Let's Do It Again

Great News,
I was able to grab one of the last seats to part 2 of the HUMA course, so it looks like this blog is gonna be useful afterall.  Can't wait see you in September.

Final Humanities Post

It's hard to believe that just a mere 15 weeks ago we as a class knew very little about each and other and for some myself included knew even less about Humanities.  This course afforded me an opportunity to research and explore what life might have been like for ancient civilizations.  From the prehistoric man to the fall of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, I believe every outcome was met and possibly expanded.  The opportunity to visit the VMFA and view exhibits something I would not normally do was quite enriching.  My favorite topic would be The Greeks & Romans, from Pythagoras theorem that the universe could be understood by observing proportion to Leonardo DaVinci, to the infusion of Humanism, Realism, and Idealism and finally to the intricate architecture of The Parthenon.  I have had the most enjoyment of joining what I thought I knew of early civilizations with actual information and to dialogue with classmates and instructor are moments I will remember long after my scholastic career has concluded.

For quite some time I had been interested in the concept of blogging but never really had a reason to take a part in the practice.  I looked forward to each weeks topic of discussion.  I even started to blog whenever a good topic came to mind, I imagine I will continue to do so even after the course is completed, just got to figure out how to get more page interest and views.

Blogging was an enjoyable experience, it was a challenge to remember to stay on topic so most  weeks’ in addition to the class topic I also blogged about of f topic ideas.  As most of my classmates will attest I love to hear myself talk, strangely enough it was not so easy to turn that into a good blogging practice but after a few weeks I got the hang of it and now in addition to journaling I also blog.  While I’m not sure if I will I hope that I will continue to blog as it gives me a chance to take what I’m thinking and put out there for others to read (the people in my head assure me we will continue to blog).

My least favorite part of blogging was sticking to the topic of the week’s discussion.  I guess I consider myself an abstract blogger, if I think it then I’ll write about it.  My favorite part would have to be being able to just allow myself to post on some of the things I normally keep to myself, now I have an outlet, and I can't wait to use it next.  P

The Nicene Creed

Imagine my surprise when I learned there was a Prayer/Pledge for Christians?  It is called The Nicene Creed and was formulated at the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea in AD 325 to combat the thought that Jesus could not be a God since he was created (born of a woman), and it was expanded at the Second Ecumenical Council at Constantinople in AD 381 to balance its coverage of the Trinity by including the Holy Spirit. It is the only creed that was made public to the lesser citizens by any of the seven ecumenical councils and thus it is the only creed that is truly ecumenical (involving people from different kinds of Christian churches) and universal. In the Orthodox Church, it is the only creed.  As a new baby Christian I’m glad to be learning the foundations of the Christian body aren’t you?

Gargoyles - Serving a Dual Purpose

Last week during class we covered a lot of interesting material and of all those topics what caught my attention?  Gargoyles so I did a little research and it turns out they served a dual purpose, in some instances they were intended to scare away birds from nesting on the roof and to divert water away from the face of the building by a hole in the top of the statue which either expelled the water through the face of the gargoyle or out the back just think of them as a really big gutter.

Pay No Attention Behind the Curtain

As I sat watching the video I was shocked and appalled at the woman screaming at Roland Martin, “you need to come away from that Democratic Plantation brother.”  While her name escapes me her antics do not she is one of a duo of women who are Donald Trump supporters.  Aint it great that we live in a time and country where two fabulously ghetto black women can choose to “drink the kool aid” happily?

I have tried to pay close attention to the proponents and the opponents and I have heard very little of the plan for a Trump Administration.  I have heard ad nausea of the guilt of the Obama Administration and of how if Hilary Clinton wins it would be four more years of the same shuffle the coconuts.  I agree with him if Hilary is elected it will be more of nothing only because the republican congress will make sure that she accomplishes nothing just as they did to Obama.  For the last two nights I have listened as presenter after presenter goes on about how Obama is responsible for the shootings of innocent men and law enforcement officers how Hilary lied about emails or Benghazi incident.  

When can we expect to hear how you will uphold law and order, what you plan to do to Obama Care, how you will decrease the deficit and how you will end excessive force incidents of law enforcement.  I’m starting to feel like Dorothy I’ve come to you for help only to realize that it was all smoke and mirrors, pay no attention to the man behind the curtain that’s not the real Donald Trump.

Persistence Pays Off - New Palestinian City

Daniel Master of Wheaton College has found what he thinks is a great find in the remains of a Philistine City.  After 30 years of excavating and searching he and his group have unearthed skeletons and artifacts that it suspects had rested for more than 3,000 years in the cemetery, potentially offering clues to the Philistines’ lifestyle and perhaps providing some answers to the mysteries of where the Philistines came from.   Much has remained unknown about their origins.  Dr. Master is a co-director of the Leon Levy Expedition to Ashkelon, which has excavated the site since 1985. The cities and their people are mentioned in the ancient texts of the Babylonians, Egyptians and Assyrians. In the Hebrew Bible, they were the nemeses of the Israelites and sent Goliath to fight David. Many tales tell of the great battles the Philistines fought and lost until their utter destruction at the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian army in 604 B.C.  Now we can hear the story from these individuals rather than their enemies.  

Budda's Budda's Everywhere

 Indian Buddha


  Pakistani Buddha


  Chinese Buddha
Every living being has the same basic wish – to be happy and to avoid suffering.  Human beings have spent much time and energy improving external conditions in that search for happiness and a solution to their many problems. But when we respond to difficult situations with a positive or peaceful mind there would not be problems for us; indeed we may even come to regard them as challenges or opportunities for growth and development. Problems arise only if we respond to difficulties with a negative state of mind. Therefore, if we want to be free from problems we must learn to control our mind.  These are just a few of the thinkings and perscriptives of Buddha.  Those who follow this way of life learn to view every aspect of life they choose to see life's challenges as just a part of life and not the end of it.  

King Arthur the Man the Myth

I believe that King Arthur was a real person but became the idyllic King after the stories of his battle conquest and his life were written about later sort of an artistic license if you will.  I think the idea of a King who wants what is best for his people and his men is an admirable but unachievable goal.  Of the stories I’ve read and the movies I’ve seen depict him as a strong and wise leader and a soft and humble man.  In order to show his men that he was their equal he designed a conference table that was round that way there was no one at the head.  The story of and the ideology of Camelot is one where all have what they need, life is a utopia and the people and the government work together.  Now wouldn’t that be a wonderful place to live?

The Revolution Will Be Televised

Since I don’t believe in coincidence I think I understand why I was experiencing difficulty in writing this week’s discussion blog.  As I was unable to attend class this week i don’t know what topics were discussed so allow me to just vent a little.  In the last 3 days all forms of media have been bombarded with information and images showing police using excessive force to peaceful protest turning violent at the blink of an eye some suggest that the riot in Dallas was deliberately executed in order to provide right wing conservative a higher platform to show others both domestically and internationally that non-whites cannot peacefully assemble and bolster Donald Trump supporters.  I recall after the Rodney King verdict and the ensuing riot there was a truck driver who was wrenched from his vehicle and beaten his name is Reginald Denny he was viciously attacked by rioters and looters, his life was only saved when a minister placed his body between the driver and his attackers.  I remember this because the national and local news ran the footage over and over ad nauseum until I no longer cringed when I saw it, the news media has run any and all media of the shooting and the riot repeatedly so much so I had to turn off my television, it’s was just information overload.  If it was the intent of certain news media to make me scared, bewildered and angry then they have succeeded.  If the message is civilians have no right to expect to be treated like human beings, then they have succeeded.  What most neglect to see is this type of abuse of power has been occurring for years the difference new and better technology, we now have the ability to show when officers are committing the very laws they were sworn to uphold.  I have no answers, only more questions.  Corruption exist in all walks of life but when the people who are supposed to be protecting us are the same ones oppressing us who then will protect us from the police?

Ideas and Concepts of Philosophy Worth Living For

Last week during class we spoke on a wide range of topics but the three that caught my attention were the concept of Yin Yang, Nirvana and Negative Space.  

Negative space is defined as space between objects or parts of an object for example the picture at first it looks like an image of two women or maybe one woman and her reflection but if you pull your gaze back it’s possibly the image of a glass or bowl with a neck and a base.  Prior to this class I never could grasp the concept of negative space or foreground or background it seems like I’m learning more about art then I originally thought
.

Nirvana is a state of stability, harmony and joy while the word isn’t new to me since I was sort of  grunge head and loved the group, but I think the idea or concept of Nirvana is just such an abstract thought or idea that most would have difficulty grasping it but what would life be like if we lived in a time where everything in your life occurred without any conflict or difficulty where every decision you made was the right one every endeavor attempted was successful, that I think would be most folks idea of Nirvana.

Finally we have the Chinese philosophy of the Yin and Yang I have always thought that this symbol was akin to the symbols used in the astrological sign Libra, but it turns out there is a lot more to it than that.  While this is sort of true its more to do with a philosophy or way of thinking, the light side being feminine and dark while the other side is positive, bright and masculine.  Much like Nirvana I imagine this ideas main purpose to attempt to achieve harmony and balance something I think we all should strive for. 

Explaining/Retaining What I've Learned

I had the good fortune of changing my topic for our class Art Analysis.  The Kush people were a strong, intelligent and prosperous people who had the misfortune like many ancient societies who after being conquered had most of its contributions destroyed or stolen and re-invented.  King  Senkamanisken has many different statures of him but few are intact.  Just for tweets and giggles I uploaded both as well as a timeline of the Kush people.  From what I was able to gather in my research it seems he was very adapt at anticipating his enemies and ensuring he would come out the victor.

Last week I was questioning what if any of this information I was actually retaining when my Mother and I were having a conversation in reference to what significant topic I have learned, an hour later I explained a historical timeline, a brief history of Juluis Ceasar, Mark Antony and some other significant Roman Emperors.  I'm so enjoying this course and wish it could last a few weeks longer there's so much to learn, looks like I'll be doing some independent learning once it's over.

Statue of King Senkamanisken
VA Museum of Fine Arts (June 2016)


Statue of King Senkamanisken

Granite gneiss, Gebel Barkal, 640–620 bc (Napatan Period, reign of Senkamanisken).
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition: 23.731
Photography © 2011 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

When its Not in The Textbook

For years I have always wondered why the numbers in historical paintings and drawing occurred, I think I have a better understanding now, when you see a painting, drawing or other artwork or even writings with any number before the letters BC it indicates that happened before Christ and anything with the letters AD happened after the birth of Christ. so when you imagine a timeline anything that happened before Christ was born you would see BC for example King Nebuchadnezzar ruled in 605 BC, and John Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 AD.  Just recently my mother and I were talking and she asked me to describe what I've learned so far and I was able to describe a historical timeline and about the three things I found interesting from last week's class.
King Nebuchadnezzar

King Nebuchadnezzar many times I have heard that name, it is the name of a ship in the movie The Matrix but I was not aware that he was a prominent figure in the Bible, but he also Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylonia from approximately 605 BC until approximately 562 BC. He is considered the greatest king of the Babylonian Empire and is credited with the construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar is mentioned by name around 90 times in the Bible, in both the historical and prophetic literature of the Hebrew Scriptures. Nebuchadnezzar receives the most attention in the book of Daniel, appearing as the main character, beside Daniel, in chapters 1–4.  In biblical history, Nebuchadnezzar is most famous for the conquering of Judah and the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem in 586 BC. Judah had become a tribute state to Babylon in 605 BC but rebelled in 597 BC during the reign of Jehoiachin and then again in 588 BC during the reign of Zedekiah.  Secular history records Nebuchadnezzar as a brutal, powerful, and ambitious king, and the Bible, for the most part, agrees. However, the book of Daniel gives additional insight into his character.  Nebuchadnezzar recorded in the book of Daniel have led some to consider the possibility that Nebuchadnezzar became a believer in the one true God. History records Nebuchadnezzar being a follower of the Babylonian gods Nabu and Marduk. Is it possible that Nebuchadnezzar renounced these false gods and instead only worshiped the one true God? Yes, it is possible. If nothing else, Nebuchadnezzar became ahenotheist, believing in many gods but worshiping only one God as supreme.(www,encyclopedia.com)

Pericles

Pericles (495–429 BC, whose name means "surrounded by glory") was a prominent statesman, famous orator, and general (in Greek 'Strategos’) of Athens during the Golden Age of Athens. So profound was his influence that the period in which he led Athens has been called the 'Age of Pericles’.  This statesman’s influence on Athenian society was so great that Thucydides, his contemporary admirer and historian, called him "the first citizen of Athens". Pericles led the Delian League forward to form the Athenian empire and guided his countrymen during the first two years of the Peloponnesian Wars.  This statesman’s influence on Athenian society was so great that Thucydides, his contemporary admirer and historian, called him "the first citizen of Athens". Pericles led the Delian League forward to form the Athenian empire and guided his countrymen during the first two years of the Peloponnesian Wars.
Pericles promoted the arts, literature, and philosophy and gave free reign to some of the most inspired writers and thinkers of his time. During the Age of Pericles, Athens blossomed as a center of education, art, culture, and democracy. Artists and sculptors, playwrights and poets, architects and philosophers all found Athens an exciting and enlivening atmosphere for their work. Athens under Pericles saw the building of the Acropolis and the glory of the Parthenon.  Pericles family's nobility, prestige, and wealth allowed him to pursue his inclination toward education, and he is recognized as the first politician to attribute great importance to philosophy as a practical discipline which could help guide and direct one’s thought and actions rather than a mere speculative past-time or the trade of the Sophists.

Pericles’ early years were quiet and the introverted young man took to avoiding public appearances and speeches, instead preferring to devote his time to his studies. Later in life, this initial shyness would lend credence to the claims of his detractors that his consort Aspasia taught him how to speak and wrote his speeches for him (it was a grave insult to a man of Athens, especially a statesman, to claim a woman was responsible for his successful career).

At the beginning of 431 BCE Athens entered into the long, drawn-out Peloponnesian Wars with Sparta. Thucydides recorded Pericles’ famous Funeral Oration given at the service for the Athenian dead in which he said, in part, “Grief is felt not so much for the want of what we have never known as for the loss of that to which we have been long accustomed.” It was shortly after this speech that Athens itself would lose what it was accustomed to as the tide of the war turned against it. In 429 BCE the plague struck the city and Pericles was among the victims.

Bereft of his leadership, the Athenians made mistake after mistake in their military decisions leading eventually to their defeat by the Spartans in 404 BCE, the destruction of their city’s walls, and their occupation and rule by Sparta. In his histories, Thucydides makes abundantly clear what a disaster Pericles’ death was for Athens in that those who came after him desired to be popular rather than effective, and in so doing doomed the city to ruin. With the death of Pericles, his 'age’ ended and Athens fell into an intellectual, cultural, and spiritual darkness which the Athenians would struggle with over the next 30 years. It culminated in the execution of Socrates in the year 399 BCE. (by Joshua J. Mark published on 02 September 2009 www.ancienthistoryencyclopedia.com).

Plato
Writer of The Allegory of the Cave, after considering the video we watched in class and doing a little more research of my own, I think Plato's point was many will only believe what they see or hear even when someone comes along and explains what they've seen they will refuse to believe it if it doesn't fit with what they believe.  To put it plainly, it's all about perspective.(philosophyzer.wordpress.com/2012/09/21/the-allegory-of-the-cave-by-plato)

A Whole New World

A Whole New World

I have not attended a museum since I was a very young girl so the opportunity to go this past weekend was quite enjoyable I was so excited I felt like a little kid again.  As we walked around the exhibits I was in awe from the Greeks to the Kush King, to Caligula I wished I had more time to just be among all the beauty.  I tried to take pictures of as many exhibits as possible by the time we got to the Kehinde Wiley productions my camera battery was almost gone so I will have to return before it leaves.  Exhibit after exhibit I felt like I had been transported to a new world even though I know this world existed long before my world did.  I just hope that my paper will do justice to the Greek people who lived, loved and made their lives comfortable.

                      

Alone or Lonely

Alone or Lonely

I was recently asked how can you stand to being in that house all alone, “I’m never alone” I like myself was my reply.  I guess to those on the outside living alone would seem difficult but to for me I learned a very long time ago how to enjoy my own company and the peace that comes with it.  I have heated debates and philosophical conversations that allow me to think through all the different outcomes of my choices.  As a planner I typically will have lists my Plan A but I always allow for negative outcomes with a Plan B.  I had no plan prior to 2009, my daughter had married and moved to Italy with her son and husband, my mother had moved in with me for a “short term” which lasted 8 years.  So when I met with Melissa Thomas and started to discuss my educational interests I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up.  A few hours later and some entrance exams and I was registered in the Paralegal Studies program.  Fast forward to now my mother has retired and moved to Florida and I have my house back, I only have to shop for one so food costs are low, I get to choose which programs to watch on TV If I don’t want to wash the dishes or clean the house I don’t have to, I’m active in my Church so I have purpose I am blessed with friends both on social media and reality so I am rich.  So does this sound like I’m alone or lonely?  Some would say I sound lonely but I would argue that those who can’t be comfortable in their own space or even “in their own skin” without a lot of people around have never felt how lonely you can feel in a room full of people.  My Grandmother once told me there is a difference between alone and lonely and she assured me once I understood that I would never be either again.  She was right.  I enjoy being able to spend time with family and friends laughing and remembering our past.  But I also enjoy being at home watching TV, reading, and writing I’m presently working on multiple short stories and enjoy inventing people and events that don’t exist it’s like playing make believe.  I recently took up the art of meditation it’s not as easy as it seems turning off your mind and listening to either soft music or just silence but the one thing I don’t feel is lonely.  I do have one other thing that keeps me from being alone my loyal companion and furry baby Rico, we have our talks and walks and enjoy each other’s company.  So my advice to others would be find something that you enjoy spend time with those you love and later spend some time with yourself alone.

The Whitewashing of Cleopatra

HUMA 315 – Week 4  

I try to remind myself that our textbook is only regurgitating the information that has been told and retold in hopes that that will make some believe it, some of the information is quite accurate but some makes you want to dig even deeper for the truth. 

My group this week was tasked with deciding if we agreed on whether Hollywood has "whitewashed" all the history out of who Cleopatra was and how she lived.  We learned that she in  fact was Macedonia Greek on her mothers side we learned nothing of her father.  Some in our group had no idea that she was the Queen of Egypt in fact she was a master strategist in ensuring the safety and security of Egypt and her relationships with Julius Caesar and Marc Antony were just to ensure her children would be safe.   

Each week I am surprised at how little some of my classmates know of vital historical events about ancient cultures, civil rights actions or even how some are determining how many jails and prisons to build based on the number of male children(black) are in public schools.  I guess having n an inquisitive mind has been a good thing because whenever I came across  subject that I was interested in wasn't covered in school I went to the library or asked every adult I knew until I got the answer I was looking for the majority of today's generation just doesn't know and doesn't care to know what happened in Ancient Egypt or anywhere else other than what's happening in their world.

Etymology of the name

The name Cleopatra is derived from the Greek name Κλεοπάτρα (Kleopatra) which meant "she who comes from glorious father" or "glory of the father" in the feminine form, derived from κλέος (kleos) "glory" combined with πατήρ (pater) "father" (the masculine form would be written either as Kleopatros (Κλεόπατρος), or Patroklos (Πάτροκλος))

Those Who Don't Know Their History...

.

Recently a redux of the infamous Mini-Series Roots was broadcast on multiply channels.  The book and the movie were based on the research and writing by novelist Alex Haley.  Rap Artist Snoop Dogg however took to the airwaves and social media to call for a boycott of this and all other films where persons of color are only portrayed as slaves, maids or positions of servitude.I am the first to agree that the "whitewashing" that goes on in Hollywood is like a stain on a white shirt however until more high profile celebrities take the plunge and use their money and resources to produce, star and direct movies then we are like Oliver Twist begging for more and getting nothing.  I watched the new version and a few of the interviews of those who were a part of the production and the one thing that stuck out to me as an explanation of why they were involved, because this generation would not be able to relate to the original and this generation or "millennials" have absolutely no concept of what the slave trade was, what the Middle Passage is and how as a people we were stripped of everything, our name, religion, culture, identity and status until there was nothing left.  We all at some point in our lives have heard the wonderful stories of Harriet Tubman who conducted the Underground Railroad to free slaves, or maybe Nat Turner who attempted an uprising to free slaves and all the stories of the Civil Rights Movement.  But what does a 19 or 20 year old know about Dredd Scott or Christian Barnard – who conducted the first heart transplant but died of a car crash because they would not admit him in a white hospital.  Nothing, these things are not taught in most Public Schools and  very few young people are interested if its in a book – many blacks lost their lives because they dared to learn to read and write and now many blacks don't even care if they can read or write.  There is a phrase "those who don't know their history are destined to repeat it:"  I always find it interesting how almost all other cultures gladly and proudly pass down their history the good and the bad making sure that the next generation does not take for granted all they have achieved.  Should there be more movies with black and brown people yes of course will boycotting one movie make that happen no, but it might get the right people talking.   

Just recently I was having a conversation with my mother about what her life was like as a child, I was surprised to learn that she didn't start school until she moved to Richmond at age 7 she was the oldest child in the second grade or that she would have to walk almost a mile to get water at least three times a day.  But the story that surprised me the most...how she would have to pay her fare to ride the city bus then get off and get back on using the backdoor so she would not have to pass by white passengers all I could think of was how by the time I was old enough to ride the city bus alone I could sit where ever I wanted and yet I still went to the back. 

Every generation owes a debt to be better than the generation before it unfortunately that message has gotten lost so inevitably they will be destined to repeat it, we no longer appreciate NON VIOLENT protests, they live a life of selfish entitlement and care more about the hat on their head than the knowledge in it. 

So yes those who do not know their history are destined to repeat it and that is not Hollywood's fault. 

Who's The Liar?

Who’s The Liar

I recently had a wonderful conversation with a prospective client who is 93 years old.  Our conversation started out very formally and somehow it diverted to politics I promise I did everything I could not to go there as I was afraid of what he might say.  He wasn’t offensive or rude at all but he did provide a perspective I had not considered.  As far as he was concerned Donald Trump was the only viable candidate.  I suggested that he start paying more close attention to what Mr. Trump wasn’t saying, he offers no real plan on employment, or healthcare just his assurance that he was going to build a wall to deter Mexicans and a ban against all Muslims.  When I mentioned that Mr. Trump didn’t stand for anything I believed in, in fact when I stated I’m bi-racial (mixed) bi-sexual and a women he was surprised but our conversation continued.  For every point he made I had an equally good counter-point we only spoke for a few minutes but I could see I was getting through to him.  I sat listening to his stories of poverty, war growing up in Colonial Heights as the 95 Interstate was built and the growth and changes around the city.  He had actually learned to drive in a Ford Model T I was impressed it was getting late though and I needed to get back to work.  Finally he stood and after a few minutes of talking with me he said he’d need to go home and rethink his position.  I’m still not voting for old ass Bernie or the liar I had to ask him who was the liar I’m not sure anymore was his answer with that he just walked to his truck.  I’m not sure if I was the first bi-racial bi-sexual he had ever met but I know for sure I had changed his perspective in regards to politics, I still wonder though who he sees as the liar, guess I’ll never know.

Here's What I Believe

Here’s What I Believe

Last night’s class was quite lively, thanks to the diverse age groups in class we have multiple perspectives of how the earth was created.

Created being the operative word.  In order to say something was created then there has to be a creator, now whatever name you apply really isn’t what’s significant, because if you were to travel the globe I believe you would find a different name or identifier.

We discovered that humans are prewired to explore, experiment and question.  It is because of these prewired instincts we want to visit places where no one else has traveled, we experiment to determine how something works or what makes it work.  And anyone who has spent any significant time with a little person knows their favorite pastime is to ask questions. 

Based on what was said last night and my being on this planet almost fifty years here’s what I believe:

The earth was created by a higher power, I refer to him as God/Jehovah sometimes I think that power used the feminine form sometimes masculine.

Saturday is the Sabbath Day, the Roman Catholic changed it to coincide with some observances to fit their purposes

The land masses of the earth was once one solid and connected piece and something occurred to break them apart, possibly the Big Bang Theory, which would explain The Grand Canyon and other rock land masses.

All life forms like amphibian DNA starts out as female

Jehovah, Jesus and the Holy Spirit decided to make man/woman (let us make man in our own image-Genesis)

Adam and Eve were not the first beings on this newly formed earth

There were non-human beings on the earth before Adam and Eve

When Cain was removed from the garden for the murder of Abel he was sent to dwell with the people of Nod.

Time is a fluid concept, for example if you at work it feels like and eternity from one hour to the next but if you are somewhere with friends and family enjoying yourself time “fly’s by” so when I read God created the earth in seven days I understand that one day could actually have been fifty, hundred, or a thousand years

Satan – Lucifer was the “perfect” angel who was jealous of man

Jesus is my Savior the only perfect man who lived, died and rose again (ascended)

That should hold you til next week

Little Changes Bring Big Blessings

I recently heard someone say they don't like to talk about religion and politics in mixed company.  I wasn't sure what that meant.  Did they mean these two topics were off the table except only with men, only with women or only in the company of the same race?  I'm the first to admit these are very hot button issues right now but if we censor when we discuss them and with whom how will we ever find the common ground and where we differ?

Which brings me to the reason for my post, sometime ago I joined a wonderful church and I can say for the most part I really feel that being part of organized religion is helping me to find my life's purpose along with seeing my therapist twice a month. Now I have been attending church my whole life in one way or another but I was a sideline member.  Well that all changed a few months ago I decided to make an effort to be more involved in church activities and other things to get me off the couch.  This weekend was our Woman's Day Celebration, which started on Friday night with a speaker who was as dynamic as she was flamboyant.  I'd never experienced a minister leave the pulpit come down into the sanctuary to touch members of the congregation.  By the time she got to me I was fully engrossed as to the reaction of others around me.  When she placed her hand on my head and spoke to my spirit " in tongues" my body felt like someone had taken a nine volt battery and placed it on my tongue.  I was transfixed and felt a peace I have never experienced only once before.

There were periods in my life where I didn't even think or care if God existed, in fact I told someone once I don't believe in God and the reply was that's okay cause he believes in you.

As a sideline church member I would attend church occasionally, tithe when I had a little extra, and contribute to activities as long as it didn't interfere with other things I had happening.  Gradually I have joined groups/organizations affiliated with "my church."  I joined the praise choir even though I sing much better in the shower, I'm a member of the Women's Day committee, I tithe my benchmark tenth even if it is the last dollar I have in my wallet.  I adjust my schedule so that it does not interfere with my church activities when possible.  Don't think for a minute this has happened without any pitfalls it is very difficult to give your last when you don't have a regular income but I did.  I even gave so someone who couldn't afford to attend some events could.  Not once have I lacked for food, money to pay my rent, gas in my car and a few weeks ago I was allotted a FULL SEMESTER SCHOLARSHIP to get a few steps closer to concluding my Criminal Justice Program.  Now I don't walk around like some CRAZED person espousing the greatness of God I don't have to you can see it when you look in my face.  I am convinced from this point in my life I will place my trust in God in everything I do because I understand now little changes, bring BIG blessings.

When It's Not a Lie But An Omission

Have you ever asked someone a question and they paused before answering? This should be evidence that the next words you hear may not be completely truthful.  Most of us want to believe what we hear, even if we know it's a lie, but recently when I pressed the point the response I got was "I didn't lie, I told you what you wanted to hear."  Or how about when you are talking with someone and they ask "do you want the truth"?  Are you kidding me no lie to me is what I usually respond.  So when is a lie an omission?  Do we really rather hear "what we want to hear? or do we really want an omission?  I met a young woman who claimed that she NEVER lies I asked how is that possible, because if she had the secret I wanted to hear it, after several minutes she acquiesced that there are times when she "bends the truth" in order to not offend someone.  So is it really possible to go through life and NOT lie even a little bit?  Many times I have been listening to someone explain a situation and I immediately can tell that they will either be the hero or the victim at the end of the story, I think that is our nature.  If people told us stories and didn't embellish we would quickly lose interest so we pepper our stories with OMG statements or can you believe it statements because who really wants to hear the ""truth."  Lying has always been a part of our make up since the beginning, Satan told Eve if you eat the fruit you will have untold knowledge but he omitted, however if you do you will be committing sin, because God told Adam NOT to eat from the tree of knowledge. Which leaves me asking when is it a lie or when is it an omission?

Follow Me I Know The Way Out

I will be honest I still have no idea what I want to be when I grow up...so I've decided not to grow up.

That's a joke I usually say to break the ice in groups where I don't know anyone, but there is some truth in the statement as I grow closer to the conclusion of my Bachelor's Program my options as to what career I can choose is limitless.  My Grandmother use to tell me choose a job that you love and you will never work a day in your life.  I hope that is true.

I have experienced a lot in my life some things could have destroyed me but somehow they were used as markers to indicate what my next move might be some I paid attention to an chose the right fork in the road others not so much.  I truly hope that my passion to help others my ease to relate to people and my lack of filter will somehow be the tools I need to make this one hell of a ride.

There was a drug addict who fell into a hole, a Minister came by and told him, just pray and God will help you out.  Then an engineer came along he told the addict I'll write a proposal and get approval to erect something to help you out, then a psychiatrist came by and asked the addict what is it about your situation you wish to change.  Finally a recovering addict came along and jumped down into the hole, the addict screamed are you insane now we're both in the hole, yeah I know but it's okay follow me I know the way out.

Wonderfully Made Woman

Wonderfully Made Woman

      By 

             Hope Taylor

W is for her wisdom the gift she shares 

with everyone

O is for the opinion of which she 

never lacks

M is for the maturity she has 

acquired in her life

E is for the excellence that she 

exudes daily

N because there is none other like 

a wonderfully and Holy filled Woman.