| You Are a Visionary Soul |
 You are a curious person, always in a state of awareness. Connected to all things spiritual, you are very connected to your soul. You are wise and bright: able to reason and be reasonable. Occasionally, you get quite depressed and have dark feelings. You have great vision and can be very insightful. In fact, you are often profound in a way that surprises yourself. Visionary souls like you can be the best type of friend. You are intuitive, understanding, sympathetic, and a good healer. Souls you are most compatible with: Old Soul and Peacemaker Soul |
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Now if I just had some capital...lol
Monday, May 29, 2006
Sunday, May 28, 2006
A Fable...
We talked about 'free agency' (or some might know this principle as 'free will') in church today - I discussed it with the youth in back tracking to Joshua's great call to action "Choose ye this day whom ye shall serve..." scripture... and the matter of "choice" moved forward with us into the book of Judges (which was today's lesson).
In the 3rd hour meeting the ladies again, gathered to discuss this topic from the back drop of a general conference talk titled: To Act for Ourselves: The Gift and Blessings of Agency, by Elder Rober D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
As I listened to the 'sisters' participating in that last meeting of the day - adding their thoughts and feelings to the lesson... I thought of how marvelous, and still rare a blessing it is - even in our modern society - that women can so freely express themselves. Given the fact that for centuries my ilk have been counted as property, chattle, suppressed and oppressed and to this very day held captive in many sectors of the world by the evil designs of conspiring men....
Even in 2006 -America the beautiful - women are wise to be cautious with whom they associate and aline themselves... an unwise choice of companionship can seriously comprimise a woman's opportunity to have her voice heard - and the horrid reality is that sometimes we are silenced completely.
I thought about this tale I'd just recieve in my e-mail this morn from a less active member of my church and I relayed it to the Sisters. It's a good story. I thought I'd post it here for you to read and ponder as well.............
Leave your thoughts for me after you've read it through? =)
A Fable From the Round Table…
Young King Arthur was ambushed and imprisoned by the monarch of a neighboring kingdom. The monarch could have killed him but was moved by Arthur's youth and ideals. So, the monarch offered him his freedom, as long as he could answer a very difficult question. Arthur would have a year to figure out the answer and, if after a year, he still had no answer, he would be put to death.
.
The question?....What do women really want?
.
Such a question would perplex even the most knowledgeable man, and to young Arthur, it seemed an impossible query. But, since it was better than death, he accepted the monarch's proposition to have an answer by year's end.
.
He returned to his kingdom and began to poll everyone: the princess, the priests, the wise men and even the court jester. He spoke with everyone, but no one could give him a satisfactory answer.
.
Many people advised him to consult the old witch, for only she would have the answer.
.
But the price would be high; as the witch was famous throughout the kingdom for the exorbitant prices she charged.
.
The last day of the year arrived and Arthur had no choice but to talk to the witch. She agreed to answer the question, but he would have to agree to her price first.
.
The old witch wanted to marry Sir Lancelot, the most noble of the Knights of the Round Table and Arthur's closest friend!
.
Young Arthur was horrified. She was hunchbacked and hideous, had only one tooth, smelled like sewage, made obscene noises, etc. He had never encountered such a repugnant creature in all his life.
.
He refused to force his friend to marry her and endure such a terrible burden, but Lancelot, learning of the proposal, spoke with Arthur. He said nothing was too big of a sacrifice compared to Arthur's life and the preservation of the Round Table.
.
Hence, a wedding was proclaimed and the witch answered Arthur's question thus: What a woman really wants, she answered....is to be in charge of her own life.
.
Everyone in the kingdom instantly knew that the witch had uttered a great truth and that Arthur's life would be spared.
.
And so it was, the neighboring monarch granted Arthur his freedom and Lancelot and the witch had a wonderful wedding.
.
The honeymoon hour approached and Lancelot, steeling himself for a horrific experience, entered the bedroom. But, what a sight awaited him. The most beautiful woman he had ever seen lay before him on the bed. The astounded Lancelot asked what had happened.The beauty replied that since he had been so kind to her when she appeared as a witch, she would henceforth, be her horrible deformed self only half the time and the beautiful maiden the other half.
.
Which would he prefer: Beautiful during the day....or night?
.
Lancelot pondered the predicament. During the day - a beautiful woman to show off to his friends. But at night, in the privacy of his castle, an old witch (?) Or, would he prefer having a hideous witch during the day, but by night, a beautiful woman for him to enjoy wondrous, intimate moments?
.
What would YOU do?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Noble Lancelot, knowing the answer the witch gave Arthur to his question, said that he would allow HER to make the choice herself.
.
Upon hearing this, she announced that she would be beautiful all the time because he had respected her enough to let her be in charge of her own life.
.
Now....what is the moral to this story?
The moral is.....
In the 3rd hour meeting the ladies again, gathered to discuss this topic from the back drop of a general conference talk titled: To Act for Ourselves: The Gift and Blessings of Agency, by Elder Rober D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
As I listened to the 'sisters' participating in that last meeting of the day - adding their thoughts and feelings to the lesson... I thought of how marvelous, and still rare a blessing it is - even in our modern society - that women can so freely express themselves. Given the fact that for centuries my ilk have been counted as property, chattle, suppressed and oppressed and to this very day held captive in many sectors of the world by the evil designs of conspiring men....
Even in 2006 -America the beautiful - women are wise to be cautious with whom they associate and aline themselves... an unwise choice of companionship can seriously comprimise a woman's opportunity to have her voice heard - and the horrid reality is that sometimes we are silenced completely.
I thought about this tale I'd just recieve in my e-mail this morn from a less active member of my church and I relayed it to the Sisters. It's a good story. I thought I'd post it here for you to read and ponder as well.............
Leave your thoughts for me after you've read it through? =)
A Fable From the Round Table…
Young King Arthur was ambushed and imprisoned by the monarch of a neighboring kingdom. The monarch could have killed him but was moved by Arthur's youth and ideals. So, the monarch offered him his freedom, as long as he could answer a very difficult question. Arthur would have a year to figure out the answer and, if after a year, he still had no answer, he would be put to death.
.
The question?....What do women really want?
.
Such a question would perplex even the most knowledgeable man, and to young Arthur, it seemed an impossible query. But, since it was better than death, he accepted the monarch's proposition to have an answer by year's end.
.
He returned to his kingdom and began to poll everyone: the princess, the priests, the wise men and even the court jester. He spoke with everyone, but no one could give him a satisfactory answer.
.
Many people advised him to consult the old witch, for only she would have the answer.
.
But the price would be high; as the witch was famous throughout the kingdom for the exorbitant prices she charged.
.
The last day of the year arrived and Arthur had no choice but to talk to the witch. She agreed to answer the question, but he would have to agree to her price first.
.
The old witch wanted to marry Sir Lancelot, the most noble of the Knights of the Round Table and Arthur's closest friend!
.
Young Arthur was horrified. She was hunchbacked and hideous, had only one tooth, smelled like sewage, made obscene noises, etc. He had never encountered such a repugnant creature in all his life.
.
He refused to force his friend to marry her and endure such a terrible burden, but Lancelot, learning of the proposal, spoke with Arthur. He said nothing was too big of a sacrifice compared to Arthur's life and the preservation of the Round Table.
.
Hence, a wedding was proclaimed and the witch answered Arthur's question thus: What a woman really wants, she answered....is to be in charge of her own life.
.
Everyone in the kingdom instantly knew that the witch had uttered a great truth and that Arthur's life would be spared.
.
And so it was, the neighboring monarch granted Arthur his freedom and Lancelot and the witch had a wonderful wedding.
.
The honeymoon hour approached and Lancelot, steeling himself for a horrific experience, entered the bedroom. But, what a sight awaited him. The most beautiful woman he had ever seen lay before him on the bed. The astounded Lancelot asked what had happened.The beauty replied that since he had been so kind to her when she appeared as a witch, she would henceforth, be her horrible deformed self only half the time and the beautiful maiden the other half.
.
Which would he prefer: Beautiful during the day....or night?
.
Lancelot pondered the predicament. During the day - a beautiful woman to show off to his friends. But at night, in the privacy of his castle, an old witch (?) Or, would he prefer having a hideous witch during the day, but by night, a beautiful woman for him to enjoy wondrous, intimate moments?
.
What would YOU do?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Noble Lancelot, knowing the answer the witch gave Arthur to his question, said that he would allow HER to make the choice herself.
.
Upon hearing this, she announced that she would be beautiful all the time because he had respected her enough to let her be in charge of her own life.
.
Now....what is the moral to this story?
The moral is.....
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Thankful..
I got this e-mail from a school friend today... they've been trying to figure out how to e-mail me since semester ended, bless their heart! I guess they finally figured it all out! lol! :D
I AM THANKFUL:
FOR THE WIFEWHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT, BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME, AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
FOR THE HUSBANDWHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO, BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.
FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED.
FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE
FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.
FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.
FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.
FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.
FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.
AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME.
SEND THIS TO SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT. I JUST DID.
Live well, Laugh often, & Love with all of your heart! <-(AND MEAN IT, WHEN YOU SAY IT!!!)
I AM THANKFUL:
FOR THE WIFEWHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT, BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME, AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
FOR THE HUSBANDWHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO, BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.
FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED.
FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE
FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.
FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.
FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.
FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.
FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.
AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME.
SEND THIS TO SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT. I JUST DID.
Live well, Laugh often, & Love with all of your heart! <-(AND MEAN IT, WHEN YOU SAY IT!!!)
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Small workings...
So!
Another hour or so into it. For a total of ??? (I didn't keep very good track of how long it took to get the "under-drawing" done) I'm figuring that I'm 2-3 hours along on this drawing at this point.
You can see by comparing it to the last post that I did a little more work to the left eye, beard & 'skin'. As always I've scaled these so the page will load quicker - however if you care to click directly on the picture itself - you can zoom in quite a bit. (I'm rather happy with that eye so far... I'm going to have to rework the other one quite a bit to match up!)
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.
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Here's a preliminary under-drawing for yet another 'practice' portrait I just started tonight. =)
Might be kinda fun to document how these things progress, I guess.
Hope everyone's week is progressing nicely!
Cheerios2U!
D.~
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
?
Mom (my Mom - not 'Mom that's nuts', although mine certainly is suspect... ) seems to think I can pick up some extra bucks doing portraiture for people. She called me up the other day and said that a friend of a friend had a photo of someone special that's passed and they wanted something special done with it - I'd certainly like to give it a shot.
I'm all about working hard this summer so that I'm in fairly good shape to meet my goals come fall and spring '07.
Thing is I sux at portraits. Maybe it's just that I'm so unpracticed at them... I've not really studied the mechanics of it in depth and I've serious doubts about my abilities to 'capture' someone's essence on the page. (Queenofpanic! is surprisingly good at being able to do that!)
Here's a start at a practice portraiture: ... I'll throw this one up in bits like I did the still life from last winter... this particular scan has maybe an hour - maybe two, of work into it.
As you can see I'm all over the place on a portrait, no methodical left to right disciplines here... whaddayathink?
Should I finish this one off .....?
or...
...... mark it with a 'B' for Bad and head on back to the drawing board..........???
Inquiring minds want to know, now.
.
L-8-R!
D.~
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
On Giving...
Charity = Pure Love.
More succinctly, Charity = the pure love of Christ.
Here's an excerpt from a favorite book, PURE LOVE - Readings on Sixteen Enduring Virtues - Selected, with Reflections, by Marilyn Arnold. This selection is from the chapter titled, Charity Seeketh Not Her Own:
More succinctly, Charity = the pure love of Christ.
Here's an excerpt from a favorite book, PURE LOVE - Readings on Sixteen Enduring Virtues - Selected, with Reflections, by Marilyn Arnold. This selection is from the chapter titled, Charity Seeketh Not Her Own:
T H E R E . A R E . T W O . SE A S
There are two seas in Palestine.
One is fresh, and fish are in it. Splashes of green adorn its banks. Trees spread their branches over it, and stretch out their thirsty roots to sip of its healing waters.
Along its shores the children play, as children played when He was there. He loved it. He could look across its sliver surface when He spoke His parables. And on a rolling plain not far away He fed five thousand people.
The river Jordan makes this sea with sparkling water from the hills. So it laughs in the sunshine. And men build their houses near to it, and birds their nests; and every kind of life is happier because it is there.
The river Jordan flows on south into another sea.
Here is no splash of fish, no fluttering leaf, no song of birds, no children's laughter. Travelers choose another route, unless on urgent business. The air hangs heavy above the waters, and neither man nor beast nor fowl will drink.
What makes this mighty difference in these neighbor seas?
Not the river Jordan. It empties the same good water into both. Not the soil in which they lie; not the country round about.
This is the difference. The Sea of Galilee receives but does not keep the Jordan. For every drop that flows into it another drop flows out. The giving and receiving go on in equal measure.
The other sea is shrewder, hoarding its income jealously.
It will not be tempted into any generous impulse. Every drop it gets, it keeps.
The Sea of Galilee gives and lives. This other sea gives nothing. It is named The Dead.
There are two kinds of people in the world.
There are two seas in Palestine.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
WHY Weave a Web?
I got this joke from my friend, Helen - a 70+ something, retired school teacher....
Helen: "Why do spiders weave webs?"
Me: "I don't know, if figure it's to catch their prey."
Helen: "It's because they don't know how to knit or crochet."
LOL!
An old lady joke to be sure - I wasn't expecting it from the Helen - which of course, made it all the funnier!
Wishing all a Happy Mother's Day!
- Do something good, and nice for the women you love - like, um, tell them that you do!!!
Much love flowing out to all of you,
Hugssss,
D.~
Helen: "Why do spiders weave webs?"
Me: "I don't know, if figure it's to catch their prey."
Helen: "It's because they don't know how to knit or crochet."
LOL!
An old lady joke to be sure - I wasn't expecting it from the Helen - which of course, made it all the funnier!
Wishing all a Happy Mother's Day!
- Do something good, and nice for the women you love - like, um, tell them that you do!!!
Much love flowing out to all of you,
Hugssss,
D.~
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Woman's day off...
I laugh about this. .. .. ... as if! - EVER!?
lol.
The "Hayfield" has been mown so it more closely resembles a lawn again.
Loose limbs & twigs have been stacked by the trash bin.
The plants have all been watered.
Kitty's box is clean and fresh.
Fluid levels in the car have been checked, topped off, and in the case of the oil found to be a bit dirty... however, I can't manage an oil change just yet, so back on the list to wait for another day.
Trash containers have all been emptied, relined and trash has been taken out to the bin.
The laundry has been washed, dried, folded and is in the process of being put away...
The dishes are all done up - the kitchen is picked up and in decent shape.
I just came back from cleaning the church so check yet another thing of the Saturday to do list.
Phone calls have all been returned.
Still need:
I got to make more phone calls to set up some visting teaching appointments
Vacuuming
a Quick scrub down in the bathroom
Make up that order of cup-cakes for my friend, Tara*
Make up that ruhbarb cake for tomorrow afternoon's social*
Distribute all those Mother's Day cards I've bought/made
Study tomorrow's lesson I'll be sharing with the youth
Work on some pencil sketches to post here, on Blogger :P
-and even though it's a bit late - it's still not too late - so...
Map out how I want my garden to be growing this season - so that by the close of Monday night I will have gotten it into the ground!
.
*(Sigh. More dishes.)
lol.
The "Hayfield" has been mown so it more closely resembles a lawn again.
Loose limbs & twigs have been stacked by the trash bin.
The plants have all been watered.
Kitty's box is clean and fresh.
Fluid levels in the car have been checked, topped off, and in the case of the oil found to be a bit dirty... however, I can't manage an oil change just yet, so back on the list to wait for another day.
Trash containers have all been emptied, relined and trash has been taken out to the bin.
The laundry has been washed, dried, folded and is in the process of being put away...
The dishes are all done up - the kitchen is picked up and in decent shape.
I just came back from cleaning the church so check yet another thing of the Saturday to do list.
Phone calls have all been returned.
Still need:
I got to make more phone calls to set up some visting teaching appointments
Vacuuming
a Quick scrub down in the bathroom
Make up that order of cup-cakes for my friend, Tara*
Make up that ruhbarb cake for tomorrow afternoon's social*
Distribute all those Mother's Day cards I've bought/made
Study tomorrow's lesson I'll be sharing with the youth
Work on some pencil sketches to post here, on Blogger :P
-and even though it's a bit late - it's still not too late - so...
Map out how I want my garden to be growing this season - so that by the close of Monday night I will have gotten it into the ground!
.
*(Sigh. More dishes.)
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Straight As!
No.
This is not a continuation of Monday's post
lol!
.
Yes.
This is me being a shameless braggert.
I got grade 'A's posted-up for my academic efforts this semester, all classes except for - doing the Math... and that was an A+. (Cool Beans, huh?!)
.
Yes!!!
I'm happy about all of that.
I'd been doing the Math all over my world. It pays to do a regular inventory, don't you think?
Some things add up and somethings just don't... what's the mathematical term for that? They don't agree, I believe that's it. And of course any thing following after a recorded error, just gets worse - especially if you don't recognize and reconcile the root problem. One thing the single life style has taught me is- never trust someone other, checking over your figures to be true - must less accurate in their assessments. While it's nice to have the help, don't be mislead! You should always know for yourself - what your running balance is and ought to be. You GOT to do that for yourself. It's your responsibility and of course, you pay a price anytime you neglect those. Got to be diligent. Got to also be true and honest in your dealings with others, too - there should be no exceptions to this rule...
.
I just re-read all that - bla-bla-bla! lol.
Told you all I'd be working EXTREMELY hard - when I committed to doing this.
Ah! A 'Pursuit of Excellence'! I'm on a good trek and I'm beginning to reap some rewards -=)
.
I might still take a summer class... I'd better decide soon!
The real focus though, is to continue to work-out, and work smart, at a job or 3 - put myself into good position going into semester 3!
Yes.
.
Got to go ... It was 1/2 past bed time when I started this post - doh!
Cheerios 2U!
D~
This is not a continuation of Monday's post
lol!
.
Yes.
This is me being a shameless braggert.
I got grade 'A's posted-up for my academic efforts this semester, all classes except for - doing the Math... and that was an A+. (Cool Beans, huh?!)
.
Yes!!!
I'm happy about all of that.
I'd been doing the Math all over my world. It pays to do a regular inventory, don't you think?
Some things add up and somethings just don't... what's the mathematical term for that? They don't agree, I believe that's it. And of course any thing following after a recorded error, just gets worse - especially if you don't recognize and reconcile the root problem. One thing the single life style has taught me is- never trust someone other, checking over your figures to be true - must less accurate in their assessments. While it's nice to have the help, don't be mislead! You should always know for yourself - what your running balance is and ought to be. You GOT to do that for yourself. It's your responsibility and of course, you pay a price anytime you neglect those. Got to be diligent. Got to also be true and honest in your dealings with others, too - there should be no exceptions to this rule...
.
I just re-read all that - bla-bla-bla! lol.
Told you all I'd be working EXTREMELY hard - when I committed to doing this.
Ah! A 'Pursuit of Excellence'! I'm on a good trek and I'm beginning to reap some rewards -=)
.
I might still take a summer class... I'd better decide soon!
The real focus though, is to continue to work-out, and work smart, at a job or 3 - put myself into good position going into semester 3!
Yes.
.
Got to go ... It was 1/2 past bed time when I started this post - doh!
Cheerios 2U!
D~
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Today's lesson...
"I Cannot Go Beyond the Word of the Lord"
Numbers 22-24; 31: 1-16
Think about these statements and the type of person who would make them:
"If [the king] would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God" (Numbers 22:18)
"All that the Lord Speaketh, that I must do" (Numbers 23:26)
"I cannot go beyond the commandment of the Lord, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the Lord saith, that will I speak" (Numbers 24:13)
My Sunday school youths came up with these qualities: Righteous, God-loving, God-fearing [yep. had a little clairification talk on that one] and Obedient.
I explained that these were the words of a man named Balaam, who professed strict obedience, but, in his heart desired eathly rewards and honors. Basically that "...their lips draw near unto me...but ...their hearts are far from me..." thang. (see Isaiah 29:13) I asked the youth, "Who is it that knows your hearts - ?" (They all seemed to have an answer for that one, too - God.)
.
I further explained that this is the old testiment story with the account of where the guy's donkey actually talks to him....
"Like Shrek!?"- someone immediately offered. =) LOL! Man, I love these kids!
"Ok. Like Shrek and DON-key." I replied - in a terrible accent. I sux at sound effects and accents.
"Have you ever had an animal, maybe a pet you're close to, talk to you?" - I continued, trying to work in the lesson points and stay on task...
"My parakeet!", someone said.
"NO!" said a bunch of others.
Someone brought up America's Funniest Home Videos and the talking doggie they saw there, um, ok, that may have been me. . . sometimes I digress.
"So," I probe on... "Why do you think the guy's DON-key talked back to him?"
.
.
.
.
.
(I just LOVED this!)
.
.
.
.
.
(Cracked me UP, now!)
.
.
.
.
.
"Because she was an ASS!" - Chimed a voice from the back row. (God love that back row!)
.
O.
MY.
GOLLY.
I HAD to keep my composure as the teach, right? Forget about it - who can't chuckle over that one??? If you was ever gonna try to get away with saying something like that, outloud, in Sunday school class, and NOT get reprimanded for it, because, well, you'd be RIGHT! - THAT, Ladies and Gentlemen, was your shining 'moment'. Funnee, huh? :D
We discussed the main points of the lesson - that while Balaam had sought the will of the Lord and was clearly instructed - Balaam was tempted by the king's offer and inquired of the Lord a 2nd time (as if - God's gonna change His mind on what's the best course of action for Balaam to take!? Lot of correlations to parent/child relationships on that point - then I jumped to the end - because we generally have a tough time getting to the end of our lesson plans, on any given Sunday, with this sharp little group -lol! I asked if any knew Balaam's ultimate fate? - Then I reminded them that if we continue to push our boundry lines with the Lord, knowing full well what He has already commanded - He will, in fact, recognize our free agency and allow us to choose for ourselves, often to our own loss and or utter destruction. They were listening and participating - this was very good.)
.
It got even better, when I had a couple of the students I figured would be the best at maintaining reverance, read the scriptorial account of this unique biblical event. (Numbers 22:22-35) Because, it does sound funny, reading it all out loud in Sunday school. That word 'ass' coming up repeatedly - most especially when we see that the 'ass', a 'she-ass', btw, (dumb animal) sees what the [quote] "MASTER" [end quote] (smart man?! <-yes. questionable by this point in the story.) does not see!
.
Maybe you just had to be there. We had a good time and when they quieted down they were ready to listen, to ponder and to feel after the spirit and not just the letter of the law. I love feeling that good spirit with them.
God Bless them, one and all!
I pray those favors for you and I as well.
Amen and amen.
Numbers 22-24; 31: 1-16
Think about these statements and the type of person who would make them:
"If [the king] would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God" (Numbers 22:18)
"All that the Lord Speaketh, that I must do" (Numbers 23:26)
"I cannot go beyond the commandment of the Lord, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the Lord saith, that will I speak" (Numbers 24:13)
My Sunday school youths came up with these qualities: Righteous, God-loving, God-fearing [yep. had a little clairification talk on that one] and Obedient.
I explained that these were the words of a man named Balaam, who professed strict obedience, but, in his heart desired eathly rewards and honors. Basically that "...their lips draw near unto me...but ...their hearts are far from me..." thang. (see Isaiah 29:13) I asked the youth, "Who is it that knows your hearts - ?" (They all seemed to have an answer for that one, too - God.)
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I further explained that this is the old testiment story with the account of where the guy's donkey actually talks to him....
"Like Shrek!?"- someone immediately offered. =) LOL! Man, I love these kids!
"Ok. Like Shrek and DON-key." I replied - in a terrible accent. I sux at sound effects and accents.
"Have you ever had an animal, maybe a pet you're close to, talk to you?" - I continued, trying to work in the lesson points and stay on task...
"My parakeet!", someone said.
"NO!" said a bunch of others.
Someone brought up America's Funniest Home Videos and the talking doggie they saw there, um, ok, that may have been me. . . sometimes I digress.
"So," I probe on... "Why do you think the guy's DON-key talked back to him?"
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(I just LOVED this!)
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(Cracked me UP, now!)
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"Because she was an ASS!" - Chimed a voice from the back row. (God love that back row!)
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O.
MY.
GOLLY.
I HAD to keep my composure as the teach, right? Forget about it - who can't chuckle over that one??? If you was ever gonna try to get away with saying something like that, outloud, in Sunday school class, and NOT get reprimanded for it, because, well, you'd be RIGHT! - THAT, Ladies and Gentlemen, was your shining 'moment'. Funnee, huh? :D
We discussed the main points of the lesson - that while Balaam had sought the will of the Lord and was clearly instructed - Balaam was tempted by the king's offer and inquired of the Lord a 2nd time (as if - God's gonna change His mind on what's the best course of action for Balaam to take!? Lot of correlations to parent/child relationships on that point - then I jumped to the end - because we generally have a tough time getting to the end of our lesson plans, on any given Sunday, with this sharp little group -lol! I asked if any knew Balaam's ultimate fate? - Then I reminded them that if we continue to push our boundry lines with the Lord, knowing full well what He has already commanded - He will, in fact, recognize our free agency and allow us to choose for ourselves, often to our own loss and or utter destruction. They were listening and participating - this was very good.)
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It got even better, when I had a couple of the students I figured would be the best at maintaining reverance, read the scriptorial account of this unique biblical event. (Numbers 22:22-35) Because, it does sound funny, reading it all out loud in Sunday school. That word 'ass' coming up repeatedly - most especially when we see that the 'ass', a 'she-ass', btw, (dumb animal) sees what the [quote] "MASTER" [end quote] (smart man?! <-yes. questionable by this point in the story.) does not see!
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Maybe you just had to be there. We had a good time and when they quieted down they were ready to listen, to ponder and to feel after the spirit and not just the letter of the law. I love feeling that good spirit with them.
God Bless them, one and all!
I pray those favors for you and I as well.
Amen and amen.
Welcome, welcome...
"Welcome, welcome Sabbath morning - now we rest from every care... "
*sighs* The Hymns. I love the Hymns ... that's the opening line in one we sing in my church from time to time.
I rang in the morning down at the river. How glorious to sit still and know ... God.
To hear, and see, and smell, and almost taste his creation come awake and alive - vibrant - at the Sun's rise!
A sure metaphor, in my mind's eye, correlating to His Son's rise - the sweet victory of light over darkness... Resurrection and restoration over the sting of death and decay... freedom from the bondage and wages of sins.... etc... etc... etc... Today is a day that the Lord God made and I will rejoice and be glad in it!
(2)
=) D.~
PS: I found this lovely, copyrighted photo, at http://photohome.com/index.html being both a student and a teacher I thought I should follow proper protocol and give due credit to the site and the photographer, Allen Matheson - I liked this shot by Mr. Matheson because it reminded me of what my experience was - this morning.
Top of the morning and everything good to you, this day, and al'way.....
Friday, May 05, 2006
Trippy Skys - There is no place like Nebraska...
Howdy friends an neighbors,
I got these great photos from a friend in AZ of all places!
(Burfica over at Don't Eat the Tomatoes e-mailed them to me.) I thought they were pretty neato.
Dramatic skys + they brought back great memories - I lived in Hastings - I walked around the Heartwell Park area every morning for it's beauty and my excercise.
Kudos to 'Jorn Olsen' - for getting the shots - How many times have we all wished we'd have brought along our cameras?
Have a Happy Weekend!
_______________________________
Ever see anything like this?Jorn Olsen works for the Dutton-Lainson Co. in Hastings, Nebraska, lives by Heartwell Park next to Hastings College and took these photos.
The stadium lights are at the Hastings College stadium just east of his home.
The clouds are called Mammatus clouds.
They are quite rare, but really beautiful.
They do not precede a tornado, or foretell a storm, but are formed when the air is already saturated with rain droplets and/or ice crystals and begins to sink.
The worst of the storm is usually over when these kinds of clouds are seen.
Monday, May 01, 2006
RandomTandems
Work. =) God Love it!
Everything is boiling down to these scant few, (yet really big) assignments due Tuesday and Wednesday, along with my finals in 4 different subjects.
Work is 1/2 keeping me from being a total wreck with nerves right now.
I had to 'abandon' my studies and split shift at the dorm's cafeteria Saturday.
I've really enjoyed working there this semester. (Last fall was another story - but I won't go there now!)
One of my co-workers mentioned that they're fairly skilled at proof reading so I brought my newly tweaked resume in for them to look over. I have some jaggies in paragraph alinement that need to be straightened up. ... and I thought I should reword the flow in one of my objectives ... other than that, I'm good to go with it. Matter of fact they told me I could just make a living out of writing up people's resumes - they liked mine so much. <- (I thought that was a very nice compliment.) Bright and early this morning I got the call back on a position I'm extremely interested in! So setting up a time to discuss graphic design with an honest to goodness *potential* employer! Yea! About a year and a half - 2 years ago I took abunch of testing for a government position as a 'TSA' - which I passed yet, somehow, I missed the 2nd phase in that process. They've contacted me again and I've yards and yards of paperwork to resubmit, but I'm darn sure going for it... as you never know what direction the good Lord is going to open up for you next... AND... I'm being considered for another position which will require a top secret clearance, so, might as well get myself broke in to doing yards and yards of paperwork right along with getting my references, work and residence histories in spit shined order. SO. Maybe I'll stick my head outside today and take a whiff of that clean, prairie air - just refreshed by a sweet little sunshower this am. Maybe I will. As a break from the papers. Before I have to go to my appointments... and my other work, this afternoon.
lol. =)
*sheesh!*
Happy Monday 2All!
Everything is boiling down to these scant few, (yet really big) assignments due Tuesday and Wednesday, along with my finals in 4 different subjects.
Work is 1/2 keeping me from being a total wreck with nerves right now.
I had to 'abandon' my studies and split shift at the dorm's cafeteria Saturday.
I've really enjoyed working there this semester. (Last fall was another story - but I won't go there now!)
One of my co-workers mentioned that they're fairly skilled at proof reading so I brought my newly tweaked resume in for them to look over. I have some jaggies in paragraph alinement that need to be straightened up. ... and I thought I should reword the flow in one of my objectives ... other than that, I'm good to go with it. Matter of fact they told me I could just make a living out of writing up people's resumes - they liked mine so much. <- (I thought that was a very nice compliment.) Bright and early this morning I got the call back on a position I'm extremely interested in! So setting up a time to discuss graphic design with an honest to goodness *potential* employer! Yea! About a year and a half - 2 years ago I took abunch of testing for a government position as a 'TSA' - which I passed yet, somehow, I missed the 2nd phase in that process. They've contacted me again and I've yards and yards of paperwork to resubmit, but I'm darn sure going for it... as you never know what direction the good Lord is going to open up for you next... AND... I'm being considered for another position which will require a top secret clearance, so, might as well get myself broke in to doing yards and yards of paperwork right along with getting my references, work and residence histories in spit shined order. SO. Maybe I'll stick my head outside today and take a whiff of that clean, prairie air - just refreshed by a sweet little sunshower this am. Maybe I will. As a break from the papers. Before I have to go to my appointments... and my other work, this afternoon.
lol. =)
*sheesh!*
Happy Monday 2All!