Pregnant with Anticipation

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Yeshua. (Matthew 1:21)

Expectant parents spend a lot of time thinking about their child-to-be. They ponder what the baby will look like. They make guesses about when he or she will arrive. They dream about what their child's personality will be like. They pray for their child's future and wonder what life path he or she will take. Parents-to-be spend nine months both physically pregnant and also pregnant with expectations.

Mary's pregnancy must have produced exponentially more expectation for her. Not only was Mary pregnant, but she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. She likely spent her time not only imagining what Yeshua would look like, but also pondering the mysteries of a virgin birth, the responsibility of raising the promised Messiah, and the prophesies that predicted his sacrifice. She was pregnant with extra expectation.

As we move closer to Christmas, it would be good for us to grow pregnant with extra expectation as well. Spend some time pondering the mysteries surrounding Christ's conception and birth. Wonder at the way God chose to reveal himself to the world. Dream about what the world would look like if people truly lived according to the ways of Christ's kingdom. Pray for the peace that the "Prince of Peace" came to bring. As we encounter Christ this Christmas, may we find that he exceeds every expectation we ever had.

Grow my anticipation as the celebration of your birth approaches, Lord Yeshua. Amen.

This Week in *hic* History

The date is December 5, 1933...the headlines read: "Prohibition Ends At Last" and bartenders wait for the rush!

The 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified, repealing the 18th Amendment and bringing an end to the era of national prohibition of alcohol in America. At 5:32 pm EST, Utah became the 36th state to ratify the amendment, achieving the requisite three-fourths majority of states' approval. Pennsylvania and Ohio had ratified it earlier in the day.

The movement for the prohibition of alcohol began in the early 19th century, when Americans concerned about the adverse affects of drinking began forming temperance societies. By the late 19th century, these groups had become a powerful political force, campaigning on the state level and calling for national liquor abstinence. Several states outlawed the manufacture or sale of alcohol within their own borders. In December 1917, the 18th Amendment, prohibiting the "Manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes" was passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification. On January 29, 1919, the 18th Amendment achieved the necessary three-fourths majority of state ratification. Prohibition essentially began in June of that year, but the amendment did not officially take effect until January 29, 1920.

In the meantime, Congress passed the Volstead Act on October 28, 1919, over President Woodrow Wilson's veto. The Volstead Act provided for the enforcement of Prohibition, including the creation of a special Prohibition unit of the Treasure Department. In its first six months, the unit destroyed thousands of illicit stills run by bootleggers. However, federal agents and police did little more than slow the flow of booze, and organized crime flourished in America. Large-scale bootleggers like Al Capone of Chicago built criminal empires out of illegal distribution efforts, and federal and state governments lost billions in tax revenue. In most urban areas, the individual consumption of alcohol was largely tolerated and drinkers gathered in "speakeasies" the Prohibition-era term for saloons.

Prohibition, failing fully to enforce sobriety and costing billions, rapidly lost popular support in the early 1930s. In 1933, the 21st Amendment to the Constitution was passed and ratified, ending national Prohibition. After the repeal of the 18th Amendment, some states continued Prohibition by maintaining statewide temperance laws. Mississippi, the last dry state in the Union, ended Prohibition in 1966.

So the next time you have a drink.....well, think about what your grandparents had to deal with in order TO drink.

Dear School Personnel, Community Members, Teachers, Parents and Neighbors

To Whom it May Concern,

I am the parent of a special needs child. I was overwhelmed, confused, heart broken and struggling to unravel the complexities before me.

Please do not pass judgement of me without knowing why I did not attend the school PTA breakfasts or community picnics. Please take a few minutes to understand why I did not take you up on your offer to have lunch or grab a cup of coffee. Although we see each other in the supermarket or at school functions, I don’t think you really ever knew me, actually, I can guarantee that you did not know me because just as my child was different, so was I.

I was in survival mode to keep my family in tact and to give my child the best quality of life possible.

I was presented with parental decisions that have torn me apart and kept me up more nights than I can possibly remember.

I had spent most days of the week at therapy and doctors appointments and most nights up researching treatments and medication options.

I was forced into isolation at times due to the stigma and misconceptions that are epidemic in our society.

I became proficient at prioritizing my life and learning to let the little things go, to look at others with compassion instead of tabloid material and to turn a blind eye to the stares or ignorant comments.

I did the best I could.

I survived.

I am one of the lucky ones, my child has blossomed and has exceeded all our expectations.

I have now become strong, I have become confident and I have become a fierce advocate for parents of special needs children. The growth did not come without much pain and many tears but it came.

So I ask you, please...

The next time you see a parent struggling with a raging child, a child terrified to go into school, a child making odd movements or sounds, a child that seems to be in a world of their own… .Be kind. Give a smile of recognition for what that parent is going through. Ask if there is anything you can do to help, give them a pat on the hand or offer for them to go ahead of you on line.

The next time you have a birthday party for your child remember that their child has a hard time with a lot of sensory issues and social situations. Please send their child that invitation and know that more times than not they will not be able to attend but appreciate being included. Understand that in order for their child to go to the party they may need to stay for a little while and please make them feel welcome. When they let you know that their child cannot make the party consider inviting that child for a one on one playdate or an outing at the park.

The next time you are grading homework papers please understand that their child struggles, some with learning disabilities others with the exhaustion of their disorders or the obsession with perfectionism. The Perfectionism is not necessarily to have the answers right but to have it “feel” right for them. They have spent hours doing what most can do in ten minutes. A paper returned with red circles and comments only hurts a child’s self esteem and causes school anxiety. Please understand that when they see the school come up on their caller ID their hearts sink, remember to tell them about all the gains their children are making as well as their deficits. Take a minute before that call and know that they appreciate all you do and want a collaborative relationship in their child’s education.

The next time you are in the teachers lounge, please do not discuss their child. Please do not make negative comments about their parenting or their child’s behavior, it gets back to them and it gets back to other parents in their community.

The next time you pass the cafeteria and see their child sitting alone please consider inviting that child to eat lunch in your classroom and be your helper that period. Consider working with a guidance counselor to set up a lunch buddy group in a different area.

The next time they are at the CSE meeting planning their chid’s IEP know that they are educated, informed and confident knowing special education law. Know that they have found the courage to stand up to conformity and will explore every option to give their child the differentiated educated that will show their gifts and not just their disabilities. Understand that educating a child with special needs is one of the most difficult tasks a parent can face, know that the last thing they want is an adversarial relationship. Please show them the same respect they show you.

The next time you are creating an educational plan please take into consideration that their child may have specific interests or obsessions. Foster those interests, instead of taking away that art class for a resource class consider adding an art class instead. Think outside the box, these parents do.

The next time you see that child in a wheelchair unable to speak or control their movements, don’t stare, don’t look away, say hello. Do not assume that because this child is nonverbal that they are not intelligent or do not understand the awkwardness that you feel. Take a moment out of your day to show kindness, support a parent enduring incredible pain and just give them a smile.

The next time your child comes home telling you how Johnny or Susie is so weird, take the time to teach about differences. Take the time to talk about compassion, acceptance and special needs. Please remember that your child learns from you. Be a role model, mirror respect and discourage gossip.

The next time you hear a comment about how out of style these kids are, educate about tactile sensitivities and the fact that these kids cannot tolerate many textures and fits. Imagine what it would feel like to have sandpaper in your stilettos or tight elastic holding on your tie.

The next time you see an out of control child do not assume it is bad parenting. Understand that many of these disorders have an organic basis, are biological and are real illnesses. When you hear the words mental illness, take out the “mental” and remember ”illness”.

Know that it is this generation that can stomp the stigma and create a world of acceptance.

The next time other parents are talking about “Those Kids” be our heroes, stand up for us.

The next time you see a special needs child know they are not just special in their needs but in their brilliance as well.

Take the time to meet our children. Take the time to know us.

(reposted with permission from http://thelifeunexpected.com/archives/1705)

Jesus' Family Tree

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ. ~ Matthew 1:1

It appears to be a long, boring list of names. Perhaps you only skimmed through it, or maybe you stopped reading soon after you began. It's hard to read through a full biblical genealogy. But genealogies are included in the Bible for good reasons, and this one is no exception. This genealogy reminds us that the story of Jesus' birth begins with the stories of those who came before him, stories that contain some seedy characters. There was Tamar, who tricked her father-in-law, Judah, into giving her a son. There was Rahab, who was a known prostitute. There was King David, who initiated an affair with the wife of Uriah. Jesus' birth narrative included prostitutes and adulterers. It's the kind of story someone might cover up, or at least leave out some details. But Matthew 1 contains the full, raw story. Why would God allow the whole story to be told? Because it's important to remember why Jesus was born: to bring restoration, forgiveness, healing, and new life. The place where we hide - where there is sin and remorse and guilt - are the places where the Messiah wants to show up.

We all have parts of ourselves that we don't want others to know about. We hide events from our past and sins we indulge in the present. The Christmas story can touch even those places. Spend some time in confession today, being honest with God about something you've been hiding. Then receive forgiveness from the God who can wave a redemption story into the seediest of plot lines.

Come, Lord Jesus, into the dark places of my life. Amen.

So Many Churches

There is one body and one Spirit. (Ephesians 4:4)

Why are there so many different churches and denominations?

One way to respond to this question would be to trace the events that led to the formation of each major Christian group -- the split in 1054 between eastern and western churches, the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, the Wesleyan revivals in the 18th, and the rise of Pentecostalism in the 20th. We could explain the various splits that have happened within major denominations. But this approach hardly helps people who are confused by this fragmenting.

For some, the answer lies in human sinfulness. The factors that lead to different church groups include struggles for power and personality conflicts; political, economic, and ethnic forces have played a part as well. On this view, the existence of various churches is a witness to our sinful divisions.

However, I do not believe that the existence of various churches is in itself evil. It can be the occasion for sin when different denominations operate with a pride of superiority. But it's also possible for Christians in one denomination to look upon those in other groups as genuine brothers and sisters, and to cooperate with them in the service of Jesus Christ.

Let's not apologize for our diversity, but then let's not defend division either. Let's make the fullest contribution we can to the group to which we ourselves belong, even as we welcome all others who name the name of Christ.

Unite us in your love, Oh God.

Tick Tock....

Who's clock is that you hear?

You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. (1 Samuel 13:13)

God's timing is always right, because God is always right! Think of the times in Scripture when the people chose impatiently to take matters into their own hands. Adam and Eve eating from the forbidden tree, Aaron making a golden calf, David sleeping with Bathsheba, Jonah fleeing to Tarshish, Peter cutting off the ear of Malchus. Do you remember the consequences that followed?

The fruit of the Spirit includes patience (Galatians 5:22). Paul writes that love is patient (1 Corinthians 13:4). In our text for today, Saul does not demonstrate patience and trust in God's timing; instead, he takes matters into his own hands. His motivation to do so includes challenges we may face in our own lives: fear and stress, as the people began deserting Saul while his enemies loomed on the horizon. The Evil One uses such things to tempt us to disobedience.

Saul broke the command of the Lord, and it resulted in the prophetic loss of his kingdom and the appointment of a new king (1 Samuel 13:13-14). Imagine hearing what Saul was told: "You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God." What could we potentially lose through disobedience?

The better choice is to faithfully trust in God's timing and obey his commands. God gives us his word so that we have direction, boundaries, peace and joy.

Mighty Savior, help me to keep my eyes and heart focused on you rather than foolishly taking matters into my own hands. Amen.

2011 Halftime Show

Sofia took a pom clinic for a week, and this is the culmination of that week...the halftime show at the September 30 Nike Invitational Bolingbrook Raiders game. Sofia is in the 2nd row on the end....the tiny one....she did a FANTASTIC job!

9/11 Memorial Concert

For those of you that wanted to hear or be at the concert last Sunday. Please follow this link to the "embrace" page and have a-listen.

He calls it "love"...we call it stalking.

Regardless of what its called, its still scary and illegal.

Recognizing someone as a stalker is quite impossible. They do not look like monsters. Many can initially appear quite charming, while others seem awkward and socially inept.

Profiles of stalkers have not been clearly delineated, but can overlap with characteristics offered in the domestic violence literature. The most common type of stalker (Simple Obsession) includes those individuals who were prior intimates that may have engaged in domestic violence. There are several psychological characteristics: mood, anxiety, and/or substance abuse disorders, low self esteem, social insecurity, narcissism, intense jealousy, and morbid infatuation.

Listed here are the current findings describing stalkers:

Most are male.

There is an increased likelihood of prior criminal, psychiatric, or substance abuse histories.

Immigration may play an interactive role -- these individuals may be experiencing acculturation stress and/or culture shock and suffering a sense of loss of one's culture of origin.

Stalkers have higher intelligence than other criminals.

Defense mechanisms play a significant role in the form of denial, minimization, devaluation, and projection of blame onto the victim.

Axis I disorders are evidenced as substance abuse, mood disorders, sexual dysfunction or schizophrenia.

Axis II disorders are primarily of the following: narcissism, borderline, paranoid, and dependent personality -- with antisocial personality also possible, but not as common. The schizoid personality disorder has been related to erotomania.

Loss within at least seven years of the stalking behavior (i.e., relationship dissolution, job termination, or potential loss of a child or an ill parent) is very common.

Regardless of the above, its wrong. The victim sadly, only has rights if the stalker has physically harmed them. It seems the stalker has the upper hand. Fight back! Document every incident as factually as possible. Contact the police! Make a report so that its on hand. And lastly ....be ever vigilant! Don't think just because things are quiet that its over.

Also know...you are not alone! Reach out for help! There are many agencies as well as your own friends and family who are willing and eager to help. Utilize them!

Today in History

The year is 1959, the day, September 6....the very first Barbie doll was sold by the Mattel Toy Corporation. The original Barbie, along with her pals, Ken and Skipper, are now collectors items, although new versions are continually being produced.

But how did this all start?

The story takes place in the 1930s. It's a story that starts out sounding like one we've all heard before.

A young girl meets a boy and they fall in love. The girl graduates from high school. She has visions of a great career in the real world and wants to go to college. Her parents are not overly enthusiastic about college since it is more traditional for a girl to get married and raise a family. The girl goes to college anyway and marries the boy too. This married girl and boy are Ruth and Elliot Handler. They raise two children, Barbie and Ken.

In the mid 1940s, the young ambitious duo Ruth and Elliot Handler, owned a company that made wooden picture frames. Elliot and his partner Harold Mattson built the samples and Ruth was in charge of marketing them. Elliot began to use the scraps of wood from picture frames to make doll furniture. This was the beginning of their toy business. It was in 1945 that Ruth and Elliot Handler joined with their close friend Harold Mattson to form a company that would be known for the most famous and successful doll ever created. This company would be named Mattel, MATT for Mattson, and EL for Elliot. Mattel continued to grow from a very profitable business into a corporate giant.

In the mid 1950s, while visiting Switzerland, Ruth Handler purchased a German Lilli doll. Lilli was a shapely, pretty fashion doll first made in 1955. She was originally fashioned after a famous cartoon character in the West German Newsletter, Bild. Lilli was made of hard plastic with molded on shoes and earrings. She was available in 11 1/2" or 7 " in heights. Her hair was long and pulled back into a ponytail. There was a large wardrobe available for this doll. Lilli is the doll that would inspire Ruth Handler to design the Barbie doll.

Ruth knew what she wanted Barbie to look like. With the help of her technicians and engineers at Mattel, Barbie was born. Ruth then hired Charlotte Johnson, a fashion designer, to create Barbie's wardrobe.

It was in 1958 that the patent for Barbie was obtained. This would be a fashion doll unlike any of their time. She would be long limbed, shapely and beautiful, all of this and only 11 1/2" tall.

Paper fashion dolls of the times would give way to a three dimensional beauty with a wardrobe of unsurpassed quality. Ruth and Elliot would name their new fashion doll after their own daughter, Barbie. Barbie dolls' soon to be boyfriend Ken, would be named after their son, Ken.

In March of 1959, Barbie doll would make her way to the New York Toy Show and receive a cool reception from the toy buyers. She would be viewed as risky to buyers since she was not the typical style selling baby doll of the times. Upon seeing Barbie on store shelves, the public decided differently. By 1960, the mood would change and the orders started pouring in to Mattel. It took several years for Mattel to catch up with the demand for Barbie. Within ten years, the public purchased $500 million worth of Barbie products.

Barbie has undergone a lot of changes over the years and has managed to keep up with the current trends in hairstyles, makeup and clothing. She is a reflection of the history of fashion since her introduction to the toy market. Barbie has a universal appeal and collectors of all ages enjoy time spent and memories made with their dolls.

So...for all those Barbie enthusiasts, happy birthday Barbie. You look great for your age!

Sister Wives and Polygamy

What's with polygamy and Mormonism anyway?
The questions surrounding polygamy are virtually endless. One term that has become almost synonymous with the word “polygamy” is the word “Mormon.” Any person with an elementary understanding about the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) will tell you, “Mormons don’t practice polygamy.” But what about those who claim to be Mormons, and yet still practice it? Better yet, why?

A brief history of Mormon polygamy
As early as 1831, Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of the Latter-day Saint movement was asking questions about plural marriage. Latter-day Saints consider themselves to be “Restorationists”; that is, restoring the beliefs and practices of the early Christian church and the Bible through modern theological applications. Plural marriage was believed to be a part of the practices of the ancient prophets, as illustrated through such Biblical passages as Genesis 16: 1-11; 25:1; 29:8; 30:4, 9, 26; Exodus 21:10; Deuteronomy 17:15-17; 21:15; 2 Samuel 2:2; 5:13; 12:7-9; 1 Kings 11:1-4; 2 Chronicles 13:21; 24:3; and Isaiah 4:1.

Joseph Smith began practicing plural marriage as early as 1833 to 1835 by marrying Fanny Alger; a relationship that quickly dissolved without much notice from lay members of the Church initially, though Oliver Cowdery, a major figure in Mormon history would later refer to the relationship as a “dirty, nasty, filthy affair.” In 1843, a revelation to Joseph concerning certain aspects of plural marriage in relation to Mormon temple practices and theology was received. Joseph would be killed within a year by a mob of critics and dissenters who counted plural marriage among their list of grievances against him.

The "Principle"
Even after Joseph’s death, plural marriage was not set up as a commandment among practicing Mormons. In 1852, Brigham Young, Joseph’s successor, would make the practice known to the Church as a whole. Within ten years, the first legislation banning plural marriage was passed in Congress. Most Mormons never practiced polygamy, as only 15-25% were ever involved in it. While the Territory of Utah had several thousand emigrants arriving each year, statehood was not possible as long as plural marriage was being practiced among the Mormons. Utah had also granted women the right to vote, which angered anti-polygamy lawmakers in the east. In 1890, an Official Proclamation to the Church was read by Mormon Church President Wilford Woodruff, setting in stone a system of policies that would eventually prohibit polygamy among the Mormons.

Why did it end?
Eventually, questions would arise concerning the validity of Joseph Smith’s first revelation. If Joseph was told by God to practice polygamy, why would God prohibit it later? There are a number of factors that must be applied in properly answering this question. It may surprise some readers of this blog to know that the Book of Mormon, the “keystone” of the Mormon religion, relatively frowns on polygamy. Jacob, an ancient prophet in the Book of Mormon narrative condemned the unauthorized practice of plural marriage; that is, those who felt they were justified in taking additional wives without a revelation or approval from God. Said Jacob:

“Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none; For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts. Wherefore, this people shall keep my commandments, saith the Lord of Hosts, or cursed be the land for their sakes. For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things.” (Jacob 2: 27-30)

Thus the feasible reason to justify plural marriage according to the Book of Mormon was for the purpose of “raising up seed,” otherwise, monogamy was always the commandment. What then, about the revelation? Was it meant to be eternal? Was it temporal? Aren’t the laws of God higher than the laws of men? Why did polygamy stop? A revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants answers this question completely.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings.” (D&C 124:49)

As far as plural marriage was concerned, all that had been required among the Mormons had been complete. They had fought legislation for over 30 years. Church leaders were forced to go into hiding, many of whom spent time in prison for the practice. Church property was being confiscated and the Church was being disenfranchised. Wilford Woodruff’s Official Declaration reconciled the demands of the United States’ Government and the freedom of worship among Latter-day Saints. Those who practiced the principle were no longer required to live in plural marriages.

The rise of Mormon fundamentalism
Polygamy still continued among the Mormons after the 1890 manifesto. In 1904, LDS Church President Joseph F. Smith (himself a polygamist) ended the practice completely by releasing a second manifesto. Soon, all those who entered into plural marriages after the second manifesto were excommunicated. The new policy did not sit well with a small number of Mormons, particularly those who were already living the principle.

Eventually, splinter groups formed in spite of the new policies. All Mormons who were found participating in these groups were excommunicated. Those who joined these splinter groups are known as fundamentalists, or “Mormon fundamentalists.” The two largest fundamentalist splinter groups are the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Apostolic United Brethren, also referred to as “The Work,” “The Priesthood,” or “The Group.” The AUB is much more open to media outlets than the FLDS and are much less oppressive, not typically wearing “prairie burkas” that have been associated with other fundamentalist groups. The group forbids underage marriage, assimilates relatively well into surrounding communities and allows children to attend public schools due in large part to the late Owen Allred, a former leader of the sect.

Where do the Brown’s fit into this picture?
Sister Wives - First Sneak Peek
Kody, the family patriarch was raised in Northern Wyoming. His father in turn, joined the Apostolic United Brethren while Kody was a teenager. Kody subsequently joined the sect and married Meri (raised in a polygamist home) Janelle (formerly LDS raised in a monogamous home) and Christine (raised in a polygamist home). From the first episode, Kody has done a good job at distinguishing the differences between his own sect and that of the mainstream LDS Church which prohibited plural marriage over a hundred years ago, a comparison he likens to “Catholics and Protestants.”

The only other mention of the LDS Church was made by Janelle, who of course was raised in an LDS home, became friends with Kody and Meri, and subsequently joined the sect and married Kody after she experienced what she called a “spiritual witness.” The family has daily prayers, formatted similarly to prayers said in typical Latter-day Saint homes. The children kneel and “fold their arms” like typical LDS families, which may be an influence from Janelle’s LDS upbringing. The Brown family policy is that “love should be multiplied, not divided.”

Sister Wives chronicles the Brown family’s adjustment to Kody taking a fourth wife, Robyn, who was raised in a polygamous home and is a divorced mother of three. As a side note her home featured a painting of Christ by the popular Latter-day Saint artist Greg Olsen. Given the fact that Olsen’s paintings can be found in homes of those of virtually any faith, the existence of such a painting is not conclusive evidence that Robyn is a member of the LDS faith.

What does this all mean?
In my opinion, members of the LDS Church should not be concerned with Sister Wives or the misconceptions and caricatures that are often associated with polygamy and the LDS Church. While I do not support the practice of plural marriage by fundamentalist sects, as a Latter-day Saint I feel that as long as proper clarifications are made between the groups, there should be no relative repercussions from inquiring minds as future episodes of Sister Wives continue to unfold. Latter-day Saints and inquiring minds need only know that plural marriage, as it was practiced from 1852-1904 is no longer practiced by the Church today. There is no relationship whatsoever between the LDS Church and the Apostolic United Brethren.

Where are they now?

Have you ever wondered what happened to that favorite star from that favorite TV show or movie you used to love so much? Well, the other day, I was speaking to a friend and he mentioned all those old shows we used to love to watch on say....Saturday mornings? One show came to mind, and I wondered...hmm...what happened to Buck Rogers?

If you're like me, a child of the 70s and 80s, you remember a show called "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century." That devilishly handsome, if not misplaced Buck, who "woke up" in a different time period than his own. Well, we know what happened to Buck, but what happened to the actor who played him?

That actor is Gil Gerard. When Gil's name is mentioned, I instantly think of that show. While he appeared in a number of movies and TV roles, I believe this is the role he is most identified for.

Gil's past: He was born January 23, 2943 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended the University of Arkansas but dropped out before graduation. He landed a job as an industrial chemist. He became regional manager of a large chemical company headed by governor Wynn Rockefeller in a few years. His employers said they would name him the firm's vice president if he went back for his master's degree so he quit rather than tell everyone that he didn't have a college diploma. He studied drama in New York by day and drove a cab at night. One night Gil picked up a fare who showed a lively interest in the problems of unknown, unemployed actors. Before he left the cab, he told Gil to report in a few days to the set of Love Story, which was being filmed on location in New York. When Gil arrived on the Love Story set, he was hired as an extra. Later that day, he was singled out for a 'bit' role, which eventually wound up on the cutting room floor. Oddly enough, he started his career in the soap opera 'The Doctors' 1973-1976. He married Connie Selleca in 1979 (they later divorced in 1987) and fathered a son, Gil. He then married Bobi Leonard in 1988 and divorced in 1989.

Well, you ask, where is he now? Gil started his own company Prudhomme Productions. He now enjoys directing and producing more than being in front of the camera. He appears all over the world at various Sci-Fi conventions. He is also active in charity work. He supports the Special Olympics, working with Los Angels Mission (an organization that helps the homeless), and takes part in the Hack-N-Smack celebrity golf tournament that supports melanoma research.

So just because we don't see or hear about an actor from another time, doesn't mean they aren't out there doing their thing. What their "thing" is, well, that's another story.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word,a listening ear, and honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo F. Buscaglia

Actually, there isn’t any art behind it. Just that you were born to be happy, and you can show this happiness with that beautiful smile of yours. C’mon! Let’s see it. :) Okay, good.

To some extent, we all know how to spot a genuine smile, basically this formula:

Genuine Smile = Crinkly Eyes

We are all sensitive to this genuine scale, so why then is it that when we cross paths with a stranger or casual acquaintance in the elevator, we give them a fake smile? That ‘polite smile’. You know what I’m talking about (don’t get me wrong, I do this too, unconscious at grocery stores, on streets, while waiting for something.).

The lesson? Smile with your eyes! Feel it genuinely and it will come out naturally.

A smile is so simple, yet so powerful. Some noticeable effects of externalizing your internal joy are:

• People will be attracted to you – I don’t mean sexually (well, maybe that too), but people will feel drawn to your energy. When you smile more, you will carry an aura and poise that will draw people to you. People will look forward to being around you, knowing only that they feel great around you. People on the street, at work, your friends etc. We all like and want to be around happy and cheerful people, right?
• Optimistic – You’ll feel more positive about yourself and the world.
• Happiness & Joy – A smile is an expression of happiness and joy in you. Like an upward spiral, a smile will boost the happiness you feel.
• Healthy – A smile can affect your internal state, which can have physiological impact on your physical and mental health.
• Approachable – A smile is so welcoming and will make people feel more at ease.
• Making Other People Happy – A smile has the power to make other people feel good about themselves. It’s heart-warming and has the power to cheer up others instantly.
• Smiles Are Contagious – Others can quickly and easily catch it and will experience the above ‘side effects’.

Smile Challenge:

• Smile at Strangers -You know those times when we cross paths with a stranger or accidentally catch someone’s gaze, and we (both) would suddenly look away in awkwardness or pretend we are looking at something else? Well, the challenge is to give them a big smile. A genuine smile, showing teeth and everything. Deepak Chopra talks about giving each person you encounter a small gift. I do this with a smile. Why not? It doesn’t cost us anything. Plus, it’s a lot more fun than feeling awkward and pretending you’re not there. I also love to see people’s reactions when you smile at them, and they aren’t expecting it. Some blush, and others are surprised and smile back, which makes me feel all warm inside.
• Smile at Homeless People and Street Hagglers – I used to work in downtown Chicago near lots of street hagglers and homeless people. People often ask me whether I get ‘harassed’ often. The answer is: sometimes. But they really are very nice, just like the rest of us. They too need attention and acknowledgment. So, give them a gift worth more than money. Next time someone asks you for money, don’t try to ignore them. Turn to them, smile warmly and tell them how you feel. If you don’t feel like giving money, just tell them “Sorry, I don’t have change now. Have a beautiful day!” Similarly, if something is trying to sell you something or ‘hitting-on’ you, simply turn to them, smile and say “No thank you.” I’ve found that it takes more energy to ignore and pretend to be very serious, than it is to smile. So smile! Make someone’s day!
• Smile Fully -You know that half smile we give people when we’re trying to be polite? Like on an elevator, bumping in someone at the front door, or waiting in line. Why not practice giving them a real smile? It’ll be less awkward and you can potentially make someone’s day, or a new friend!
• Smile at Work -Living under a routine, we can easily be in a zombie-like state when coming into work. We zip into work quickly following the same routines we’ve habituated. Our target is to get to work, and we can sometimes forget about the people around us, in other cubes/offices/departments. So, the challenge is to practice beaming with smile as you come into work. Smile genuinely with people you meet. Be completely pleased to see them. Make it a focus for the day, to bring more happiness into the lives of others. Ask them genuinely and infused with energy, “How are ya?” “How was your weekend?” Watch the smiles surface on their face.
• A Small Compliment with Your Smile -When meeting or encountering people. Look for things you admire or like about them, however small, let them know. A small genuine compliment can go a long way to lift people’s spirits.

I’ve found it useful to be conscious of things that make me smile. You might want to spend a few minutes making a list of things that brings a smile to your face.

Some Moments That Make Me Smile are:

• When Cheddar (my cat) does one of his tricks: spin in circles, playing dead, or chases his tail (that’s right, just like a dog… *laughs*).
• When I practice gratitude ‘sessions’
• When I reach mini goals throughout the day.
• When I read comments left by readers.
• When savoring sweet taste of mint chocolate chip ice cream
• When I do my happy dance, and make friends laugh with my ridiculousness.

More Tips To Bring Smiles into Your Life

• Smiling Journal – For two weeks, record the moments that brought out your wonderful smile. If you are ever feel down, flip through this book to be reminded of things that make you smile. Experience those moments and notice your state shift to a positive one. You cannot be both angry and smiling at the same time. I learned in physiological psychology that if the physical action conflicts with that of your feeling, the feeling inside will shift to match that of your outer sensation. One way to shift your emotion is to change your physiology.
• Appreciation – Identify things that you are grateful for. Then focus on those things as much as possible.
• Humor – Make a point to watch a comedy movie. To go a comedy club. Hang out with people who make you laugh.
• Go On a Self Date – When we feel more connected with ourselves, we feel more joy and tend to naturally smile more.
• Find Innocence - Observe a small child or a pet at play with total ease and freedom. Watch their innocence, enjoy their presence and yours. Are you smiling? Do you feel happy for them? That’s because you are connecting with the same innocence within yourself.

What makes you smile? Who made you smile today? Share your joy and happiness in a comment! See you there. *smiles*

Happy Birthday...

Cheddar....

*snuggles*

Take a listen...

Embrace's first track...

enjoy!

Happy 4th of July

I don't think words are needed. Do you?

"embrace" LIVE

"Let Your Light SHINE Down" concert

Tonight at 7 pm!

For more information, click here. Hope to see you there tonight!

Nitpicky Laws

If the mold has spread in the fabric ... the article is unclean. (Leviticus 13:51 NIV)

"Wash your hands before dinner," my mom would shout from the kitchen. As a child, I wanted to know why. Later I learned: because of germs. Invisible to the naked eye, germs are dangerous if ingested. Before 1676, when Dutch scientist Anton van Leeuwnhock saw bacteria under the first microscope, no one had ever seen a germ.

Certainly the Israelites had never seen a germ. The Israelites couldn't know exactly why God made these laws. They were just told to obey. If I had lived then, I probably would have said, "So what if I have a spot on my sandal? These laws are too nitpicky." That would have been the wrong decision.

We now can see how cleanliness laws protected God's people from disease. The Israelites managed to follow the laws well enough that they were not wiped out by any epidemics during their time in the wilderness. Even germs, invisible to the naked eye, are known by their Creator.

God calls us to obey even - and especially - when we don't understand. We wonder: Why would God call me to care for this person who won't love me back? Why should I live honestly and purely when others do the opposite and appear to be happy? Because God sees what we cannot. Praise God, he sees the whole picture: angels, demons, motives, germs, and all.

Creator God, we praise you for your wisdom. May we follow your commands.

Passover and Easter: Two Holidays or One?

Each year at this time, Jews observe Passover, Christians observe Easter, and intermarried couples wrestle with what to do about both holidays, especially if they have children.

Passover reminds us of the Exodus, God’s miraculous rescue of the Jews from slavery. God instructed our people to remove leaven from their homes, kill a lamb, and spread its blood on their doorposts so that He would “pass over” them during His judgment on Egypt and her gods (Exodus 12:1-28). About 1200 years after the Exodus, a second Passover miracle occurred: the death and resurrection of Messiah Yeshua, who you all know as Jesus. This amazing event, today known as Easter, marked an even greater rescue – God’s release of mankind from sin and death through Yeshua’s sacrificial atonement.

As different as these holidays may seem, Yeshua’s death and resurrection at Passover was no coincidence. His final meal before His sacrificial atonement was a Passover Seder, know to Christians as the Last Supper. This – along with prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures – is why His first followers, all Jews, recognized Him as the “Passover Lamb,” the “Messiah,” and the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”[1]

Naturally, early Jewish and Gentile believers in Yeshua observed Passover and the Resurrection as two holidays in one. They did not start a new holiday called Easter.

However, the practice changed radically in the early centuries after Yeshua. Gentile followers of Yeshua began to outnumber Jewish ones, an anti-Jewish bias arose, and Gentile leaders aggressively distanced themselves from the Jews.

The chasm widened in 325 C.E. at the Council of Nicea, which voted to separate Passover from the Resurrection. Roman Emperor Constantine gave official voice to this landmark decision, stating, “…in unanimously adopting this mode [of when to celebrate the Resurrection], we desire, dearest brethren, to separate ourselves from the detestable company of the Jews.”[2]

Messianic Jews were excluded from the historical meeting at Nicea, where theological decisions were made that, to this day, fundamentally influence Christianity.

The anti-Jewish, anti-Passover attitude was totally inconsistent with the life and teachings of Yeshua and His early followers. No wonder so much tension grew over the centuries between Jews and Gentile Christians.

The question remains: Can Passover and the Resurrection exist in harmony, especially among intermarried couples? The answer is “Yes, but…” Yes, they can coexist, but true harmony comes only when Jews and Gentile Christians return to the roots of their faith – the Older and Newer Covenants (Testaments).

The unity of these two holidays can be seen today at Messianic Jewish congregations throughout the world, where Messianic Jews and Gentile Christians worship in a Jewish context similar to that of Yeshua and His early followers. Together, we remember the sacrifice and resurrection of the Messiah in the God-given context of Passover.

May the coming holiday season be filled with the joy and peace of this reality.

---

[1] e.g. Isaiah 53:7; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Yochanan (John) 1:29

[2] “A History of the Christian Councils,” by the Right Rev. Charles Joseph Hefele, D.D., translated from the German and edited by William R. Clark, M.A., Edinburgh: 1894

Did you see me wave?

The crowds were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" ~ Matthew 21:9

The rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" is no threat to Handel's "Messiah," but it did have a few bright spots. One was the Palm Sunday scene, where a dancing, cheering crowd welcomes Jesus to Jerusalem, singing: "Jesus, you know I love you. Did you see me wave? I believe in God and I believe in you, so tell me that I'm saved."

The Palm Sunday crowd is usually depicted as a fickle mob. No doubt many folks who on Sunday shouted "Hosanna!" were on Friday shouting "Crucify him!" Still, I think the crowd was not as bad a bunch as we've been led to believe. Granted, some of them probably did vote for Barabbas over Jesus. But my guess is that every charter member of the first Messianic synagogue in Jerusalem was in that crowd on Palm Sunday.

What I most admire about the crowd is their enthusiasm. People ran alongside of and ahead of Jesus. They sang and shouted. They spread their garments on the road. they waved palm branches. The whole scene bubbles with enthusiasm. And do we, who've probably never once let loose a single "Hosanna" for Jesus, look down our noses at them?

Eugene Ormandy once dislocated his shoulder while conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra. he certainly must have been enthusiastic about his music that night. And then I ask myself: have I ever dislocated anything out of enthusiasm for the Kingdom of God?

Let me be enthusiastic in your service, Lord. Amen.

Sing

Break forth into joyous song and sing praises! (Psalm 98:4)

I had the privilege one Palm Sunday of seeing and hearing a performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion. It was a stirring performance, and afterward a friend of mine who was part of the choir said exuberantly, "As long as music like this is sung, the gospel is proclaimed." That struck me as an unusual insight, similar to Paul's insight that singing is an essential quality of Messianic life.

Ever since the book of Psalms where we are encouraged to break forth into joyous song and sing praise, much of the world's greatest music has been written for and to God. It's true - music is a great way to proclaim the gospel, especially now in our increasing secular world. No one objects to beautiful music, even if the lyrics are overtly religious. My friend was right, about using song to share the good news.

I've been trying to imagine what the opposite of singing is. Being tone deaf? Keeping quiet? Just talking? Whatever it is, a world without singing would be duller and sadder. It would be like taking all the color out of the world and leaving it black and white. It would be like banning dessert or humor or sports. Music helps us know we are alive. The rivers clap their hands and the hills sing together for joy. We can get into the act too. Go ahead and sing!

May the song of our hearts be your song, O Lord.

How to Pray

Inspiration

For those of us that need a little inspiration....this is for you.