Prince of Peace, March 18 2025

No matter what any one's opinion is I greatly respect and admiration of the Catholic faith even though I am a cross-wearing protestant. Do they possess hiding knowledge? From documentaries’ the Catholic church was and is wise enough not to destroy knowledge, real history & art, handing down wisdom, and relics even connecting it to other religions such as Buddhism. Faith, admiration, respect and unity. If different historical decisions were made by humans leading religion there would be far more unity & peace amongst persons of faith and lay gentiles.  This is our watch and I lean towards the power of faith, love and the ‘Prince of Peace ‘. Updating on April 6, 2025 we do not have to restart but consistent successful during this lent season I am not but am today. - A. T. Yoda Brooks 

If you're not Catholic, you can still meaningfully observe Lent by focusing on personal reflection, acts of service, and spiritual growth through prayer, reading, and spending time in nature, or by giving up something that brings you pleasure for the 40 days. 

Here are some suggestions for observing Lent, even if you're not Catholic:

Spiritual Growth & Reflection:

• Prayer and Meditation:

  Dedicate time each day for quiet reflection and prayer, whether through a guided meditation app, reading scripture, or simply spending time in nature. 
• Reading and Learning:

  Explore spiritual books, biographies of religious figures, or delve into topics related to faith and philosophy. 
• Service and Charity:

  Volunteer your time or donate to a cause you believe in, focusing on helping others in need. 
• Self-Reflection:

  Use this time to examine your values, habits, and relationships, and identify areas where you can grow and improve. 
• Creative Expression:

  Engage in activities like writing, painting, or music-making to express your thoughts and feelings during this period of reflection. 

Giving Something Up (Fasting):

• Choose a Personal Sacrifice: Instead of focusing on food, consider giving up something that brings you pleasure or that you tend to overindulge in, such as social media, screen time, or a particular hobby. 
• Focus on Self-Control: Use this time to practice self-discipline and cultivate mindful habits. 
• Consider a "Fasting" from Negative Activities: You could choose to abstain from gossiping, complaining, or engaging in negative behaviors. 

Community & Connection:

• Attend Lenten Events:

  If you're interested, consider attending a Lenten service or event at a local church, even if you're not a member. 
• Connect with Others:

  Reach out to friends, family, or community members who are observing Lent and share your experiences and reflections. 
• Engage in Acts of Kindness:

  Perform random acts of kindness, whether it's helping a neighbor, offering a compliment, or simply listening to someone who needs to talk. 

Source: Generative AI is experimental.

Tribute to our First President & Founding Father: George W. Washington

 The political legacy George W. Washington left to the world that impressed me the most advises regarding speaking on things which offend people. To do or not today can be an effective political strategy. TBA regarding the the exact quote. And today the image of  George W. Washington I want to show is not loaded. We will blame it on the 'f___ hackers. - A.T. Yoda Brooks Match 15 2025

"In his Farewell Address, George Washington urged Americans to cultivate "peace and harmony with all nations" and avoid "permanent inveterate antipathies against particular Nations, and passionate attachment for others," emphasizing the importance of a neutral stance in foreign relations to prevent being controlled by foreign influence or passions. 

Key Points from Washington's Farewell Address:

• Avoiding Foreign Entanglements:

  Washington advised against forming permanent alliances with foreign powers, arguing that it could entangle the nation's peace and prosperity in the "toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor or caprice". 
• Importance of Neutrality:

  He stressed the importance of neutrality in foreign relations, stating that "it is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world". 
• Cultivating Peace and Harmony:

  Washington urged Americans to "observe good faith and justice towards all Nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all". 
• Avoiding Passionate Attachments:

  He warned against "permanent inveterate antipathies against particular Nations, and passionate attachment for others," as these could lead to a nation being controlled by its own passions. 
• Focus on National Interests:

  Washington emphasized that Americans should focus on what is best for their country, not what is best for their political party or foreign powers. 
• Maintaining a Free Government:

  He warned against the dangers of political factions and the potential for them to undermine the government and lead to tyranny. 
• Importance of Virtue and Morality:

  Washington believed that a nation's morality and virtue were essential for the success of a free government and that religion played a crucial role in maintaining these values. 
• Importance of Checks and Balances:

  He warned against the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of maintaining a system of checks and balances to prevent tyranny. 
• Importance of the Constitution:

  He emphasized the importance of upholding the Constitution and cautioned against any changes by usurpation, stating that "if in the opinion of the People, the distribution or modification of the Constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates". 

Source: Generative AI is experimental.

Christ in Me (Live) - Canaan Baca & New Life Collective I Sunday Morning

No commentary on this song. It is simply blessed. Sending strength new friends and their families some made as recently as just last evening. Peace, love and recovery. - A.T. Yoda Brooks

Jungle - Us Against The World (Official Video)

The Leader (Mr. Will West) in this musical performance group is outstanding. Kudos to him and the group. They are good to listen & watch during time of instability. The title name "Us or We" is appropriate for today and signals cooperation, team work, leading by example then those once trained or taught the moves to take the helm. The follow up dancers I envision their artistic positioning as lieutenants are simply beautiful (male. Female, and even if our trans brothers and sisters are dancing with them).

For Me, its Watching my Tone Today

 

Tone of Voice

Be careful with my tone. Be kind, nice, listen either way.

 

 

Source: symbolsandmeanings.net

Heavy Handedness - Avoiding It

 Avoiding Leading with a Heavy Hand vs Leading with Love

This idea is of mind today. A respected female leader within the spiritual community I attend often advised to lead with love instead.

Peace, love and unity. - A.T. Yoda Brooks 

 

Source: https://writing.stackexchange.com/questions/16103/what-does-being-heavy-handed-mean-and-how-does-one-avoid-it

https://www.yourthoughtpartner.com/blog/leading-with-heart-heart-first-leadership-is-key-to-making-an-impact-in-business-today

A Call for Peace - gхор мальчиков хорового училища им.М.И.Глинки (СПб) часть 6 - 03 05 2025

I do not know the language however the message I hear in this song is a call for Peace. Furthermore, feeling this may be an Orthodoxed Faith youth choir, I would ask where is the girl’s choir envisioning singing to the left of the boys’ choir in harmony. Peace angels. I may update this post with the actual interpretation. And noting this style of music does not put me to sleep neither do I need to watch the video to be aware there is a good tradition here. My research shows the War with Ukraine began February 20, 2014. It is time to end this war. Conflict experienced in a different region of the Earth carefully pausing can be perceived by such angelic voices. For we are connected through the creator of us all, God. In Faith. Be blessed brothers and sisters. - A.T. (Yoda) Brooks

Reference: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russo-Ukrainian_War#:~:text=The%20Russo%2DUkrainian%20War%20began,military%20in%20the%20Donbas%20war.

Partnerships and Marriage - Unevenly Yoked

Partnerships and Marriage - Unevenly Yoked 

This is a term Mom has said to me more than once. From her I respect sound advice & wisdom built upon a foundation of love, respect and family. No competition within a marriage nor family when it comes to love. Researching this verse only honoring her words. Today not acting upon a vice of mine that searching for lets just say certain 'activities'.

"In ancient culture, a yoke was a wooden device that fit around the neck and shoulders of an animal to prevent discomfort. It was also used as a term to describe submission. "

• Isaiah 10:27 describes God's anointing as the power to remove burdens and destroy yokes 

But today love surpasses all burdens and pressures and it has nothing to do with sexisms. 

As for financial burdens or worrying in the United States of America what is the question? The solution is not to write an essay on the ownership society for that leads to creation of monarchies.

Our example is Jesus Christ through peace and love. My failure this week was stating love to a friend while not showing them such in person nor listening. And you no what that is not of me.  The plus is however listening to an outstanding blessed mother. Now this statement might lead to a sermon so let’s listen to the beautiful voice of Calvin Nowell

- A.T. Yoda Brooks 

Calvin Nowell, Spirit Break Out, from the Promise Keepers 2020 Virtual Event)

The Policy of Non-Retaliation - Democracy works!

 

Posting on this reflecting on a question asked to me by an old friend. The Policy of Non-Retaliation applies to public service work. Posting those polices, not my job. I can work on romance and telling a good joke. Stay blessed yawl.

Source : https://www.wenzelfenton.com/blog/2023/02/13/guide-to-understanding-the-policy-of-non-retaliation/#:~:text=Individuals%20are%20protected%20through%20Title,protects%20employees%20across%20the%20state.&text=fearing%20retaliation%20may-,include%3A,or%20repeated%20requests%20for%20dates

Job Interview - Grateful to have 1

 

Last year I had 5 potential full time jobs leads. Still searching this year. Not deterred nor discouraged from honestly seeking work carful to select the correct boxes. Should a degreed person not be humble; I come from humble beginnings and am not above this! For WE walk by faith. Should a person complete a job interview when not at 100 % health rather it be physical, emotional or otherwise or limit themselves? My advice is too move forward anyway! Such sills only add value to a persons worth.  Today a personal blog with the goal to perhaps support the movement of freedom and recovery.- A.T. Yoda Brooks

The above artist captures how I feel this day. Stay blessed yawl.

The Black Box, No Longer - Plane Crashes Analyzed

 The Black Box, No Longer

"A tribute to a friend who is still a friend. Simple statement for weird times" - A.T. Yoda Brooks

The question is should we as a public be afraid to travel by plane? So far, there have been five commercial plane accidents that have taken place in short succession. The above caption for some reason is entitled "angel air". I am unable to find the artist. Stay blessed yawl. The answer to the above question is No. Blame placing none are coming from me. Solutions to preventing is what we need today!

Source: https://fox8.com/news/how-many-plane-crashes-have-there-been-in-the-us-this-year/

Away Training or Power through Pressure

For I have never prayed for physical power. Perhaps those letters create a password of old. This day I pray for Peace, love and healing. This is the foundation of my mantra this year. Tonight feeling to the subject matter, however my spouse and I have attended a talk on human trafficking in past years. Wishing he were here at .y side to hear more on this outstanding me

I istry. Let us fight such scourges ing with violent hands from ever existing in the State of orida! These are my worldds and sentiment even if tired but not sorry this evening. Stay blessed Yael !🙏🤝

Biblical Confidence Joshua 1:9

 "Have confidence & faith children" - A.T. Yoda Brooks

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord the God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9

Burden to Gift: Worth to give it all away for love or naive?

 

The question I am feeling at this moment in time? Worth it to give it all away for love or naivety? 

Scriptures might support this approach when feeling depressed, anxious, depressed even that dreaded word emotion of loneliness no matter one's age. It is not time to tell "our" for there are more crucial matters at play in the world today.

Our leanings should point towards love in this new era.

Blessings, peace and love.

- A. T. (Yoda) Brooks

Prayer for Peace & Healing (Revised) - Black History Month

  

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. 

Where there is hatred, let me bring love.

Where there is offense, let me bring innocence.

Where there is conflict & drama, let me bring unity.

Where there is error, let me bring truth.

    Where there is doubt & indecision, let us bring faith.

Where there is pain, let us bring healing.

Where there is darkness, let us bring light.

Where there is sadness, let us bring joy.

Where there is isolation, let us bring friendship.

Where there is oppression, let us bring freedom.

    O Lord, grant 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 forgiving that one is forgiven

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned

it is in accepting Jesus, the Christ that

 one awakens to a new eternal life.

Amen.

We Must Oppose Sending Immigrants to Guantanamo Bay

 We are not at War with these people.

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-guantanamo-bay-migrant-detainees/

Infinite Forgiveness

                                        "For God can forgive infinitely" - A.T. (Yoda) Brooks

Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-revenge/

The Right of Assembly is Biblical February 17, 2025

"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us, God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16. Liking the above Bible verse because it does not mention gender at all.

I am reminded of a Bible verse which discusses forgiveness which is Mathew 18: 20-22

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord. how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith  unto him, I say not unto then, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. - Mathew 18: 20-22

The freedom of assembly is an older right even that the Constitution of the United States of America. So students on college campus are to be afforded the right to peacefully protest without being placed in a box. - A.T. Yoda Brooks

Source : Wanted to ensure I properly cite the artwork. The writing however is from the Bible and my own writings inspired by the scriptures. Just opinion and or reflection. I depict an angel artwork of love on this Valentines Day 2025. For they are the messengers and worshipers we mankind seek a connection to God through.

https://whiterosepath.com/spiritual-connection-blog/angelforloveandrelationships