Light snow fell and it was again a wonderous spiritual kind of night.
The service was lovely.
The carols warm the heart.
The line to the community dinner was longer than ever.
The wine tasted especially good.
Kisses for all.
Time shared with family.
Kids are sleeping tight. The stockings are hung
by the chimney with care. Chock full of goodies that would make
any child stare. The plates been laid out. Santa gets a special
treat no doubt. Knoephla and Beer for the jolly guy tonite!
Surely he'll want to stay a while before his next flight!
This may be the last time the true magic of the mystery
befalls our little ones bedrooms this night.
But the memories will last for a lifetime
and therefore he'll never be too far
out of sight.
Merry Christmas to all.
Happy Hanukkah to all!
Give thanks for your blessings!
Good night!
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Christmas in Bethelem
Many metaphors lie in the reality versus the biblical observation.
By SARAH EL DEEB, Associated Press Writer 40 minutes ago
BETHLEHEM, West Bank - Thousands of tourists and pilgrims gathered in Bethlehem for Christmas Eve celebrations Saturday, bringing a long-missing sense of holiday cheer to Jesus' historic birthplace.
The festivities capped the most peaceful year since the outbreak of Israeli-Palestinian fighting in September 2000. But
Israel' imposing separation barrier at the entrance to town dampened the Christmas spirit and provided a stark reminder of the unresolved conflict.
The gray concrete wall, which Israel erected to keep attackers out of its cities, divides Bethlehem and blocks access to neighboring Jerusalem. The 25-foot-high slabs drew as much attention Saturday as the Church of the Nativity and the grotto where tradition says Jesus was born.
About 30,000 people were expected to visit Bethlehem over Christmas — 10,000 more than last year — but still very different from the 1990s, when 150,000 people would visit during the holiday. By early evening, 7,000 tourists had arrived, Israeli officials said, despite stinging cold winds and pouring rain. Hundreds more arrived for midnight Mass, though a final crowd estimate was not immediately available.
At the
Vatican' name
Pope Benedict offered a Christmas prayer for peace in the Holy Land.
"On this night, when we look toward Bethlehem, let us pray in a special way for the birthplace of our Redeemer and for the men and women who live and suffer there," the pope said. "We wish to pray for peace in the Holy Land."
Spirits in Bethlehem were buoyed this year by Israel's summer withdrawal from the
Gaza Strip and a sharp drop in violence. Forecasts of a rare white Christmas added to the excitement.
Throughout the day, choirs, marching bands and bagpipe players entertained the crowds. Several thousand people packed Manger Square — the large, stone-paved courtyard near the Church of the Nativity — as a procession led by Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah entered Bethlehem.
"It's awesome here. It is very emotional to come here and see the procession with the thousands of pilgrims who came from all around the world," said Edwina Webster, 53, of Hereford, England.
At Sabbah's midnight Mass, he said the two sides should put "the past on hold to make room for a new future to begin."
Sabbah, speaking at St. Catherine's Church, adjacent to the traditional birthplace of Jesus, also called for an end to Israel's killing of Palestinian militants, saying the practice has failed to improve security or halt the cycle of violence.
Security was heavy days after Palestinian gunmen briefly took over City Hall to demand jobs, but there were no reports of trouble.
Restaurant, shop and hotel owners happily counted their money as visitors packed their establishments for the first time in years.
Israel and the Palestinians agreed to a cease-fire in February, bringing a sharp slowdown in fighting. Some 218 Palestinians and 55 Israelis have been killed this year, compared to nearly 800 Palestinian and 112 Israeli deaths in 2004.
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas arrived in town late Saturday to join the celebrations and attend midnight mass.
In a televised speech, Abbas said the Palestinians "are seeking a bridge to peace instead of Israeli walls."
"Unfortunately, Israel is continuing with its destructive policy ... (and) transforming our land into a big jail," he added.
Israeli Prime Minister
Ariel Sharon called local Christian leaders on Saturday to wish them a merry Christmas, saying he hopes the new year will bring Israelis and Palestinians peace and security.
"We all need it and I intend to make every effort to reach it," he said in a statement.
The separation barrier prevented tourists from walking into town on the biblical-era route likely used by Jesus and Mary. Instead, they entered through an Israeli checkpoint.
"The wall has got to go. It's a wall of shame. Jesus is a uniter not a divider," said James Elsman, a 69-year-old lawyer from Detroit, a placard saying "Trust Jesus" draped over his shoulders.
Israel eased restrictions at the main checkpoint, decorating the military structure with posters signed by the Tourism Ministry reading "Peace be upon you" and "Visit Bethlehem and Jerusalem and engage for peace."
Driving through the checkpoint, Sabbah said he hoped it would remain open throughout the year so pilgrims could freely cross into Bethlehem from Jerusalem, the sister city just north of Jesus' birthplace.
"Nobody needs checkpoints in the Holy Land. This is the Holy Land and it should be treated as a holy area," Sabbah said.
Maha Sakka, who runs a heritage center in Bethlehem, said residents make the best of a bad situation, and have learned to live with the checkpoints and barrier.
"Now we have a frontier on the northern edge of Bethlehem," Sakka said. "We fear it, but it has become a reality."
By SARAH EL DEEB, Associated Press Writer 40 minutes ago
BETHLEHEM, West Bank - Thousands of tourists and pilgrims gathered in Bethlehem for Christmas Eve celebrations Saturday, bringing a long-missing sense of holiday cheer to Jesus' historic birthplace.
The festivities capped the most peaceful year since the outbreak of Israeli-Palestinian fighting in September 2000. But
Israel' imposing separation barrier at the entrance to town dampened the Christmas spirit and provided a stark reminder of the unresolved conflict.
The gray concrete wall, which Israel erected to keep attackers out of its cities, divides Bethlehem and blocks access to neighboring Jerusalem. The 25-foot-high slabs drew as much attention Saturday as the Church of the Nativity and the grotto where tradition says Jesus was born.
About 30,000 people were expected to visit Bethlehem over Christmas — 10,000 more than last year — but still very different from the 1990s, when 150,000 people would visit during the holiday. By early evening, 7,000 tourists had arrived, Israeli officials said, despite stinging cold winds and pouring rain. Hundreds more arrived for midnight Mass, though a final crowd estimate was not immediately available.
At the
Vatican' name
Pope Benedict offered a Christmas prayer for peace in the Holy Land.
"On this night, when we look toward Bethlehem, let us pray in a special way for the birthplace of our Redeemer and for the men and women who live and suffer there," the pope said. "We wish to pray for peace in the Holy Land."
Spirits in Bethlehem were buoyed this year by Israel's summer withdrawal from the
Gaza Strip and a sharp drop in violence. Forecasts of a rare white Christmas added to the excitement.
Throughout the day, choirs, marching bands and bagpipe players entertained the crowds. Several thousand people packed Manger Square — the large, stone-paved courtyard near the Church of the Nativity — as a procession led by Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah entered Bethlehem.
"It's awesome here. It is very emotional to come here and see the procession with the thousands of pilgrims who came from all around the world," said Edwina Webster, 53, of Hereford, England.
At Sabbah's midnight Mass, he said the two sides should put "the past on hold to make room for a new future to begin."
Sabbah, speaking at St. Catherine's Church, adjacent to the traditional birthplace of Jesus, also called for an end to Israel's killing of Palestinian militants, saying the practice has failed to improve security or halt the cycle of violence.
Security was heavy days after Palestinian gunmen briefly took over City Hall to demand jobs, but there were no reports of trouble.
Restaurant, shop and hotel owners happily counted their money as visitors packed their establishments for the first time in years.
Israel and the Palestinians agreed to a cease-fire in February, bringing a sharp slowdown in fighting. Some 218 Palestinians and 55 Israelis have been killed this year, compared to nearly 800 Palestinian and 112 Israeli deaths in 2004.
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas arrived in town late Saturday to join the celebrations and attend midnight mass.
In a televised speech, Abbas said the Palestinians "are seeking a bridge to peace instead of Israeli walls."
"Unfortunately, Israel is continuing with its destructive policy ... (and) transforming our land into a big jail," he added.
Israeli Prime Minister
Ariel Sharon called local Christian leaders on Saturday to wish them a merry Christmas, saying he hopes the new year will bring Israelis and Palestinians peace and security.
"We all need it and I intend to make every effort to reach it," he said in a statement.
The separation barrier prevented tourists from walking into town on the biblical-era route likely used by Jesus and Mary. Instead, they entered through an Israeli checkpoint.
"The wall has got to go. It's a wall of shame. Jesus is a uniter not a divider," said James Elsman, a 69-year-old lawyer from Detroit, a placard saying "Trust Jesus" draped over his shoulders.
Israel eased restrictions at the main checkpoint, decorating the military structure with posters signed by the Tourism Ministry reading "Peace be upon you" and "Visit Bethlehem and Jerusalem and engage for peace."
Driving through the checkpoint, Sabbah said he hoped it would remain open throughout the year so pilgrims could freely cross into Bethlehem from Jerusalem, the sister city just north of Jesus' birthplace.
"Nobody needs checkpoints in the Holy Land. This is the Holy Land and it should be treated as a holy area," Sabbah said.
Maha Sakka, who runs a heritage center in Bethlehem, said residents make the best of a bad situation, and have learned to live with the checkpoints and barrier.
"Now we have a frontier on the northern edge of Bethlehem," Sakka said. "We fear it, but it has become a reality."
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Christmas story
And THATS what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.....
No getting. GIVING. Giving to those who need it most. We'll be helping out at the church community dinner again. Always warms the heart. Breaks the heart to see the wishes on the giving tree. Movie passes. Food certificates. Money for presents. Puts it all into perspective.
CHRISTMAS STORY
Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving. It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible. After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible, instead he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done the chores. I didn't worry about it long though, I was too busy wallowing in self-pity. Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night and there was ice in his beard. "Come on, Matt" he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out tonight." I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see. We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what. Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed. "I think we'll put on the high sideboards" he said. "Here, help me." The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high sideboards on. After we had exchanged the sideboards, Pa went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood - the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down from the mountain, and then all fall sawing and splitting. Finally I said "Pa, what are you doing?" You been by the widow Jensen's lately?" The widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure, I'd been by, but so what? "Yeah" I said. "Why?" "I rode by just today" Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips.. They're out of wood, Matt." That was all he said and then he went back in the woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it. Finally Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to the smokehouse and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait. When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand. "What's in the little sack?" "Shoes. They're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy." We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldlystandards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into lengths and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us It shouldn't have been our concern. We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible. Then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said "Who is it?" "Lucas Miles, ma'am, and my son, Matt. Could we come in for a bit?" Widow Jensen opened the door. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp. "We brought you a few things, Ma'am" Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children. Sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from tremb- ling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out. "We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am" Pa said. He turned to me and said "Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up." I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and as much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak. My heart swelled within me and a joy that I'd never known before, filled my soul. I had given at Christmas before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were saving the lives of these people. I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you" she said. "I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us." In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and tears welled in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those terms before, but after widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remem- bering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it. Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Tears were running down widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their Pa, and I was glad that I still had mine. At the door Pa turned to widow Jensen and said "The Missus wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals." "We'll be by to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest My two brothers and two sisters had all married and had moved away. Widow Jensen nodded and said "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, May the Lord bless you. I know for certain that He will." Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough." "Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this to do just that, but on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do." "Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand." I understood, and my eyes became wet again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children. For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back the same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night. He had shown me what Christmas is about - love and caring for others
No getting. GIVING. Giving to those who need it most. We'll be helping out at the church community dinner again. Always warms the heart. Breaks the heart to see the wishes on the giving tree. Movie passes. Food certificates. Money for presents. Puts it all into perspective.
CHRISTMAS STORY
Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving. It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible. After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible, instead he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done the chores. I didn't worry about it long though, I was too busy wallowing in self-pity. Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night and there was ice in his beard. "Come on, Matt" he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out tonight." I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see. We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what. Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed. "I think we'll put on the high sideboards" he said. "Here, help me." The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high sideboards on. After we had exchanged the sideboards, Pa went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood - the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down from the mountain, and then all fall sawing and splitting. Finally I said "Pa, what are you doing?" You been by the widow Jensen's lately?" The widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure, I'd been by, but so what? "Yeah" I said. "Why?" "I rode by just today" Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips.. They're out of wood, Matt." That was all he said and then he went back in the woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it. Finally Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to the smokehouse and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait. When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand. "What's in the little sack?" "Shoes. They're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy." We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldlystandards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into lengths and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us It shouldn't have been our concern. We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible. Then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said "Who is it?" "Lucas Miles, ma'am, and my son, Matt. Could we come in for a bit?" Widow Jensen opened the door. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp. "We brought you a few things, Ma'am" Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children. Sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from tremb- ling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out. "We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am" Pa said. He turned to me and said "Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up." I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and as much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak. My heart swelled within me and a joy that I'd never known before, filled my soul. I had given at Christmas before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were saving the lives of these people. I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you" she said. "I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us." In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and tears welled in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those terms before, but after widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remem- bering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it. Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Tears were running down widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their Pa, and I was glad that I still had mine. At the door Pa turned to widow Jensen and said "The Missus wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals." "We'll be by to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest My two brothers and two sisters had all married and had moved away. Widow Jensen nodded and said "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, May the Lord bless you. I know for certain that He will." Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough." "Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this to do just that, but on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do." "Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand." I understood, and my eyes became wet again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children. For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back the same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night. He had shown me what Christmas is about - love and caring for others
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Families and Holidays
Another gem from author of Wisdom of Native Americans
Kent Nerburns Weblog
December 17, 2005
Some thoughts on the Season
As Christmas approaches, a standard subject of conversation among friends I meet on the street is what we are each doing for the holidays. Far too often I hear people I care for deeply saying something to the effect that they are not going to see their families because they don't get along with a brother or sister or some other relative.
This saddens me, because it seems such a false righteousness.
For most of us, the commercial bludgeoning combined with a decrease in traditional religious belief has flattened the season into something less than the magic we long for and remember. Santa Claus displays promoting "glow in the dark" manger yard scenes don't do much for our spirits, and we don't have enough Christian fervor or commitment to fight against this venal consumerism. So, in our own fashions, we roll over and play dead. We line up to buy and try to find a way to keep some vestige of spiritual meaning in a season where Jesus plays second fiddle to an XBox.
There are, blessedly, families that have managed to transcend this spiritual diminution of the most cherished of American holiday seasons, and they deserve our unvarnished admiration. But, by and large, the marketplace has won, and in doing so, it has deadened our souls.
What we have left, and what we must cherish, is family. To hold grudges, keep distances, or nurse hurts at this time of year is to deny one of the truest gifts we are given in life -- the gift of our love for those with whom we have been given the good fortune to share our time on this earth.
All you need to do is find someone who has no family and this will come into stark relief. Those who are displaced, have lost those they love through death or disaster, or who were cast aside by family sometime in their lives, and you will feel the sad absence of that which the rest of us too often take for granted.
This is a time to reach out and heal. We all feel righteous about something in regard to others around us. We all feel poorly served by someone or some event. But this is not the season to assert such petty angers. Small slights that have become big rifts; distances that have been long accepted; differences that have created indifference between and among family members, should be put aside for this season.
We are all human; we all struggle; we all make mistakes. We do not all share the same world view or the same values. But we all yearn for love, and we all have corners of ourselves where our own particular goodness shines through. This is the season to look for that goodness in others.
I hope you will each take the spirit of the season into your heart, even if the religious beliefs on which it is based are no longer part of your lives. God does work in strange ways, you know. And a season that calls out to us to love may be one of the most subtle and clever.
Let's keep our ears open to that call. Let's do what we can to warm the space between us and another. It is the best gift we can give, and the best way to find the power of spirit in a world and a season that sorely need it
Kent Nerburns Weblog
December 17, 2005
Some thoughts on the Season
As Christmas approaches, a standard subject of conversation among friends I meet on the street is what we are each doing for the holidays. Far too often I hear people I care for deeply saying something to the effect that they are not going to see their families because they don't get along with a brother or sister or some other relative.
This saddens me, because it seems such a false righteousness.
For most of us, the commercial bludgeoning combined with a decrease in traditional religious belief has flattened the season into something less than the magic we long for and remember. Santa Claus displays promoting "glow in the dark" manger yard scenes don't do much for our spirits, and we don't have enough Christian fervor or commitment to fight against this venal consumerism. So, in our own fashions, we roll over and play dead. We line up to buy and try to find a way to keep some vestige of spiritual meaning in a season where Jesus plays second fiddle to an XBox.
There are, blessedly, families that have managed to transcend this spiritual diminution of the most cherished of American holiday seasons, and they deserve our unvarnished admiration. But, by and large, the marketplace has won, and in doing so, it has deadened our souls.
What we have left, and what we must cherish, is family. To hold grudges, keep distances, or nurse hurts at this time of year is to deny one of the truest gifts we are given in life -- the gift of our love for those with whom we have been given the good fortune to share our time on this earth.
All you need to do is find someone who has no family and this will come into stark relief. Those who are displaced, have lost those they love through death or disaster, or who were cast aside by family sometime in their lives, and you will feel the sad absence of that which the rest of us too often take for granted.
This is a time to reach out and heal. We all feel righteous about something in regard to others around us. We all feel poorly served by someone or some event. But this is not the season to assert such petty angers. Small slights that have become big rifts; distances that have been long accepted; differences that have created indifference between and among family members, should be put aside for this season.
We are all human; we all struggle; we all make mistakes. We do not all share the same world view or the same values. But we all yearn for love, and we all have corners of ourselves where our own particular goodness shines through. This is the season to look for that goodness in others.
I hope you will each take the spirit of the season into your heart, even if the religious beliefs on which it is based are no longer part of your lives. God does work in strange ways, you know. And a season that calls out to us to love may be one of the most subtle and clever.
Let's keep our ears open to that call. Let's do what we can to warm the space between us and another. It is the best gift we can give, and the best way to find the power of spirit in a world and a season that sorely need it
Stress Positive. Eliminate Negativity.
BLESS EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING THAT REPRESENTS
WHAT YOU WANT TO CREATE!
To bless something or someone means to give recognition or emphasis to apositive quality, characteristic or condition, with the intention that what you recognize or emphasize will increase, continue or come into being. As you know, blessing may be done with imagery or touch. Perhaps the most common and easy way to do it is with words.
ADMIRATION ~ this is the offering of compliments or praise to somethinggood that you notice, like, "What a beautiful sunset; I like that dress; you're so much fun."
AFFIRMATION ~ this is a specific statement of blessing for increase orendurance, like, "I bless the beauty of this tree; blessed be the healthof your body; I am grateful to share small acts of kindness today."APPRECIATION ~ this is an _expression of gratitude that something goodexists or has happened, like, "Thank you, Great Spirit for hearing me; give thanks to the rain for nourishing the land."
ANTICIPATION ~ this is blessing for the future, like, "We're going to havea great picnic; I bless your increased crop and income; Thank you forintroducing my perfect mate; I wish you a happy journey; May the wind bealways at your back." In order to gain the most benefit from blessing, you will have to give up or cut way down on the thing that negates it: CURSING. This doesn’t mean swearing or saying bad words. It refers to the opposite of blessing, namely criticizing instead of admiring; doubting instead of affirming; blaming instead of appreciating and worrying instead of anticipating with trust." Whenever any of these negative things are done they cancel out some of the effects of your blessing. So the more you curse the harder it will be and the longer it will take to get the good from blessing. On the other hand, the more you bless the less harm any cursing will do.Examples for blessing various common needs, desires or choices:
HEALTH ~ Bless healthy people, animals and even plants; everything that iswell constructed; everything that expresses abundant energy.HAPPINESS ~ Bless all that is good, or the good in all people and all things; all the signs of happiness that you see, hear or feel in people or animals.
PROSPERITY ~ Bless all the signs of prosperity in your environment, including everything that money helped to make or do; all the money you have in any form; all the money that circulates in the world.
SUCCESS ~ Bless all signs of achievement and completion (such as buildings, bridges and events); all arrivals at destinations (of ships, planes, trains, cars and people); all signs of forward movement or persistence; all signs of enjoyment and fun. Bless all successful departures and changes. Bless all aspects of your success!
CONFIDENCE ~ Bless all signs of healthy confidence in people and animals; all signs of strength in people, animals, and objects (including steel, stone or concrete); all signs of stability (like mountains and tall trees); all signs of purposeful power, including power lines, big machines and rivers.
LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP ~ Bless all signs of caring and nurturing, compassionand support; all harmonious relationships in nature and architecture; all signs of cooperation, as in work, games or brainstorming; all signs of laughter, fun and play.
INNER PEACE ~ Bless all signs of quietness, calmness, tranquility and serenity (like quiet water or still air); all distant views (horizons, stars, sun and moon); all signs of beauty in sight, sound or touch
SPIRITUAL GROWTH ~ Bless all signs of growth, development and change innature; the transitions of dawn and twilight; the movement of sun, moon, planets and stars; the flight of birds in the sky; and the movement of wind, trees and the ocean.
Author unknown
Author unknown
WHAT YOU WANT TO CREATE!
To bless something or someone means to give recognition or emphasis to apositive quality, characteristic or condition, with the intention that what you recognize or emphasize will increase, continue or come into being. As you know, blessing may be done with imagery or touch. Perhaps the most common and easy way to do it is with words.
ADMIRATION ~ this is the offering of compliments or praise to somethinggood that you notice, like, "What a beautiful sunset; I like that dress; you're so much fun."
AFFIRMATION ~ this is a specific statement of blessing for increase orendurance, like, "I bless the beauty of this tree; blessed be the healthof your body; I am grateful to share small acts of kindness today."APPRECIATION ~ this is an _expression of gratitude that something goodexists or has happened, like, "Thank you, Great Spirit for hearing me; give thanks to the rain for nourishing the land."
ANTICIPATION ~ this is blessing for the future, like, "We're going to havea great picnic; I bless your increased crop and income; Thank you forintroducing my perfect mate; I wish you a happy journey; May the wind bealways at your back." In order to gain the most benefit from blessing, you will have to give up or cut way down on the thing that negates it: CURSING. This doesn’t mean swearing or saying bad words. It refers to the opposite of blessing, namely criticizing instead of admiring; doubting instead of affirming; blaming instead of appreciating and worrying instead of anticipating with trust." Whenever any of these negative things are done they cancel out some of the effects of your blessing. So the more you curse the harder it will be and the longer it will take to get the good from blessing. On the other hand, the more you bless the less harm any cursing will do.Examples for blessing various common needs, desires or choices:
HEALTH ~ Bless healthy people, animals and even plants; everything that iswell constructed; everything that expresses abundant energy.HAPPINESS ~ Bless all that is good, or the good in all people and all things; all the signs of happiness that you see, hear or feel in people or animals.
PROSPERITY ~ Bless all the signs of prosperity in your environment, including everything that money helped to make or do; all the money you have in any form; all the money that circulates in the world.
SUCCESS ~ Bless all signs of achievement and completion (such as buildings, bridges and events); all arrivals at destinations (of ships, planes, trains, cars and people); all signs of forward movement or persistence; all signs of enjoyment and fun. Bless all successful departures and changes. Bless all aspects of your success!
CONFIDENCE ~ Bless all signs of healthy confidence in people and animals; all signs of strength in people, animals, and objects (including steel, stone or concrete); all signs of stability (like mountains and tall trees); all signs of purposeful power, including power lines, big machines and rivers.
LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP ~ Bless all signs of caring and nurturing, compassionand support; all harmonious relationships in nature and architecture; all signs of cooperation, as in work, games or brainstorming; all signs of laughter, fun and play.
INNER PEACE ~ Bless all signs of quietness, calmness, tranquility and serenity (like quiet water or still air); all distant views (horizons, stars, sun and moon); all signs of beauty in sight, sound or touch
SPIRITUAL GROWTH ~ Bless all signs of growth, development and change innature; the transitions of dawn and twilight; the movement of sun, moon, planets and stars; the flight of birds in the sky; and the movement of wind, trees and the ocean.
Author unknown
Author unknown
UP ahead
By Gillian MacBeth-Louthan www.quantumawakening.com
As you limp into the year 2006 a mighty wave of blessedness washes upon your souls. The year of Initiation of 777 has ended and you are on the road to recovery and reconnection. As with all initiations they must be experienced by self and self alone, deep within the inner corridors time and heart.
The Blessedness of 2006 travels to every shore that will welcome it. By seeing the existing blessings in your transformative lives you will create a connection for this wave of blessedness to adhere to. The more thoughts you have of blessing what is in your life right now the more energy is generated, and the easier the new connection will be made. Thoughts of thankfulness and gratitude beckon this wave of blessedness; thoughts of negativity repel it.
The fruits of all past labors of life and love can be now tasted and supped upon. What was once thought to be lost is found within ones very own life. Energy spent in helping others was placed into a universal account that has accrued to mighty proportions. Nothing was every lost or wasted or tossed away in thoughts and actions of goodness and kindness. All actions of inherent good have been counted and accounted for by the universal abacus. All time spent in prayer and kind thoughts for others has been exponentially expanded and multiplied beyond earth's ability to count. A great amount of heavenly rewards finds itself on the road to the masses.
2006 is a portal to the pathway of internal illumination and a glimpse into true spiritual fulfillment. It offers a place and time of reconnecting to the Great Light that has appeared to be absent for the past few years. One is finally escorted into a placement of atomic personal power. Every thought counts dramatically, creating or destroying in its wake. Mastership demands 100% of your attention 24/7
As you limp into the year 2006 a mighty wave of blessedness washes upon your souls. The year of Initiation of 777 has ended and you are on the road to recovery and reconnection. As with all initiations they must be experienced by self and self alone, deep within the inner corridors time and heart.
The Blessedness of 2006 travels to every shore that will welcome it. By seeing the existing blessings in your transformative lives you will create a connection for this wave of blessedness to adhere to. The more thoughts you have of blessing what is in your life right now the more energy is generated, and the easier the new connection will be made. Thoughts of thankfulness and gratitude beckon this wave of blessedness; thoughts of negativity repel it.
The fruits of all past labors of life and love can be now tasted and supped upon. What was once thought to be lost is found within ones very own life. Energy spent in helping others was placed into a universal account that has accrued to mighty proportions. Nothing was every lost or wasted or tossed away in thoughts and actions of goodness and kindness. All actions of inherent good have been counted and accounted for by the universal abacus. All time spent in prayer and kind thoughts for others has been exponentially expanded and multiplied beyond earth's ability to count. A great amount of heavenly rewards finds itself on the road to the masses.
2006 is a portal to the pathway of internal illumination and a glimpse into true spiritual fulfillment. It offers a place and time of reconnecting to the Great Light that has appeared to be absent for the past few years. One is finally escorted into a placement of atomic personal power. Every thought counts dramatically, creating or destroying in its wake. Mastership demands 100% of your attention 24/7
Monday, December 19, 2005
Great choice~!
What a relief! Finally a REAL person-(S) of the year Time! I applaud
the choices of those who are giving their time and their money in an ongoing
commitment to make the world a better place. The world needs more Bono's
and Gate's here in the quiet of the chasm.
Bill and Melinda Gates, Bono are Time's 2005 'Persons of the Year'
Monday, December 19, 2005 at 06:58 JSTNEW YORK — Time magazine on Sunday named Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda, as well as Irish rock star Bono as its 2005 "Persons of the Year."
"Bono charmed and bullied and morally blackmailed the leaders of the world's richest countries into forgiving $40 billion in debt owed by the poorest," the magazine said in its edition to be released Monday.
Time praised the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has a $29 billion war chest, for "giving more money away faster than anyone ever has" in 2005.
The Gates Foundation has become the world's biggest charity and provides vital funds for AIDS programmes and vaccinations against tuberculosis, malaria and other diseases that are killing millions in the Third World each year.
"For being shrewd about doing good, for rewiring politics and re-engineering justice, for making mercy smarter and hope strategic and then daring the rest of us to follow, Bill and Melinda Gates and Bono are Time's Persons of the Year," Time editor-at-large Nancy Gibbs said.
The choice was made in a year that has seen an almost unprecedented amount of international aid given after the tsunami disaster in Asia, the South Asian earthquake and even the hurricanes that hit the southern United States.
Former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and the elder George Bush were named as "partners of the year" for their international efforts to raise money for reconstruction after the devastating tsunami that crossed the Indian Ocean on Dec 26 last year.
Bono has used his pop power over the past 20 years to get access to world leaders to press the case for debt relief for the world's poorest countries and increased action over AIDS.
He went to the Group of Eight industrialised powers summit in Britain this year to press leaders to write off $40 billion in debt. He is a regular visitor to the White House.
But he has at the same time maintained U2 as one of the world's premier rock groups — their discs and tours have remained best sellers for almost three decades.
Bono told Time of the difficulties of marrying the two careers.
"It's tricky if you're recording a vocal to get called out because there's a finance minister on the phone," he said.
Bono, who was spoken of this year as a potential head of the World Bank, went on: "It's hard explaining that to the rest of the band. I've got to be careful because music is what's given me the license, and I have to serve it. I have crossed that line and gone too far. I'm trying to figure this out as we speak. It's not easy."
Gates said he had at first not been interested in meeting the rock star.
"World health is immensely complicated. It doesn't really boil down to a 'Let's be nice' analysis. So I thought a meeting wouldn't be all that valuable," Gates said before adding that he had changed his mind within three minutes.
"It's not about making himself look good," Gates said. "He really reads this stuff; he cares about the complexity." (Wire reports)
the choices of those who are giving their time and their money in an ongoing
commitment to make the world a better place. The world needs more Bono's
and Gate's here in the quiet of the chasm.
Bill and Melinda Gates, Bono are Time's 2005 'Persons of the Year'
Monday, December 19, 2005 at 06:58 JSTNEW YORK — Time magazine on Sunday named Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda, as well as Irish rock star Bono as its 2005 "Persons of the Year."
"Bono charmed and bullied and morally blackmailed the leaders of the world's richest countries into forgiving $40 billion in debt owed by the poorest," the magazine said in its edition to be released Monday.
Time praised the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has a $29 billion war chest, for "giving more money away faster than anyone ever has" in 2005.
The Gates Foundation has become the world's biggest charity and provides vital funds for AIDS programmes and vaccinations against tuberculosis, malaria and other diseases that are killing millions in the Third World each year.
"For being shrewd about doing good, for rewiring politics and re-engineering justice, for making mercy smarter and hope strategic and then daring the rest of us to follow, Bill and Melinda Gates and Bono are Time's Persons of the Year," Time editor-at-large Nancy Gibbs said.
The choice was made in a year that has seen an almost unprecedented amount of international aid given after the tsunami disaster in Asia, the South Asian earthquake and even the hurricanes that hit the southern United States.
Former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and the elder George Bush were named as "partners of the year" for their international efforts to raise money for reconstruction after the devastating tsunami that crossed the Indian Ocean on Dec 26 last year.
Bono has used his pop power over the past 20 years to get access to world leaders to press the case for debt relief for the world's poorest countries and increased action over AIDS.
He went to the Group of Eight industrialised powers summit in Britain this year to press leaders to write off $40 billion in debt. He is a regular visitor to the White House.
But he has at the same time maintained U2 as one of the world's premier rock groups — their discs and tours have remained best sellers for almost three decades.
Bono told Time of the difficulties of marrying the two careers.
"It's tricky if you're recording a vocal to get called out because there's a finance minister on the phone," he said.
Bono, who was spoken of this year as a potential head of the World Bank, went on: "It's hard explaining that to the rest of the band. I've got to be careful because music is what's given me the license, and I have to serve it. I have crossed that line and gone too far. I'm trying to figure this out as we speak. It's not easy."
Gates said he had at first not been interested in meeting the rock star.
"World health is immensely complicated. It doesn't really boil down to a 'Let's be nice' analysis. So I thought a meeting wouldn't be all that valuable," Gates said before adding that he had changed his mind within three minutes.
"It's not about making himself look good," Gates said. "He really reads this stuff; he cares about the complexity." (Wire reports)
Thursday, December 15, 2005
X is symbol of Christ
Here's more background on X being ancient symbol of Christ. A truly
remarkable thing lost on Christians debating X-MAS taking Christ out
of Christmas. I mentioned it to my 7 year old son and he said "yes Mom
it's because its a cross on its side or like when he fell" He already knows
so much more than me. What will be it like when he's 14 or 24? I spoke
with my kids about that Seasons Greetings is meant to be all inclusive
more than take Christ out of Christmas and my 9 year old daughter
responded "Well that's good because faith should be all in One Mom. It
just angers me that it is not. It is one God it should all be ONE faith"
Wowzer. They are such a pleasure to talk with. Brighter than many
adults for sure. Happy Holidays and er um Merry Christmas too!
"Crux decussata" ("decussated cross") or "St. Andrew's Cross": called "decussated" because it looks like the Roman Numeral "10" (decussis), it is also called St. Andrew's Cross because St. Andrew was supposed to have been crucified on a cross of this shape.
By the Monogram of Christ is ordinarily understood the abbreviation of Christ's name formed by combining the first two letters of the Greek form (see Greek word 1, in table above) thus (see Monogram a); this monogram was also known as the Chrismon. There are, however, besides this type of monogram, two other monograms of Christ -- one of His name, Jesus, the other of both His names together. The most common form (that first alluded to), was adopted by Constantine the Great on his military standards. The monogram of the famous labarum (q. v.), as described by Eusebius (Vita Const., I, xxxi), is that given above. Lactantius (De mont. persec., xliv) describes it as "transversa X littera summo capite circumflexo", a somewhat obscure expression interpreted by Hauck ("Realencyk. für prot. Theol", s. vv. Monogramm Christi) as a X with one of its strokes perpendicular (see Monogram b) and the upper arm of this stroke rounded to form a P (see Monogram c). Many variants of these two forms exist in the monuments of the fourth and fifth centuries. The Greek letters XP combined in a monogram occur on pre-Christian coins (e. g. the Attic tetradrachma and some coins of the Ptolemies), and in some Greek manuscripts of the Christian period they are employed as an abbreviation of such words as (see Greek words 2, 3, 4). Lowrie remarks, however, that when employed as an abbreviation the X stands upright, whereas in the monogram of Christ it lies on its side (see Monogram d), thus appearing more symmetrical. The form (see Monogram c), is of Christian origin; it came into use in the course of the fourth century, and represents a stage in the development of the monogram into the cross
remarkable thing lost on Christians debating X-MAS taking Christ out
of Christmas. I mentioned it to my 7 year old son and he said "yes Mom
it's because its a cross on its side or like when he fell" He already knows
so much more than me. What will be it like when he's 14 or 24? I spoke
with my kids about that Seasons Greetings is meant to be all inclusive
more than take Christ out of Christmas and my 9 year old daughter
responded "Well that's good because faith should be all in One Mom. It
just angers me that it is not. It is one God it should all be ONE faith"
Wowzer. They are such a pleasure to talk with. Brighter than many
adults for sure. Happy Holidays and er um Merry Christmas too!
"Crux decussata" ("decussated cross") or "St. Andrew's Cross": called "decussated" because it looks like the Roman Numeral "10" (decussis), it is also called St. Andrew's Cross because St. Andrew was supposed to have been crucified on a cross of this shape.
By the Monogram of Christ is ordinarily understood the abbreviation of Christ's name formed by combining the first two letters of the Greek form (see Greek word 1, in table above) thus (see Monogram a); this monogram was also known as the Chrismon. There are, however, besides this type of monogram, two other monograms of Christ -- one of His name, Jesus, the other of both His names together. The most common form (that first alluded to), was adopted by Constantine the Great on his military standards. The monogram of the famous labarum (q. v.), as described by Eusebius (Vita Const., I, xxxi), is that given above. Lactantius (De mont. persec., xliv) describes it as "transversa X littera summo capite circumflexo", a somewhat obscure expression interpreted by Hauck ("Realencyk. für prot. Theol", s. vv. Monogramm Christi) as a X with one of its strokes perpendicular (see Monogram b) and the upper arm of this stroke rounded to form a P (see Monogram c). Many variants of these two forms exist in the monuments of the fourth and fifth centuries. The Greek letters XP combined in a monogram occur on pre-Christian coins (e. g. the Attic tetradrachma and some coins of the Ptolemies), and in some Greek manuscripts of the Christian period they are employed as an abbreviation of such words as (see Greek words 2, 3, 4). Lowrie remarks, however, that when employed as an abbreviation the X stands upright, whereas in the monogram of Christ it lies on its side (see Monogram d), thus appearing more symmetrical. The form (see Monogram c), is of Christian origin; it came into use in the course of the fourth century, and represents a stage in the development of the monogram into the cross
Oh the irony of it all
Can't believe it's been a week since I have written! Time flies when you
are workin AND workin out. Still at it. Some progress. Not in poundage
area but I am shrinking in inches :) Am so proud of myself for hauling
myself in there 4-5 times a week. One MONDAY morning it was 10 below
and 3-4 cars there- probably just staff. Need to recommit every day.
Week 5 this week.
I have stayed out of the growing debate over the use of "Merry Christmas"
or more specifically homogenizing the season into "Happy Holidays" and
"Seasons Greetings" but now cannot believe the swell that has occurred.
Where did it start? Is it a right wing Christian movement to turn attention
away from less flattering news and poll numbers in the Administration?
The cynic in me says yes but then that's just getting caught up in the political
duality as well. I try to stay neutral. It's safest there. But then again, I watch
the news and see a big press conference on the New Orleans levees. Hmmm.
What timing. Wag that Doggy. Okay- STOP! What about the poor souls
of the 9th ward who don't even have functioning infrastrure or shelter? Sigh.
Other part of me says its just the energy of duality that is so prevalent
everywhere right now and everyones getting caught up in it and taking sides.
But always remember here in the chasm ALWAYS REMEMBER:
It isn't so black and white.
Things aren't always what they seem.
It doesn't have to be all or nothing does it? I know many Jewish people
who aren't bothered by the term "Merry Christmas" at all. We certainly don't
need to go out of our way to be "inclusive" if they are not hollering for it. I highly
doubt Christmas is "In danger" of evaporating off the face of the Earth. But
certainly it COULD be lost in the commercialism. Christians are a part of that
commercialism are they not? Do they not choose to buy this that and the other
thing? If Christmas is evaporating its evaporating under the guise of a KMART
Christmas special on aisle 5 and Pumpkins being taken over by artificial trees
in October in Aisle 6. That's the threat. Not a "Seasons Greeting" sign that is
trying to be inclusive of all Faiths.
I myself am a Christian but I don't assume that its the end all and be all this time
of year. I try to teach my children the same. But in this region of the country
that is easier said then done. There are more Jewish people on my friend in
New Yorks BLOCK than the entire STATE of North Dakota. I'm not kidding you.
My children wouldn't even have ANY exposure to Hannukah if we didn't tell them.
But then again, they wouldn't know black people really do exist outside of their
history books and television if I didn't have a good friend
that happens to be African American. Honestly, the diversity here is next to none.
Not only is the "Happy Holidays" a national debate but a local one as well
as the local history museum changed their
December festival name from "Christmas on the Prairie" to "Holiday on the Prairie."
Again, doesn't mean when it was Christmas that non Christians weren't welcome. But
people don't take kindly to change. Still, seriously, is this worth debating over?
A woman came in to a packaging store that I was at said "How come you have
X-MAS on your sign out there! How come you just take Christ out of Christmas!" to the surprised clerk behind the counter.
"Well, I don't have that much room on the sign as you can see" He said. Adding
"And I don't remember askin'" She stomped off. So I did little research on this
recent nugget of energetic duality and found a real kicker.
X is an ancient symbol of Christ!
A friend told me laughing as I marveled at the debate. Yeah but maybe noone
KNOWS that I thought. But told my husband and
he said of course it is. Wasn't until recently that he had heard of the X as an abbreviation
angle- he always just saw it as another way of saying CHRISTmas. Amazingly ironic
isn't it? Could someone please tell O'Reilly factor and the rest of the spin machine?
Stay focused. Don't get caught up in the sneetches mentality. Especially not now at this
time of the season. The date ISNT Christs actual birthdate. The event did occur
according to most theologians of all religions- it's the divinity that's debated not His
existence. It isn't about this phrase or that phrase 4 weeks out of the year. It's rebirth. Its reflection.
Same as the rest- Hannukah. Ramadan. It's a spirit that can last year round if you
let it. So don't worry about words. Or phrases. Just BE Christmas. All year round.
Be loving and Be kind. That means more to Christ than any words. Support others
that exemplify the same. Charities. Causes. Good people who are kind without even
giving it any thought. A dentist who doesn't hassle you about your bill. (They do exist!)
Someone who says something kind often to you at work. Something your spouse always
does that you appreciate so much. Hello Moon! The Spirit can strike you when you
least expect it. And its all in how you CHOOSE to view it. So don't get caught up in
silly debates. Because if you are Christian, nothing can take Christ OUT of Christmas.
Nothing. And if you are Christian you should LOVE all others- all religions- all your brothers
and sisters. Bicker less. Smile more. It is a Wonderful Life.
are workin AND workin out. Still at it. Some progress. Not in poundage
area but I am shrinking in inches :) Am so proud of myself for hauling
myself in there 4-5 times a week. One MONDAY morning it was 10 below
and 3-4 cars there- probably just staff. Need to recommit every day.
Week 5 this week.
I have stayed out of the growing debate over the use of "Merry Christmas"
or more specifically homogenizing the season into "Happy Holidays" and
"Seasons Greetings" but now cannot believe the swell that has occurred.
Where did it start? Is it a right wing Christian movement to turn attention
away from less flattering news and poll numbers in the Administration?
The cynic in me says yes but then that's just getting caught up in the political
duality as well. I try to stay neutral. It's safest there. But then again, I watch
the news and see a big press conference on the New Orleans levees. Hmmm.
What timing. Wag that Doggy. Okay- STOP! What about the poor souls
of the 9th ward who don't even have functioning infrastrure or shelter? Sigh.
Other part of me says its just the energy of duality that is so prevalent
everywhere right now and everyones getting caught up in it and taking sides.
But always remember here in the chasm ALWAYS REMEMBER:
It isn't so black and white.
Things aren't always what they seem.
It doesn't have to be all or nothing does it? I know many Jewish people
who aren't bothered by the term "Merry Christmas" at all. We certainly don't
need to go out of our way to be "inclusive" if they are not hollering for it. I highly
doubt Christmas is "In danger" of evaporating off the face of the Earth. But
certainly it COULD be lost in the commercialism. Christians are a part of that
commercialism are they not? Do they not choose to buy this that and the other
thing? If Christmas is evaporating its evaporating under the guise of a KMART
Christmas special on aisle 5 and Pumpkins being taken over by artificial trees
in October in Aisle 6. That's the threat. Not a "Seasons Greeting" sign that is
trying to be inclusive of all Faiths.
I myself am a Christian but I don't assume that its the end all and be all this time
of year. I try to teach my children the same. But in this region of the country
that is easier said then done. There are more Jewish people on my friend in
New Yorks BLOCK than the entire STATE of North Dakota. I'm not kidding you.
My children wouldn't even have ANY exposure to Hannukah if we didn't tell them.
But then again, they wouldn't know black people really do exist outside of their
history books and television if I didn't have a good friend
that happens to be African American. Honestly, the diversity here is next to none.
Not only is the "Happy Holidays" a national debate but a local one as well
as the local history museum changed their
December festival name from "Christmas on the Prairie" to "Holiday on the Prairie."
Again, doesn't mean when it was Christmas that non Christians weren't welcome. But
people don't take kindly to change. Still, seriously, is this worth debating over?
A woman came in to a packaging store that I was at said "How come you have
X-MAS on your sign out there! How come you just take Christ out of Christmas!" to the surprised clerk behind the counter.
"Well, I don't have that much room on the sign as you can see" He said. Adding
"And I don't remember askin'" She stomped off. So I did little research on this
recent nugget of energetic duality and found a real kicker.
X is an ancient symbol of Christ!
A friend told me laughing as I marveled at the debate. Yeah but maybe noone
KNOWS that I thought. But told my husband and
he said of course it is. Wasn't until recently that he had heard of the X as an abbreviation
angle- he always just saw it as another way of saying CHRISTmas. Amazingly ironic
isn't it? Could someone please tell O'Reilly factor and the rest of the spin machine?
Stay focused. Don't get caught up in the sneetches mentality. Especially not now at this
time of the season. The date ISNT Christs actual birthdate. The event did occur
according to most theologians of all religions- it's the divinity that's debated not His
existence. It isn't about this phrase or that phrase 4 weeks out of the year. It's rebirth. Its reflection.
Same as the rest- Hannukah. Ramadan. It's a spirit that can last year round if you
let it. So don't worry about words. Or phrases. Just BE Christmas. All year round.
Be loving and Be kind. That means more to Christ than any words. Support others
that exemplify the same. Charities. Causes. Good people who are kind without even
giving it any thought. A dentist who doesn't hassle you about your bill. (They do exist!)
Someone who says something kind often to you at work. Something your spouse always
does that you appreciate so much. Hello Moon! The Spirit can strike you when you
least expect it. And its all in how you CHOOSE to view it. So don't get caught up in
silly debates. Because if you are Christian, nothing can take Christ OUT of Christmas.
Nothing. And if you are Christian you should LOVE all others- all religions- all your brothers
and sisters. Bicker less. Smile more. It is a Wonderful Life.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
ETs
Former Canadian Minister Of Defence Asks Canadian Parliament Asked To Hold Hearings On Relations With Alien "Et" Civilizations
Thu Nov 24, 7:00 AM ET
(PRWEB) - OTTAWA, CANADA (PRWEB) November 24, 2005 -- A former Canadian Minister of Defence and Deputy Prime Minister under Pierre Trudeau has joined forces with three Non-governmental organizations to ask the Parliament of Canada to hold public hearings on Exopolitics -- relations with ETs.
By ETs,Mr. Hellyer and these organizations mean ethical, advanced extraterrestrial civilizations that may now be visiting Earth.
On September 25, 2005, in a startling speech at the University of Toronto that caught the attention of mainstream newspapers and magazines, Paul Hellyer, Canadas Defence Minister from 1963-67 under Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Prime Minister Lester Pearson, publicly stated: "UFOs, are as real as the airplanes that fly over your head."
Mr. Hellyer went on to say, "I'm so concerned about what the consequences might be of starting an intergalactic war, that I just think I had to say something."
Hellyer revealed, "The secrecy involved in all matters pertaining to the Roswell incident was unparalled. The classification was, from the outset, above top secret, so the vast majority of U.S. officials and politicians, let alone a mere allied minister of defence, were never in-the-loop."
Hellyer warned, "The United States military are preparing weapons which could be used against the aliens, and they could get us into an intergalactic war without us ever having any warning. He stated, "The Bush administration has finally agreed to let the military build a forward base on the moon, which will put them in a better position to keep track of the goings and comings of the visitors from space, and to shoot at them, if they so decide."
Hellyerâs speech ended with a standing ovation. He said, "The time has come to lift the veil of secrecy, and let the truth emerge, so there can be a real and informed debate, about one of the most important problems facing our planet today."
Three Non-governmental organizations took Hellyerâs words to heart, and approached Canadas Parliament in Ottawa, Canadas capital, to hold public hearings on a possible ET presence, and what Canada should do. The Canadian Senate, which is an appointed body, has held objective, well-regarded hearings and issued reports on controversial issues such as same-sex marriage and medical marijuana,
On October 20, 2005, the Institute for Cooperation in Space requested Canadian Senator Colin Kenny, Senator, Chair of The Senate Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence, schedule public hearings on the Canadian Exopolitics Initiative, so that witnesses such as the Hon. Paul Hellyer, and Canadian-connected high level military-intelligence, NORAD-connected, scientific, and governmental witnesses facilitated by the Disclosure Project and by the Toronto Exopolitics Symposium can present compelling evidence, testimony, and Public Policy recommendations.
The Non-governmental organizations seeking Parliament hearings include Canada-based Toronto Exopolitics Symposium, which organized the University of Toronto Symposium at which Mr. Hellyer spoke.
The Disclosure Project, a U.S. based organization that has assembled high level military-intelligence witnesses of a possible ET presence, is also one of the organizations seeking Canadian Parliament hearings.
Vancouver-based Institute for Cooperation in Space (ICIS), whose International Director headed a proposed 1977 Extraterrestrial Communication Study for the White House of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who himself has publicly reported a 1969 Close Encounter of the First Kind with a UFO, filed the original request for Canadian Parliament hearings.
The Canadian Exopolitics Initiative, presented by the organizations to a Senate Committee panel hearing in Winnipeg, Canada, on March 10, 2005, proposes that the Government of Canada undertake a Decade of Contact.
The proposed Decade of Contact is a 10-year process of formal, funded public education, scientific research, educational curricula development and implementation, strategic planning, community activity, and public outreach concerning our terrestrial society’s full cultural, political, social, legal, and governmental communication and public interest diplomacy with advanced, ethical Off-Planet cultures now visiting Earth.
Canada has a long history of opposing the basing of weapons in Outer Space. On September 22, 2004 Canadian
Prime Minister Paul Martin' declared to the U.N. General Assembly,"Space is our final frontier. It has always captured our imagination. What a tragedy it would be if space became one big weapons arsenal and the scene of a new arms race.
Martin stated, "In 1967, the
United Nations' agreed that weapons of mass destruction must not be based in space. The time has come to extend this ban to all weapons..."
In May, 2003, speaking before the Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Lloyd Axworthy, stated “Washington's offer to Canada is not an invitation to join America under a protective shield, but it presents a global security doctrine that violates Canadian values on many levels."
Axworthy concluded, There should be an uncompromising commitment to preventing the placement of weapons in space.
On February 24, 2005, Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin made official Canada's decision not to take part in the U.S governments Ballistic Missile Defence program.
Paul Hellyer, who now seeks Canadian Parliament hearings on relations with ETs, on May 15, 2003, stated in Torontos Globe & Mail newspaper, Canada should accept the long-standing invitation of U.S. Congressman
Dennis of Ohio to launch a conference to seek approval of an international treaty to ban weapons in space. That would be a positive Canadian contribution toward a more peaceful world.
In early November 2005, the Canadian Senate wrote ICIS, indicating the Senate Committee could not hold hearings on ETs in 2005, because of their already crowded schedule.
That does not deter us, one spokesperson for the Non-governmental organizations said, We are going ahead with our request to Prime Minister Paul Martin and the official opposition leaders in the House of Commons now, and we will re-apply with the Senate of Canada in early 2006.
“Time is on the side of open disclosure that there are ethical Extraterrestrial civilizations visiting Earth,The spokesperson stated. “Our Canadian government needs to openly address these important issues of the possible deployment of weapons in outer war plans against ethical ET societies.
Canadian Exopolitics Initiative http://www.peaceinspace.net
Click here to send your letter to the Parliament of Canada requesting public “ET†Hearings http://exopolitics.blogs.com/star_dreams_initiative/2005/10/the_senate_of_c.html
CONTACT NOW: Toronto, Canada: Victor Viggiani, Exopolitics Toronto Symposium Tel: 905-278-5628 http://www.exopoliticstoronto.com
Winnipeg, Canada: Randy Kitchur Tel: 204-582-4424
Washington, D.C.: Dr. Steven Greer, The Disclosure Project Tel: (540) 456-8302 (Office) http://www.disclosureproject.org
Vancouver, Canada: Alfred Lambremont Webre, JD, MEd ICIS-Institute for Cooperation in Space Tel: 604-733-8134 http://www.peaceinspace.net
Thu Nov 24, 7:00 AM ET
(PRWEB) - OTTAWA, CANADA (PRWEB) November 24, 2005 -- A former Canadian Minister of Defence and Deputy Prime Minister under Pierre Trudeau has joined forces with three Non-governmental organizations to ask the Parliament of Canada to hold public hearings on Exopolitics -- relations with ETs.
By ETs,Mr. Hellyer and these organizations mean ethical, advanced extraterrestrial civilizations that may now be visiting Earth.
On September 25, 2005, in a startling speech at the University of Toronto that caught the attention of mainstream newspapers and magazines, Paul Hellyer, Canadas Defence Minister from 1963-67 under Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Prime Minister Lester Pearson, publicly stated: "UFOs, are as real as the airplanes that fly over your head."
Mr. Hellyer went on to say, "I'm so concerned about what the consequences might be of starting an intergalactic war, that I just think I had to say something."
Hellyer revealed, "The secrecy involved in all matters pertaining to the Roswell incident was unparalled. The classification was, from the outset, above top secret, so the vast majority of U.S. officials and politicians, let alone a mere allied minister of defence, were never in-the-loop."
Hellyer warned, "The United States military are preparing weapons which could be used against the aliens, and they could get us into an intergalactic war without us ever having any warning. He stated, "The Bush administration has finally agreed to let the military build a forward base on the moon, which will put them in a better position to keep track of the goings and comings of the visitors from space, and to shoot at them, if they so decide."
Hellyerâs speech ended with a standing ovation. He said, "The time has come to lift the veil of secrecy, and let the truth emerge, so there can be a real and informed debate, about one of the most important problems facing our planet today."
Three Non-governmental organizations took Hellyerâs words to heart, and approached Canadas Parliament in Ottawa, Canadas capital, to hold public hearings on a possible ET presence, and what Canada should do. The Canadian Senate, which is an appointed body, has held objective, well-regarded hearings and issued reports on controversial issues such as same-sex marriage and medical marijuana,
On October 20, 2005, the Institute for Cooperation in Space requested Canadian Senator Colin Kenny, Senator, Chair of The Senate Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence, schedule public hearings on the Canadian Exopolitics Initiative, so that witnesses such as the Hon. Paul Hellyer, and Canadian-connected high level military-intelligence, NORAD-connected, scientific, and governmental witnesses facilitated by the Disclosure Project and by the Toronto Exopolitics Symposium can present compelling evidence, testimony, and Public Policy recommendations.
The Non-governmental organizations seeking Parliament hearings include Canada-based Toronto Exopolitics Symposium, which organized the University of Toronto Symposium at which Mr. Hellyer spoke.
The Disclosure Project, a U.S. based organization that has assembled high level military-intelligence witnesses of a possible ET presence, is also one of the organizations seeking Canadian Parliament hearings.
Vancouver-based Institute for Cooperation in Space (ICIS), whose International Director headed a proposed 1977 Extraterrestrial Communication Study for the White House of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who himself has publicly reported a 1969 Close Encounter of the First Kind with a UFO, filed the original request for Canadian Parliament hearings.
The Canadian Exopolitics Initiative, presented by the organizations to a Senate Committee panel hearing in Winnipeg, Canada, on March 10, 2005, proposes that the Government of Canada undertake a Decade of Contact.
The proposed Decade of Contact is a 10-year process of formal, funded public education, scientific research, educational curricula development and implementation, strategic planning, community activity, and public outreach concerning our terrestrial society’s full cultural, political, social, legal, and governmental communication and public interest diplomacy with advanced, ethical Off-Planet cultures now visiting Earth.
Canada has a long history of opposing the basing of weapons in Outer Space. On September 22, 2004 Canadian
Prime Minister Paul Martin' declared to the U.N. General Assembly,"Space is our final frontier. It has always captured our imagination. What a tragedy it would be if space became one big weapons arsenal and the scene of a new arms race.
Martin stated, "In 1967, the
United Nations' agreed that weapons of mass destruction must not be based in space. The time has come to extend this ban to all weapons..."
In May, 2003, speaking before the Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Lloyd Axworthy, stated “Washington's offer to Canada is not an invitation to join America under a protective shield, but it presents a global security doctrine that violates Canadian values on many levels."
Axworthy concluded, There should be an uncompromising commitment to preventing the placement of weapons in space.
On February 24, 2005, Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin made official Canada's decision not to take part in the U.S governments Ballistic Missile Defence program.
Paul Hellyer, who now seeks Canadian Parliament hearings on relations with ETs, on May 15, 2003, stated in Torontos Globe & Mail newspaper, Canada should accept the long-standing invitation of U.S. Congressman
Dennis of Ohio to launch a conference to seek approval of an international treaty to ban weapons in space. That would be a positive Canadian contribution toward a more peaceful world.
In early November 2005, the Canadian Senate wrote ICIS, indicating the Senate Committee could not hold hearings on ETs in 2005, because of their already crowded schedule.
That does not deter us, one spokesperson for the Non-governmental organizations said, We are going ahead with our request to Prime Minister Paul Martin and the official opposition leaders in the House of Commons now, and we will re-apply with the Senate of Canada in early 2006.
“Time is on the side of open disclosure that there are ethical Extraterrestrial civilizations visiting Earth,The spokesperson stated. “Our Canadian government needs to openly address these important issues of the possible deployment of weapons in outer war plans against ethical ET societies.
Canadian Exopolitics Initiative http://www.peaceinspace.net
Click here to send your letter to the Parliament of Canada requesting public “ET†Hearings http://exopolitics.blogs.com/star_dreams_initiative/2005/10/the_senate_of_c.html
CONTACT NOW: Toronto, Canada: Victor Viggiani, Exopolitics Toronto Symposium Tel: 905-278-5628 http://www.exopoliticstoronto.com
Winnipeg, Canada: Randy Kitchur Tel: 204-582-4424
Washington, D.C.: Dr. Steven Greer, The Disclosure Project Tel: (540) 456-8302 (Office) http://www.disclosureproject.org
Vancouver, Canada: Alfred Lambremont Webre, JD, MEd ICIS-Institute for Cooperation in Space Tel: 604-733-8134 http://www.peaceinspace.net
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Left behind
As the body count from Hurricane Katrina still continues to rise – on Monday an elderly husband and wife were found dead in their New Orleans home by their caretaker, who had fled the city ahead of the storm – evacuees from the area are pleading for temporary housing and other assistance so they can help restore that city's charms and return to the home they love. They also say that race and class played a strong role in slowing the government's response to Katrina. Speaking in Washington, D.C., before the House Government Reform Committee, Doreen Keeler said that everything needed to evacuate people would have been in place, if not for the fact that it was "poor African Americans who would be most affected" by the hurricane. In an emotional and sometimes tearful hearing, reports the Associated Press, residents spoke of being cursed and threatened at gunpoint by police, and charged that their state and local governments abandoned them. Dyan French, who goes by the name "Mama D," says that many evacuees will have to rely on makeshift fireplaces for heat as winter sets in. On a local level, some 50 evacuees – most of them now in Memphis and Little Rock, Ark. – attended a Sunday Town Hall-style meeting whose purpose was to gather suggestions for rebuilding. The meeting is one of five across the South that the commission plans to conduct with evacuees before issuing a recommendation to New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin by year's end. "We want to come back, we want to rebuild. But we're not going to come back until we're sure we're going to get the help that's needed," 6th Ward resident Brenda Jacobs told the Bring New Orleans Back Commission, a group appointed by Nagin to make recommendations on how the city should be rebuilt in the wake of the Aug. 29 onslaught, AP reports. Commission member Anthony Patton said the mayor will then advise Gov. Kathleen Blanco, who will ask Congress and President Bush for funding and legislation to implement the recommendations. At the Memphis gathering, several evacuees said New Orleans should be rebuilt just as it was, though they noted that temporary housing remained the biggest challenge to the effort. "Bring people back, but where are they going to stay?" asked one speaker, Larry Johns. Fellow member Anthony Patton cited the need for more jobs for New Orleanians as another major challenge. By Jan. 1, small businesses, which accounted for 85 percent of New Orleans's employment base, will have lost up to 80,000 of the 115,000 jobs they provided, he said. Meanwhile, further evidence of just how unprepared the Federal Emergency Management Agency was has come to light thanks to a special House committee investigating the government response to the storm. Last week Louisiana's Gov. Blanco released more than 100,000 documents, which, taken together, provide vivid details of a system in disarray. "This is unlike what we have seen before," William Carwile, former FEMA top responder in Mississippi, said in an e-mail to officials at the agency's headquarters about delivering body bags and refrigerated trucks to the badly damaged Hancock County, AP reports. In a Sept. 1 exchange, FEMA regional response official Robert Fenton warned headquarters that the expected levels of water and ice being sent were far below what was needed. "If we get the quantities in your report tomorrow we will have serious riots," Fenton wrote. The next day, in another e-mail to headquarters about substandard levels of food, water and ice being distributed in Mississippi, Carwile reported, "System appears broken." --->
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Mary statue crying blood
Have you seen this story making national news? I read somewhere that they were
testing the "blood" and it was not human. Can't find it again now to post here. And if
that's true why wouldn't the church deem it a mysterious miracle? Reminds me of
a great book "The Miracle Detective"--- written by an athiest reporter from Rolling
Stone. He was sent to a story in his native Oregon about an apparition of Mary in
a trailerpark. He had his skeptic hat on and went to do the story but actually went
with idea of being impartial since he knew he was an athiest- he wanted to make an
effort to be fair. It was dead middle of winter and roses were growing outside the
trailer. Miles and miles of people waiting to see the unexplainable. This led to a more
than year long quest to all the infamous and famous Marian apparitions. Needless to
say, he's now a Christian. He even viewed the "miracle list" at the Vatican. Amazing.
Mary is known to be the human "vessel" through which we can purify ourselves for
heaven. Many spiritualists I am friends with that meet with leaders of all faiths
acknowledge her importance to our surviving the Great Emergence. They say it is
not a good sign this sign. Tears were one thing and now blood? A sign of the decadent
decline of secular society perhaps. And also of the divisiveness of religion itself. In my
eyes, I have seen nothing that religion has done to Unite. It only creates wars, strife,
divisiveness and permeates the "Sneetches" mentality. (I have a star on my belly,
well I have 2, well I have none, well I have none etc.) Let alone the decay of the
leaders of the church, the pedophile priests, and worse- the leaders who turned the other
way and kept them employed just shuffling them around from church to church. And
the Rev. Falwells of the world who like finger pointing more than spreading love. So
many in the churches who spread love of Christ, through serving homeless, caring for
the sick and more don't get me wrong. But this was a rough year once again for religion
and secular worlds. This may be a sign that unfortunately does not affect those that
need to hear and see it most. Hopefully the world looks within not without for the answers.
We can all do more. The world needs more Mother Teresas. More Rosa Parks.
More Angelina Jolies. Doing something. Anything to make the world better place.
(CBS) Outside Sacramento, at the small Vietnamese Catholic Martyrs church, a statue of the Virgin Mary appears to be crying, reports The Early Show national correspondent Hattie Kauffman. "Just the fact that it's coming from the eyes, and it's a red color like blood, I would say that there's a miracle either way," said Dave Leatherby, who visited the statue. "Even if there's a natural explanation, it's a sign." It is a sign that could mean something different to everyone who has traveled here to see it. "With Christmas coming up, they say Jesus is the reason as opposed to the commercialization," Lana Cosentino said. "So maybe this is happening for a reason. I just think she's crying for all the sins of the world and everything." Parishioners first noticed the tears almost two weeks ago. A priest was cleaning the statue and wiped away the stains only to see them reappear. "We came here Thanksgiving night," Vivian Valles said. "The blood was on her chest. We came back the next day and it had run all the way down her dress." Marlene Larkin traveled from Las Vegas, believing the Virgin Mary will help her battle breast cancer. "I pray to Mary a lot," she said. "I felt like I need to be here to see this." But father James Murphy of the Sacramento diocese shies away from calling this a miracle. "These kinds of phenomena are fairly common," he said. "But the number that turn out to be miraculous are very, very rare." However, it does bring more people to the church. "I think we need to respect people's experience through the eyes of faith," he said. "And God does use these things to bring us closer to him." Leatherby says: "I think many people have forgotten about God, and I think she's weeping about God's children who are lost and are searching, and looking for answers." Church officials say they will investigate if the phenomenon continues. But for believers, or those seeking guidance, healing or inspiration, there is no need for proof. ©MMV, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved
testing the "blood" and it was not human. Can't find it again now to post here. And if
that's true why wouldn't the church deem it a mysterious miracle? Reminds me of
a great book "The Miracle Detective"--- written by an athiest reporter from Rolling
Stone. He was sent to a story in his native Oregon about an apparition of Mary in
a trailerpark. He had his skeptic hat on and went to do the story but actually went
with idea of being impartial since he knew he was an athiest- he wanted to make an
effort to be fair. It was dead middle of winter and roses were growing outside the
trailer. Miles and miles of people waiting to see the unexplainable. This led to a more
than year long quest to all the infamous and famous Marian apparitions. Needless to
say, he's now a Christian. He even viewed the "miracle list" at the Vatican. Amazing.
Mary is known to be the human "vessel" through which we can purify ourselves for
heaven. Many spiritualists I am friends with that meet with leaders of all faiths
acknowledge her importance to our surviving the Great Emergence. They say it is
not a good sign this sign. Tears were one thing and now blood? A sign of the decadent
decline of secular society perhaps. And also of the divisiveness of religion itself. In my
eyes, I have seen nothing that religion has done to Unite. It only creates wars, strife,
divisiveness and permeates the "Sneetches" mentality. (I have a star on my belly,
well I have 2, well I have none, well I have none etc.) Let alone the decay of the
leaders of the church, the pedophile priests, and worse- the leaders who turned the other
way and kept them employed just shuffling them around from church to church. And
the Rev. Falwells of the world who like finger pointing more than spreading love. So
many in the churches who spread love of Christ, through serving homeless, caring for
the sick and more don't get me wrong. But this was a rough year once again for religion
and secular worlds. This may be a sign that unfortunately does not affect those that
need to hear and see it most. Hopefully the world looks within not without for the answers.
We can all do more. The world needs more Mother Teresas. More Rosa Parks.
More Angelina Jolies. Doing something. Anything to make the world better place.
(CBS) Outside Sacramento, at the small Vietnamese Catholic Martyrs church, a statue of the Virgin Mary appears to be crying, reports The Early Show national correspondent Hattie Kauffman. "Just the fact that it's coming from the eyes, and it's a red color like blood, I would say that there's a miracle either way," said Dave Leatherby, who visited the statue. "Even if there's a natural explanation, it's a sign." It is a sign that could mean something different to everyone who has traveled here to see it. "With Christmas coming up, they say Jesus is the reason as opposed to the commercialization," Lana Cosentino said. "So maybe this is happening for a reason. I just think she's crying for all the sins of the world and everything." Parishioners first noticed the tears almost two weeks ago. A priest was cleaning the statue and wiped away the stains only to see them reappear. "We came here Thanksgiving night," Vivian Valles said. "The blood was on her chest. We came back the next day and it had run all the way down her dress." Marlene Larkin traveled from Las Vegas, believing the Virgin Mary will help her battle breast cancer. "I pray to Mary a lot," she said. "I felt like I need to be here to see this." But father James Murphy of the Sacramento diocese shies away from calling this a miracle. "These kinds of phenomena are fairly common," he said. "But the number that turn out to be miraculous are very, very rare." However, it does bring more people to the church. "I think we need to respect people's experience through the eyes of faith," he said. "And God does use these things to bring us closer to him." Leatherby says: "I think many people have forgotten about God, and I think she's weeping about God's children who are lost and are searching, and looking for answers." Church officials say they will investigate if the phenomenon continues. But for believers, or those seeking guidance, healing or inspiration, there is no need for proof. ©MMV, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved
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