Sudoku rebus 7.19.09

   So reads a strip of paper under the overpass. A signature. Pick of the litter. 

   When is a tree more like a mushroom? This uprooted, toppled over, sawn to a long stump tree has been left to grow moss and grass. A sculpture, this remnant. Plump mushroom cap and stem.  

   A heron sounds, satisfying the requirement described in the Peterson Field Guide: Voice: Deep harsh croaks frahnk, frahnk, frahnk.

   Heronspotting: One. Location: summit of  bare-branched, toppled tree in creek along Tulpehocken Road.

   Open conversation of bicyclists: Overheard in Reading

A:  ” … asked what his ten year plan was.”

B:  “And the response was?”

A:  “What ten year plan?”

  In the middle of the path in the middle section: sine curves for 1/16 mile. Speak softly and carry a swizzle stick.

  Feng shui: It is a ten day! Water.

  Also find: 29 sticker and star band aid piece. Tippy top!

Life is the experience which allows our soul to develop into a higher being.
God gives us free will to live free without fear, explore our greatest potential and love and help those around us; this strengthens our soul. Every path that presents itself in a decisive moment will lead us to an equal consequence we must experience. Our destiny is inevitable but the path we take reflect the true person we have become.

Death is the place in which we leave our physical image behind and transition into a state of realization.
As we pass this physical world, we find ourselves crossing the spiritual world; death. If we are unable to leave our physical life behind or are unaware of our passing, we may lose ourselves in a deteriorating state; draining our soul of good.

The Afterlife is the judgement which determines the true nature of our soul.
As we are judged, we relive the moments in our life in which we have caused great pain and the moments in which we have accomplished great objectives. Understanding the true motives behind our actions determine whether we advance into a new world or begin a new life in this physical world.

Nice little rocky road in the park.

These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel, on the other side of the Jordan, concerning the Wilderness, concerning Arabah, opposite the Sea of Reeds, between Paran and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Di’zihab; eleven days from Horeb, by way of Mount Seir to Kadesh-barnea.
– Devarim/Deuteronomy 1:1-2 (Stone translation)

“These are the words” launches Moses’ long rebuke of the people. The first verse, according to commentaries beginning with the Third Century Sifrei Devarim, uses place names as code for sins:

Di-zahab refers to gold [zahav], referencing the Golden Calf (Exodus/Shemot 32);

Tophel refers to rebellion at the Sea of Reeds (suph = [reed]) — “Were there no graves in Egypt?” (Exodus/Shemot 14:10-12) — and/or tiphlot [calumny], associated with rejection of manna (Numbers/Bamidbar 10:12 and 11:6);

Laban [white] also references manna-related sins;

Paran, whence the spies are sent out, references the people’s sin in that episode (Numbers/Bamidbar 13-14);

Hazeroth is code for the episode of Aaron and Miriam “speaking against” Moses (Numbers/Bamidbar 12) and/or Korach’s rebellion, both of which took place in/near there.

Rebuke and Hate

Why are rebukes heard from Moses and not from an enemy of Israel, such as Balaam (see portion Balak)?

But had Balaam uttered rebukes, Israel would have said, “An enemy rebukes us. [So what?]” Had Moses blessed them, the nations of the world would have said, “A friend blesses them. [So what?]” Therefore the Holy One declared: Let Moses, who loves them, rebuke them, and let Balaam, who hates them, bless them, so that the genuineness of the blessings and the rebukes bestowed upon Israel will be made clear.
– Bialik/Ravnitzky, The Book of Legends, #96, p.346

There are teachings — found in the Talmud and discussed in writings of Chofetz Chaim (aka R. Yisrael Meir Kagan) — regarding the relationship of hate and rebuke. Many focus on the verse in Leviticus/Vayikra 19:17: “You shall not hate your kinsfolk in your heart. Reprove your kin but incur no guilt on their account.”

I know I have read that rebuking someone you hate is dangerous, if not forbidden, based in part on fears that the rebuke will not be well-founded, but also from the standpoint of how well the rebuke is likely to be received. At the moment, I cannot find the exact text I think I recall, but here is one discussion guide on the topic of rebuke.


Bialik and Ravnitzky cite Deuteronomy Rabbah, available in partial translation at sacred-texts, as the source of this midrash.

Soon now we all shall share a common experience that only happens every few thousand years,and that is the reappearance of the  world Teacher that so many are looking forward to.The love aspect of God is now streaming forth into our world and leaving much to our hungry hearts to ponder on for ages to come.

Maitreya is the Teacher in the highest meaning of the word and is a teacher for those of all religions and for those of no religion and a very extraordinary man who has heard the evocative cry for help and has come to help all of humanity get on it’s own two feet and to start living and learning to share, respect ,and love each other like no other time in our history.

The souls of man will be galvanized for a new age which now is on the horizon and all will see the vision that Maitreya has placed within our heart so  long ago through many eons of time so that during this new time Maitreya can unfold for us our inner divinity that has always been within us all.

Like an ever opening flower we will not stop at the amazing powers within ourselves and thus shall we go on to higher and glorious achievements as the seeds of high greatness begin to unfold from within the depths of our souls as we all tread the cosmic path which will lead us to our place amongst the stars of heaven.

Love is the path of pure reason and all must at some time learn to tread it if we are to find each other in this dark world.Thus we all become the beacons of light leading the way for all ,that is our destiny as Sons of God.

SUBSCRIBE

Blue in Green by Miles Davis

Let’s Get Lost by Elliot Smith

The Park by Feist

So I started playing around 4, and the Bug-Off only lasts until 6, so I didn’t have much time to catch anything good. DX But it was my first Bug-Off and at least I was just having fun. xD It was kinda weird though, seeing as I was expecting Tortimer to be outside by the Town Hall, but instead it was some kind of weird Chameleon thing named Nat who kept creepily talking about eating the bugs I gave him, and I started to feel bad about giving him bugs I could have donated to the museum or just released or even put in my house. . -.- And, none of my bugs even came CLOSE to the winning bug, Pekoe’s 63 point jewel beetle. I considered traveling to a friend’s town and catching bugs there and coming back, but that would have been too much of a hassle. x.x So, in the end, I didn’t win and all my bugs were gonna get eaten. Oh well, at least I had some decent fun.

In another note, my grass is starting to partly die out. I find it really stupid that your grass can wear out in the first place, but I decided to start planting trees and stuff on the dead areas to cover them up for now and make a path on the grass so it won’t get destroyed. Although, my path pattern is horrible and it’s gonna take a month of Sundays to put it all down, I’ll probably have a friend come help me or I’ll pay someone to do it, and go take a pattern off ACC that’s decent. =P

Photos:

Me standing around Nat, who I at first thought was Tortimer dressed up in some wacky suit.

And here’s a picture of my horrid ‘path’, which I’m just gonna do over. =P

Losing Sight of the Path

The Clan Mother grieved the wandering ways of her human children. Looks-Far-Woman knew that her own lessons, in allowing her children to see for themselves, were a part of her growth. It was so difficult to see the Human Tribe hurting themselves. Their all-too-human lessons were painful to bear when she saw the anguish that was created through the hard knocks they continually experienced.

Her mind’s eye flashed with the pictures of the sidetracks they took. Some wandered away from the sacredness of life through their woundedness, broken hearts, and lost dreams. Others followed the empty paths of greed for money, fame, or power, which promised glittering, superficial values. In truth, those who had been seduced by greed just needed the affirming recognition that they were loved.

These pain-filled children were unaware of their broken connections, to the Self and to the Maker that had created the short circuits that caused them to lose sight of the path. Some sold out, others were betrayed by their inabilities to heal their own pain, but all of her wandering children had lost the insight that could point the way home.

Looks-Far-Woman stood between worlds, at the Golden Door of Illumination, finally realizing that she had some lessons of her own. She could learn many things while holding the door to illumination open for others. Reminding herself of this, she discovered that her lesson in this situation was to learn patience. ~ Jamie Sams

There are many layers to this story. One layer that stood out is in reference to how we can unknowingly inhibit the growth of those in our life. It is always a challenge to watch those we love  struggle with their life lessons. Yet, when we offer them the freedom to experience the lessons they need to learn, we support their growth process. Think of this in terms of spring planting.

In the northern regions seedlings must be “hardened off” prior to transplanting due to the temperature fluctuating from below freezing to mid 60˚F in a couple of days. The tender sprouts are placed outdoors so they can be exposed to the sun,wind and rain which helps toughen them. The toughening allows them to be transplanted with a greater likelihood of continual growth when exposed to sudden weather and temperature changes.

It is the same with those we love. The challenges they face are hardening them off.  Admittedly, it is very difficult to stand on the sidelines and witness the growing pains of someone we love. However, if we give in to the impulse of telling them what to do we disrupt their growth process. It is as if we enter the garden and begin puling on the seedlings in our impatience for their growth or we become an umbrella that shields the seedlings from all the elements which prevents hardening.

Another alternative is to offer a story where we faced something similar and how we maneuvered our way through it. We can share our wisdom which allows them to view their situation from a different perspective, which just might be the flash of insight they need to move in an alternate direction.

When we continue to give them unconditional positive regard (unconditional love) we are demonstrating our love and respect for who they are as a person. When we continue to support, value and respect them as well as place our trust in their ability to constructively work through their life lessons they begin to see these qualities and abilities within themselves. This helps empower them as well as build their confidence and self-esteem.

The next time a loved one spirals around to another life lesson it is easier for them to turn within to find answers thus reconnecting with Source. Maintaining this connection enables them to once again see their path and navigate their way as they journey through life.

~Liisa

www.spiritusilentium.wordpress.com

I love taking pictures of curving paths. I think they always make for good pictures! I have plenty more of similar pictures that you can check out on Flickr. I might have to make a set just for them…haha.

© knudsburg

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it’s been a month since i wrote my last post.
it’s been so long, so fast, so soon.
right to the day i last penned my post, i write my next one.

and oh, i have chosen my A/B

i don’t want to reveal too much yet, till its time.
till then, i will count down the days – till i receive news that i am one step closer to my dream.

i plan my ways oh Lord, but it is You who directs my steps.

xoxo
5 days and counting

We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.

CS Lewis

Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.

Joseph Smith (History of the Church, 5:134–35)

Going somewhere

Are you going somewhere? Are any of us going anywhere at all? Can we see where we are going? I heard someone say “Perspective is everything” and “you cannot see what you are not looking at“. Those thoughts stuck to me like burrs on my soul. How can we see what we are not looking at? How can we know where we are going if we are not looking ahead? Do we always walk with our head down, concentrating only on the next step in front of us without any long term vision? Do we have our eyes on the goal or the problem directly in front of us on our path?

I can hear you thinking, but I have problems of my own I can’t look ahead or I will stumble and fall, and make a fool of myself. I have to make it through this day I can’t focus on the prize. I can barely make it to my next step much less worry about where this path is taking me. I just have to get through this.

Have you ever sat in a park and watched people? Children running, laughing, shouting; parents, nannies, babysitters all sitting on the benches watching the children play. Then you hear a “hey dad” or “hey mom come play with me”. And once in awhile the parent gets up off the bench, off the sidelines and joins their children, pushing them on the swings, running around the merry go round with their child. It is rare but it does happen. The parent is no longer on the side line watching, no they are in the thick of things, they are playing, instead of just watching. It is a fascinating thing to see the child’s face, it becomes even more animated than normal because they know their parents don’t just love them, their parent wants to spend time with them. To build forts, play hide-n-seek, make sand castles, and to have fun. These are the parents that share the good and the bad with their children. These are the parents who want more than to stand on the sideline of their child’s life. They want to be actively involved. These people aren’t just living; they are alive with joy, passion and love.

I believe God the Father is like that, He wants to be actively involved in our lives. God doesn’t want to just sit on the sideline. He gave us His all so we could have eternal life. God is waiting for us to say hey dad come push me on the swing, come play with me, come walk around the park with me. He wants to illuminate our path so we can see the road ahead of us, so we can fix our eyes on the goal. We don’t have to focus on just making it through the path, no we can know that God is actively walking with us, going with us, and sheltering us. Are you going somewhere? Are you on the path alone or with your Father? It is up to you, you know. Only you can make that choice, only you can say, hey dad join me and He will. So will you call Him or continue to go it alone?

I volunteered to write some devotionals for the “Maximum Living” fall series for my church. (This is where my inspiration for this blog is coming from)

Key Scripture: “Then the Lord answered and said to me, ‘Write down the vision I give to you so those on the path of life can read and understand it. The vision may be for the future, but eventually you will see the completion of the vision.” (Hab 2:2-3)

We all have dreams and the Lord places those dreams on our hearts. God has a dream for your life. Find it! He wants us to move mountains in his name. In order for us to move mountains we must have faith. In order to have faith, we must be walking in faith.

As Christians, the key is knowing that it is not about us. It is about bringing Glory and honor to our Father in heaven and fulfilling his will for our lives. I know when I first became saved I didn’t know where to begin. I had so many dreams and gifts that the Lord blessed me with, that I didn’t know which direction to go in. It wasn’t until I really learned how to step out in faith and surrender everything unto him, that I started to see glimpses of his will for my life. It is the act of surrendering EVERYTHING unto him. Laying all our burdens, emotional baggage, past regrets and sin at the foot of the cross. All of these can hinder us from having a successful relationship with the Lord. We must learn how to face obstacles in life head on boldly with faith, for Christ is in us and the victory has already been won.

I used to have that mentality of Superwoman – that I could accomplish anything. I worked full time and attended school at the time and I would do all these things without acknowledging the Lord or going to him in counsel nor prayer. When I did not go to him in prayer nor had one-on-one time with him, my life was out of place. I had no peace, nor true happiness in my life. My life was stressful and empty. There was no true meaning.

Once I layed everything at the foot of the cross, all my dreams and goals – it was then that I began to hear from the Lord. He kept reminding me of that scripture, “Be still and know that I am God.” I was so used to doing things on my own, that I wasn’t used to depending upon anyone. The Lord’s ways for our lives are so much better than our own. He knows what we need in life and will supply our every need. We just have to trust and have faith in him on our part. A good scripture that sums this up, is found in, Proverbs in 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” Notice that the scripture says, IN ALL YOUR WAYS acknowledge him. As Christians, we are to converse with the Lord just as we do with our friends. I know when I get up each morning, I thank the Lord for his mercies are new each day. I thank him for each person in my life who has inspired me and who has brought me closer to him. I converse with the Lord in my car on my way to work. I pray without ceasing for his word tells me to do so.

The Lord is not only my Father in heaven, but I consider him my friend. He knows everything about me, from every hair on my head to every freckle on my nose. He created me in my mother’s womb. He is the creator of the Universe. I look forward to having fellowship with him. It is an essential part of my day. he has answered my prayers and I shall worship him , honor him and serve him all of my days.

As I prayed more and had quiet time with the Lord every day by reading his word, my life became more meaningful and I started to learn the Lord’s purpose for my life, gradually.

When the Lord places a dream on your heart, you will know it is from him because it will motivate you and you will sacrifice your life for it. It will not be of selfish ambition. Your life dream gives you energy and purpose. Continue to use the gifts that he has blessed you with. Read his word, pray for his will to be done and have faith. These are all key elements in determining God’s will for your life.

When you realize that it is God’s dream you are fulfilling in life, it gives you motivation to get up every morning to fulfill that purpose in any way that you can throughout the day.

Suggested Reading: Habakkuk 2

Where is PATH headed?

The Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline is also called the “Amos-Kemptown line.” If completed, the high-voltage line will run from the coal-fired John Amos plant in southern West Virginia to an electrical substation in Kemptown, Maryland.

And then where will it go?

Current funding plans approved by PJM and FERC show the line ending in Kemptown. However, earlier versions of the proposal make clear that the purpose of the line was deliver power to the New York-New Jersey area.  

American Electric Power is the major force behind the new powerlines.  In 2006, AEP proposed “Project I-765”  that clearly shows a new, high-voltage connector between Kemptown and eastern Pennsylvania, running eastward across central Maryland.  

Will there be a second stage to PATH?  Public skepticism is fueled by the opacity of PJM’s transmission planning process that is controlled by insiders and power-industry-funded experts.  Maryland officials need to keep their heads up and ask tough questions.

I have been trying to put together something to write, that people would be interested in reading. And I am coming up empty. So what I am doing now is posting that I have nothing to post about. Sort of like reverse psychology. And perhaps something will come out of it.
Since this is for the national blog post month, I figure I might as well introduce myself once more. I am a 26 year old single mom living in Iceland. I have only been here a year, but this is where I am originally from. My son, four years old, is autistic. His father is in the states. I grew up on military bases so I have an American accent when I talk, from what region I sound like I am not sure. I used to have a southern accent but it seems to be depleting. When I was seven years old I moved away from this country and had to learn English in school, it took me all of six months to become fluent. My son is learning Icelandic now, and he can switch back and forth between the two languages magickly. I find it very amusing. As does everyone else. I will be visiting the states soon, and I know that people will see a big difference in me, along with similarities of course. Mostly I have been refining my spiritual path for the past year, working to pay bills, and raising my son. Every now and then I go out with a group of friends, which the events are few and far between.
I run a website called Otherworldly Living and I am a member of three others which are linked on the left of this entry. They are online communities for pagans and also for those that are curious, but in no way will any bashing be tolerated on any of these sites. You don’t have to be religious to join, as long as you show respect to others beliefs and practices. These sites have one main thing in common: information. They sort through the things that are crap and what is to be kept, so that others can find their way. We have many regulars that are very knowledgeable and are always willing to help those in need. These sites are in no way a dating service, if things like that happen with members it is on their own time, not on the site itself.
There are so many sites on the internet with misinformation, and it pains me to no end, because many young people come into our chats saying things that are just impossible. So we have to spend the next hour explaining to this person what is real and what isn’t. On the other hand, I do not mind them coming into chat saying those things, because at least they are there and we can help them if they so choose. So its a weird win lose win kind of situation. There are plenty of online pagan communities that are about make believe things such as the show charmed and/or harry potter, etc. But the sites I have linked are not so, its for serious pagans who are there to learn and share about their religions and practices, and to meet people of like minds as well as diversity.
I believe I went off topic there. lol.
When I visit the states, I expect that I will have to explain a few things to my “family” there. They live on the bible belt, and therefore I will be defending my spiritual beliefs. As I did when I lived there those ten years or so. But this time I have a clearer view of things, because I was searching and not finding anything there. But here I have managed to meet many people and learn so many things and I am very content in my beliefs, morals, and way of life. Realizing that I have not changed that much was a big step, realizing that I am who I am, and that I did not have to look that far to find my “religion” was an epiphany to overcast all epiphanies. My convictions, morals, and philosophy of life I found to be a very unique and comfy spiritual path that others do follow. And I enjoy that very much. I post about my spiritual path at Drucilla’s Dungeon , if you are curious.

© Irishphotographer

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Sometimes we step back and ask ourselves, “I wonder where I will be five years from now?”.  Everytime I have taken the time to reflect on that question, what I pictured was never what I coud have possibly dreamed.  Everyone goes through stage in their lives, and we all have our own stories. However, I think that my stories serve a purpose to help other people. I believe that I was put on this Earth to help others, and I’m pretty sure that is why we all are here.  We are here for each other, as corny as that may sound.  I hope to attract people to this blog that ultimately can relate to my experiences as well as grasp an understanding of the messages I’m trying to get across. If no one reads this blog than that is perfectly fine as well because this will help ease the pain that sticks with me everyday as I hold onto the baggage that drags me down. Life is what you make out of it, and we all only have one life to experience and we can change our lifes as well as other people’s lifes without even knowing that we made an impact. Check back soon as I unravel my thoughts.

© Dave JG

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Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

Read full context here

Photo by Drewe Zanki