Romani and the Lilly in the Valley

There are a lot of nomadic people groups in our world. Some have been nomadic by their own tradition and choice such as the Mongolians or Bedouins.  I have a lot of compassion for groups who throughout history were forced to leave their homes to wander the world such as the Romani, Hebrew, and now our dear Syrian friends.

The despised people who wander the world with no rest or sense of belonging remind me of our own valley experiences of fatigue, anxiety, and sickness. Feeling like an outcast or an unwelcomed can be a powerful force pushing us forward in our search for rest and peace as though seeing the Lilly of the Valley on the side of the rough road. In my faith, Lord Jesus is often referred to as the Lilly of the Valley in our scripture just for this reason; because we find abundant hope and life in the most barren valleys of our souls. Just as we push forward through our afflictions, we always have the reminder of the Lilly of the Valley.

I suppose we can thank Lilly of the Vally for preserving such great cultures during great historical diasporas.

May God heal and bless dispersed people everywhere. God have mercy on me and on the whole world.

Death and Dying - Post Mortem Planning - Just put it in the offering plate

My organs and body are nothing to desire or valuable. I have accepted being a fat, old, white lady who suffers obesity and remains resolute to give my best as much as possible. I pray that anything I have left when I die will be of some value to someone and make sure that no one is burdened with my end life planning.

My faith dictates a bodily resurrection which seems to encourage a bodily burial. I think no matter my choices, God can easily provide me with a new body; another faith belief. The bodily burial seems a waste of potential helpful materials.

Cremation is cost-efficient but seems a waste of materials. If my death is caused by an unknown contagion, I hope incineration will not be required but scholarly research can be made to protect and prevent outbreaks.

I like our Tibetan Buddhist friends who may offer the body to carnivorous birds on a high mountain. But God has called the carnivorous birds non-Kosher because they have enough work to do cleaning up man's messy biological debris and really shouldn't be bothered with more labor. Please leave the hard workers alone. The idea of freely giving such a low-quality offering as my poor body seems a bit hypocritical.

When I was little, a playmate mentioned I could sleep with the fish. The principals in water burial are the same as the Tibetan Sky Burial and simply not an option.

I have never liked the idea of cryogenics as it seems to violate my faith in the all-wise Creator and quite a selfish idea in some way. God gave me life, it's only a good thing to submit to His perfect wisdom to end my life.

Chemical preservation using formaldehyde is absolutely not an option; 'why' and 'eww' comes to mind with respect to Lenin, Bentham, and others so inclined. Again, 'ewww.'

I've thought of organ donation, but I really don't have the heart to burden someone with my poor eyes and no ability to process carbohydrates or sodium. I have all compassion to others who suffer obesity.

I tend to lean toward donating this cadaver to science and beg our health professionals and students to find a cure for this awful obesity. I cry for all so afflicted. Medical students need to learn before they become professionals and if one might find a cure, the world would indeed be a far better place to live. Maybe people would be less complaining and more active in the fight against hate.

Submitted selfishly and with some humor, but with profound respect to friends who are so inclined.

Hazing part 3 - Post Wedding - Final Chapter

Just say, 'No.'

Say no before the assault;

Say no before the insult;

Say no before the slap;

Say no before the insinuation;

Say no before the theft

of trust and respect.

Put up your right hand and make the vow before your attackers and say, 'No.'

Just say 'No' as you would say to a rapist.

God - Tear, Snowflake, Feather

The Benevolent Creator made each single tear, snowflake, and feather unique. Every teardrop that may fall has the perfect makeup for a radiant snowflake. If God has such a great purpose for tears, snowflake, and feathers, then, certainly He has a purpose for humanity.

Tears of joy or sorrow are God's way of cleansing our eye gate and our souls from distractions that would prevent our divine calling. God loves humanity and wants His best for us as we live to honor Him and each other. God uses each single tear for His own unique purpose for our good.

Tears become snowflakes when our hearts become cold and indifferent to the needs of others as though we lose our way in a very barren trail of white and we can't see God's rainbow of promise or fresh flowers. Winter allows us a time of solitude in a fresh, clean environment to release each tear so we can watch God reveal Himself through the wonder of a snowflake. Snowflakes cannot exist without Winter.

Finally, after tears and snowflakes have fallen, we finally reach the mountain peak and become the feather on the Breath of God. 1

The Great Creator's purpose for us is just that simple so we can do no harm.

1. Hildegard of Bingen. Feather on the Breath of God. [Place of publication not identified]: Hyperion records, 1986.

Usual Prayers - Lord, Christ, Lord Have Mercy

Upon hearing For King and Country's new song, O, God Forgive Us, the shuddering reminder of my sin stopped my thoughts and motion. Frozen I listened and suddenly questioned my life religious education of childhood prayers, church worship, religious customs, and teachings.

I prayed with no believing or conviction. I enjoyed the applause for dressing the part.

I anointed with oil the sick and needy. My name was in the morning paper listing my donations.

I stood proud and exemplary for spiritual accomplishments. Everyone kept a distance calling it respect.

I tried to talk to Jesus today, but no one allowed me.

I tried to talk about Jesus today, I was given a citation.

I tried to comfort others in Jesus Name, only to be mocked.

Then I remembered my sin. O, O, God Forgive Me.

Written by: JOEL DAVID SMALLBONE, KEVIN BURGESS, LUKE SMALLBONE, SETH DAVID MOSLEY

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/31167864/for+KING+&+COUNTRY/O+God+Forgive+Us

Usual Prayers - Mindless like the Air we Breathe

People who honor God and humanity always pray as though praying is as mindless as the air we breathe. We can't really see it, we ignore it, we simply breathe without a thinking; often we just pray without thinking.

Prayer consumes us as the air we breathe. Our first conscious thought when we first wake up is, 'Blessed are you Creator of the Universe; thank you for your eternal love for me to allow me another day to honor you and humanity.'

As we put our feet in our house slippers, we pray, 'Let your Word guide my steps today that I might not sin against You.'

As we brush our teeth, we pray, 'Bridle my tongue and place a watch over lips...be glorified in my thoughts, words, and deeds today.'

As we wash our hair, we pray, 'Help me love you with all my heart, mind, soul and strength.'

As we wash our feet, we pray, 'Lead me in Your ways; help me follow Your paths of righteousness.'

As we brush our hair, we pray, 'All glory belongs to You who are all Worthy to be praised.'

As we put on our shirt, we pray, 'Grant me the mantle of Your holiness and wisdom that every decision will be ordered by You alone.'

As we put on our skirt/pants, we pray, 'Clothe me in Your clothes of righteousness and Truth that I may only reflect Your holiness.'

Before we eat, we pray, 'Thank you for this food and bless it to nourish us for Your use; bless the hands that prepared it.'

As I drive to work, 'All Glory and Praise to the Lamb that was slain, who has born every sin and cleansed every stain.'

As I clock in for work, 'Stamp me as Your's alone; cast me not away, but accept me as your eternal servant.'

As I enter my work space, 'I dedicate this new work day and space to You that I may accomplish Your Perfect Will for Your glory alone.'

I suppose, in other words, prayer is totally and absolutely just natural.

Shema.

Lady Academia - Most ignorant laborer

One way to recognize an intellectual is their superior work ethic as they search for the Truth of Christ in all matters. In the true academic community, assumptions, judgment, and condemnations do not exist, because there is the constant search for facts and truth as though a life depends on the work.

The academic environment is full of people who have no answers, but constantly and humbly seek. They demonstrate the sanctity of freedom to search for truth as they learn. They begin a hard journey toward truth with nothing to help them but the heavy burden of proof.

In academia, there is no social class system or hierarchy, but all human beings are permitted equally to search for truth; the very freedom and opportunity freely given by our soldiers' constant sacrifice.

The academic community never sleeps, but is vigilant in the fight against the very evil that would destroy human life through assumption, bigotry, aggression, and tyranny. All human beings are permitted to take up the fight against the simple and search for truth.

It was indeed Lady Academia who gave 'Juris Prudence' (Justitia) her blindfold to search, scales of proof, and sword of authority.

So I call on all brave, stout, and ready souls to take up the heavy cross of learning and take the courage to climb the unknown road to enlightenment. Jesus promised you will never be alone.

Easy Solution to all our Problems

Stop thinking hate.

Think only on the honor of Creator and humanity.

Hazing part 2 - Wedding Engagement

No Hazing Allowed.

Regardless of culture, you have agreed and selected a life partner, soul mate, and hopefully a best friend. All hazing, initiation, gauntlet, or any such practice has absolutely no place in your/your partner's life. It is your job to protect your partner from any such brutality of physical or mental forms. Never, never allow any form of oppression or retardation to enter you/your partner's life and home.

You and your partner's parents raised you to become who you are now; who you chose to marry. You chose them for their good, adult character and you and your partner must encourage each other in your future growth.

The home you and your partner make is your life, your place of refuge, your place of edification and spiritual growth and there is no place for any outside interference. All life emotions of joy and sorrow are always freely given and shared in marriage by the married couple and never imposed by outside the home. That is why joys are doubled and sorrows are halved in marriage of two people.

The above declaration is the absolute love quality test of all parents and siblings. Will they respect and trust you with their loved one? The answer must be 'yes.' Will they demand seniority when that word alone has no place whatsoever in a healthy relationship? The answer must be 'no.'

Here are boundaries that must be respected by parents, siblings, relatives, and friends:

1. I respect your home as a sacred place. Therefore I do not participate in arguments, contentions out of respect for your sacred place. Please do not expect such negative behavior from me.

2. Our finances and health/bedroom matters are private. They are never your business.

3. Your differences and cultural identity is fully respected and enjoyed; please return the dignity we show you toward me and my relatives.

4.  You are not my superior and never my place to obey your commands. I have agreed and accepted this one individual as my life partner and my new family. I am not going to marry you. It is not my place to lower myself to your insults, condescending commands and corrections.  Loving and mutually respectful, shared discussions are always welcomed.

5. I am very close to my parents, siblings and relatives. Please honor and respect that fact as a positive, good character trait. I will not accept any assumptions or ignorant judgments that are contrary. If you as a family want respect, please show it to me and my family.

 Yes, this is an ideal engagement period. Still want to marry?

Never, never place a human beneath you. Slavery is never acceptable.

Remember the golden rule: whatsoever you would they do to you, do to them.

Hazing part 1 - Pre Engagement

No hazing allowed in a Godly loving relationship.

Here are helpful ideas during the period of serious period of dating, going steady, before official engagement:

1. No window shopping. All your attention is on the one individual you are considering as a life partner, soul mate, and best friend.

2. The male, future possible groom must always attend to the bride's family first and foremost in obedience to God's command, 'a man leave his mother and father and cleave to his wife.' He must present himself to them in a humble, respectful manner and ask for the privilege of dating their daughter. Only after the daughter's family is fully honored, the young lady may visit the young man's parents. If this is not observed, the groom is simply too immature and not prepared for the cost of true love.

3. Parents getting to know the girl/boy friend is absolutely essential; parents deserve the highest respect and dignity at all times. Cruel testing is never appropriate by anyone. Open, honest and truthful communication is a holy privilege as well as a responsibility for all.

4. If the boy or girl is placed beneath, it is always wrong. No one has the right ever to rule over another in God's kingdom. Mutual respect and common courtesy is always the rule. If the boy is seen as a 'knight in shining armor/hero' it is not healthy and will never be the gentleman of godly character every lady requires. If the girl is seen as helpless and 'needs' him/his family, this is not healthy and will never grow to be the lady God intended.

5. The couple can never tolerate anyone who will degrade them. If the boy seems to enjoy his family hurting his girlfriend or vice versa and the parents will not apologize or make restitution, the union is not God's will.

Do unto others as you would have them do to you. Any loving relationship is always full sacrifice and never seeking to receive.

The Eyes Say It All - The Mirror

Our eyes are one of the soul gates or senses used to send information to the human soul or brain. It is very easy to become what we allow our eyes to see, and then people can clearly see what we have become just by looking at our eyes. 

The eyes seem to reflect our inner thoughts.
The eyes reflect the truth of who we are.
As I look with my eyes, I have absorbed the ideas so freely given through simple processing.

I see
I wonder
I think
I become
I do

When I do what I used my eyes to see, I hope my eyes will always say, 'Please Honor God and humanity.'

To Rachel and Christopher

Just a few little reminders...constant reminders in this life, until our Blessed Lord returns and lest you forget why the elders constantly push, nag, and seem to impose; this is why:

1. You are never a slave. I don't want you/s to be the slave people have tried to make me through prejudice and bigotry.

2. You will not just survive by hand-mouth income. I don't want you/s to depend on a low income for survival.

3. You will not be coerced or manipulated. I don't want you/s to suffer paranoia imposed by others.

4. You will not be discarded. I don't want you/s to become victims of ignorance/naive.

5. You will have the best of education. I want you/s to live always with the best of choices.

6. You will trust and obey God. I don't want you/s to live without a faith in a benevolent Jehovah God that will work for your best. God says, 'Never settle' because we believe in the Biblical doctrine of Adoption. God is our Heavenly Father who always provides the best for us. 

7. You will always live in peace. I want you/s to know God loves you supremely and your Mom/Dad, grandparents, and I pray for your best daily. You cannot have the perfect peace without God and your praying family who desperately want the best life for you just for your own sake, not ours. 

Study - Fraternity - Not the Flat

While living in a southern college dormitory for five years, I learned a little about getting along. I was 18 years old and alone in a very different culture than where I came from in the North East United States 500 miles away. I was terrified of my southern classmates which comprised most of the school and because of the drastic cultural differences, I was utterly alone.

College roommates are strangers suddenly thrown together in a very small space without any choice. The experience can create a wonderful friendship or a very dangerous enemy. I pray some of my ideas will only help create loving and respectful, life-long friendships.

Without further ado, here are some practical pointers that helped me survive the college dorm life in a very strict religious school:

1. Always use the 'Golden Rule' which is: Do unto others as you want them to do to you. If you follow this completely, you will be released from any guilt knowing you have been the best friend possible. Trust and Respect are absolutely necessary for any relationship especially a roommate. Agreements are never necessary to acceptance. Respect and enjoy the differences.

2. Immediately and continuously communicate openly and try to agree on living terms and arrangements: sleep patterns, use of shower/toilet, times for solitude, media, foods/drinks, air, phone tunes, allergies, medical issues, etc. Any issue that affects your natural senses should be carefully examined (audio visual elements in your life).

3. Never have valuables in the open, but keep them locked in a personal locker or safety deposit box in the local bank or postal service. This prevents unnecessary temptation and destruction of a positive relationship.

4. Keep your own belongings in your assigned positions: closet, shelves, drawers. Immediately agree on the area boundary: your side and their side must be respected.

5. Keep your own belongings clean: use @Lysol solids to neutralize your shoes or soiled laundry, air dry washcloths, towels, or wet clothing before placing them in the laundry basket. This will prevent odors while waiting to wash. If possible, use @Odor Eaters in your shoes and around your shoe lockers to prevent odors. @Tylex brand bath cleaners are best if possible. Note: never mix clorox and ammonia...this is fatal.

6. Keep your bedding and under your bed clean at all times. I recommend bathing in mornings and evenings if possible; this keeps bedding fresh until the weekly change.

Disagreeable odors/rank/stench always challenge positive living and thinking. Keep your room as neutral as possible by using clean air products rather than perfume/cologne fragrances; especially in the lavatory.

7. When listening/watching media, always use headsets unless you and your roommate agree to a specific program. Avoid excess lighting (TV, PC, laptop, etc) if your roommate is trying to sleep.

8. If your roommate is sleeping, it is always a good time to sleep as well. If not, let them have the room or study quietly. It may be a good time to use the library, student center, or lounge. Sleep is a very private activity providing refuge.

9. Take turns using the room privately. If you have a class or job, they can use the room and vice versa. Never demand physical contact or togetherness; everyone needs solitude at times. The six-inch rule and respect for space are vital toward a positive relationship when rooming in a small space.

10. Ideally always study in the library, student center, etc. Your room is a refuge from the stress of academics; a place to rest and relax.

11. If you make the mess, you clean it up immediately regardless of time, appointment. Wash your own dirty dishes, vacuum your own living space, Never let any accident, mishap, spill, drop, of any form remain. Always make complete and thorough corrections with utmost haste. Your mistakes/corrections are always your own personal responsibility that always reflects in your professional career. I never want to see a physician who cannot clean up their own mess.

12. Take full and immediate responsibility if you cause the destruction of property and make immediate restitution. Open communication is vital to promote trust and respect in your relationship with a roommate.

Finally, never demand a friendship or even positive relationship. Just being physically close in a room is demanding enough, but do your part and you will live with the assurance you have been at your best for the good of others. Use your room for sleep and use sanitary earplugs if necessary.

If you and your roommate cannot live together after all the best efforts, consult the campus resident life for a change. I recommend staying with the same roommate despite differences or conflicts; they are supposed to be solved through mutual trust and respect. Sometimes the opposite can become your best friend.

Be Like Jesus- Impossible?

The American Soldier is just like Jesus.

It is possible.

God - Sometimes I Get Cross - Understanding

While anger can be managed most of the time, there are occasions when I get cross. I get very angry when there are no answers to urgent questions, problems, or my own sin-restitution. Resources are exhausted and every effort to find solutions seem wasted. I feel responsible, guilty, accountable, inadequate and then get cross.

Why am I full of feelings I shouldn't have? Why are there no solutions for the urgent matters at hand? When I get to the lowest position, I get to the foot, base, root of the cross and hold on for life. I find the best and safest position is at the foot of the cross...the bottom, lowest, ground, beneath the Cross of Jesus.

I hear Our Lord say, 'Forgive her, Anita needs a Savior' or 'Come to me Anita, I will give you rest.' When I finally release and surrender my failings, I can finally hear as though Our Lord Jesus say,

"Arise, my soul, arise,
shake off your guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice,
in my behalf appears;
Before the throne my Surety stands,
Before the throne my Surety stands,
My name is written on His hands." John Wesley (1703-1791)

Then I get The Cross.

God - I Failed, But Jesus Came

Why do Christians make so many mistakes? More specifically, my own people, Protestant and Wesleyan, seem to have committed the most sins? The big scripture hinge states: If we sin, we have an advocate with the Father, the same Jesus Christ. All we have to do, 'if' we sin, is confess our sin and Our Lord Jesus is faithful to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Our Savior Jesus Christ is God the Son and perfect in love and justice. He is the God who we, as fallen people, so desperately need. We as Christians know we have sinned and need a Savior higher, more powerful than humanity. We go to church because we need the prayers of others to honor God and humanity. We pray constantly because we are fully aware of the Perfect Mercy and Love of God on our souls. 

Yes, the church is full of hypocrites, and we church members know it...because we are the hypocrites who want to follow Jesus. We know by faith that Jesus wants us in His Life and He loves us perfectly. We know we are loved by the Perfect Benevolent Creator; Jesus loves us so much He died for us, rose from the dead, and lives forever to love us even though we need Him so desperately. Jesus always tells us to 'come to Him, we who are tired, and He gives perfect rest.' 

We are fallen people who trust, believe, hope, and rest in our Lord Jesus. Our Lord Jesus Loves me perfectly and He will help me love God and humanity.

I have sinned and deserve every evil consequence, but Jesus came.

Human Rights - Hangman - Child's Play

I remember playing hangman in elementary school. While teachers desperately tried to teach practical skills and basic math, no one imagined hangman as a tool of evil; after all I was born and grew up among good, holy, and integrated Northeast USA.

But people who killed others by hanging were not in the news and we just didn't know and were not taught that true evil existed.

Now, 40 years later, I know.

My problem is why people, who shouted Jesus on Sunday, hated people after church. We left church...we left Jesus. We depended, trusted in a Holy God and shouted, laughed and cried at God's holy altar and then we got up from the altar and left the church and went home. In the afternoon, someone was hung in the woods because they cried for mutual respect and simple common courtesy. Some one's body was found hanging from a tree in the woods...the same story from the beginnings of sin.

Jesus wasn't there.

I want to think our Good God was embracing and comforting the one on the rope.

I want to imagine the innocent victim of hate was the one person who was loved and grieved by a loving God.

I want to believe that the innocent victim of hate is the most blessed by God's Holy wisdom and maturity only found in Paradise.

Two thousand years of learning, discovering, and God's most Holy Presence, yet we are still tiny little children with simple minds playing hangman.

The rope, the noose, the child's learning...when will we grow up? When will we learn to think deeper?

I want to think God is perfect love who loves us despite our selfish, simple thinking, and if we cry Abba Father, He will forgive us and help us grow in Him and with each other.

I want to believe God sent Our Lord Jesus to help us overcome the evil of this world and freely give us the knowledge and wisdom to depend on God alone; we can actually become the child of God He intended for us.

Human Rights - Picket, Protest, Preach - What can I do?

I wish I had been born earlier so I could have marched with Martin Luther King and shout, sing, cry for world human rights. Now at my age, I wonder if there are any worthy causes to fight against. I wonder if my protest would only make the opponent stronger and undermine my effort.

I wish I could kneel and pray in the street to show the need for God as Supreme Ruler in our precious country and world. A holy man set himself on fire, his picture in all the magazines and someone made a lot of money.

I wish I could carry a tune and sing in a microphone songs begging for reverence for a Holy God and His creation. We got a bit carried away at Woodstock.

I wish I could use my fingers to play heart wrenching familiar music on my instruments and remind the audience of their responsibility toward others. Gospel music is big business.

Perhaps a sign with a clear message to honor the Creator and humanity. Billboards are everywhere.

Perhaps a drama to demonstrate the need for prayer for our political leaders that would shake the hearts of the hearers. Passion plays are big tourist attractions and no one likes the leader.

Maybe a creative, clever costume and stage paint to try to state the need for human compassion for all. Sacred temples forgot All Saints Day and converted Halloween to Fall Fest.

I can always write my political representatives clearly stating my sorrow for our country and world. I wonder.

Then I remember that the story has been done. All the methods have been used. People have not reacted to any gimmick for two thousand years.

So, for now, though tired of the unknown hope for change, the highest respect, compassion, encouragement, and blessings are always freely given.

Study - An Answer to All Our Problems - Good Bargain

When lost in study, don't be afraid to stop and physically step away. Pack up your gear and physically walk to a quiet place with no distraction and emotionally 'go home' and pray.

The Prayer Place is home to the soul and totally free of cost or consequence. No one can tell you that you can't go home. No one has the right or authority to tell you you can't go home. If you can't find your Prayer Place, consult the campus chaplain, religion teacher, campus safety to advise a place where you can seek God quietly. Write to God in a journal, draw in a sketchbook, or read your Holy Scriptures in a secluded, quiet place to prepare for time with Him. 

• campus chapel - usually pilgrims who hunger for Truth are always welcome regardless of personal persuasion
• garden
• restaurant - back booth or table. Purchase a cup of coffee or tea as courtesy.
• art gallery
• empty classroom, auditorium, foyer 
• even the eatery at the local grocery/department store. Sometimes white noise can be the best private partition.

 Too often we are all consumed with the tyranny of the urgent and find ourselves confused and lost as though bound in a dark pit. This is the time to physically walk, release your body and mind from the stress of the unknown and then in your Prayer Place just simply pray. 

• Spend quality time with Creator and tell Him you love Him
• Thank Creator for His perfect mercy and generous gifts on you (study, family, possessions, health, friends)
• Tell Creator how you are feeling

The same Creator that called Abraham a friend is our own Creator who calls us friends. He really wants quality time with us and He gives Himself freely.

When you are done speaking to Creator, spend time to think on Him silently and still just to honor Him and love His Presence. 

Now go back to study and start fresh from the beginning.  

The Answer is free; a very good bargain. 

Humanity - When the Chips are Counted, When the Cards are on the Table, We Are Just Children

The Blessed Creator has allowed us to learn as a part of life. Education and learning occur as the air we breathe in our lives. We all learn unique lessons in varied times and methods.

We always reveal our true selves in times of heartache, devastation, or the critical moment when our lives totally change. What we become in that singular, critical moment is totally our choice. Will we become a better servant to God and humanity, or will we embrace the bitterness and evil from lesser thinking?

We are created in the image of God and there is an immortal, benevolent desire to rise above the evil and mundane. It is just as easy to become the good servant to God and humanity as it is to become evil.

What if we choose the lesser way and embrace bitterness? We become the lesser thinker who abuses human life and kill for their own arrogance. In the end, they are alone with a broken crutch ready for the fire and no other support. The merciful God will bring another life lesson as another chance to learn and rise up to holy thinking and service that honors God. Simply put, when we make foolish mistakes, God always allows us to try again toward redemption until Blessed Messiah comes. This is the Benevolent and Merciful Creator who never wants His creation to perish but serve Him.

When we fail, God allows us a way to rise above and conquer the trial. All we have to do is pray.

When our friends fail, all we have to do is encourage them and stand by them as they try to improve; we love them in a way we would need if we fail.

So when the chips are counted and cards called on the table, we are all just children trying to learn.

Study - Solitary Outcast - Don't Belong Here - How to Survive

Here are a few alerts to protect from peer distractions that may cause unnecessary stress while enrolled in college and life in general. Remember, never allow distractions that move you to a lesser thinking or lower attitude. Consider all such associates as a valuable learning experience that will make you a better servant to the world. 'Do unto others as you would have them do to you.'

1. If anyone argues at your first comment, opinion, dialog, they will not be a friend. They do not respect your right to your own thoughts and expect you to submit to them. This is unnatural and the best reaction is simply to listen when required and keep a distance. They are simply called to a different path in life.
2. The person who is excessively generous at first meeting is an alert. They may have an unhealthy sense of entitlement you can not afford to repay. 
3. Never borrow or lend. Keep your personal needs and your own responsibilities to yourself and give materials freely to the needy if possible.
4. People who make judgment decisions about you with no regard or effort to find Truth, is an enemy. They want others to believe their lie as true; any lie can be thought as true even when not true. Assume means you make an 'Ass out of you and me.' 
5. When people demand an explanation from or about you when it does not concern them, they are your enemy.They do not respect your privacy means that they do not respect you.
6. People who correct you without your invitation is not a friend. They see you beneath them.
7. People who talk to you as a younger person and demand authority without cause, do not think you have learned adult character. They do not respect you.
8. If anyone freely touches your person or belongings without your permission, they are not your friend. The 6" rule is a very good one. 24-36" handshake is appropriate. People who respect others, respect boundaries.
9. Personal jokes, humor at your expense is never appropriate. The comic speaking is expressing what they truly feel. 'Put down jokes' always have devastating results. It is virtuous to 'laugh at yourself' when you make a mistake, but never appropriate to laugh at another person's mistake. Always have compassion and empathy to help those who make mistakes.
10. People who will not accept a polite, 'no thank you' is not a friend. 'Are you sure' is a bully and never a kindness.
11. People who will not accept your success is not a friend. Stay away from people who may be jealous.
12. The person who rejoices and cries with you, encourages you to grow, lovingly corrects you with truth, is a friend. This person is happy to see you conquer, succeed, and rewarded. This person is a trusted ally who will rejoice with you as you are promoted and will not sway at the thought of jealousy. 

Remember, you have a calling on your life to help make this world better to honor God and humanity. You are required to respect the differences in others: different calling, world view, attitudes, choices, etc. If you want to be respected for your differences, you must respect others for their differences. Do not be distracted by the differences in others, but learn from them and stay focused on your own studies and responsibilities. Freely we receive, we must freely give. 

Study - Mind Over Matter - Don't Worry About It - Do Not Be Distracted

If you're not physically uncomfortable with your study environment fix it immediately so you can study fully without distraction:

do you need a different chair, pillow, back rest; good back support

is the desk height correct for you 

is the lighting correct for you

is the air system correct for you

is the noise volume correct for you

do you know where the luvs are located

are you sleepy 

are you hungry, thirsty 

Have you had an emotional upset of any kind? Take the higher ground and fix it immediately. You must overcome, conquer, get rid of all distraction in order to study:

immediately fix it: apologize, make restitution if needed and move on to the higher, better thinking of the work you have to do alone...study.

Do Not Be Distracted by anything, anyone

Some easy solutions:

In the event items may be available, Ask: chair padding, blanket, ear plugs, lamp, snack

Remember: When you owe money, you will be alone in life...who will pay the cost of your living but You Alone. Don't let others interfere with your study.

Do Not Ever Be Distracted

To be a good student is your duty and obligation to this world.

You Are Not Alone and there are Professional People to help you. 

Government - Dear Mr. President - It's Easy

God has allowed you to sit as Commander in Chief of our precious country. Please be encouraged and know there are people who honor God and human life and they will pray for your strength and wisdom.

God will bless you with His strength to endure and ignore critics who are not from God. God will bless you with His wisdom to speak, act, conduct, as you approach critics, international leaders, and especially our own leaders.

God bless you now with a fresh Holy Anointing to go forward full of the Holy Spirit and do all God would have you accomplish.

The Lord will always hear the cry of His people who call on Him, therefore, please give no thought to social media numbers, but stay focused on God.

I am a no one who just prays.

Humanity - After Freedom Comes

Every privilege demands responsibility.

Every sin has a consequence. 

Jesus was our first privilege. God the Son came to this world because of His perfect love for the world. We as Jews and Gentiles were privileged to be called His family and children of God. Sadly, we loved Sin more than the Truth of God.

Did we think that the inhuman treatment of life would be fun forever? Did we think there would be no consequence to the abuse of the outcast, disenfranchised, and betrayed immigrants? 

We hated people who did not agree with us

Our greed caused women, children, and disabled to slave for less wages

We hated people who dressed differently, looked and spoke differently 

The result is now there are no fathers and mothers at home caring for their own children, people groups are marginalized to the point they demand a justice they may never know, and our children are too afraid to go to school and can't trust their own parents or authority...

Social networking, news, gossip, and any other false news spoonfeed, and people will not work to seek the Truth of God in all matters.

No one cares about Truth

a little boy hung himself on his bunk bed because he was afraid to go to school

a girl helped her boyfriend commit suicide

an American student, for no real reason, was tortured in North Korea; why didn't someone love him enough to teach him, warn him, prepare him for the trip? 

a mother killed her own children

a man abuses children

a man brutally kills a young girl with a baseball bat

a little boy brutally kills younger little boy with a baseball bat 

a poor soldier who is confused, afraid and runs to the enemy

the public who will not pray for our President and country leaders

the constant abuse of authority to abuse and kill the weak

the little child terrorist

the little child shield

the little children born for the food stamps

The very guilty blessed society.

No one cares about Life...

No one cares about Sacred...

and people are left hungry for justice and not God.

God have mercy on us for killing our most sacred freedom: Each Other.

God - Removing Crosses: What Did Jesus Ever Do to You?

I watch governments over the world removing crosses and religious symbols while worshippers sing hymns and weep. These are countries who do not want religious influences and are not concerned about human dignity through individual freedom. Perhaps they are ruled by communistic, militant dictator, socialist, or even totalitarian.

Born in the USA and of Protestant Wesleyan thought, religious freedom for all humanity was a most sacred tenant and demonstrated through tolerance and respect for cultural diversity. Our belief system was both our faith, a way of life, and security. Even though we were sectarian, we enjoyed the differences of the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish, Presbyterian, and Lutherans, and quite happy with idea that God is a great artist.

Today, I can't understand why 'different' is an offense and proselytizing has become the weapon of choice to coerce others. As an American Protestant, I have an obligation to show and demonstrate what religious freedom is and what it is not.

Your religious persuasion is your business; please respect mine

In your home, place of worship, in public with like-minded friends, practice your faith freely; please allow me to do the same

Your symbols are considered sacred; please respect my symbols

Be kind and do no harm to others

Jesus tells us we are to love as He loved us and we are to consider others as ourselves. Whatsoever you would they do to you, do to them.

No education required or special knowledge to understand; it is a simple Gospel.

What did Jesus ever do to you?

Humanity - Emancipation - We Didn't Know?

In my faith, God the Son, My Lord Jesus, came, died, rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. Lord Jesus lives forever to intercede for me if I sin. Jesus' work should have been enough to set us free from evil chains of slavery, but God saw we chose to stay in bondage and hate our fellow man; we massacred the innocent, exploited the weak for our own selfish pleasure. The very people so blessed with food, roof, and clothing, yet continue to embrace the madness of hate; they have lost their simplest ability to reason. 

For two thousand years God sent countless preachers, reformers, martyrs, or soldiers to fight for the good news of freedom from evil, but we still stayed in our bondage. We hear, 'I've suffered more than you so I deserve more than you,' or 'prove yourself to me, maybe you will be accepted,' or, 'You owe me.'

When people from other countries were betrayed by their own people, why didn't we as Christians have compassion on our neighbor and help them start a new life more abundantly just as we expect from Jesus? We were supposed to save them from evil, but instead Christians owned them...owned...enslaved...used. Evil says, 'What is yours is mine and I will take it because I want and deserve it more than you.' 

In my life, I've seen groups like Panthers, Ku Klux Klan, militia groups, Nazis, Black Lives, fundamental polygamists, etc., all worship under a precious Cross of Jesus, yet demand higher level of life than their neighbor...human life. Groups like these do not know the One True God and do not reverence human life. Hate groups are so consumed with their insanity, they rush to tear down public monuments that preach co-exist and peace.  

Injustice and evil are always with us until Blessed Messiah comes to finally heal the earth; the big question is, 'What do we do in the meantime?' 

Jesus taught us that our neighbor is anyone...everyone. Jesus loved the whole world and gave Himself freely, why don't we? 

Why did we do that to noble Native Americans?

Why did we do that to underprivileged, abused immigrants?

Why did we do that to poor widows and children we forced to work in our factories? 

Why did we do that to the African who was betrayed by their own?

Why do we do it?

Obesity - Pretty Lady Inmate Who Didn't Pray

I dream and even pray to be pretty, desirable and cherished. I want a world that is safe, trusting, where loving people are part of my community. Where children know where their parents are at all times and feel secure knowing they are needed and wanted. Parents love their children and care for their needs. The world where God is honored and human life respected.

Then I wake up from my dream and see the real me, a fat, old, white lady with a black mustache and gray eyebrows. There are times I forget the mirror and eat freely like others eat at the restaurant, only to suffer the weighted consequences. I push myself as I walk, get out of the chair, and obsess over low carb/sodium foods I can eat. I trudge through what feels like mud and slime when I try to walk and constantly wipe sweat from my face hoping I'm not offensive.

My body fat reminds me of the unjust and un-welcomed evil the world imposes. Hideous imposition constantly telling me, 'There is no use fighting, just hate like everyone else.' Hate in this world through such horrid reteric, 'My race is more worthy, my people is more important, my faith is right.' Like an unwelcomed suffocating prison of the fats and gore, we have violated the most Sacred of gifts: One Nation under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

Why didn't we pray, Honor God and Human Life?

Humanity - Destruction of Innocence - Hate

In my faith, there are three cardinal sins: lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and pride of life. All three open doors to all selfish activity which leads to hate, yet never satisfies. I say hate is a result of sin in one's personal life. It's an easy thing to run with hate toward our fellow man and actually enjoy the process of degrading another life.

Lust of the flesh is an unholy desire of the physical or what we do such as food, drink, chemicals, body manipulation, or sex.  The supreme goal is what feels good to the individual without regard to consequence to self or others.

Lust of the eyes involves greed or what we want to have and desire of the unearned and what one has no right to own. Stealing, cheating, embezzlement, paying unjust wages, swindling.

And the pride of life or what we may want to be such as personal advancement at the expense of others or imitate another lifestyle without counting the cost, or selfish need for vengeance. A lot of people tend to fall in extreme debt through the pride of life by trying to compete with their associates.

When we rush to hate without taking the time to research, seek truth with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, we invite sin into our lives. We read of small children taking their own lives because their world has become too hard, people killing others of another race/religion, or adult men taking little girls as brides, or children give their lives to hate groups who want to kill, mothers who kill their own children, rapist, murder, bombing, arson,...the list is endless and all the crueler.

I say just as sin is so easy, the holy life is easy. Our Creator loves us, desires His best for us in every matter and will not allow us to suffer more that we can manage. God is our perfect loving Creator.

Yes, the Ruler of the Universe is the Creator and Loves Us. His Love Endures Forever.

We can love one another. It's just that easy.

Humanity - Seek Truth and Co-Exist

Siblings often argue who is more important, who does Daddy love more, and over property/boundary rights.

I have faith this is not the case with Peaceful children of Abraham, but those who do not fear God. Yes, if we honor God and life, Christian, Jewish, and Muslims can co-exist. The One True God created human beings to have a care for creation and love, cherish their families. A godly man would never cause harm or abuse his wife and children. 

People who seek to harm are those who do not honor God. People who hurt, abuse, rape their children and spouse, are not faithful children of Abraham. The Holy Bible, Torah, and Quran all strongly condemn the selfish use of children and abuse of human life. The Holy Creator has called His creation good; human life is as holy to God as God should be to us, His children. God expects us to cherish and love each other as He loves His creation. 

So when we see inhumane video clippings and images, it is from the devil's own hand to cause hate. We as faithful to God must seek the Truth in all matters. We have to ask, seek and knock fervently for Truth as Our Lord Jesus commanded. Pray and ask our Creator to teach us Truth in all things, especially regarding disturbing images. Go to the nearest university library and ask the help of a professional librarian, ask vital questions: who, what, where, when and why.  Christianity, Judaism, and Muslim all have their own best sources for answers to those who seek Truth...seek Peace.

What child of God wants to see his precious baby touched by another man?
What child of God would ever take the life of his brother who is Christian, Hebrew, or Muslim?
What child of God would ever hurt others?

None.

Humanity - A Very Holy Three: Christianity, Judaism, Muslim

God has allowed three systems in which to worship the One True God: Judaism, Christianity, Muslim. All three are children of good and faithful 'Friend of God,' Abraham. In my simple mind, we are siblings called Peace who have our own lives. We all work to provide for our children, come home from work and attend to our families.

Synagogues, churches, mosques, all represent our homes where we all learn to honor God and demonstrate the highest respect for human life as God commands.

I want to hope and pray that we as monotheistic followers are tied, linked, united together in the Holy fight against the evil that God hates: the abuse and killing of human life.

As a Judaic-Christian, my faith both instructs and comforts me trusting that My Lord Jesus Christ wants me to consider the lives of others as most precious because Jesus loved first. Jesus took all the power of evil upon Himself so that we could love one another as He so loved. 

I have to believe that God the Father is the Supreme Ruler and Victor over evil because Lord Jesus Christ conquered death and rose from the dead on the third day and ascended to rule and plead for humanity today. 

There are always people who want to hate, kill, and destroy; they do not know the One True God. 

Does this make killing right? No.

God - Destruction of a Cemetery: No Rest for the Weary

I saw a video today of a group of people vandalizing a cemetery by shooting the tombstones and kicking them down; stones with Magen David, crosses, names, dates, all stomped flat to the ground. My first thought and hope that this was a theatrical demonstration to produce a teaching tool. Then, as most people, I felt rather vulnerable.

I wish I could understand why or what caused such anger, hatred. I wish I could try to talk to them and tell them of the Creator's Supreme Love for them. I wish I could tell them how very blessed they are to be so healthy, striking, robust young people with such fine, nice clothes and shoes. I wish I could remind them they have the gift of action, boldness, drive, that only comes from Our Blessed Creator. If only I could tell them that they are very loved and cherished.

I wish they could understand that the Great Creator freely gave them life so that they could honor God and humanity.

I wonder if they ever think of why God wants them to live and why the names they are crushing are not living.

I know I must pray for these people and all who follow this ignorance. It is a very tragic ignorance to hate and seek revenge. God has His own methods and perfect Will: that all creation worship God and honor humanity.

Please, I must beg all to stop, look, listen, think; seek the Truth of the One True God in all things. If only we would just simply pray, reverence God and humanity.

I know if everyone would stop and pray, honor God in all matters, there would be an end to the destruction of the human soul.

God have mercy on me and on the whole world.

Humanity - My Family's Slave, by Alex Tizon, Atlantic, June 2017

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/06/lolas-story/524490/

After reading this article, I cried, then angered, then immediately tried to search for any solution. How in the world do we fight slavery? It's one of those impossible problems that totally crush my zeal, like the problem of prostitution, homelessness, poverty, and the other countless problems too big to solve.

Sin is with us until The Anointed One comes to earth. People without conscience will always lust for what they see, feel, and power at the expense of others. I will always be tempted and tested and often fail.

As a simple minded woman, all I know for sure is I am very blessed, so blessed I dare not complain about anything. I know God provides my food, clothing, and home. God has chosen who sits in power and God also removes people from power.

I must hold to the Truth that God is Supreme Ruler and I must Honor God and Humanity.

God have mercy on me and on the whole world. Please Teach us To Pray.

Submitted with all respect to Alex Tizon. May he rest in peace for his incredible compassion and selfless education through this article.

Study - Failure: A Worthy Teacher for the Best of Professionals

You must never be ashamed when failing a class, work project, or even life event when you have done your best. Your best effort in any circumstance is already a gold mine. I would rather have a professional who knows what failing is like than the 'silver spoon intellect' who never struggled to learn.

It is never necessary to fail, but if you do, here are some reminders:

• Never forget and take courage in the truth that you have done your best: managed time, health, obligations. This truth is totally unique for you and totally independent of other's opinions.
• Analyze the event and learn the lessons unique and special to you. You are the only one capable of understanding this special wisdom because you alone have suffered this lesson. This event will make you all the more solid in your profession.
• After you have done your best to correct your mistake, make needed restitution, and most importantly allowed yourself a quiet time/repentance with God, then get back to study, work, and do it all over again from scratch. You are most worthy to see success because you will not blame others for your failing, but take full responsibility.
• Approach the repeat as though it is totally new to you: learn as a child and what you already obtained will come to your aid as needed.
• It is never easy to fail, but when you have done all, given all, poured out your very heart/mind/soul to the task, you will always succeed at being the servant to humanity and thus making this world what it should become.

Never, Never give up; because you had in your heart to accomplish means someone loves you enough to plant the seed of possibility and has hope in you to become what our world needs. 

You are the Humble Servant to God and Humanity. I can't wait to see a better world because of what you accomplish.

Study - Ignorance and Failure: Honored Teachers

Ignorance is the most brutal teacher and Failure is nearly as brutal making them the most valuable, even though Ignorance cannot help defend in a court of law.

I have sinned against God and others countless times due to ignorance and failure. Ignorance of truth, facts, and most often due to my own immaturity.

If you have sinned due to Ignorance or Failure, here are some ideas to survive:

• Immediately ask God to help you understand the event. Pray, read your Holy scriptures, surround yourself with the sacred and higher thinking environments, such as a good art museum, a place of worship, or library; you need solitude. Never occupy your mind with mundane or cheap thinking such as 'it's their fault' or revenge, but use logic and critical thinking to sort out the painful lesson; how will it help you grow and be a better servant, in the future, is the most important goal.
• Never forget life lessons are totally subject to the individual; no one learns the same lesson at the same time. This moment is the beginning of learning; allow yourself and others the joy of the journey.
• Always help others prevent the pain through patience, compassion, understanding, and empathy. You do not know how others feel, but you have suffered and you need to learn from a mistake.
• Enjoy the learning space you find yourself: a second chance is freely given to correct, learn, grow.
• If a new job, then remember this lesson to be the better servant.
• If you have offended, humbly approach your victim to confess fully and ask their forgiveness and ask, 'how can I fix my mistake?' and never expect anything in return. Simply Honor God and fellow man. You value human life and the feelings of others.

Remember, there is always joy to be found during the learning from Ignorance/Failure process. You will be the better servant for your integrity. 

Your future will be all the better because you are better. A constant failure is one who is bitter toward others and never takes responsibility for their own actions.

Please rise up and above toward higher thinking and enlightenment.

World Peace - Just a Little Piece

    My faith allows me a position of peace and security while living in an uncertain world; this world teaches that my desires demand fulfillment at the expense of others. Human beings refuse to seek truth, attack, brutalize, and often kill for their own causes, desire, or enjoyment, while a large audience film the event with their phones offering no benevolent help. Governmental policies seem to lean toward a fatal class system, totalitarian or a more dreadful dictatorship. 
    I want to trust and believe that the best safest position for me is just a small piece of a place in Creator's Presence. 

• if I am a big empty building, then I will wait on the Creator to decide my purpose
• if I am just a lumber partical, then I will wait on Creator to form me

• if I am big, strong tree, then I will wait on Creator to decide my purpose  
• if I am just a piece of tree or leaf, then I will wait on Creator as I provide a rest for insects or a dinner plate for birds

• if I am a beautiful bird, then I will wait on the Creator to instruct the song
• if I am just a piece of feather, I will wait on His breath to lead me

• If I am a monarch butterfly, then I will wait on Creator to guide me 
• if I am just a piece of insect, mite, then I will quietly, diligently do the work Creator has given me

• if I am just a book, then I will wait on Creator to find my place on the shelf
• if I am just a piece of letter, yud, then I will wait on Creator to decide where on the page I belong
  

    If I am not a piece of anything and being no good thing, and no place to go but upward, then, I will be at the foot of the Cross where Perfect Peace is found.
    When all is said and done, God wants nothing to make us something: Peace. 

Inspired by: De Fina, Barbara, Martin Scorsese, Melissa Mathison, Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong, Gyurme Tethong, Roger A. Deakins, Thelma Schoonmaker, and Philip Glass. Kundun. Burbank, Calif: Touchstone Home Video, 1998. 

God - Red, Yellow, Black, White Race God

During my elementary and middle school years, my family attended the Church of God in Christ where I learned some people take comfort believing in God as belonging to their own race. I've seen art books of Virgin and Holy Family as Asian, African, Indian/Pakistanian, Native American, and Caucasian, as well as wearing countless traditional costumes. 

While I find the international personification of God a most beautifully comforting concept, as a Caucasian Judaic Christian, I am very honored that the perfectly loving God could possibly love me; so honored that I am reminded of Fanny Crosby's hymn, 'I Shall know Him.'

If I am so very privileged to meet Our Lord Jesus, I will know Him not by His race, appearance, or voice, but I will know Our Lord Jesus by the thorn prints on His forehead, nail prints in his hands and feet, the healing stripes on His back, and the spear scar on His side. 

Then I am reminded of Charles Wesley's hymn, 'Arise my Soul Arise' where five pleading wounds He bears for me to intercede. 

How can the Great I AM love me? 

I don't know.

God - Healing the Fear of Anarchy

When my society and culture appears to lean toward anarchy, I am not only afraid of the disorder, but equally afraid of man's possible solutions. I found a little comfort in my Jewish prayer book and all I can know is my own need to reverence God and His Creation. Lord, please start your work in me first and please cast me not away in your wrath.


"Without Torah, there is no social order;

Without Social Order, there is no Torah.

Without Wisdom, there is no conscience,

Without Conscience, there is no wisdom.

Without Knowledge, there is no understanding;

Without Understanding, there is no knowledge.

Without Sustenance, there is no Torah;

Without Torah, there is no sustenance. "


Rabbi Elazar ben Azarya

Central Conference of American Rabbis. [Shaʻare tefilah] = Gates of prayer : the new Union prayerbook : weekdays, Sabbaths, and festivals, services and prayers for synagogue and home. New York: Central Conference of American Rabbis, 1975. Page 22.

Humanity - Lampyridae - Lightening Bugs in a Jar

My Dad was always strict regarding good manners and especially being thankful for blessings. Good manners demonstrated respect for human life and table manners demonstrated our gratitude for precious food. 

Dad was born in Appalachian poverty during the 1930's, and very offended when I didn't want to eat what was on my plate or using slang to describe another culture group. In our Wesleyan holiness home, slang idioms were never tolerated especially referring to people. The 1960's social awareness not only brought awaking respect for human life, but new television technology in every home brought mature, ethnic humor that Mom and Dad strictly taught against. 

One summer we visited Dad's childhood Appalachian home, and I saw the house where he was born and the movie theater he lived, ate and worked as a child. 

Across the street was a laundromat and an elderly, African-American lady was waiting on a bench outside looking at newspaper sales advertisements. Dad introduced her and told me she and her husband lived in a small one-room cabin by the river and fed him fish when he was little. They never had children but showed him kindness. 


Dad's lesson was fully understood when he saw me catching lighting bugs in a jar and said, "Oh no, I am so glad I'm not one of those bugs." I learned in that second that we all are shining ones created and loved perfectly by God.

Immediately the Lampyridae, or shining ones (1), were set free and the jar was thrown in the trash, and I never again had any thought of catching any living thing. I tried fishing only to pity the precious little bait and poor fish. I tend to prefer vegetables and try to eat only Kosher meat. 

Isn't it time we all trashed the jars? 

After all, we are created in the Creators image. 

Humanity shines because the Creator of the universe shines.  


1. https://www.dispatch.com/article/20090726/news/307269696

Humanity - A Wesleyan Holiness and First Communion Dress

It was Sunday afternoon, I was seven and riding my bike, and one of my German playmates down the street was dressed in a white wedding dress with a lace veil. 

All I could think of was, 'Can I have one? Can I go with you?' My dear friend said she was going to church and her first communion. She was beautiful in her long lace crinoline dress, white leotards, white patent leather shoes, gold cross necklace, white rosary and white missal, and her blond ring curls. 

I went home and asked my mother when I would have my first communion? Not only did I learn simply to wait until adulthood, but Mother sat down and explained that God has allowed all people a faith in which to believe greater than themselves.  I learned from Mother's life lessons that Creator is a Great Painter who gave us the joy of diversity...cultures, ideas, languages, all so we can create as He has done...create the joy of learning from humanity. 

God help us enjoy differences. 

Humanity - Silk Voices on a Silk Road - Fun with Korean Hallyu

Here are some reasons I admire Korean Pop Music with all respect to technical/digital requirements, other Asian popular music, and Western influences. I love unique Asian cultures and their arts and pray Asian popular art will always be their own and less Western in time. A respect to SM Entertainment and Lee So Man who seems to be the initial visionary.

• Discipline: Korean culture has respect for discipline, work ethic, and standards of perfection that show in their performances. I appreciate their males serving in the military; their work seems to be more focused and more disciplined which makes them all the more successful.
• traditional elements - costume, musical instruments, historical themes
• I hear Pansori vocal styles in some of their songs (Taeyang from Big Bang is my favorite)
• Vocals: The Korean language lends an anatomical exercise for the respiratory system, especially the vocal chords.
• Arrangements: The compositions seem to have a balance in melody, rhythm, and harmony, as well as incorporating traditional Korean elements such as unique singing style, instrumentation, as well as a long history of complex stories. Asian rhythms and scales actually make sense when I read the stories/lyrics. 
• Dance: The choreography is very well trained, prepared, and seasoned. Performers are already professionals when they begin their career after years preparing through formal performing arts education. Commonly performers begin in middle school to train for performing arts.
• Relative: I find my own taste of classical dance forms, traditional elements in set designs, even stories I can relate. I especially like the set designs, makeup, and costumes ranging from fine business suits to casual that is modest, and the very dramatic. 
• Modesty: One reason I shy from female entertainers (globally) is the immodest dress and behavior. Nothing makes a female more beautiful than a refined, modest character and dress.
• Male Vocals: I have always been a fan of the male singers/dancers since birth; male Gospel quartets, acapella groups, male counter classical singers. Male voices have a particular balance in color and texture. 
• Asian Traditional Themes: I have always dreamt of learning Asian musical forms and cultures in general. In God's time, the study privilege will be worth the wait. 
• Modest Lyrics: Modest lyrics with very familiar stories and experiences. Yes, I am very selective (my own choice to be 'too young') and find works that are modest than those with adult content. 

I say thank you to performers who have made my life so much fun through their culture such as:

• Topp Dogg, Arario, very hip hop using traditional props...very exciting
• Taeyong, Eyes, Nose, Lips, Ringa Linga, he makes me cry every time; stunning vocals
• Tiger JK/Yoonmirae, Bang Ditty, Bang, Bang, reminds me of India's Holi festival
• Tiger JK/Yoonmirae/Bizzy, Fly Like an Eagle
• Exo, Growl/Beauty and Beast performance at Moma 2013, was thrilling ballet, jazz, opera. Total package.
• NCT U, 7th Sense, totally every element making this a classic piece.
• Block B, Nilli Mambo, clever encouragement to excel
• Big Bang, Babe Babe, complete with hanboks
• Kim Hyun Joong and Jay Park, Unbreakable, featuring traditional drums, costume
• VIXX, Shangri-La

I've been watching Asian dramas via DramaFever and Viki for five years and still trying to pick up/learn languages. God help me improve and thank God for such privilege.

KAMSAHAMNIDA (감사합니다) 
http://kimchicloud.com/thank-you-in-korean-kamsahamnida/

God - Heart, Mind, Soul, Strength - Defense of Human Dignity

O the Beauty of the human heart: Our loves, prides, joys, repulsion, disappointments, and sorrows are all God given and God permitted. He asks us, 'please give me all your repulsion, disappointments, and all your sorrows, for My burdens are light and I will gladly take your ashes of pain, and give you My oil of gladness.' He has given us the beauty of submission to His Perfect Design for our lives...expressed through our prayers...shown by a human smile, hug, wave, hand shake, even a nod, and ultimately acceptance though a helping hand defending Human Dignity.

O the Beauty of the human mind: Our intellect, reason, study, learning, thinking; a storehouse of the most valuable of God's free ability to use information. Freely God has allowed us Holy Wisdom just for the asking. He has given us the beauty of submission to His Perfect Design for our lives...expressed through our prayers...shown by kippah, hijab, mantilla, and Grandma's Sunday hat in hopes that we will always preserve and defend Human Dignity.

O the Beauty of the human Soul: Our acceptance of a power greater than ourselves and how we define our relationship with such power. What is the reason we get out of bed? Why do we live? What is our purpose? God has given us the beauty of submission to His Perfect Design for our lives...expressed through our prayers...shown by our own actions and reactions to Human Dignity.

O the Beauty of human Strength: Our own internal will and external force combine to accomplish all that God has called us to do...get out of bed, move to help others, and determine, recon ourselves to submit to the Blessed Creator's plan for our lives.  He has given us the beauty of submission to His Perfect Design for our lives...expressed through our determination...shown by the radiant smile on every human face where Human Dignity is upheld.

God - What we live for...What we die for. God Watched the Children Learn.

One of the factors that define human beings is a reason to live and die. My faith has given me God for whom I live and die.

Our precious youth seems to lack this understanding and they are looking for a reason to live and die. What has their community taught them? How did our youth miss the most important lesson that would save their lives?

I still weep for our lost youth who have been led by evil. I still remember their names as I've seen their picture on the cover of popular magazines, newspapers, on the television; sweet, precious young people with acne who bombs child care centers, public outdoor events, and runs to join Isis. These children come from good communities of family, education, worship, and friends, yet, missed the most urgent of lessons: their lives are for God's use and all faiths know that Creator is benevolent, kind, good, and wants the best for His creation.

I still weep for the elementary children who takes their own lives or the lives of others, prepubescent children diagnosed with HIV or AIDS, even children who want to be another gender/someone else.

We thought we gave them:

Good Society

Right Side of the Tracks

Religious training

Nice clothes

Nice house

Popular, important parents

But we didn't give them a Loving God.

We didn't tell them God wants them in His Life, God wants them to be His Friend.

They were sweet, precious youth, who desperately needed a cause to make life better for the people they loved, but they missed the most important guide: God loved them and is in control of their lives. They believed they were alone in their desperation to make their world better for their family.

As an adult, it is terrifying to feel alone when consumed with questions and problems. I can't understand why our children would feel this way. Children who have families, community, school, worship; what has happened to their security?

We have sacrificed innocent children on the altar of idolatry, evil humanism, and evil narcissism, when we as God-fearing adults were supposed to raise them to know the One True God...the One True God they could trust and obey.

The One God, Creator of the Universe who wanted them and gave them life

The One God, Almighty, who they can always trust

The One God, All Powerful, who can and will protect them 

The One God, All Loving, who loves them unconditionaly and delights in them

The One God, God of Salvation, who will deliver them from all destruction 

Repent and wash our hands from the innocent blood of our children. Elders, family, friends, teachers, worship family, turn from the evil of hate and teach the children that God loves them and wants their good. It is never God's will to destroy, but to always build up His creation. After all, isn't the Creator the Ruler of the Universe? Do we not claim to preach the One True God Almighty, Perfect in Love and Justice?

God have mercy on us, we never taught our children to know God.

Humanity - KPop Idols and the Fat, Old, White Lady on a Bicycle

I ride my bike happily and very heartily while pushing and pulling 225 pounds up and down hills for ten miles. I find it is very worth the effort and time because in my ear there are very dashing, persuading, young men telling me I can do this, I love to do this, I look great doing this, and yes, I am doing a very good job. 

• TOP from Big Bang just screams, 'Fantastic Baby' and 'Turn it Up Loud'
• G Dragon from Big Bang cries, 'Shake the World'
• Sungrei reminds me how great I am, 'Hi Sexy'
• Topp Dogg allows me the same status, 'Topp Dogg'
• Junsu Xia says, 'move that body, rock the world'
• Taeyang and G Dragon tells me, 'I am a good boy (girl)'
• Junsu Xia pushes me on my bike with Tarantallegra...
• Block B again I'm reminded how very good I am
• Ikon keeps my pedaling in good Rhythm Ta
• G Dragon says that I am One of a Kind
• Taeyang, one of my faves, tells me to just do it, 'it's my party...if I want to'
• BAP fervently convinces me, 'we are young, wild, and free'

Yes, there are more...these are just a few I have purchased for my player. I like to think of this time as my time to enjoy great, tremendous vocals. The Korean Wave-Hallyu, has given me superb quality music as I enjoyed in the 1960's. 

I thank God for the modesty and dignity of Kpop artists and their much needed and very appreciated assistance with a totally impossible task. 

Study - You, Your Education is More Precious than Gold - Survive as an Outsider

Education is a place, time, period, and world that is a sifting ground for the soul. It is hard on every aspect of the human soul.

Education is a place of growth and self awareness in a place very foreign. The education place can be both conducive and cruel, causing a feeling of awkward while revealing the dreaded truth that a hard lesson must be learned immediately. It is urgent that the soul allows this experience/feeling to wash over them, and step toward a new level of self discovery; like turning a dirty door knob to enter heaven and very worth the hard experience.

The time of life when a student is learning can be critical. Very young, average age, or older than traditional, can always help in the learning process. The student's world view and observations always help define the subject at hand. Always give thanks for God's gift of your age as a student; you are not in class by accident, because, God knows your input is necessary for others to learn.

World events can help shape your professional life. Your need to help others will be all the more stimulated because you are in classes 'at such a time as this.' Always allow the world events to help shape your profession and make you a far greater servant to humanity. Do not be distracted by the evil in the world, but use the events to help you learn to serve and protect life.

Never allow yourself to be distracted by social pressure or other matters not directly associated with your schooling. Stay totally focused on your mission to improve your service to humanity/life. You may loose friends and possessions, but you must never lose your confidence to become the extraordinary professional tried by the fires of learning, and the world will need the most.

You can do this, because you are reading this...taking time to learn.

Humanity - Move to Another Table: A Plea for Courage

It's always comfortable sitting at the same table with people who are like-minded: from the same culture, church, neighborhood, and even share the same appearance.

I know well what it feels like to walk in a restaurant and everyone stops talking/eating and stares at me; it's very uncomfortable. I hope and pray I never find out how it feels for people to relocate to a different table or leave their food. I've seen this recently and I cry for those who are despised. I want to hug them, pray for God's blessings upon them, try to bless them through light, fun chatter. Please God, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Wash away the hate in human life and help us love as You so perfectly love.

Here are some suggestions to help people who may suffer from hate:

1. Pray first asking God, 'Lord, what would you have me to do to bless these people; what can I do?' Whatever you feel in your heart/mind to do, just may be what they need. 
2. If possible, move to a table near them, smile, and just light chatter such as: 'Hi. Nice weather we are having and I am so glad I'm not cooking or cleaning today.' A light chat with a stranger is common in many cultures. 
3. Try a random act of kindness, such as paying for their meal or drink if they agree; please don't insult through reverse discrimination. Carefully, quietly, ask the waitress (while giving her an extra tip) to give you their ticket, and pay for their meal anonymously. 

Nothing is more sacred than genuine, human kindness defined by Our Lord Jesus, "Love one another as I have loved you."

How would it make you feel?