Dew, Come Again

This was the year of elections, opinions and rights. We all played a role in the movement but what about the motivations behind all that we felt and did this year? My list of ten favorites are the things I took with me everywhere, kept track of my opinions, garnered opinions for or just plain really liked.
1. Moleskine Plain Pocket Journal - These handy little journals are billed as being essential to greats from Van Gogh to Hemingway. How much of it is true I don't really know but I know for me, the woman who refuses to carry a purse, these little journals are life savers. They only costs about $9.00, they hold tons of info, they aren't very bulky in your pocket and with the little pocket in the back you can keep a business card tucked tight just in case.
2. Nokia 3300 - This is the cell phone that saves my life. When my tire caught on flat in the middle of Friday-after-Thanksgiving-shopping I was all but too happy to have it near. When a writer interested in submitting a poem to my magazine was no where close to a computer and I had a deadline to reach, the record feature on my cell saved us. Currently priced just below $200.00 it plays MP3's, local radio stations and it comes with its own memory card to expand how much media it can hold.
3. HP Photosmart Digital Camera - Since my Nokia cell can do everything but take pictures, I'm not to worried since I have this lil puppy. This camera can hold 328 good quality pictures or 26 excellent quality. It has 3.1 megapixels and it is excellent for taking melodramatic black and white pictures. It was fairly priced at $164.00 and it can record up to three minutes of live action.
4. The L Word - With one of the primary ballots being gay-marriage in 11 states it is only right that this series be on my list. Long have I been a fan of Queer as Folk so when I heard SHOwtime was starting a Lesbian version I was disappointed. The last thing I felt we needed was overkill at least that was until I actually watched the series. It is nothing like its counterpart. Where Queer as Folk is over the top and provocative in its nature, The L Word is more emotional, like women, and focuses on the struggles and drive of its main characters bringing home the on-going struggle for homosexuals in today's society just trying to love and live.
5. The Golden Girls Season 1 - The gods smiled upon me when they FINALLY released this DVD set on November 23, 2004. Although the Bonus features (or lack there of) completely suck, the actual show more than compensates. These four old broads have cultivated a cult like following and I have no problems admitting that I am a Sophia-phile - you Bojagaloop!
6. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes - This is one thing Nintendo did right. I'm not sure what they were thinking when they decided to forego the online revolution but with the release of the sequel in this dazzling franchise, they managed to stay afloat for one more quarter. The game captures you with wonderful graphics and a step ladder plot which creates easier game play. This way you spend less time figuring out where to go and more time trying to whoop some bad guy butt.
7. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater - Kojimo once again makes it look easy by giving us what is rumored to be the final installment of the Metal Gear franchise. I admit at first glance I was disappointed, I don't like being outside in real life so I definitely don't like it in my games. But, I get it. It makes the game more interesting and the gameplay that much more enthralling. Still I'll hold my breath for the next one and it better be in somebody's building where I can hide behind a wal and not in the grass.
8. Remote Control Vehicles - I don't know the difference between a Hemi and 5th gear but what I do know is how much I love playing with remote control car. In 2004 I have acquired an Escalade EXT, Hummer H2 and Artery Flash. The SUV's are 1:6 models while the Flash is 1:10 now that means nothing more to me than their size. These are great for getting outside. If you have more than one the obvious task is to race a friend in real life. I love video games, writing and exchanging ideas but when the sun is shining and free time is abound long live the kid in me.
9. Uni-Ball Deluxe Micro - Do you need the perfect writing tool for your Moleskine? I did. So as always I went on the search for the right pen. This pen writes beautifully. Despite it being a roller ball it does not have much bleeding, which means it doesn't get away from you while writing over smooth surfaces. Until I get my first Waterman Leman this lil diddy will have to do.
10. Evian Spring Water - Most people can not fathom why I pay 9.00 for water but I attempt to explain to me it's the difference between Grey Goose and Taaka Vodka. I can tell the difference between Dasani, Tap, Aquafina and Evian and like anything else you pay for what you want. It may just be water in your eyes but to me it's better than a bottle of 1955 Chateau Latour.

If someone you love tells you that they will never be able to give you what you need, what's left? I was in a friendship that caused me to question myself, my abilities and my loyalty. I finally let that person push me completely out of there life. I know the best thing would have been to stick it out but I spent three and half years trying to stick it out. Nothing changed, it only got worse. I compromised who I was, what I valued and I felt none of it was appreciated. One day I felt like this was the best friend I could have the next I felt like they were repulsed by my presence. People have differences but damn. The Mormon comments noted on my other blog does not mention a person yet it was taken completely personal. No I don't understand that because my faith is not based on the opinion of any person. Technically because I am considered a Christian and she a Mormon to her I am not truly a Christian, I never griped about that. She is entitled to believe what she wants but don't hate me for having an opinion about it. And any readers out there who can explain this to me please do. You know someone for three and a half years and you all supposed to be firends; not acquaintances, not buddies, not co-workers but FRIENDS and you have not been to there house (yes you all live in the same city and state) I have still yet to come across someone who doesn't see a problem with that. I asked her to see some movies with me, the first movie came and went she never mentioned it. Shrek came and almost went so I went without her. I accept that I should have simply said let's go see the movie. I was wrong for not saying it when it is obvious that I wanted to see it. But she knew I was waiting on her, should she have some responsibility for acting interested? I am very bitter. I saw her tonight with her friend, not her other friend but her friend. She always treated me differently and I feel like an idiot for never just saying it and sticking to it. Everyone could see it even the friends she ditched me for. It's not fair. And to end it all I gave her what I thought she wanted. She never had to be held accountable for anything. Now everyone gets to hear her side like I'm just the emotional chic and she was the innocent bystander that erks me too. Why does everyone get to hear her side? Because I choose to respect the privacy she demanded from me and not speak about her to anyone. But the friend she was with in the store tonight looked me in the face and walked away. Sounds tome like someone knows what's up. I feel stupid for still caring but I don't know how to stop. That seems so heartless to me to ignore someone you care for. But thats what she wants I guess. She sure did a damn good job tonight. And I'm not throwing any responsibility off myself because I could have said something but I am not the one who's feelings should be in question. Do I judge her on a different bar than myself? no. I judge by the scale you place in front of me. I am not a mind reader if you tell me something doesn't bother you or doesn't matter to you thats what I tend to go by. I didn't know you really meant that it did bother you and it does matter. Everytime she saw me I was by myself. I wanted a companion some one I trusted who wanted me around. Thats all I wanted and I couldn't even get that. How can she read every word here and still deny me that? It was never about what I wanted, how many times can you push me down before I stay down? Since I caused so many problems I gave you what you wanted, no more problems, right? Stop telling people I walked away, you pushed me.

I am still struggling with understand how a Book based on The Book can be used to prove The Book inconcsistent or false. Is that not a double negative?

This section is for internal use only. Its a public-private forum of thoughts I have to get out of my head for later use because I am rather forgetful but I like details.

Nothing of God
comes from man
Everything of man
comes from God

Honesty: The quality or state of being honest; probity; fairness and straightforwardness of conduct, speech, etc.;

Truthful: Corresponding to reality; true

Ok here is the debate: Does one constitute the other?

I say, certainly not!!! Because you are truthful I can only count on you to state facts. I think the main factoring difference here is straightforwardness. Without the upfrontness you are just stating facts. I relate these terms to relationships with people. If Ihave someone in my life is truthful I can count on them to give me a truthful answer at all times. But what about those times when I don't know I need to ask the question. What good is your truthful observation if you sit on it and wait for me to ask you about it. You need someone who's honest, who will tell you, you are wrong or being stubborn or acting like ass even when its not what you want to hear. That is honesty!

A speaking acquaintance, a slight acquaintance with a person, or one which merely permits the exchange of salutations and remarks on indifferent subjects.

To be on speaking terms, to be slightly acquainted.

speaking

adj 1: capable of or involving speech or speaking; "human beings--the speaking animals"; "a speaking part in the play" [syn: speaking(a)] [ant: nonspeaking] 2: capable of speech; "the speaking animal" [syn: speaking(a), speech-endowed] n 1: the utterance of intelligible speech [syn: speech production]


Normally when I chat online I open with some obscure word or small question. Busy? Be good, or being good at it? I dont wanna grow up I'm a Toy R Us kid. Normally its anything but hello. In the past I have encountered people who have a problem with this. But their issue only made me more reslient in my efforts not to change it. I feel as though people who know me on an iontimate level know that, thats just my way of speaking or giving salutations. Their opinions, on a good day, are the only ones that matter and if they know me on intimate level they have already excepted my inadequacies.

Hello is a formality, I actually customize my references according to the person I am talking too. If its my friend guy from High School, it 'what up'. If its my best friend, usually its 'why are you online' (lets just say computers are not her thing) if its my other friend it could be any PBS anthem that comes to mind or whatever. The point is that because I do not say hello specifically does not make me rude, the fact that I said anything at all (which is a stretch for me if I dont really know you) should serve as notice of my intent to speak.

Get it?
Got it?
Good!

We should all have the freedom and opportunity in all churches to study, investigate and evaluate our own personal feeling's in the search for truth, without fear, guilt or restrictions of any kind. I believe it's called free agency. It is only through weakness, guilt, ignorance, superstition and fear that we do not thoroughly investigate our feelings and seek for the things that could and would enhance our own personal relationship with God and His Son. We become a servant to man's ideas, and let them dominate over us.

"How does one summarize a convoluted pattern that defies common sense? Perhaps that says it. The Pattern of The Double-Bind is a convoluted, insidious stratagem that turns our mental and emotional common sense world upside down. It is a circular pattern that ends in a vortex of depression and possible suicide."

Similarities Between the Masonic Temple Ceremony
and the Mormon Temple Ceremony, Nauvoo, Ill.

1) Masonic Preparation Room
The candidate is ushered into the preparation room where he meets the Junior Deacon and Stewards who divest him of all his clothing except his shirt. He is then handed an old pair of drawers, which he puts on.

Mormon Dressing Room
The initiate is divested of all his clothing, and then directed to the washing and anointing dressing rooms where he eventually puts on a special pair of under garments.




2) Masonic Compass
The candidate then enters, the Senior Deacon at the same time pressing his naked left breast with the point of the compass.

Mormon Compass
The point of the compass is sewn into the left [breast] of the garment.

3) Masonic Square
As the candidate enters, the angle of the square is pressed hard against his naked right breast.

Mormon Square
The square is sewn into the right side of the garment.

4) Masons Washing Ceremony
Master orders the basin of the perfumed water and a clean napkin to be brought to him, and directs candidate to wash his hands, which he does...Master takes a box of perfumed ointment and anoints candidate on his head, eyes, mouth, heart, the tip of his right ear, hand, foot, and says - "You are now, my dear brother, received a member of our society."


Mormon Washing Ceremony
The initiate is washed, and various organs of his body (head, lips, breast, ears, hand and feet, etc.) are anointed with holy consecrated oil.

5) Masons Presenting New Name To Candidate
"I also present you with a new name; it is CAUTION"

Mormon Temple Worker Presents New Name To Candidate
" I give you a new name which you should always remember, and which you must keep sacred, and never reveal ... The name is ____."

6) Man Representing Adam In Masonic Ceremony
Thrice Puissant Grand Master, representing Father Adam, is stationed in the east. (This occurs in the Knight of the Sun Degree.)

Man Representing Adam In Mormon Ceremony
Elohim -- (Turning to the audience) - "This man who is now being operated upon is Michael who helped form the world. When he awakes ... he will be known as Adam"



7) Man Representing Deity In Masonic Ceremony
One of the members now personates the Deity, behind the bush, and calls out "Moses! Moses!" (This occurs in the Royal Arch Degree.)




Man Representing God In Mormon Ceremony
A temple worker dressed in white clothing, representing Elohim, comes from behind the curtain.

8) Masons Use A Mallet
He gives a rap with the common gavel or mallet.

Mormons Use A Mallet
One of the temple workers, ... gives three raps with a mallet.

Masonic entered apprentice vs. First token of the Aaronic Priesthood


9) Masonic Penalty Sign
Made from the due-guard by dropping the left hand carelessly; at the same time raise the right arm and draw the hand, still open, across the throat, thumb next [to] the throat, and drop the hand perpendicular by the side.

Mormon Penalty Sign
"The Execution of the Penalty is represented by placing the thumb under the left ear, the palm of the hand down, and by drawing the thumb quickly across the throat to the right ear, and dropping the hand to the side."


10) Masonic Grip
The right hands are joined together as in shaking hands and each sticks his thumb nail into the third joint or upper end of the fore finger.

Mormon Grip
The token is giving by clasping the right hands and placing the joint of the thumb directly over the first knuckle of the hand.

11) Masonic Wording Concerning The Grip
The Master and candidate holding each other by the grip, as before described, the Master says.
"What is this?"
Ans. "A grip."
"A grip of what?"
Ans. "The grip of an Entered Apprentice Mason."
"Has it a name?"
Ans. "It has."
"Will you give it to me?"
Ans. "I did not so receive it, neither can I so impart it."

Mormon Wording Concerning The Grip
Peter - "What is that?"
Adam - "The second token of the Melchizedek Priesthood."
Peter - "Has it a name?"
Adam - "It has."
Peter - "Will you give it to me?"
Adam - "I can not, I have not yet received it.

12) Masonic Oath
"... binding myself under no less penalty than to have my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by the roots ..."

Mormon Oath
"We and each of us, covenant and promise that we will not reveal any secrets of this... Should we do so, we agree that our throats be cut from ear to ear and our tongues torn out by their roots."

Masonic fellow craft vs. Second token of the Aaronic Priesthood

13) Masonic Oath
"...binding myself under no less penalty than to have my left breast torn open and my heart and vitals taken from thence and thrown over my left shoulder."

Mormon Oath
"We and each of us do covenant and promise that we will not reveal the secrets of this ... Should we do so, we agree to have our breasts cut open and our hearts and vitals torn from our bodies "

14) Masonic Penalty Sign
"The sign is given by drawing your right hand flat, with the palm of it next to your breast from the left to the right side with some quickness, and dropping it down by your side"

Mormon Penalty Sign
"This is the sign. The Execution of the Penalty is represented by drawing the thumb quickly across the body and dropping the hands to the side."


15) Masonic Grip
"Take each other's hands as in ordinary hand-shaking and press the top of your thumb hard against the space between the first and second knuckles of the right hand."

Mormon Grip
"This token is given by clasping the right hand and placing the joint of the thumb between the first and second knuckles of the hand."

16) Masonic Name Given
"Brother, I now present you with my right hand, in token of brotherly love and confidence, and with it the pass-grip and word of a Fellow Craft Mason .... the name of it is Shibboleth."



Mormon Name Given
"The Name of this token is your own first given name."

Masonic Master Mason vs. First and second token of the Melchizedek Priesthood

17) Masonic Sign
"The sign is given by raising both hands and arms to the elbows, perpendicular, one each side of the head, the elbows forming a square."

Mormon Sign
"The sign is made by raising both hands high above the head."

18) Masonic Penalty Sign
"The Penal Sign is given by putting the right hand to the left side of the bowels, the hand open, with the thumb next to the belly, and drawing it across the belly, and letting it fall; this is done tolerably quick."

Mormon Penalty Sign
"The Execution of the Penalty is represented by placing the right hand on the left breast, drawing the hand quickly across the body, and dropping the hands to the sides."

19) Masonic Oath
"binding myself under no less penalty than to have my body severed in two in the midst..."

Mormon Oath
"We and each one of us do covenant and promise that we will not reveal any of the secrets of this... Should we do so, we agree that our bodies be cut asunder in the midst and all our bowels gush out."

20) Masonic Grip
Grasp each other's right hands very firmly, the spaces between the thumb and first finger being in interlocked and the tops of the fingers being pressed hard against each other's wrist where it joins the hand, the fingers of each being somewhat spread.

Mormon Grip (Slightly Different Method of Grip)
The Grip is made by grasping the hand, the forefinger on center of the wrist and little fingers locked.

21) Masonic Grand Hailing Sign And Due Guard
The sign is given by raising both hands and arms to the elbows, perpendicularly, one on each side of the head, the elbows forming a square.
The due guard is made by holding both hands in front, palms down.




Mormon Pay, Lay, Ale
The sign is made by elevating both the arms above the head ... the arms dropped to the square,... and then to the sides.

22) Masonic Apron
While the Wardens are examining the candidate, the Master returns to the east and gets an apron, and as he returns to the candidate... The Master then says to the candidate, "Brother, I now have the honor to present you with a lamb-skin or white apron..."

Mormon Apron
Adam-- (Turning to the audience)--"Brethren and sisters, put on your apron."


Masonic raising of Hiram Abiff vs. Mormon Veil

23) Masonic Five-Points of Fellowship as Hiram Abiff's Dead Body is Raised
He (the candidate) is raised on what is called the five points of fellowship, which are foot to foot, knee to knee, breast to breast, hand to back and mouth to ear.

Mormon Five-Points of Fellowship at The Veil
"The five points of fellowship are "inside of right foot by the side of right foot, knee to knee, breast to breast, hand to back, and mouth to ear."

24) Master Mason Raising Candidate
The Master, in raising him, is assisted by some of the brethren, who take hold of the candidate by the arms and shoulders; as soon as he is raised to his feet, they step back, and the Master whispers the word "Mah-Hah-Bone," in his ear, and causes the candidate to repeat it, telling him that he must never give it in any manner other than that in which he receives it. He is told that Mah-Hah-Bone signifies marrow in the bone. They then separate.

Mormon Passing Through The Veil
At the five points of fellowship ... one putting his mouth to the other's ear, in which position The Lord whispers: "This is the name of the token: Health in the navel, marrow in the bones, strength in the loins and in the sinews, power in the priesthood be upon me and upon my posterity through all generations of time and throughout all eternity." The patron repeats the token and then they separate...

I am not half as smart as I think I am, and I will not ever be as smart as I desire.

It was a hot Sunday morning. You could smell the love of God in the air. Believers from all walks of life put on their best SUnday clothes ready to worship the Almighty. People entered the church like something free was being given away. The pews were packed and the attitudes were humble. Praise the Lord.

Almost in nano speed the temple doors swung open. Heavy men with bags and guns filled the aisles. You could hear cries of confusion in the streets from within the church walls.

A gunmen standing near the only exits, let off 2 shoots and screamed for silence. "Anyone willing to die for your so called Savior, stay in your seats and you will"

It was like pandemonium. People stood and rushed for the doors. The gunmen stood aside in absolute calm and satisfaction as the pews cleared themselves out. Once the last straggler, who was obviously torn in making a decision on staying or going finally ran for her life. The gunmen removed their mask and disclosed their faces to the hand full of believers left along the sanctuary.

"Now that those fakers are gone, let's have church!"

Why do people take things so personally? I ask this question in third person. If someone is pointing out negative traits about you, why turn to them and say "well you stink too"?

I can only speak for myself when I say, I believe it is quite useless for someone to be around you and only give you good points about yourself. No adult needs to hear that. It creates a false impression. How can you truly care for me if you see me committing some utterly assanine act and you say nothing for fear that 'it wouldn't be nice'. Is it nice for you allow me to have this false impression?

We count on the people around us to point out those things we are not able to see. Once you point them out it is up to me how I will handle them but at least you have made me aware. Is that not the civil duty of anyone who claims to care for you.

I am being redundant.

Let's use an example:
Say you work with a close friend. His position is higher than yours and of course you do not expect special treatment of any kind, but you do expect some level of loyalty. A position opens up in a better department that you are qualified to bid for, but you found out about it too late. Later, you find out your friend has known about the position for two months now and has failed to mention it to you. It would not have been a conflict of interest in any way because the job was open market, there was nothing secretive about it. It was simply that you had not seen the notice. When you ask the friend about it they say 'I thought you knew.'

Can you consider that to be someone who has your best interest at heart?

Was that a superficial example? Let's try this:
You are having a very bad day and it is coming to a boil. Finally after hearing some rough news you break down. Tears begin to flow and they will not stop. You are more embarassed than you are upset. People begin to approach you in concern and ask if they can help. The only thing you want to do right now is get away from strangers and see a familiar face. It is public knowledge that one of your closest friends is a co-worker. A concerned co-worker tells your friend you are outside in tears and they do nothing. 2 hours later you have composed yourself and you are doing better and your friend is gone for the evening. Not a pat on the back, not a hand extended.

Maybe they had more important things on their mind?

Let's move away from the work place:

You are out with your dearest friend when an old classmate approches the two of you. You look at the classmate and say 'you certainly have gotten fat'. Your friend looks appaulled and your classmates looks horrified. The classmates keeps a straight face and creates an excuse to ease herself from your abuse. Your friend looks at you and says nothing. If this person is your friend should there be hesistance in calling out wrong actions. What you said to your classmate was completely tactless and such behavior should be pointed out.

Whether it is negative or positive is it a friend's or relatve's responsibility to point out your faults?

And those that do not do so, is it because they feel it would be pointless, which implies reluctance on the ego of the person who needs advice OR because the person giving the advice does not want to be held accountable for similar distaste

Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's rainning.

John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared [him]

If I felt misguided and unfulfilled at every turn and there was no one willing to help me. No one willing to provide me the answers I needed. And finally, kicking and screaming I find someone willing to give me answers. Aren't I prone to feel compassion for that message. At that time if for no other reason than its the only message anyone is willing to give me. And my faith already not being in anything dealing with any church, wouldn't I be prone to seek any way to disprove their message? Because somewhere there has to be a catch? Yet on the surface I think the catch I am seeking is within the message, when actually it is within the messenger. Because it has constantly been the people who have shunned me and not the word. It was the people I was seeking not the word and in seeking the people, even if unknowingly, I came across the Word that would lead to my next beginning. Could that have been God intervening? And now when I feel in my bones I can not do those things I believe I should be doing, could it not be a stronger will than my own interveninG?

The Bible should be the precedence so it can not be refuted. You can not use another source to disprove the source that the justifying source is based on.

I love my friends and I respect what they feel they know as true as I hope they would return the courtesy; But what you are showing me whenever I say believe and you correct me by saying ‘know’ is 1) what I believe is wrong because a belief can not compare to fact and facts are all you can know on this earth. 2) You need to convince not me, but yourself that you ‘know’ the truth.

I feel everyone is entitled to believe what brings them peace whether it conflicts with my personal beliefs or not, I am the only one who has to live with the consequences of my actions. Spectators can only bear witness but I have to experience it. So I don’t have to correct you when you say its what I believe. I don’t have to hear myself say it’s the truth. You don’t hear mathematicians saying 2 + 2 = 4 every thirty seconds. Why because its no question. You don’t have to hear yourself say it to help you believe it, to me it sounds like you are fighting against yourself. You need to believe this because without it your foundation is crushed and then you have to actually live life by faith alone. Interesting…

If God is infallible and everything happens for a reason: Shouldn’t we have all that is meant to have of the Lord’s words? Why would a separate Bible of any sort be necessary? Doesn’t that imply imperfection on God’s part? He didn’t know that he was going to have to restore faith? And why would he have to restore faith, the word or the gospel? He is the Lord who changes not. John 1:1 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.' God is the law and the word and the word is the gospel so how can the gospel be anything but true? How can God need to be restored?