Happy (blessed) disciples serve others as Christ served them.  This was the lesson Jesus taught His disciples when He washed their feet.  If you know these things blessed are you if you do them.

     What is Jesus telling you about Himself and how should you respond?

     Glorify God today as you enjoy being His blessed servant.

HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

Islam

Apakah Islam? Islam itu dengan sekadar mengucap kalimah syahadah? Iman, ya; beriman kepada Allah dan akui kerasulan Nabi Muhammad saw. Bagi penulis Islam itu hanya satu tetapi interpretasinya pelbagai. Islam ialah nilai bersama; bukan nilai yang sama. Tidak akan menguntungkan sesiapa jika kita terus mencari perbezaan bukannya persamaan atau lebih tepat lagi keserasian. Tiada sesiapa tahu Islam yang sempurna bagaimana kerana setiap orang akan mengatakan dia memiliki Islam yang benar. Tambahan lagi, Islam yang sempurna dibawa oleh manusia yang memiliki kecacatan, logiknya Islam mengikut individu tersebut ada kekurangannya. Setiap orang pula cenderung untuk menggunakan agama demi kepentingan atau ends tertentu. Apabila seseorang mulai mempunyai kepentingan tersendiri ini akan membawa kepada menghukum orang lain yang bertentangan dengannya sesat. Benar itu sendiri subjektif.. baru-baru ini, yang sering dipersoalkan adalah Islam liberal. Ramai yang menganggapnya sesat tanpa cuba untuk mengenalinya dahulu. Mungkin kerana apa yang ditegakkan Islam liberal bertentangan dengan Islam konservatif yang diamalkan mereka secara tradisi. ("Ingatlah bahawa Tuanmu memanggil semua keturunan Adam dan membuat mereka bersaksi terhadap diri mereka sendiri: `Bukankah Aku Tuhanmu?’ Mereka semua berkata, `Ya, kami bersaksi.’ Dengan demikian, kamu tidak boleh berkata pada Hari Kiamat, `Kami tidak tahu-menahu tentang hal ini. Juga kamu tidak boleh berkata, `Ibu-bapa kami yang dulu yang menyembah berhala, dan kami hanya mengikut jejak-langkah mereka. Apakah Kau hendak membinasakan kami kerana dosa-dosa pendusta?’ Demikianlah Kami huraikan wahyu untuk membolehkan mereka kembali." - Al-A’raf: 172-74)

Sepatutnya perkara ini tidak perlu dikhuatiri, tidakkah begitu mudah iman dan jubah Islam itu goyah jika terdapat nama lain Islam? Islam masih sama Cuma pendekatan dan perspektif melihat Islam itu yang berbeza. Jika dahulu, kita menerima agama Islam kerana kita dilahirkan dalam keluarga Islam, adakah ia bermaksud kita boleh menafikan akal untuk berfikir erti fundamental Islam sebenar..? islam tidak membenarkan umatnya menerima sesuatu perkara bulat-bulat. Islam tidak jumud. Islam itu kekal dan terpelihara sepanjang zaman kerana sifat dinamiknya; Taghayyur al-ahkam bi taghayyur al-zaman wa al-makan tetapi berselisih pendapat tentang batas jauh yang dibenarkan. Al-Quran itu terpelihara sepanjang zaman kerana turunnya wahyu bersifat kontekstual. ( Untuk memahami Quran, manusia tentu memerlukan bimbingan Tuhan. Walaupun Quran itu sama seperti yang digunakan oleh Muhammad dan para Sahabatnya, pemahamannya dalam konteks moden semestinya berbeza. Inilah yang dimaksudkan sebagai hikmah, atau kebijaksanaan dalam Quran, iaitu suatu pentafsiran perutusan itu secara rasional. Walaupun tafsir klasik telah meletakkan peranan pentafsiran kepada Nabi, ini bukan makna yang tepat bagi nas-nas itu. Suatu pemahaman yang menyeluruh akan merujuk kepada Tuhan sebagai guru Quran yang muktamad. (Lihat Quran, Al-Rahman: 1-2; Al-Mudathir: 19 dan Al-Ra`ad: 2). Dibaca dengan ayat-ayat lain yang berkenaan, ayat-ayat ini bermakna Tuhan akan menghuraikan makna perutusan-Nya melalui orang-orang yang Dia pilih dari tiap-tiap generasi.)

Agama Tauhid

Ajaran-ajaran agama tauhid yang dibawa Musa, Isa dan Muhammad di antaranya -- telah selalunya dipesongkan oleh pengikut-pengikut mereka kemudian. Orang Yahudi menolak kenabian Isa dan Muhammad serta menganggap diri mereka Kaum Pilihan Tuhan dan dengan itu menganut faham rasis. Orang Kristen menolak kenabian Muhammad serta mempertuhankan Isa lalu menganggap diri mereka lebih baik dari bangsa-bangsa lain. Penganut Kristian terlalu menyayangi Nabi Isa lalu secara melampau telah menganggapnya sebagai anak Tuhan dalam konsep Trinity. Tidakkah kontradik jika baginda yang merupakan Yahudi diangkat oleh penganut Kristian sedangkan penganut Yahudi claim bahawa kaum mereka terpilih. Ayat ini tidak lagi relevan sekarang kerana tiada lagi keturunan Yahudi yang pure kerana berlakunya perkahwinan campur dari daerah-daerah berdekatan serta ayat ini bersifat kontekstual. Mengikut jejak langkah mereka, orang Islam mendewakan Muhammad, menukar beliau menjadi kekasih Tuhan dan nabi yang terbesar dan meletak beliau di samping Tuhan, dan berakhir dengan pandangan hidup eksklusif yang sama. Dengan demikian, ajaran universal tauhid asal yang satu menjadi tiga, tiap-tiap satu mendakwa memiliki kebenaran sementara yang lain tidak, dan semua bermusuhan antara satu sama lain. Kebanyakan orang Islam akan menafikan bahawa mereka telah mendewakan Nabi Muhammad, kerana mereka telah melakukan itu tanpa sedar. Bukan saja apa yang dikatakan hadis memuji dan memuja beliau sebagai kekasih Tuhan dan nabi yang terbesar, bertentang dengan perintah Tuhan supaya jangan membeza-bezakan antara rasul-rasul-Nya, tetapi beberapa ayat Quran telah disalah guna dan disalahtafsirkan untuk mencapai tujuan ini. Ayat 56 Surah 33, yang menyeru orang Islam menyokong dan merestui Nabi (perkataan Arab salla yang biasanya diterjemahkan sebagai `merahmati’) ialah kaedah yang utama untuk pendewaan ini. Diambil dalam konteksnya yang wajar, ayat ini hanya bermakna seorang pemimpin yang berjuang di jalan Tuhan mendapat restu dan sokongan Tuhan dan para malaikat-Nya dan menjadi tanggungjawab pengikut-pengikutnya menyokong dan menghormati beliau. Untuk mendapat pengertian ini, kita patut membaca ayat ini bersama-sama dengan ayat 43 surah yang sama (di sini Tuhan dan para malaikat-Nya merestui dan menyokong orang-orang Islam) dan ayat 103 Surah 9 ( di sini Nabi disuruh sokong dan restui pengikut-pengikutnya).

Kebanyakan orang Islam silap anggap bahawa Muhammadlah nabi Islam. Sebenarnya, semua nabi, dari Adam, melalui Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa dan Isa, berakhir dengan Muhammad, mengajar agama Islam (yang ajaran pokoknya ialah: `Tiada tuhan melainkan Allah; sembahlah Allah saja.’) Undang-undang dan ibadah berbeza, mengikut masa dan tempat, tetapi ajaran pokoknya sama: "Kami tidak mengirim rasul sebelummu, kecuali dengan inspirasi kepadanya bahawa tiada tuhan selain Aku dan sembahlah Aku." (Al-Anbia: 25) Berhubung dengan adanya kepelbagaian dalam undang-undang dan ibadah: "Bagi setiap kamu Kami tetapkan undang-undang dan kaedah masing-masing. Jika Tuhan kehendaki, Dia boleh menjadikan kamu suatu jemaah, tetapi Dia menguji kamu melalui wahyu-wahyu-Nya kepada kamu. Oleh itu, hendaklah kamu berlumba-lumba kepada kebaikan." (Al-Maidah: 48)

Liberalisasi akal

Manusia menguasai udara dan boleh terbang lebih baik daripada burung. Dengan demikian, akalnya, dan melalui penggunaan akal rasionalnya untuk menemui undang-undang alam semesta, iaitu sains -- akalnya dan sains -- inilah sumber-sumber kuasanya yang boleh dikatakan tidak terbatas dan yang memberikannya kebebasan. Oleh itu, kebebasan bukanlah statik dan tidak diberi terlebih dulu kepada manusia. Dia hendaklah berjuang untuk mencapai kebebasan setapak demi setapak. Tetapi, dalam ertikata mutlak, manusia itu bebas.
Ini tidak bermakna bahwa tidak ada takdir atau determinisme. Kebebasan dan takdir tidak harus ditanggap sebagai pertentangan. setelah kekalahan falsafah rasionalis kaum Mu’tazzilah dan munculnya doktrin kompromi bebas-tak-bebas kaum Asya`ariyah dalam abad ketiga Islam. Kaum Mu’tazilah, mazhab teologi rasionalis zaman awal Islam, berpegang kepada kebebasan bertindak manusia dan dengan itu kepada tanggungjawabnya, dan menolak faham fatalisme kaum Asya`ariah kemudian. Oleh kerana keadaan-keadaan khusus pada masa itu, mereka kalah kepada apa yang dipanggil parti ortodoks kaum Asy`ariah dalam abad-abad keempat dan kelima Islam. Walau bagaimanapun, aliran rasionalis ini berkembang terus melalui ahli falsafah, pemikir dan pembaharu di semua negara Islam, seperti Ibn Khaldun, Syah Waliullah, Muhammad Abduh, Muhammad Iqbal, malek Bennabi, Ali Shari`ati, untuk menyebut beberapa nama saja, hingga ke hari ini. (Kassim Ahmad, Teori Sosial Moden Islam, Penerbit Fajar Bakti, Petaling Jaya, 1984; h. 85-88.)

"O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts) lest ye swerve and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do. (135)"

Banyak orang yang mengaku terobsesi realitas...tapi bila bicara tetap tidak bisa netral. Dia bilang tidak percaya Tuhan apalagi agama, tapi kalo bicara seolah - olah dia bicara atas 'agama' juga. Agamanya yaitu 'anti agama'. Dia bilang tidak suka dogma dan tidak suka bila ada orang yang mencoba 'sok' menyebarkan dogma pada orang lain, tapi ternyata dia sendiri dogmatis dengan dogma nya 'anti dogma'.

Ketika ada seseorang yang dikeroyok oleh sekelompok orang lain karena dianggap melanggar kekhusyuan hari raya mereka dengan berkendaraan melewati daerah masyarakat yang berhari raya itu, aku bilang atas nama toleransi dan saling menghormati orang lain, aku jelas mengutuk bentuk kekerasan itu, tapi aku juga  menyalahkan orang yang dikeroyok itu...terlepas dari siapa dia atau agama apa dia....i don't give a damn. Karena, aku yakin bahwa ketika dia menyetir mobil di hari itu, pastinya dia sadar bahwa tindakannya itu dapat menyulut keributan. Tapi toh tetap dia lakukan, dan VOILA !!! Pointnya adalah interaksi dalam masyarakat sosial yang nota bene sensitif karena konflik yang mungkin 'abadi'. Intinya, aku mau setiap orang melakukan sesuatu dimulai dari diri kita sendiri. Omong kosong dengan rasa hormat dan toleransi bila tidak kita mulai dari diri sendiri.

Tapi saudara saudara dia malah berbicara tentang pertentangan agama dan ras yang terjadi di sana, dan malah menyalahkan agama tertentu yang dianggap terlalu sok mendominasi. Hmmm....

Dan, aku masih belum yakin apakah perbedaan ini mampu diatasi, aku cuma merasa bahwa ketika diskusi ini terjadi yang ada di benaknya adalah dia percaya islam melegalisasi kekerasan, seperti yang selama hidupnya dia saksikan banyak kekerasan atas nama agama di negara nya. Then i rest my case.

Jangan kebencian mu terhadap suatu kaum menjadikan kamu berlaku tidak adil. Kira kira itu juga point nya. Anda tidak harus mengerti apa yang saya tulis. Ini hanya sebuah catatan tak penting dari diskusi kemarin dengan seseorang.

Wassalam 

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried.

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.

"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.

"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground --- it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: "All things are possible" (Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: "I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: "I love you" (John 3:16 & 13:34)

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: "My grace is sufficient" (II Corinthians 12:9, Psalms 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: "I will direct your steps" (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: "You can do all things" (Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: "I am able" (II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: "It will be worth it" (Romans 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: "I FORGIVE YOU" (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: "I will supply all your needs" (Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear" (II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: "Cast all your cares on ME" (I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I don't have enough faith"
God says: "I've given everyone a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: "I give you wisdom" (I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5)

This year, on the first day of Ramadan I was in Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia, but spent almost the entire month in Jakarta. Jakarta is probably one of the easiest places to spend Ramadan, since Indonesia is a relatively moderate Muslim country, and since Jakarta is probably one of the most relaxed of the Muslim parts of Indonesia.

During the month of Ramadan, those Muslims who choose to fast should not eat, drink anything, including coffee, or smoke, from sunrise until sunset. People who choose to fast (called puasa in Bahasa Indonesia) should also abstain from sexual activity during the daytime and make an effort to be on their best behavior, be compliant, and maintain peaceful interactions with people. In Jakarta, the period of fasting ran from about 4:30 am until 5:50 pm.

In the morning, groups of people, usually young men, would beat drums and pass through neighborhoods calling out to people that its time to wake up and prepare food to eat before the sun rises. In addition, the muezzin, or person who calls people to pray would be exceptionally vocal at this time. Because I would often stay up late, I would see the people in the rental complex where I was living wake up early in the morning to make something to eat in the shared kitchen. According to one of my friends, she would eat early in the morning, perhaps talk a bit with her family, then sleep a few more hours before waking to go to work.

During the day, one would hardly notice much difference from a normal day, except that generally you would never see someone drinking something on the street or in a bus. Of course not everyone was fasting, so one would occasionally see a person smoking a cigarette on the street, or drinking or eating something in a small restaurant just off the sidewalk. Around 3 or 4 pm, one would see the food and drink sellers set up and begin to sell food in advance of the end of fasting. Especially on busy commercial streets like Jalan Sabang, people would come by in the late afternoon to buy something to take home to eat. There is a special food called Kollak (spelling) which is very popular during Ramadan and consists of sweet potatoes, pumpkin, palm kernels, or other vegetables in a sweet syrup with coconut milk.

People seemed noticeably more tired and lethargic, and while I was taking buses around the city, I would see people dozing off into sleep or just passively staring in rest. I tried to fast myself for about 5 days near the beginning of Ramadan. From my experience, the fasting made me much more tired, and everything is aimed towards conserving energy and concentrating on not breaking the fast, so I can understand this.

Although I have not spent much time in Jakarta except during Ramadan, it seems like the entire schedule of restaurants and street food stalls was altered for Ramadan. In general, many food stalls would not open at all until late in the afternoon, and then would stay open exceptionally late at night to take advantage of people eating at all hours of the night before the beginning of fasting. On the other hand, restaurants like McDonald's were still open 24 hours, and during the day restaurants such as these were popular with people who weren't fasting. Apparently last year there were demonstrations by more strict fundamentalist groups at McDonald's, demanding that they close during the day during Ramadan, however. In the evening around, 6 pm, there would suddenly be a flurry of people eating at food stalls, making streets like Jalan Sabang rather crowded and festive, with street musicians serenading those dining on the sidewalks.

In the evening in general there was festive energy in the streets and alleyways, as people come alive after eating and celebrate another successful day of fasting. Children would set off firecrackers or sparklers.

Apparently it is considered impolite to smoke, eat or drink in public during the fasting hours of Ramadan. I tried to observe this, but I would also sometimes see Indonesians doing this during the fasting hours. On Jalan Jaksa, the somewhat notorious backpacker and bar district of central Jakarta, this rule was much more relaxed however, as it is a sort of center of things which Islam is against, like drinking alcohol, unusual sexual relations and tolerance of homosexuality. The situation may be entirely different in other parts of Jakarta, however, since I was staying in Central Jakarta.

I didn't really go out much during Ramadan, except to Jalan Jaksa, because I heard that most other bars would be closed around the city. It was alleged that Jalan Jaksa was one of the few places where bars were still open during Ramadan, but I was unable to verify this. As a result perhaps, it seems that Jalan Jaksa was a little more popular among those searching for a place to go out during Ramadan. Although some of my friends took part in the fasting, many did not. This is probably because I met many people around Jalan Jaksa, and these people tend to be less strict, or at least in a phase of their life when they aren't as strict about fasting.

I tried fasting for about 5 days, but I didn't try as hard as a Muslim probably would, since I'm not used to it, and it doesn't have the same religious imperative to me. I have fasted before in my life but only fasting from eating (not from drinking), and generally my objective was different- to fast as long as possible- rather than only from sunrise to sunset. I think I once fasted about 36 hours this way. Also, as part of a Native American ceremony, I once fasted from eating, drinking, and smoking for 24 hours.

I expected that not eating would be relatively easy, since I often go many hours without eating after I wake up. But I expected not drinking water, and especially coffee, to be very difficult. On my first day, I drank just a little water, and two cups of coffee. The next day I drank one glass of water and one cup of coffee. By the third day I was able to do without both coffee and water for the entire period of fasting. In general, however, I was unsuccessful in not smoking during the fasting period- although I attempted to reduce it. In all the days I tried fasting, avoiding eating was pretty easy. Although I expected going without coffee to be very difficult, I didn't actually find it to be so, and I didn't have any headache that often comes from withdrawal from caffeine.

It was an interesting experience to try fasting since it gave me a much better feeling of what the people around me were experiencing and feeling- a kind of solidarity. Some of my friends or people at my hotel knew that I was fasting so it gave them a sense that I was more like one of them. When people found out I was fasting they would inevitably ask if I am a Muslim.

On the last few days of fasting the excitement seemed to build, with lots of drum playing, as people anticipated being free from the strictures of Ramadan, as well as the holiday of Eid al Fitri, or Lebaran in Indonesian. During this holiday people usually return to their relatives' hometown, or where they were born, for days of visiting with relatives and eating good food. I think people often share gifts at this time as well. As a result, Jakarta started to empty of people, and I observed one day a long column of buses full of people leaving the city. Many places were understaffed at this time, and then were closed on the first few days after the end of Ramadan. On the end of the last day of fasting, the muezzins were calling from the mosques incessantly, while young men played the drums in the streets. I thought they were never going to stop.

Since most offices would be closed for a few days, and up to two weeks, after Ramadan, I decided to leave Jakarta and go to visit Sumatra. Here I experienced one of the negative side effects of the Eid al Fitri holiday. We wanted to travel about 60 kilometers to a nearby town, which normally takes only two hours. However, the traffic was so overwhelming that it took us 7 hours to reach our destination. During some parts of the journey, traffic was stopped completely for 30 minutes to one hour. When we arrived at our destination it was 2 am, and we were exhausted (as was the driver).

As a result of the holiday, we could not find a single vacant room despite going around to about 20 hotels of all types. The entire town seemed to be completely full. One woman offered to give us her room that she rented by the month in a hotel. But the room would normally be worth about 40,000 Rupiah (it was real dump), or 4 US dollars, and in her unkindness she tried to take advantage of the situation to charge us 300,000 rupiah, (33 US dollars) which is really quite a lot in that part of Indonesia and would usually get a really nice room. So finally my traveling companion and I decided to just take our bags out of the van so we could free up our driver to go to bed (he had patiently helped us to find a room until 3:15 am).

Fortunately a nice young man invited us to hang out with him in his little home behind a phone shop, so we didn't have to spend the rest of the night waiting on the street. Talking with him in his place was much more relaxing than waiting for the sun to come up sitting at one of the sidewalk food stalls, which usually have only stools to sit on. Of course, by the next day we were completely exhausted. But after traveling to an even more remote town, we finally found a place to stay and got caught up on sleep.

So, in Jakarta at least, I can't say that there is any real difficulty in being there during Ramadan. In fact, it may be easier, since people have less energy, and are trying to be as kind and polite as possible. However, if night life and partying is what you're looking for, don't expect as much to be available at this time. And travelers can expect higher prices to travel, unbelievable traffic, and difficulty finding a room during the Eid al Fitri holiday after Ramadan.

But try visiting a Muslim country during Ramadan anyway! It could be interesting...

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One of my sons is learning to speak at the moment. Watching him come out with single words and gestures to be understood makes me recognise how complicated communication is. So often in companies I have spoken to colleagues and thought that I had communicated a subject only to realise afterwards that I was totally misunderstood.

Watching my little boy’s frustrations at being understood is a reminder to me of how we all speak to each other. So often we do not spell out what we really want to say. Especially to those close to us. Then we are upset when they do not pick up that message about emptying a bin or helping around the house

I am going to take a leaf from my little fella from now on and say exactly what I mean. Mind you I do not think I shall shout it and stamp my foot But I will be more direct and who knows even then I may still go unheard but at least I shall have made a concerted effort.

The music is Devi Prayer, from the Divine Mother/Sacred Chants of Devi CD by Craig Pruess and Ananda; learn more here.

Journey deep. Listen well. Enjoy ... and allow yourself to stretch into new realms!

Tied to the Stone belongs to the Neil Young school of Americana, built on a foundation of country and folk but given a classic-rock kick. Based in California, Tied to the Stone more closely resembles the roots-oriented acts of the late '60s and early '70s (I could imagine them opening up for the Band or Poco) than much of what passes for Americana today. Lead singer Dan Worley discusses the meanings and origins of the group.

Carson James: The name of the band: Tied to the Stone. It can have two meanings, one positive, one negative. The positive being that the stone is a solid foundation, such as spiritual faith that you're devoted to; the negative being that it's something that is holding you in place, preventing you from moving forward. Which side of the coin is it on?

Dan Worley: I named the band after the song. I wrote "Tied To The Stone" on one of the worst days of my life. I wanted to give up on everything. I didn't know what else to do so I sat down at the piano to try and sort it all out; that's when the song came out. I could feel God giving me that song as a blessing to help remind me what was important and to hang onto Jesus and not let go. He's the Stone I'm tied to. I decided to name the band Tied To The Stone to keep reminding me. I need a lot of reminders or I take over and screw everything up.

James: Your songs strike me as being quite personal. Were any of them uncomfortable to write?

Worley: Extremely so. For the most part, I enjoy writing songs, but for me it's always a journey into uncomfortable territory because I end up having to wrestle with feelings and issues and aspects about myself and the world that I'd rather ignore. I'd love to just write about how hot and sexy and wonderful I am (like so many songs I'm hearing on the airwaves), but for some reason that never seems to come out. I wonder why? Even the happier more positive-sounding songs can be uncomfortable to write because it takes me a lot of internal processing to get to that point. I cop out once in a while, for sure. Out of fear, I may not go the entire distance to explore what it is the song is trying to reveal to me, or I just don't have the talent or patience to get there artistically, so I end up taking short cuts and missing some of the scenery. Many of the songs for the album were specifically uncomfortable to write because they deal with pain I've carried with me since my youth, self-inflicted and otherwise.

James: Do you consciously write songs with the goal of longevity or are you not even conscious of that during the process of penning them?

Worley: Longevity, no. Integrity (hopefully), yes. When writing, I never think about if a song's sounding like a hit or if it's current or if it will have staying power, or anything like that. I want to write what's truthful and meaningful to me at the time I write it, and it has to have the right feel and sound and fit. Songs are not commodities to me; they are a form of therapy and a way of communicating with myself and others.
I do want people to listen, and I do want them to get something out of them and like them, and I try to do the best I can so that will happen, but I can't write specifically for a market or for posterity's sake.

James: Is Tied to the Stone a real group or is it just you and session musicians? How did everyone get together?

Worley: We're all friends who have played music together in one way or another throughout the years.

James: When did you start your musical career? Let us hear your story.

Worley: I've been writing songs for 40 years, since I was 12. In and out of bands and work for a lot of that time. Gave it up and tried "regular" jobs so I could raise a family. Bored me to tears (the jobs, not my
family). I always kept writing. Went to work for my producer Carolyn Wing Greenlee at her studio. She took a liking to my songs and encouraged me to do something with them, and she supported that effort.

http://www.tiedtothestone.com

Isa 26:3  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee.
Isa 26:4  Trust ye in Jehovah for ever; for in Jehovah, even Jehovah, is an everlasting rock.

Isa 57:20  But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it cannot rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt.
Isa 57:21  There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

(America Standard Version)

From yesterday morning the verse from Isaiah 26:3 has been on my mind. I found it very rewarding to muse on it. In the midst of all that is going on around us, with the financial upheaval and so on, we can direct our minds to stay on Him. Peace – shalom – the well being from God is a gift that God wants His children to walk in. Hebrews chapter 12 speaks of the cloud of witnesses to the faithfulness of God. It is helpful to spot witnesses of God's truth on the pages of God's word to strengthen ourselves. The cloud of witnesses strengthen our Faith.

We have numerous witnesses in the scripture to this teaching of God keeping His people in Peace. One of the first instances that come to my mind is all of Egypt being affected by numerous plagues; and the contrast it makes with the children of Israel who lived in Goshen. The most vivid picture of it can be found in Exodus 11:7 - even dogs being aware of the distinction God makes!

Exo 11:4 And Moses said, Thus saith Jehovah, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:

Exo 11:5 and all the first-born in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first-born of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the first-born of the maid-servant that is behind the mill; and all the first-born of cattle.

Exo 11:6 And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there hath not been, nor shall be any more.

Exo 11:7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that Jehovah doth make a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel.

There are of course the other 9 instances also where the peace of God was evident on His children. What I particularly note here is that the Lord kept them in peace. Another witness we see is in David, as he flees from his son Absalom for his life. We have David's confession in Psalm 3:

Psa 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. Jehovah, how are mine adversaries increased! Many are they that rise up against me.

Psa 3:2 Many there are that say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

Psa 3:3 But thou, O Jehovah, art a shield about me; My glory and the lifter up of my head.

Psa 3:4 I cry unto Jehovah with my voice, And he answereth me out of his holy hill. Selah.

Psa 3:5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; For Jehovah sustaineth me.

Psa 3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of the people That have set themselves against me round about.

Psa 3:7 Arise, O Jehovah; save me, O my God: For thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; Thou hast broken the teeth of the wicked.

Psa 3:8 Salvation belongeth unto Jehovah: Thy blessing be upon thy people. Selah.

Many were telling him that there is no deliverance for him in God. But that was not David's confession. David's mind was stayed on God and that brought forth a different confession – "Oh, Lord, you are a shield about me – My Glory and the lifter of my head."

It is important to watch our minds and our thoughts straying to the confessions of others which fly in the face of God's word. These voices of the enemy should not become our voice! When our mind is actively stayed on God's word, His abilities, His greatness, His salvation – God helps us work out our faith. He gives Grace and Peace. Paul and Peter greets their readers by blessing them with Grace and Peace phrases.

1 Pet 1: 2 – ends with Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

When our mind is stayed on Him, only then we see the Grace and Peace being multiplied. Our walk with Him is an active process. That's why the word tells us to work out our salvation. Let us guard our hearts that, it does not become like the wicked's heart - which is unable to rest - which is like the waves of the sea - unsteady. James also warns us not to be like that when we approach God.

When we have our mind staying on His word above all things, above the surroundings, we will be able to move in places of security. Psalm 23 is a perfect example. He makes me lie down in green pastures. I like it because it is not that I find and lie down in green pastures – but He (my Shepherd) makes me lie down in green pastures! Our God is a God of deliverances. He bears our burden daily. Psalm 68:19, 20. To Him belong escapes from death. But irrespective of our conditions, let us not allow our heart to be troubled; let us believe on what He has spoken. Great is our Savior and great is the salvation he has wrought for us.

Amen.

One thing I've been working on (or playing with, I should say) recently is setting lessons from "A Course in Miracles" to music. I've done six so far. This project is really fun for me and I feel like there's nothing better I could be bringing into the world right now. Inner peace - what a concept! The lesson I just set, Lesson 3, is a real mind blow! These little songs really help me remember the lessons throughout the day, and I'm thrilled to be sharing them.

At www.miraclejingles.com you can listen to the "Miracle Jingles" and download them if you like. Enjoy!

Shar

anyhow, im up so early. im up so early. i cant slp omgosh. maybe God is hinting sth. so toodles !(:

**My grandpa with Cory when he was four months old.**

My Grandpa, my Dad's father, is one of the wisest men I ever knew.  Not only was he wise, but he was gentle and tender.

He was humble and kind.  He would give a stranger the shirt off his back.

He was a champion of optimism and hope.  He understood what it truly meant to be Christlike.

I am going to miss him dearly.  He was supposed to meet Eli in December.  He was supposed to stand in the circle for Eli's baby blessing.  After all, Eli's middle name was given to him so he could continue on the legacy of my Grandpa and my father ... and thankfully my father is still with us.

I am grateful that I was able to grow up with my grandfather always around.

I remember going to UCLA Basketball games with him. He always brought a bag of Nestle Chocolate Chips for us to snack on.  I remember getting together with him for all the major holidays and other special occasions.  His hamburgers and punch were always a hit.  I remember seeing old slides of him and wondering who in the world was that man who had black hair who looked like Grandpa?  It was fun to see pictures of him when he was younger.

I remember him singing songs to me when I was little.  I remember his unique sense of humor, quiet yet witty.  I remember him trying to cheer me up when I was sad.  I remember him sharing his testimony of Christ with me.

And I will always remember the last conversation I had with him.  He called me right after Eli was born to let me know he was honored that I had named our precious son after him.  He told me how excited he was to meet him.  He told me he wanted to be a part of his blessing circle.  I know he will be with us in spirit.

I am grateful that he won't be suffering in this world anymore. I am grateful he is in a better place now.  I just want to live my life well enough so that one day I can be with him again.

We will be an eternal family.

My tears right now are sad tears because I am going to miss him.

But they are also happy tears because I know he isn't in pain anymore.

They are also tears of gratitude, because I am thankful for the amazing and remarkable life he led.  He was a shining example to me, one of my beacons, one of my anchors.  He will always be these things for me.

Grandpa, I will never forget you.

I love you!

click on this,

How I felt before my run.......

The question that was weighing on my mind from the moment I woke up this a.m. I slept in til about 9ish. Needed that! Woke up, sipped on a couple of cups of coffee, and did all that I could to talk myself out of a long morning run.... Why?? Well - my mind was saying, 'you had a long week at work', 'your allergies are starting to act up', 'it's raining', 'it's cold', 'blah, blah, blah' etc., etc...... 'I dont' have to run.', 'I don't feel like running'..... but, I had this weight on my shoulders because I hadn't run all week -- busy week, working, volunteering, sick daughter, LIFE......... So, now I have a perfect chance to hit the trails. Hmmmm -- "to run or not to run?"

I decided to put on my running clothes. Another question to ponder over for a few moments -- tights or shorts? shorts or tights? --- It was cold and raining. The tights won. The RUN won! I was dressed relatively warm for this brisk Colorado morning, and it turned out to be a great run! A perfect run! To run or not to run? ---- the answer should always be...... "RUN" Ever notice that when you really don't want to, it often turns out to be the best you've ever had?? Ironic... ? I think we could relate that to a few things we do in life ;)

So, I hit the trails in the Garden of the Gods. I was going to stick to roads because I thought the trails would be more wet with the rain, but it turned out to the contrary, the trails were mostly dry - not mucky with mud anyway, and the rain stopped. It was cool, brisk, no wind, no rain, and once I hit about mi. 3, I felt like I could run forever................. So I took 'this' trail, and 'that' trail. Ran up and over Palmer Trail, and passed the Siamese Twins rocks. I took some new trails that I had not experienced, i.e., Old Colorado Cabin Trail, and I conquered Straussenbach Trail (steep up hill trail). I ran past a couple getting married just as the pastor was saying, "I now pronounce you man and wife!", I heard a coyote howling, observed hundreds of birds flying, ran past people on horseback, and saw bunnies hopping down the trail. You can run a marathon in the Garden if you choose to. So I ran, and I ran, and I began wondering why I would have possibly tried to talk myself out of something this morning that turned out to be so beautiful.

My answer to that..... The Garden of the Gods.... I have come to realize that the Garden is my sanctuary, my haven, my safe place. I get lost in my thoughts when I am running through the trails in the Garden. I feel a spiritual connection to my surroundings, any anxieties I have leave me, and I begin to feel invincible, and I can handle anything that life puts before me. If only everyone could experience this feeling. I don't need a church or religion to make that connection, I just need a good dose of mother nature, and life is majestic....

To run or not to run............ I RAN....... I ended with a 10-11 mi. run, and almost didn't want it to end. I love that.. :)

I run, therefore I am...... :)

Bismilllaah (In The Name of Allaah)

Dear Reader,

Every year, on the evening of October 31st, millions of children across North America paint their faces, dress up in costumes, and go from door to door in order to collect treats. The adults often decorate their houses with ghostly figures, carve scary faces on pumpkins, and put candles in them to create 'Jack-O-Lanterns.' Unfortunately, among the millions of North Americans partaking in this custom, many are Muslims. This article will shed some light on the significance and origins of Halloween, and why Muslims should not participate in it.

Origins of the Halloween Festival

The ancient Celtic (Irish/Scottish/Welsh) festival called Samhain is considered by most historians and scholars to be the predecessor of what is now Halloween. Samhain was the New Year's Day of the pagan Celts. It was also their Day of the Dead, a time when it was believed that the souls of those who had died during the year were allowed access into the 'Land of the Dead.' Many traditional beliefs and customs associated with Samhain continue to be practiced today on the 31st of October. Most notable of these customs are the practices of leaving offerings of food and drink (now candy) to masked and costumed revellers, and the lighting of bonfires. Elements of this festival were incorporated into the Christian festival of All Hallow's Eve, or Hallow-Even, the night preceding All Saint's (Hallows') Day. It is the glossing of the name Hallow-Even that has given us the name of Halloween. Until recent times in some parts of Europe, it was believed that on this night the dead walked amongst them, and that witches and warlocks flew in their midst. In preparation for this, bonfires were built to ward off these malevolent spirits.

By the 19th century, witches' pranks were replaced by children's tricks. The spirits of Samhain, once believed to be wild and powerful, were now recognised as being evil. Devout Christians began rejecting this festival. They had discovered that the so-called gods, goddesses, and other spiritual beings of the pagan religions, were in fact diabolical deceptions. The spiritual forces that people experienced during this festival were indeed real, but they were manifestations of the devil who misled people toward the worship of false idols. Thus, they rejected the customs associated with Halloween, including all representations of ghosts, vampires, and human skeletons - symbols of the dead - and of the devil and other wicked and evil creatures. It must also be noted that, to this day, many Satan-worshippers consider the evening of October 31st to be their most sacred. And many devout Christians today continue to distance themselves from this pagan festival.

The Islamic Perspective

Eemaan (faith) is the foundation of the Islamic society, and Tawheed (monotheism) is the essence of this faith and the very core of Islam. The safeguarding of this Eemaan, and of this pure Tawheed, is the primary objective of all Islamic teachings and legislations.

In order to keep the Muslim society purified of all traces of Shirk (polytheism) and remnants of error, a continuous war must be waged against all customs and practices which originate from societies' ignorance of Divine guidance.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (May Allah exalt his mention) issued a stern warning in this regard by stating: "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." [Abu Daawood]

Muslims should heed this warning and refrain from copying or imitating the Kuffaar (disbelievers) in their celebrations. Islam has strongly forbidden Muslims from following the religious or social customs of the non-Muslims, especially those of the idol-worshippers or those who worship the devil. The Prophet (may Allaah exalt his mention) said: "I swear by Him in Whose hands is my life! You are ordered to enjoin good and forbid evil, or else Allaah will certainly afflict you with torments. Thereafter, even your Du'aa' (supplications) will not be accepted." [At-Tirmithi]

From an Islamic standpoint, Halloween is one of the worst celebrations due to its origins and history. It is Haraam (forbidden) to partake in such a practice, even if there may be some seemingly good or harmless elements in it, as evidenced by a statement from the Prophet (May Allaah exalt his mention): "Every innovation (in our religion) is misguidance, even if the people regard it as something good." [Ad-Daarimi]

Muslims are enjoined to neither imitate the behaviour and customs of the non-Muslims, nor to commit their indecencies. Behaviour-imitation will affect the attitude of a Muslim and may create a feeling of sympathy towards the indecent modes of life. Islam seeks to cleanse the Muslim of all immoral conducts and habits, and thus pave the way for the Quran and prophetic Sunnah to be the correct and pure source for original Islamic thought and behaviour. A Muslim should be a model for others in faith and practice, behaviour and moral character, and not a blind imitator dependant on other nations and cultures.

Even if one decides to go along with the outward practices of Halloween without acknowledging the deeper significance or historical background of this custom, he or she is still guilty of indulging in this pagan festival. Undoubtedly, even after hearing the truth, some Muslims will still participate in Halloween and send their kids 'trick-or-treating'; they will try to justify it by saying they are doing it merely to make their children happy. But what is the duty of Muslim parents? Is it to follow the wishes of their children without question or to mould them within the correct Islamic framework as outlined in the Quran and Sunnah? Is it not the responsibility of Muslim parents to impart correct Islamic training and instruction to their children? How can this duty be performed if, instead of instructing the children in Islam, parents allow and encourage their children to be taught the way of the unbelievers? Allaah exposes these types of people in the Quran; He Says (what means): "We have sent them the Truth, but they indeed practice falsehood." [Quran: 23:90]

Muslim parents must teach their children to refrain from practicing falsehood and to not imitate the non-Muslims in their customs and festivals. If the children are taught to be proud of their Islamic heritage, they themselves will, if Allaah wills, abstain from Halloween and other non-Muslim celebrations, such as birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Valentines Day, etc.

Prophet Muhammad (May Allaah exalt his mention) said: "The Final Hour will not come until my followers imitate the deeds of the previous nations and follow them very closely, span by span, and cubit by cubit (inch by inch)." [Al-Bukhaari]

Islam is a pure religion and has no need to accommodate any custom, practice or celebration that is not a part of it. Islam does not distinguish between 'secular' and 'sacred'; the Sharee'ah (Islamic Law) must rule every aspect of our lives.

What to Do on Halloween

We have established, beyond a doubt, that the celebration of Halloween is absolutely forbidden in Islam - it is Haraam. The question arises as to what to do on this night. Muslim parents must not send their kids out 'trick-or-treating' on Halloween night. Our children must be told why we do not celebrate Halloween. Most children are very receptive when taught with sincerity, and especially when shown in practice the joy of their own Islamic celebrations and traditions. In this regard, we must teach them about the two Islamic festivals of 'Eed' ('Eed Al-Fitr and 'Eed-Al-Adh-haa – the fast-breaking festival at the end of Ramadhaan and the Sacrifice festival).

It must also be mentioned that even Muslims who stay home and give out treats to those who come to their door are still participating in this festival. In order to avoid this, leave the front lights off and do not open the door. Educate your neighbours about our Islamic teachings. Inform them in advance that Muslims do not participate in Halloween, and explain the reasons why. (Give them a copy of this article if needed.) They will respect your wishes, and you will gain respect in the process. The Prophet (May Allaah exalt his mention) said: "A person who calls another to guidance will be rewarded, as will the one who accepts the message." [At-Tirmithi]

Finally, we must remember that we are fully accountable to Allaah for all of our actions and deeds. If, after knowing the truth, we do not cease our un-Islamic practices, we risk the Wrath of Allaah Who warns us in the Quran with the verse (which means): "…So let those beware who dissent from his [i.e., the Prophet's] order, lest a grievous trial strike them or a painful punishment." [Quran: 24:63]

Rarely will you find anything about painters, writers, photographers, sculptors or any other of the true artist that such wonderful work that goes for the most part unnoticed every day in America. It’s truly a shame!

While every now and then you will find a piece about a popular contemporary American artist. However, if you want to find the true heart of American art look no farther than the internet.

There are so many amazing artists of every medium on the internet who go relativity unnoticed by the main stream art world. I think we all know that to make a name for your self in the art world, in any medium, you have to be in the right place, rub elbows with the right people, and work hard at making the right connections as well as presenting your self with just the right persona to appeal to the right people. They must see you as provocative, exotic, intelligent and somewhat unapproachable…and it doesn’t hurt in their world if you brown nose some…if you can stomach that!

While amazing everyday people producing amazing works of art can be found in many places on the internet I think there is no better place to find it than the blogosphere. I have met so many very talented artist of every medium through their blogs that it blows my mind. If you look in my sidebar under the heading “Blogroll” you will find links to some of these artist…I encourage you to check them out and comment on their work and let them know how much you appreciate their work! These good folks are the heart of art in America!

Copyright © 2008 D L Ennis      

Does the thought of it kill?

Wanting to know

To help them

To care for them

To love them

Does death hurt?

Does death kill?

Or

Give life?