God - A Little Jewish in the Rosary Box

When I was little, my devout, Roman Catholic neighbor was like a grandmother to me and helped teach me about the sanctity of God and humanity. When I married she gave me a rosary box which I have always kept on my dresser or nightstand. With all respect and affection for the Roman faith, I use the rosary box to keep little items that are dear including a few lines of Jewish wisdom. Some are copied from Jewish wisdom literature found in the back of my Union Prayer Book, pew edition as well as other reps of good faith. Again, this is submitted with all reverence to dearest Roman and Hebrew faiths.

1. From Hillel

"When you seek fame it flees;
When you do not add, you detract;
When you do not learn, you earn destruction;
You drive yourself out of the world."

2. From (Christian) Max Lucado, Christmas Candle

"We are deliberately planned,
Specifically gifted, Lovingly positioned."

3. Unknown source

True Understanding what we do not Understand:
"Joy until we face sorrow;
Faith until it is tested;
Peace until we are faced with conflict;
Trust until we are betrayed;
Love until it is lost;
Hope until it is confronted with doubts."

4. Judah HaNassi

Which is the right path for man to choose for himself? Whatever is harmonious for the one who does it, and harmonious for mankind.

Contemplate three things, and you will not come to the hands of transgression: Know what is above from you: a seeing eye, a listening ear, and all your deeds being inscribed in a book.

Food Fight - Lose the battle but win the war, Part 3 - Healthy foods may need limited

Remember to always consult freely your professional medical doctor/provider before you make decisions regarding diet. 

Now for some very traditional healthy foods to be aware, but consider sparingly. Remember to always consult freely your professional medical doctor/provider before you make decisions regarding diet.

Fruits - have natural fructose/sugars and should be limited or avoided.

The juicier the fruit, the more sugar they have: oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, etc.

Skin fruits are high sugar: grapes, prunes, berrys, plums, etc. 

Fruits with seeds are high sugar - apples, pumpkin, watermelon, etc

Bananas are carbohydrates, but they are a good fiber source. Use sparingly or alternate days.

Starches convert to sugar during the digestion process. Avoid anything white:

Use grain/wheat breads. I prefer Joseph brand flax, flat breads or sliced wheat. 

Use baked or boiled russet or sweet potato alternate days

Sweet potatoes can be an alternative; use a little oil and cinnamon which may help with carbohydrate processing. 

Dry, hard shell vegetables such as dry beans are starch but a good fiber source and should be limited: Pinto, butter/lima, split pea, field peas, garden peas, corn, etc. Starches turn to sugar during digestion.

High sodium foods should be limited: cabbage family includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, and any 'floret' foods. Juicy vegetables such as tomatoes are seedy and high in sodium.

Dairy foods are good nutritional sources, but high fats: milk, cheese, creams. Use them sparingly.

Always check the nutritional value on the product of the sodium/carbohydrate/sugar content when selecting fresh fruits and vegetables.

Remember to avoid any flour/sugar and fried foods, but boil or bake with a little vegetable oil or water.

Remember to always consult freely your professional medical doctor/provider before you make decisions regarding diet. 

Food Fight - Lose the battle but win the war, Part 2 - Easy foods are the enemy

Remember to always consult freely your professional medical doctor/provider before you make decisions regarding diet. 

To monitor carbohydrates and sodium in your diet, here are grocery items to limit or avoid (as I do) and always, always check and compare the nutrition labels:

Never, never, never buy anything in a box, prepackaged, prepared:

• Instant 'helpers' in boxes - meat dishes, instant cereals, mashed potatoes

These are always high in carbs and sodium for processing and dehydrating; far better to cook the meat yourself and use healthy ingredients.

• packaged meats, with all respect to good kosher brands

Sadly the salts and preservatives are necessary to prevent spoiling; fresh chicken is the only meat I have been able to eat freely without consequence. Again, with all respect and gratitude to Hebrew National foods and other good kosher brands.

• prepared frozen entres

While many brands are trying to help the weight conscience, they are very high in sodium, again, to prevent spoiling. Rice and pasta are both starches and high carbohydrates. 

• bottled beverages (sodas, teas, power drinks, fruit drinks)

Naturally, most are either high sodium (sodas) or high in complex sugars. If you consider the prepared teas, look at the nutritional information for sugars/carbs or sodium content. 

• snacks

Anything prepackaged is to be avoided. Just don't go down 'that' isle. 

• bottled dressings

Again, most will be high sodium for freshness and prevent spoiling. There may be some who really try to promote good health, so check the nutritional information on the label. 

Remember, if you can get it in a machine...don't get it at all, except bottled water. 

The Lord will help us all the way if we try; as well as our good Doctor.

Remember to always consult freely your professional medical doctor/provider before you make decisions regarding diet. 

Food Fight - Lose the battle but win the war

Remember to always consult freely your professional medical doctor/provider before you make decisions regarding diet. 

I can't process carbohydrates or sodium; it's in all foods naturally. In other words, I have to dig a lot of hard ground ditches before I burn a calorie. Here is a list of my food intake in hopes to inspire others who suffer.

I try to stay kosher and avoid red meats; prefer vegetables.

Anytime: Only frozen or fresh vegetables: green beans, carrots, beets

Anytime: fresh chicken with no seasoning

cook white chicken meat over night on medium in a crock pot with a little water; this is my daily work lunch for 3-4 days using Joseph brand flax, flat bread and white vinegar as a season for chicken wrap.

boil dark chicken meat in water on stove for fresh chicken broth and dark meat, no seasoning, then add frozen green beans, frozen carrots, very small amount of celery/very small potato if desired (I just use green beans, carrots). This is my weekday supper.

Alternate days: one medium baked russet/sweet potato with a little pepper and very small olive or vegetable oil. If a sweet potato, use cinnamon freely.

Alternate days: dark green leafy vegetable, always frozen or fresh: spinach, collards, turnips, etc

Alternate days: banana for snack midday or evening supper with two slices of wheat toast instead of the chicken broth with frozen green beans/carrots.

Alternate days: use banana with vanilla ice cream in small bowl at night; my little Chinese cup is the size of a standard computer mouse. The banana is covered with a hint of vanilla ice cream.

Most breakfast foods can be 'wrong' for me, but I try to at least keep kosher and avoid red/any meats.

If at a resaurant one day/week at most: cheeze omlet, sliced tomatoe, dry wheat toast, tea. Cheeze is fatty and tomatoe is high sodium, but not too bad one day/week at most. 

If fast food: egg/cheeze muffin, tea

If rushed at work, during 15-min break Starbucks: wheat/grain bagel no cream cheese, water. At my work, this is the best possible option available if no banana. 

If at the deli for work luncheon:

Wheat wrap/slice, grilled chicken or sliced if necessary (turkey is a good choice, but the tryptophan can make you sleepy on the job), spinach, dark greens, #4 jalapenos for 'fun' (can be high sodium; seedy), green pepper, oil/vinegar or a little mayo to hold it together. Turkey is a good meat to use for supper, before bed time.

If at the fast food for work luncheon:

Grilled chicken sandwich, side salad, oil/venegar dressing, tea

If at any restaurant any time:

Grilled chicken, baked plain potatoe with a little pepper and small amount of veg oil/tiny bit of butter.   

There you have it. Ideally, eat a healthy snack every other hour between meals, but it is not always possible at work.

Remember to avoid all seasoning, sauces, and the color white. As a doctor told my husband, 'If it tastes good, spit it out.'

Remember you can enjoy anytime: cook fresh, frozen low sodium/low starch vegetables; cooked/boiled/baked/grilled chicken; water or tea.

God is with you and will help you; as well as your Good Doctor.

Remember to always consult freely your professional medical doctor/provider before you make decisions regarding diet. 

God - The Host - Cat's in the Cradle in Vegas

My faith teaches all human beings are created in the image of God, the Creator, and the Master of the universe and He has a divine purpose. 

 

If I had children, they would be adults with children of their own. I weep and mourn when I read of people who are ignorant of the sanctity of their lives and divine purpose but freely kill at random. Little ones demonstrate their hopelessness by taking their own life. 

 

I suggest it is because my generation failed miserably to teach our children to fear God and honor human life. The Cold War, Korea, and Viet Nam were so devastating that we were supposed to humble ourselves before God, pray, and fast for the leaders in our country, military, and our church.

We were supposed to selflessly live and practice God's Word for His Glory alone. We failed to humble ourselves before our God and seek His Word. We failed to demonstrate that what we do before the Holy Presence in our church is to continue in our daily lives. We were so distracted by wasteful church programs, promotions, ungodly politics, and marketing, that we did not demonstrate and teach our children the Holy Life before God; a daily life to Honor God and humanity. We turned away from the One True God and created our idol of 'do your own thing.' As a Holiness separate people, we enjoyed judging and condemning others who had never been taught the Way of Christ rather than heed His warning, '...it will be as a millstone on our neck and we are cast in the sea' (Matthew 18.6). The religious hypocrite-play actors all went to church every time the door opened and left just as they entered with no repentance and hunger for God but continued in their criticisms, bigotry, and constant raving against people they pretended to love, and the children were completely attentive at the Sunday dinner table. 

 

Now our bored, 30, 40, 50-year-old children will not earn a living but will be paid by our government to stay on their couch entertaining their desires. When they become bored, they kill. Our neglected little grandchildren take their own lives in complete hopelessness because they never learned about a personal God who loves them and there are no adults they can trust. Our generation taught us only to disrespect God and our leadership. The late 50's television programs with their disrespectful humor toward our government and churches taught that we have to live for ourselves because we cannot trust our government, our parents, or civil authority. Celebrities advertised every smoke, drink, and habit to make us feel good. It follows that people kill at random and small pre-pubescent children take their own lives. 

 

Desperately wanting the best life possible, I worked jobs to save for their schooling; 

but missed their sorrow after the playground fight and their triumphant victory at the game. 

My children were safe at home enjoying the sitcoms TV who mocked parents, teachers, law, and church.

 

The PTA needed volunteer help and offered some important referral names; 

neglecting my children for a few names who knew college administrators.

My children were safe at home learning all about the needle.

 

I was called into work and they promised me a raise;

I missed the call from the nurse's office... 

I missed the call from the police station...

But didn't miss the funerals.  

As I receive the Blessed Host during Holy Communion, I wonder if I am guilty of the Savior's blood. I wonder why 'my son' killed and was killed so freely...or why my 'precious grandchildren' are too afraid to go to school and would rather feel empowered by the cause they can believe in with the mob rioting outside.

 

Yes, I think we missed teaching our children as our parents taught us who God is and how very precious we are in His sight.

 

Starting right now...now is the time of Salvation and now is the time to teach our children/grandchildren well: Who God is and how very precious we are in His sight.

 

After all, when we attend the Holy Mass do we not partake of the Blessed Host?

Our Lord Jesus will help us. Our Lord Jesus will save us. Will we ask?

 

Cat's in the Cradle, by Sandy & Harry Chapin

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Copyright 1996-2009 HarryChapin.com: The Harry Chapin Archive. 

Critics - whatever. Part 2 and final word.

Has a critic ever helped edify another human being or tried to preserve life in some way? There may very well be some who really want to use their fortune for good and live a very philanthropic life.

Here are some ideas for those who are called to be a critic with all respect to the profession that seeks to improve quality:

1. Before you criticize the healthcare providers, find the cure and give it freely.

2. Before you criticize the law, try intervention on at-risk youth and prevent their life of crime.

3. Before you criticize the cost, produce and provide the products freely.

4. Before you criticize the food and waitstaff, open a soup kitchen for the homeless.

5. Before you criticize the art, produce something everyone will enjoy.

6. Before you criticize the builder, work in and for dirt.

7. Before you criticize education, provide the full scholarship; I'll take it.

Grandma told me if it's not true, don't say it; if it's not necessary, don't say it; and if it is not kind, don't say it.

Grandma has the final word.

Critics - Whatever.

To every critic, I have to ask, 'What have you done to make this issue better?'

When people have criticized or complained about me in my life, I always hoped they would teach me another way to think, act, or pray so they would have nothing to complain about. If only they would have shared their understanding with me rather than express their dislike to their associates; if only they could have helped me be a better person.

Critics would not have a job or income without the failings of others. It is sad that in relationships people seem to enjoy the failings of others as though a free entertainment or hearing an inner mantra, 'I'm glad that's not me' as they stand on the sidelines taking a video to post on social networks or call their friends on the phone, 'You'll never guess who I just saw and what they did.' Sadly, social networking rarely involves the search for truth. Humanity has become the prize for the thrill of the chase.

Respect for humanity is a constant, exhausting task that often demands the highest work ethic. Do we love watching evil so much that we have become numb to the suffering of others?

What happened to us? Why doesn't anyone call for help when seeing a violent assault or someone in an emergency situation?

How many onlookers does it take to overpower a crazed attacker with a baseball bat?

If the bat is scary, are there no other options such as cell phone 911 or scream 'Help.'

How many onlookers does it take to ask someone in distress, 'Can I help you?' 

Onlookers waited and depended on the survalance devise to help the boy dying...he died, but I suppose they thought it's ok since there was a working security devise.  

Now I am at retirement age and all I have to offer is, 'if only someone could have an easier life than I had.'  Not only God has freely given His wisdom, but life lessons came hard and very clearly understood by God's mercy and grace. So the bread cast on the waters, just as my sins carried away by the current, I freely give my mistakes and my triumphs.

What is there to lose?

Prayer - My Heartland

I heard a good Buddhist movie line: "Rich manure can fertilize fields which will feed millions" (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0245803/quotes, Bullet Proof Monk).

I own a piece of land of no real significance, but property none the less. It's mine because no one wants to buy it.

I've tried everything to make it workable and profitable in some way with no good results. I've even asked people who claimed authority to help me in my efforts to make this land worthwhile, but they were not the authority they claimed. Now I'm back to worthless land and their worthless products.

I'm so very tired of my life being so wasted and used for nothing.

With a broken heart and finding no further options, I gave up my efforts to produce any good thing from this land and accepted the harsh reality that this land is worthless.

One day in my despair, a good rain came along with a new hope that this land just may come alive with a good crop. What seemed to be worthless fertilizer, helped heal the earth along with the good rain God gave.

Could it be that the false helpers unknowingly provided an effective fertilizer to make a good soil that would bring the good crops?

It could be that sometimes the effects of false news, gossip, or any information not proved by truth is nothing more than fertilizer and God's reminder that we need to pray. When we pray asking God first for the truth, it is like a good rain.  Only then, we can feed countless of hungry people.

Fertilizer is the dreadful conditions that move us to pray and the good rain is our prayers.

God, please help us feed hungry people everywhere.

God bless our precious country and the whole world.

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?