bord  garare mărunțișar  unguraș  piroxen  veleitară

ieromonah  pulverulență marochinărie  perinevrită ultrasonoră panatenee

antitanc păună  metal bontire  pelasg afro

consensual pasteureloză  nociv magazioară  bibliografie  înrădăcinare

vacuolă  anafilaxie damblagit interpelațiune căuzășesc șerpuindă

apelpisie telepatie hil  macrobian hiper omegatron

hepatogen apunere hiposceniu  cifrată împărtășanie  cifoscolioză

hașișism țesut nucă gliptogeneză zaharat dans

rabator ideat astupare zidărit așternere vergelat

lușa  report buftea cataramă 

Since the advent of the television, there has been the commercial. Commercials sometimes can prove to be annoyances rather than vehicles that connect the consumer to the best products. Today, a marriage between the entertainment and advertising industry has occurred where celebrities are becoming walking endorsements. However, unknown individuals exist who become the face and voice of a particular product or brand name.

Regardless of the company, they have an expectation that those who endorse their product will lead a life that is reflective of the advertiser. However, we have seen individuals throughout the years who lost their positions as product endorsers because of misdeeds in their personal lives.

What does this have to do with the Christian? It is simple. When we receive Christ, we instantly become spokespersons for God’s timeless product of salvation. Thus, God expects us to be representatives of this salvation even when we are not in front of the camera; that is, involved in religious activities or among other Christians.

As Christians, we have to abstain from worldly lusts and demonstrate love, integrity, and character in our lives. This is how we remain respected kingdom endorsers of the work of Christ.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:1-3 (KJV)

If we continually disobey the Word and choose our own ways and thoughts, we can be removed from service. If we are unfruitful in our Christian walk, Christ taught that one could be removed; that is, from effectual service in Him.

The Christian’s desire must be to please God, that He may use his/her life in any manner. In all that is said and done, let it represent God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Christian’s life has to be a solid Kingdom Endorser.

Hence, the question remains, Are you a qualified endorser of the gospel message? Does your lifestyle misrepresent the gospel message? Just know that you can make a difference as your life reflects the Christian faith.

Well there you have it. Until next time, continue in Him who is faithful. If you would like more inspirational materials, this and more is included in my book, “Is there a Word from the Lord? (Book I),” which can be found at Kingdom Builders Publishing.

It is the middle of November and we still have fuzzy kiwi hanging from vines in our garden.  Normally we pick harvest our large fuzzy kiwi by October.  After talking with a gardener who has been growing this fuzzy variety for many years longer than we have, we have decided to leave this fruit hanging until we either want to eat it or the end of November.

We live in the Northwest United States, more specifically Northwest Oregon.  Our fuzzy kiwi never gets ripe on the vine.  Today I went out and picked a bucket full of kiwi to ripen up in the next couple of weeks.

Our gardening friend claims that he picks his fuzzies in late November and that they ripen up in the fridge.  We have another technique for ripen our kiwi.  We seal an apple in a bowl with a few kiwi and wait for them to ripen.  I know our method works. 

I just ate the last of the kiwi  started ripening  in a bowl with an apple a couple of weeks ago.  Since we have an over-abundance of kiwi this year, I think we may be picking the kiwi we have left at the end of the month.  With so many fuzzies we can try ripening them in the fruit bin in the fridge.

I think I may have to collect a few kiwi recipes for our Thanksgiving dinner this year.  My husband has already frozen a bunch of the small non-fuzzy kiwi.

The Vine Hotel é um hotel 5 estrelas, localizado em Madeira, Portugal.  Com uma localização única ao Sul da ilha de madeira, no coração do centro histórico de Funchal e perto da Cathedral Sé, The Vine é o ponto ideal para começar um city tour pela ilha. Logo na entrada já se nota o tema do design do hotel: O vinho de Madeira. Isso é refletido por todo o hotel, desde o lounge, o Vinotherapy Spa, que oferece tratamentos baseados na filosofia da vinoterapia e o restaurante gourmet UVA, que serve uma deliciosa comida francesa e excelentes vinhos de Madeira. Cinza, verde, roxo e marrom são as cores dominantes do hotel, representando as quatro diferentes estações de maturação da uva ao longo do ano. O design de interiores reflete a visão do designer português Nini Andrade Silva e do arquiteto Ricardo Bofill. Cada andar foi projetado em uma cor diferente: o segundo andar é verde (primavera), o terceiro é roxo(verão), o quarto é cinza(inverno) e o quinto andar é marrom, representando o outono. Perto do elevador em cada andar existe um cubo iluminado com uma área para sentar que lembra uma vinícula, dando uma ar de simplicidade que também caracteriza o hotel.

Link

from The Spiritual Writings of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk

What the vine and branches are to each other, so are Christ and Christians to one another. The vine and branches are united with each other. So likewise are Christ and Christians spiritually united. The same branches receive their sap from the vine and bear fruit: the same is it with Christians.

They receive life from Christ, Who helps them to lead good lives and do good deeds. While fruit is seen on the branches, yet it is in the vine that finds the cause of the fruit; and like wise when Christians do good deeds, this is credited to Christ, the Son of God. Branches alone without the vine cannot bear fruit; and Christians without Christ can do nothing.

The branches are trimmed (cleansed) in order that they might bring forth better fruit; so likewise Christians are punished at times by the heavenly Father that they might bring better fruit in the form of good deeds. Branches are not especially pleasing to the eye, but inwardly they have good, sweet and pleasant sap, and bear fruit; so is it with Christians; outwardly they are not pleasing to the eye, and scorned, but inwardly are good, and live good lives.

The more the branches are laden with fruit, the more are these branches inclined to the earth. So likewise is it with the Christian. The more good deeds performs, the more humble he becomes. The branches bear fruit for the husband man, and the Christians perform good works for the glory of God, from Whom all good comes. The branch that does not bring forth fruit is cut off from the vine dries up, so likewise is it with a Christian who is cut off from Christ; he loses all his vitality and dies spiritually. The branch that has dried up is not useful and more except to be burned; and so it with a Christian cut off from Christ; he is dried up and left for eternal fire (St. John 15:4).

From this you see, O Christian:

1. What a close union and communion there is between true Christians and their Lord Jesus Christ. He is the vine, and they are the branches.

2. What a great and high dignity there is in this. What is there greater than to have communion with Christ, the Heavenly King?

3. How blessed they must be. If Christ is with Christians, then who can prevail against them? The whole world and hades cannot do anything to a Christian, for Christ is his refuge and strength.

4. Without Christ it is impossible to be benevolent and to do good deeds since branches cannot be fruitful without the vine

5. From here follows that it is necessary first to to be in Christ and so do good works; it is necessary first to become good and then do good deeds. A corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit (St. Matthew 7:18).

6. What a sad condition those Christians are in, who by an evil life have fallen away from Christ. For they are like withered branches.

7. Whoever wishes to be saved must turn to the Lord with a pure heart, and must cleanse oneself with repentance and tears, and in such a manner unite with Christ, the True Vine. For without Christ there is no salvation. Christ is Life and Light. He who has departed from Life and Light must then be in death and darkness. Consider this, O Christian, and with tears and repentance wash away your sins, that you may once again be united with Christ – your very life.”

Source: Orthodox Life., Holy Trinity Monastery, Jordanville, N.Y., Issue 5 Number 53, 1958., pp. 15-16

]]> http://julianeal.wordpress.com/2009/11/04/press-release-julia-neal-launches-new-virtual-assistant-services-in-time-for-christmas/ Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:56:03 +0000 Julia http://julianeal.wordpress.com/2009/11/04/press-release-julia-neal-launches-new-virtual-assistant-services-in-time-for-christmas/

Here is our first Press Release, announcing new Virtual Assistant services in time for Christmas. This has been sent to local press – we will be posting scans if they are published.

——–
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JULIA NEAL LAUNCHES NEW VIRTUAL ASSISTANT SERVICES IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

Tonbridge, Kent, UK; Friday 30 October 2009 -
Are you a business owner or office manager who requires help from an experienced office worker for a few hours a week or for a one-off project? Don’t despair – Julia Neal is here to help! Julia Neal is a Virtual Assistant based in Kent. A Virtual Assistant is a self-employed, freelance worker who takes on numerous administration tasks for busy, working professionals, whether you are the Chief Executive of a large corporation, manager of a business or a sole trader.

Julia Neal originally launched “Office Butterfly” in January 2008, and feels that business owners and office workers in companies alike still require ad-hoc Admin assistance just when they need it, whether they need an extra ‘virtual’ pair of hands during the run-up to Christmas or throughout the year. “Having a Virtual Assistant for a few hours a week can be really advantageous to your company in this tough economic climate”, says Julia. “A Virtual Assistant works out to be an efficient, low-cost addition to your company as you will only be charged an competitive rate for the hours that I work; which means that you will be saving money on office expenditure and tax”.

Julia Neal offers secretarial services alongside database creation and maintenance, marketing services [including e-newsletters and creating/maintaning social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter] and Graphic Design [including logo creation, brochure design and simple web sites]. “I feel that I am hosting a full Administration service to all businesses”, she says. “We believe that companies should, at least, consider having some sort of online existence, whether they would like a blog to keep customers up-to-date with their services as well as presenting any tips and tricks to help them gain more business, or learning how to use and maintain using Social Networking sites such as Myspace, Facebook and Twitter – we will even design the site as well if you wish!”. Julia Neal is planning to launch Bookkeeping and Payroll services in the new year.

“I am the vine, you are the branches: he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”  John 15:5

This is an amazing piece of scripture.  I know I’ve written about it before now, but please go over it again.  Read John 15:1-11.   Be blessed as you see the power of the Holy Spirit in each believer to do His will.  Know that abiding is more than a “Hello.  How are you?” every morning.  Truly abiding in Christ is seeking Christ with all your heart, soul, and mind every day.  It is walking in the Spirit so you do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

The picture in John 15, is of a grafted vine.  If you’ve seen grafted plants (citrus is another plant that is grafted), you know there are 2 living plants joined together to form one.  This new plant then takes its food from one root source and produces fruit from it.  I used to think that I was a plant and Jesus was a plant.  When I abide in Him and He in me, we are then one strong plant that can produce amazing fruit.

But that is wrong!  Jesus is the living vine.  I am just a stick!  Apart from God I cannot grow, mature and produce anything!  The only thing I am good for is the fire!  Oh, what a thought.   That at my best, I am only good for one thing–the fire!  (Now, I know why Isaiah wrote “All my righteousness is like filthy rags!”)

But when I abide in Christ, He takes the ugly stick I am, becomes my lifeblood and transforms me into something I could only dream of.  My stick becomes beautiful with leaves the Father feeds through deep roots.  As I dwell more and more on His Word, tiny fruit begin to form on my ’stick’.  After spending time with my Savior, I become more and more like Him and true abiding has taken place.  My fruit is not little, but so big I cannot contain it.  And when I try to contain what He has given life to, the beautiful branch I was becoming turns back into an ugly stick.

No, even now as fruit is growing on my branch, I must still abide in Him or else the branch I became in Christ and the fruit it bears dies.   I must ask my Lord, “What will You have me do with Your fruit?”  It is not mine to give, but His.  He has a plan for what He gives me.  It is not for me to flippantly throw in the wind or use at my disposal.  His gifts and fruit are from above and have a Godly purpose.

I pray each one of us see how our fire worthy stick become a fruit laden branch.  He is so good and I am truly in awe of His love for me.  Apart from God I can do nothing.  Amazing!

The simplest of things

when held in the hand of a child

becomes a thing of beauty.

I love Jeremiah 17:5-9.  Let me start by sharing it with you:

I don’t know why I say I LOVE it; it’s hard and convicting and — as it says — I don’t even know my own heart enough to know when I’m judging myself aright as to my motives and motivations.  Like that verse where Paul says, “I have a clear conscience but that doesn’t make me innocent” (1 Corinthians 4:4).

But I do love truth.  And it does set us free.  And the truth is that a jubilee mindset isn’t possible when we think that we are the ones suffering and in need of a hand-out instead of knowing that prosperity is here, right now, and not missing it, and living as a prosperous one.

Heard a John Piper sermon yesterday in which he said that our spiritual gifts are the means by which we deliver grace to others, translating the vertical experience of receiving from God into the horizontal experience of administering grace in its various forms, or being a branch that serves as conduit for the power from the Vine, or loving with the love first given to us.
Jubilee implies bounty shared, debts forgiven, abundance acknowledged and enjoyed.  Jeremiah makes me think that that’s impossible without trusting God more than trusting man.   Parched bush… drought-free, leafy green tree.  Two different realities.  Two different mindsets.  Jubilee demands trust in God.

103009_Vine, originally uploaded by Erica365.

Theme: Vine

The front of this building on Eastern Avenue in Linwood is completely covered in vines, and now they are bright shades of red and orange. Very pretty this time of year.

Peeking out from beneath the wilted petunia flower in the photo above, is a seed pod from an Akebia quinata vine growing up a neighbor’s porch. If you can ignore the flower (my daughter gave it to me, after “rescuing” it from another neighbor’s yard — eek, sorry Neighbor), doesn’t the seed pod actually look like A Seed Pod? Here’s the fascinating thing: Apparently everyone who came in contact with this vine was taken aback and a bit horrified by the weird substance covering the vine — the mail carrier, the meter reader, the homeowner, friends, and children alike. By the time I walked up to the porch, there was only one pod left on the vine, and the homeowner was thrilled to report that it had just been identified by a local native landscaper as, indeed, a seed pod.

“Is that some kind of mold?” the mail carrier had asked. I am simply perplexed. When I look at this object, I see the pod and I see the seeds. There’s no question in my mind about what it IS. In fact, I think it’s one of the most remarkable seed pods I’ve ever seen! I’m troubled. I’m troubled that I may be one of the few people in my neighborhood who can peg a seed pod when I see one (I and that native landscaper). Maybe the pods are too sexy (they’re the vine’s mode of reproduction, after all) and people prefer to turn a blind eye to that sexiness? (Georgia O’Keefe would have a field day with these pods, I believe.) Maybe it’s just our culture’s deep disconnect from Nature that caused this seed pod misclassification? Maybe it’s both, plus a little more? Anyway, I’m here to say, “Let’s call a pod a pod!” Be on the lookout for someone mistaking a seed pod for mold, or a parasite, or garbage, or a hat, and then please tell ‘em what it actually is — a big, old, honking, gorgeous, sexy-beyond-belief seed pod.

(For more pictures of and info about the Akebia quinata vine, click here.)

John 15:1,2 (NIV)

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.

He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

The Visual of the Vine 

 Israel’s Visual Representation:  Israel as the Special Vine of God’s Vineyard: 

Psalm 80:8 “out of Egypt” ;

Isaiah 5:1-7 “choicest vine; wild grapes; vineyard of the Lord”

Jeremiah 2:21; “noble” – degenerated into a strange”

Hosea 10:1 “empty”

 Current Visual Representation:  In Christ’s day: Seal over the Herod built temple entrance:

cluster of grapes with a vine

10 spies were sent into Canaan

large cluster of grapes to show the land’s fruitfulness.

 Christian Visual Representation:  Christ declares He is the True Vine -

Jesus Christ is the true version of what God the Father was looking to cultivate which is a growing, fruitful abundant life 

He is the Perfect Vine for the Father’s garden which is what Israel rejected and could not be in themselves.

The Vitality of the Vine

Israel’s Visual Representation:  Israel’s vine is empty and selfish – Hosea 10:1

Christian’s Visual Representation:

The vitality of the True Vine is eternal 

              Heb 13:8  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

The vitality of the True Vine is unstoppable

              Romans 8:35 – 39 - Who shall separate us from the love of Christ….

The Victory of the Vine

Israel’s Unbelief: God plants – Weeds Overtake it -

Isaiah 5:1 – 7 – Israel is left for now to their unbelief.

There are several verses in Scripture that speak of a promised return of a part of the Jews who will believe and follow God through Jesus Christ.  God will gather His people, the Jews once more not just physically but spiritually in salvation through Christ Jesus, the true Vine.

Jeremiah 32:37 I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety.

Christian’s Belief:  

The Victory of Christ as the Vine is: That the Godhead planted the plan before the world began - Nothing can overtake it – Garden is covered with branches of the True Vine. John 15 1- 2

The Victory of Christ as the Vine: The qualification for entrance is Christ alone. 

Revelation 17:14They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

…for my films to come back.

They’ll be another few days and I can’t wait! There’s something magical in this process that digital can’t offer. Loading into Lightroom or Photoshop and processing is a bit sterile. Perhaps if I took more photos and did more creative things with the camera instead of opening a beer and chilling on the patio

In other news, I’m making progress with the garden – off to buy some kerb stones to mark off the lawns from the flowerbeds tomorrow. Then seed the grass and get some flowers. Hopefully the almost endless summer sunshine we get here will take care of the rest. Even the grapevine is thriving after a really good chop earlier in the year – I’m going to start training it over the patio roof so we can sit under an Italian style canopy.

There’s nothing better than relaxing in a garden you sculpted yourself. Well, in my case, wrestled into submission.

Congratulations to Swiss winemakers Peter Wildbolz and Christa Derungs for winning three Decanter World Wine Awards this year including the International Trophy for their 2007 Les Bartelles, La Clape.  I’ve yet to taste the ‘07 but the older vintages are superb – the vines are picked by hand, the grapes are transported in small baskets and finally sorted by hand in Peter’s chai on this ’sunny hill’ above Narbonne Plage.  Read the judges’ tasting notes on all three winning wines on www.decanter.com.  A full tasting note for Les Bartelles to follow…

For more information about staying at Mas du Soleilla click here. 

Bringing in the 2008 harvest, Mas du Soleilla.

Parker is a fan of Vincent Rapin’s wines, the Guide Hachette team like it, and so do I. On the 15th October, at the restaurant La Coupole in Paris, the Syndicat des Bordeaux voted Domaine Valmengaux 2007 as the ‘Top Vin’ of the Bordeaux Appellation.  I tasted it from the barrel on a freezing cold day in December last year. I was amazed by its ripeness and concentration of fruit, especially for a wine from what was a challenging harvest in the Gironde.  Hats off to Vincent (photo) – he’ll be in London on the 28th of this month with his wines at the book’s press launch at the October Gallery in Bloomsbury.  I’ll be posting a full tasting note for the ‘07 very soon.

For more information about Domaine de Valmengaux and its holiday accommodation click here.

Left: Happier Then by Nicole DeMatteis. Right: Watery by Jessamyn North.