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.

Humanity - My Old Country Blessing to You

My Old Country Blessing by Me

May you earn seven plus digits a year with limited liability.
May you dance with the stars in stilettos/manly platform shoes when you're 1000 years old.
May you have the wisdom and knowledge of God throughout eternity.

Lovingly submitted
Anita Mullins Brown
January 29, 2016

Study - All Sufficient Questions

All Sufficient Questions

There is nothing more holy than questions. I would rather hear questions than all the opinions of the sages.

Questions open the whole person to learn more and enjoy the fullest joy of the eternal journey of education.

Questions open the eye of the needle to far more possibilities making a single thread into a strong rope.

Today, Friday, I asked a student, “Why are you not going to the beach? It’s Friday and time for rest.” When I mentioned I could see the signs of success on him, he replied, “I have all questions.” To me this is a successful student.

Heart, mind, soul, strength without questions, is a person without The Creator.

Anita Mullins Brown

January 29, 2016

Obesity - Goal #1, 12-mile Bike Ride, 10/23/2015, 6:45 am

On Friday, 10/23/2015, 6:45 am, I achieved my first goal, and will continue improving, riding bike to work 12 miles one-way. Yes it was very hard and I rushed the goal...should have worked out more before doing it. 
Here are my observations:

• Eat/drink banana and water before starting; I forgot and went out on a 24-hour fast. Very bad.
• stopped half way at a store and bought granola bar and tea with fruit flavor 
• stretched/rested for @10 minutes when my 'shakes' finally ended, then continued.
• Hills are hard...I need more experience and the right pep music to keep my mind off the 200 lbs I'm pushing
• Stop half way for stretch/refreshment is always recommended in any situation
• Must have quality bike shorts specifically for gender and right fit; they are an investment very necessary
• Must have quality bike shoes specifically for gender and right fit; they are an investment very necessary. They feel as though they are doing all the work for you and you can enjoy the ride better.
• Wear quality sports socks for biking, the thick section will be on the 'heel' of the foot' to pad/protect the foot while peddling; I have common athletic anklets that have the extra padding on heel and the 'heel' of the foot (near the toes). 
• Wear good bike gloves with the padding. Pay a bit and get them at bike shops; why have unnecessary/premature blisters if you don't have to?
• Have sunglasses on the neck rope ready when the sun rises
• Have music appropriate for your individual preference via ipod/mp player to take 'my mind off the 200 lbs' I'm pushing up hills. Make sure the music list are arranged correctly
• up hill I was listening to Celtic traditional...bad choice. 
• when arriving/finishing, I heard Appalachian traditional hymn, 'In my time of dying...'. bad choice. This made my 'noodle legs' a laughing moment.
• In my mp player I have: Rap, Bluegrass, Kpop (my fave), Traditional Gospel with a lot of hand clapping/moves, Celtic is ok if traditional reels, but the 'passion/grieving' traditional songs are 'downers' when trying to climb, Bach piano inventions are wonderful, the cello suites have slower movements and can be 'downers', Early music, motets, European court dance music is great with strong rhythms
• Bike routes are not always appropriate; I have a commuting bike for concrete, the bike paths are for recreation and 'dirt/mountain' bikes as they are sand/gravel and did not work for me.
• Leave early to miss traffic
• I left before 7 am weekday; the traffic really got uncomfortable half way on 421 highway
• Next time I will leave 6 am
• Ride light in back pack. 
• Plan a day ahead to have sufficient toiletries/clean dress clothes at work waiting on you 
• The only thing in the back pack is wallet, keys, cell phone, good walking shoes may be good if you have to walk. Bike shoes are not conducive for walking.
• I had everything I needed at work except forgot hose and had to carry my work shoes in my back pack...it still worked and wasn't too heavy. I couldn't change at work and hoped since Halloween was coming/Friday, I'd get away with the drastic 'dress down'. Not recommended.
• Make sure you can store daily necessities in your work desk or have access to athletic shower/locker before work. 
• Use 'shower in can' or sponge bath...be considerate of the work place.

Culture Awareness - My Wonderful World

'Riding the Wind on my Bike Through a Small World'
Anita Mullins Brown, 2013
With all respect to dearest family friends who taught me to value human life.

I rode to Italy and spent time with the goodness of Gingolas, Capitenas, Napis, Serpicos, and Mutos;
Bernie taught me about Our Lady of Lourdes and everyone loves healing.
and I rode the wind learning the beautiful gift of tolerant acceptance;

I rode to England and spent time with the Pearsons as I watched a master carpenter at work;
and I rode the wind learning the beautiful gift of tolerant acceptance;

I rode to Puerto Rico and worshiped with my Spanish speaking classmates in their church;
and I rode the wind learning the beautiful gift of tolerant acceptance;

I rode to Israel and shopped for music at Mr. Simon's Music Store who loved to wish me Shalom;

and I rode the wind learning the beautiful gift of tolerant acceptance;

I rode to Scotland and spent time with the Halleens and played with Lori, Robbie, and Ron;
Lori taught me to respect the holy accent of Alexander Graham Bell and the oralist.
and I rode the wind learning the beautiful gift of tolerant acceptance;

I rode to Germany and spent time with the Asmus's playing with Florence and Rudi;
and spent time with Mrs. Berger who taught me Braille and the holiness of Jesus when praying a rosary.
and I rode the wind learning the beautiful gift of tolerant acceptance;

I rode to Hungary and Mrs. Nagy testified in our church of persecuted Christians in Eastern Europe;
and I rode the wind learning the beautiful gift of tolerant acceptance;

I rode to Finland and visited Ollikainen's Music Store and heard him translate for his countrymen;
and I rode the wind learning the beautiful gift of tolerant acceptance;

I rode back home and smelled the lingering fragrance of mother's lilacs and learned to always
ride the wind learning the beautiful gift of tolerant acceptance.

Humanity - Counted in the Number

'Upon seeing images from Numbered'
Documentary Photographs by Uriel Sinai, text by Dana Doron
Getty Photography, New York Times© copyright 1999-2011 Getty Images, Inc. All rights reserved.

Beautiful is the mark of the Benevolent Creator;
Mark me too, O Creator, mark me as yours.
I will be your doorkeeper,
I will be your prophet who announces your goodness.

The beauty that comes from the mark of the Creator...
His Presence, His House, His Lands, His Image on every face...

Beautiful is the mark of the Benevolent Creator;
Mark me too, O Creator, mark me as yours.
Then I will be your champion; defending your honor.
This Life with His Mark is the beautiful life.
by Anita Mullins Brown, 2013

Prayer - Affected by Random Shootings

It feels as though I have seen too much in a lifetime. There are times when 'Neverland' might be a worthy retirement home or just embracing the 'inner child' to cope when life seems too hard. 

Then I remembered the best consolation far greater than these is a beautiful prayer for the Presence of God found in my old Jewish Prayer Book.

 "The Order of Putting on the Tallith and Tephillin: Blessed art thou, O Lord, our God, King of the universe, who hath sanctified us by his commandments, and hath commanded us to enwrap ourselves in the fringed garment. How precious is thy lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men under the shadow of thy wings they take shelter. They shall be satisfied with the fatness of thy house for with thee is the fountain of life; in thy light shall we see light. Continue thy lovingkindenss to them that know thee, and thy righteousness to the upright in heart." 

 I photocopied the pages and put them in my journal, then gave my prayer book to a lady in 1990 who's father was Jewish. I apologize to the NY Council of Rabbis for failing to cite properly and hope all human beings will learn (start the work in me first) to respect human life and find need for the Blessed Creator. With all good intentions, Anita Mullins Brown, 121512@2 PM.

Study - Sacred Act of Study - Keep it Spiritual

To interrupt study is to interrupt prayer. 

To assist study is to Honor the Creator and Human Life. 

Take every precaution preparing for physical study, but if you have failed to pack items, never wait to ask for anything that you miss during study time; never invite mundane distractions especially involving your study space, physical discomfort, or even disorder. When in the library, simply ask for any missing item in the event the item/s is available: the right color highlighter, paper, pen/pencil, sound proofing ear plugs, pillow, blanket, lighting, fan, clean table, etc. 

After you have everything you need to effectively study, glean every nugget of gold you can. Really glean, dig, search; the joy of learning is immeasurable. 

Never be distracted.

You can do this.

Study - Student's Prayer

Lord and Savior, true and kind, be the Master of my mind.
Bless, guide, and strengthen still all powers of thought and will.

While I ply the scholar's task, Jesus Christ, be near, I ask
Help the memory, clear the brain, knowledge still to seek and gain.

Here I train for life's swift race; let me do it in thy grace;
Here I arm me for life's fight, let me do it in Thy might.

Thou hast made me mind and soul; I for Thee would use the whole.
Thou hast died that I might live; all my powers to thee I give.

Striving, thinking, learning still, let me follow thus Thy will,
Till my whole glad nature be trained for duty and for Thee.

Handley Carr Glyn Moule, 1841-1920
found in The Methodist Hymnal, London, 1933.

Art - My Profile Photos: Hands at Worship

I select hands for my profile photo. Hands worship the Creator; hurt and heal; communicate by silence or speaking; labor or leisure. I find hands a very beautiful part of the human body; and the Benevolent Creator, Blessed be His Name, will always richly compensate those without the use of hands.

Creator - I Have Chosen Thee...Isaiah 48:10

Taken from Streams in the Desert
Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
July 9, Page 203
@1965 Cowman Publication, Inc.
Zondervan Publishing House

"Does not the Word come like a soft shower, assuaging the fury of the flame? Yes, is it not an asbestos armor, against which the heat has no power? Let the affliction come - God has chosen me. Poverty, thou mayest stride in at my door; but God is in the house already, and He has chosen me. Sickness, thou mayest intrude; but I have a balsam ready - God has chosen me. Whatever befall me in this vale of tears, I know that He has chosen me."

Study - How to Read Difficult Material - Sharing What Works for Me

Here are a few preliminary steps to follow before reading a difficult assignment. It will only take 3-5 minutes, but will help you glean.

1. Hold the book and just look/skim the front/back cover; remember to enjoy the art and how it applies to you.

2. Skim over the paper dust cover on the inside front and back cover.

3. Take note of author(s) and publisher; do they mean anything to you at this point? You may like books from a particular author/publisher, or those significant to your field.

4. Skim, top to bottom, highlights from the Table of Contents; this is one of the most critical steps. The Table of Contents tells you the order, priorities, stages of study, and really separates the trees from the forest when you feel overwhelmed. The Table of Contents will be your anchor when you are in the tempest. Do not be afraid to stop reading and just 'visit' the Table of Contents from time to time.

5. Look at the first chapter title, subtitles, and general outline. Take note of bold/italic typesetting, punctuation marks, and how the chapter is organized.

6. Look at only the first page of each following chapter and the main title. Mark them with a light bookmark such as a plain paper strip that will not distract your concentration when you begin reading.

7. Last step - repeat this step when you begin reading each chapter: Re-skim the main title and headings in the first chapter and read carefully the last paragraph of the chapter (usually no more than 10 lines). Remember to skim the paragraph first for typesetting and punctuation, and then read for content.

Now you are ready to begin reading, take notes, outline, and have a great time with fellow gleaners.

Post Script: Don't forget the pocket dictionary. Always stop to look up words you don't know and can't define by the sentance structure. Your dictionary should be the worn out copy you have used since junior high; the one that turns by itself, like the Bible you always carry to church.

Study - Library of Congress...thank God for USA

LOC made simple:

Example: BS 123 . A456 v.2 1990

BS Alphabetical A, AB, ABC, B, BA, BB, C, etc

123 Whole number 1, 2, 3, etc

. A 456 Alphabetical A, AB, ABC, B, BA, BB, C, etc
Decimal number following the letter is a decimal ex: .1222, .2, .23,

V. 2 Volume...numerical/alphabetical order V. 1, V. 2, etc

1990 Chronological year 1990, 1991, 1992, etc.

Stacks are read 'left to right; top of a bookcase to bottom'.

When all else fails, just ask; 'we live for this stuff'.

Study - Library - Campbell University Library...a Time Saver

Here it is:

The Camel Cat will tell you exactly where to find your book and the location sequence is below.

Go through the current Serials/Periodical Room to Kivett Hall and use the elevator or stairs.

Kivett 1st floor = Periodical Room with back issues
Kivett 2nd floor = A - BS (study carrels)
Kivett 3rd floor = BT - DE (theological study area with tables and easy chairs)
Kivett 4th floor = DF - GV (easy chairs)

To get to the Wiggins basement, go back through current Serials/Periodical Room to use Wiggins elevator or the down stairwell located at the left rear of the Reference area. Hint: the stairwell takes you directly in the stack area.

Wiggins Basement = H - Z; Oversized Books; Government Documents; Microform; and yes, study areas with tables, carrels, and quiet room of carrels.

And there you have it; a wonderful opportunity for study. All this blogger can say is, "Wow, I wish I were a Campbell student; nail biting and all."

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this blogger is to simply encourage and edify. There is no claim of enlightenment, only the joy of the journey. The Creator, blessed be His Name, has shown mercy and grace to allow each individual a faith in which to believe and trust.