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rachman-unprecedented

So what is this going to be? A little bit of everything I think. Maybe that's it. What I'm thinking. What I'm believing. I hope what I'm knowing. And why would anyone care what I think I know? There's no reason in the world that you should. But then why are you here? Cuz you have to be somewhere I suppose. I've never been here before. I may not be back. I might get too busy to care; time is short. That's fine. Nobody can deal with it all at once. There is a lot to deal with.

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Location: The Great Plains, United States

I try not to take myself too seriously, but I know I have far too much. So I'm trying to learn how to laugh again, as I had forgotted for a while there. Also I'm relearning to enjoy life; you know, like when we were kids. The biggest challenge ahead is learning how to love God with all my heart, and soul, and mind, and strength. This one is not really that hard when you know the truth. But along with it comes learning to love others as I love myself, and that one is, as they say, "a horse of a whole different color." I think I need to learn to love myself a little more, but the problem may be that I know all these facts about me. Sometimes the facts are simply wrong or they are just stuck in the past. I'm trying to get my facts to line up with the truth. As someone once asked a great man, "what is truth?" If he had only known.

rachman's weblog

Sunday, January 20, 2008

A Time for Reflection



I've never actually been in a kayak, and it has been years since I was in a canoe. The last time I was, the water was no where close to being this perfectly smooth and still. There were probably dozens of guys my age splashing, padding, swimming, and jumping in the water so that it would never smooth out until after we left camp that summer. Oh yeah! And there was that time in Arkansas, going down the river what's its name. I was all grown up that time, with just one other buddy, but the water was still moving too fast to be really smooth and clear. While I'm bragging, I've been white water rafting a couple of times, with folks in, I believe it was New Mexico, but still that is not what I wanted to portray here. When I saw this photo, it put me in mind of being alone on quite waters reflecting on life. Or at least when I'm not being overwhelmed by the beauty of the surrounding area.
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So I'm in the mood to reflect on life. To take a time to think, to reevaluate, and perhaps to make some decisions. Perhaps to make some new goals. Okay, and perhaps a time to be alone with my God. To listen to what He might have to say. It is probably past time. Not only in my overall life, but just for the new year. I've been having a hard time paying attention to the blog of late. Some of you may have noticed. So it is time to give the first fruits of the year back to God. I've waited this long mostly because I had to get inventory out of the way at work first, before going into anything else.
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I'm taking a break from the usual blathering that I do here. I hope that I will take a break from the usual blathering that I do at home (in prayer, as well as the chatter that goes on in my head), and will listen as much or even more than I speak. I was surprised to come across this is Ecclesiastes 5:1 in the New Living Translation this very day: "As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut." Well, talk about a timely word. So for a few weeks at least I will be AWOL, or let's just say that I'm taking a sabbatical.
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To all of you, till next time, good blogging.
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~ rachman
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Saturday, January 19, 2008

Priorities Again?


Last year around this time I wrote about my priorities for the new year. Increase my time in the Bible, increase my time in prayer, and increase my love walk. Actually as I look back, I think that I did better than I realized at the time. I didn't do as well as I hoped, but better than if I hadn't tried at all. So I guess that 2007 was not a bad year after all. Well now that 2008 has come, I have heard another strategy session from one of my mentors. Let me share a few of his comments:
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We all have a subliminal list of priorities and for most people there is one major priority. Money. We all need more of it. Yet the Bible has a completely different approach.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things (read: money) shall be added unto you.

~ Matthew 6:33

One meaning of "seek" is to pursue and to study it until you understand it. "Righteousness" means right standing with God or doing and being right with God. Jesus is telling me to first study the kingdom until I understand it and how it operates, and also to understand how to be right with God. After doing these things, in fact while I'm in the process of learning His ways, God will add to my life (the things that I need).
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Okay that is quite a step of faith, but not one that is completely out of line with believing Romans 12:2 ~ Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
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(This is all easier said than done, but with God, all things are possible. My, my! This promises to be a challenging year ahead.)
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My mentor also mentioned that "how we use our time defines our life." I may need to be busy about my "father's business" this year. Also stated was, "how we spend our time determines the quality of our lives." Yes, I want more quality in my life. So it looks like my first priority this year is to seek the kingdom (of God). That is really quite a bite that I have decided to chew. But like I said before, I will get farther trying than I would if I don't try at all.
Here's to the new year!
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~ rachman
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Friday, January 18, 2008

Retirement or Higher Education?


A friend who works with the same company that I do, but now lives in another city, sent me this today. We both have the same dream of leaving that company, so even though neither one of us is really close to retirement age, the idea of leaving in any way possible often comes up.
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They asked a retiree the following questions:
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1) How many days are there in a week? Six Saturdays and one Sunday
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2) When is a retiree's bedtime? Three hours after he falls asleep on the couch.
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3) How many retirees does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but it might take all day.
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4) What's the biggest gripe of retirees? There is just not enough time to get everything done.
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5) Why don't retirees mind being called Seniors? The term comes with a 10% percent discount.
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6) Among retirees what is considered formal attire? Tied shoes.
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7) Why do retirees count pennies? They are the only ones who have the time.
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8) What is the common term for someone who enjoys work and refuses to retire? NUTS!
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9) Why are retirees so slow to clean out the basement, attic or garage? They know that as soon as they do, one of their adult kids will want to store stuff there.
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10) What do retirees call a long lunch? Normal.
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11) What is the best way to describe retirement? The never ending Coffee Break.
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12) What's the biggest advantage of going back to school as a retiree? If you cut classes, no one calls your parents.
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13) Why does a retiree often say he doesn't miss work, but misses the people he used to work with? He is too polite to tell the whole truth.
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14) What do you do all week? Monday to Friday; nothing. Saturday and Sunday I rest.
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Now to be honest, most of these questions reminded me of being a college student: When is a college student's bedtime? Three hours after he falls asleep on the floor. Why don't college students mind being called kids? Because the term comes with a student discount, student loans, easy student credit cards, little responsibility, and money from home. How many college students does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but it might take all semester. You get the idea. Any way you think about it; it's hard to change. People are people--from cradle to grave.
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~ rachman
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Monday, December 31, 2007

Happy New Year, My Friends!


I want to take just a moment to say to all the netizens that I have met over the last few years (okay, 1 and 1/2 years) that I wish you the very best for the new year! That includes you, Leo and Rob, (I miss hearing from you both, but I trust you are both well) and you, Troyal. (I was never sure if that stood for Troy Al or T. Royal or, maybe, neither. Either way I enjoy your art.) And then there was Rhys, and the blog bloke, and Bobby G. I've learnt from all of you, though not as much as I should have. (What with such a short attention span.) You all produce some great sites.
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Then there was the gracious Cergie, proving that all the French are not in the least bit what many Americans say about them. (Come to think of it, that's what the Internet has shown me. That people from all countries are, after all, just people the same as myself, with hopes and dreams.) And I shouldn't leave out Paulo, and Dave, and Elisabeth (Shame on you, Elisabeth. You didn't leave an address to touch base with you, after you left such a sweet comment. But at least you did comment. Thanks again.)
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All in all many of you I consider friends who don't ask for money. (Perhaps that is the thing I like best about you.) Although the political and religious debates have also been interesting and challenging. You know who I mean, Mohamed Fadly. I wish you happiness and peace, my friend. And also to you, Scott, Rose, and C.F. All of you I call friends and I am blessed to know you all.
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I know I have left out some names, but then you should write more often. That's okay. Time is short. It is almost time to begin again. May you all have more than enough. May you all be blessed in order to bless. May you all find all that you search for. May you all know the reason for your existence and use that existence to its utmost. May you all know the God of Grace, who gave us this time to start over.
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~ rachman
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Sunday, December 30, 2007

The Journey Home


I read this on the Jewish site called Chabad.Org and thought that it was brilliant, so I offer it here for those who haven't thought about it this way before.
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Afterlife is a very rational, natural consequence of the order of things. After all, nothing is ever lost--even the body only transforms into earth. But nothing is lost. The person you are is also never lost. It only returns to its source. If your soul became attached to the material world during its stay here, then it must painfully rip itself away to make the journey back. But if it was only a traveler, connected to its source all along, then its ride home is heavenly.
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I hope your journey in 2007 has been an overall good ride.
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Thursday, December 20, 2007

What Child Is This?


"What Child Is This?" is a popular Christmas carol that was written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix. It seems that at the age of twenty-nine, Dix was struck with a near-fatal illness which confined him to his bed for several months. He went into a deep depression during this time, yet out of this near-death experience Dix wrote many hymns, including "What Child is This?" Actually the words were first part of his poem called "The Manger Throne," and only later were three stanzas set to the traditional English melody of "Greensleeves."
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The melody which has been around since at least the 16th century has carried the words of many different sentiments. Some sacred and some not. Though it made an appearance as a hymn called "The old year now is fled" in 1642. It is thought that John Stainer may have merged "The Manger Throne" lyrics with the "Greensleeves" melody for a book of Christmas carols in 1867.
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"What Child Is This?"
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What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
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This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
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Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
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Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
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So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
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Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
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~ rachman
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Saturday, December 01, 2007

Home of the Brave

There are times when the brave ones will have to leave their home and enter the battle. Unfortunately, there are also times when brave ones will be required to stay behind to keep the home fires going.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

The Turkey Coma


An essential amino acid, known as tryptophan, is usually blamed for the sleepiness that most Americans experience on Thanksgiving Day. Give me a break! I've had plenty of, oh, let's say turkey sandwiches over the years, which did not make me sleepy. However I did indeed experience that "sinking" feeling in spite of all the football games on tap today. Come on, folks. Let's be real. What really put me in that "turkey coma," was not that six or so ounces of white and dark meat. It was more likely the deviled eggs, the three kinds of stuffed celery sticks, and everything else on the relish plate, which I consume for no other reason except they are there, the hot pepper and corn casserole (this is pretty close to the Mexican border), the traditional green bean casserole, the candied yams, the mashed potatoes, the good ole' southern cornbread dressing, the giblet gravy, the hot bread rolls, the seven or eight desserts (everyone has to have their favorite, but I settled for the chocolate pie, the pecan pie, and the rhubarb and berries pie). I may actually be forgetting something, but it's hard to remember anything about food right now. In spite of all I had, there was still an all time favorite missing in action. The traditional rachman fruit salad. But I doubt anyone alive can make it now, so I'm really not complaining. The point is that maybe we should stop putting all the blame on the turkey.
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~ Happy Thanksgiving
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Thursday, November 15, 2007

Your Own Selfish Pig

Doing good is not about being nice. You can do nice things all day long for many people, but it may be nothing more than just another vain attempt at making yourself happy. More food for your own ego.
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This world was designed so that people would need each other; a place where people could work together. And not just a place where you can "play nice" with each other. This world is meant to give you the opportunity to escape the confines of your own self. A chance to grow.
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When you help those who show gratitude, or you lend a hand to those who are on your side, well then you are still within the realms of your own ego and self. Try instead, to help someone you don't want to help. Those you don't agree with politically or socially or even spiritually. Help them and learn to want to help them simply because they are "fellow travellers" on this planet. Some would say because "this is the right thing to do." But that attitude sometimes just takes us back to feeling good about ourselves. Ego again. Just learn to love someone other than your own selfish pig. It certainly takes time, but at some point you may actually become free of yourself.
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~ thoughts on a philosophy.
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Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Trick or Treat?


Happy Halloween!

The dictionary says that October 31 is celebrated in the U.S. by children going door to door while wearing costumes and begging treats and playing pranks. This is also the time of year that the politicians start getting into their costumes and going door to door begging treats and playing pranks. It can be a scary time of year. It is already in full swing to be truthful, but like the kids who wear their costumes early, no one but their mom is really paying that much attention yet. Hang on. The year ahead could be quite a ride.
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~ rachman
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Thursday, October 25, 2007

Does God Speak Today?


A friend I used to work with, told me this story just the other day. Some people would say that it is nonsense, but I have found that God does some amazing things if we will just learn to listen and let him work. I don't think that anyone who knows me, would call me naive, but I have chosen to believe the things I hear if they glorify good. I have certainly believed enough of the bad things that I hear, so there is always that choice. But it seems only right that I should learn to believe the good things. Listen and see what you think.
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A young man had been to Wednesday Night Bible Study. The Pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice. The young man couldn't help but wonder, 'Does God still speak to people?' After service, he went out with some friends for coffee and they discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways. 'Maybe,' he thought.
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It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, 'God...If you still speak to people, speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey.' As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk. He shook his head and said out loud, 'God is that you?' He didn't get a reply and started on toward home. But again, the thought, buy a gallon of milk. The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn't recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli. 'Okay, God, in case that is you, I will buy the milk.' It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home.
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As he passed Seventh Street, he again felt the urge, 'Turn Down that street.' This is crazy he thought, and drove on past the intersection. Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street. At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh. Half jokingly, he said out loud, 'Okay, God, I will.' He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in a semi- commercial area of town. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed. Again, he sensed something, 'Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street.' The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat. 'Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad and I will look stupid.' Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk. Finally, he opened the door, 'Okay God, if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something, but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here.'
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He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out, 'Who is it? What do you want?' Then the door opened before the young man could get away. The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. 'What is it?' The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, 'Here, I brought this to you.' The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway. Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward what was probably the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face. The man began speaking and half crying, 'We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk.' His wife in the kitchen yelled out, 'I ask God to send an Angel with some. Are you an Angel?' The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put it in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face.
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He now knew that God still speaks to people.
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~ rachman
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Saturday, October 20, 2007

Clueless about God?


Most people are pretty clueless when it comes to knowing about God and what He is going to do. Well...He is pretty "far out there" for a lot of folks, so let's try and get a clue. Take a quick look at what the Bible says about God. First John 4:8 and 4:16 both say that, God is love. If that be the case, then first Corinthians 13:4-8 says this about God.
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God endures long and is patient and kind [But, I thought He was supposed to be mean and quick tempered? Guess I was wrong.]; God never is envious nor boils over with jealousy [Yeah, I know--the Old Testament says He is a jealous God. He will not put up with other gods among His people, or those folks who have by their own free will, chosen to follow Him. But let's come back down to earth. The Bible also tells us that He gives us a wife or husband for it's not so good for humans to be alone. He knows that we need other people in our lives; He started the whole thing after all. He gives us children. He puts us in a family. He wants us to be a part of the "body of Christ." Part of a community. He is not jealous of all the other relationships with which He has blessed us], He is not boastful or vainglorious, He does not display Himself haughtily. God is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride) [Actually it was the devil, then known as Lucifer, in which the pride and arrogance were found]; He is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly [That's kinda' interesting. In this day and age? Most of us don't even understand the concept of acting unbecomingly in front of other people. Yet the God of the Universe will not embarrass us or make us feel bad or uncomfortable]. God does not insist on His own rights or His own way [Now wait a minute! God does insist on His own way--doesn't He? Actually we would not even be discussing this, if He insisted that we do things His way. It's because we have a choice that we are wondering about this whole thing], for He is not self-seeking [Remember that He wants to be our father if we will let Him. He does try to warn us if we are about to touch the hot stove. May be all those "thou shalt not's" were there to help us and not to cause us to miss out on all the fun. He is seeking our good. But perhaps I digress?]; He is not touchy or fretful or resentful; He takes no account of the evil done to Him (He pays no attention to a suffered wrong) [Even the things said about Him don't really put Him off that much. He can handle it a lot better than we do. No matter how many jokes you have told or have even laughed at, He is not waiting to "get you for that," as that silly old joke from television used to go]. God does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but He rejoices when right and truth prevail [He really does want equality among the races and between the two sexes]. God bears up under anything and everything that comes, He is ever ready to believe the best of every person [He wants you to do well. He wants good in your life. He did not die for you, just so He could see you suffer in other ways], His hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and He endures everything (without weakening). God never fails (never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end). [Maybe God is not "so bad" after all.]
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~ rachman
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Friday, October 12, 2007

No Defeat!


There’s no such thing as defeat. There’s always another chance. To believe in defeat is to believe that there is something, a certain point in time that did not come from Above. Know that God doesn't have failures. If things appear to worsen, it is only as part of them getting better. We only fall down in order to bounce back even higher.

~ Jewish Wisdom from the Web

Now I don't agree with everything that I read from the Jewish sages or even from the Jewish Internet, but I must admit that I like the gist of this short comment. I believe there is a personal enemy and everything that happens is not from God. But as long as there is breath, there is another chance. And God does indeed not have failures. Things do appear worse before getting better, many times because of that enemy. And lastly when we fall, since God has no failures; we can rise higher than before in, with, and through God.
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~ rachman
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Sunday, October 07, 2007

Turtle Philosophy


We make the mistake in thinking, "to survive life we can't trust anyone." As a result many adopt the "turtle philosophy." They pull in their head and arms and legs for protection and don't come out again. This sometimes happens metaphorically and sometimes it happens almost literally. Either way it is the turtle philosophy that drives us inside. God hates this mentality. Genesis 2:18(NLT) tells us that the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” Yet we live in a shell and conjure up a fake version of ourselves. We don't even know who we are, since we are meant to exist in relationship to other people.
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We live in a performance driven society. When we're not hiding "inside," we perform for the people around us. If we think that we may not perform well, we take performance enhancing drugs to ensure that the job is done right. When we leave a party, a meeting, a sporting event, or even the job we work at every day, if we are still free of the enhancing drugs, we often think, "thank god, that is over," because we have had to perform through out the event or all through the day.
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Galatians 1:10 (NLT) Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.
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Like the Apostle Paul, we must become free of people in order to be who we really are. We are called to love people and not perform for them. Only when we're free from people will we move from performance to love. In all our relationships there is no performance needed; only love. When we walk in love, we can move forward unprotected. No we can't move blindly along like the turtle moving blindly across the road through traffic, but neither can we keep pulling in our heads whenever we come upon other people. Nor can we start the performance of yet another "road show." We must learn to be who we are for all to see. Who is inside that shell?
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~ rachman
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Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Wednesday's Wisdom


Each night we lie down and before dosing off to sleep, we forgive ourselves for all our trespasses. We decide to love ourselves unconditionally and we wipe the slate clean of any wrongs that we have committed. We can be most magnanimous and loving toward ourselves.
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~God doesn't like inconsistencies~
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We are commanded to love others the same way that we love ourselves. We are to forgive others the same way that we forgive ourselves. We are to wipe their slate clean of any wrongs they may have done to us, just as we have done for ourselves.
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Should we not forgive others so that we will be forgiven ourselves? Yes, it is easier said than done, but then everything is easier "said" than actually doing it.
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I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. ~ Philippians 4:13
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~ rachman
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Sunday, September 23, 2007

There's Still Time To Start The Future


Today I sat down with C.T. as he ate his lunch. We laughed about how a co-worker referred to me as his "dad," partly because I always seemed to show up with an extra burger or sandwich or whatever, when he didn't have money for lunch. Being the average eighteen year old boy, with too big an appetite and too little money, he always seemed to think that whatever I had an extra of, was just what he had been craving that day for lunch.
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I have been asking myself why I wanted to make sure that this overgrown kid, who was sometimes lazy, most of the time, bullheaded, and all the time, way too sure of himself, was getting enough to eat? I surprised myself when I came up with the answer.
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I asked C.T. if I could tell him something honestly. He said, "tell me something honestly," as he was getting his "extra long chili cheese coney" ready to wolf down in two, maybe three bites. I said, "C.T., since I've known you, you have made me wish that I really had a son." He turned and gave me that big beautiful, mouth full of braces, smile. I let him get back to his meal and went back to work.
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I didn’t think too much of it as I was not sure if he really caught the significance of what I had said. I’m not completely sure if I caught the significance of what I had said. A little later he came by where I was working and said, " That comment you made; it makes me very happy." "What comment?" I asked, noncommittally, pretending to be very indifferent. He looked at me seriously and said, "about a son." I nodded, as I quickly glanced down and smiled to myself. "You make me very happy," I said, meaning it, but stupidly hoping no one else would overhear.
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After years of going blindly along, living for myself, I've begun to see all that I have missed out on, by not having a family of my own. I’ve never really wanted children, but why am I thinking about the virtues of parenthood now? Oh my god. God! Is that you? What are you up to?
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At the beginning of the year, I said that there would be all kinds of new challenges ahead. But I never thought that starting a family would be one of them. Now slow down, right now! I did not say I was going to start a family, but the fact that I'm thinking about it... Man, you just never know what's going to happen next.
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~ rachman
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Monday, September 10, 2007

Celebrate Mondays?


I came upon this piece of wisdom today, and I thought that it was right on spot. So I decided to share and expound on it just bit, as I have a tendency to do from time to time:


People imagine a place of Godliness as a place for seriousness, a solemn place, a place that fills you with trepidation. [A church sanctuary, as an example.] The fact is, where there is God, there
is joy.


That is why our every moment is a moment to celebrate and fill with joy. [Man, I need to remember that; especially on Monday's.] Because at every moment we are fulfilling our mission of bringing Godliness into this world [I think it would be more accurate for me to say that I should be fulfilling my mission.] Not just the obviously joyful matters, such as meditation, study, prayer and good deeds, [Let me be honest and admit that things like study or meditation or good deeds are not the first things that come to my mind when I think of joyful matters.] but also regular, mundane activities and the ways we earn an income and go about life--all are ways by which we know Him and bring Him into our world. [So be it!]


Wow! I love that. I will have to meditate on that some more to make it a part of my life.
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~rachman
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Sunday, September 09, 2007

Despair or Purpose?


Do you ever despair because you have no purpose? It's been said that despair is a cheap excuse for avoiding one’s purpose in life. Well excuse me. This same source then says that a sense of purpose is the best way to avoid despair.
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Fine. I'll look for purpose. Let's see...today someone gave me this advice. "What we do today affects tomorrow." That means that what we do today matters. It counts. Great! I was counting on sloughing off the day. Now my whole future rests on what I decide to do with this day. Coprolite! I was planning on taking a nap.
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Back to looking for purpose? Well...uh...I know. I really like September. It is the beginning of change this time of year. One season turning into another. The expectation that comes with the new crispness in the air. After a time of rest and rejuvenation through the heat of summer, now it's time for a brand new opportunity ahead. HA! I feel nauseated. Okay, let's be honest. I'm getting a little cynical. I went for the second interview for my "dream job" last week and this week I got the e-mail saying "thanks, but no thanks." I've let myself get a little bummed out. All right, I admit that it might not have been "the" dream job, but I thought of it as the job that occurs during the non-rapid eye movement sleep which usually comes right before the REM sleep of most dreams. Anyway it's time to start over.
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There is a place where I can prosper and have a purpose. Finding it is another thing. But then I have found a lost contact in some of the most unexpected places. Usually after a decision that I was not going to quick looking just because it seemed hopeless. I guess I have decided what to do with tomorrow. I will not sleep till noon as originally planned. Quit despairing; back to the pursuit of purpose.
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~ rachman
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Friday, August 31, 2007

Passion!


pas·sion (păsh' un) n.

1. A powerful emotion, such as love or joy.
2. a. Ardent love. b. The object of such love or desire.
3. Boundless enthusiasm.

These are just a part of the definition for the word "passion," but they are the parts that I want to think about for just a moment. A mentor of mine was speaking into my life the other day, when he began to tell me about the power source for my life. Or for any person's life for that matter. That power source is your passion. Everyone may have a different passion, but everyone should have one.


  • Passion produces purpose for your life.

  • Passion will push you past the problem.

  • Passion will cause you to expect more, go farther, accomplish greater, and get the best from every day.

Now you will need to watch out for the "passion poisoners." These are the people that will try to undermine your passion. They may not realize what they are doing or they may be quite well aware of what they are doing. It doesn't really matter which one they are, because either one can do damage if you let them.


Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, because out of it flow the springs of life (or out of your heart flows your passion). Proverbs 4:23 (paraphrased)


(One word of warning: Guard your heart, but don't fortify it. There are enough walls in the world without building any around the one thing that holds your passions. You want to watch out for those who would poison your passions, but you don't want to keep out the ones who may become your passion.)

As one who has chosen to follow God, and His Son, Jesus, as Lord and Savior, let me say that for me, my passion is becoming, more and more, about knowing and loving God and His people. And speaking of choosing, my mentor mentioned a part about being passionate that I had not expected. He says that passion is not a feeling; it is a choice! What? I thought that passion was something that we just wake up and feel each day. Whether it is passion for a person or for a career or maybe even for God. Not necessarily. We may be passionate about something or someone, but most all of us, if we have lived long enough, have had the experience of waking up one day and not feeling that love or passion anymore. We have to choose that passion again. We have to choose to live with passion each day. Even if we don't think that we have a passion, choose to live with passion. You (and I) will be surprised to discover that we find things that we want to be passionate about. And while we are talking...may I suggest that you choose to find out about the God I know. Just ask Him to become real to you. Let Him show you about a passion you can choose every day for the rest of your life.
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~ rachman
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Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Trust is Better Than Hope

Jewish wisdom says that, "Hope is when there is something to latch on to, some glimmer of a chance. The drowning man, they say, will clutch at any straw to save his life."
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Emily Dickinson said:
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Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,
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And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

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I’ve heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

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Hope is good, but according to that Jewish wisdom, "trust in God is even when there is nothing in which to hope. The decree is sealed. The sword is drawn over the neck. By all laws of nature there is no way out. But the One who runs the show doesn't need any props."
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~ drawn from Internet wisdom
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