Dear Folks,
You know, “nothing ventured, nothing won” is true in every hour. It is the fiber of every experience that signs itself into memory. — John Neville Figgis (1866-1919) Philosopher
Truth is one of the three fundamental colors of love (The other two are goodness and beauty). All physical color comes from light; combining them gives us all of the colors we can see. The same is true of spiritual Light. All positive values are derivatives of love, truth, beauty, and goodness.
In order to discern the truth one must pay attention to it. This is where our powers of Concentration and focus come in.
Peace,
Jim
          CONCENTRATIVE
Definitions: (1) able to point to a common objective; focused; (2) able to direct one’s thoughts or efforts; capable of fixing one’s attention on one idea
Comment: If you have great concentrative powers, you not only can block out extraneous thoughts and sounds, but also can utilize stray inputs to enhance your focus on the task at hand. During problem solving and brainstorming, half of the fun is to be open to all stimuli in the framework of the solution. No matter how ridiculous the input, it may trigger some aspect of the solution eventually adopted.
A person with good concentration usually has a very quick and discerning mind. A decision can be made in a split second. The trick is to think it all the way through.
            TRUTH
Definitions: (1) the quality of being in accordance with or conforming to actual experience, facts, and reality; (2) subjective existence portrayed to oneself or to others with honesty; integrity; veracity; (3) the ideal of fundamental objective reality apart from and transcending perceived experience; (4) expressing sincerity in action, character, and utterance; (5) agreement with a common standard or a collective idea
Note: Higher nature in Sanskrit is called satchitananda: sat = truth, chit = conscious, and ananda = bliss.
Compatible Quality: tact
Sayings:
Veritas vos liberabit (Latin): “The truth will set you free.”
Magna est veritas et praevalebit (Latin): “Truth is mighty and will prevail.”
Vincit omnia veritas (Latin): “Truth conquers all things.”
Poetry:
He who binds to himself a joy
Does the winged life destroy
He who kisses the joy as it flies
Lives in Eternity’s sun rise.
— William Blake (1757-1827) English Poet
Quotes:

In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. — George Orwell [born Eric Arthur Blair] (1903-1950) English Author

Nonviolence and truth are inseparable and presuppose one another. There is no God higher than truth. — Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948) Indian Peacemaker
Unless there is truth, and unless people tell the truth, there is always danger in everything outside of the individual. — T. H. White (1906-1964) The Once and Future King

The truth cannot contradict The Truth. — Pope Leo XIII [born Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci] (1810-1903) the 256^th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church

            Note: In 1996 Pope John Paul II (1920-2005) the 264^th Pope, restated the quote to make the point that the truth of science cannot contradict the Truth of faith.
Reflection: Thinking breeds facts but feeling leads to truth.
Consideration: Individuals respond to truth in their guts by the use of their knowing centers. Even if the outside information or person is partially truthful, there is still an unerring response to that portion which is objectively truthful. This internal truth guide works just as well on all levels of fact, meaning, and value.
Consider a good liar. He or she projects the positive qualities of sincerity and clarity with a convincing communicative style. But the listener needs to be perceptive in judgment so as to correctly segregate the true from the false. We can attune this ability by honoring and respecting the truth.
This internal truth sense works not only externally but also internally. Listen to your “self talk” with your intuitive truth center. This is useful when you are exploring a new subject.
It is nice to share with a friend. If you say something inappropriate, they react honestly, and if you are sensitive and paying attention, you will both know something needs to be adjusted.
Comment: Truth always has an advantage over evil in that truth can be continually lived in experience. You can become it. Error, evil, sin, and iniquity cannot become a permanent part of you. They are unreal. They eventually lead to a dead end. Sooner or later they will prove their lack of value. If you choose to be unreal, you are choosing not to be.
Yet error has the purpose of showing us the edge. We can stay away from it when we encounter it again – if we are smart. Error nudges us back toward goodness and reality.
Colors: blue, green
Symbols: 1) the torch; 2) a hand mirror; 3) the number nine; 4) gems or treasures {Spiritual Truths or Knowledge}
Fictional Figure: Una, a lovely damsel, is the personification of truth. — Edmund Spenser (1552-1599) Faërie Queene
Mythological Figure: Ma, in Egyptian mythology, is the goddess of truth and justice.

Dear Folks,
Remember the three R’s: Respect for self; Respect of others; Responsibility for all your actions. — Author Unknown
Let’s add one more ‘R’ to the list above: Responsive. Someone who is Strikingly beautiful or recognizably famous is accustomed to having others react to their physical presence. We all deserve respect; and the outward manifestation of that respect would be a positive response, a kind word, a smile of approval.
Peace,
Jim
            RESPONSIVE

Definition: reacting readily and sympathetically; receptive; sensitive

Synonym: amenable

Comment: We human beings appreciate, and respond to, the encouragement of other people.

            STRIKING 
Definition: remarkable due to conspicuous qualities; noticeably attractive; obviously impressive

Dear Folks,
What lasts from an educational experience is not the enhancement of memory but the enhancement of being…. It is beliefs about the nature of man, what he may become and what is his destiny, with the morality that flowed from these, that enhance a man’s being. — Basil Fletcher
What should I do with my life? Always the question of youth, and often a question which lingers long into life. Each of us begin with Natural qualities. Many of these are identical, i.e.: sweet and innocent; and some are particular to each personality. Without thinking we follow our natural tendencies – sending us in Diverse directions. We are all different enough to be unique and similar enough to be sympathetic.
Peace,
Jim
            DIVERSE

Definitions: (1) composed of distinct elements or qualities; (2) attracted to various interestsDerivation: Latin, “to turn in different directions”

Quote:  Life – all life – is in the service of life. Necessary nutrients are made available to life by life in greater and greater richness as the diversity of life increases.— Frank Herbert(1920-1986) Dune

Observation: Everybody needs something different.
Comment: We are all chasing the meaning of life, the reason for existence. In the end, we all come to the similar conclusions, but it will have a million different spins on it. That’s diversity; that’s Divinity.
Symbol: nature
            NATURAL

Definitions: (1) living in accordance with what is found or expected <in nature>; (2) real; not artificial; (3) possessing higher or innate qualities or ability <natural talent>; (4) an inherent sense of right and wrong <natural rights>; (5) marked by easy simplicity; at ease; free from affectation <a natural smile>Synonyms: ingenuous, intrinsic, normal, original, spontaneous, true
Quotes:
Nature reaches out to us with welcoming arms, and bids us enjoy her beauty.

— Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931) Lebanese American Artist and Poet

I reckon there’s as much human nature in some folks as there is in others, if not more. — Edward Noyes Westcott (1846-1998) American Banker and Writer
The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature, and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. — Anne Frank (1929-1945) The Diary of Anne Frank
Observation: I’ve noticed people expect others to possess the natural talents they themselves possess. If it is easy for them, it should be easy for others also. It is surprising, and sometimes frustrating, when they realize others do not have their same normal abilities. It is even more astonishing if they do not even want them. Recognize and be thankful for your inherent gifts, but have compassion for others who do not have the qualities you take for granted.
Consider the Source

Dear Folks,
Whatsoever you sow, so also shall you reap. — The Bible, Galatians 6:7, Paul of Tarsus ( ?–67?) Philosopher
These qualities are picked blindly and randomly by the computer. Nonetheless, there are times when events and values are synchronous. We have a Democratic privilege this week to be as Adept as possible in our voting decisions. No matter how we choose, nor how divided we seem, we are still one nation under God.
Peace,
Jim
            ADEPT

Definitions: (1) highly skilled; thoroughly proficient; expert; (2) one fully accomplished or well versed in any art; a master
Synonym: dexterous
Derivation: The term adept was originally used to describe alchemists who claimed to have found the philosopher’s stone or a panacea.
            DEMOCRATIC
Definitions: (1) considering and treating others as one’s equals; not snobbish or prejudiced; (2) existing or provided for the benefit or enjoyment of all <democratic art>; (3) by rule of the majority of the people

Dear Folks,
The Fruits of the Spirit: Loving Kindness, Courageous Loyalty, Sincere Fairness, Enlightened Honesty, Undying Hope, Confiding Trust, Merciful Ministry, Unfailing Goodness, Forgiving Tolerance, Enduring Peace — The Urantia Book, Jesus of Nazareth
We have two of the mightiest of values to contemplate this week. Peaceful and Merciful work well together, are essential companions. And they have many sub-qualities which must be in place to make them truly what they can and should be.
Peace,
Jim
            MERCIFUL
Definition: disposed to forgive, be kind, or offer help; tender
Synonyms: Mercy implies compassion that forbears immediate punishment; charity stresses benevolence with tolerant good will and broad understanding of others; clemency implies a mild disposition by one having the power or duty to punish; grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions; lenity implies lack of severity in punishing.
Quote:
Mercy is a quality of growth. You should realize that there is a great reward of personal satisfaction in first being just, next fair, then patient, then kind. And then, on that foundation, if you choose and have it in your heart, you can take the next step and really show mercy. — The Urantia Book (28:6.2,4)
Reflection: A person who has done a disservice, dishonor, or wrong will need to make up for this fact. One of the first steps is to apologize. But apology may not be enough. It may be necessary to perform some kind of compensation either to the individual or to the community.
When is the compensation complete? Has the person become one who would not do again what was done? Have they transformed themselves into a trustworthy person?
The person wronged needs to set aside their grievance to judge if the apology is sincere, and if so accept it; then, in due time, grant forgiveness.
Color: blue
            PEACEFUL

Definitions: (1) in a state of mental or physical tranquility, security, or order; (2) quietly behaved; composed; (3) the state of harmony in personal relations; concord between individuals, governments, or organizations; (4) reconciliation between unfriendly parties
Synonyms: calm, friendly, gentle, mild, pacific, repose, serene
Compatible Qualities: compassion, satyagraha
Saying: Pax vobiscum (Latin): “Peace be with you.”
Quotes:

[Merlin:] To plant a garden is the chief of the arts of peace. — Mary Stewart (1916 – ) The Last Enchantment

 If we cannot adjust our differences peacefully we are less than human. — Frank Herbert (1920-1986) Heretics of Dune

Insofar as you have peace in your life, you reflect it into your surroundings and into your world. —Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace

Peace is empowerment, justice, and the struggle for justice. Peace is personal, relational, local, national, international, global. Peace is not found, it is created by continual attention and effort. . . . There is no way to peace, peace is the way. — Abraham J. Muste (1885-1967) American Christian Pacifist

 No leader is going to give us peace, no government, no army, no country. What will bring peace is inward transformation which will lead to outward action. Inward transformation is not isolation, not a withdrawal from outward action. On the contrary, there can be right action only when there is right thinking, and there is no right thinking when there is no self‑knowledge. Without knowing yourself, there is no peace. —    Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895-1986) Indian Inspirational Speaker

 There is no greater block to world peace or inner peace than fear. — Peace Pilgrim [born Mildred Lisette Norman] (1908-1981) Steps Toward Inner Peace
Note: Peace Pilgrim goes on to say that what we fear we learn to hate, then we have both fear and hate. Love dissolves them both.
Prayer:
Lord, 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
And where there is sadness, joy.
Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
— Saint Francis of Assisi [born Giovanni Francesco di Bernardone] (1181-1226) Founder of the Franciscan Order
Reflection: Are you going to be a warrior or a peacemaker? Now, warriors often make war in the name of peace, but there is a huge difference in conscious intent. If you have the qualities of compassion, gentleness, and concern in your character, they will balance out the qualities of strength, power, and force. It is possible to be a warrior and a peacemaker. In order to be both, one set of qualities need not, cannot, overwhelm the others.
Consideration: In war one is compelled to use the means of war. You must consider the enemy as unworthy of life, that victimized innocent bystanders as necessities of the struggle, that your own comrades are expendable. The use of the most intense power is justified to “win at any cost.”
To be a peacemaker there is a need to get inside the mind and heart of your opponent. You need to want to understand and help them. Your fight is for fairness.
Observation: There will be no lasting peace until people see more security and profit in peace than in offensive or defensive aggression.
Advice: Most of what an argument is about is the different understandings, views, and beliefs about what the ‘facts’ are.
Establish what each party holds to be the facts, but then move on. If there is an argument on these facts, it will go round and round, each side trying to prove its facts are the good facts and the other guy’s facts are bad facts. If the collective view for the future is a vision of peace, the view of the past can be held as objective history, even with opposing facts.
Symbols: 1) the dove; 2) the olive tree; 3) the crane (Japanese)
Color: blue

Dear Folks,
Think of what a better world it would be if we all—the whole world—had cookies and milk about 3 o’clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets for a nap. Or if we had a basic policy in our nation and other nations to always put things back where we found them and clean up our own messes. And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together. — Robert Fulghum (1937-)
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. As you enjoy this week of busyness, family, and friends, take some time to be Nonchalant. Your holiday may be frantic or Modest. Enjoy all of it.
Peace,
Jim
            MODEST

Definitions: (1) having or showing a moderate or humble opinion of one’s own abilities or achievements; unassuming; (2) shy or reserved; not forward; (3) behaving according to a standard of what is proper or decorous; decent; (4) showing moderation; not extreme or excessive; (5) quiet in appearance or style
Synonyms: becoming, chaste, coy, unobtrusive, virtuous
            NONCHALANT

Definition: calmly unconcerned; unexcited; centered
Familial Quality: cool

Dear Folks,
As you supremely desire, so shall you be. — Zoroastrianism
My comment under Immaculate made me think of the purity of a new infant. We come into this world with the gifts we need to move through life: a body and a planet to stand on, a mind with the cosmic discrimination, and a fundamental set of qualities. It is up to us to choose our path.
Although the past tense is being used on this week’s second word, Saved, all of its forms and definitions should be considered. For instance, is it not a form of salvation to be productive and nurturing so your family is protected from the discomforts of an unhealthy environment?
Peace,
Jim
            IMMACULATE

Definitions: (1) perfectly correct; pure; innocent; (2) spotless; unstained; without flaw, blemish, fault, or error
Comment: Although it would be impossible for an adult to honestly consider themselves to be immaculate, it is none-the-less a worthy ambition.
            SAVED

Definitions: (1) rescued from danger or from possible harm or loss; (2) kept safe, intact, or unhurt; safeguarded; secured; (3) kept from being lost; (4) in religion, said of a person whose has seen the way to the truth thus being redeemed from spiritual death
Synonyms: preserved, protected, spared
Symbol: the dolphin {Salvation}