Ghostdancer Shadley

Yes warriors, we are often misunderstood, even regarded as imposters, especially for our faith in Creator Yahweh. Yet we continue to carry the light of heaven in our souls. Creator Yahweh lives and walks among our people. He is our God and there is none other like him. He has called us his sons and daughters and separated us as a people.

Since we are his children, fellow warriors, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit. Let us set aside the ways of foreigners and perfect holiness out of reverence for Creator Yahweh. This is the way of walking in beauty.

Eagle People … Today’s reading is 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1. Pleya gi. “Go with Blessings.”

(Photo by Sandy Cathcart, Wiconi Family Camp, 2009)

Are you still weary, child? Does sorrow still rule your soul? Listen. A Native drum beats a tune older than the earth. Do you hear it? Listen again, tune your ears to the sounds of the earth. Listen to coyote’s song as it fills the night, the haunting call of loon as he welcomes the morning, the thrum of crow’s wings in flight, but there is something deeper, a thrumming that underlies it all.

This thrumming is not a drum beat after all; it is the heartbeat of Creator, thrumming across a vast expanse of sky. Breathe in the sweet fragrance of him and let him capture you with joy. Let laughter pour from your throat. This is the One we serve! Creator Yahweh! The One who spoke the worlds into existence! The One who called your name before you were even born. Focus on him, and the weight of your sorrows will fall away.

Eagle People … Today’s reading is Psalm 118:15-18. Pleya gi. “Go with Blessings.”

(Photo by Sandy Cathcart of Richard Twiss, Wiconi Powwow, 2009)

Child, do you know Creator Yahweh? Are you aware of his presence as something…someone…totally other? He is bigger, brighter, more all-encompassing than you can imagine. We live and move and dance and become in him. He is both in me and I am in him. He’s untouchable, yet He touches every part of me.

Feel the breath of his caress on your face. Breathe in the sweet scent of him, swim in the water of him. Let his sweetness quench your thirst. Bathe in the light of him and take comfort in the shadow of his wings. Let him be your every reason for existence, your hope, your joy, your tomorrow.

When you know Creator Yahweh in this way your life will never be the same. No pit will be so deep that he is not there. No sorrow so clenching that he cannot touch. No disappointment so shattering that he cannot mend and restore. Victory is a heartbeat away.

Eagle People … Today’s reading is Psalm 118:1-13. Pleya gi. “Go with Blessings.”

(Photo by Sandy Cathcart of Cheryl Bear-Barnetson, Wiconi Family Camp, 2009)

Warriors, is the way before you blocked? Are you hemmed in on every side? Stand firm. It is time to listen for Creator Yahweh’s voice. Do not move until he reveals the way before you.

Do not listen to raven who will lead you into despair as he whispers evil words into your ear, telling you to give up and die. Coyote will trick you into cowardice and have you retreat into the world’s ways of acting instead of fighting spiritual battles with all your passion. Crow will come with impatience crying, “Get up and do something!” Do not be tempted to listen to crow or you will miss the wisdom of stillness.

Stand firm! When owl comes with arrogance boasting that if you had real courage you would shout the battle cry and expect a miracle.

Stand firm and wait.

In times of uncertainty, listen to Spirit. If you have any doubt, listen. If the way is blocked listen. At just the right time, Yahweh’s voice will be as strong as falling water and as loud as thunder.

Eagle People … Today’s reading is Job 37:1-5. Pleya gi. “Go with Blessings.

(Photo unknown resource)

You have died with Christ to the claims of the spiritual forces of this world, so do not live as if you still belong to the dark path. Encourage your heart with words of truth so you will not become disheartened. Creator Yahweh has called you to a unique task. You do not need anyone else to qualify you. Through his grace, he will give you every good and perfect gift needed to complete the journey. Creator Yahweh has filled you with his Spirit.

Do not set aside the grace of Creator Yahweh, for if righteousness could be gained through anything other than the cross, then Yeshua died for nothing.

Eagle People … Today’s reading is John 19:28-37. Pleya gi. “Go with Blessings.

(Photo by Sandy Cathcart of Cobby Shadley Sacramento, 2014)