Author Archive for George

Colleen reflects on the fasting experience and remembers what it was like living in a Baha’i home before she was old enough to fast

Rick reviews the authoritative guidance on the Baha’i Fast for new Baha’i Tyler. -gw

Every individual, no matter how handicapped and limited he may be, is under the obligation of engaging in some work or profession, for work, especially when performed in the spirit of service, is according to Bahá’u’lláh, a form of worship. It has not only a utilitarian purpose, but has a value in itself, because it draws us nearer to God, and enables to better grasp His purpose for us in this world. It is obvious, therefore, that the inheritance of wealth cannot make anyone immune from daily work. As to the question of retirement from work for individuals who have reached a certain age, this is a matter on which the International House of Justice will have to legislate as there are no provisions in the Aqdas concerning i.

Bahá’u’lláh’s Command Concerning Daily Work

Retirement is usually not the end of work, but a time to take up different work. -gw

O ye loved ones of God! Be ye firm of foot, and fixed of heart, and through the power of the Blessed Beauty’s help, stand ye committed to your purpose. Serve ye the Cause of God. Face ye all nations of the world with the constancy and the endurance of the people of Bahá, that all men may be astounded and ask how this could be, that your hearts are as well-springs of confidence and faith, and as mines so rich in the love of God.

Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha

…recent scientific research, including many animal studies and some human trials, has begun to demonstrate the health benefits of various intermittent patterns of fasting and voluntary abstinence. Because intermittent fasting replicates the feast-or-famine dietary patterns of our ancestors, many researchers believe emptying the human digestive system and allowing it to self-cleanse and purify without the constant presence of food confers lifelong health advantages.

Makes surprising sense. -gw

Who is there, O my Lord, that, when Thou revealest the first glimmerings of the signs of Thy transcendent sovereignty and might, hath the power to claim for himself any existence whatever? Existence itself is as nothing when brought face to face with the mighty and manifold wonders of Thine incomparable Self.

Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh

Rahmatullah Dannells

4 hours ago via mobile · 

• I have a backpack full of Glimmerings of Hope.

  As I learned from his Facebook status update, Rahmat came by the house to pick up a box of books that had arrived for the junior youth group he animates.  The title of the book reminded me of an old song (which is really before my time). The lyrics are lovely. -gw

  
  

  Shine little glow-worm, glimmer, glimmer
  Shine little glow-worm, glimmer, glimmer
  Lead us lest too far we wander
  Love’s sweet voice is callin’ yonder
  Shine little glow-worm, glimmer, glimmer
  Hey, there don’t get dimmer, dimmer
  Light the path below, above
  And lead us on to love

  Glow Worm

Glad Raymond Sharp was able to join our Thursday devotions at Matt and Christy’s.

The junior youth group at Ainsworth Court animated by Sean continues to attract new participants. -gw

Vie ye with each other in the service of God and of His Cause. This is indeed what profiteth you in this world, and in that which is to come. (

We may not be able to win every match, but we strive and benefit. -gw

Wrestling not in the 2020 Olympics? Wrestling the history of which goes back to ancient Greece? Humanity has evolved since those days. Sport today honors different values.

Yet every Olympics also seems to rekindle the debate about the importance of sport and athletic competition in relation to other human endeavors. Are the Olympics a laudable venue for the celebration of physical prowess and the unification of countries, or does the fierce competition kindled by the Olympics simply reinforce the competitive mindset that often leads to conflict and contention among nations? How much value should we place on winning, or losing, in such competitions? And what is the role of sport and athletic competition in general in the broader scope of human affairs?

Lots of dedicated wrestlers — including several Eastside Tacoma junior youth program participants — came out for the end-of-the-wrestling season combine at Foss High School last Saturday. -gw

I love the little details that a camera catches — the expressions,  emotions, moments in time. -gw