Trending challenge....#30thingsaboutme

1. i spent part of my life as an agnostic soft-boiled atheist and now am a certifiable Jesus freak, although opposed to most mainstream religion.

2. 16 years ago i married my high school sweetheart nathaniel, whose name means "gift from God", while i have doubted the truth in that at times (LOL;), i know and believe he truly is my gift from my creator.

3. I believe greed & the desire for materialistic things are leading to the demise of our society.

4. As a child I dreamed of owning my own dance studio and producing lavish theatrical performances. Even though I gave him no credit at the time, God fufilled this dream for me & I spent nearly ten glorious years having an awesome time living the reality show"Dance Moms" BUT- I wasnt like Abbey Lee Miller (I dont think;). I am eternally grateful for the opportunites I had to share my love of the stage with so many truly wonderful students.

5. I long to be "off the grid", hate filing taxes, and reporting to the government anything about my life & whereabouts.

6. I have  homeschooled both of my boys for the last decade, except for the two years my oldest spent w/ the throngs of other children having their minds warped by the public school system (he did love it;). They now both continue to be  unschoolers opposed to societies dictates and into questioning reality as well as authority.

7. Watching my Grandmother descend into the misery of Alzheimers has been the hardest thing I have ever had to endure.

8. I love to take naps & eat. Gluttony & sloth are my favorite sins.

9. While I was a bleeding heart liberal feminist who marched on Washington more than once - my family likes to remind me(and think its funny) that I am now a conservative (ouch) and no longer a supporter of the "feminist agenda". I still get my news from Amy Goodman/Democracy Now - thats gotta count for something. 

10. God has blessed me with lifelong friends that are such wonderful counterbalances to who I am. Philippians 1:3

11. I love Mexican food, my husband loves mexican women.

12. I'll tell you I'm an orphan, after you meet my family.(Name that tune! My chosen theme song;)

13. I am proud & grateful that my sons have lived in the same home for 17 years with parents who are not divorced.

14. I have made grave errors & choices in my life, God made my name Grace for a reason.

15. Both my son Benjamin and I are aspiring authors, he is writing a horror novel about an ex preist who exorcises demons & chases vampires, I am working on my Grandmothers biography/a book about her faith (&mine).

16. I hate to leave my house & am a little agoraphobic. I have no problem standing on a stage & talking or dancing in front of thousands or managing a room of 90, but sometimes the idea of the grocery store is just too much. I am a paradox.

17. I believe we are living during the most important time in the history of the world.

18. I struggle most with unforgiveness.

19. I love watching television;History Channel, OWN,TBN, TCT, CNN, MSNBC, LINK, UCTV, FREESPEECH TV...the list goes on & on.

20. I am registered Libertarian; please defend my borders - deliver my mail & butt the heck out of my life, thanks.

21. When my sons were born i suffered from a condition known as pre-eclampsia. Nick was deprived of oxygen at birth, had an apgar score of 1 and according to doctors was'nt supposed to make it through his first night. On the third day of his life we were told by a very prominant neonatologist that he was a miracle of God. For my second child,I was induced due to blood pressure / blindness & organ failure and delivered a miraculously healthy Benjamin at 27 weeks, he weighed in at 2lbs 12 oz- he is now 15years old -approaching 6 feet rapidly and just tipped the scales at 200#. He is as he is named "the son of my right hand".

22. I intend to travel and live out west at somepoint, to get closer to my Dad & retrace my Grandmother's steps across this country.

23. I have always loved libraries.

24. I enjoy wearing red shoes. 


25. I dance  & sing loudly in my kitchen almost every day.


26. I love the book "Forbidden mysteries of Enoch:fallen angels and the origins of evil".


27. I have Rh negative blood & that makes me part of the weirdo 15% of the population, but I've got great green eyes!


28. This past summer I moved to an island, gave up everything I knew and struck out into uncharted territory (to mainly serve lobster). I've been  looking at a fabulous view every day since. 


29. When I'm camping in the Adirondacks, I read trashy romance novels.

30. I believe all you need is love

I thank my God every time I remember you -Phil. 1:3

"Are there people in your life that you are thankful for? We don’t think about this enough. I think that is always my biggest lesson when I am separated from family and friends, is how much we take them for granted...." - Keith Andrews
http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/thankful-for-friends-keith-andrews-sermon-on-friendship-general-127566.asp?page=2
Dear Reader, I encourage you to check out the whole sermon - but here is the first part...
-j
Thankfulness for Friends
Sermon by CH(CPT) Keith J. Andrews
All scripture marked ESV: The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.


Philemon 4 reads;

4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, (Phm 4)

In the Army we know too well what friendship truly means.

It is said that when all is said and done, we at the Soldier level don’t fight for any political cause we fight for our buddies to the left and the right.

So when we think of our friends, when we pray for them do we thank God for them?

We see in this passage that Paul is writing to his friend Philemon.

Philemon was an owner of a slave named Onesimus. He is referenced beginning in verse 10. Philemon and Onesimus became believers of Christ under Paul’s preaching. 

Philemon was converted first, then Paul runs into Onesimus in prison and this letter is a letter to reconcile the two together.

We see in these first verses of the letter that Paul was close to Philemon. They have mutual friends as seen in verse 23 and he looks forward to see him Philemon again as seen in verse 22. They are friend. Paul even uses the words brothers throughout the letter.

So on one hand, we have the friendship between Philemon and Paul.

On the other hand, we have the friendship of Onesimus and Paul. Paul is willing to go to bat for this escaped slave and thief. So, Paul writes to his friend Philemon to begin the process of reconciliation.

In this letter and in this passage specifically, Paul expresses his gratitude for Philemon.

This morning, I want us to look at our prayer life under the microscope of thanksgiving. And ask the question to you; are you bringing your friends before God and thanking God for them?

Is this a pattern in your life? Or are you so focused on yourself, that you don’t have time to thank God for your friends. You will pray for them when they are sick—but you don’t take the time to thank God for them.

This reminds me of a sentence form Mathew.

Matthew 5:46

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? (Mt 5:46, ESV)

Even the unbelievers pray for their friends when they are sick. But, we are to be different. We are not to take the friends we have for granted. We are to thank the Lord for them.

So first of all I want you to ask the question;

1. Are you thankful for the people that God has placed in your path?

This is a hard pinpoint question that only you can answer. Are you even thankful for those friends that you have.

This week I scrolled through some websites that listed what people were thankful for:

Katherine, age 9 says “ I am thankful for my mom, friends, teacher because they help me. If you ask why well here how it goes my mom helps me do my homework. Next, my friends help me when I am hurt. Last, my teacher helps me learn about things. That’s what I am thankful for. “

Christopher, age 12 says;
“I am thankful for my wonderful family!
that even includes you who reads this cause you will have a wonderful family that you love one day and in a way we are
close to each other. “...
http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/thankful-for-friends-keith-andrews-sermon-on-friendship-general-127566.asp?page=2

If its a crutch, give me two.

Is Christianity Just a Crutch?

In Mere Apologetics, Alister McGrath points out that "one of the most familiar criticisms of Christianity is that it offers consolation to life's losers."(1) Believers are often caricatured as being somewhat weak and naïve—the kind of people who need their faith as a "crutch" just to get them through life. In new atheist literature, this depiction is often contrasted with the image of a hardier intellectual atheist who has no need for such infantile, yet comforting, nonsense. This type of portrayal may resonate with some, but does it really make sense?(2)

Firstly, it is helpful to define what we mean by a "crutch." In a medical setting, the word obviously means an implement used by people for support when they are injured. The analogy implies, therefore, that those who need one are somehow deficient or wounded. In a sense, it is fairly obvious that the most vulnerable might need support, but as the agnostic John Humphrys points out, "Don't we all? Some use booze rather than the Bible."(3) As this suggests, it is not so much a question of whether you have one, but it is more of a question of what your particular crutch is. This is an important point to make, as people rely on all kinds of things for their comfort or self-esteem, ranging from material possessions, money, food, and aesthetics to cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, and sex. Rather than being viewed as signs of weakness, many of these are even considered to be relatively normal in society, provided they don't turn into the more destructive behavior associated with strong addiction. Nevertheless, many of these only offer a short-term release from the struggles of life and they sometimes only cover up deeper problems that a person might be suffering from. To suggest, therefore, that atheists are somehow stronger than believers is to deny the darker side of humanity, which is only too apparent if we look at the world around us. As McGrath explains:

"[I]f you have a broken leg, you need a crutch. If you're ill you need medicine. That's just the way things are. The Christian understanding of human nature is that we are damaged, wounded and disabled by sin. That's just the way things are."(4)

Moreover, Augustine of Hippo compared the church to a hospital, because it is full of wounded and ill people in the process of being healed.(5) As is the case with any illness, this treatment cannot begin, however, until someone has admitted they are sick or need help. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that religious belief does have an advantageous effect on both mental and physical health. Andrew Sims, former President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, writes that a "huge volume of research" confirms this, making it "one of the best-kept secrets in psychiatry and medicine generally."(6) In a culture that often seems to exalt health, well-being, and happiness above other things, this would seem to render religious belief very appealing both to the weak andthe strong in society.

Many believers testify to the transformative effect that becoming a Christian has had on their lives and this can include being delivered from some of the crutches they had previously relied upon. Yet, the idea that coming to faith is somehow either liberating or empowering is, of course, anathema to many people. Christopher Hitchens, for example, speaks of the totalitarian nature of Christianity that keeps its followers in a state of constant subservience.(7) G. K. Chesterton saw it differently, however, as he suggested that the "dignity of man" and the "smallness of man" was held in perfect tension, allowing people to have a strong sense of self-worth without becoming big-headed.(8)

Yet God clearly offers much more than this. In 1 Corinthians 12:9 it says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." The idea of strength flowing from human powerlessness may seem counter-intuitive in today's risk-averse culture, but as Simon Guillebaud points out, "Paradoxically, our waving the white flag of submission to God's right over our lives is the key that unlocks the gate to many future victories in his name."(9) Nevertheless, as C. S. Lewis observed, people will still choose to cling on to their crutches, even though something much better is being offered to them:

"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."(10)

It can be helpful, therefore, to reflect on what we really rely upon in our own lives and what impact this has upon us. As the blogger and former atheist, Daniel Rodgers, reminds us, we do not want to miss out on the fullness of life that God offers all of us, whether we think we need it or not:

"The truth of the matter is that Jesus never offered a crutch, only a cross; it wasn't a call to be a better person with high self-esteem or a plan to help us scrape through our existence. It was a call to acknowledge that the forgiveness we all seek is to be found in him by following him onto the cross... It's because Christianity is true that it has something to offer every person in every circumstance, regardless of their background or intellectual capabilities."(11)

Simon Wenham is research coordinator for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Europe.

http://ls.egen.net/MessageView.aspx?sid=168024349&cid=167774605&textonly=0%20
(1) A. McGrath, Mere Apologetics (Grand Rapids, 2012), 167. 
(2) Article adapted from Simon Wenham's "Is Christianity Just a Crutch?” Pulse, Issue 10 (Spring 2012), 14-16.  
(3) J. Humphrys, In God We Doubt (London, 2007), in J. C. Lennox, Gunning for God (Oxford, 2011), 24.
(4) McGrath, Mere Apologetics, 170.
(5) Idem.
(6) A. Sims, Is Faith Delusion? (London, 2009), in Lennox, Gunning, 77-78.
(7) C. Hitchens, God is Not Great (London, 2007), 232-234.
(8) G. K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy (Chicago, 2009), 143.
(9) S. Guillebaud, For What It's Worth (Oxford, 1999), 171.
(10) C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses (Grand Rapids, 1949), 1-2.
(11) D. Rodger, "Is Christianity a Psychological Crutch?" (from www.bethinking.org).

Revelation Song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7T8sXkjWWfk

Long Black Train

John 3:16

John 3:16 Breakdown...

December 30, 2010 • By Channel

For God so loved - That's the greatest degree.

The World- That's the greatest company.

That He gave -  That's the greatest act.

His only begotten Son - That's the greatest gift.

That whoever - That's the greatest opportunity.

Believes - That's the greatest simplicity.

In Him - That's the greatest attraction.

Shall not perish - That's the greatest promise.

But - That's the greatest difference.

Have - That's the greatest certainty.

Eternal Life - That's the greatest possession.

For reals Yo.

Mary did you know?

NY DAY SET LIST

Cooking in the kitchen here at Littleton House to start the NY Year... the following are some selections from the soundtrack...gotta admit, this year feels pretty different already - at least the music feels like home:)

will u <3 me 2 morrowhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyEeikuti9Q&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifp_SVrlurY guitar gently weeps

born to run, thunder road http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KngiJUNdsu0

shook me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoZZ4Y2NQTY&feature=related

the load out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiytEK35ddM

heartache tonight : ol 55 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK8Tvb-NEW4

  mystic/moondance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjmHXXnseMY&feature=related

eddie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9dyWnBIZBw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3MXZ_qdKDU&feature=fvst

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aePWkeDxRjE

springsteen bono http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Pkoi4Ynxjc

E http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y00vd5HM_08

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmakK7BSRnE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7R5xxDy3QU&feature=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWRo6C_HcEo&feature=relatedrelated

simon & Garfunkel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsKcJXbD5SA   

melloncamp   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXZTBu_3ioI

Gloria http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=355Fk8drgZE

Bonnie tyler http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8VGQTtENSs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCSM_b9T8lo&feature=related

Stevie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vxVyaYuGYE&feature=related

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wZ3ZG_Wams

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inXC_lab-34&feature=related

rat pack

fly me to the moon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCW9Hey6IVY&feature=related

ny ny http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqlJl1LfDP4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd-GHKRwn34

u don’t know me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYBdjmNs1FE&feature=fvsr

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iJk9vWzBqc do wah diddy

mj: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPxcAo7ON60 billie jean

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvy3qrHjCVA&feature=related thriller

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QwaGnsQez4&feature=related little mike

rockin robin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvrKy7D8l_U&feature=related

bep: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11jnMzL1IXo&feature=related

sting: every breath u take, dont stand

boys are back in town

American band

Fortunate son, have u ever seen the rain

Stand by me,

Aint no sunshine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIdIqbv7SPo&feature=related

King David, my kinda guy

Dear Reader,
This week I have been reading all about King David - far from flawless (a murderous adulterer actually)He was perhaps the greatest King of Israel, once called "a man after [God's] own heart" (1 Sam. 13:14). From the most meek of beginnings and by faith alone he killed the giant, led his nation in battle and ruled Judea. He was the standard by which all Kings of Israel would be measured, even though he was a corrupted man. His faith made him a hero.(2 Sam. 5:1-3; 22:2-51, 1 Kgs. 15:3-5, 11) It is through David's line that the Messiah of the world would be born. (Mark 12:35; Luke 1:32; Rom. 1:3) 


A soldier, politician and musician, David was not a perfect leader or a perfect man, but his years alone with God, humbled and crumbled in the dark, developed the soul of a legendary philosopher-king, and forged a legacy that endures to this day.


Just when I think I am not good enough for God, I remember those on whom His favor has rested - those who the almighty creator has decided to have work for Him, its a surprising bunch.
Do not wait to be worthy, approach the throne boldly, have faith - like David.

The 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name' sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

-- KJV

WHERE: The valley of the shadow of death
WHO: He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies
WHAT: I shall not want
WHEN: I will dwell on the house of the Lord forever

A life already lived before

The Highwayman - Stevie Nicks

Alas he was the highwayman
The one that comes and goes
And only the highway-woman
Keeps up with the likes of those
And she in all her magic
With hands as quick as light
Took him to be a challenge
And went into the night


And he in all his glory
Was far ahead of her
But she was never sorry
For wishes that would burn
Enter competition
She chases beneath the moon
Her horse is like a dragonfly
She is just a fool


And she wonders is this real
Or does she just want to be Queen
And he fights the way he feels
Is this the end of the dream


And then he sees her coming
Heartbeats on the wind
Considers slowing down
But then...he could never win
And she...out in the distance
Sees him against the sky
A pale and violent rider
A dream begun in wine


And she wonders is this real
Or does she just want to be Queen
And he fights the way he feels
Is this the end of the dream


A dream as the thunder wakes her
And her highwayman disappears
on a life already lived before
In eyes welled with tears


Today and still today they ride
Will they ever win
He the glory...
She the love...
Still they try again
He the glory...
She the love...
Still they try again
He the glory...
She the love...
And still they...try...again

King Davids story, as sung by KD

I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty in the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

There was a time when you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
The holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Maybe there’s a God above
But all I’ve ever learned from love
Was how to shoot at someone who outdrew you
It’s not a cry you can hear at night
It’s not somebody who has seen the light
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You say I took the name in vain
I don't even know the name
But if I did, well really, what's it to you?
There's a blaze of light in every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though it all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah

My heroes have always been cowboys

My Grandma Mahota, a cowgirl in her own right, encouraged us to have cowboys as our heroes - she would say "there's no truer example of the American spirit than a cowboy".
Brave and bold,
reckless and careless,
wild and free,
rough and ready,
tough to tame and hard to handle -
God bless us all who have that spirit within ourselves...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMko5LelBdA

PS, Mahota also offered the advice that its better to BE a cowboy than to try and love one!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngbcsxFET68
Cowboys ain't easy to love and they're harder to hold.
They'd rather give you a song than diamonds or gold.
Lonestar belt buckles and old faded levis, 
And each night begins a new day.
If you don't understand him, an' he don't die young,
He'll prob'ly just ride away.

Cowboys like smokey old pool rooms and clear mountain mornings,
Little warm puppies and children and girls of the night.
Them that don't know him won't like him and them that do,
Sometimes won't know how to take him.
He ain't wrong, he's just different but his pride won't let him,
Do things to make you think he's right.

Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys.
Don't let 'em pick guitars or drive them old trucks.
Let 'em be doctors and lawyers and such.
Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys.
'Cos they'll never stay home and they're always alone.
Even with someone they love.

He sees it all...

Dear Reader,

Sadly what comes around doesn't always go around. Bad things happen to good people, seemingly undeserving folks do real well while the kindest get the short end of the stick. Young children suffer, we lose those we love, life is commonly unfair. In spite of this, many continue to do good for others, unseen - without reward. Fight the good fight everyone, darkness is only the absence of light - not an entity unto itself. Let your little light shine, He sees everything :)

Hebrews 6:10

The Message (MSG)

 ^9-12I'm sure that won't happen to you, friends. I have better things in mind for you—salvation things! God doesn't miss anything. He knows perfectly well all the love you've shown him by helping needy Christians, and that you keep at it. And now I want each of you to extend that same intensity toward a full-bodied hope, and keep at it till the finish. Don't drag your feet. Be like those who stay the course with committed faith and then get everything promised to them.

Luke 12:6-7; Matthew 10-29-31
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?
Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTB0Ej9bV00&feature=fvsr

True meaning?

Luke 2:1-20: The "Real" War on Christmas? - The Huffington Post

This little light of mine....

^{WHY HANUKKAH? Hanukkah is not mentioned in the Old Testament, only in the NEW!} 

^{It is a celebration of NON-ASSIMILATION about freedom and faith.} 

^{Do you feel like Christmas has been hijacked, are you having trouble finding CHRIST IN CHRISTmas?}

^{WELL, THAT IS BECAUSE HE IS SMACK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HANUKKIAH :)}

Light the lights, celebrate the miracle & help prepare the world for the coming of Messiah.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfIGDIaiN0Y

^{John 10:22} It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. ²³ He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon’s Colonnade. ²⁴The people surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

 ²⁵ Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. ²⁶ But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. ²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, ²⁹ for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else.^[a] No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. ³⁰ The Father and I are one.”

 ³¹ Once again the people picked up stones to kill him. ³² Jesus said, “At my Father’s direction I have done many good works. For which one are you going to stone me?”

 ³³ They replied, “We’re stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God.”

 ³⁴ Jesus replied, “It is written in your own Scriptures^[b] that God said to certain leaders of the people, ‘I say, you are gods!’^[c] 35 And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered. So if those people who received God’s message were called ‘gods,’ ³⁶ why do you call it blasphemy when I say, ‘I am the Son of God’? After all, the Father set me apart and sent me into the world. ³⁷ Don’t believe me unless I carry out my Father’s work. ³⁸ But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don’t believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.”

 ³⁹ Once again they tried to arrest him, but he got away and left them. ⁴⁰ He went beyond the Jordan River near the place where John was first baptizing and stayed there awhile. ⁴¹ And many followed him. “John didn’t perform miraculous signs,” they remarked to one another, “but everything he said about this man has come true.” ⁴² And many who were there believed in Jesus.

A holiday of non-assimilation? I'm in.

http://ohr.edu/yhiy/article.php/1327

MV

http://www.susanbranch.com/marthas-vineyard-love-letter
great site!

Bar Mitzvah 2010

It's been more than a year since this awesome day, I am so grateful to watch the amazing men & women you are all growing up to be... just wanted to remind you of the blessing that I wish over all your lives :)

 PARENTS BLESSING, Jenn Grace

Today you are encircled by family, friends and community – some of whom have never even met you, and yet were willing to make the effort to be here with us. We are all here to witness and celebrate with you, as you represent our trust in G-d, our hopes, our dreams. You are the promise. We watch you embracing the Torah, the cornerstone of our faith, with joy and comfort, knowing that you will strive to live by the values it teaches. 

Our promise to you today is to be there for you always, in joyful times and to wipe away your tears, to support you, to teach you (even when you don’t want to heed our lessons), & to guide you through life’s challenges and prospects.

Our prayer for you today is for a long life filled with peace, health, happiness and purpose, surrounded by family, friends and community. It is our hope and dream that you will turn the best days and the worst days of your life into a medley of meaning and joy. Cherish life and make each day full of purpose by enriching the lives of others with a smile, a kind word or a good deed. Remember that all G-d really requires from you is your just actions. It really is pretty black and white – it’s about mitzvot, it’s about your deeds.

My Grandma Mahota was a woman full of wisdom, she often mused “wouldn’t the world be so much better if everyone followed the golden rule?”. And so that is the advice I offer to you - when in doubt guys, remember what Yeshua said “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

In the words of the great American Poet Bob Dylan, I offer this blessing over all of you;

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young.

This I believe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3i-_VWxOAc&feature=related