Michaelmas (The Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel)

Today is Michaelmas Day in Finland. Michaelmas (Finnish: Mikkelinpäivä, Russian: Михайлов день) is the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel. Angels are important to me, and I really believe in them. So early this morning, I went to the church (Mass) to celebrate the archangel's feast. I also lighted a candle and prayed for my loved ones, friends and relatives, who all have their own battles and troubles.

Regarding the angels, I want to quote the Bible:

"You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day; nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you. For he will give his angels charge over you, to guard you in all your ways." (Psalm 91)

Angels for everyone! :)

One of my icon: Archangel Michael.

This icon (religious work of art) is bought

from Rhodes, the Greek island.

The Power of Words

Life is always a variation of lights and shadows. Yesterday you was happy because someone was very kind to you, and today you feel sad because somebody was so unreasonable and unkind to you. So it goes. Lights and shadows, happiness and sorrows... That's what life is made of. We all have our own battles.

Only few friendly words often means a lot to us. Sometimes they can even save your life! Like The Bible says: "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad" (The Book of Proverbs, chapter 12).

Or just like Gautama Buddha teach in The Dhammapada: "Do not speak harshly to anybody; those who are spoken to will answer thee in the same way. Angry speech is painful, blows for blows will touch thee." And: "Do not cause harm to anyone."

The power of words is amazing, in good as well as in bad. All what we do, all what we say - we will get it back sooner or later. All the great spiritual teachers taught this same truth. So let's try to be kind and fair to everyone, even though it's never so easy.

These thoughts just came into my mind, based on my own experiences yesterday and today. Peace to all creatures on Earth. (Please check out the touching video above.)

P.S. Thanks to 'Texas cowboy' who once sent me that video. Blessings to you, my friend.

Gratitude

Today, I'm grateful for two reasons. My dear friend seems to feel better. I got a message from her, and I was very happy and relieved for that. Because lately I've been truly worried and prayed so much... If you really care about someone and love her, then her sorrow is your sorrow, and her happiness is your happiness - right? So my dear friend's better health is the best news I've heard for a long time!

Today, I also got my book finished. At last, it's completely done. Now I have two good reason to smile and feel relief. My humble thanks to God, who is really exist! To demonstrate my emotions at the moment, I add here one beautiful song. Video contains some wonderful images as well.

 P.S. 'Flower Girl', you can be sure that I will continue to praying for you every day! （＾—＾）