Onward ever forward...
Current mood: mellow
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Here we are...continuing to be hurled through what we perceive to be time and space. So fast yet so slow.....onward the journey continues.....deeper, darker to the light at the end of the tunnel. Are we ready? Do you see it? Do you feel it? Do you hear it?

7:26 PM - 4 Comments - 5 Kudos - Add Comment

Observations
Current mood: busy
Category: Friends

Some of you have hollered at me and asked me to post a new blog.  Well, I'm not the most verbose person you'll meet and, really, my "message" doesn't change over time.  But I feel inclined to write this morning, so this is one for you guys/gals that pested! 

Recently I was discussing "friends" here on MySpace with someone who is not a MySpace member. He asked me how many of the 400-500 friends on my space I actually know in real life. The answer is less than 5.  I told him that "that" was the point.  The kind souls I've met here like to drop by with great comments, kinds words or a quick message just to say they were thinking of you.  In today's complex, hyper-busy world, how refreshing is that?

I mostly "observe" here on MySpace. Seems to allow me to discover neat poets like Snollygoster and Shyloh, teachers like Mags, independent fantastic musicians too numerous to name and the list goes on.

To share a kind thought, word or deed with someone without concern for whether this person is black or white, christian or hindu, short or tall, physically attractive to you or not (etc) is small gift of selflessness that can have tremendous power.  Think about it. Have you done something self-less today?

... and thats your thought for the day. 

6:46 AM - 7 Comments - 14 Kudos - Add Comment

All of you - A challenge?
Current mood: good
Category: MySpace

This blog is about all of you. Well, OK, not all of you, but specifically those of you who appear on my "Friends" list.

When I first created this MySpace account, I wondered how many like-minded "friends" I would make acquaintance with. In a short period of time, I have "made" over 200 friends and I am amazed at the wide and varied interests of all of you. From musicians, artists, writers, to spiritualists and healers and those of you portraying famous folks from days gone by  :-) , it is truly fascinating to be able to gather together like this.

It is heartening to see so many people who are working for good in the world; people who are looking to make a difference in other people's lives. It is a source of strength for me to read your comments and messages. I've been delighted to answer your questions about Freemasons as well. (Thank you, Da Vinci Code)

As I challenge the Freemasons who are members of my Masonic Light group, I'd like to challenge you as well.  What else, what more can we do together as a group, to do good in the world?  Can we do anything at all?

Just a little food for thought.

I'll leave you with a basic challenge that others have undertaken before -- that is to go out of your way to do something "extra nice" for someone today and ask the recipient of your kindness to "pass it along". Who knows? Maybe it will come back to you sooner rather than later?

Have a great week!

6:15 PM - 10 Comments - 14 Kudos - Add Comment

Violence Rages On....music, brotherhood and love
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Friends,

Violence, violence everywhere...dead in Egypt...dead in Baghdad....rage, hatred, greed, selfishness.... Is this not supposed to be the beginning of the age where mankind finally learns to live together for peace?  Where is humanity's love of humanity?

We have fraternal and other social and/or initiatory groups designed to promote the tenets of brotherly love, relief and truth. We have music, the universal language, to uplift us and speak to us in "words" each of us can understand. When played by the most talented musicians, how many of us music lovers can not but notice the musician transcending the moment and allowing the song to play through him and not the other way around? How many of us are not moved beyond reality at those moments as well?  Whether it is a favorite voice or another particular instrument that takes your breath away, isn't that state of tranquility something to strive for every day? Is that not peace? Do we not wish for peace for all mankind?

We also have each other, the many and varied spiritual, musical and self-searching souls who are right here right now to work for peace, to spread love and kindle that divine spark in those with whom we come in contact -- whether it be through the trowel, the Telecaster, time or touch -- can we count on each other? Can we make a difference? Can one man/woman at a time make difference amongst the billions of inhabitants of this planet?

I think so. We've found each other. We're connected. We're building bonds of friendship -- we're building, not tearing down -- one man/woman at a time.

Namaste, friends, onward and forward, there is so much to do.  Thank you for doing your part. You make a difference.

In light and friendship,
Josh

4:29 PM - 8 Comments - 15 Kudos - Add Comment

The Temple That Never Sleeps
Current mood: pleased
Category: Writing and Poetry

Gerald Reilly and I have authored a new book on the Internet and its influence on Freemasons and Freemasonry. We surveyed more than 100 individual Freemasons from around the world to compile and analyze their opinions on Freemasonry in the Internet age. What we found was quite interesting.

In this stunning and forward-looking new book on Freemasonry, the authors present a radical view of Freemasonry for both today and tomorrow. The ideas are derived not just from their own views, but from more than one hundred additional Internet Masons (E-Masons) from around the world who have voluntarily shared thoughts on their own Masonic journeys and provided personal insight into the viability of Craft in the Internet Age.

This book will entice you to think and re-think your views on Freemasonry and plan for its continued existence for generations to come.

We look forward to your thoughts and comments on the book over at the Masonic Light group.


Softcover. ISBN 1-887560-68-8 $16.95.  Avaialable online at:
Barnes and Noble: http://www.bn.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com  or http://www.amazon.co.uk
BookFinder:  http://www.bookfinder.com

6:09 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

** Updated 05/21/06 ** What is the Masonic Light Group?
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Religion and Philosophy

6:05 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment