Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Celebration

Robin was the next to join in. She began chanting, “Praise Mystery!” in counterpoint to Francis. Bear was beginning to get caught up in the spirit; he forgot his earlier shame and began dancing in circles throwing his front paws in the air as he turned. Worm began to glow again. He joined in the song:

“Praise to Mystery
Praise to The One.”

“Praise to Mystery
Praise to the Sun.”

Now the gathered critters began, one by one, to dance and sing. The whole scene became rather raucous. Francis, lying on the grass, continued singing at the top of his lungs. The celebration raved on, until without warning there was a snapping sound of a stick cracking under the foot of a hu-man. All stopped, frozen with ears tuned to the woods. “Another hunter?”

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Voles starts a group hymn sing...

“For the beauty of the Earth;
For the glory of the sky;
For the Love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.

Lord of All to Thee We raise,
This our hymn of Grateful Praise.”

Robin closed her eyes as she sang a sweet descant to the next verse.

Tears welled up in Francis 'eyes. He reached out to Robin, gently stroking her head feathers. The hymn came to a softer and softer level. Finally, there was no sound at all, and the words moved through each according to their need.

Worm began glowing again.... “Truly the Mystery makes sense: that all Mystery's Creations are sacred and have their allotted place on this journey. Francis, we are grateful for you and your Brotherhood.”
Francis did an exaggerated pirouette, laughing heartily as he ended his spin in a heap on the grass. Suddenly he began shouting with joy, “All Praise to The Mystery!!!”


(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Francis Speaks Again

“Friends, brothers and sisters all, we have witnessed the old way and how it was on the earth. I declare and affirm that the new day has dawned! We are to walk together in love, harmony, and beauty as much as is possible from this day and forevermore. There will be setbacks like we have all just experienced. I affirm in deepest heart of my heart that this hunter shall not have died in vain.“

Crow, still the skeptic, asked, “What are we to do when the hunters fill the springtime woods?”

Francis looked at Crow directly and offered his reasoned view, “You are the sentinels of the forest. Keep vigilant watch and give the hunters not one offering. When there is nothing to hunt, hunting shall die of its own.”

For the first time that day, Crow was 'heart-tagged'¹ His voice softened, “We can do that! None shall be harmed on our watch from this day forth.”

Francis smiled broadly. “Crow,” he said with exuberance, “You are going to be a great Apostle of The New Earth.”

“No, said Crow, “I am Her Guardian.“

Then there was silence. An uninterested observer might have easily concluded that that each one was contimplating their own role for the New Earth.

Finally, Francis addressed Vole. “Remember the food mandala? Vole cl;osed her eyes and smiled. The singing, the sweet layout of the feeding circle, the sweet taste of the carefully selected food. …. And the vision before her very eyes of a mountain lion and lamb feeding side by side.

Vole began the singing, but only seconds passed before all had joined in. They sang: “ …..

(To be continued)

1Presented with truth so accurate that the heart shifts 180°.   

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Francis Offers Compassion and Forgiveness

Francis turned from grief into angry frustration. Bear knew he has made a huge mistake. Shame burned within him. He returned to the circle slowly, hesitantly, on all fours head hanging down eyes focused on the earth. Francis was now having a full blown temper tempest within. He opened his mouth ready to add to bear's growing shame. But as the words formed in slow motion in his head, Francis' eyes met Bear's; He saw the humiliation, shame and contrition and his anger melted into full acceptance and compassion.

“You saved lives,” he said with all the compassion he was feeling. Presently, Bear lifted his head and offered each in the circle a force smile. Eventually, he felt genuine and his smile began to beamj from the heart.

“One day all killing will be rendered meaningless and the lion shall lie down with the lamb.” As Francis began to focus on his breath, it slowed and became more full. One, could see that he was ready to address them all again.

(to be con't.)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Francis Weeps

Suddenly there was chaos. The critters scattered in every direction. Francis cried out, “Stop in the name of Christ the King!” His plea was answered by another arrow that barely missed his head. Francis dove behind Raccoon's tree. The gathering inside Raccoon's tree, huddled together in the deepest part of the den.

Unknown to Francis and his friends inside the tree, Bear had circled around behind the hunter. With one swat, the hunter lay dead at his feet. Bear let out a deafening growl, and then there was silence throughout the woods.

Francis stepped out from behind the tree, weeping - weeping for the dead buck and hunter, but weeping even more for the grief of knowing how long it might take to realize his vision across the earth. The critters began slowly to return to the tree from their various hiding places.

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Francis Speaks

“Friends, brothers and sisters, Crow has a legitimate concern. After all, our ways of survival have been going on for tens of thousands of years. We are all so used to being the hunter or the hunted. I am not naive to think this revolution of the heart will happen over night all over our Mother earth.


“I do know that the revolution begins with us, the Humans. I know that Creator promised that one day the lion would lie down with the lamb. I know that in this forest, the revolution has already taken place. None in this woods need ever worry about going hungry as long as I or my brothers are alive. The food circle that Sister Vole described is happening every day in this woods and many others. Wherever my brotherhood thrives, all eat and none go hungry.”


“The arrogance of humanity has been broken. I have dedicated my life to serving all Creator's creatures and to leading my brothers and sisters on the humble path of true service to the whole earth.”

Just then, there was whoosh and thud as an arrow pierced the heart of a buck who had been standing in the rear of the gathering of critters listening to Francis. He fell instantly to the ground.

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Crow raises a question

Crow interrupted, “I could go for that! I'm kinda tired of scavenging for my daily meals.”

Francis smiled. Worm smiled. Robin smiled. Raccoon smiled. Crow cawed and the began laughing. All, including Francis, agreed scavenging for food was not fun. Francis was the next to start laughing, and soon all were sharing the mirth.

Suddenly Crow stopped laughing and got real serious. “And just how is this all going to happen?” Francis stopped laughing but not, smiling. He scratched his head slowly, thoughtfully. It was suddenly very quiet. Not one critter moved. All eyes were fixed on Francis. At last, he spoke:

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Francis Speaks

But no words came from his mouth. Instead, he spoke with nhis heart and mind. Each critter heard his thought in their own speak. This is the gist of what he said:

“Brothers and Sisters, All, I speak to yu not from the vantage of my little self but as a vessel of The One who has claimed my life and my allegiance . I have seen the day of harmony on earth. I have seen a lion lie down with a lamb. The time is at hand. The Lord of Heaven and Earth, The Son of Man has come into His Glory!”

“I declare to you this day that from this moment hence, all creation will live in Love, Harmony and Beauty and that abundance is assured for all.”

“The food I provide is but a sign of the age of light and love. We have entered into the Kingdom of Light where all will find their purpose in service. No more predator and prey.... no more week and strong, …. no more hungry days and nights.”

(to be continued)

My First Post

This is just a test, but what isn't?

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Francis Sings

Francis heard the rustling and twittering behind him, but he ignored the sounds and launched into a booming song:

“May the blessings of God
rest upon you.

May God's Peace abide with You. you
May God's Presence
|Illuminate your Heart.

Now and forevermore!”

As he sang, Francis made eye contact with each critter, bird and reptile. All gave him their rapt attention. Finally, the words stopped and Francis just continued humming the tune. The animals drew instinctively closer until the bravest lay their heads on hi sandle covered feet.

At length, the humming stopped and Francis raised his arms toward the horizon and there was absolute and utter silence. Frances cleared his throat to speak:

(to be continued)

“My friends,” he said, still grinning, “Be of good cheer, for what Vole witnessed those months ago, is now happening by the hands of my Brothers in the Faith all over the countryside. The sacred mandala of 'Christ Awareness' is being spread in village after village and glen after glen.”

Worm began to glow red with satisfied excitement that his vision was being so quickly fulfilled. Vole still had a Cheshire grin from her vivid, ecstatic recall of events months before. Robin was eyeballing Raccoon's hulled acorns, drying in the corner. Crow was pacing, worried about his relations in a far nation. Raccoon was having a munch attack and was totally absorbed in cracking open some walnuts he had gathered just that morning.

By now the critters that had seen Francis walking through the wood, had caught up and were gathering just outside Racoon's den.

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Vole continues her story of Francis

“Not that I was all that brave, but I was that hungry. As I began to sniff my way to the sunflower seeds, I heard the most beautiful sounds coming from this Hu-man, Francis. It was like …..”


“Singing!” Francis laughed at his own enthusiasm and then apologized to Vole for interrupting.

Vole continued, using the interruption, “Yes, singing! …. It was so sweet and beautiful that I felt totally safe and relaxed as I approached the seeds. Back then, I did not understand Hu-man speech, but the sweetness of the melody lulled me into a kind of reverie. Suddenly, i was no longer hungry. I stuffed a few seeds into my mouth for later and moved toward the singing Hu-man, I mean Francis,” she nodded toward Francis and bowed slightly. Francis returned the bow and was grinning from ear to ear.

Vole did not continue speaking. She appeared lost in in a reverent memory. It was Francis who finally broke the silence:

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Vole continues her story of Francis

“Of course none of the us, at that time, understood his language which shuffled back and forth between English and Latin. But, we did understand the body movements and gestures he made, and his tone of voice carried the perfect reflection of his varying emotional states.

Francis dropped to his knees, but only at the conclusion of his prayer. THEN FROM HIS ROBE, HE BEGAN TO DRAW FORTH FOOD OF EVERY VARIETY AND TYPE. He arranged the food in a kind of mandala and then walked to the edge of the clearing by a large and wise oak tree (named Charles). There he sat down and began to sing again, softly.”

Vole's voice began to rise in pitch as well as volume as she reached this part of her narrative. “I,” she said with a regal humility that would have done any one of them proud, “was the very first to approach the food mandala to eat!”

(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon - Vole continues her story of Francis

This male Hu-man came and in the middle of a large clearing paced off a large circle, marking its boundaries with pine boughs. Then he tied brightly colored cloth in each of the four cardinal directions. Finally he stepped into the middle of the circle, raised his arms, and offered the following prayer:

“Jesus, Son of Great Mystery, Divine Guide and Lord, thank you for opening this Way!
Open my heart to receive and bless all things. Let me be a channle of Thy Grace. In service to all beings, I offer these humple prayers and supplications.
Oh divine Master, who came to take away the pain of this world, grant that I may seek not so much to be consoled as to console. May I seek not so much to be fed as to feed.
Thou art the First Cause and the Last Effect. In Thy loving service I find my only joy and satisfation. Thank you for what you are about to accomplish through my willingness this day.


Amen”

(to be continued)

Francis Book II Vole tells her story

Vole was in the process of moving her entire family, in fact, entire clan to her present location where she met Worm, Robin and Crow, and now, Raccoon. They were camped for the evening in the slums of Assisi. There had been a rather severe drought that summer and fall so the animals in that region were in a bad, bad way.

Vole had just secured their meager belongings for the night when she heard a strange melody ringing through the wood. As the sound drew closer all could recognize the voice of a male Hu-man singing happily.
It was loud enough to wake all the critters within a half mile in any direction. And that is exactly what happened. All the critters with in a half mile in all directions woke up and came to see what this new Hu-man joy was all about.

What happened next was the subject of much discussion for the entire animal population within twenty-five miles of Assisi.

(to be continued)

Francis Book II Vole tells her story

Vole was telling of the time she first heard of the Francis Hu-man. “Rat told me about him. He said he watched him leave food scraps in alleys in order that the alley critters would not go hungry.. Said he saw Him with his own eyes.”

“I guess that prepared me for what I witnessed with my own eyes!”

Everyone unconsciously and instinctively moved a little closer to Vole. Vole, sensing the sudden shift in energy when greetings were over, took a deep breath to shift 'nervous' into 'energized'. And so the story unfolded:

(to be continued)

Francis Book II Robin, Worm, Vole, Crow, and Raccoon return to the story

Of course Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon did not really care about all this bibliography. What they knew, they knew from stories of encounters with him by their friends or occasionally, even themselves. They did not care or even think about his childhood. They knew from nothing about his transformational encounter that fateful evening. Nor, did they need to.

Francis greeted Racoon's new friends as old distant relations. After cordial greetings, everyone settled in to hear Vole's tale. And this is the true tale he told:

(to be continued)

Book II - Francis - Faith of Zoran

The peace became everlasting, and in that time, the three became brothers of the Faith of Zoran¹. Some say that Francis started this scared order even before he began the Franciscans. Scholars are quick to point out the influences of Zoran theology on the writings of Francis and his brothers.
For the readers' edification, a small example will suffice. When Francis writes about the Unity of All Life, his theology comes directly from the Zoran Unity of Religious Thought. Both hold that all that Is is of One Fabric and One Spirit.

So just so, in that holy moment of time Francis was born again as were his two closest disciples, once beggars in the street. A bond was formed that holy night, a brotherhood that has survived in strength up to this very day. Francis became a 'baby saint' and the two beggars became God's Holy Instruments of Peace.

(to be continued)

1The Faith of Zoran = the belief that there is only One Reality which is Perfect as Whole and Complete.

Book II - Francis - Francis kisses the beggar

Filled with the emotion of unconditional love, Francis bent over and kissed the man who was on his knees.

He kissed him not once not twice, but three times; first on the top of his head, then on his third eye, and finally, on his heart. Light :to those who had eyes to see and hearts to understand and love to all. It is just how it was/is/shall be.

Francis was struck dumb. No longer could he make speech; the sounds he did make were animal like, and expressive of raw emotion. And Francis sighed... a long slow relaxed sigh. And the moment rang true and all was good and peace filled the very air they breathed.

(TO BE CON'T.)

Book II Francis - Francis shares what he can

Francis' heart melted that moment. He was carrying a bag full of party food to share with his family. He reached in and pulled out two loaves of fresh baked bread. But, he went unnoticed by the fighting pair. They were tangled in a ball of ferocity. Then, as if by some miracle, one was thrown across the alley and Francis stepped quickly between them. He offered his loaves and suddenly the fight was over
.
Each man grabbed for the loaf nearest to themselves. Francis began to actually feel their hunger. He reached into his coat pocket and offered them each a coin; enough for each to buy enough food for the next week. One man fell to his knees thanking Francis over and over again. The other began to weep uncontrollably. Francis wept with him.


Then Francis did something incredible.


(To be continued)

Book II Francis -Francis is transformed

Francis was unfamiliar with the section of Assisi in which he found himself. A couple of times, he ended walking into cull de sacs and had to turn around to retrace his steps. It was just past sunset when Francis came upon the scene that changed his life forever.

As he rounded a corner near the bakery district, he saw two beggars fighting over a loaf of bread. Being totally unaccustomed to seeing violence that close and personal left Francis feeling violated and offended. “What's wrong with these two that they cannot just work out a way to share the loaf.” It seemed to him that any two children over five would have seen the obvious solution of sharing.

But then, his inner vision shifted. Just as disgust for the two scrappers was about to overwhelm his senses, Francis saw the pair as the frightened and hungry children that they were. Disgust melted as compassion washed over and through him.


(to be continued)

Book II Francis

Book II

He was a wild child, a kid born to give parents grey hair. He gave the best parties at school. He was a lady's man. He was a gentleman's gentle man. He was fair to behold and splendorous to entertain. He was a MAN'S MAN.

That is until one day he came home late by an unfamiliar route. That day he gave up being a boy and became a man in less than an hour's time. There are many legends and stories about what happened that afternoon. We have chosen to tell one of our favorites.

It happened like this:

He was returning from an after school adventure involving the Bishop's maid and a cow named Sally.
(to be continued)

Robin, Worm, Crow, Vole, and Raccoon (Worm tells a tale)

"Yes, he comes by my tree every day, usually around the time when the sun is the highest.  He calls himself Francis."

"Fran - sis, ....Fran-sis, ... Fran-sis ..." Worm said the name over and over slowly as if trying to remember some long past association to the name. 

Ever vigilant, Crow noted that the 'high sun' was less than an hour away.

But Worm was lost in the contemplation of that name, Francis.  Where had he heard that name before?  Suddenly, he shouted, "Francis!  That's it!" 

All heads turned toward worm.  A quick glance around the Raccoon's lair revealed not only all eyes fixed on worm, but all minds and hearts as well.  Worm began to glow a bit, but this time it was embarrassment at being thrust so suddenly into the center arena of attention.  Worm started quietly, slowly to unfold a most incredible tale about the man that they all hoped to meet:

(to be continued)