Good morning, afternoon, evening or night where or when ever this finds you in the world. It is just before 10 AM on a lazy overcast Sunday morning here in the Big Mango, and I thought I'd sit down and bang out another entry for your reading pleasure...or not as your tastes may be. Last night my partner and I departed from our usual routine and went out for a nice Saturday evening dinner. We visited a nice Thai restaurant called the River Bar for a nice meal. We drove across the impressive Rama 8 bridge/monument and had dinner on the Thonburi side of river. It was a very nice romantic dinner of baked fish, spring rolls, and sweet&sour pork. We don't get to do those very often, unfortunately, due to my partner's work schedule so it was a really nice thing for us to do together.

Anyways, I want to get to the topic in my head before it floats away into nothingness as things often do when they cross my mind. There is a ugly brush that is used to paint most foreigners living in Thailand that I'd like to address today with you. You see, there are a few assumptions or myths perpetuated by many if not most people ,both Thai and foreign, about us western men living here in Thailand:
1. The main motivation or factor for Western guys to move here to Thailand is sex and we only come here for the easy access to sex.
2. Western gay men are unable to be faithful and commit to monogamous caring relationships with only 1 partner.
3. Western gay men over certain age are only attracted to young dark skinned guys or girls.
4. Single western men have sex many times a week with random different partners for the purpose of one-night stands.
5. The sex industry in Thailand is caused by and used exclusively men from western countries.

So, firstly I for one did not move to Thailand for sexual reasons. I met my former Thai partner in the US while we were in school. We were together in the US for 7 years and I decided to give moving here a chance when the time came for him to move home. Also, I have another very close friend that moved here for a previously established relationship as well, and we have both agreed many times how these sort of racial stereotyping annoys us. To be perfectly honest, I really couldn't even find Thailand on a map when i first met my partner, much less know about the sordid international reputation. Secondly, I know gay couples that have been together for decades and are just as happy being monogamous as some heterosexuals. The desire to step outside a relationship for sexual fulfillment is not limited to sexual orientation or race.

Thirdly, this idea in Thailand that all western men are attracted to very young dark skinned boys and girls is the biggest bunch of krap I think I've heard here. Everyone has different tastes in the world or else Baskin Robbins wouldn't bother with 31 flavors. You don't get to decide what what your eyes find appealing so it is not fair to assume everyone of a certain age and race has the same tastes. Fourthly, I did not and have not ever engaged in a constant stream of one night stands on a weekly basis. This would apply here, home, or anywhere else in the world as my sex drive just isn't high enough and perhaps I'm to picky. The randomness of meaningless one night stands has never appealed to me but I certainly wouldn't throw stones when it comes to this point. To each his own, but my point is that it is just not me or my western friends.

Finally, I have heard many times over the years that the sex industry here in Thailand is perpetuated by the western male. This silly myth is easily dismissed by the presence of the massive structures used as "massage" parlors here in Bangkok around the ratchada area that cater almost exclusively to Thai clients. There is also a street called soi Thanaya here in Bangkok filled with "karaoke" bars that cater exclusively to Japanese clients seeking female short term companionship. However, I think westerners are more open when the frequent these type of establishments as it is not uncommon to see a westerner sitting in an open air bar with a "friend" on their arm for the evening. I think many Asian cultures are more private about such things, and thus the myth has been perpetuated that only westerners partake in such carnal activities.

I don't know why I felt I needed to get that off my chest, but it is a conversation I've had with close friends very often. I wonder why it seems to be human nature to stereotype our fellow man? We are so quick to label one another as we pass in this world, but the world is a much more colorful place than we give it credit. There is a lot more depth of character out there passing you by, so next time you make an immediate assumption about someone I hope you pause to consider your thoughts again. Obviously, there are going to be those that fit your stereotype but not everyone wears the same size clothes, right? Anyways, I hope you enjoy your Sunday and will speak to you again very very soon. I'm thinking the next entry will be a video blog so make sure you stop by again soon!

Our church bought out a showing of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for this morning and Dan and I went. We got a sitter, who refused to let us pay her, and had a wonderful time. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie--I appreciate non-bloody intensity, an amazing sense of creativity in Hollywoodizing a book into a movie, some very witty scenes and one-liners, and no foul language. It is long, so take a water bottle, a few snacks, and be sure to wear comfortable sitting attire. (My mom would be horrified if I said comfortable underwear)

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, the time alone with my husband, knowing my kids were so excited that they were having a baby sitter, and the beautiful weather outside. It was just a wonderful start to our 'weekend'.

We'll go to church tomorrow (Sunday) morning, which is odd for us since we've been doing the Saturday night service thing, but the kids were super tired and I knew it would be a battle instead of a pleasant time. I'm just going with the flow, taking life as it comes, and adjusting our schedules accordingly.

It's a pretty relaxing way to live.

'what i did for love'

Its about this Korean girl, Mina who is always beaten up by her stepmom until she met this boy, Ji Wun who saved her from her life of misery.

Im not gonna say more than that but i stayed up til 5.30 in the morning now reading it and im blogging to recommend it so yeaa its a really beautiful story. I envy this writer. If you love stories that brings tears to your eyes then read it please.

mind you i haven't stayed up this late in since last holiday but i just HAD to finish it. Anyway, I'm gonna head to bed now as its wayy past my bedtime and unfortunately i can't stay awake long enough to witness the Sunday sunrise. have a pleasant read.

good ..nig...*ahem*

good dusk.

-vuxpyra//

Food Pantry tomorrow - same time, same place! We need volunteers to help pick up, set up and clean up. So, call Megan, or just come down to the meeting room at 12:00.

See you then!

Here in Dublin The new Foreign Minister Micheál Martin kicked a series of events celebrating African culture as a lead-up to Africa Day on 25 May.

Irish Aid is supporting 58 cultural, sporting and academic events in 21 counties across the island and the Africa Day festival will take place in the gardens of Dublin Castle on Sunday 25 May.

The main stage line up for this event will feature Irish and African entertainers including Mundy, Sinéad O Connor, Republic of Loose with The Discovery Gospel Choir, Motema, Gardiner Street Gospel Choir and Congomania.

'This is a great opportunity for us to look again at Africa and our perceptions of the continent', Minister Martin. 'Irish Aid is proud to support events marking Africa Day in Ireland. Over 80% of Ireland's aid supports development in Africa.'

The Minister launched the Africa Day festival at the Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre on Dublin's O'Connell Street, where he was joined by representatives of African communities in Ireland.

Major events are taking place in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick and most are free for the public.

Next weekend, prominent Dublin City buildings will host light displays highlighting the lives of Africans in Ireland.

Source: rte.ie via infomatique

FILM:

The Africa Day Film Festival features a selection of world classfilmmaking, which celebrates the creative potential that exists on sucha vast and varied continent.

Africa Day Film Festival - Dublin

The Africa Day Film Festival features a selection of world classfilmmaking, which celebrates the creative potential that exists on sucha vast and varied continent. 25 May 12pm/1.45pm/2pm at the Irish FilmInstitute, Eustace Street, Dublin 2 | IFI Africa Day Film Festival

Galway African Film Festival - Galway

Free festival of African films from Senegal, Ghana, South Africa,Nigeria and Chad. 1-2 June, all day from 12pm at Galway Town HallTheatre | http://www.myspace.com/galwayafricanfilmfestival

Sights and Sounds of Africa - Tralee

A night of African Film. The main feature will be supported by acollection of shorts by emerging African filmmakers. 24 May, 9pm, atGortbrack Organic Farm, Tralee, Co.Kerry.

The Reel Africa - Dundalk

A celebration of Africa on film. Recent African cinema will bescreened in an intimate setting with the directors and discussionsabout their work. Opening film on 22 May, 8pm - closing film on 24 May,8pm at the Dundalk Institute of Technology | http://reelafrica.dkit.ie

Celebrating African Film - Dublin

Three films to celebrate African film, suitable for all ages. 22 May10.30am/2pm/7pm at Ballyfermot College of Further Education, Dublin 10.

The Big Idea - TV documentary

Young Scientist award winner, Tara McGrath, travels to Ethiopia totest her latest invention- a pressure cooker designed to tackle thebiggest issues in food preparation faced by the developing world. 26May, 11.30pm on RTE One.

CULTURE:

A day of African culture, Art and Crafts, African food, including:dance workshop, hair-braiding workshop, photo exhibition, and adult andchildren's literature.

Africa Day - Dublin Castle

Irish Aid's flagship Africa Day event takes place in the gardens ofDublin Castle and is open - free of charge - to the public. With anAfrican village and range of activities and entertainment for childrenand adults alike. Sunday, 25 May, 1-7pm at Dublin Castle | Africa Day

Africa Day at the National Botanic Gardens

Talk on 'Plants for People in Africa' by Dr. Darach Lupton,botanist at the National Botanic Gardens.'Parched deserts, drenched forests; an introduction to thehabitats, important plant diversity and botanic gardens of theAfrican continent.' Followed by music by Oleku, in the Curvilinear Range.Sunday 25 May, 2pm.For more information please see the website: http://www.botanicgardens.ie/home.htm

Come and meet Africa - Waterford

A day of African culture, including: dance workshop, hair-braidingworkshop, photo exhibition, and adult and children's literature. 23May, 10am-8pm at Waterford City Library, Waterford.

Building Unity through Diversity - Dublin

Building Unity through Diversity is an awareness project promotingthe diversity and potential of Africa. Exhibition 19 May-2 June at theIrish Aid Centre, 27-31 Upper O'Connell St, Dublin 1. Also at DublinCastle on 25 May | www.buildingunity.eu

Embracing Diversity - One people, one heritage - Limerick and Dublin

Art & Crafts, Music, African food, African literature and afootball tournament. 23-24 May from 11am at City Hall, Limerick.Cultural workshops, masquerades and performances, African food andstory-telling workshops. 24 May from 1pm at National League of theBlind Hall, 21 Hill Street, Dublin 1.

Feile Africa - Cork

Concerts and club sessions plus workshop exhibitions, discussions,and lectures at a number of venues throughout the week in Cork city.19-23 May. For more details, see: http://www.feileafrica.com/feileafrica_news.htm

MUSIC:

The Afro-gig music extravaganza will feature Kanda Bongo Man, the mostfamous exponent of Soukous in Africa will play at the AmbassadorTheatre.

Afro Gig with Kanda Bongo Man - Dublin

The Afro-gig music extravaganza will feature Kanda Bongo Man, themost famous exponent of Soukous in Africa. 24 May, 7.30pm, at theAmbassador Theatre, Dublin 1 | www.africacentre.ie

Sights and Sounds of Africa - Tralee

African beats with Clubheadbangbang. DJ Wax will play a Nigerianhip-hop set. 22 May, 10pm, at the Greyhound venue, Tralee, Co. Kerry.

Spirit of Africa Voice - Galway

Open-air stage to celebrate Africa Day, with an African musicconcert, children's storytelling and face painting. 25 May, 1-6pm, atEyre Square, Galway. Concert and BBQ at NUI Galway Bar on 24 May 3-8pm.www.spiritofvoice.com

Lively Up Yourself - Mayo

An African drumming event with a workshop and free publicperformance. Workshop starts at 11am and performance at 4pm at MarketSquare, Ballina, Co. Mayo.

Rythmix Africa - Limerick

A youth participation music project - a series of exciting workshopswith African drumming experts and a free lunchtime concert. 25 May,12pm, at Limerick Institute of Technology, Millennium Theatre, Limerick.

OTHER EVENTS
The Africa Centre annual lecture - Dublin

This lecture will present an image of Africa by Africans not oftenheard in mainstream Irish debates. 21 May, 7.30pm at the Irish AidCentre, 27-31 Upper O'Connell St, Dublin 1| www.africacentre.ie

Human Rights in Zimbabwe - Dublin

Post-elections, what now for Zimbabwe? Discussion on the possiblerole of the Churches in helping create a better future for thiscountry. 22 May, 9.30am-1pm at the Irish Aid Centre, 27-31 UpperO'Connell St, Dublin 1.

Embracing Diversity - Limerick and Cork

Debate on Ireland's contribution to African development on Limerick95FM, 19 May. Seminar on African Heritage and Integration with liveperformances, 23-24 May from 12pm at Clarion Hotels, Cork.

Writing Africa - Dublin

A celebration of African literature; a weekend of discussion,readings and workshops with leading African authors. 24-25 May at IrishWriters Centre, Parnell Square, Dublin 1.

DUBLIN CASTLE:

The flagship event will take place in the gardens of Dublin Castle on Sunday, 25th May from 1 to 7pm.

'Africa Day @ Dublin Castle' is open - free of charge - to thepublic, and will showcase many aspects of African culture, includingmusic, literature, art and cuisine. The event will take the form of anAfrican Village and will comprise the following elements:

The Bazaar

When entering the event and its specially created African Village,visitors will walk through a bazaar area, comprising stands from Egypt,Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa andUganda. Visitors will have the chance to sample wine, coffee andtraditional foods in this area; to partake in a mint tea orcoffee-drinking ceremony; to play popular African board games; seedrumming demonstrations, acrobatic performances and lots of traditionalAfrican costumes, and even send greetings to Nelson Mandela for his90th birthday in July!

The Main Stage

A main stage in front of the picnic area will feature a line-up of leading Irish and African entertainers, including: Mundy; Kíla; a very special guest appearance from Sinéad O'Connor and Republic of Loosewith The Discovery Gospel Choir; Motema (40s and 50s Congolese rumba);R'n'B act, Stone & Jezreel; The Gardiner Street Gospel Choir;energetic dance act, Congomania; Ugandan traditional dance and afashion show. All of the main acts participating on stage areperforming free of charge.

Stone & Jezreel will be performing at Dublin Castle

The Culture Section

The Culture Section will feature spoken word performances on themain stage and in the theatre of the Chester Beatty Library. Inputswill be provided by:

• Irish Times writer, Roisin Ingle.
• Founder and Artistic Director of Arambe Productions (Ireland'sfirst African Theatre), Bisi Adigun. Bisi's performance title is 'PeigSayers - A Fear Gorm Perspective'. He will read from 'Peig', theautobiography of the native Irish speaker, Peig Sayers, and explore theuse of a rich heritage of proverbs in the Irish language and in hisnative Nigeria.
• Ghanaian author and performance poet Nii Ayikwei Parkes, who hasbeen invited to Ireland to celebrate Africa Day by the Dublin Writers'Centre. Nii is a writer of poetry, prose and articles, and haspublished three poetry chapbooks: eyes of a boy, lips of a man (1999);M is for Madrigal (2004), a selection of seven jazz poems; and shorter(2005), published to raise money for a writers' fund in Ghana. Anexperienced performer of his work, he has appeared all over the world,including at NuYorican, New York; The Royal Festival Hall, London; andJava, Paris, and often leads writing and performance workshops.
• South African author and journalist, Thabi Madide, who will readfrom her debut novel 'Really'. Her novel tells the story of a blackSouth African woman who moves to live in Ireland and unexpectedly fallsin love with a former Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging commander.
• Irish author and journalist, Declan Lynch, who will read from his hugely popular novel 'The Rooms'.
• Editor of Metro Éireann, Chinedu Onyejelem, who will give a spoken word performance on the topic of Igbo marriage customs.

The Culture Corner will extend into the Coach House at DublinCastle, and will feature art and photography exhibits, as well as craftand artefact displays. The Irish Ethiopian Friendship Association willbe on hand with a display of Ethiopian artefacts and textiles; WorldDesign will display contemporary African design and craft; the'Building Unity Through Diversity' exhibition will offer families thechance to have their photos taken and become part of Ireland's familyalbum, while other African photographs and art will also be on display.

In addition, the Chester Beatty Library will extend its openinghours until 7pm on Africa Day; the Library houses the newly opened Artsof the Book exhibition and the Sacred Traditions exhibition, whichincludes a number of manuscripts from Ethiopia.

Sports Corner

Former Republic of Ireland soccer manager, Brian Kerr, will be onhand - together with SARI (Sports Against Racism in Ireland) - tooversee sporting activities at the African Village event. This willinclude Extreme Trampoline, five-a-side soccer and mini-tournaments forall ages. The Ugandan Association of Ireland will also give somedemonstrations of netball, one of the most popular sports in Uganda.

Open Area and Kids' Corner

In the Kids' Corner, there will be a story-telling area,face-painting and fun activities focusing on different aspects ofAfrican culture. Older children can participate in workshops onbracelet-making.

Traditional African Dancers, hair-braiders and face-painters willmingle in the main 'market area', which will be set in front of themain stage.

In a corner of the market area, a group of Zambian artists willcreate a mural of Africa using newspaper images and materials fromAfrica. Visitors will be encouraged to contribute to the process.

Film

Screenings of the acclaimed animated film 'Kirikou and theSorceress' will take place. Taking its artistic inspiration fromAfrican sculpture and Egyptian art - and featuring an authenticsoundtrack from Senegalese musician Youssou N'dour - the film will beappreciated by parents and children alike.

Eating

Visitors to Africa Day @ Dublin Castle are encouraged to bringpicnics and to stay for a few hours to soak up the carnival atmosphere.African food will also be available for sale, with the renowned SilkRoad Café providing catering facilities.

Prizes and Treats

Traidlinkswill provide tea, coffee and fruit, as well as offering two familyhampers for winners of the Africa Day Quiz. Silk Road Café will alsooffer a family hamper for the quiz, while Edun Clothing will provide100 per cent organic cotton t-shirts from Africa as prizes for thoseparticipating in sporting events.

Register your Interest

Entry to Africa Day @ Dublin Castle is free of charge. To help uscater for numbers on the day, we would ask you to register yourintention to attend the event by sending an email to: register@dhr.ie. Please indicate in your mail the number of people that will be attending in your party.

Note: this email is not for general queries about Africa day, if you have general queries contact: africaday@dfa.ie

Africa Day on Facebook

Join the Africa Day group on Facebook and get updates on acts, activities and special guests.

NowPublic

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MCCAIN BAWLS OUT NY TIMES REPORTER FOR ASKING GOOD QUESTION

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The Jewish people would be quick to answer that question. They would say, “It’s because Sunday is the first day of the week.” It is a well known fact that the Sabbath day in the Old Testament and in most Jewish homes today, Saturday is the seventh day of the week. It is God’s day of rest. If both Jews and Christians believe in and serve the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob then why do they hold to different days of the week as their Sabbath? The Southern Baptist in the back corner would be quick to answer that one for us. “Jesus changed the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday,” he would say. If that is true then we have a problem. The problem is this: No where in the New Testament does it say that the Sabbath was changed from Saturday to Sunday. Not one place.

Some may say that it does not matter what day we keep as the Sabbath as long as we keep a day. Well, let me ask you a question along those lines. Let’s say that you landed a wonderful job that pays six figures and requires you to work only one day of the week. Pretty cool, huh? For this job you are told you have to be at work at eight o’clock in the morning on Tuesdays. Tuesdays do not seem good for you so you decide to do the same work on Wednesdays instead. How long do you think you will keep that job? Not very long at all. What about this: Your anniversary falls on May 12^th every year and it is the most special day of the year to your spouse. However, that day does not work for you well, so you decide you’ll celebrate it on the anniversary of one of your former girlfriends or boyfriends. How do you think that will go over?

Now God is not going to “fire” you for keeping the Sabbath on Sunday, but just because we want to keep that commandment on a different day than what God wants does not make it right. In fact, we are missing a blessing by missing our “appointment” with God on His Sabbath. He promises to meet with us on that day. How can we pass that up? The God of the Universe promises to meet with us on His Sabbath! Why in the world would we want to show up on a different day? I am not saying that God does not meet with us on Sunday. I am saying that there is a special blessing when we meet with God on the day He chooses. After all God is God, right? Does not He deserve to be the One to choose what day we corporately worship Him? Or do we think we know better than He does on that issue? And that is the real issue. Who are we allowing to be our “Lord”, our “God” on the issue? Is God our God or are we allowing ourselves to be “God”? If you choose your way over His way, then you are not letting Him be God.

“How blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who takes hold of it; Who keeps from profaning the Sabbath, and keeps his hand from doing any evil. Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, ‘The LORD will surely separate me from His people.’ Nor let the eunuch say, ‘Behold, I am a dry tree.’…Also the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to Him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants, every one who keeps from profaning the Sabbath and holds fast My covenant; even those I will bring to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.” - Isaiah 56:2 & 3, 6 & 7 (NASB)

Indeed, in the time immediately following the battle of Armageddon, all Believers will again worship the Almighty on His days.

“’And it shall be from new moon to new moon and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all mankind will come to bow down before Me,’ says the LORD.” - Isaiah 66:23 (NASB)

I challenge anyone to find a verse or group of verses in the New Testament that say that Jesus changed the Sabbath to Sunday. Some try to quote Acts 20:7 for the change.

“On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul (began) talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight.” - Acts 20:7 (NASB)

This verse does not say the day was changed, it simply says the early Believers fellowshipped together on Sunday. This does not mean it was treated as the Sabbath. In fact that specific Scripture is talking about the believers meeting together to collect money to send to help other believers. By Jewish law, it was forbidden to collect money on the Sabbath day. Thus, they had to wait until the next day to collect an offering.

The origin of the change is not the New Testament, but the Catholic Church. It is by their own admitting that they are the ones who changed the Holy Day.

"If protestants would follow the Bible, they should worship God on the Sabbath Day, that is Saturday. In keeping Sunday they are following a law of the Catholic Church." [1]

"Question: Have you any other way of proving that the Church has power to institute festivals of precept?

"Answer: Had she not such power, she could not have done that in which all modern religionists agree with her-she could not have substituted the observance of Sunday, the first day of the week, for the observance of Saturday, the seventh day, a change for which there is no Scriptural authority." [2]

This is not only admitted by the Catholic Church. Other denominations admit the same thing; that Saturday is the true Biblical Sabbath.

"And where are we told in the Scriptures that we are to keep the first day at all? We are commanded to keep the seventh; but we are nowhere commanded to keep the first day...The reason why we keep the first day of the week holy instead of the seventh is for the same reason that we observe many other things, not because the Bible, but because the church has enjoined it." [3]

"But they err in teaching that Sunday has taken the place of the Old Testament Sabbath and therefore must be kept as the seventh day had to be kept by the children of Israel .... These churches err in their teaching, for Scripture has in no way ordained the first day of the week in place of the Sabbath. There is simply no law in the New Testament to that effect." [4]

"But, the moral law contained in the ten commandments, and enforced by the prophets, he [Christ] did not take away. It was not the design of his coming to revoke any part of this. This is a law which never can be broken…Every part of this law must remain in force upon all mankind, and in all ages; as not depending either on time or place, or any other circumstances liable to change, but on the nature of God and the nature of man, and their unchangeable relation to each other." [5]

The Sabbath was instituted by God Himself as a remembrance of the seventh day of creation. [6] To change it would be like changing someone’s birthday to another day. You can not do that anymore than you can go back in time and change the day someone was born on. That is simply ludicrous. God has established a day to set aside and rest, a day to set aside and remember Him, a day to spend with Him. Who are we to change that day?

Let me close this post by saying that it is not wrong at all to worship God on Sunday. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going to Church on that day. We simply must understand that that day is not the Sabbath and not the day God commanded us to remember and separate as a Holy Day. That day is Saturday.

“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD’s appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations - My appointed times are these: For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a Sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You shall not do any work; it is a Sabbath to the LORD in all your dwellings. These are the appointed times of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at the times appointed for them.” - Leviticus 23: 2-4 (NASB)

“…you shall proclaim (them) at the times appointed for them.” Remember, God does not change (Malachi 3:6).

Sunday morning, I woke up tired and had a two hour sleep, but I forced myself to get up, ‘coz we planned to have a morning exertion at the mountain -- away from home sweet home. As we traveled along the road, I saw people started waking up, but most of them were still asleep.

As we arrived, the fresh air embraced us. The place has few homes, quite, peaceful and clean. We started hiking for few minutes, and as I walked along the mountain, I met new trees and heard the songbird's harmony. When we reached the middle part, we stopped for a while, but I wasn’t contented until I reached the top.

At that moment, I felt like I was on the top of this wonderful world. As I sat down, I saw the sun started rising; it was a sign of new life, new hope, and new beginning. The cock crowing in different places, birds flying, grass growing, sound of transportations and people working. In front of me were white clouds; below was a fine sea with ships sailing by, and small mountains apart.

As we left the place, I thanked GOD for the wonderful moment that we spent our times together, and a beautiful day that he has given for you and me...

Joyz

Also:  Here are some things you could get from his site:  A

MMMATTERS   when you checkout. This is good for anything in the store, any time they want it, not just Father's Day!   

I work Saturday nights; almost every saturday night for the last 4 years. The nights end typically, I'm a little lit, tired, and have a wad of cash in my pocket. I wake up Sunday still trying to get the night before out of my system. There is nothing I love more than to be waited on, on Sunday, the polar opposite from the night before. To sit and enjoy a nice day, cold beer, good food, good company, but espically the beer, is a wonderful feeling. I think back and some of the greatest nights and day of my life have been Sundays. Sunday Fundays as they were once called, we did "it" right. They kind of ended when one of our Sunday Funday crew had to fake his own death for work on Monday so as not to be fired because how late he showed up for work, it was bad news bears.

There's just something about Fell Point in Balitmore on a Sunday. I love it. As of late I have done some sketching on lazy Sundays. There is a group of us that still enjoy our Sundays. We're as close to the lost generation wandering Paris in the 20's as they come. Thats not to  say I'm comparing myself to Hemingway, but I think there are a few that could turn out that way.

I'm rambling... here are the drawings. This is a villianous guy holding too guns, I was playing with perspective and such, rather unsuccessfully I might add.

A couple of Sundays ago I was sitting in the bar and my friend, who convinced me to make a wordpress account, told me to sketch an old man while we were sitting there have a couple of beers, this is what I came up with...

Here are some robots I did that same Sunday.

These next couple I did as if Robots played modern sports. The tall narrow robot plays basketball, the broad sholdered one, football. The one with tiny arms is soccer, and the spider-like robot is the badmitten player from hell.

*As a side note, I started this post weeks ago on a Saturday night after work, to post on a Sunday...hence the lazy Sunday stuff and all of that. I have been particularly lazy these last few weeks, so I'm trying to catch up on everything I've done on here.

Its real and its huge.  How do we process those times in life.  What if there's a major truth that Scripture reveals that we've not considered.  Don't miss this Sunday - invite someone to come with you.

(Remember, no services on May 25)

•  What does God want me to say this week?
•  What are the best passages to work with?
•  How can I illustrate the points being taught?
•  What can I do, that will speak to the teens?
•  How can I apply the lesson to those with young families?
•  Will this help anyone become a Christian?
•  Will it encourage someone who really needs to change their life?
•  Will those who are older and have heard this before get anything worth while?
•  How should I begin so I can help them listen from the beginning?
•  Is there something special I can do with PowerPoint that could help?
•  Is this really going to meet people's needs?
•  Wonder who's going to be there on Sunday?
•  What songs might be good to help with the theme?
•  How many more years will they listen to me?
•  How much longer will God be able to use me?
•  etc. etc. etc.

       Preaching is easy/difficult, wonderful/dreadful, exhausting/invigorating, draining/fulfilling, discouraging/inspirational, fun/sad, good/bad, etc. etc., etc. I would never want to do anything else but I quit every Mondays (not really but it sounded good/bad).
      Preaching is amazing but who's worthy? The only way I can keep doing this is by remembering Abraham's lies, Moses' impetuousness, David's homicidal actions, Judas' betrayal, Peter's denial, and Paul's struggle with the flesh. All of that and God used them anyway. He took them and empowered them, enabled them and worked through them.
      In my weakness I find myself in the very good company of those God has used anyway!

Such is the confidence that we have through
Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient
in ourselves to claim anything as coming
from us, but our sufficiency is from God,
who has made us competent to be ministers
of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the
Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
                                     2 Corinthians 3:4-6

Desired Profile:
1.Technical Consultants only or
2.Techno Functional Consultants only

Contact Person: HR

Click Here To Apply

Walk-in Date: 18th May 2008, Sunday

Walk-in Time: 9.00 am to 12.oo noon

Note : Please carry the following things for the interview:
1. A print out of this ad
2. Hard copy of your resume
3. A passport size photograph
4. Your employee ID card
5. Any identification proof (DL / Passport etc)

Silent weekend we are leaving.
Sundown sinks beneath our heads -
Sunday quiet, Sunday breathing.

Through our books we both are leafing:
Side by side, we indulge our heads
In the quiet and wisdom upon our bed -
Sunday quiet, Sunday breathing.

Written 5/11/08
© 2008 Nicole Nicholson. All Rights Reserved.

Its precisely why i wanted a break in between the engagement and the marriage. 3 months is a good time. It allows for affection to start building up and by the time you start missing each other, its perfect time to get married. At least the intervening period leaves both of us with some time for introspection. Think and reminisce about the great bachelor days we had. Fantasise about the great days we might have in the future. And also get ready for the petty fights and tensions that might creep up in the relation inadvertently.

More than 7 years of a bachelor living, all alone, away from my family in distant Singapore has conditioned my mind to a certain type of thinking. Over that, i have been living alone for more than 3 years now. I have a whole house to myself. I have no problems walking around naked, sleeping wherever i like (on the couch, bed and sometimes on the floor too). Fortunately, i dont have the habit of throwing the wet towel on the bed (an oft mentioned reason for a fight between partners). Iam a firm believer in keeping things in their right places. Other than a few books, which would be strewn around, am pretty much an organised person.

Other than that there are not much vices. I don't drink, smoke, gamble or womanise. And ya, that does mean that i manage to save quite a good portion of my salary. Probably my only weakness is the fact that i buy a lot of books and have a constant look at the stock market and am always reading up stuff that would help me save more and multiply it.

Most of my friends believe that living alone means that i have a very colourful life. But trust me, i probably live the most boring life you would have ever encountered. Friday evenings after work are for gym or a movie all alone or i just go back home, do the laundry, watch TV, surf net, have dinner and retire to bed early. Saturdays, i cook, clean, catch up on sleep or visit some friends or watch a movie/sports on TV. Sundays fly by before i can even realise. Its more than 4 years since i stepped into a pub/disco and more than a year since i even had a sip of a beer. That explains. Its not that i have never done it. There have been times when i smoked like a chimney and drank like a fish. Just that i have left those days far behind.

Am so accustomed to living alone that i would need some time to adjust and be able to share my private space with someone special. It would take time, but i hope to give it my best shot. Living alone has made me independent, confident and capable of making my own decisions, which am sure wouldn't have been possible had i been staying with my family. So, its an advise i give anyone who asks, to stay alone, away from the family. You start to develop new facets of your personality. Makes you grow as a person. Try it out sometime.

If you are asking if iam excited? Of course, iam. Everyone marries at least once in their life time and am also going to experience it. There is some nervousness and excitement. A mixed feeling. No one has seen the future, so i rather not comment. But ya, i hope everything works out for the best.

Meanwhile, i keep my fingers crossed.

+++

1. Football Fans
2. Music Junkies
3. Bird Lovers
4. Eagle's Nest Members/attendees 

Ok, well sorry to disappoint any of the people in categories 1-3, but I'm not talking about Football, Music, or Birds. THESE THOUGHTS CAME TO ME WHILE CLEANING... First, I want to put out a disclaimer, that this specific blog post is not a bash on anyone, it is not written out of anger, and it is not intended for the purposes of de-facing the value of the history of Eagle's Nest.  

A little back story for my new/outside readers. I attend, and have attended Eagle's Nest Fellowship Church for a little under 11 years now, Have been very involved with many ministries and have even worked for the church some as well. Now there is a point to all of this and if you leave now you'll probably just think I'm another agree rebellious teenager (19)...but this blog is going to be pretty honest only for the sake of making a good point.

I'm afraid that it won't do the story justice, but I have to start somewhere, so i'll start with the fact that Eagle's Nest has many Eagle's and paintings of eagle's and are logo has an eagle on it...and rightfully so I might add, goes well with the name...  and so throughout the building you will find many. *(I think in one office I have counted somewhere around 20) Now, of-course some of us love to joke about it, and the truth is that Eagle's happen to be a large part of who we are. 

**So, I have a confession to make. I have been on a team (comprised of myself only) responsible for the slow removal of Eagle's from the viewable presence of people. Yes, this is true i started stashing them. Only I soon realized that soon there would be no decorations left, so I gave up. but if you read this and your favorite piece is missing, come find me on Sunday, I'll give it to you and you can take it home with you.**

I share this next true story from my perspective, and my perspective only. And I'm not using names for the sake of... well you get the picture. But one sunday, After the removal of a particular Eagle Painting I, along with a few other people where questioned about the disappearance of said eagle, (said eagle had been promptly replaced by a beautiful hand painting from another location.) If I believe correctly, we lied, and said we didn't know where it was and for that I am sorry. However, by the next week the Eagle was placed back and has remained there since. Apparently other church members had complained or otherwise asked about the painting not being there.

IF I'M LOOSING YOU... hang in there I'm getting to my point.

Wake up church, that is my message. That is my challenge to you!!!! Some people may argue and say that I'm just as wrong for wanting the Eagle to not be there. but I'm not saying that. I'm saying that Its NOT about what is hanging on our walls. AND WE HAVE MADE IT ABOUT THAT.  If we don't love people like we should then the stuff on our walls is POINTLESS. 

Community is not about some identity, (ours being the eagle) Its about fellowship. Where are all the pictures of ministry happening, and the art work of worshipers, where is the life and the joy that we are sharing?? Why don't we publish that to our people? why not leave our corporate Identity for the sake of our community?

This will be my final paragraph I promise I have written enough, and feel like i have explained nothing, but hopefully your hearing my heart here. Ok, so I'm going to leave you with these last thoughts. I go to college, and I spend time with people who are hurting, and seeking and NOT FINDING A PLACE. Where do these young people hang out? a lot of them, bars. what if our church looked like a bar? Ok, HEAR ME I'm not suggesting that we rip out everything and start serving beer. But I am asking you to consider WHAT ARE WE ABOUT? are we about our pictures of eagles? Are we about our favorite songs? are we about pretty colors? are we about fancy buildings or Amazing Graphics? OR are we about showing people the LIFE found in jesus? What if we stopped going to church on sunday for ourselves and started going for everyone else? Why wouldn't the church be the perfect place to display EVERYTHING going on in the community of the church itself?  And so I leave you with this question, and this challenge.

Ask yourself this question: WHAT IF CHURCH WAS BUILT FOR THEM AND NOT FOR ME.

thanks for enduring, if you have questions or you'd like to beat me up for my honesty please email me: takaminescx@gmail.com. I hope that you have heard my heart I strive to love you all with everything I have. And I want to be a piece of building something so much greater then anyone of us could be alone. 
In Christ's Service
Jeffery Peck

(www.myspace.com/no_your_other_left) 

*** if you email me comments, I may in-fact post them back on here to reply.***

This Sunday:

Car Wash 1130-3pm @ nvcf

YAM Worship Gathering 6pm @nvcf

See ya'll sunday!

-A

Sunday: We were sitting in garden at Bal Gandharv Chitramandir, Pune :-D . You know what I mean by me!! :-P Otherwise guess!!! So we were sitting simply chatting. My partner Sweety(nickname for using here) went silent and started glaring at somebody behind me. On asking she said in very low voice," That girl is looking at us and she is errr.. smiling a little!". I smirked and turned to look while Sweety awkwardly continued," She seems a bit .... lost." Surely that girl was lost in thoughts because she didn't notice us looking at her. She was now staring at nowhere and a kinda weird smile was plastered on her face. And suddenly Sweety gasped, and I knew the reason in an instant. A hot(probably) tear rolled out that unknown girls eye and second eye copied its partner. Tears started streaming out her eyes and she was still like a statue. Unable to strain her face from showing real emotions, she threw her face in her hand and started crying silently.

I turned to Sweety and asked her to stop looking at her. But Sweety was no more looking at that girl. Now it was her turn to start being weird, I guessed.

[Not much sad] part 2:

My guess was not that good as it is always. Sweety was merely thinking about some related things came to her mind. "May be she has installed the "related posts feature" wordpress introduced few days ago, I thought".
"What can be her problem?", I was ready for this question and I opened my mouth to retort when Sweety continued, "Ok, whatever her problem is, why don't she just go home and cry in her bed? Why she is sitting here in a public place like this where almost everyone come to enjoy evening?"
Now, I was wondering with same question in my mind. There were couples all over the olace, children playing in lawn, grandmas chatting loudly, grandpas observing nearby couples activities, mummys sitting with amused expressions, Bhelwala shouting to attract customers, youngsters looking at couples who sit very closely with curious looks and many more. Now, why the hell that girl was sitting in couples corner of garden ALONE?

I don't think we need an expert to answer. Heartbreak is obvious one but there are many important things in life that losing a boyfriend. may be she had a row with her mother and she shouted something serious. Obviously girl can not sit and cry at home which will make mother more angry. Or there was something really bad happening with her which she found impossible to tell anybody about. We can never know. life is not that simple as it seems. Or it is.

[Just my thoughts] Part 3:

Our meeting abruptly ended as Sweety started remembering how she used to cry silently in nights when she was stuck at an awful place(awful = no means of contact with me) and her parents never noticed. I thought leaving the place a good idea but for a moment I though of going and trying consoling the girl. Sweety was thinking same and she believed that my great communication abilities towards girls can help me here. I hesitated for a minute or so and then decided against it. What if that girl was a ... I am not accusing or doubting, but for a second I thought what if she is a prostitute who came there just to relieve herself from mental strain. This thought stopped me in tracks. I decided and told Sweety formly,"No, we are not going to disturb her. And don't offer her water either." I continued as Sweety took out water bottle.

I don't know what made me not to console her. I usually work on my instincts. And they have never ever failed me. I still think it was a wise decision.

Opinions, thoughts, claims, blames, suggestions, and much more expected from YOU GUYS.

But this blog isn't about side pieces or the jumpoff. It's about another piece of slang that I wasn't aware of at all until this Sunday. I had the co-founder of Single Tease (no, it's not a porn site), Tamera Lawrence, on the show talking about her great T-shirts that help break the ice between people. You can listen to a piece of it on Words Cause.

During the interview, she mentioned that the chest area of a woman is referred to as "the region".

I had no idea!

I asked some women at work if they knew about "the region", and they were familiar with this term for their chest. I went to Urban Dictionary, and "the region" was only defined as Northwest Indiana. So, I added a new definition for "the region":

Tasteful female slang for the area of their body containing their boobs
She wore a T-shirt with text printed above The Region

All of humanity needs your help! Check out the page for "the region" on Urban Dictionary and click on the thumbs-up for the new definition! It is currently the third definition listed.

Thanks for your support!

===========================================
welcome/opening set:
- pass me not, o gentle Saviour [key of G] words by fanny crosby & music by w. howard doane
- all who are thirsty [key of D] by brenton brown & glenn robertson
- be the centre [key of D] by michael frye

invitation/eucharist:
- You are my King (amazing love) [key of E] by billy james foote

offeratory/closing song:
- better is one day [key of E] by matt redman

Anna Wintour

Ziyi Zhang

Bettina Zilkha

Olivia Chantecaille

Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos

Georgina Chapman

Leighton Meester

Fabiola Beracasa

Lisa Airan

Rachel Zoe

Tinsley Mortimer

Cristina Aguilera

Charlize Theron

Alexandra Lind Rose

Jennifer Lopez

We saw these guys on Sunday.  The baby rabbit was running through our yard eating our grass while the squirrel was in our gutters eating the leaves/seeds from the trees.  I just wish they would eat all the grass/leaves so I wouldn't have to do yard work.

I wish I had a picture of Jackson (The Cat)  he was going crazy staring out the sliding door.  He was jumping up trying to get the animals.  I also through them a few Reese's Pieces but they didn't take the bait.

OK, I've heard of some ridiculous things in my day, but I think this takes the cake, really! Now, the story is rather serious in that one of the teens here was being questioned for a hit and run. His friend made the rather BAD decision to defend him by <snickers> throwing some M&Ms, one or more of which, hit an officer on the shoulder... He's now being charged with assaulting an officer... I'm not kidding. Really, I'm not kidding... 8)

But it just goes from bad to worse here. This boy just keeps making stupid decisions on his own and one can only hope that as he grows up, his mental capacities will too... From Des Moines Iowa I bring you this bit from the Realm of the Real...

Drake Student Charged for "Assaulting" Police Officer With Candy

A college student faces charges of assaulting a police officer. Nothing spectacular so far, but the “weapon” he used to assault the officer must be a first. The Drake University student threw candy at the Des Moines police officer, The Associated Press reported.

The 20-year-old student identified as Sean McGuire threw some M&Ms at the police officer (Theodore Lister Stroope) who was questioning his friend for a hit and run incident. Police arrested the student on Sunday at the entrance of a convenience store. The incident and the arrest that followed happened at about 2:30 a.m. at Kum & Go, 3104 University Ave, the police report said.

Drake University security guards saw the candies falling around the police officer and hitting him in the shoulder as he turned, according to the police report.

When asked why he threw the M&M’s at the police officer, McGuire said he did it to “stick up for his friend”, the man suspected in the hit and run accident involving an intoxicated man.

Officer Stroope took the Drake student to the Polk County Jail. The teen reportedly got back at the officer by peeing all over the back seat of the squad car, the police report said.

However, the Glenview, Illinois student was released from prison on Sunday after paying a $1,000 bond.

Ewwwww! Now, far be it for me to criticize anyone here, but this seems to have gotten blown WAY out of proportion. I'm not sure if someone was just in a bad mood, or if these kids were having a bad day, or just what was going on here, but I really think that charging someone with assault for tossing an M&M that hit you on the shoulder is a tad bit much. Am I wrong here? Certainly the officer wasn't hurt in any way.

Of course I'm certainly NOT saying the kid peeing on the officer's car seat was OK, not by any means, but being taken to jail for assault by M&M seems to warrant something... Just not the pee. I think I'd have let the local news media get a hold of it and have the officer look like an idiot.

However, youth doesn't always think too clearly and I can understand not wanting to go to jail. And you notice that he definitely distracted them from the hit and run... Not another word about that! So I guess he accomplished something here. But the $1,000.00 is going to hurt, I don't care what you say, unless daddy is doing very well in today's economy or you have an excellent job. So, I'm wondering what people think about this one. I know it goes under the category of scratching my head for me. I just can't quite figure what any of them was thinking...

So, anyone feel like commenting on this one, I'm dying to hear your thoughts. This certainly puts M&Ms in a whole new light for me, that's for sure. I've never even considered them a deadly weapon before... What a concept!