Humanity - Religious Freedom and Cultural Diversity

How 'Different' teaches me religious freedom

“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Emma Lazarus

God has blessed our country with so many different colors of people, philosophies, and arts. The differences God has allowed in the United States, have given such a beautiful picture of Truth and Peace, that we see Our Good Lord Jesus in every face.

When I hear a different language, it is always a prayer; God so loved the world He gave Jesus.

When I see a different face, it is always an angel; God so loved the world He gave Jesus.

When I hear different music, I simply praise the Lord; God so loved the world He gave Jesus.

When I see God-given Old Glory, I owe God everything; God so loved the world He gave Jesus.

God has shed His Grace on the United States...how can I do less for those who think, believe, and trust differently?

Isaiah 61 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

Good Lord Jesus, help me live for others...help me honor you as I honor others; the very others for whom so many continue to die just as You gave all for me.

Study - Meditation Before Class or Study

What has blessed me preparing for the classroom or private study:

1. Take a Vow of Silence 15-minutes, clearing any distractions before entering the classroom: when entering the classroom and unpacking your book and materials, preparing for instruction.

2. Silently ask your Creator to help you absorb 'everything' He/She may have for you.

Remember, too often we forget that our brains can do far more than we think. Just take all that the Creator has planned specifically for you to receive in this class, and remember you are far more capable than you can imagine.

3. Now breathe and enjoy the 'washing over' of the information and absorb all of it as though you are under a waterfall of total refreshment.

Even if this is a difficult class and perhaps the end of the year stress is gripping, this class...this singular event is indeed a step upward toward enlightenment; no one can take your 'Human Capital Gained'.

Study - College Vacation Hints: Just Relax

1. Determine what vacation means to you personality: mountains or beach; TV or pc; activity or couch.

2. The vacation must 'work' for you and not vis-à-vis. Every element surrounding you must 'vocalize' and tell you, "Just relax". For example, personify the waves and hear them say, "[your name]Just relax".

3. Forget temporarily everything class related: professors, classmates, schedule, work, deadlines. Do not take textbooks on vacation especially post semester breaks such as the summer break.

4. If by chance your vacation is located on campus, study the flowers blooming or the water fountain in front of Lundy Fetterman building. Watch the birds on the petals or the drops of misty water falling from the fountain; just listen to the birds and the water as it says to you, “Just relax". Try the pool for swimming/floating for light or heavy activity, enjoy the water, and let your mind visit a far away, good place.

5. At Wiggins Memorial Library, check out a pair of headphones and watch a movie in the lab, or viewing room on the 3rd floor if you do not have a player at home. Bring a picnic lunch, a pillow, relax on a cushion couch with your own laptop, check out a movie from the media center, and "just relax".

Now you are ready to face another semester of classes and you will be very glad for them. Vacation is like being "a feather on the breath of God" (Hildegard Von Bingen) and classes can be the same.

On a side note, while bunny slippers are always welcome, 'immodesty' is never welcome in public. Be considerate of others at all times.

Marriage - 'How Beautiful the Marriage of Christians' by Tertullian

How beautiful, then, the marriage of two Christians, two who are one in hope, one in desire, one in the way of life they follow, one in the religion they practice.

They are as brother and sister, both servants of the same Master. Nothing divides them, either in flesh or in spirit. They are, in very truth, two in one flesh; and where there is but one flesh there is also but one spirit.

They pray together, they worship together, they fast together; instructing one another, encouraging one another, strengthening one another. Side by side they visit God's church and partake of God's Banquet; side by side they face difficulties and persecution, share their consolations.

They have no secrets from one another; they never shun each other's company; they never bring sorrow to each other's hearts. Unembarrassed they visit the sick and assist the needy. They give alms without anxiety; they attend the Sacrifice without difficulty; they perform their daily exercises of piety without hindrance. They need not be furtive about making the Sign of the Cross, nor timorous in greeting the brethren, nor silent in asking a blessing of God.

Psalms and hymns they sing to one another, striving to see which one of them will chant more beautifully the praises of their Lord. Hearing and seeing this, Christ rejoices. To such as these He gives His peace. Where there are two together, there also He is present; and where He is, there evil is not.