Saturday, December 25, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
I shall not pass this way again…
Mahota Walker Salerno left this world in the early morning hours of December 20, after a well fought battle with a despicable and horrific illness that robbed her of one of her greatest attributes- her mind. It was unable to steal her great ability to love however, and her presence has left a lasting impression on many. Her calling hours will be held at the Baris Funeral Home 5-9pm Wednesday December 22, Funeral Service at the Rose Methodist Church on School Street 10am Thursday December 23.
While going through her papers I found the following poem she had copied down from somewhere:
I shall pass through this life but once.
Any good, therefore, that I can do-
or any kindness I can show to any fellow creature,
let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it,
for I shall not pass this way again. --Etienne de Grellet
If you have a story or memory of my Grandmother please feel free to shareJ
Jenn,
as you know, Mahota is the reason I am who I am. For the short time I was around her, she showed me so much, it is hard to explain. The lessons of life she taught me, is why I am who I am. Her strength, still leads me through every day. I wish there was a way for me to return that strength to her now, to give her a short period of peace. My heart will never forget all she has done for me, and let everyone know, my prayers and love go out to "all of you".
-Bruce Redden
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Carol Burnett - Gone With The Wind Part 1
nothing better than the Carol Burnett show, miss scarlett in her curtain rod dress - Mahota loved it almost as much as her beloved "Gone with Wind"
Rat Pack on Johhny Carson
11:35p was Tonight show time at the Salerno house- religiously....maybe with a snack of saltine crackers, Peanut butter& apples - milk for me coffee for Mahota....
Simon and Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water Original Version
One of Mahota's favorite songs....she was always on your side, a comforter....Pain is all around me now without her, but just the though of who she was lifts my spirits & even through the veil she is able to ease my mind..... - Sail on silver girl, all your dreams are on their way..................................i love u
Monday, December 20, 2010
All you need to know, according to Mahota
The Lord is my shepard I shall not want,
He makes to lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside still waters he restores my soul.
He leads me on the paths of righteousness for his names sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil -
thy rod & staff they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies,
you annoint my head with oil -
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,
& I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
You are more sinful than you could ever know, and more loved than you would ever dare believe.
Love is a verb ....LOVE IN DEED NOT IN WORD.
DO NOT SQUANDER TIME, THAT IS THE STUFF LIFE IS MADE OF.
He makes to lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside still waters he restores my soul.
He leads me on the paths of righteousness for his names sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil -
thy rod & staff they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies,
you annoint my head with oil -
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,
& I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
You are more sinful than you could ever know, and more loved than you would ever dare believe.
Love is a verb ....LOVE IN DEED NOT IN WORD.
DO NOT SQUANDER TIME, THAT IS THE STUFF LIFE IS MADE OF.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The Final Stages
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_stages_of_alzheimers.asp#stage7
This week it was confirmed for us, that my Grandmother -Mahota Walker Salerno is in the final stages of Alzheimer's Disease....a thief that has stolen her capacity to think, speak& know those she loves ...but has not completly taken her joy, or capacity for laughter & hugs.
My Grandmother liked to quote "Gone with the wind", not Rhett's "Frankly Scarlett..." line...;) BUT at one point in the movie, the frame is filled with a shot of a gravestone with the following etched;
"Do not squander time, that is the stuff life is made of."
Mahota did not squander time. Nor did she complain, she went through life always doing her best at a job - no matter what the job. She had such an understanding attitude for others, any type of people - they sought her out; for advice, for a strong cup of coffeee & enlightened conversation, or a ride home from work. Whether cleaning up after a family of 5, or running an assembly line at Parker Hannafin, in her mind, she worked for God.
A lesson she so clearly conveyed to me, was that each day mattered - we are not here long and we must be grateful for whatever time we do have. Mahota was a living example of this.
Were all in the final stages peeps....to no man is promised tomorrow - that is the reality of this crumbling creation. Not your maker's intention for you, but a consequence of the fall of man. And if you think man is not fallen, then you're delusional.
But there is Hope, there is Love. We see it everyday, acts of unselfishness - these are the "Acts of God" (He's pretty much only given credit for tidal waves, tornadoes & hurricanes). News media focuses on the depravity of our fellow man, the turmoil of our world - but there are people quietly doing good works out there, not for glory or fame but LOVE.
So, what have you done for someone else today?
This week it was confirmed for us, that my Grandmother -Mahota Walker Salerno is in the final stages of Alzheimer's Disease....a thief that has stolen her capacity to think, speak& know those she loves ...but has not completly taken her joy, or capacity for laughter & hugs.
My Grandmother liked to quote "Gone with the wind", not Rhett's "Frankly Scarlett..." line...;) BUT at one point in the movie, the frame is filled with a shot of a gravestone with the following etched;
"Do not squander time, that is the stuff life is made of."
Mahota did not squander time. Nor did she complain, she went through life always doing her best at a job - no matter what the job. She had such an understanding attitude for others, any type of people - they sought her out; for advice, for a strong cup of coffeee & enlightened conversation, or a ride home from work. Whether cleaning up after a family of 5, or running an assembly line at Parker Hannafin, in her mind, she worked for God.
A lesson she so clearly conveyed to me, was that each day mattered - we are not here long and we must be grateful for whatever time we do have. Mahota was a living example of this.
Were all in the final stages peeps....to no man is promised tomorrow - that is the reality of this crumbling creation. Not your maker's intention for you, but a consequence of the fall of man. And if you think man is not fallen, then you're delusional.
But there is Hope, there is Love. We see it everyday, acts of unselfishness - these are the "Acts of God" (He's pretty much only given credit for tidal waves, tornadoes & hurricanes). News media focuses on the depravity of our fellow man, the turmoil of our world - but there are people quietly doing good works out there, not for glory or fame but LOVE.
So, what have you done for someone else today?
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Q, a rich fool
And he said to them: The land of the rich man brought forth plentifully & he thought to himself:
What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?
And he said, I will do this: I will pull down my barns & build LArGeR ones; & there will I store all my grain & goods.
And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, EAT, DRINK, BE MERRy.
But GOD said to him, FOOL! This night your SOUL is required of you; and the THINGS you have prepared, whose will they be? THUS IS THE ONE WHO LAYS UP TREasure for HIMSELF & is not rich towards God. 12:16-21
SO DEAR READER, where does ur treasure lie? U will know by your fruits....does ur family long to sit beside u- or do they know ur too busy? How do u & with whom do u spend ur time? To no man is tomorrow promised & plastic crap & paper money are never gonna keep u company----its the people that r important. Love in deed NOT in word, lifes too short for bullshit.
What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?
And he said, I will do this: I will pull down my barns & build LArGeR ones; & there will I store all my grain & goods.
And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, EAT, DRINK, BE MERRy.
But GOD said to him, FOOL! This night your SOUL is required of you; and the THINGS you have prepared, whose will they be? THUS IS THE ONE WHO LAYS UP TREasure for HIMSELF & is not rich towards God. 12:16-21
SO DEAR READER, where does ur treasure lie? U will know by your fruits....does ur family long to sit beside u- or do they know ur too busy? How do u & with whom do u spend ur time? To no man is tomorrow promised & plastic crap & paper money are never gonna keep u company----its the people that r important. Love in deed NOT in word, lifes too short for bullshit.
I'm no Einstein but...
I know GRACE HAPPENS.........
How I wish that somewhere there existed an island for those who are wise and of goodwill..... In such a place even I would be an ardent patriot. - Albert Einstein http://gracehappens.com/aboutus.htm
Could this be the place?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha's_Vineyard
I do believe MV to be a special place, magical almost- when you can smell the sea on the air & see the light of the sky reflected back on itself, mystery of mysterys how there seems to be a song that rolls in on the waves. I have lived most of my life on the shores of the "Inland sea", and Lake Ontario is one Great Lake - but the Atlantic is pretty awe inspiring....
But, I, like Dorothy, have learned that there is no place like home. That you can go searching for yourself all the way to OZ & back, but you really neednt look further than your own back yard.
I have also learned that home, is where the heart is - where you hang your hat - where you are surrounded by those you love. Many of those I love are far from me, some in actual miles, some here- but unreachable-seperated by the distance of illness & decay. We there for must hold them in our heart - home IS where the heart is........ i hope today, that you find yourself - at home.
How I wish that somewhere there existed an island for those who are wise and of goodwill..... In such a place even I would be an ardent patriot. - Albert Einstein http://gracehappens.com/aboutus.htm
Could this be the place?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha's_Vineyard
I do believe MV to be a special place, magical almost- when you can smell the sea on the air & see the light of the sky reflected back on itself, mystery of mysterys how there seems to be a song that rolls in on the waves. I have lived most of my life on the shores of the "Inland sea", and Lake Ontario is one Great Lake - but the Atlantic is pretty awe inspiring....
But, I, like Dorothy, have learned that there is no place like home. That you can go searching for yourself all the way to OZ & back, but you really neednt look further than your own back yard.
I have also learned that home, is where the heart is - where you hang your hat - where you are surrounded by those you love. Many of those I love are far from me, some in actual miles, some here- but unreachable-seperated by the distance of illness & decay. We there for must hold them in our heart - home IS where the heart is........ i hope today, that you find yourself - at home.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Q
For John came, neither eating nor drinking, and you say:
He has a demon!
The son of man came, eating & drinking, and you say:
Look! A person who is a glutton & drunkard, a friend of tax collectors & sinners!
But Wisdom was vindicated by her children. 7:33-34
Do not treasure for yourselves treasures on earth,
Where moth & gnawing deface & where robbers dig through and rob--
But treasure for yourselves treasures in heaven,
Where neither moth nor gnawing defaces and where robbers do not dig through nor rob.
For where your treasure is, there also be your heart. 12:33-34
Sent from my MOTOBLUR™ smartphone on AT&T
He has a demon!
The son of man came, eating & drinking, and you say:
Look! A person who is a glutton & drunkard, a friend of tax collectors & sinners!
But Wisdom was vindicated by her children. 7:33-34
Do not treasure for yourselves treasures on earth,
Where moth & gnawing deface & where robbers dig through and rob--
But treasure for yourselves treasures in heaven,
Where neither moth nor gnawing defaces and where robbers do not dig through nor rob.
For where your treasure is, there also be your heart. 12:33-34
Sent from my MOTOBLUR™ smartphone on AT&T
Friday, August 13, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
when things get scary
My favorite prayer when I feel like giving up.....
"Father I thank You that all things work together for my good;
that it is You who are at work in me to will and do of Your good pleasure.
Your strength is made perfect in my weakness.
I will not let this attack discourage me because your grace is sufficient for me.
You will help me through it.
When I think of the sufferings of many others I feel ashamed for having any self pity.
I will therefor rejoice in the God of my salvation and give You thanks in and for everything."
--R.Comfort/Evidence Bible
I pray this in the name of Your son, Jesus the Christ, Yeshua Ha'messiah, a baby boy from Bethlehem, a roughneck from Nazareth, our most precious and worthy Lamb. Amein.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Take A Walk On The moon
Thank you Netflix for allowing me to put myself through the emotional trauma of "A walk on the moon" (again). A HeArTbrEakING, roller coaster ride full of passionate peoples relationships splayed open for all to see--yet simultaneously, an endearing & uplifting tale of the most awesome Jewish family from Queens who vacation in the Catskills every summer, including '69 - when so much was going down;)
If you're looking to spend a cpl hrs crying your eyes out, allow the Tea leaf reading Bubby to enlighten you... "ugh, I'm always right - It's a curse." Starring Liev Shrieber, Viggo Mortenson, Diane Lane and the voice of Marge Simpson's sister over the loudspeaker narrating ..." The Ice Cream Man is on the premises, the I Cream Man is on the premises". Truly a story worth watching, even though now I look like I poured bleach in my eyes.
If you're looking to spend a cpl hrs crying your eyes out, allow the Tea leaf reading Bubby to enlighten you... "ugh, I'm always right - It's a curse." Starring Liev Shrieber, Viggo Mortenson, Diane Lane and the voice of Marge Simpson's sister over the loudspeaker narrating ..." The Ice Cream Man is on the premises, the I Cream Man is on the premises". Truly a story worth watching, even though now I look like I poured bleach in my eyes.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Under Pressure
Dearest Reader,
The world can press in on all of us, demanding our time; not to mention our blood,sweat and tears. Depending on your perspective, it can seem to be a world of tribulation - full of pain and grief, someone stealing from you and working to destroy you at all times. Those we love are torn away from us, what goes around does not always come around, life isn't fair.
Upon the news of the death of Martin Luther King Jr, Robert F. Kennedy spoke to an angry crowd who were ready to riot over the brutal assassination of a beloved leader in the Civil Rights Movement, he quoted Aeschylus;
"In our sleep, pain
which can not forget
falls drop by drop upon the heart until,
in our own despair,
against our will,
comes wisdom
through the awful grace of God."
Mr. Kennedy went on to speak of the assassination of his own brother-President John Kennedy. RFK was a man well acquainted with tragedy and pain, the crowd disassembled peacefully - and civilly, as Reverend King would have wanted.
This is a challenging and trying world - a fallen creation. Even our Messiah, who came and lived as a man so we could know him, was a man of great sorrows. The shortest verse of the bible, "Jesus wept."
But take heart, dearest reader, He came so you could have and enjoy life, here & now!
In the midst of the tragedy, in the middle of storm- He will calm the waters.
Under Pressure? He that is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Our enemy is defeated folks, that makes him mean & angry, but defeated none the less.
We can't control our circumstances - ever - only how we choose to react to them.
The world can press in on all of us, demanding our time; not to mention our blood,sweat and tears. Depending on your perspective, it can seem to be a world of tribulation - full of pain and grief, someone stealing from you and working to destroy you at all times. Those we love are torn away from us, what goes around does not always come around, life isn't fair.
Upon the news of the death of Martin Luther King Jr, Robert F. Kennedy spoke to an angry crowd who were ready to riot over the brutal assassination of a beloved leader in the Civil Rights Movement, he quoted Aeschylus;
"In our sleep, pain
which can not forget
falls drop by drop upon the heart until,
in our own despair,
against our will,
comes wisdom
through the awful grace of God."
Mr. Kennedy went on to speak of the assassination of his own brother-President John Kennedy. RFK was a man well acquainted with tragedy and pain, the crowd disassembled peacefully - and civilly, as Reverend King would have wanted.
This is a challenging and trying world - a fallen creation. Even our Messiah, who came and lived as a man so we could know him, was a man of great sorrows. The shortest verse of the bible, "Jesus wept."
But take heart, dearest reader, He came so you could have and enjoy life, here & now!
In the midst of the tragedy, in the middle of storm- He will calm the waters.
Under Pressure? He that is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Our enemy is defeated folks, that makes him mean & angry, but defeated none the less.
We can't control our circumstances - ever - only how we choose to react to them.
Monday, August 2, 2010
He made Grace my name because I need it so badly
Dearest Reader,
Don't wait till you're good enough to cry out to God.
He will meet you wherever you are; whether its the bottom or the top,
Our God is no respecter of persons.
He will meet you wherever you are; whether its the bottom or the top,
Our God is no respecter of persons.
FYI, you'll never be "good" enough. All your "good works" will never be enough.
Ever lied, cheated, stole...? Yeah- join the club.
GOOD NEWS: Jesus did not die to make bad people good, but dead people live.
In this life you will have tribulation, its a guarantee, but take heart- our Messiah has overcome this world.
Why is Our God different? GRACE.
There is no Grace in Islam, Buddhism, for the Hindu, etc...
All of the religions can be wrong, but only one can be right.
Christ is the only way of salvation. It is not arrogance to speak this way.
I don't have the truth--the truth has me.
The "Church" has tried to sell a version of the truth- seek for yourself--
be aware of reflections not of the REAL Jesus, but of the church that came after him.
All of the religions can be wrong, but only one can be right.
Christ is the only way of salvation. It is not arrogance to speak this way.
I don't have the truth--the truth has me.
The "Church" has tried to sell a version of the truth- seek for yourself--
be aware of reflections not of the REAL Jesus, but of the church that came after him.
God's
Riches
At
Christ's
Expense
I ask you Dearest reader, to take a look with new eyes at this man
Jesus - who came and lived as no other god or man has before or since.
We have a great deal to be grateful for. -jlrg
"I'll carry my cross and I'll carry the shame...
and I'll do it for Love, no it won't be in vain,
I'll carry my cross, and I'll carry the shame"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkpLB_wwIHg
"Father please forgive them
they know not what they do in this world."
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