‘THINK on THESE THINGS’

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

There are very few days when we have control of our time. No matter what our schedules may be, there is always a change taking place that keeps something from happening when it is supposed to happen. And when the day is ended and our schedules have not been met, then it begins to drag on our spirits.

Soon we become so wound up in the problems of the moment that the delights of our souls drift away and become a part of the mist of “someday.” Someday I will get to do what I want to do. Someday when this necessary work is finished – and it is possible that the things we believe to be so necessary are really robbers of our lives? Do we spend too much time with the menial tasks and allow our creativity – the ability to bring newness into our lives – to dry up and become nonexistent?

William Blake called this within us “God.” One of the greatest poets ever to live, he believed that if we keep alive our ability to see and feel the beauty of life, our menial tasks will become easy and the way successful.

Yesterday is only a dream, tomorrow only a vision, but today – we live. If we live as we should, our yesterdays will be dreams of happiness, and our tomorrow’s will be visions of hope.

Nothing is so sad as the man who spends all his time today judging tomorrow by his experiences of yesterday. He has a vision, but his faith does not support him to pursue it. If some great stroke of good fortune should overtake him, he will be all ready to go, but he doesn’t really expect it to happen. So today he sits waiting for the world to change for him, never guessing that he is the one who must change.

No one is so misled as the woman who has such a busy schedule that she hasn’t time to listen to her children. She expects to take the time to play with them – someday. But it is today that the bridges must be built from the soul to the body to the spirit. It isn’t something built from a quick kiss or a smart smack in the right place, but from daily communion and understanding.

Today is the very life of life when the best things are nearest – breath in our nostrils, light in our eyes, flowers at our feet, duties at our hand, and the path of God before us.

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Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

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Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, July 5th

On one hand, today’s efficient Virgo Moon narrows our thinking and focuses our attention on the smallest details. On the other hand, rational Mercury forms a stressful square with expansive Jupiter, inflating molehills into mountains. We can turn passing thoughts into grandiose plans or fleeting ideas into belief systems. Still, we won’t get away with sloppy logic because Mercury aligns with punishing Pluto, forcing us to rethink our conclusions.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

You are tempted to turn every little insignificant idea into a world of unlimited potential. You can, as William Blake wrote, “see infinity in a grain of sand.” But reaching for the stars doesn’t mean that you will actually reach them. Nevertheless, just extending yourself beyond your normal limits can create opportunities that will lead you to a more fulfilling life.

 

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

No matter what you do to keep yourself on task today, you might not be able to resist an offer that sounds better than it is. Thankfully, you also need some personal space now, so you might be able to maintain a bit of distance between you and someone who entices you with a good idea. Don’t withdraw completely; just stay aware of what could happen if you leave your work undone.

 

 

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

Your key planet Mercury has you on a mental tilt-a-whirl today and it can be tricky to keep your bearings. Riding a wave of enthusiasm is fun, but you also have serious business to attend to now. Fortunately, your analytical powers are strong if you can remember to balance pleasure with practicality. But don’t try to take any shortcuts; managing your time wisely will pay off in the long run.

 

 

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You may feel stuck if your emotions aren’t in harmony with your experiences today, and your growing impatience provokes you to justify your impulsive actions. Your highly opinionated manner and apparent self-confidence might be a way to hide your fear, but you could take things too far if you’re not careful. Take a deep breath and bring yourself back to your center before your unsubstantiated facts land you in a pile of trouble.

 

 

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Your dilemma today stems from needing to find a healthy balance between overly cautious planning and acting recklessly. Thankfully, your organizational skills are operating efficiently today, enabling you to handle a lot of information. Nevertheless, pay attention to the practical constraints on your time and energy. You can be a star if you practice some self-discipline before you’re overcommitted.

 

 

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Your approach to others can be very outgoing today, yet you would prefer to show more self-restraint. But the Moon in your sign could make you overly talkative, especially with perceptive Mercury in the spotlight. Don’t squander your mental resources; using words sparingly will give them extra impact. Remember, rambling on endlessly about your latest idea is not the best way to accomplish your goals. Do more and say less.

 

 

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You are clear about your current responsibilities, but you don’t necessarily want to follow through on them. Part of your problem now is that you might think everything should be easier than it really is. Believing that you’ll magically find a shortcut through the hard work could lead you to waste time looking for a quick fix. Conserve your energy for doing what’s actually necessary to get to the finish line.

 

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Stay away from philosophical or political debates today because you could actually be arguing with yourself, and not with anyone else. At times it might even be difficult to tell which side you’re on. However, you’re not really flip-flopping on the issues; it’s just that you can see multiple solutions that are sensible. Nevertheless, it’s better now to wait before committing to any one position.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You have a lot to do today because busy Mercury activates your key planet Jupiter in your 6th House of Work. Although it’s crucial to make positive changes in your daily routine, it’s not helpful to turn your whole world upside down. It can be tricky because it’s so easy for you to be distracted now by almost anything. Keep in mind that managing what’s on your plate currently is more important than dreaming about the future.

 

 

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

You’re often the champion of organization and planning because you can maintain a healthy perspective under pressure. Typically, you are able to calculate what needs to be done to achieve your goals. Today, however, your reality filter may be a bit off as everything seems to have greater potential than it actually does, so it’s wise to avoid making impulsive decisions. Thankfully, a bit of consideration goes a long way, so think twice and give your answer once, after your common sense returns.

 

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You could set up a friend for disappointment today if you don’t establish limits on how much you’re willing to help. Your mind is racing and you’re tempted to agree to nearly anything just to quiet your worry. Unfortunately, this kind of logic won’t really solve the problem. Instead of taking the easy way out and then being unable to fulfill your promises, say what you’re truly feeling. The real answers now won’t likely be rational because they will come from your heart.

 

 

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Your schedule may be overbooked today and this might turn into a real problem. Only one appointment needs to run late and your whole day could fall apart. Instead of setting yourself up for a disaster, take a more flexible approach. Something as simple as leaving extra time between events may be enough to prevent a major mess later on.

Today’s featured picture sketches for the front of Original Stories from Real Life

Today’s featured picture

Frontispiece to Original Stories from Real Life The sketch for the frontispiece to Original Stories from Real Life, the only complete work of children’s literature by 18th-century British feminist Mary Wollstonecraft. The book was first published by Joseph Johnson in 1788; a second, illustrated edition, with engravings by William Blake based on his own drawings, was released in 1791 and remained in print for around a quarter of a century. The book begins with a frame story, which sketches out the education of two young girls by their maternal teacher Mrs. Mason, followed by a series of didactic tales. Wollstonecraft employed the burgeoning genre of children’s literature to promote the education of women and an emerging middle-class ideology. She argued that women could be rational adults if educated properly as children (not a widely held belief in the 18th century).

Artist: William Blake; Restoration: Lise Broer