We are here in this place for but a moment, your moment is now.
Multiverse, String Theory... The astronomically tiny, yet vast, endless possibilities of Quantum Mechanics ... it boggles the mind, but shows the architect of it all is awesome. An accident? I think not.
Thank you Father for this Universe. Where I have experienced your mercy and grace. Thank you Father for your Son who came to this dimension and lived as a Man, as one of us humans on this planet. Born not to riches or royalty, in a time of ease and comfort - instead, a poor carpenter from the Galilee.
Thank you Father for the Angels that watch and those You continue to send; the good, the bad and the ugly. Thank you Father for John F. Kennedy, John Belushi and John the Beloved Disciple. Thank you Father for Ice Cream Sundaes and my lactose tolerance. Thank you for our crazy mixed up world Father, may we each of us, accomplish your will for us in it.
And may we all do it through love and laughter, as best we can. -jlrg
nailed on a cross as a Yiddish Schlemiel by the likes of us.
They say Lucifer was cast down
for refusing to adore the Incarnate Word;
the Foul One must totally lack a sense of humor!
-The Abbot, A Canticle for Leibowitz
Here's what I am constantly grateful for and amazed by, the God I worship lived as one of us and was tempted in every way we are, yet He did not sin. He always chose the right, the selfless act, He always loved - despite the circumstance
“I mean Jesus never asked a man to do a damn thing that Jesus didn't do.” ― Walter M. Miller Jr.
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Lately, I look around and it seems people are digging in their heels. The Facebook feed is full of heated debate - zealots of the new age, none have ears to hear, thus listening a difficult task.
Relationships fail and families fall apart as the roots of stubbornness and pride are old and strong. Why are we such a stiff necked people, why must we always be right? That insistence ironic, as we often are unable to choose the right, the good... the selfless choice not usually being our first pick. Our world is reinforcing worship of self - demanding it even. Are YOU HAPPY, do you feel good? Somehow we are being educated that we should never feel badly, life is about feeling good - and that, my friends, is a lie. Life is about LIVING; an ongoing process of pain, joy, agony, understanding, confusion - a process with a purpose. More than this, there is more than this and only the good you do goes on. None of the material things, none of the riches you may store up, and none of the flesh - all are dust. We are fleshy creatures, us human beasts, so fleshy in fact we forget who we are.
Time to GO BOLDLY Dearest Reader,
How are YOU doing? Please know the Lord is with you and has EXtRaORdInARy things in store.
Listen friend, we must acknowledge the truth; the world is against you and life is not fair.
But, God is on your side, don't let this world get ya' down.
Don't be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed--the one who brings destruction.
2 Thessalonians 2:3
Time makes today tomorrow's memory. (R. Comfort)
Don't quit! Don't give up! There is a plan and your time will come. Make a decision to be happy, where you are, with what you have. Be joyful for others, do not covet or want. Let's get radical up in here and really piss the enemy off! "Make the devil mad- BE HAPPY ANYWAY." -J.M.
Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. James 4:14
There's a bigger picture Peeps, sin has dulled our conscience, we have deluded ourselves regarding our fallen human nature and pride stands in our way. Everyone will fail you (including you) sooner or later, forgive them. Know that freedom. Accept the total forgiveness from the God who has forgotten all your sin, who sacrificed His only Son, so you could know THAT freedom.
This world is a paradox of a place, such beauty - yet such horror. Things seems to be speeding up, escalating by the day, life demands us to get busier and busier - resulting in more overwhelming anxiety. When we go to the doctor now, we are even asked a multitude of questions regarding our emotional state; on a scale of 1 to 5 how freaked out are you? Don't be controlled by your fears, ours is a God that says "Fear Not".
The following video has some pretty wild stuff, most of it simply the latest news reports.
When I Wake To Sleep No More
Recorded by Ralph StanleyWritten by Marion EasterlingGWhat a glad thought some wonderful morning Just to hear Gabriel's trumpet sound When I wake up when I wake up D7To sleep no more (to sleep no more) GRising to meet our blessed redeemer With a glad shout I'll leave the ground When I wake up (when I wake up) D7 G C GTo sleep no more (to sleep no more) When I wake up some glad morning To sleep no more jewels adorning How happy I'll be over in glory D7On the beautiful shore telling the story GWith the redeemed of all the ages Praising the one who I adore When I wake up (when I wake up) D7 G C GTo sleep no more (to sleep no more) Glory to God I'll have a new body Changed in a twinkling of an eye When I wake up (when I wake up) D7To sleep no more (to sleep no more)Leaving behind all troubles and trials Bound for the city up on high When I wake up (when I wake up) D7 G C GTo sleep no more (to sleep no more) Repeat #3 & 4
“This school reform effort is nothing short of a revolution in how education is provided, relying on a technocratic, top-down approach to setting national standards that, despite claims to the contrary, will drive curricula, teaching texts, and the content of standardized tests. At its heart, the Common Core is a woefully inadequate set of standards in that it limits the understanding of education to a utilitarian ‘readiness for work’ mentality.” -Cardinal Newman Society
ARE WE BECOMING A SOCIETY THAT NEVER TAKES A STAND UNLESS IT'S GOVERNMENT APPROVED?
How's the Common Core treating you, do you see it's positive impact in the lives of your family and community?
Let me let you in on a not so secret, secret... Common Core is not about what your children know and how they learn, but instead what they can contribute to the global economy. THE STUDENT IS NO LONGER FOCUSED ON INTELLECTUAL ENDEAVOR Forget Classical Education - they have done away with it (because it actually creates thinking, logical,intelligent individuals- who can not be controlled. For Example: The Founding Fathers of this country!) The goal is to run education into training, so your child can be a cog in a wheel. No competition, because he is being trained for the state and the corporations, NOT for his own upward mobility.
"Our Founding Fathers recognized the dangers to our freedoms posed by centralized control over public education." -CNS
COMMON CORE CONDITIONING
Corporate school to work agenda, about global corporate profits - not education
Our children are nothing more than human resources and guinea pigs - being trained like Pavlov's animals
The first page in the Global Education textbook is to subvert the authority of the parents. Who do you want in charge of your kids, YOU or the State?
"Department of education is a Marxist factory, designed to destroy any semblance of good values, academics, etc - to make sure our children march blindly into a socialist communist world government that's the goal of the US department of education." Quote from Charlotte Thomson Iserbyrt, served as the Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI), U.S. Department of Education (whistle blower) THERE HAS BEEN A DELIBERATE DUMBING DOWN OF AMERICA. Do you see it? Over the last few decades, through Federal Grant Programs we have seen; VALUES CLARIFICATION PROGRAMS: Designed for the government to teach our children morality, values and belief systems. BETTER EDUCATIONS SKILLS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY: Programs where we really discovered how the computer is fantastic for changing values. If you substitute workforce training for education its the end of civilization... end of the human being as entity opposed to animal end of soul end of conscience = DEATH OF FREEWILL
‘The philosophy of the classroom in one generation will become the philosophy of the government in the next.’ Clearly, Common Core is a threat to individual privacy and liberty, and to our Constitutional Republic.” -CNS
WE MUST REJECT REGIONALISM, A GLOBAL SOCIALIST SYSTEM IS NOTHING BUT A TOTALITARIAN SYSTEM!
LESS 1984 MORE 1776
What can WE do?
Take a stand, speak out, sign a petition, start a petition, opt-out!
Common Core State Standards a Threat to Personal Liberty — Thomas More Law Center Develops Opt-Out Form for Parents
Doesn't necessarily sound like good news,
but let me assure you -
it's an amazing thing.
That YOU are here NOW - ExTrAoRdInArY -
That you even exist, is the result of an amazing set of circumstances - MiRaCuLouS really!
Made of all those who came before you...stardust and light.
You are a part of a tale, that told even by Tolkein or Speilberg would be hard to swallow.
There is a story written in the heavens and YOU have a place in it all.
Before time, God had you in mind.
A lot of us humans have a big grudge against God, if he's so great, why are things so messed up? Here's a secret, it's not His fault - all the good stuff, that's God. The bad stuff? Well, that's another story...
There is no good death.
In the beginning in the garden, God planned death for no one.
We live in a Creation gone awry.
The one who wrote our code did not intend for the virus that kills us to exist....
God has not 'taken' anyone from us - He gave us life.
We live during an unprecedented era in all of recorded human history.
Unlocking the genome, understanding DNA, AI, space exploration, the world wide web...
For 6000+years humans traveled at the same speed, in the last 100 years we have seen the speed at which we can move (physically through space, but also sending information and thoughts) increase EXpOnEnTiAllY!!!
Why are you here now, in this age of wonder? Look around you, see this place with new eyes.
You are no accident, descended from a series of randomness - you have a great destiny and are here to change the world.
Join with me my friend,to no man is promised tomorrow and we have much work to do!
Love always,
Jennifer
What do you believe?
Everybody needs something as proof;
something in hand;to know the truth;everybody needs something to see;something to feel;and something to be, yeah
There's a way that seems right;
in the heart of a man; and many angels of light;
in disguise destroyin' man;
so most choose to refuse; the absolute truth; replace it with lies; use ignorance as excuse; it's hard to conceive; what the mind can't comprehend; and harder to believe; what the eyes can't understand; we look to theory, philosophies and thought; for a sure foundation; in a belief we once sought;
while the shadow of truth; cast an image so clear; the closer it gets; we reject it out of fear;
if we really wanted truth; we would give our lives for it; walk in its direction of light;
for God's glory; the saga continues; ‘cause most hearts are deceived;
if we really wanted truth; we would live and believe;
so the saga continues; ‘cause most hearts are deceived;
if we really wanted truth; we would live and believe in it.
"At the square in Kiev there is a section dedicated to the “Heavenly Hundred” memorializing the dead but with pointers to heaven. These died so that others may live. It is a reflection of a greater truth. Gospel truths sneak upon us in strange ways. It seems as though death is the loudest voice calling for life." -RZ
Despite having Constitutional rights blocked, basic civil rights denied and facing arrest or lynching - Dr. King led the people to non-violent action, civil disobedience.
Police brutality, fire hoses and dogs employed on a regular basis Dr. King never shouted "burn it down, burn it down", instead he instructed us to use our freedoms!
Freedom of ASSEMBLY
Freedom of SPEECH
Freedom of PRESS
THE GREATNESS OF AMERICA IS THE RIGHT
TO PROTEST FOR RIGHTS.
WE MUST USE OUR FREEDOMS:
Not to sit idly by as our Country runs itself in to ruin.
Not to loot, burn and vandalize our own communities when outrage takes hold.
Not to continue to be complacent, but instead to stand vigilant.
Where are the voices of men like King today,
speaking for common good?
It's time to speak out America.
We watch as civil unrest,
joblessness and hopelessness descend on the masses.
We watch as our children are terrorized in their own schools.
We watch as our local police becomes militarized.
We watch as government grows more corrupt, simultaneously useless and yet increasingly powerful.
"Things will not get better apart from God. The present circumstances have made it clear that followers of Jesus Christ can no longer remain in isolation but ought to be impacting and engaging society. "
"It is an honor to visit Ukraine during this critical time in the nation’s history,” said Zacharias. “At RZIM we are called to go where the Gospel message is needed the most, and we are truly grateful that God has opened these doors for us to minister in Kiev. Please do pray for us.”
Follow RZIM’s visit to Ukraine on social media with the hashtag: #RZIMkiev
22 For while Jews [demandingly] ask for signs and miracles and Greeks pursue philosophyand wisdom,
23 We preach Christ (the Messiah) crucified, [preaching which] to the Jews is a scandaland an offensive stumbling block [that springs a snare or trap], and to the Gentiles it is absurd and utterly unphilosophical nonsense.
24 But to those who are called, whether Jew or Greek (Gentile), Christ [is] the Power of God and the Wisdom of God.
25 [This is] because the foolish thing [that has its source in] God is wiser than men, and the weak thing [that springs] from God is stronger than men.
The left, the right, the middle, atheist, agnostic, anarchist--- its not supposed to matter if you agree or disagree! You are blessed to live in America and are free because some really brave folks got together and had a Revolution based on their belief they were endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights - among them the right to worship God as you want and run your mouth as you damn well please!!! (Remember sticks and stones & all that jazz?!)
Being politically correct is Anti American in every way shape or form.
If we don't understand our freedoms and defend them- they will be taken away from us.
Look at whats happening around you folks - really look.
When your government has taken on the majority of characteristics as the Ministry of Truth, and the general public sounds like their using Newspeak, we may need to start paying attention. #Less1984More1776
Jefferson called for a Revolution with each generation, we're long overdue.
Being politically correct is Anti American in every way shape or form.
Who we are is offensive. We are Cowboys, Rebels, Independent Thinkers!
#Freedomisoffensive and it should be.
The most offensive thing this world has ever seen was an innocent man, beaten-humiliated and strung on a cross 2000 years ago - they're still talking about it. #Hediedtomakeyoufree
Remember who you are America. But most of all I implore you, do not perish for a lack of knowledge.
I have never struggled with saying 'I'm sorry', I do however have a real difficult time admitting I'm wrong. Stubborn, willful, stiff necked - yup that's me. On this eve of Yom Kippur it's time for me to reflect on that negative personality trait, and do my best to fix it. I have some work to do, but God knows I am getting better all the time. I am grateful for His grace and mercy in my life.
"The Talmud, an ancient collection of Jewish law and stories, claims that God created repentance before creating the universe. Whether one believes in God or not, it's a compelling concept, one that emphasizes how we are fated to misstep, but that we also have the capacity to undo some or all of the harm we cause." - Elissa Strauss
I was recently asked why I observe the "Jewish" holidays. I was not born a Jew and it has caused moderate discomfort to family and friends at times over the last 5 or so years that I no longer participate in traditional Christian observances like Christmas.
I believe that Jesus Christ is the prophesied Jewish Messiah, for many years I did not. Spending my early twenties as a soft boiled atheist I was however, always seeking, looking for answers. As an avid student of history, I compared the world's mythologies discovering there were some common themes. For many years I lumped Jesus of Nazareth in with all the other 'wise teachers' of the ages. This was until I read the scriptures with different eyes - examining them in the context in which they were written. My personal discovery was that this itinerant poor preacher from the Galilee, was different. The whole book, from beginning to end, was unique in the world. The God of the Hebrews stands out among all the other gods, this 'myth' is not like the rest.
Coming to understand the significance of the seasons and cycles, commandments and times of the Lord has added richness, depth and substance to my faith. Making the leap of faith was a difficult one for me, understanding the Hebrew roots of Christianity helped to provide me with a foundation of evidence from which to make that leap. This knowledge is not reserved for the Jews, these are the feasts of the LORD, Jesus came for everybody. Hallelujah and AMEN!
I recommend: ARTICLE Why even non-Jews should celebrate Yom Kippur Elissa Strauss writes: "The act of teshuvah discourages such thinking, pulling us away from the idea that misunderstandings and indiscretions can be so easily resolved. Here is how you do it:
1. Beregretful: This involves thinking hard about what you did wrong, and what kind of harm was experienced as a result.
2. Stop the offending behavior: You can't sincerely apologize for something you are still doing.
3. Confess to the sin and ask for forgiveness. Jewish law prescribes that this be done verbally, and that we remain humble and contrite in our request.
4. Commit to never repeating it. This one is tough."
"Then came the day of the unleavened bread, when the Passover must be killed. And He said to Peter and John 'go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat...'" Luke 22:7-8
"And as they were eating, Jesus took the bread, blessed and broke it and gave it to the disciples and said, 'Take, eat, this is my body' " - Matthew 26:26
"Christ came as high Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle...not with the blood of goats and calves but with his own blood He entered the most holy place once and for all, having obtained eternal redemption. " -Hebrews 9:11-12
