PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM

Barbara G, Your English translation of the quote says so very much. If I am blessed by God's will, what more do I actually need in this life. Human success is so transitory. How many of those that society considered successful human beings even as short as ten years ago are even remembered today? Thank you for sharing the quote.

Yesterday is gone forever.Tomorrow may not come. Live Fully each moment today. Look for Good Things that Happen to you Every Day.

Having started the topic of language and translations, I would like to continue in that vein by giving another little example of how language can influence our thinking. (By the way, this was one of Thomas Merton´s concerns, who has often been quoted on this site).
 
I love the English language, and comparing it with my mother tongue, German, I treasure several words and idioms which we lack. E.g. I have always found "I didn´t want to hurt your feelings" to be such a valuable way of communicating one´s true intentions; there is no exact equivalent in German. The same can be said about the expression "turn of mind" - it conveys in the shortest possible form what a person´s natural bend and interests are. There are many more words and idioms which native speakers of English may be grateful for.
 
Now for what I have badly missed in English, though. Having problems with what I supposed as being envy in an American friend of mine, I asked her, "What is the English word for "gönnen"? In German I can say, "Ich gönne dir dein (schönes Haar)", meaning "I am glad, it makes me happy that you have something (your beautiful hair), which I do not have." It is such a positive word, especially valuable in today´s society, in which envy often seems to be an almost normal reaction. Checking with the biggest dictionary possible, I only found "not to grudge" for German "gönnen", as if "to grudge" was the normal reaction. In my opinion it is well worth while meditating a little on the snare of envy  (first of all, in myself).
 
Juliana
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Speak Peace in a World of Conflict

Today´s  "Word for the Day" links with what has been said in the latest post.

"One of the sanest, surest, and most generous joys of life comes from being happy over the good fortune of others".  Archibald Rutledge

Juliana
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Speak Peace in a World of Conflict

Juliana
 

There may not be an exact translation and I imagine I would say "I rejoice in your ..." to express something similar.
Translations are very important as you point out. I mentioned in another post how different translations can radically alter meanings. Here is one of my favorite translations of a Christian icon.
 

Lord's Prayer

A Translation of "Our Father" directly from the Aramaic into English
(rather than from Aramaic to Greek to Latin to English)
based on the work of Saadi Neil Douglas-Klotz
 

O cosmic Birther of all radiance and vibration!
Soften the ground of our being and carve out a space within us where your Presence can abide.
Fill us with your creativity so that we may be empowered to bear the fruit of your mission.
Let each of our actions bear fruit in accordance with our desire.
Endow us with the wisdom to produce and share what each being needs to grow and flourish.
Untie the tangled threads of destiny that bind us, as we release others from the entanglement of past mistakes.
Do not let us be seduced by that which would divert us from our true purpose, but illuminate the opportunities of the present moment.
For you are the ground and the fruitful vision, the birth-power and fulfillment, as all is gathered and made whole once again.
 
 
Alchemist

We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that Self may prove to be.
~ May Sarton

Alchemist, I really like that version of the Lord's Prayer. thank you.
 
Jude

Love is the only way

Dear Alchemist and Jude: There are so many threads now that one can easily lose track of some. If you go to "Books for which I am grateful", you will find that, together with Edda, I have tried to introduce the very book you mention, giving some examples of single parts. I have also explained why I cannot quote from the English original yet.

Just in case somebody wonders why the parts quoted from the "Our Father" are different in your version: It has to be said that, Aramaic being a multi-leveled language, the author gives several possible versions for each of the petitions (is this the word?)

Anyway, the book is an absolute favorite of mine, it has opened new horizons to me.

Juliana
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Speak Peace in a World of Conflict

Jude
 
You are welcome. I am pleased you liked it.
 
Juliana
 
You are right about the many threads. I am sure I have missed some posts that would have been of interest, including yours regarding books.
 
Yes, I would say petitions is the right word. Here is another prayer which is similar to The Lord's Prayer. This one comes from A Course in Miracles.
 

Forgive us our illusions, Father, and help us to accept our true relationship with You, in which there are no illusions, and where none can ever enter. Our holiness is Yours. What can there be in us that needs forgiveness when Yours is perfect? The sleep of forgetfulness is only the unwillingness to remember Your forgiveness and Your Love. Let us not wander into temptation, for the temptation of the Son of God is not Your Will. And let us receive only what You have given, and accept but them into the minds which You created and which You love. Amen.
 

Alchemist

We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that Self may prove to be.
~ May Sarton

This was sent to me as a video but I found a place on the web where it can be viewed as slides/pictures. Although the music cannot be heard nor the narration, the message on each picture can be read. The story that is told is a very powerful one and totally illustrates how what we consider "sorrow" can be transformed into unbelievable gift if only we allow it. Juliana and Edda, I just had to use the German title. HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS IS NOT NECESSARY TO VIEW THIS SLIDE STORY.(Each time you click on the > it will move to the next slide.

Mondscheinesonate

May it remind us all how the Divine can transform the "tragedies" of our lives and may we always know we never walk alone.

Yesterday is gone forever.Tomorrow may not come. Live Fully each moment today. Look for Good Things that Happen to you Every Day.

This is a great slide show. I did not know this story and am the better for hearing it. The pictures are well done as well.

Thankful one

Gratitude is the acknowledgement of goodness in one's life. In gratitude we say yes to life... from Thanks - How the new science of gratitude can make you happier by Robert Emmons, Ph.D.

Imenuff, thank you for sharing this slide show. The very meaningful message it has and of an important part of history. The power to overcome many obstacles and heartaches lies within all of us. We need to look beyond ourselves, possibly because of others that have been brought into our lives. And because of a message from a Higher being showing us the way through others.
The pictures were beautiful, a vacation on a Monday morning.
 
Thank you
God Bless you
Marie

Thank you, Betty, for posting this. I, too, had received this as a Power Point presentation complete with music but would not know how to post it here! It IS a beautiful presentation!
 
Edda

Peace and joy!

Dear Betty, Thank you so much for the slide show with its meaningful text and the pictures of some of the finest European architecture. I feel taken on a tour through Europe with my Gratitude family .

Juliana
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Speak Peace in a World of Conflict
  

Today I am grateful for feeling the peace of the Lord with me all day.....I am grateful for the new printer that arrived through the generosity of others. The printer means reaching many others with our newsletters and educational hand outs for the health fairs and workshops it also means ability to print more desktop published copies of "Inspirational Whispers" I'm grateful for my doctor who has offered to add my flyers about my workshops to his office waiting room...showing he has confidence in my offerings to the families and community...I'm grateful a friend is helping me be able to attend a Trainer of Trainers workshop for certification as a Trainer.....and Im grateful for all the flowers, music, inspirational readings, especially the story of the composer who could not hear what a testimony to Gods powerful plan for each of us. Namaste to all I would request your continued prayers and I am truly grateful to Juliana Edda, Lori, Lynn and all who have lit candles for REFF. Lynn continue to not smoke it is imperative to our health and all we have to offer others
Namaste
Hope coach
Barbara T.

God I gratefully await and accept your miracles for me that I may be a witness to your wonder

"In the spiritual journey you come to the day where you know you’re not just living your own life. You realize that Someone Else is living in you and through you, that you are part of a much Bigger Mystery. You realize that you’re a mere drop in a Bigger Ocean, and what’s happening in the ocean is happening in you."

This, of course, is not MY wisdom. (I am quite proud, though, that I managed to transfer it from Richard Rohr´s "Daily Meditation" over here.)
 
Juliana
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Speak Peace in a World of Conflict

"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be."
Lao Tzu

Yesterday is gone forever.Tomorrow may not come. Live Fully each moment today. Look for Good Things that Happen to you Every Day.

Whatever your basic core spirituality; whether you believe in an afterlife or not, this little email story makes a very clear point to all of us who live somewhat comfortably while half of the world population lives on less than $2 per day. May we all share what we have with those worldwide who have so little.

A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said.
'Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.

The Lord led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.

The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful. But because the handle was longer
than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.

The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.
The Lord said, 'You have seen Hell.’

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, 'I don't understand.’

It is simple,' said the Lord.' It requires but one skill. You see they have learned to feed each
other, while the greedy think only of themselves.'

Yesterday is gone forever.Tomorrow may not come. Live Fully each moment today. Look for Good Things that Happen to you Every Day.

Betty, I was nearly half way through the story when I realized it was one of my favourites!
thank you
Jude

Love is the only way

Here is another favorite.
 

Heavenly Father
 
Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.
 
Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.
 
Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.
Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.
 
Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.
 
 
Alchemist

We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that Self may prove to be.
~ May Sarton

Alchemist, the only thing I can add to this great prayer is "AMEN"!
 
Edda

Peace and joy!

Alchemist, You have given me something precious to translate and use in one of our up-coming services. Thank you!

Juliana
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Speak Peace in a World of Conflict