Silence and Thank You

The last few days have been a moment of silence, thank you. This silence is not the same as being quiet. I can control quiet, but I cannot control silence. This silence is in it's own space, if I could describe it, I would say it's the same silence that God experience in the beginning. This silence, has to be the same silence where everything was a void, before the creation of time. Anyone out there, have you experience moments like this?

Reflection with Saint Benedict's Rule

Chapter 6 Cherishing silence in the monastery

In a monastery we ought to follow the advice of the psalm which says: I have resolved to keep watch over my ways so that I may not sin with my tongue. I am guarded about the way I speak and have accepted silence in humility refraining even from words that are good. In this verse the psalmist shows that, because of the value of silence, there are times when it is best not to speak even though what we have in mind is good.

Freedom is your Choice

Today, choose a item on your "to do list" and replace it with the word freedom. This means, that you no longer need to do it, because you have just free yourself from it. Experience that freedom, reflect on what it feels like. Journal the feelings that is stirring you on the inside. Ask yourself these questions:

Why did I replace this item on my list with freedom?
Why was that item on my list in the first place?
Do I have a list to choose from?
Did I first contemplate what was needed to be done?
Are the items on my list a normal routine in my life?
Do they effect my life in a special way?
What else on my list that I want to replace with freedom?
Am I replacing freedom with the items I don't need?

Okay, I am not going to blog you down with ideas. I think what is most important, is to make a list and let freedom be the first thing on your list. Then each time you write something down, you decide what is most important; freedom or the listed item.  Regardless, what your choice is, enjoy the feeling of being free from your own obstacles and journal your experience. The more practice in freedom, the more chances of happiness. Enjoy

Jonah delivers God's Message-

Jesus first arrived at the temple in Jerusalem and begins to thrash everything inside the temple walls. In today's society, that would be known as destruction of property. Trashing of ones property,would have cost his family a hefty fee and most likely justice would have been serve. Of course, as we look back, we would say, that was Jesus Christ, he can do anything and what he has done was justified. However, in those times, Jesus Christ was just a citizen, like you and me, claiming to be "the Messiah" the son of God. Those that was not against him, thought he was a lunatic and those that were against him, wanted him lock away or better yet killed.

 Imagine Jesus, the son of God is walking amongst us now, He then goes to the larger temple, Earth itself, knocking everything over, going into banks and allowing his empowerment to unlock the vaults of his own treasure, raging mad as he screams out these words,stop making my father's house a den of thieves. Those that is not against him, would become looters, those against him, would probably have him lock away or shot on site. He would still have many supporters, stadiums are well overfilled, millions of people being fed, everybody wants him to join their campaign and the religion leaders, would asked him,which doctrine is the greatest?  He would sit down and have dinner with the tax collectors, politicans and allowed the poor and less wanted shower him with love. I would like to know, what would be different now, versus the outcome of his first coming? How are we different, from those that had crucified him on the cross?

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father,
Who Art in Heaven
Hallow by thy name
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done
On Earth
As it is in Heaven
Give us this day
Our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those that trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from all evil
The thine of the kingdom
The power of the glory
Is yours
Forever and ever
Amen-

Tomorrow

Tomorrow, This is a beautiful article and in its own way, monastic... Enjoy

Super Bowl VI MVPCowboys, QB #12 in the Living Bible

QB=Quick Brains

 

 A good quarterback need more than just a deadly throwing arm. He must read enemy defenses, choose offensive plays, make all the right moves, and keep a cool head through the pass rushes. That's what great quarterbacking is all about.
The political quarterbacks who ruled after David were not always as tough under pressure as their ancestor. David's grandson, Rehoboam, took a hard line on the draft and taxes, and promptly split the nation in two- "Judah" (two tribes) and "Israel" (ten tribes). Together, 1 and 2 Kings cover more than four centuries of leaders a few of them godly and successful, but more of them off on their own ego-trips which left God out of their plan.
Tough prophets like Elijah and Elisha sometimes succeeded at pounding sense into royal heads, but by 587 B.C. The Assyrians and Babylonians had combined to force-march the Israelis away from their homes and to devastate the splendid capital of David and Solomon. Then, as now, it all depended upon who was listening to God and who was ignoring him.

 

From "The Way" The Living bible Illustrated-copyright 1972 and 1977/ISBN#8423-7820-0.

 

A great team in the year of 1972, that showed great team leadership, against all odds. Super Bowl VI, was the cowboys first Superbowl win. It was meant to happen, a team label as the underdogs, came out and triumphant in glory. In those days, that is how battles were won, strong leader that gave strong leadership and the team responded. As a nation, we need those same guidelines, we need a strong leader, strong leadership and we as a people, in one of the most powerful nations in the world, need to respond. However, not by the power of our own will, but that of God's. Because we just don't want temporary victory, we want the victory of the Kingdom of God. Therefore, we must stand as one people and one people accord to the QB of Heaven, Jesus Christ as he march us through for eternal victory to reign forever.

The Divine Plan: Ephesians

Ephesians 3:8-11 Just think! I did nothing to deserve it, and though I am the most useless Christian there is , yet I was the one chosen for this special joy of telling the Gentiles the Glad News of the endless treasures available to them in Christ; and to explain to everyone that God is the Savior of the Gentiles too, just as he who made all things had secretly planned from the very beginning.
And his reason? To show to all the rulers in heaven how perfectly wise he is when all of his family-Jews and Gentiles alike-are seen to be joined together in his church, in just the way he had always planned it through Jesus Christ our Lord.

I have just finished reading the entire letter of Paul to the Ephesians. If you want to know how to get through today's times, read Ephesians. The letter touch on every scenario that we are experiencing today. It lays out God's plan and "remind us" that the hard part is over with, all we have to do is to stay strong in our faith. I love this part-Ephesians 4:8-10: The Psalmist tells about this, for he says that when Christ returned triumphantly to heaven after his resurrection and victory over Satan, he gave generous gifts to men. Notice that it says "he returned" to heaven. this means that he had first come down from the heights of heaven, far down to the lowest parts of the earth. The same one who came down is the one who went back up, that he might fill all things everywhere with himself, from the very lowest to the very highest.

There is no gaps that Jesus Christ himself did not filled. We may be advancing in technology, building new structures, even scattering ourselves to outer space, but all is under the throne of God. Therefore, since Satan was not able to stop Jesus Christ, his list of "things to do" is to confuse us and pull us into total chaos. Why? because what is done is done, there is no turning back. It's this simple, Jesus Christ has fulfilled God's plan, now he is patiently waiting to ensure that we all gain faith and hold onto that faith, that will lead us to everlasting life. The world is not changing, it's the same world that Adam and Eve first encounter. The universe is not going to get wider, we are not going to be able to click on a space and drag it to where we think is the right fit. It's our faith that needs to expand, to the depths of the everlasting life of Jesus Christ.

In The Dumps

I have the opportunity to read many versions of God's Word, but this one is my favorite. The Way, Living Bible illustrated, copyright 1972 and 1977.

In the Dumps: The blues. When they hit they wipe out every tingle of joy and excitement. Nothing matters except the depressed, pitying way you feel about yourself. You need a compliment, and uplifter,but you look so miserable no one will even approach you, much less compliment you. Where can you turn? If you ever feel this way- so low that down is up- take a deep breath and read the next six chapters of Ephesians. Paul cuts loose with an explosion of words about how great you are. Through Jesus, God took away all our sins and cruddiness, Paul says, and showered down upon us his richness. God understands us and knows what is best for us at all times (1:8).
Are things looking up? Read on. God is shaping us so well that we are gifts to him that he delights in! (1:11). Encore upon encore, Paul piles on a stream of applause. He rightly gives the praise for what has happened to God, but we are the ones who benefit. Ephesians shows what we look like from God's viewpoint. If we're his children, we look dazzling to him. Even when we're feeling low.

Ephesians 1:5-6 In olden times God did not share this plan with his people, but now he has revealed it by the Holy Spirit to his apostles and prophets. And this is the secret: that the Gentiles will have their full share with the Jews in all the riches inherited by God's sons; both are invited to belong to his church, and all of God's promises of mighty blessings through Christ apply to them both when they accept the Good News about Christ and what he had done for them.

Grandeur of Life

Life is what you make it, I believe that we each have control of our destiny. If we listen for the right voice, that is instructing us how to obtain such location. This reminds me of Abraham's quest, he heard many voices, but only one voice stood out from the rest. This one voice told him to leave everything and set out towards this promise land, that no one knew anything about. My question is, since this was a crazy idea, why did Lot followed? Lot had access to so much and since Abraham was going off to some crazy scheme, it would have been even more "logical" to stay behind. However, Lot chose wisely, he too left everything behind and set out on his journey, following Abraham. Once they reach their destiny, or the place that God wanted Abraham to setup camp, they both achieved more than anybody could imagine.

We as a people and a nation, have these same opportunities, to recognized the grandeur of life. We can choose to be the problem or the resolution. We can be masters of art or masters of destruction. Although we may be called for different reasons, as a people of God, the finish product is the same, no "first class citizens" or "second class citizens", but a citizenship that care for what God created and created alone.  To build the hierarchy of "Love and Beauty" as if it was a volcano erupting in song. The "Grandeur of Life" is the ultimate goal of both you and me. We all want it, we all desire it, we just have to accept the conditions, to follow in the footsteps of Abraham, Lot and cross over the bridge to Jesus Christ, by which is the only means to obtain this dynasty.

Reflections

Reflections

The Nudity of Paradise

Enjoying the opportunity of silence and reflection, a old dream came to focus. My mother passed away four days after Thanksgiving, in 2007. She died of lung cancer and the good news is her suffering was short lived. She had the most beautiful dimples, beautiful smile and very strong. A very beautiful African American, Black, Negro Woman.  Being defeated by life was not an option, and she stood strong to the very end of her earthly life. I miss her and our many laughs together and I miss her strength. Thinking back, as an young adult, I would warned those that thought they could make my life difficult, that my mother will loved to meet them. Doris Jean Godfrey, was no joke, she would make the caffeine in coffee nervous.  I really miss her now, because although she was not the lean on your shoulders type, she knew the right words that would make you go out and ask the world, you and what army? I need those right words right now mommy Jean and Jesus Christ.

The Nudity of Paradise is where I last saw my mom. First, some background history of my family. Our family was a women's family. Imagine a family of Southern Black Baptist Women. Now my mom, well that was a whole different story, her nickname was gypsy. She was not a person that would stay in one place, nor be tied down to any particular location. She was all over the place. Also, she was very stylish, she should have been a fashion model or a movie star. At some point, I thought she was. So whatever Jean Brown (her maiden name) wanted to do, Jean Brown did. I am beginning to see some of our similarities. Regardless, Jean was real, you knew exactly how she felt and you always knew the truth. Her walk was her trademark and you could spot my mother, miles away, no one and I  mean no one walked the way she walked. Instead of Cancer, she should have had issues with her hips, because she moved those hips from left to right, just as much as she smoke. Anyway, that was my mother and even after her last breath, she was still running the show.

Now her Roman Catholic daughter (me), was explaining the rules of baptism to her one day. She was going to be baptize as a Baptist, within a month of her returning back to the church. I said Mom, what Baptist church do you go to? She asked what do you mean? I don't have to go to no church to get baptize. Child, the pastor comes and read me the word and in the next two weeks, I will be baptize, and that is exactly how it happen. My mother could turn dirt into gold and people love her for that. My mother had four daughters, one passed away while giving birth to a baby boy, which also died during the process.  But my mother was the only one that kept her emotions under control, I don't know what she did when she was alone, but most of the time, she was always amongst family and friends. Her personal feelings were personal and only she knew, what was going on in her own life.

So, our mother passed away and there was this big argument on what picture was going to be on her program. My oldest sister of course pick more of a conservative portrait, my younger sister, well she picked a picture that represent Doris Jean Brown- Godfrey. It was a picture, where she had on a two-piece bikini and she was leaning up against a rock, as a young teenager. So, I watch as they battle it out. My younger sister was out-number, because the church folks and the remaining elders, had they say in the matter as well. However, my younger sister stood her ground and programs were passed out with my mom wearing her bikini and a smile that lit up the world. Yes, there was judgemental glares, but what was most important, our mom had her funeral her way.

A couple of years later, I had a dream of my mom in Paradise. My first glance, it was that same picture that was on her funeral program and actually, I was trying to recognize where I saw her face before. As I was going through my memory log, I had turned to my left and I saw a Caucasian male in the nude, walking toward this waterfall. I turned around to say something to this other person and I recognize who she was, as she was pulling off her bikini. I gasp, my mom had a very nice shape and she was in her teenage years, but she was still my mom. She smiled at me and continue to walk towards the waterfalls, just like the man before. I followed and as I turned the corner, she jump off this cliff and there below was the most beautiful picture, that anyone could imagine. I have not seen anything so beautiful in any painting, photograph or museum that could best describe that scene. Water sparkling like gold, everything was just shimmering. Lushes green all over the place, it was immaculate. The worst part of the dream was, I woke up from it. It was truly an oasis.

What prompted this long post is, that "in the beginning when God created Adam and Eve in Genesis, prior to the expulsion from the "Garden of Eve" is it possible, that we have excommunicated ourselves from the Garden of Eve, with the might of our own will, regardless of our good works?

We don't look at nude as a beautiful image of creation, nor is nudity represented properly.  However, nude is beautiful, if shown as a work of art created by God. Do we understand what nudity is really about? Have we turned our sight into Gotham City or Golgotha, that we no longer know the real meaning of beauty? Now, that the land of milk and honey has been found, it time to search for the most beautiful place in the world, the creation of God's Paradise.

Psalm 73

It's worth finding a Bible and reading the Psalm in its entirety. It's beautiful and true. The beauty is admitting to my own faults, instead of reflecting on the faults of others. You want truth, this is truth.

Ah Yah Ah...

Ah Yah Ah

Ah Yah Ah- A new version to end prayer or a chant from the "The Christs Light Techniques. There are may endings for prayer, but I going with this one for now. As a little girl, I use to sang this song that only had the words of Yah, Yah, Yah, Yah, Yah. I would repeats those words over and over. I was not praying, but I was definitely singing that song as a child over and over and over again, Yah, Yah, Yah, Yah, Yah, Yah... Interesting how words of the past, find their way back into the presence of your life. Yah, Yah, Yah, Yah, Yah, okay enough of that already. Anyway, me and the Holy Spirit hung out today and we had a great time. I had a great time letting go and let myself be free in its Holy moment. We walk, prayed, visit a chapel and listen. Retreat can be found anywhere, if you have the eyes to see and the ears to hear. My vocation is the seed of prayer and the roots of its secrets. Without prayer nothing exists. Prayer is the essence of all being and the door to the host of Heaven. Another word that I want to add to prayer, is beauty. From the book " Letters to a young Catholic" by George Weigel. "That is grace at work- God's out-pouring of his super abundant life into the world and into our lives. Like Augustine, we burn for the embrace of the beauty that is always the same and always new, that burning, which God himself has built into us, is the beginning of every prayer."     Ah Yah Ah.

Saint Benedict Rule @ 12:00am

Unfortunately, no Starbucks open at this time of night near by, however, a good rest to stay on track with my 12:00 am readings is a plus. It's nice and quiet, and something about the stillness of the night attracts me to the mystery of staying watch and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide me. While the city's crew, prepare the streets for the morning rush, a few hours from now. Therefore, I started my morning call with my Bible and Saint Benedict Rule and immediately, I stop in mid-chapter! Which type of monk am I discerning? You will soon see what I mean, I have read this book before and just like the Bible, a wake-up call thunder through my mind. Chapter 1:

It is well known that there are four kinds of monks. The first kind is that of Cenobites, that is, the monastic, who live under a rule and an Abbot.
The second kind is that of Anchorites, or Hermits, that is, of those who, no longer in the first fervor of their conversion, but taught by long monastic practice and the help of many brethren, have already learned to fight against the devil; and going forth from the rank of their brethren well trained for single combat in the desert, they are able, with the help of God, to cope single-handed without the help of others, against the vices of the flesh and evil thoughts. But a third and most vile class of monks is that of Sarabaites, who have been tried by no rule under the hand of a master, as gold is tried in the fire (cf Prov 27:21); but, soft as lead, and still keeping faith with the world by their works, they are known to belie God by their tonsure. Living in two's and three's, or even singly, without a shepherd, enclosed, not in the Lord's sheepfold, but in their own, the gratification of their desires is law unto them; because what they choose to do they call holy, but what they dislike they hold to be unlawful. But the fourth class of monks is that called Landlopers, (new version-gyrovagues) who keep going their whole life long from one province to another, staying three or four days at a time in different cells as guests. Always roving and never settled, they indulge their passions and the cravings of their appetite, and are in every way worse than the Sarabaites. It is better to pass all these over in silence than to speak of their most wretched life. Therefore, passing these over, let us go on with the help of God to lay down a rule for that most valiant kind of monks, the Cenobites.

Okay, I am discerning to be a Cenobites, however, if I want to be honest in my discernment, I would have to say I am not to far from the vineyard of the last two type of monks, what do you think?

Anyway, check out this website, this is where I copy and paste the first chapter of the Saint Benedict Rule, there is some great information there. Also if you are interested in a copy of these rules, I listed two monasteries on the side links or grab you a copy from amazon.com. Great Book!

http://www.holyrule.com/part1.htm

http://www.amazon.com/Benedictine-Handbook-Anthony-Marett-Crosby/dp/0814627900/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1350461570&sr=1-1&keywords=the+benedictine+handbook

 

Prayer Block

Have you ever had a prayer block before? This means that there are so many prayers out there  that sometimes, the mood is just not there. Today, is truly one of them. I was going to wake up this morning and start this journey on the mystery of prayers. Well, I woke up this morning, but I am squeeze into this space of not knowing where to begin. My favorite prayer is the "Lord's Prayer" in Matthews' chapter 6. When I pray that prayer, I always feel the Holy Spirit presence and it helps me to remain very still and listen to what the Holy Spirit is communicating to my heart. Sometimes, the presence is stronger than other times, but I am moved in a way that I feel lite as a feather. The power of peace, quietness and calm that this prayer offers me, gives me the image that I am out on the boat with the Apostles, right when they wake Jesus up due to the storm and he commands the sea to be calm.

I feel that the Holy Spirit is telling me to be still, but at the same time follow me. Well, how can you be still and follow at the same time? Therefore, I remain still, but is confuse as to what to do next. The peace of serenity, calmness and being still, is every so strong at this very moment, but deep in the cortex of my mind, lies the mystery of prayer unresolve. As my thoughts travel into tomorrow morning, I will journey through time for the mystery of prayer. However, for right now, I will enjoy the stillness of peace in such a time of chaos.

Blessings

Allow DACA recipients to be covered under the Affordable Care Act!!

Allow DACA recipients to be covered under the Affordable Care Act!!

God's Angels (Wind Prayer II)

I just want to say is when you hear the wind, stop everything that you are doing, even sleep and spend time with God. Talk to him, share your thoughts, even in silence and last but not least pray. Since my post earlier Wind Prayer, I have had casting shadows of Jesus, a glimpse of the community in Jesus time, song and praise and a cousin from San Franciso, on facebook posting his heart away giving praise to our God. As I glance over at my own supper table and look opon the wicker basket, the spirit moves me that there are many baskets, but the one filled with the "Bread of Life" is the one that will carry us through the storm.

Blessings and Peace to all of you
Love
Cynthia

The Supper Table

I love Duccio di buoninsegna painting of the Last Supper. To me it's more of an reality, because when we sit as a community, we do gather around the table and engage in a more informal setting.

The Leonard Di Vinci portrays more of a hierarchy image, where everyone is center towards Jesus and the portrait promotes speculation. This image provide the observer a feel for community, as Jesus Christ looks on and engage in the variety of conversations that is center around him.

Also, as I look at my own supper table, I immediately go and clear the table top from piles of paper and replace with a wicker basket in the center. It reminds me of the past, when the apostles had the opportunity of a lifetime to have Jesus Christ in their mist and for me, hope.

The Wind Prayer

It's 12:44 am here in Seattle, the wind voice strongly speaks out and asked, don't you have a prayer for me tonight? Yes, but what do I really pray for; love, peace, harmony, someone, everybody, myself? No, pray from your heart, pray for your heart, because that is all that you will ever need. I am listening, don't you have a prayer for me tonight?

Focus: A Day of Reflection

 

 

Sometimes a picture can portray a thousand meanings, pending on the eye of the beholder.

 

Also, the true light of this picture is base on each individuals center.

Enjoy the discoveries that this picture entails.

 

 

?Questions

 

1. Where do we come from?
2. How were we created?
3. Why were we created?
4. What does the heart of the apple mean?
5. What did Mary, Mother of God hold dear to her heart?
6. Why is the right brain smarter than the left brain?
7. Why do we choose to be more program than we already are?
8. What is God’s will?
9. What is God’s will for the universe?
10. What is God’s will for me and you?
11. Is there a wrong and a right, versus a true wrong or a true right?
12. Is there a difference between the two above?
13. What is our design?
14. Who is Jesus Christ?
15. What does Jesus mean by follow me?
16. Is life important and if so why?
17. What reason do we have to follow other people?
18. Why do we follow other people?
19. What if we reverse our thoughts?
20. Can there be a world that is all enlighten?
21. Can we build a future, where no one is hungry or homeless, regardless of their circumstances?
22. Do you want a world full of peace, freedom, love and joy?
23. Do we all want to be equal?

Please take the time to reflect on these questions  above and make your own list of questions. I hope you will share and share on my blog as well. Also, take the time to read Psalms 23 and reflect on creating a better space.

Love You
Just me Cynthia

Restoration vs High Definition

In today' society we view shades of gray on high definition plasma screens or restore an old painting or photograph through a product called, photoshop. However, in another time of dimension, our past took on a more colorful existance and experience. What might have been gray at one time of history, they were able to turn that gray of darkness into the most beautiful piece of  Renaissance faire. As I stroll through these paintings via Bing images, I know that I am cheated the glory of these masterpieces, painted and restored by the masters themselves. However, I am grateful for our technology to bring us all into the capture of these ancient times, chants and the stroke of beauty.

O God, come to my assistance.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.

http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/renaissance_painting/

 

Lorenzo Monaco (Italian, Florentine, circa 1370–circa 1424). Madonna of Humility, circa 1415–20. Tempera and gold on panel. Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mary Babbott Ladd, Lydia Babbott Stokes, and Frank L. Babbott, Jr., in memory of their father, Frank L. Babbott, 34.842

October 3, 2003–September 19, 2006

The newly reunited masterwork of Nardo di Cione on view is the most important fourteenth-century altarpiece in the United States. A group of panel paintings, most from the fifteenth century, or quattrocento, a term that refers broadly to the early Renaissance in Italy, represents a cross-section of religious art from the early Italian Renaissance.

Many of these pictures use gold backgrounds to evoke a sense of the eternal realm. It may at first appear that all gold-ground paintings look alike. All were executed in egg-based tempera on wood using a similar technique in the layering of paint. But within the conventions imposed by the medium, close examination reveals a wide variety of brushwork, some of it quite lively. In addition, gestures and facial expressions differ from artist to artist.

The majority of the pictures on view were painted either in Florence or Siena, the two great centers of early Italian Renaissance painting. Florence was known for the monumental style pioneered by the fourteenth-century master Giotto (1267–1337), while Siena's artists distinguished themselves with the delicacy of their lyrical and sinuous lines. Two small pictures of the Madonna and Child are Flemish and represent the Northern approach to this universal theme both in their style, with its attention to crisp detail, and in their medium, with the use of oil paint instead of tempera.

The way we look at these pictures in our time differs dramatically from the experience of Renaissance viewers. In the Museum, we may admire the paintings' aesthetic qualities, but many original viewers—gazing upon them in a church or private chapel—also understood them to be imbued with spiritual power. Not only the Christian symbolism of the works, but also the frontal orientation of the holy subjects—toward the viewer—prompted spiritual meditation. The saints' gestures of reverence for the Madonna and Child, the Madonna's compassion for her son, and Christ's suffering on the Cross all offered powerful visual models of piety for the faithful to follow. In addition, the careful rendering of the figures heightened the sense of veneration, as did the use of precious materials.

This exhibition is made possible by the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation in celebration of its 25th Anniversary. Additional support is provided by Arthur Richenthal and other generous friends of the Museum.

Eye-Chart

It's time for another eye examine, or should I say another opportunity for the optician to tell me that "my eyes are just out of focus" Hmmm. What if the eye exam will be more like this?

 

 

Did I pass Doc?

 

 

Scavenger Hunt for Mary

Rain finally, I am not a groupie for rain, but waking up on a Saturday morning, with a hot fresh cup of coffee and raindrops creating their own orbs on your windows, is just beautiful. Well, almost beautiful, I woke up on my friends couch, as I looked through their wild life array of plants, the biggest german shepherd ever, and wondering what it would have been like, if I had this fresh bouquet experience of rain, at my own studio. Very quickly, the aroma of coffee grasp me, as I was brought back to the racing of rain drops, as they appeared on my friend's windows.  Buddy, the biggest german shepherd ever, lies down, with face on paws, as he watch everyone pour in or out of doors to face the gray skies lurking about outside. Therefore, me, Buddy, Doug and Kevin, finish watching the Avengers, action Marvel hero's lighting up the skies, entertaining every racing thought that was trespassing my brain.

Before heading home, I decided to visit the Library at Seattle University and continue onto St. James Cathedral. Inside this monument of establishment is a little small chapel, which displays both a beautiful portrait of Mary and a beautiful statue of Mary. There is a lot of speculation of which Mary the church is really portraying, as well as why do Catholics kneel down and pray to Mary. I don't know and I don't speculate, at least not out loud. I will even say, I have a problem with kneeling down and praying to a statue of any sort. I do ask God about this and he does respond. His answer is search, and the truth will reveal itself to you, not propaganda. As I look and observe both the statue and portrait of the two Mary's, there is a resemblance and there is a difference. Therefore, just as the comic strip of the Marvel comics come to life, so will the shadows of Mary give its true light.

Happy Sabbath

$Zillions

Exploration of space is a beautiful thing. There were so many before us that explored the universe which we now reside. However, the $Zillions spent on man's real live game of Tomb Raider in space, can that same denarii be use for food for a child's lips? Does exploring space means expanding our problems further, than we will be able to resolve? There are so many crevices within our own rock, where mystery awaits our attention. But, we choose to step over that pebble, and take on a giant, that like a bee, prefer to be left alone and remain in its hive, within it's own zillions of rocks. For when it's time for discovery, you will not have to come there, but it will come to you, in its time.

 I want you to utilize this opportunity to explore and create an "Monastic space". Reflect on the gift of inspired words, it's priceless...

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 The words of David's son, Qoheleth, king in Jerusalem:

Vanity of Toil without Profit
Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth,
vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!
What profit has man from all the labor
which he toils at under the sun?
One generation passes and another comes,
but the world forever stays.
The sun rises and the sun goes down;
then it presses on to the place
where it rises.
Blowing now toward the south, then
toward the north,
the wind turns again and again,
resuming its rounds.
All rivers go to the sea,
yet never does the sea become full.
To the place where they go,
the rivers keep on going.
All speech is labored;
there is nothing man can say.
The eye is not satisfied with seeing
nor is the ear filled with hearing.
What has been, that will be; what has
been done, that will be done,
Nothing is new under the sun.
Even the thing ofwhich we say, "See, this is new!"
has already existed in the ages that preceded us.
There is no remembrane of the men of old;
nor of those to come  will
there be any remembrance among those
who come after them.

Fog

Good Morning to an overcast Friday in Seattle. Yes, I know that is Seattle, Washington's trademark. What if I said good morning to and overcast church. That the church is always foggy. It's hard to see anything, because my vision will only allowed me to see so far. Therefore, I will have to wait until the fog clears up, before I can make any real adjustments. Will you leave Seattle because of the overcast? Will you leave church because it's always foggy? Would you move to a place that is always overcast? Would you move to a "Church" that is always foggy? As you already know, that different weather climates forces us to make real adjustments, for us to feel more comfortable, some more than others. However, in the "House of God" we struggle with making adjustments, to the exposure of the climate inside the church. Why? Is the House of God the same as the change of seasons and tempertures? In the book of Job, right at Chapter 40 verse 1: The Lord then said to Job: Will we have arguing with the Almighty by the "critic"? Let him who would correct God give answer! I just love that, the way, this invisible person by the words he chooses, the "space" in which he provides the climate of the entire Book of Job.

 This is what's missing in our lives, boldness, we miss the point, whether it's overcast Seattle or foggy as we enter the "House of God". We often miss what is right in front of us. It's not about who is standing on the pulpit, but the feet thats entering the wide open space in the temple, and the moment to explore and experience, what God has freely given us. Space has a language that words alone cannot describe. Before those inspired words of God was written down, there had to be space, without it, there would be no words, nor pictures. The building that you are in right now, guess what? If there is no space, there is no building. A lot of times, we focus on the foundation that something is constructed on top. Jesus mention three times in the Bible about this "rock". I would encourage you to read: Matthew 16:13-20 because just in those verses is some very important information, that we often overlooked. The rules to engage and read applies the same in the Bible also. You read what is prior and what is after. Prior to these verses is the "Leaven of Bread" and afterwards is the Prophecy of the "Passion and the Resurrection". Jesus decides to plant a "rock" right in between these two passages, while we take verse Matthew 16:18 literally. "I for my part declare to you, you are the "Rock", and on this rock I will build my church, and the jaws of death shall not prevail against it." Lets do verse 19 also: "I will entrust to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven". A lot of people and trust me when I say a lot of people, confuse this verse with the Vatian in Rome and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, as the place of the New Jerusalem. However, I will leave that interpretation for you to reflect on and ask Jesus to open the space that he has provided you with and explain what that "parable" really means. Because, that is exactly what it is a parable, for ingestion into the soul of mankind. A important ingestion, I might add. To be continue...

Divine intervention only by the petition of Prayer

I will probably stay in this picnic area for awhile, because that is just how important prayer is to me. I strongly encourage for you to read 1 Maccabees 11:67-74. There describe, many biblical acts of courage. Here is Jonathan, in the mist of a battle, 3000 men to his 3, including himself. The small camp of men after seeing that they were ambush, fled the scene, knowing that they were out number and only victory here was going to be their deaths. When a scary scene is about to happen in a horror flix, I put my hands over my eyes and scream, before the scene takes place. However, what does my man Jonathan in Maccabees do? Jonathan tore his clothes, threw earth on his head, and prayed (1Maccabees 11:71). Now lets be honest, how many of us would be with the soldiers, men of valiant running for our lives? don't lie, me and everybody else. But not Jonathan, let me repeat, tore his clothes, threw earth on his head and prayed. Then he went back to the combat and so overwhelmed the enemy that they took to flight. (1Maccabees 11:72). Here we come, in verses 73-74: Those of his men who were running "away" saw it and returned to him; and with him they pursued the enemy as far as their camp in Kadesh, where they pitched their own camp. Three thousand of the foreign troops fell on that day. Then Jonathan returned to Jerusalem. I guess we can say cowardliness does not make us strong, but prayers do.

If Jonathan in the mist of war can put it on pause, rip his clothes and throw some dirt on his head and pray to God. My sister and brothers, those of you in "Mass", liturgy of the hours, anybody in or outside the church, that is praying and petitioning to God, You need to have all the time in the world to pray to God in a tempo without the prayer itself falling off the staff. Amen-

Who am I?

To discern is a beautiful process, it's like discovering a new life, that has been kept in a special place.  I turned off on a road that I allowed myself to follow Jesus, while at the same time God knew that it was time, for me to see the purpose of his creation. The Monastic Diet for me, is to rid myself of everything I knew before and seek God's purpose in me as a person and the world at large. This is a very heavy task, so many roads beckon me to travel, as they chant, this is the right way. However, Jesus has actually invited me to enter into darkness with him, so that he may show me the light, the true light on the other side of this kingdom. I remember, when I first moved to Seattle, November 1999 and I was driving alone from Long Beach California to Seattle Washington, me and my stuff. It was late at night and I had just passed Sacramento, California. Out of nowhere, this very heavy condense fog, was like white snow on a TV screen or a wall that could not be penetrated by anyone. It was me, another car and a 18 wheeler big rig. Each of us, to our own lane and driving way below 5mph. I decided to follow the other car, but you can only imagine what its like driving behind a very slow driver and at 3mph, "death wish". However, all three vehicles and its occupants had entering in the unknown, not even knowing what lies ahead of them, with each kilometer waiting to be explore. If you know me, you can only imagine what happen next. Patience at that time was not a word in my vocabulary, least putting it into action. However, prayer was and I knew what my next course of action was going to be. Therefore, I got back in my own lane and start saying the "Lord's Prayer and a few requests from this invisible person up in the sky or North of my location. Jesus, please be my eyes, I am afraid, but you know my patience. I have no idea how many miles this fog is traveling, but I need you to get me through it. I took a long breath, fixated my eyes and allowed the right foot to push so softly on the gas peddle. I could not see anything, so I tried to focus on those fog bumps, put on my fog lights and proceed with caution, as my speed odometer rise. Jesus please, and just like that, these long thick black wavy poles, just came out of nowhere, sky, heaven, wherever and the personal effect, was like the image of  those waving palms, as Jesus was approaching Jerusalem on his donkey. However, these were Black poles which had no beginning nor ending, waving back and forth on each side of the vehicle that I was driving. As I continue into unknown space on Interstate 5, all I saw ahead were these waving poles, penetrating this thick wall, allowing the forbidden passengers through. What I thought may take an eternity, was short lived and the next thing I knew, "we" were led out of the fog into the milky way. The white snow screen became the dark black sky, filled with a host of stars and yes, the north star shining every so bright. I shouted, I looked behind me and saw the other vehicle and 18 wheeler proceeding to exit off the highway. I honk my horn and wave goodbye, not knowing if they saw the wave. I continue with a big smile on my face and of course thanking Jesus Christ, as I chant to myself, I have chosen the right path , I have chosen the right path.

1.Maccabees -food for the soul

As a writer, you have the empowerment on how the words are received by an audience. You can promote anger or you can give the audience a reason to hang on to hope and love. As I am doing research on my journey of "The Monastic Diet", I have came across a lot of information. Sometimes information can make you angry, instill doubts or take you through a waterfall of flowing rainbows, with every color you want to experience. 1 Maccabees, has "all the above", however, just as I am ready to jump into the pages and kick me some gentiles and King Antiochus Epiphanes butt, ancient dessert father Mattathias, jumps right in front of me and say: we won that battle, however, I hear that another kingdom did not get the memo. Therefore, share my last parting words in your kingdom and remember these two things: The Way to Love and The Way of Return. Here's the message, kingdom:

1Maccabees:49-64: When the time came for Mattathias to die, he said to his sons: "Arrogance and scorn have now grown strong; it is a time of disaster and violent anger. Therefore, my sons, be zealous for the law and give your lives for the covenant of our fathers.
Remember the deed that our fathers did in their times
and you shall win great glory and an everlasting name.
Was not Abraham found faithful in trail,
and it was reputed to him as uprightness!
Joseph, when in distress, kept the commandment,
and he became master of Egypt.
Phinehas our father, for his burning zeal,
received the covenant of an everlasting priesthood.
Joshua, for executing his commission,
became a judge in Israel.
Caleb, for bearing witness before the assembly,
received an inheritance in the land.
David, for his piety,
received as a heritage a throne of
everlasting royalty.
Elijah, for his burning zeal for the law,
was taken up to heaven.
Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael, for their faith,
were saved from the fire.
Daniel, for his innocence,
was delivered from the jaws of lions.
And so, consider this from generation to generation,
that none who hope in him shall fail in strength.
Do not fear the words of a sinful man,
for his glory ends in corruption and worms.
Today he is exalted, and tomorrow he
is not to be found,
because he has returned to his dust,
and his schemes have perished.
Children! be courageous and strong in keeping the law,
for by it you shall be glorified.

Now there were a few verses afterward, however, you remember earlier I wanted to jump in the pages and kick some "gentiles" butts! Well today, we are those gentiles, and that battle was won  by Jesus Christ. Apparently, part of that Monastic Diet was once a Middle-East or Asian way of life, has now washed upon the European and Americas shores. Jesus circle of friends, the twelve apostles and the seventy missionary's have accomplished their great commission and delivered the gospel, "the good news" throughout the four corners of the world. All we have to do is hold onto our faith, continue to spread the good news, because the Messiah is coming.

What is Monastic Diet?

Hi, remember the first question what is monastic? I was just beginning to bore you with boring definitions. Well, not boring, but why provide you with something that you can look up and get your own opinion. Then I was going to bombard you with a bunch of key words illustrating the word monastic and I still may do that. However, my computer just shut down and perform a dump session, weird but just like everything else, there is a reason for everything.

I got back online, thinking that my blogger name was original and so I google my blog, The Monastic Diet and I got a lot of hits back, which took me back to Egypt, B.C. Eygpt. Therefore, it looks like that mid-session of computer melt down was a way for me to embark on a journey of what "Monastic Diet is all about. So join me on this journey and let us see what this diet entails.

Monastic- cleansing of ones material waste and replace with the loving gospel of Jesus Christ.