us in celestial harmony,
Welcoming us with such delight.
Sanctify us with your transformative power,
Pour forth the nectar of the gods,
Nourish us on this spiritual journey
From now until the end of time.
#Diamond #Poetry #Sacredstone #April #Birthstone #Spirituality

Unity
Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world. Each year, it celebrates its diversity by acknowledging the integration of migrants into its community. It supports the value of unity.
Belonging
What I love about this event is that it draws attention to how important the sense of belonging is to all of us. How do we as a society foster belonging? Let’s start with empathy and compassion. Then, we can throw in honor and respect for good measure. We must work on ourselves first to move forward as individuals, families, communities, and nations. Mindfulness, reading self-help resources, and engaging with others can help us become comfortable in our skin. Build up tolerance. Learn the tools to communicate effectively. Practice acceptance. Once you have done the introspective work, lean into your strengths and identify your weak spots. Know what they are. So you can work on becoming a safe person. A person who receives others without judgment.
Building Bridges
Building a sense of belonging requires effort and, thus, action. Belonging doesn’t just happen. Yet, you can make it happen by being the honey bears want. Draw people toward yourself, don’t push them away. Focus on others and practice active listening. Try new things. Do something different. Get out of your comfort zone.
Concentrate on what you have in common with others. Not what you might differ on. Build bridges with an attitude of acceptance. Validate yourself and validate others.
Respect
You, my friend, are a child of the Almighty God. Yes, you are. Shouldn’t you respect yourself and others if God created and respects you? We can choose to be optimistic and forgiving or miserable and bitter. Remember, if you want to have a sense of belonging, you need to accept others so they feel like they belong. In so doing, we build communities where diversity is valued and differences are embraced.
#HarmonyWeek #Unity #Belonging
The Spirit of Aquamarine
A mighty sword exudes the strength of steel,
Slices, dices, and then heals the soul.
Armor deflects impending missiles,
Protects the heart from vicious daggers.
A babbling brook meanders its course,
Rocks and pebbles dissolve ongoing tensions.
Unveiling a clarity, pure, and transforming,
Hurts and resentments evaporate with the morning dew.

Dirt and grime wash away,
Emotional wounds from yesteryear.
Tranquility of the dancing bubbles,
Streams to new levels of consciousness.
The gentle murmur of a soothing hymn,
Echo a cascade of emotions like a waterfall.
Renewed tingling senses,
Daring to navigate a new direction.
The Spirit of Aquamarine,
Inhales and exhales a cleansing breath.
Frosty blues with a whisper of white,
The stone radiates a glimmer of sheer delight.
The gaze of another’s perspective.
Rejuvenate a harmonious synergy,
Humming, cooing, and wooing,
A symbiotic relationship rekindles.
#transformation #relationships #aquamarine #waterfall #harmony