Tag: sister bridget

  • Poem for today.

    …is by Elizabeth Barrett Browning 🙂

    Hope you enjoy!

    Love

    Sister Bridget

     

     

    The Sweetest Lives

    The sweetest lives are those to duty wed,

    Whose deeds, both great and small,

    Are close-knit strands of unbroken thread

    Where love ennobles all.

    The world may sound no trumpets, ring no bells;

    The book of life the shining record tells.

    The love shall chant its own beatitudes

    After its own life working.

    A child’s kiss

    Set on thy sighing lips shall make thee glad;

    A sick man helped by thee shall make thee strong;

    Thou shalt be served thyself by every sense

    Of service which thous renderest.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Carnelian — maybe it’s an Ogoun thing?

    I have always been attracted to Carnelian.  I have quite a few pieces, and have received it as gifts as well. Maybe it’s an Ogoun thing?

    Carnelian is a powerful Sacral Chakra Stone. It increases personal power and physical energy, gives courage, and boosts creativity and compassion. Wearing or carrying Carnelian can enhance vitality and will, providing higher energy needed when approaching new projects and dreams. Ancient Warriors wore Carnelian around their neck for courage and physical power to conquer their enemies.  Mentally, Carnelian focuses analytical capabilities, and aids meditation by allowing deeper concentration and keeping out interrupting thoughts. Carnelian is useful in making decisions by keeping us focused on the here and now and not on past experiences. Carnelian calms anger and grounds you in reality, while keeping you aware of unconditional Love permeating the Universe. Carnelian encourages initiative and determination. Carnelian lends the courage needed to help overcome difficulties and defend a cause. It promotes idealism, a sense of community and pragmatism.  Carnelian is a crystal of action, overcoming procrastination or indecision. It encourages one to stop waiting for dreams to appear, and stimulates the courage to embrace change and Divine Will to begin to make one's highest goals happen. On the home front, Carnelian is useful to keep on hand, especially for the do-it-yourselfer, to prevent accidents. It is also used to protect the home from theft, fire and storm damage.

    Cleanse and charge your Carnelian by holding it under running water, and then placing it in the sun.

    Love

    Sister Bridget

      Carnelian

  • Twelve Acts of Kindness.

    Hey!

    Happy Monday to you all!

    Random Acts is a non-profit organization that does many good things thoughout the year. Right now they have a blog series going called Twelve Acts of Kindness. Today is day three, I think. Their suggestions are simple, yet uplifting!

    Day one – Clean Up Your Act : Know of somewhere that needs a little kindness in your area? Volunteer to help with neighborhood clean up or just pick up litter around the office or your school. A little work can go a long way and you never know who you might inspire to lend a hand.

    Day two- Don't Forget Yourself : During the holiday season, it can be easy to forget to be kind to a very important person – you. December tends to be a busy month, and sometimes we overcommit to projects, parties or obligations to others. Sometimes we just aren’t feeling up to all of the festivities; we’re missing a special someone, can’t be with everyone we would like to spend time with, or feel like the end of the year comes with pressure we just don’t need. Even at other times of year, it can be hard to remember to take time out for yourself, and tough to remember that everyone sometimes feels down or just not good enough. Do what you love for others. Love knitting? Or maybe you’re a crazy good artist? Start a project that will help others like knitting blankets for a homeless shelter or offering to donate your awesome painting skills to a charity that helps children at risk. It’s a great way to have fun while spreading kindness. Helping others actually can make you feel better; it’s a great treat to realize how much you mean to others, and just how much you have to offer. At the same time, don’t always feel like you have to go out of your comfort zone – sometimes it’s an act of kindness to yourself to stay in and watch a so-good-it’s-bad movie, curl up with one of your favorite books while drinking some cocoa, or recapture your childhood and play with some paper dolls.

    Day three – Spend Time with a Senior : All of us, someday, will be old. Ancient. Into our dotage. But for many elderly people, this is the start to just the latest chapter in their lives. A time for thrilling experiences with new people. For others, it can be very lonely. This year, why not spend some time listening to the incredible wisdom of senior citizens. Volunteer to paint their nails, bring home a load of groceries, or make a special surprise like balloon animals or a new knit blanket. Just visiting will let those special seniors in your life know you care. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy visiting!

    It is not too late to join in the Kindness 🙂 Bookmark Random Acts and check back! Even if you can not make one of these idea, perhaps you will find inspiration to make up an act of kindness all your own. Keep it simple. The simplest ideas can have the most meaning!

    Get out there and be kind!

    Love

    Sister Bridget

  • Earthing.

    Have you ever heard of “Earthing”? Up until 2 days ago, I had not. I happened to notice a link to an article as I scrolled through my Twitter feed.  Turns out, it is basically the practice of connecting with the Earth, and feeling better.  Sounds pretty simple, right? Admittedly, when time and weather permit, and I get to spend time in my back yard, sitting on the ground under my favorite tree, I do feel happier, calmer, more relaxed. And naps under said tree, well, they are the best. I got to wondering if there might be any evidence to back up the article I had read, and I did uncover some interesting reading. I tried to provide links to full text articles, so you could read for yourselves if you so desired.

    This is a link to a pdf of an introductory article on Earthing  co-authored by Dr Oschman.

    http://74.63.154.231/here/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/understanding_earthing.pdf The conclusions

    ”Earthing reduces every measure of stress we have used in our studies.”

    ’The most important health benefit of Earthing is providing the body with abundant electrons from the Earth. The scientific research and hypotheses related to Earthing point to a major impact on the inflammatory process as a result of this electron transfer.”

    “We do not describe Earthing as a "treatment" or a "cure" for any disease or disorder. Instead, it can be said without any equivocation that the human body evolved in contact with the Earth and needs to maintain this natural contact in order to function properly.”

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3576907/ Links to a study which you can read for free on Pub Med Central that states there “were measurable decreases in cardiovascular risk factors after 2 hours of grounding.” However, for you science minded folks, the sample size for this study was 10.

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15650465 “Results indicate that grounding the human body to earth ("earthing") during sleep reduces night-time levels of cortisol and resynchronizes cortisol hormone secretion more in alignment with the natural 24-hour circadian rhythm profile. Changes were most apparent in females. Furthermore, subjective reporting indicates that grounding the human body to earth during sleep improves sleep and reduces pain and stress.”

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3265077/ A pretty comprehensive review article on the subject, not terribly long and the full text is available for free. The conclusion —  â€œThe research done to date supports the concept that grounding or Earthing the human body may be an essential element in the health equation along with sunshine, clean air and water, nutritious food, and physical activity.”

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21856083 “Earthing generates immediate changes in electroencephalography (EEG), surface electromyography (SEMG), and somato-sensory evoked potentials …..Earthing significantly influences on the electrical activity of the brain. “

    I think the statement that struck me most was this:

    “the human body evolved in contact with the Earth and needs to maintain this natural contact in order to function properly”

    Seems so simple and so true.  Naturally, there is a commercial element that has cropped up to help “promote” this practice. Earthing shoes, sheets, chairs, matts, etc. To me, adding more “stuff” seems to defeat the whole idea, which seems pretty simple – Go out and connect with the Earth!  

    I am glad that I clicked on that link in my Twitter feed J I think I know a little more than I did a couple days ago. And the next time I nap under my favorite tree, I will feel a little less guilty when I wake up.

    Love

    Sister Bridget

  • Follow Mambo Sam and I on Instagram!

    Morning!

    With so many social media outlets available these days, sometimes I get a little overwhelmed.  One outlet that I still find really fun and easy is Instagram 🙂

    Both Mambo Sam and I use Instagram. We post pictures not just of our magickal life, but of all of our life – family, friends, pets, nature, etc. Things we find cool!  It is a way you can get to know us better, or just enjoy some neat pictures!

    Follow Mambo Sam on Instagram -  @samanthacorfield

    Follow me on Instagram – @sisterbridgetcorfield

    Check out some of my rosaries – @griffonageboutique

    Love

    Sister Bridget

     

     

     

     

  • Coconut Sweet Potatoes.

    Hey there!

    Every once in a while I come across a recipe that just screams PAPA LEGBA to me 😉 And since we are coming into the season where sweet potatoes are everywhere,  I have a feeling this might be something that he would enjoy. Actually, I think just about anyone would enjoy this, it is just yummy! I made a batch using uncanned sweet potatoes, and it was quite delicious.  I just baked it a little bit longer than what is listed below. Warm, southern style comfort food. If you try it, post a comment here on my blog and let us know what you think 😉

    Light and Love

    Sister Bridget

    Coconut Sweet Potatoes.

    • 3 (16-ounce) cans sweet potatoes, drained
    • 1/2 cup sugar
    • 1/4 cup milk
    • 2 Tablespoons butter
    • 2 eggs
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
    • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
    • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
    • 3 Tablespoons flour
    • 3 Tablespoons melted butter

    TO PREPARE:

    Combine the sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, 2 Tablespoons butter, eggs and vanilla in a bowl.  Mash until blended. Spoon into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Combine the coconut, pecans, brown sugar and flour in a bowl and mix well.  Stir in 3 Tablespoons melted butter. Spread over the sweet potatoes. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until light brown and bubbly.

     

    Images4

  • September 29th The Feast of St Michael and All Angels

    Hello!

    This is a post a wrote a couple years back about my favorite day of the year, Feast of the Archangels! I hope you enjoy the post. Also, to celebrate this day and in honor of the Angels, I am offering 29% off in my Etsy store, Griffonage Boutique. This would be a great opportunity to pick out a rosary or chaplet in honor of the Angels 🙂

    Love,

    Sister Bridget

     

    September 29th  The Feast of St Michael and All Angels

     

    Make yourself familiar with the angels

    and behold them frequently in spirit;

    for without being seen, they are present with you.

    ~~St. Francis De Sales

     

    The feast of Saint Michael , also known as Michaelmas, is a Christian feast derived from the old pagan Autumn Equinox celebrations. It is the most ancient of all the angel festivals. Michaelmas became the fixed date for the feast otherwise associated with Autumn Equinox or the harvest. As early as 1014, the laws of Ethelred in England prescribe a three day fast for all Christians before the feast. Servants weren't allowed to work during these days.

     

     

    Michaelmas was a time when rents were due, and rents were often paid in food. The traditional rent for Michaelmas was a goose. Eating something rich like goose at this turning point of the year brings good luck. In Nottingham they say "If you eat roast goose on Michaelmas day, you will never want money all year." In Norfolk , they say, "if you don't baste the goose on Michaelmas Day, you will want money all year." Roast goose is the traditional meal served even now for the holiday. A flower, a wildflower, a white aster with many small star-like flowers, that blooms in late September, known as the Michaelmas daisy.

     

     

    Archangels Gabriel and Raphael are also honored on this day.

     

     

    Sainted Angels, like Michael, Raphael and Gabriel, are not like the other saints on the Church's calendar who were all once human beings. Angels are celestial beings created on a higher order than man. They are completely spiritual beings; they have intelligence and will; they are personal and immortal creatures. Angels are the servants and messengers of God — in fact, this is what the word "angel" means. Several different kinds (or ranks) of angels are mentioned in the Bible: angels, archangels, cherubim, seraphim, thrones, choirs, dominions, principalities, and powers. The Archangels want you to call on them for help. Don’t worry that you are overburdening them—Archangels can help many people simultaneously.

     

     

     

    "Angels transcend every religion, every philosophy, every creed.

    In fact angels have no religion as we know it …

    their existence precedes every religious system

    that has ever existed on earth."

    ~~St. Thomas Aquinas

     

     

    Mike1 Archangel Michael

    Michael’s name means “he who looks like God” or “he who is like God”. Michael is the leader of the Archangels. He is very tall and handsome. His energy feels warm and reassuring, like having a warm, fuzzy blanket wrapped around you. His main purpose is to rid the earth of fear — no small task! Call on him when you are feeling scared physically or emotionally and he will help you. Ask for courage and you will have it! (He is often pictured swinging a sword and with his foot planted on the devil.)He is the Patron Saint of Police Officers. Archangel Michael is also the angel in command of Lightworkers! He is also especially good with fixing mechanical and electrical devices ( a handy guy to have around!)

     

    Whenever you feel afraid or uneasy, mentally say, “Archangel Michael, please protect and calm me now.” If you are in an unsafe place or neighborhood, ask Archangel Michael to be your angelic bodyguard–to escort, guide and protect. In fact, you can ask Michael to be permanently stationed by your side so you’ll always be safe under his powerful protection. Just mentally say, “Archangel Michael, please be my guardian angel in all directions of time. Thank you.” And it is so!

     

     

    If you sometimes feel like you need protection from negativity, then each morning upon wakening ask for Archangel Michael to envelope you in a thick eggshell of white protective light to shield you from negative people and situations you come into contact with (in all situations). This is especially useful for very empathic people who tend to pick up on the emotions of people around them (positive and negative).

     

     

    Correspondences:

    Special colors – Blue and Gold

    Protector of the day Wednesdays

    Associated with the Third and Fifth Chakras

    Associated with the number 6

    Special crystals which are blue: sapphire, blue topaz : for peacefulness, and healing

    Special crystals which are yellow/gold : yellow topaz , citrine: to initiate positive action improve communications.

     

    Prayer to Saint Michael

    Saint Michael, Archangel, defend us in battle.

    Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

    May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;

    And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God,

    thrust into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world

    seeking the ruin of souls.

    Amen.

    ~~By Pope Leo XIII

     

     

    Prayer to Saint Michael Powerful Aid

    Glorious Prince of the heavenly hosts and victor over rebellious spirits, be mindful of me who am so weak and sinful and yet so prone to pride and ambition. Lend me, I pray, thy powerful aid in every temptation and difficulty, and above all do not forsake me in my last struggle with the powers of evil. Amen.

     

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    Police Officer's Prayer to Saint Michael

    Saint Michael, heaven's glorious commissioner of police, who once so neatly and successfully cleared God's premises of all its undesirables, look with kindly and professional eyes on your earthly force.

     

    Give us cool heads, stout hearts, and uncanny flair for investigation and wise judgment.

    Make us the terror of burglars, the friend of children and law-abiding citizens, kind to strangers, polite to bores, strict with law-breakers and impervious to temptations.

     

    You know, Saint Michael, from your own experiences with the devil, that the police officer's lot on earth is not always a happy one; but your sense of duty that so pleased God, your hard knocks that so surprised the devil, and your angelic self-control give us inspiration.

     

    And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your heavenly force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God as we have been to guard the city of all the people. Amen.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     

     

     

    When a divine spirit grants your wish, it is customary, to give an offering of some kind in return. Because Archangel Michael is generally depicted as the protector of the weak, it is considered appropriate to make a contribution to your local police force or community watch program, or to a shelter for the victims of violent crime, as a thank-offering

     

     

    Archangel Michael is your friend and protector, call on him often, daily if desired – he is waiting for your call.  Call on him for protection, for peace, for freedom.  He is with you always.

     

     

    Mike3

  • If Ogoun had a parrot….

     

    If Ogoun had a parrot, I think it would sing something like this 🙂

    Love,

    Sister Bridget

  • Inspiration from an unexpected place…

    Hi there!

    This needs to be watched and shared with all you know and love! Where ever you are in life right now, this speech is inspirational!

     

    Love

    Sister Bridget

  • How do you deal with Frustration?

    Good Morning!!!

    Hope you all are doing well and are enjoying this lovely summer! 

    As some of you know, I have been working at times to settle some matters dealing with my father's estate. Estate stuff, at least in this situation, tends not to be very simple. I often have an idea or thought or plan of how things will go with a certain issue, and then, well, God Laughs! 

    Driving home yesterday, I certainly was feeling rather frustrated. I got to thinking alot about this feeling, and I really don not like it! It sucks, basically. And I think I would really rather not feel it so much anymore. I did a little surfing when I got home, to see if there are some tips on dealing with frustration. I would like to share with you what I have learned….

    First, just to help clarify – Frustration is a feeling that arises when something occurs which keeps us from reaching a goal or expectation. There are other feelings which can occur as well, such as disappointment. BUT mix a little anger with your disappointment, and you have frustration.

    "Expectation is the mother of all frustration"

                    …… Antonio Banderas 

    Second, we can experience different levels of frustration in different parts of our lives. Some folks are more easily frustrated in the work enviornment, some with family, some in more social settings. It seems to be the more intense a situation, the more important the goal is to us, the more easily we can become frustrated.

    Anyone out there working on a love situation? How important is it to you that it resolve successfully? 

    Third, how we handle our frustration can definitely directly influence how much frustration we could be feeling in the future! Huh, you say? I said that the first time I read this as well. But look at it this way….if we learn to handle our frustration productively, and that leads to a positive resolution to our situation, then there will be nothing to get frustrated about in the future! 

    Of course, frustration is not always a bad thing. It can be quite motivating and can help us figure out steps so that we can reach our goals. But it is how we choose to express our frustration may cause more stress in our life and the lives of others.

    So, how do we handle our frustration? What are some good tips to practice or skills to develop? 

    I found this wonderful article by Judith Orloff about Frustration, and ways to handle it. Dr Orloff has 4 tips for handiing frustration with people. Here is an exerpt: 

    Tip #1. Focus on a specific issue—don't escalate or mount a personal attack.
    For instance, "I feel frustrated when you promise to do something but there is no follow-through." No resorting to threats or insults. In an even, non-blaming tone, lead with how the behavior makes you feel rather than how you think the other person is wrong.

    Tip #2. Listen non-defensively without reacting or interrupting.
    It's a sign of respect to hear a person's point of view, even if you disagree. Avoid an aggressive tone or body language. Try not to squirm with discomfort or to judge.

    Tip #3. Intuit the feelings behind the words.
    When you can appreciate someone's motivation, it's easier to be patient. Try to sense if this person is frightened, insecure, up against a negative part of themselves they've never confronted. If so, realize this can be painful. See what change they're open to.

    Tip #4. Respond with clarity and compassion.
    This attitude takes others off the defensive so they're more comfortable admitting their part in causing frustration. Describe everything in terms of remedies to a specific task, rather then generalizing. State your needs. For instance, "I'd really appreciate you not shouting at me even if I disappoint you." If the person is willing to try, show how pleased you are. Validate their efforts: "Thanks for not yelling at me. I really value your understanding" See if the behavior improves. 

    (end exerpt) 

    I will be trying some of these techniques with the various realtors, inspectors, lawyers, etc associated with my dad's Estate and let you know which ones I have found helpful. If you try any of these tips out, I would love to hear how they worked for you :-) 

    Love

    Sister Bridget