#mountain valley hospice

[symphonic-scream]

Okay hear me out

Persona 5 Stardew Valley au

So we've got the animal seller, Haru, who's parents divorced when she was young. She spent her teen years in the city with her father, but once an adult she decided to live with her mom, and has fallen in love with country life

Makoto has lived in town her whole life. Her older sister left to have a fancy city job, and thinks Makoto is wasting her talents and smarts by staying to keep up the family tradition. Makoto knows someone has to protect the town, and gladly draws her sword to do so. She trains by cutting down trees for the local artist and for town projects

Ryuji is a former golden child. He was going to be a star athlete, but an accident took it from him. He's not really doing anything at the moment, just working on loving life again. His Ma is the bus driver

Shiho moved to town after a similar incident to Ryuji, only she puts all she is into work, to have a place so when they're adults, her girlfriend can leave her family behind so they can be together. She only recently took over the carpentry business from her mentor, and her girlfriend Ann helped expand the business to include furniture and house decor, with design input

The pub in town in Leblanc. While the owner, Sojiro, specializes in coffee, he'll accept local foods to make dishes by request of the townspeople. His daughter Futaba is a recovering shut in, and his wife Wakaba runs the town clinic, with her med student Tae

Yusuke appeared one day, having sold all he had to find a font of inspiration. He fell for the valley, and at first lived in a tent near the mountain. Makoto, who nearly mistook him for a monster, invited him to stay on her family's property. He mostly paints, but does sculptures for order from the nearby city to pay his share of living costs

The town blacksmith is named Munehisa Iwai. He's the broody type, but cares for his son a whole lot. He's just, not good at showing it. He often requests things his kid would like

The town store used to belong to an older man, but he passed it on to a wayward boy and his younger brother, both whom he met by chance. The boys, then in foster care, lived with him until he became too old and ill go run the store. Akira and young Morgana still keep the Velvet Room running, even if old man Igor is living in Hospice

And, the mayor, Lavenza. She's very new to the position, which used to be Igor's. She's hoping to improve the town a lot, and is caring for her younger twin sisters

A strange man lives on the beach, with a strange talent for fishing. Goro doesn't talk about who he was before he moved there. It's behind him.

The library is run by Hifumi, who wants to reopen the museum portion after her parents sold the artifacts to keep it from closing. Hifumi thinks a museum would inspire tourists to donate,

And, finally, our farmer.

Sumire feels lost. Her sister died, her parents can't speak to her without crying, and she feels, trapped, so she impulsively quits her profession. She finds a letter from her grandfather, with the deed to a farm. Needing a reset, she leaves the city and life behind to live in a small town in the valley, where no one knows her, or her sister.

To clear things up, Makoto and Ryuji both grew up in town, have been friends the whole time. Futaba has been in town since she was 6, Hifumi was born there, and Akira and Morgana have been there since they were 14 and 6, now about 21 and 13. Shiho and Ann were in Ryuji's class at school, since they had to travel to a nearby city for school. Haru moved there when she was 18, Yusuke and Goro appeared around 19-20.

Anyways. Talk to me about this

(I'm open to any ships for it pretty much, but I will say I have Okujima in it.)

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINT OF THE DAY (May 28)

The Church remembers St. Bernard of Menthon on May 28.

He was born in 923, probably in the Menthon Castle near Annecy, Savoy. He died in 1008 at Novara.

He was a descendant from a rich, noble family and received a thorough education.

He refused to enter an honorable marriage proposed by his father and decided to devote himself instead to the service of the Church.

Placing himself under the direction of Peter, Archdeacon of Aosta, under whose guidance he rapidly progressed, Bernard was ordained priest.

On account of his learning and virtue, he was made Archdeacon of Aosta in 966, having charge of the government of the diocese under the bishop.

Seeing the ignorance and idolatry still prevailing among the people of the Alps, he resolved to devote himself to their conversion.

For 42 years, he continued to preach the Gospel to these people and carried the light of faith even into many cantons of Lombardy, effecting numerous conversions and working many miracles.

For another reason, however, Bernard's name will forever be famous in history.

Since the most ancient times, there was a path across the Pennine Alps leading from the valley of Aosta to the Swiss canton of Valais, over what is now the pass of the Great St. Bernard.

This pass is covered with perpetual snow from seven to eight feet deep, and drifts sometimes accumulate to the height of forty feet.

Though the pass was extremely dangerous, especially in the springtime on account of avalanches, it was often used by French and German pilgrims on their way to Rome.

For the convenience and protection of travelers, St. Bernard founded a monastery and hospice at the highest point of the pass, 8,000 feet above sea-level in the year 962.

A few years later, he established another hospice on the Little St. Bernard, a mountain of the Graian Alps, 7,076 feet above sea-level.

Both were placed in charge of Augustinian monks after pontifical approval had been obtained by him during a visit to Rome.

These hospices are renowned for the generous hospitality extended to all travelers over the Great and Little St. Bernard, so called in honor of the founder of these charitable institutions.

At all seasons of the year, but especially during heavy snow-storms, the heroic monks accompanied by their well-trained dogs, go out in search of victims who may have succumbed to the severity of the weather.

They offer food, clothing and shelter to the unfortunate travelers and take care of the dead.

They depend on gifts and collections for sustenance.

The majority of these men live at the hospice while some have charge of neighboring parishes.

The last act of St. Bernard's life was the reconciliation of two noblemen whose strife threatened a fatal issue.

He was interred in the cloister of St. Lawrence. Venerated as a saint from the 12th century in many places of Piedmont (Aosta, Novara and Brescia), he was canonized in 1681 by Pope Innocent XI.

He gave his name to the Saint Bernard breed of dogs, originally bred for the cold environment of the hospice.

[carolinawrenn]

Hell or High Water

Not churchgoers or joiners, still my people sang, up Highway 12 or Arnold Drive, depending on the traffic. “Blue Moon, you saw me standing alone,” my maternal grandfather would croon in a big put-on cowboy voice like Marty Robbins as we barrelled up the 79 from Julian to Calimesa after all their money disappeared in a savings- and-loan scam and they lost everything they thought was safe come hell or high water. On the other side, el otro lado, my grandfather would sing Lydia Mendoza rancheras and “Mal Hombre,” songs about la frontera, on our way from Oceanside to Laguna Beach. Also here, in the mountains, I remember driving up from Glen Ellen, the drive interminable, my brother’s pugilistic tendencies bruising me on the back seat’s sticky vinyl; even then, we could be swayed to sing. At the campsite, my father would pull out his guitar, and we’d beg him for “A Cat Came Back” or “500 Miles,” something with a chorus we could sing along to, sometimes we’d even like the sad songs. Drifting to black between the flames of the fire, and the aspen and the pines all flickering in the distance. What was the difference between a song sung on the journey and a song sung once you got there, one was about passing the time, the other about bellowing your presence to the rocks and stones, I don’t know. I know that we sang, and here in this valley I can’t help but think of how my father pulled out his guitar at my stepmother’s deathbed, which was just their bed really, at home up north and on a cold clear day he sang “500 Miles,” and she was already almost gone and I wept and his voice sounded so strong so when the hospice nurse came and said, “You have no religion, right?,” I didn’t know how to answer, because we did, it was this, it was all those years tied together on the road, singing at the top of our lungs, harmonious and inharmonious both, and with gusto, our voices meshed together like tree roots, not for any good reason other than the sheer pleasure of it, something to pass the time, like beauty, like going to the mountaintop just to go, it’s the old way, it’s the only way I know, a mountain, an echo, a coming back and coming back, a chorus.

-Ada Limon

[yhwhrulz]

Streams in the Desert Devotional for October 1

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted" (Psalms 119:71).

It is a remarkable circumstance that the most brilliant colors of plants are to be seen on the highest mountains, in spots that are most exposed to the wildest weather. The brightest lichens and mosses, the loveliest gems of wild flowers, abound far up on the bleak, storm-scalped peak.

One of the richest displays of organic coloring I ever beheld was near the summit of Mount Chenebettaz, a hill about 10,000 feet high, immediately above the great St. Bernard Hospice. The whole face of an extensive rock was covered with a most vivid yellow lichen which shone in the sunshine like the golden battlement of an enchanted castle.

There, in that lofty region, amid the most frowning desolation, exposed to the fiercest tempest of the sky, this lichen exhibited a glory of color such as it never showed in the sheltered valley. I have two specimens of the same lichen before me while I write these lines, one from the great St. Bernard, and the other from the wall of a Scottish castle, deeply embossed among sycamore trees; and the difference in point of form and coloring between them is most striking.

The specimen nurtured amid the wild storms of the mountain peak is of a lovely primrose hue, and is smooth in texture and complete in outline, while the specimen nurtured amid the soft airs and the delicate showers of the lowland valley is of a dim rusty hue, and is scurfy in texture, and broken in outline.

And is it not so with the Christian who is afflicted, tempest-tossed, and not comforted? Till the storms and vicissitudes of God’s providence beat upon him again and again, his character appears marred and clouded; but trials clear away the obscurity, perfect the outlines of his disposition, and give brightness and blessing to his life.

Amidst my list of blessings infinite

Stands this the foremost, that my heart has bled;

For all I bless Thee, most for the severe.

-- Hugh Macmillan

Copyright Statement This material is considered in the public domain.

[hbhughes]

Clifford Boyer

Clifford J. Boyer, 91, of Edwardsville passed into eternity September 6th, 2024.

 He was born Dec. 31, 1932 in Nanticoke, and was a son to the late Clifford and Lottie(Navroth) Boyer.

Cliff was graduate of GAR High School, class of 1950, and became a watchmaker by trade. He apprenticed under Harold Sweet (Scranton) to learn his trade of watchmaking and continued to hone his craft through various seminars.  He was first employed by Lazarus Department Store, then Neisner’s and then self-employed until retirement. His career spanned 65 years as a practicing watchmaker.

Cliff was an active hiker and camper in his younger days and enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors. He passed this love to his children and grandchildren. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren and attending their events. He was an avid Yankees and Giants fan and enjoyed attending annual games with his sons. Cliff was also an active bowler and belonged to many bowling leagues in the Wyoming Valley. He earned his 299 blue ring for bowling an almost perfect game.

Cliff was a member of the East End Primitive Methodist Church where his steadfast faith sustained him throughout his lifetime.  Later in life, Cliff’s favorite past times were playing bingo and socializing with friends at the Kingston Senior Center, and most recently as a resident of Tiffany Court.

In addition to his parents, Cliff was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Mary Gualtiere Boyer; son, Mark D. Boyer; younger brother Thomas, who died in childhood; and brother-in-law Joseph Gualtiere.

Cliff is survived by his children  Donna (Charles) Zumbo of  Harrisburg,  Tammy Boyer of Bath,  Cliff Boyer of Riverview, Florida,  and Heidi (Chris) McCue of Kingston; his grandchildren Téa Zumbo,  Michelle (Frank) Haring, Gregg (Francis) Boyer, Shania Boyer, Hannah and Eric Boyer, and Caitlin, Christopher and David McCue;  his great grandchildren Logan and Adriana Haring and Haleina Boyer; sisters-in-law Christine Munger and Louise (Jim) Sweeney; numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited on Tuesday, September 10th, from 10 to 11 AM. Memorial service will be held following calling at 11 AM at Hugh B Hughes Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery, Falls, Pa.

Our many thanks to those who showed care and compassion to Cliff in his final years. The family would also like to thank the hospice staff at Allied Services on Meade Street for their exceptional care and compassion for our father and his family.

Cliff was a kind, amiable soul to everyone he met. He was a quiet gentleman, and his presence will be missed.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Cliff to Allied Services Hospice, 200 S. Meade St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

[eunoiareview]

Flight Pattern

After three days sitting in the Twin Cities,    after the hospice nurse shifted her whittled body on the bed, slicked her lips    with Vaseline, swabbed her gums with Ativan and morphine, after leaning in    to catch words she unearthed in wisps: water and yes, after charting the course of her mountains    and valleys of breath—after all this on a plane home to LaGuardia,    an airport the world…

[trivik0]

Best Location For Stay Chikmagalur resort:

It is a really stunning experience to stay at Chikmagalur resort, which is organized in the Western Ghats between the Baba Budangiri and Mullayanagiri Spans. It’s the ideal week’s end departure, and it’s one of the most stunning puts to go for families and couples. At whatever point of the year, visitors are allowed to call. The atmospheric conditions are reliably beguiling and welcoming. You can pick either a negligible cost of staying or a rich lifestyle at these retreats. Likely the most extravagant lodgings in Chikmagalur can be found here in light of the city’s stunning craftsmanship deco. We have incorporated a significant part of them for your overview underneath.

The best resorts in Chikmagalur are recorded underneath:-

Discovery Plantation Delights

Vistara County Chikmagalur

Greenwood Resort

River Tern Lodge, Jungle Lodges, Lakkavalli

Ozone Valley

Gavikal Club & Resort

The Serai Chikmagalur

Jhari Eco Stay

Trivik hospices & Resorts Chikmagalur

Gateway Resorts Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is eminent for its serene scene, rich forest area, and different mountains. It is furthermore known for its coffee, and it is a large part of the time insinuated as Karnataka’s coffee land.

Chikmagalur luxury resorts are recorded underneath:-

Trivik Hotels & Resorts.

Visitaa County.

The Serai Chikmagalur.

Java Rain Resorts.

Aadrika.

Gateway Chikmagalur- IHCL SeleQtions

Kalgudda Homestay

The Blossom Resort

Treebo Trend Maharaja Inn

The Grand Krishna Luxury hostel Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur resort

Trivik Chikmagalur, a 38-segment of land in coffee territory in Karnataka that faces the stunning Mullayangiri Slants and a horrendous mix of the western ghats, tremendously works on the property’s excellent greatness. You are coordinated to Chikmagalur, the home of coffee, by the wonderful smell of rich coffee. Exactly when you appear in the enamoring city, a sensitive breeze ensures a relaxing outing and a significant stretch of memories. The Trivik Lodgings and Resorts Chikmagalur is the best spot to stay if you really want a great escape with very much arranged, careful assistance. At Arabica, our multi-cooking burger joint, you can relax in your own special jacuzzi and take in a stunning viewpoint on the peaceful valley underneath while similarly getting a charge out of tasty local food. The Mullayangiri valley and the western ghats, generally called the SHOLAS, ought to be noticeable from the ceaselessness pool.

[taniyaroy]

An enjoyable vacation with friends

It is a truly stunning experience to stay at Chikmagalur resort, which is situated in the Western Ghats between the Baba Budangiri and Mullayanagiri Ranges. It’s the perfect weekend getaway, and it’s one of the most unbelievable places to go on vacation for families and couples. At any time of the year, visitors are welcome to call. The weather is always pleasant and welcoming. You can choose between low-cost lodging and a luxurious lifestyle at these resorts. Some of the most opulent resorts in Chikmagalur can be found here due to the city’s stunning art deco. We have included many of them for your review below.

The ten best resorts in Chikmagalur are listed below:-

1. Discovery Plantation Delights

2. Vistara County Chikmagalur

3. Greenwood Resort

4. River Tern Lodge, Jungle Lodges, Lakkavalli

5. Ozone Valley

6. Gavikal Club & Resort

7. The Serai Chikmagalur

8. Jhari Eco Stay

9. Trivik hospices & Resorts Chikmagalur

10. Gateway Resorts Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is well-known for its tranquil landscape, lush forest, and numerous mountains. It is also known for its coffee, and it is frequently referred to as Karnataka’s coffee land.

Chikmagalur luxury resorts are listed below.:-

1. Trivik hospices & Resorts.

2. Visitaa County.

3. The Serai Chikmagalur.

4. Java Rain Resorts.

5. Aadrika.

6. Gateway Chikmagalur- IHCL SeleQtions

7. Kalgudda Homestay

8. The Blossom Resort

9. Treebo Trend Maharaja Inn

10. The Grand Krishna Luxury hostel Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur resort

Trivik Chikmagalur, a 38-acre coffee colony in Karnataka that faces the stunning Mullayangiri Hills and a terrible mix of the western ghats, greatly enhances the property’s remarkable beauty. You are led to Chikmagalur, the home of coffee, by the sweet aroma of rich coffee. When you arrive in the fascinating city, a gentle breeze promises a relaxing vacation and a lifetime of memories. The Trivik Hotels & Resorts Chikmagalur is the best place to stay if you want a wonderful vacation with friendly, attentive service. At Arabica, our multi-cuisine eatery, you can relax in your own personal jacuzzi and take in a stunning view of the tranquil valley below while also enjoying mouthwatering indigenous cuisine. The Mullayangiri valley and the western ghats, also known as the SHOLAS, can be seen from the perpetuity pool.

[wutbju]

West Lebanon, NH - Beverlee Hastings Merrill, age 90, widow of the late Joseph H. Merrill, Jr., passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2022, at the home of her daughter, Nancy Peavey, in Enfield, NH.

Born at home on November 21, 1932, in Corinth, VT, to George and Bernice (Huntley) Hastings, she attended the small village Cookeville School, graduated from the Bradford Academy, Class of 1950, and attended Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC.

She moved to Hanover, NH, in 1952 to work at Dartmouth College Library. She married Joseph Merrill of Hanover at the United Church of Christ at Dartmouth College on September 15, 1956. He pre-deceased her on July 22, 1998. Married for almost 42 years, they spent most of their married life in the Hanover/Lebanon area as Joe pursued his career in Printing Management and they had their four children – Lisa, Lori, Nancy and Jonathan. Joe grew with Dartmouth Printing Co. In 1988, after 31 years with Dartmouth Printing, they moved out of town for the next eight years – first to Stratham on the NH seacoast for a position with Bradford & Bigelow in Danvers, MA, and then to The Printing House/Homes & Land magazine in Tallahassee, FL. They returned "home" to Lebanon in 1996 to be near their large, extended families.

Employed in the health care field for many years, Beverlee become a unit secretary at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for 11 years (1977-1988). When moving to the NH Seacoast, she found fulfillment as a one-to-one companion with Interim and the Portsmouth Regional Private Duty Association in Hampton Beach, Rye Beach, Exeter, Portsmouth and Kittery Point, ME (1989-1991) and then in Tallahassee FL (1991-1996). She was deeply committed to the elderly, especially those with acquired memory-loss disorders. To make their days and moments special, she became a compassionate activity assistant/educator at the Leon County Adult Day Care Center in Tallahassee for three years, and upon returning to the Upper Valley, at Genesis Health Care/Lebanon Center for the next six years (1996-2002). For years after her retirement from Genesis, her former co-workers and residents' families told her they remembered her as "that Hat Lady" in her many vintage, decorative crazy hats.

She was a Hospice volunteer for 23 years, beginning in the early years of the Hospice movement in the Upper Valley. She went on to connect with Seacoast Hospice in the Exeter-Portsmouth area and Big Bend in Tallahassee before returning to be a volunteer again in the Upper Valley after her retirement.

Retirement to Beverlee was "simply shifting gears" with time to read all night, take long naps, do some traveling with friends and family – and time to delve more deeply into family genealogy and local history. She drove about to Town Clerk's offices seeking out documents of her ancestors' births, deaths and marriages, making copies, gathering them, with their stories, into notebooks as a legacy for her children and future descendants. With the help of her nephew Kevin Hurst, she produced a book – Bev's Memories. She gave copies of the book to her children, her siblings and cousins.

She got her wish to do some traveling with family and friends, visiting Scotland, Nova Scotia, Arizona, Colorado, California, the Smoky Mountains and multiple trips to Florida to visit her sisters and old Tallahassee friends. She flew to Minnesota to finally meet a pen pal she had connected with while both were in grade school.

Moving to the Quail Hollow senior living community in 2007, she remained active locally in the Lebanon Woman's Club and the Rusty Reds and Scarlett O'Hatters of Quail Hollow's Red Hat chapters. Gradually slowed down by a weak back and poor balance, her passion for social interaction and involvement never wavered. She took great pride in being the overseer of the Quail Hollow Bi-Annual Give Away-Take Away Weekends, the Kilton-Quail Hollow Lending Library project and Quail's rotating art galleries.

She is survived by her loving family – her four children, Lisa (Dean) Rowe of Shrewsbury, MA, Lori Kay of White River Junction, VT, Nancy (Jeff) Peavey of Enfield, NH, and Jonathan (Sue) Merrill of West Lebanon, NH; her ten grandchildren, Allison (Jim) Ladio, Stephanie (Tyler) Frost, David Rowe, Andrew Kay, Leslie Kay, Benjamin Peavey, Joshua (Megan) Peavey, Nathan Peavey, Jessica (Brendan) Demich, Lindsey Merrill; and six great-grandchildren, Rowen and Salem Ladio, Ava and Wesley Peavey, Zoe Frost and Cecilia Demich.

She is also survived by her sister Peg Wilmott of Naples, FL, and brother David (Sue) Hastings of North Haverhill, NH; and multiple sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. She will be remembered by 30 nieces and nephews and their families, and many cousins.

In addition to her loving husband, Joseph Merrill, she was pre-deceased by her sisters Joyce Chapman and Bernice (Bunny) Hurst, her brother George (Bert) Hastings, as well as multiple sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Her remains have been cremated and will be scattered by her family at locations that were especially meaningful to Beverlee. She wished that there be no calling hours or services.

[maikai-diablo]

Our sincerest thanks to @scotteastwood for graciously signing three Mountain Valley Hospice tie-dye shirts that will be auctioned at a later date with movie items that he is donating. Eastwood is known for such movies as The Longest Ride, Suicide Squad and The Fate of the Furious. We appreciate his generosity in helping us raise funds to serve patients and their families. #hospice #palliativecare #scotteastwood #eastwood #longestride #mountainvalleyhospice #mvhpc #mtnvalleyhospice

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINT OF THE DAY (May 28)

The Church remembers St. Bernard of Menthon on May 28.

He was born in 923, probably in the castle Menthon, near Annecy in Savoy. He died at Novara in 1008.

He was a descendant from a rich, noble family and received a thorough education.

He refused to enter an honorable marriage proposed by his father and decided to devote himself instead to the service of the Church.

Placing himself under the direction of Peter, Archdeacon of Aosta, under whose guidance he rapidly progressed, Bernard was ordained priest.

On account of his learning and virtue, he was made Archdeacon of Aosta (966), having charge of the government of the diocese under the bishop.

Seeing the ignorance and idolatry still prevailing among the people of the Alps, he resolved to devote himself to their conversion.

For forty two years, he continued to preach the Gospel to these people and carried the light of faith even into many cantons of Lombardy, effecting numerous conversions and working many miracles.

For another reason, however, Bernard's name will forever be famous in history.

Since the most ancient times, there was a path across the Pennine Alps leading from the valley of Aosta to the Swiss canton of Valais, over what is now the pass of the Great St. Bernard.

This pass is covered with perpetual snow from seven to eight feet deep and drifts sometimes accumulate to the height of forty feet.

Though the pass was extremely dangerous, especially in the springtime on account of avalanches, it was often used by French and German pilgrims on their way to Rome.

For the convenience and protection of travelers, St. Bernard founded a monastery and hospice at the highest point of the pass, 8,000 feet above sea-level, in the year 962.

A few years later, he established another hospice on the Little St. Bernard, a mountain of the Graian Alps, 7,076 feet above sea-level.

Both were placed in charge of Augustinian monks after pontifical approval had been obtained by him during a visit to Rome.

These hospices are renowned for the generous hospitality extended to all travelers over the Great and Little St. Bernard, so called in honor of the founder of these charitable institutions.

At all seasons of the year, but especially during heavy snow-storms, the heroic monks accompanied by their well-trained dogs, go out in search of victims who may have succumbed to the severity of the weather.

They offer food, clothing and shelter to the unfortunate travelers and take care of the dead.

They depend on gifts and collections for sustenance. The majority of these men live at the hospice while some have charge of neighboring parishes.

The last act of St. Bernard's life was the reconciliation of two noblemen whose strife threatened a fatal issue.

He was interred in the cloister of St. Lawrence.

Venerated as a saint from the 12th century in many places of Piedmont (Aosta, Novara, Brescia), he was canonized in 1681 by Innocent XI.

Pope Pius XI confirmed Bernard as the patron saint of the Alps in 1923.

His image appears in the flag of some detachments of the Tyrolean Alpine Guard.

He is also the patron saint of skiing, snowboarding, hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering.

[microcosme11]

Macdonald crossed the Splügen Pass which is much harder than crossing the St. Bernard Pass

From Clan Donald Magazine:

"In Italy Brune was operating against the Austrians on the Mincio, and in November Macdonald was ordered to cross the Splugen and fall upon their rear. The general was so appalled at the magnitude of the task that he sent Mathieu Dumas to Paris to confer with Napoleon upon it. The First Consul's dictum was that an army can go where a man can go, and a man can go where he could plant his two feet. Moreover, he said, the passage was necessary.

"Therefore, on the 27th November Macdonald set out from Thusis. Each man carried five days' rations and the guns were conveyed on sleighs. Half way up the mountain an avalanche slipped down on to the column, carried off thirty men and cut off the vanguard, which with difficulty succeeded in reaching the summit and taking refuge in the hospice. The remainder were driven back by a violent storm to the village. After three days the weather cleared and Macdonald, disregarding all remonstrances of the guides, insisted on starting again. They reached the summit, but farther the guides refused to venture until Macdonald, going in front, struggled on at the head of the column. sounding the ice for himself, and giving directions for the clearing of the snow and the rescue work for those who were carried away.

"The day after leaving the village of Splugen the weather became worse and during the passage of the Cardinel, avalanches were of frequent occurrence, one whole regiment was practically swept away, and Vandamme with the rearguard was entirely cut off from the main body, which for a time lost all trace of them, Men, horses, mules and equipment were lost in the crevasses and slopes of ice, but the French army struggled on amidst driving snowstorms and falling avalanches until they finally reached Chiavenna on December the 6th. having lost 100 men in the last day's march alone.

"From here the main part of the force passed by the Valtelline over the Aprica Pass to the valley of the Oglio, and advancing thence in single file over the Tonale, wedged between impassible glaciers, found itself suddenly confronted by three lines of Austrian entrenchments. Desperate assaults against these failed but they were turned by another portion of the force which had advanced up the Engadine into the valley of the Inn. Macdonald finally reached Trent on the Adige and reorganised his army.

"So ended the adventurous passage of the Splugen, a feat which surpassed Napoleon's passage of the Great St. Bernard in May of the same year, and almost equals the march of one of Tamerlane's armies from Samarkand to Gashgar 400 years before. As a result it forced the Austrians to evacuate the Alps hastily from the Vorarlberg to the Tyrol and led directly to the Peace of Luneville in February 1801. It must be noted that the Via Mala over the pass was commenced by the Austrians in 1819. Macdonald had only mountain tracks by which to lead his army over."

Source

[infinitesofnought]

I From this cloud—look: that so wildly covers the star that was just shining—(and from me), from this handful of hills, which now holds night and its winds a while—(and from me), from this stream on the valley’s floor, which catches the gleam of torn sky clearings—(and from me); from me and from all this, Lord, to make a single thing: from me and that night-breathing with which the herd, put up in the fold, waits out the great dark cessation of the world—, from me and from every light amid the darkness of the many houses, Lord: to make one thing; from the strangers, for I know no one, Lord, and from me and from me to make one thing; from those sleeping, the strange old men in the hospice who cough out importantly in their beds, from sleep-drunk children on such a foreign breast, from many vaguenesses and always from me, from me alone and all that I don’t know, to make the thing, Lord Lord Lord, the thing that, cosmic-terrestrial, like a meteor gathers in its gravity only the sum of flight: weighing nothing finally but arrival.

II Why must a man go about and take unknown things so much upon himself—the way perhaps a porter hefts from stall to stall the market basket that keeps on filling up while he, weighed down, must follow and can never ask: Master, why this feast? Why must a man stand here like a shepherd— so exposed to excess of influence, involved so in this space full of happening that, merely leaning against a tree in the landscape, he’d have his fate, nothing else to do. And yet lacks in his always too open gaze the quiet solace of the herd. Has only world, world in each upward glance, world each time his eyes look down. What in others gladly takes up residence shoots through his blood like music— blindly, inhospitably, changing and passing on.

At night then he gets up and has the call of birds from outside deep within him and feels bold, since he takes all the stars into his sight, gravely—, O not like one who shapes this night for his beloved so he can gladden her with heart-filled skies.

III But may I, when alone again I have the city’s crush and tangled noise-skein and the furor of its traffic all around me, may I above that mindless swirl recall sky and the gentle mountain rim on which that far-off herd curved homeward. May my spirit be hard as rock and the shepherd’s life to me seem possible— the way he drifts and turns brown in the sun and with a practiced stone-throw mends his flock, whenever it frays. Steps slow, not light, his body pensive, but in his standing there, majestic. Even now a god might enter this form and not be lessened. He lingers for a while, then moves on, like the day itself, and shadows of the clouds pass through him, as though space were slowly thinking thoughts for him.

Make of him what you will. Like a wind-whipped nightflame in the lamp’s mantle I place myself in him. A flare grows steady. May Death less darkly find its way.

– Rainer Maria Rilke, “The Spanish Trilogy”, trans. Edward Snow

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Monday 20 August 1838

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fine morning F66° now at 5 ¾ am breakfast – A- had had her bath – off at 7 5 our 2 guides on foot – at Gèdre at the douane at 9 ¼ - detained getting an acquit à caution for the horses to go into Spain – not certain whether it would be wanted now or not – sat sometime at the douane signed my name as usual A. Lister in the book – gave my name Anne Lister de Shibden hall in the county of York which address the receveur copied – the horses were toisés measured and described – Mr. Palesset and Charles our cautions (bordersmen) for the amount = 1200fr. if the horses should not return within 25 days – fine (amende) 500/. each and value 100fr. each horses = 1200/. we latterly left to the douane and went and sat at the auberge – this acquit à caution business takes from ¾ hour to an hour every time – off from the auberge (Gèdre) at 10 5 along the Gavarnie road till 11 12 when leaves this road cross the game by the fenceless wooden bridge of Barilyas near the little hamlet of the same name, ascend the hill and at 11 25 stop a minute or 2 at excellent point de vue of Gavarnie and its pretty green basin, and the cirque and cascade and Marboré just opposite to us – excellent station for a picture – at 11 35 a little higher up the hill stopt five minutes for Charles to drink petit lait at what he called the best in Gavarnie (i.e. the little district) le maison d’Yarré – view from here of Mt. Ferrat d’Ossoue (Ossoo, Charpentier spells it Ossōnne) i.e. of one pic of this mountain – then snow, and then Vignemale – off from la maison d’Yarré at 11 40 – at 12 ¾ good point de vue of Vignemale – just catch its over four pics and below these 3 summits reaching down to Mt. Ferrat – at 12 48 pass (right, on the other side the gave) the 1st cabane – cabane and wood bridge d’Artǐgolĕ – at 1 5 alight at the cabane de Saoussats Dabats – fine narrow savage valley – glad to see it again and clear – shut in east by the Piméné – west by the Vignemale – en face de la cabane (to the north) the tower like pic blanc -  I question that (had we gone as intended yesterday to the top of it (Charles did not know of my altered plan till at Gèdre this morning) it would have served us for a good point de vue of Vignemale – there is a high point, and high rock still beyond that, on the same line of crête, that might obstruct our view? Charles agreed that our labour would have been lost – bright, lovely day – the glacier of V- fine from here (standing at the cabane-door) – but I am strange to this side of the mountain – late and brouillard both evenings of our arriving at the cabane, and on the day of ascent out daylight spent on the Spanish side – here (at the cabane door) valley closed east by the top morsel of the pic de Piméné and its crête down to the summit of the Coumélie – and west by one point of Mt. Ferrat, then the snow – then 2 summits with spots of snow between – a crête and larger rounder summit – then the glacier reaching to the 3 visible pics of Vignemale – and one round lower summit stretching down till it closes our vale d’Ossōnne – on arriving A- ate one wind and the breast of an cold fowl then sketched Vignemale from the cabane door in her little note rough book –

SH:7/ML/E/21/0172

all the bergers away on our arrival – but we had taken some of their milk (always kept in a sort of drain made exprès with a stream running thro’ it) and had just wrapt up a franc in a written paper to be left in the compartment of drain we had taken the milk from when a berger came broche to to one of the bergers here before, and who went with us as guide – Charles measured the cabane inside – 2 umbrellas long and two + 4 pouces broad – not much space for ten of us to sleep in – En route again at 2 35 – the vale d’Ossōnne running east and west not far from its origin west, throws off 2 branches, southwards – the cannau de Lourdes leading to the Port de Plat d’[aow] (Plāh d’aow) which we passed on the 7th going to the V-      and the Plāne à combe ([coorn]) the easternmost of the 2, and leading to the Lac de la Bernatoire – the range of mountain forming the north side of the vale d’Ossonne, and on which rises about mid length the pic blanc is called on its south side towards the vale d’Ossonne, the mountain d’Ossonne or as Charles pronounced it Mountain d’Ossonne, and on its other north side Sowgué (Sowgay) – off from the cabane de Saoussa[t]s dabats at 2 35 – turned by and by (left) up the Plāne à coone [combe] – passed the cabane of the Spanish berger who carried our baggage on the 7th, and at the top looking down upon the very pretty little lac de Bernatoire at 4 35 as according to A-‘s watch, my watch would have indicated – but I had sometime before discovered that it had stood since 2 35 – very pretty little round deep lake exactly filling the bottom of a crater-like contorted rock basin between the two crêtes of rock forming the port or brêche perhaps about a couple of hundred feet high north and south, and rising into a high rock range west, and a high pic close over the lake east and its rock range stretching out towards the port de Bouchero – the crête of the whole of this rock-range separates France and Spain .:. ½ the lake is in French ½ in Spain – too cold for trout – no visible outlet for the water – the rock-basin hoary and bare of vegetation except a little on the west side along the talus of debris along the bottom of which (having descended to the waters’ edge on the north side)   we wound ½ round the lake to the south side up which we went by a little narrow zigzag scarcely visible track to the top having made this little trajet (from 1 side of the lake to the other) in ¼ hour – fine look down upon masses of rock Spain and the Port de Bouchero road en face, the fine rocks above which we had not been to see when just under them in passing from Gavarnie – coldish strongish south wind at the top of the port – it was 4 55 when we paid off our berger whom we had had since 2 35 and began the descent upon Bouchero – A- walked till 6 from which time she rode almost all the rest of the way – I walked till 6 ½ - then mounted for ¼ hour then walked all the rest of the way – very fine day – at Bouchero at 7 10 .:. from the cabane to the port 2 35 to 4 35 = 2 hours rounding the lake and stopping 20 minutes Descent from 4 55 to 7 10 = 2 ¾ hours so that we had taken in all 5 5 hours from the cabane de Saoussa[t]s dabats to the hospice at Bouchero – walked about the house out a little till about 8 – then supper – soup but made with too much oil, that we could not touch it – 4 or 5 eggs fried with a little fat bacon – we could have eaten more but unluckily no more to be had – good bread of which we both ate pretty well and Eaux-bonnes cheese of which A- ate a little – the water excellent – I had a [joram] of boiled milk of which I daresay I drank about a quart and left the rest for Charles who had a little colique this evening – I had felt my stomach far from well – it has been more or less derangé these 3 weeks – our room much better than we expected – largeish – one window about 2ft. 6in. high by 3ft. wide – 2 doors – nor glass nor frame – the woman brought at 1st lighted splinter of fir-wood, and on our asking for a candle brought  a little lamp which hung up against the wall – and as it must be hung up (would not stand) and we could only find one nail near the winds’ [edge] head of my bed, we were obliged to place our table accordingly – we had 2 beds each having a mattress over the pailasse, and sheets, coarse linen but clean – of course, nor baldaquin nor curtain – the great store seemed a large old kist forming also a high seat or table, in our room from which our good but dirty-looking landlady took sheets, cheese and all – all ready and room cleared at 8 ¾ - lay down with our things on A- taking off only her habit and shoes and stockings and I taking off my shoes and gaiters and cincture – very fine day

[xapitos]

Who is Jesus of Nazareth?  A study of the Gospel of Mark to answer this question.

Who is Jesus of Nazareth?

A Devotional Study of the Gospel of Mark

by xapitos

All rights reserved. 2021

Introduction

This is a biblical study of the Gospel of Mark from the New Testament.  This study is based on the Gospel of Mark (and in turn the entire Hebrew and Christian Scriptures) as being the inerrant (without error) words of God given to Mark and to each author of each book of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, known to many as the “Holy Bible.”  God is interpreted as the God presented in those Scriptures, namely, the personal Creator of all things (except evil, a creation of man by his free choice), Sustainer of life and Giver of eternal forgiveness for one’s rebellious/sinful nature against God through the sacrificial offering of his Son, Jesus Christ, taking God’s wrath for such sinfulness upon himself on the cross out of love for all of mankind.

A little bit about me.  I have been a Christian for more than 60 years, knowing at a very young age, that the Lord was my heavenly Father and that I would become a pastor.  After a career of earning a Bachelor’s degree in Koine and Classical Greek, a Master’s of Theology degree in Old Testament Studies (a four year degree), being a missionary in South America, pastoring in three churches and being a hospice chaplain, I have never once found the Holy Bible to be in error.  I have had to seek insight into some of its parts.  Those parts, have no easy answers.   That does not mean that there is no answer, nor does it mean that the hard to understand parts are errors.  It means that I, the reader, do not understand what is put forth plainly in those parts.  The understanding issue is not in the presentation but in the interpreter.  I have also found that the great majority of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures are straight forward, clear to understand and deeply challenging to the soul.  I believe it is this challenging part that we as humankind use to deflect, hide from the truth that we find in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.  For instance, the command to love your neighbor as yourself is broad and not always easy to apply.  Some people are mean and obnoxious.  Yet, they are my neighbor and my responsibility is to love them regardless of themselves.  

Meditating upon the Holy Bible, whether we claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior or not, and asking the Lord for insight and guidance usually results in the same.  My personal growth in God’s truth is often the issue that prevents me, for a time, to understand and/or apply his truth.  Furthermore, truth is both refreshing and confrontational.  When I am to love my neighbor as myself, even though my neighbor may be an unloving, mean person, I am “confronted with God’s truth.”  I can love, despite my neighbor’s actions, or be self-focused.  The choice is mine, not God’s.  Confrontation is not a bad thing but a good thing.  Confrontation should be gentle.  As someone once wrote, we all need to learn the art of giving a shot without the recipient feeling the needle.  

It is my prayer that all of us who read/meditate upon this study will be honest with ourselves about what the Gospel of Mark says and that we sincerely search our souls regarding its claim that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, the Redeemer of all peoples from their sinful state to enjoy the wonderful and enriching relationship with the Triune God forever.

A Word About the Methodology of This Study

For simplicity sake, this study follows the paragraph breakdowns of The Greek New Testament, edited by Kurt Aland, Matthew Black, Carlo M. Martini, Bruce M. Metzger and Allen Wikgren, Institute for New Testament Textual Research, Munster/Westphalia, Third Edition, United Bible Societies, copyright 1966, 1968, 1975.  The Hebrew Scriptures referred to are from Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, Deutsche Bibelstiftung Stuttgart, copyright 1967/1977.  The English translation used, when not translating from the Hebrew Scriptures and Greek New Testament, is the New International Version of the Bible.

Secondly, since this study looks at the Gospel of Mark as written and Hebrew Scriptures as referred to within the Gospel of Mark as taken at face value for what they claim, these documents are seen as the final authority in all matters to which they speak.  When studying any book, the normal interpretative approach is to study a book at face value for what it claims to be.  Thus, this study looks at the historical, cultural and grammatical contexts in which the Gospel of Mark was written.  Mark claims in 1:1-2, that his book is the beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, based upon prophecy from the Hebrew Scriptures.  Thus, this study assumes the same.  If contradictions and errors are found to exist, then the Gospel of Mark will be assumed to be false.  Otherwise, it is only honest integrity and personal character to recognize and accept wholeheartedly what the Gospel of Mark presents.

Premise

The question at hand is, “Who is Jesus of Nazareth?”  Mark, a disciple of the apostle Peter (whom Jesus left in charge before he ascended into heaven), wrote his book with this question in mind.  All of us have premises.  The question is, which one is the truth to be the foundation and cornerstone of our lives and the gift of life itself?  This question makes the question “Who is Jesus of Nazareth” all the more imperative.

Study

Chapter 1:1-8

1:1  The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ (Messiah) son of God

Mark states the premise of his book in its opening words.  With the use of the name “Christ” (the Greek word for the Hebrew word “Messiah”) Mark immediately draws attention to Jesus of Nazareth being the Promised One of the Nation of Israel.  He wants all to know, especially Jewish people, that the Messiah they have been looking for has already come.  Mark also claims that this Messiah is the Son of God.  A debatable matter amongst Jewish and Gentile people.  Yet, the claim is so bold, that it is worthy of investigation. 

1:2-3   Just as it has been written in Isaiah the prophet, Behold I will send my messenger before you who will prepare your way, a voice of one calling out in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight paths for him.’

Immediately, Mark lays claim to the Hebrew Scriptures as the supreme authority to backup his statement in verse 1.  Isaiah was written approximately between 740-701 B.C., long before the arrival of the Mark’s good news/gospel that Jesus Christ is God’s Son, the Promised One to the Jewish people and to the world.  Isaiah chapters 1-39 are about Israel’s rebellious, sinful ways (Isaiah 1-5), and then about the LORD’s coming judgment upon the Jewish people because of their chosen rebellion. Isaiah 39 reviews the coming judgment through the hand of the Babylonians, who will even ransack and burn the Lord’s temple and take his people into captivity.  We know that Daniel 9 reviews the 70 year captivity.  The context of Isaiah 40-66 is to comfort the LORD’s people (the Hebrews), that the times of judgment will not last, and that there will be the time to prepare the way of the LORD and make straight paths for him for his Messiah will redeem and restore his people and any who claim his name as Lord.  It is with this comforting news that Mark begins the good news of Jesus Christ/Messiah God’s Son.

In both Isaiah and Mark, the forerunner of the Messiah is key.  A forerunner prepares, go before.  Thus, the very nature of a forerunner makes the message about what follows even more imperative and worthy of listening to with a change in action for the listeners.

1:4 Now there was John the Baptizer in the dessert and he was preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

John the Baptizer performed his mission not in the cities and villages but in the dessert.  Why?  For none, there are less distractions in the dessert.  Someone proclaiming a message and baptizing people would stand out more than in a city, where he could easily be ignored.  Also, he was baptizing people in the Jordan river, where many go for water, bathing and washing of clothes, as well as to be refreshed from the arid, hot climate of Israel.  Thus, word would easily spread about John and his message.   

The historical context of Mark at this point is that the Hebrew people have been under the thumb of the Roman Empire for many years.  They were heavily taxed, oppressed and helpless against a ruthless government that worshiped Caesar.  Thus, the Romans were detestable to most Hebrews, who worshiped the LORD God of Israel through sacrifices at the Second Temple in Jerusalem.  

What kind of message is John the Baptizer preaching?  It isn’t one of sacrifices per the Law of Moses.  It’s a new message, a different message of repentance for forgiveness of sins.  A message that would smooth out the valleys and bring low the mountains of life.  The roughness of life shall become level, its rugged smooth. Thus, his message stood out all the more. This would cause the message to spread quickly.

Self-Reflection

Where/what is our dessert? Where/what is the refreshment of our souls?  To whom are we listening?  One proclaiming the way of the Lord to make straight paths for him?  Or, are we listening to the many voices, the confusion and the hustle and bustle of a hectic life, filled with many voices? How is our present state of life refreshing our souls and bringing us closer to who the Gospel of Mark claims Jesus of Nazareth to be?  Name three ways in which you can change your life to listen better to John the Baptizer’s message, as well as the message of the Gospel of Mark thus far?

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1:5 and all the Judean region and all those living in Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.  

The going out to John was an intentional one.  One of purpose.  Under the heavy hand of Rome (like the Hebrews of Isaiah’s and Daniel’s day being judged by God through the Assyrians and the Babylonians) there is now the time of preparing for the way of the LORD and making straight paths, leveling out life’s hardships and difficulties.  This message is not carried out by throwing off the hardships and difficulties but by turning to the One who forgives sin and then makes our way smoother in the midst of the hardships and difficulties.  Although the people of that time were used to traveling in the dry, arid climate of the Judean wilderness, it was still an arduous journey.  The trip from Jerusalem to the Jordan River crosses a dessert area littered literally with millions upon millions of rocks of various sizes, deep crevices, low mountains, valleys, dust, heat (depending on the time of year), little to no water.  The people of the region and of Jerusalem are so thirsty for a making straight of their oppressed and rugged lives, that they welcomingly travel the arid countryside by foot, donkey and/or camel to listen to this new message from a loner man, who lives in the dessert.

1:6 and John wore clothes made of camels hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey.

To the Hebrew, this is a clear reference to the highly-esteemed prophet, Elijah.  Mark is saying that one like Elijah, the mighty prophet and miracle worker of the Hebrews, is now here and his message is even greater, as the new Elijah, John the Baptizer.  That Elijah is so pertinent to the Jewish culture of this time, Elijah himself is one of two people who appear and talks with Jesus on the Mount of Tranfiguration (Mark 9:2-13).  Jewish people understand that Elijah must come before the Messiah arrives.  Mark claims that John is that man.

Self-Reflection

Would we truly travel across a dessert area on foot or animal, let alone a vehicle of today, to listen to the message of a loner, who lives in the dessert?  His hair has to be dirty and matted.  His beard, eyebrows, ear hair long, possibly filled with dirt and grime.  He stinks.  His teeth are dirty and possibly rotting.  Not only all of this, he dresses like a crazy man, wearing camel haired clothes (brown and tan against his sun darkened skin).  He eats giant grass hoppers and unprocessed honey.  What kind of truth does he have to offer?  Would we be willing to accept him as greater than one of the greatest of God’s prophets ever?  What would we do personally to change our lives in light of his message?

1:7-8 and he preached saying, There is one more powerful than I, after me, of whom I am not worthy to loosen the straps of the sandals of his feet.  I baptize you with water, but he himself will baptize you with the holy spirit.

Baptism is a common concept to Jewish people.  The Greek word “to baptize” is equal to the Hebrew ritual word used for the “ritual cleansing bath” a worshiper would take to spiritual cleanse oneself before offering sacrifices to the LORD at the Temple in Jerusalem.  At the southern end of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem there is an archaeological find of what are known to be “mikvahs”.  Mikvahs are the ritual cleansing areas one would use before entering the Temple Mount to offer sacrifices to the LORD at the Temple.  Mikvahs have steps that descend some 4-5 feet into a small area that was filled with water to immerse one’s self for the cleansing ritual.  The Mikvah area at the southern end of the Temple Mount is most likely where over 3000 people were baptized by Peter and other apostles with him when he preached on the Day of Pentecost, post-resurrection of Jesus (Acts of the Apostles 3).

The message here is clear, spiritually cleanse ourselves before the LORD by being baptized to receive forgiveness of our sins.  In other words, instead of taking the symbolical ritual mkvah bath to present yourselves to the LORD at the Temple with your sacrifice(s) for him, be ritually/spiritually cleansed by offering yourself as the sacrifice to the LORD for the forgiveness of your sins.  Clearly, a new message, the good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ/Messiah Son of God has come to his people and to the world.  

This new message brings a new gift, the holy spirit.  In the Hebrew Scriptures of Psalm 51, King David (the one to whom the LORD promised an eternal kingdom) cries out in deep grief stricken repentance that the LORD will not remove his spirit from him.  David was the man after God’s own heart, as the Hebrew Scriptures describe him.  Yet, David committed adultery with another man’s wife (one of his soldiers), deceived others about this by calling her husband back from the war front to sleep with his wife, plotted to have him killed in battle (murder), and then lied about it for a year.  The LORD sent his prophet Nathan to confront David for all of this.  This is the context of Psalm 51.  It is no wonder that David cries out begging the LORD not to remove his spirit from him.  The LORD mercifully forgives David and grants his request.  David knew that without the spirit of the LORD, he could not become the man and king that the LORD wanted him to be.  John proclaims that The One who is greater than I, he himself will baptize you with the holy spirit.  The religious leaders of Israel did not teach this teaching.  They emphasized a distorted message of the LORD, because of which people from all over the Judean wilderness and Jerusalem itself, flocked to a loner, hairy, stinky, weird dressed, grasshopper eating man, who proclaimed a new message from the LORD, be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins, for the Promised Messiah is coming soon.

Self-Reflection

How committed are we to obeying the call of the LORD upon our lives to live in a deepening relationship with him?  What are we willing to give up in the comfort and convenience of our lives to be a lone soul in the dessert of life crying to any who will listen…There is a better way, a smoother way.  There is a life worth living, that is not filled with the clutter of many voices and guilt ridden teachings and philosophies of self-dependence.  There is a better life, because the only One who is worthy has come and invites us to live in the wonder and joy of his forgiveness and guidance to the deeper life with the Father.  What will we do to live in, to embrace that life?

List three ways in which the Lord is speaking to you about such change:

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