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Welcome to the Winsome Arrows Blog!
So happy you've stopped by and hopeful that, in some small way, you might find encouragement here. Perhaps you have an idea just itching to be written. If so, will you contact me here?
Warm blessings,
Individualized teaching strategies & support for the exceptional child in the home, school, & church
So happy you've stopped by and hopeful that, in some small way, you might find encouragement here. Perhaps you have an idea just itching to be written. If so, will you contact me here?
Warm blessings,
My mother was a huge fan of labels. A child of the Great Depression, she was a fashionable woman who valued beautiful outfits and understood the care it took to keep them lovely. My sisters and I still smile when we recall the way she would sidle effortlessly behind us and deftly pull the label from a blouse's neckline to check the fabric's contents and care instructions.
Labels are important. They inform. They warn. They detail. Without labels, the cans in our pantries would cause daily mealtime preparation to resemble an episode of Chopped and the resultant dishes edgy at best and inedible at worst.
But what of labels as they pertain to our children?
When I graduated with a degree in special education in 1977, recently enacted Public Law 94-142 offered welcome assistance to children with learning disabilities, developmental handicaps, and severe behavior disorders. Those were pretty much the labels of the day for children who fell in the mild to moderate range of special needs. Since then, the number of labels for our special needs children has exploded and with them the acronyms that accompany: SLD, ED, CD, OHI, MH, ADD, ADHD, ODD, PDD, ASD…. The list seems endless, and the statistics detailing levels of occurrence dizzyingly varied and mysteriously ever changing.
Like the labels on our clothing, precise identifiers for children with special needs can do much to inform us as to the characteristics associated with particular conditions. With information comes understanding that enables us to care for and educate these little ones to the best of our ability. Labels can unite parents - offering support and camaraderie that strengthen weary souls on long days. Labels sometimes open doors to tangible assistance such as individualized educational programs or monetary resources for therapies and treatments. Indeed, these are all good things about labels.
Yet, for all the good that can come from properly identifying children with special needs - whether it be necessary medical treatment or helpful educational accommodations - it is my opinion that today's overzealous desire to label each and every variance in child development and personality can do much to harm the very children we seek to help.
The following questions may help us evaluate the goodness (or not) of the labels we give our children:
Yes, labels serve a purpose, but like scratchy, ill-placed ones in our necklines, some need to be carefully trimmed or even removed in order to give our children freedom to discover the unique ways in which they have been "fearfully and wonderfully made" by their Creator.
It was a simply beautiful, sunny day in May. My husband and I were enjoying a brief respite from the cares of the world in a picnic shelter overlooking our town's river. Just a couple weeks prior, our daughter had called us while we were on a spring boating adventure with friends. "The doctor thinks he might have Williams syndrome," she had said.
And now the phone rang again.
"Williams syndrome?" I had asked. "What is that? Why does he think that?"
Our grandson had been referred to a pediatric cardiologist for what appeared to be a heart murmur. It was this doctor who had shared his suspicion and recommended a genetic test to confirm whether or not he was correct. Although I had boldly dismissed the idea at the time, fear had immediately struck me between the diaphragm and gut like a sucker punch. Instead of leaving me breathless for a mere moment, however, it had taken up residence for the last two weeks. It felt like I had swallowed a lead weight.
What were the chances, I had thought during that first phone conversation? What were the chances that our grandchild - our dear, sweet, first grandchild - had a condition that affects only one in 10,000 people worldwide? Our daughter had patiently answered my whats and whys. A cute, upturned nose. Small for his age. An intricate starburst pattern on his baby blue eyes. I had reasonable answers for each item in the list. But, there was more. Poor muscle tone. Supravalvular aortic stenosis. Developmental delays. Looking back, I wonder who I was trying to comfort more with my rationalizations - my daughter or myself. She had told me we would know for sure in a couple weeks once the test results were complete. I wish I could say with certainty that I prayed with her then on the phone, but I honestly can't remember.
The rest of that boating trip took place in slow motion as did the next two weeks. Meals uneaten. Tears choked back. "It'll be okay," our friends had said. "Whatever the outcome, it'll be okay."
We shared the news at church and found encouragement in the kind words and prayers of fellow believers. Our pastor pointed us to God's Word and His many covenant promises. He reminded us of God's sovereignty and of His goodness toward us - even when we are called to suffer. One woman I knew assured me our grandson would be fine - that I just needed to pray and claim him to be healthy. And though I did pray - and so wanted to claim - I could not put God in a box like that.
"What will I do if the test comes back positive?" I had asked our pastor, but what I really wondered was, "What will I think of God if it does?"
And then the phone rang.
Seeing our daughter's number pop up, I mumbled to my husband, "This is it," and breathed deeply as I put my free hand over one ear in order to hear better the words that would come next.
"He has it," she said.
If you've ever been on the receiving end of such news, you can probably remember that moment when time stood still. Maybe like me, you wanted to deny the permanence of such a pronouncement. Tests can be wrong, right? Happens all the time. I ventured briefly in that direction, but could tell by our daughter's voice that I needed to stop. We talked, and I'm pretty sure we prayed that time.
But what of my prayers for the past two weeks? Had God made a mistake? Was He just not listening or vaguely disinterested? Were my prayers for our grandson's health returned empty? Worse yet, had I only been having a conversation with myself?
I cannot fully comprehend, let alone concisely explain, God's sovereignty in a broken world. I do not understand all the finer points of prayer. But, this I know. God's Word tells me He is sovereign, and Jesus told his followers to pray.
There are worse things in the world than scary diagnoses. Haughty attitudes. Callous minds. Bitter hearts. Many people say prayer works. Others say it changes things. But, I disagree. God works and God changes things. He works in the lives of His people - comforting, equipping, establishing. Redeeming. He changes the minds of His beloved when we demand His gifts be delivered in pretty packages adorned with neatly tied ribbons. It is often said, when prayers are answered as we had hoped, that God is good - all the time. Occasionally, I have heard those who have endured a great loss say the same thing, and it is the overflow of these suffering saints' faith that challenges and ultimately strengthens my own.
Phones ring, but things will be okay.
And God is good - all the time.
For more information on Williams syndrome, visit the Williams Syndrome Association's helpful, online site.
It's been nearly five years since we received our grandson's Williams syndrome diagnosis, but I remember that day as if it were yesterday. Then, there were so many questions, so many fears. Today - so many joys! This is a revision of a post I wrote for the Williams Syndrome Association's November/December 2013 online newsletter. It has been generalized here to apply to any grandchild with special needs.
My father died about three weeks after my sixth birthday. Though my memories of him are few, they are poignant and have left an indelible mark upon my soul. Rather than fading with time, they have only grown more firm through the years.
Here are some of them:
So here's what I want to tell all you fathers with time still on your hands. Don't presume upon the day. This day, today, is all you hold. What has passed is in the past. You will teach your children many things, and much of it will be a mixed bag of good, bad, and indifferent. But know this, you are teaching your children.
In your stories.
In your walks.
In your explanations.
In the way you treat those who love you and those who don't.
Leave them with big ideas. Make them feel important but not overly so. Rescue them once in awhile, but teach them how to find help independently from you.
Love them freely even as you know you can't love them perfectly (and children, forgive your fathers their imperfect love).
Most of all, Dads, entrust them to God - the only Father who perfectly gave and gives his best for his children.
And to my dad - if I could, I would say, "Happy Father's Day, Daddy!"
Our oldest daughter recently told me that my husband and I are her little boys' "number one prayer request". You don't know how that warmed my heart. To picture our grandsons, ages four and two, asking the Lord Jesus to bless us each night touched me deeply and made me consider in a new way childlike faith and the call to prayer.
Our message at church earlier this month was taken from this text:
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified youto share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:9-14
The young, visiting preacher did an excellent job expounding on Paul's words to believers in Collosae those many centuries ago - words that detailed his faithful prayer that they might "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord" - the why and the how. I was challenged to consider my life as I listened - Am I bearing fruit? Am I growing in knowledge? Does my life reflect the power of the triune God? Are my days filled with gratitude? I even began (with my pharisaical score keeping tendencies) tallying points in my head. Numbers 1 and 2 - getting better - two points. Number 3 - not always so good - half point. Number 4 - room for improvement - a bit half-hearted - zero. Although I took copious notes and privately vowed to integrate this passage into my life as a kind of inoculation against my propensity to sin, I found that by evening, such thoughts were far from me.
And then my daughter sent that text.
My heart was pierced, and my mind returned to that morning's teaching. I recalled a time when, following my heart, I wandered for many years in a desert wasteland that nearly destroyed me. I thought of believing friends from my youth who, after my return, told me they had been praying for my rescue all along. I considered a godly grandmother, now long gone, and wondered if she had prayed for me before I knew my need for intercession. I thought of Jesus, looking down the corridor of time, beseeching the Father to guard those of us yet to come (John 17).
I thought of two, little boys faithfully praying in sweet, little boy voices for grandparents who live four, long hours away, and I felt so protected and loved.
I am one of the last in line to fully understand prayer, but here's what I know. God's Word tells us to pray. Jesus prayed. Scripture is replete with many amazing prayers that lift our eyes heavenward and free our earthbound feet of clay. Prayer is an ordinary means of grace, and grace is far from ordinary.
Just ask those two, little boys and their grandma.
*Mimi and Dog Jowl are pet names our grandsons gave us. Yeah, Dog Jowl - long story....
"I love my mom. My mom is so sweat to me."
My oldest child wrote me these words in her best little girl penmanship 26 or so years ago. Though her spelling was a bit off, I understood what she meant and remember marveling at her spontaneous expression of love to me - a mother far less deserving of devotion than her note would indicate.
I was not always a sweet mommy.
I do, however, remember being a sweaty mommy.
I sweated my way through motherhood thinking I, alone, was responsible for all things child related. I sweated over the foods they ate (or didn't), the developmental timelines they kept (er… or didn't), their doctors, their friends, their schooling. How did they look? Did they make me look good?
I sweated too much and prayed too little, and if I could have one mulligan - one thing to go back and change, it would be that.
There have been many other notes through the years including four received just yesterday. Kind and affirming, they speak of their love and admiration for me - a sweaty woman who now just wishes she had been as sweet a mother as their notes say I was.
Today is Good Friday.
I remember first hearing about the crucifixion of Christ as a girl and finding myself horribly puzzled that such a day could be called "good". Why would a body of people christen one day of the year "good" when it was the day commemorating the torture and execution of their leader? My young mind could not fathom it. Were Christians some kind of backward people who called evil good and good evil? Were they confused at best or maniacal at worst?
I remember asking my mother about this while in the car heading somewhere. She gave me a kinda-sorta answer - something about Jesus and sacrifice and… actually, I don't quite recall other than it being an awkward moment when I felt stupid for not understanding a tenet of my alleged faith that was taken for granted by so many.
I remember junior high - my first year of school "in town". Noon. Bells ringing. Then silence. Did we leave school early that day? My memories are so vague, yet what does come to mind is that the day was special, holy, dark yet full of hope, and I wished I understood.
I remember a teenage winter a couple years later in which I struggled through the gospel accounts of Christ's life - reading his recorded words that only caused more confusion:
"Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth."
"Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division."
"Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."
Upside down indeed! It appeared clear to me then that Christians were confused because the man they considered their savior was confused. Still, the words he spoke and the historical accounts I read only wooed me to read more, and so I peeked at the prophets' writings - men who lived centuries before that inside-out man from Galilee:
"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned - every one - to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."
I remember August of that year - a hot, summer in which the lacquered hard chrysalis shell that had kept me from truth cracked just enough - allowing a fragile, wet butterfly to squeeze its way into a serendipitous world in which these words began to make sense and Good Friday became good.
Good Friday is good because on that day, on that cross - Jesus the God-man willingly bore the punishment that I deserved. It is good because, by his dogged obedience, he sought out and brought peace to this war torn rebel child. It is good because, with the tenderness of his nail pierced hands, he bound up the wounds that had scarred my sin enslaved heart. It is good because his pronouncement, "It is finished," only signaled the beginning of everything that is new.
I remember.
Today is Good Friday, and today is good.
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved*— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:1-10
*emphasis mine
My husband Ken is a man of many talents and interests, yet he's something of an enigma. I tease him that when we first met, I thought he was a "city slicker" - smooth, well dressed, tall - a man of presence. To this day, he has a knack for color and can select the perfect tie to rock any suit. His artistic abilities are impressive. He knows his classical composers and, unlike me, enjoys operatic performances. And as to how he continues to win my heart - in the words of a once popular song, he definitely knows "What a Girl Wants". So how, you might ask, is he an enigma? Well, my otherwise refined mate of nearly thirty years also loves to make regular visits to area scrap yards (that's right - junk yards) to search out and retrieve all manner of interesting items which others have discarded. This is what I've come to discuss.
It wasn't until after we married that I discovered my husband's hobby - and not long after that discovery that I came to the conclusion, albeit a premature and wrong-headed one, that I had made a "terrible mistake". For one thing, Ken collected (um… collects) stuff. Lots of stuff. Stuff stuffed in stuff - in garages, basements, and attics all over a tri-county area. I did not know this when I said "I do." I did not know the extent of his car and car part collection. I did not know I would have a Weber carb set-up in my family room as a kind of "Martha Stewart Meets Car Crazy" home interior scheme gone wrong. No, I did not know this about my husband, and for too long I nursed that surprise until it grew from a disappointment in infancy to an adult-sized resentment with a life of its own.
By God's grace, however, many years (and scrap yard trips) later, I've seen the need to repent of self-focused, ungrateful attitudes that cry out for my husband to be a mirror image of me. My eyes have grown accustomed to the unique light of our marriage, and as they've refocused, I'm seeing things in fresh ways. What a revelation it has been to recognize Ken's motto "Don't Throw It Out" as an integral part of the way he was created to be an image bearer of the Divine. Huh, you ask? Let me explain.
Ken doesn't simply roam scrap yards hunting for treasures to haul home. Indeed, he does bring things home, but he does so with an eye to the future. Not content to leave things in their broken estate, he fixes them. Why, the man is a miracle worker! Need a power drill to replace yours with the burned out motor? He'll find the same model with a broken grip, combine the good parts of both, and voila! a functional drill. Did you see that 40" flat screen TV set out for the trash? Chances are good he can salvage it by replacing the power supply with a $25 part purchased online. Do you need a wrench to reach an oddly-placed fitting? It's more than likely he has two in stock - bent ones tossed out by a less visionary man who could only see damaged tools. The examples I could give are endless, and the dollars he has saved our family unknowable. But, this is what I do know: like Christ, my husband seeks out once treasured items long ago discarded - not just as an end in themselves, but with restoration and repurposing in mind.
We have a joke around here that Ken likes to say in regard to me - "I just now got her squared away." He winks, and I smile, but the truth is he's right. Like the castoffs he drags home to restore, he has been used by God throughout the years to restore me. It is humbling to learn that my best efforts at knowing what I needed in life - even in the area of selecting a spouse - were short-sighted and self-serving. And it is also humbling to see God's kindness and good intentions for me in the restorative nature of my enigma of a husband.
When it's all said and done, Ken points me to Christ, for it is Christ who seeks us out, who brings us home, and who restores us with an eye to the future.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. -Jeremiah 29:11
The school bus stopped in front of my mother's house six years ago today. It was strange because no children lived there nor had they in a long, long time. My sister and I turned to her as she lay in the hospital bed we had erected in her front room. Close to us she lay yet so very far away. She slept peacefully, beautifully, with her hair drawn up tightly in a ballerina's bun, her profile taut, belying her ninety-one years on earth. She lay silently. The soft moaning sounds she had made as she wrestled with death only a couple days prior had ceased.
"Mom! The bus is here!" we called in the cheeriest voices we could muster. "Hurry up! Don't make the driver wait!"
Much of my mother's life had been spent in school. The child of a teacher, her precocious entry into first grade when she was but five years old paved the way for her own career in education. She started with forty first graders when she was barely out of her teens and finished with two daily classes of thirty kindergarteners each. Fun loving and multi-talented, she taught kindergarten when it was still that - a garden for children. She led her charges in letter identification, name writing, and finger plays. She was their art teacher, their music teacher, and the supervisor of their play and rest times. Holidays were celebratory events, and bulletin boards were handmade delights whose creation, on occasion, she would entrust to me
And so, the bus stopping at her house that morning seemed only right. Little did my sister and I know how prophetic its visit would prove. Since then, I've reviewed that day and wondered at our lightheartedness. Were we trying to dispel the solemnity of the circumstance? Did we hope we could, with these words from days gone by, summon her back to our world? Would we have encouraged her departure, even jokingly, had we known she would leave us for good that very morning?
Death is a horrible thing. It marches into our lives with the cadence of a merciless army. It is a part of life, we are told, and yet when it becomes a part of our lives, it is all too apparent that something is terribly wrong. We cannot halt death. We each must face it. The bus stops for us all.
In Paul's Epistle to the Romans, we read that the result of sin is death. (6:23) In the garden, our first parents were clearly told as much but chose to believe a twisted version of that truth instead. Still, from time before time, our triune God, not hampered by the constraints of time, set a plan in motion to make all things right again. Yes, the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8 explains to us how God sent his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh in order to condemn sin in the flesh.
Did you get that?
Jesus put death to death.
And for those who trust Christ's finished work on their behalf (for on the cross he said, "It is finished!"), the spirit of Christ dwells in them and "he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you." (8:11)
So, I find myself, these six years later, considering life - its beauty and its brevity - and considering death - its fiendish finality. Though the mood is somber, I do not despair as those without hope, for my considerings gently lead me to this verse, and it is here that I find peace:
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
New Year's Day is here! Time for our family's annual meal of sauerkraut and sausage rolls, a tradition that was passed on to me from my inlaws who have both been gone for a few years.
Now I am not a recipe collector or one who often works from them, and honestly I've memorized how to make this dish. Even so, it seemed imperative to search out the old recipe card written in my mother-in-law's hand those many years ago. And when I found it... EUREKA! Rich feelings of warmth and love swept over me.
So this has made me think about the imprint we leave behind. Handwritten thank you notes for thoughtful little gifts or deeds. Letters of affirmation to our husbands or grown children. Recordings of songs sung with grandkids.
Recipes written down for daughters-in-law who think they don't need them.
I am so thankful for the mother God gave my husband. She taught me about acceptance, about laughing at oneself, about finding joy in the everyday. She taught me a few things in the kitchen, too. And so today, in the spirit of her generosity and the memory of the many bountiful meals she prepared for our family over the years, my meagerly sensibilities were overruled and I was inspired to, in her words, "make a double batch."
Happy New Year, Bea!
Today is our second son's twenty-seventh birthday. As is my recent practice, I scrounged around for a fun old photo to commemorate the occasion and, upon locating one, quickly posted it to Facebook. "Still a keeper!" I captioned and smiled as I moved on to busy myself with other things.
Later, upon looking again at the two-decades-old picture, I checked myself as I saw with fresh eyes our son's expression and suddenly comprehended what I had missed those many years ago. Look again with me, won't you?
Do you see the conquering boy's fixed gaze? His focused biting of the lip? The firmly clenched fist thrust forward as he displayed with pride his marvelous catch? Why had it taken so long for me to see? That little boy who I always thought to be the easy going one, the quiet one, the uncomplaining third child of four had the early seeds of drive and determination sprouting even then. But, as I stated above, I had too quickly moved on to busy myself with other things and had missed those that were right in front of me.
So with a blink, the years have passed. The little boy is grown, and I, as his mother, feel surprised about the man he has become. Confident. Driven. Successful. Still loving. Still gentle in spirit. But different than I had expected. How is it that we carry a child for nine months (or spend years preparing to adopt), we nurse them, cuddle them, wipe both ends of them, clean, feed, teach, discipline, love... and yet know them so imperfectly? Perhaps it can't be helped, and maybe it isn't all bad. To be sure, it is a bit of serendipity to suddenly notice with joy and surprise the men and women our little ones become. Kind of like Christmas again - the day after Christmas! And yet in our busyness, we often miss the things that ought not to be missed.
May it not be so today.
One of my pet peeves is overlapping holidays. You know what I'm talking about - Christmas decorations out at Halloween or the opposite. The other day, I saw someone taking down a large Jack-o-lantern outside the front of his garage as he was putting up Christmas lights. Then there's always my "favorite" - pumpkins, corn shocks and Christmas decorations out at the same time!?!
At our house, we have family rules - "No Christmas until Thanksgiving is over!" and "Be sure to get fall things put away before Christmas comes out." Having said that, I'm breaking my own rules this year, spiritually speaking. In my reflections this year, I've discovered that Thanksgiving is not just a one-time holiday of giving thanks - not just one day set aside to list all of the material things we are glad that we have. True thankfulness is so much more than that!
We are called to live a life of Thanks-LIVING—always showing-sharing-telling what God has done, is doing and will do in the future!! By so doing, we will experience that inner joy that we all seek. So this year, I've given myself permission to go ahead and overlap all of the holidays with Thanks-Living—continually living a life of giving thanks to my Lord and Savior!
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." Psalms 106:1
Cathy Austin considers it a privilege to have been a pastor's wife for nearly 36 years. She is a mother of three, grandmother of six (soon to be seven), Director of Children's Ministries at her church and a retired elementary school teacher.
Mercy came to us in mid-April of this year. Mercy, that is, in the form of an undersized, nine month old German shepherd rescue pup. She came to us out of the blue from an unexpected source. Perhaps that's how mercy comes to us all.
It's taken this long to write of her mostly because of a protracted season of busyness. Truth be told, though, it's been hard to focus on Mercy when Justice was not far behind.
Both dogs were born in my mind not terribly long after Nikko died (see "Good Dog"). For some time I didn't think I would ever want another dog, but at our youngest daughter's urging, I thought again. Justice and Mercy! Not one dog but two! Therapy dogs! Two furry friends, useful beyond the scope of my own little world, to once again greet us at the door with a wag and wiggle! So with this, my search for Justice and Mercy ensued.
Unlike his older sister, Justice was planned - premeditated - as justice often is. Coming from a breeder, we knew when he would arrive. We planned for it. Yet, it was Mercy who prepared the way. They have been comrades since that first day - most certainly incomplete without the other. And though they are both still pups, I have already fast forwarded to the day when one will need to go on without the other. I cannot fathom it.
In a similar way, the ideals of justice and mercy are inseparable sides of the same coin. Heads or tails. Which do you choose? Would you want justice without mercy or the other way around? Who among us could withstand the scrutiny that true justice demands? I often long for it - that is until I am reminded that justice, in its perfect state, must be meted out to me as well. And what of mercy with no justice? It is unnecessary, of course! Why, the very thought of mercy implies that justice is due - but mercy, instead, given. Even so, justice must be satisfied -- but how?
As Mercy came to us before Justice, I am eternally grateful that God extended me his mercy before exacting his justice. Still - justice was required, and my debt was surely paid. But, it was Christ alone who could and did pay the price I owed. Did I suggest above that justice is planned but mercy not? Think again, my friend. Though Mercy came to us suddenly and without much forewarning, it would appear her little path had been planned all along. Rescued twice, nearly starved, street wise and quick, I believe it was God, in his providential care, who set Mercy aside for us. It was he who guarded her and kept her alive so she could come to minister to us. To others. So it is with mercy and justice. Before the foundation of the world, God planned that justice would be satisfied through Jesus, his only begotten Son, and that through Christ's finished work on the cross, I, and others, would meet God's mercy before his justice.
Mercy prepared the way that we might stand forgiven - before the holiness and justice of God.
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience - among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved - and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are this workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:1-10
Reflecting on loss seems to be a recurring theme here. Perhaps it's because, at this stage of life, losses (or changes) march into our lives with increasing regularity. Parents die. Children leave. Careers end.
Yesterday, our sweet natured German shepherd lost his fight with what was most likely a brain tumor. In light of the day's cacophonous reports of death and mayhem around the world, this is a very small thing. Inconsequential. And a part of me feels ashamed to even write of it. Yet here I am - writing.
I would like to think my record of this event goes deeper than a desire for sympathy or sentimental platitudes about pets being family members. I hope this even goes beyond being a faltering tribute to a "good dog". Yes, my husband and I (and even our grown children) are sad. Yes, though Nikko was not truly a family member (after all, who sends a family member to a kennel or bathes him with a hose in the backyard?), he was a part of our family structure - the one who most vocally and joyously greeted us, our children, and even guests without abandon. And yes, Nikko was a good dog. He was everything a dog should be - from his devoted guarding of the steps while we slept to his relentless chasing of tennis balls (and our relentless sweeping up of his hair balls throughout our house).
But the thing I really want to talk about is this - losses are ultimately for my gain. They cause me to ponder life's brevity and hopefully to hold it more tenderly. Losses lead me to reflect upon my own life and its meaning. Most of all, however, I think losses point me to Christ - as his willing loss has resulted in my eternal gain.
From heavenly king to earthly babe, from time before time to the minutia of this life, from sweet intimacy with the Father to abandonment on the cross. Jesus freely laid down all the glories that were rightfully his that I might receive all the glories that I do not deserve.
Consider this passage from Philippians 2: Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
And so I am grateful for these recurring lessons in loss and gain and am thankful that God does not tire of teaching me. He does not spare me from loss but is there with me in its midst - comforting, holding, gently directing my eyes ever upward. Sometimes he uses the simplest of his creatures to accomplish the task. In this case, my dog. A good dog. Our Nikko
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
Mark 8:36
I painted our front door yellow yesterday - certainly not a very notable accomplishment for most folks. For me, however, it was akin to wing walking or swimming the Atlantic Ocean (do people even do that???). A yellow door was not on my radar when I awoke that morning. Although I had intended to paint the door all summer, I was awaiting the go-ahead from my husband as to color choice and method- which came yesterday in a series of texts (why do married people who live in the same house text?):
Would like to paint the front door and it's a good day to do it. Is that okay? Any thoughts to color? Kinda wanted it to pop a bit.
Yeyyo? (family joke - that's how our grandson says it)
Yeyyo would be beautiful!
And, that's all it took! Forty-five minutes and a trip to Ace Hardware later, and I had begun the transformation of our front door from.... well, I'm not sure what words to use here. From boring to bling? From putty to poppy? From safe to sorry?
Honestly, I'm not a big fan of yellow. Oh, it's alright in small doses. Quite nice, actually, when strategically placed in bouquets or, let's say, as sunshine. But, my front door? Why didn't my husband like the deep burgundy or quiet taupe color chips I had shown him? When I had suggested "yeyyo", it was really kind of a joke, and the thought occurred to me that perhaps he had been joking, too, and my gullibility had left us with a door nearly the color of a school bus.
I don't know how long I'll keep our door yellow. Most likely, I will revert to a safer hue in the near future. But, for now it seems apropos - a symbol of taking risks. You see, our family is set to embark on a trip this Saturday that will bring us all together for the first time in two years. Destination - Hawaii! Our son and his wife are living there while he's in school, and it is the logical juncture for his mid-western family to meet hers from Japan. We will be celebrating their marriage which took place in March. It's a big trip for someone like me who prefers my own back yard to most other places on the planet, and I hope we've planned it well. I pray the Lord will go before us and be there in our midst so that his name will be glorified.
Hmmmm.... Yellow is a glorious color, isn't it? Perhaps the perfect color door to step through on our way to a glorious and joyous reunion. What "yellow doors" have you been walking through lately?
August 2 is always a day of reflection for me for it is the anniversary
of the day God redeemed me from death through the finished work of Jesus
Christ. Today is my 41st birthday in the Lord. It is a day of
rejoicing – in fact, I think this year I will get out the little dancing
birthday girl and celebrate!
it is interesting, looking back to that day in 1971, when at the age of 15 I was born again to a living hope. Throughout the winter prior, I was being challenged by the preaching of my Methodist pastor to search the scriptures for an answer to the emptiness within me. During that time, God pricked my heart – both in church and at home on my bed. I read and struggled and questioned and resisted. I spoke with my pastor. I made bumbling attempts at coming to know Christ even as I negotiated with Him the terms of our relationship. It was both a miserable and a wonderful time - as near to my recollections of laboring to give birth as I can recall.
So, fast forward to August 2, where at a youth camp on the grounds of Lakeside, "The Chautauqua on the Lake", I came to a full (at least as full as it could be at the time) understanding of sin (mine) and grace (God's). It was then that I was made alive in Christ! For the next three years, I immersed myself in studying the Bible and getting to as many faith related activities as I possibly could – churches, youth groups, Bible studies, Christian coffee houses (the Jesus People/Jesus Freak movement was big at the time), street witnessing, baptisms…. I even sang a Christianized version of James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend" on the stage of Hoover Auditorium at Lakeside in a dress that, due to my ignorance and the style of the day, was assuredly much too short to be wearing on an elevated platform.
Sadly, however, at age 18 I walked away from the Lord (complicated to be sure - but certainly a result of my own sinful heart rather than the failings of those I tried to blame). My wanderings and waverings over the years have been many and protracted and of unhappy consequence. I wish it were not so. Yet, what I can say is this - God is faithful when I am faithless. He, in His mercy, preserves me and keeps me then and now. What I thought, in 1971, was "my decision" has proven to be God's work, and without it I would most certainly be lost. For these, His tender mercies, I am eternally grateful!
So, today I think I will sing a little "Happy Birthday" song - not in honor of myself, but in celebration of the One who died that I might live. God keeps His promises, and all His promises are fulfilled in Christ. His love never ends.
While considering what to write as a second blog entry, I found the eulogy I wrote for my mom's funeral in early 2008. It seems strange now - to consider my audacity in thinking I could summarize her (all 91 years of her!) in nine short paragraphs. Impossible. Yet, in posting them now, I hope to share with you just a bit of the woman she was. It is titled "Glory" because Gloria was the name my grandmother first gave my mom (she later changed it to Dorothy) who was born on a glorious day in December, 1916:
First, my sisters and I would like to thank each of you for the special role you played in our mom's life and especially in the week leading up to her passing. Your prayers, your calls, your presence enabled her to live her life knowing she was loved and gave her sure footing as she journeyed from this world to the next. May you be blessed in return for your many kindnesses. We hope you sense, as we have, the hand of Providence in each step you took with her.
Secondly, we want to say how grateful we are for the innumerable ways in which we experienced the hand of God this last week. Like Mary, the mother of Jesus, we have treasured all these things up in our hearts and meditated upon them. While many of the signs we saw, the conversations we held, and the moments in time we lived were the same, each of them spoke to us individually and uniquely and was exactly what we needed when it occurred..
Lastly, we want to express our gratitude to our mom who so thoroughly prepared us for this event. Not only did she raise us to be women of purpose, she purposefully had put her life in order. From her business affairs to her wishes for medical care, she was prepared. Even her many photo albums she so diligently kept over the years, were a gift she left us as we made arrangements for this day.
Consider this clipping I found in one album. It was her senior class write-up from Margaretta High School titled "Individualism Shown by Unusual Senior Maiden":
"Dorothy Pickett – fiery Senior girl who hates nicknames – thinks they show lack of respect – has a terrific temper – admits it – but insists that it is a German one and not Irish. She has a secret passion for the colors orange and green – makes her less bashful – believes that vivid colors give a feeling of importance.
Strangely enough, she detests books – thinks they are too fictitious, she is extremely realistic. She is handy with her right hand – gets a bigger "kick" out of slapping boys than girls – says they're not so apt to strike back. She can play "The Doll Dance" on the piano then starts clogging – believes that a dancing class ought to be in the school curriculum – has charming dimples and laughs continually – swims like a fish—sinks when she floats – prefers riding in a Chevrolet to a Whippet any day – or night for that matter."
What struck me in reading this and in speaking with each visitor who called yesterday, was the similarity in the words used to describe our mom. Their impressions of her tell of a woman who was true to herself. She was, in fact, true in many ways to this little vignette from years gone by. That is not to say she was a stagnant, unchanging person. To the contrary, she was one of the most effervescent, alive people I know. But she was herself – no phony baloney – and as private and reserved as she could often appear, she was very real.
We were fortunate to experience that realness in new ways since the time of Mom's first stroke. Because of it, much of the guard she, like we, had learned to carefully put in place over the years, was lowered. She became open to hugs, transparent with her emotions, and though sometimes easily frustrated, just as quick to apologize. This does not mean the last 13 ½ months were easy for her. They were hard times but ones in which she, as in hard times before, valiantly prevailed. That is perhaps one of her greatest legacies to us – prevailing in the face of opposition.
Her other legacy is the faith she had (and has) in a loving God – one whose hand can be seen in all of creation if one simply takes the time to notice. It is that God who spoke to us throughout this difficult time. It is that God who redeems us through his Son. And it is ultimately that God who ushered our mom into his kingdom and has restored her to wholeness.
I am thankful that God saw fit to give me a mom who was both a rock and a cushion on which to fall, my biggest cheerleader while still a dispenser of needed reproof, a nurturer yet the one who prepared me to leave her nest for a life of my own. I am thankful that, no matter the time or distance that separates us, I can still, if I'm very quiet, nearly hear her voice call my name. I can consider the wise counsel she would be sure to give if she could and see hints of her in the mannerisms my aunt and sisters and I share. In all these ways, she remains forever alive. And indeed she is, for she is never out of the mind of God.
It's been nearly a year since my mother-in-law died. I miss her - differently from the way I miss my own mother - but in some ways I miss her more intensely. Perhaps it is because her loss is more recent or maybe because she was the last of our parents to survive, so losing her was like losing all of them all over again. But, one thing I know, the relationship she and I shared grew sweeter as the years went by, and I miss her dearly.
My husband and I went to her now empty home a couple weeks ago to be present during a pre-auction open house Her home was important to her, especially as she got older, as it represented her independence and autonomy. She loved her little house in her little town; being near her sister; being able to drive herself wherever she wanted whenever she wanted. But, it's not the house that prompts me to write. Rather, it is the things that I found in the house that reminded me of her and of the years in which our lives became so serendipitously entwined as she shared her son with me and I my children with her. Here are some of them:
There were other things - holiday themed window hangings, hand cut construction paper decorations, pages from coloring books, a paint by number replica of The Last Supper my husband had created for her as a boy, appliance manuals, stationery from far flung places our kids have visited, an old address book with loved ones' deaths recorded on the inside cover.... Things that my husband and I knew were there but had yet to gather together and bring home where we seem unable or unwilling to dispose of them - for to lose them feels like losing her for good.
Looking back, each one of these simple treasures coordinates with the others to collectively illustrate my mother-in-law's character, but perhaps the last in the list most perfectly embodies her. When she died, her organs were destroyed - they had shut down as she lay in the hospital - and nothing we could do, nothing her medical team could do could save them or her. Sadly, she was unable, in the end, to gift them to the living as her Ann Landers clipping from years ago suggested would have been her wish. And yet, her desire to enrich the next generation did not go unfulfilled, for she left the essence of who she was in each of us. Her devotion to her husband and her love of family, her wise (and sometimes funny) sayings, her spontaneity, her commitment to her church, her rascally sense of humor, her Sunday meals, her steadfastness in everyday things, her times spent with our children. She savored and saved them. She cataloged them. She cherished them as she cherished us. May I, through her example, be inspired and strengthened to do the same.


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A couple of years ago I read Noel Piper's beautiful little book titled Treasuring God in Our Traditions, in which she offers insight into the ways we celebrate holidays and other occasions throughout the year. Inspires us to pause and consider why this tradition and not that...
One practice we've adopted in our home since then (which is probably my modified version of hers) is to hang "shepherd's pouches" on the mantle during the days/weeks of Advent. In place of stockings, these simple but shimmering cloth gift bags (Target!) are used by each child to collect his or her "gifts for the King."
We first talk about our desire to give gifts of love to those we care about - on birthdays, especially. But...
How do we give to an invisible being?
Then we read Jesus' words: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
So. This is how we give to the King. We love and care for others. Tangibly and intangibly. Sacrifice. Service.
Yes. This is how.
So this way of loving at this time of the year begins with the children considering together and choosing a person or a group to which they'll donate coins and dollars earned. Maybe a local shelter that feeds & clothes bodies and souls. The adoption agency which brought our son home to us.
This year, a catalog from Samaritan's Purse arrived, and the kids have enthusiastically turned its pages (helpful in its plentiful supply of photographs which accompany giving options!), choosing individually what they'd like to give.
$35 One month of meals, lodging, healthcare & education for an orphaned child
$75 Basic necessities, shelter, counseling for a child rescued from abuse
$10 Treated mosquito net to cover a child's bed
$14 A dozen chicks to provide eggs for a hungry family
$18 Contribute toward a portable water purification unit for a community
$40 10 New Testament Bibles
...so many more...medical care, training and education, food, water...(shocking how much can be accomplished with so little - less than one restaurant meal here)
It's not about this particular organization, or this particular tradition - there are many beautiful ways to share.
But - cultivating a spirit of self-sacrifice is hard for us anyway - harder still for children during this season and in this consumeristic culture, who are marketed to constantly. We've found that even the visual reminder of the shepherd's pouch being in view, front and center, during these weeks helps us to maintain focus.
But, as I heard someone say a few days ago: In our practice of social justice, we must not forget the Source. The reason.
And so...imperfectly, we remind ourselves that the magnificent event we celebrate on December 25 began with Someone's fierce and determined desire to love a faraway people.

subset: commoncrawl


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For the more active among you who like to sweat on their travels – here is the selection.
Kantrida Pools is a new sports and urban complex located right by the shore of the city of Rijeka.
Platak is probably the only ski resort in our vicinity where, from the top of the funicular (1363 m), you can enjoy a sea view!
The bay between Rijeka and Opatija is called Preluk and is known by absolutely every windsurf lover in Croatia as well as in the neighbouring countries.
When you come to Rijeka, the first two things you notice are the sea and the Učka Mountain. This wonderful combination of the green and the blue contributes to the diversity and attractiveness of the region.
Rijeka and its surrounding area have everything you need to spend a perfect active holiday. This is a peculiar region where the sea meets the mountains, and the best way to explore the Rijeka area is – on two wheels.
Experience the ultimate freedom and relaxation with the privacy provided by the sporty sailing boat.


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Age: 40
Fortune: inherited
Source: inheritance, hedge funds
Net Worth: $1.5 bil
Country Of Citizenship: United States
Residence: New York, New York , United States, North America
Industry: Investments
Marital Status: married, 2 children
Education: Harvard University, Bachelor of Arts / Science
Cornell University, Doctor of Jurisprudence
With brothers Daniel and Dirk (see both). Father, William Ziff Jr. (d. 2006), built Ziff-Davis publishing empire (PC Magazine, Car & Driver, Boating). Sold for $1.4 billion in 1994, retired to Florida. Siblings reinvest proceeds via Ziff Brothers Investments: hedge funds, corporate debt, equities, small stake in DreamWorks SKG. Passive investors in Och-Ziff Capital Management Group hedge fund group.
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|Rank | Name | Citizenship | Age | Net Worth | Residence
|For billionaires with publicly traded fortunes, net worths were calculated using share prices and exchange rates from February 9, 2007.


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With glaucoma being the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the United States, affecting three million Americans, and being the second leading cause of blindness in the world, it is imperative that research continues to try to find answers to this debilitating eye disease.
According to a new study, researchers found that when vitamin B3, a natural option, was added to the drinking water of mice that were genetically predisposed to glaucoma, they did not develop that condition because of the boost given to the metabolic reliability of eye cells that are aging and keep them healthier for a longer time.
Glaucoma is a common eye condition, and, once vision is lost, it cannot be recovered. The condition causes damage to the optic nerve of the eye, getting worse as time passes. It is linked to a pressure buildup inside the eye. The increased pressure can do damage to the the optic nerve that transmits images to the brain.
Glaucoma can be treated with medication, eye drops, or surgery to slow the progress. However, the Mayo Clinic reported that even with treatment, approximately 15 percent of individuals that have glaucoma will become blind in at least one eye within 20 years of appearance of the first symptoms. Without proper treatment, total permanent blindness could occur within a few years.


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Columbus Child Custody & Visitation
Columbus Child Custody & Visitation
Columbus Child Custody Lawyer
Children are the most valuable asset of any marriage. In any divorce or dissolution, their best interests should be paramount. Unfortunately, the welfare of children can sometimes take a back seat to heated disputes over the division of marital property and assets.
At the Columbus Law Offices of William L. Geary, we have been helping concerned parents put their children first for more than 30 years. The attorneys at our firm work hard to protect your rights and goals while looking out for the best interests of your children.
We are adept at identifying multiple options for providing the best arrangement for each child in a complex or high-asset divorce. We integrate creative child support scenarios to find child custody solutions that work.
Call our Columbus family law attorneys for help with your sensitive child custody and visitation issues at 614-228-1968.
Ohio Visitation Attorney
Child custody and visitation rights are protected by law, regardless of complexity of the matter, including:
- Second marriages
- Domestic partnerships
- Same-sex relationships after a divorce
- Threats of retaliation from former spouses
- Disputes over religion, politics or employment
If someone attempts to retaliate against you, our team will aggressively defend your rights and your children's best interests. Our attorneys have a detailed understanding of Ohio family law, including specific statutes, such as Rule 27 visitation rights in Franklin County, to protect you.
Courts tend to favor shared parenting arrangements as being in the best interests of children of divorce. Under the unusual circumstances where there is an allegation of child abuse, neglect or domestic violence, the powerful advocacy of an experienced and effective child custody lawyer is essential to ensure a proper and just outcome of the matter. Here in Columbus and throughout Central Ohio, Courts are working to establish parenting plans for visitation that spread quality time evenly between both parents, while reflecting the natural rhythms and existing schedules of the children's lives. Attorney Bill Geary brings more than 35 years of experience to these discussions, and can help to provide creative insight based upon this experience to help find the best possible solution for parenting time with your child(ren).
Contact Us for Help with Child Custody and Visitation Issues
Contact us today to schedule a detailed assessment of your current legal position and to discuss a strategy for securing the best interests of your children with an experienced Ohio child custody and visitation attorney. We are available to help you by phone at 614-228-1968.


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We are now taking applications for the Ski Trip to Bormio in Italy in February 2019 (next academic year).
This trip is open to all in Years 7 to 12 and you do not have to have skied before.
If you are interested please collect an information pack from outside Mrs Simpson's Office in the Reception area or download one from the link below.
The closing date for applications is Friday 30th October.


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Company Profile
Company Info
PSS Steering & Hydraulics
Folgate Road
North Walsham, United Kingdom Phone: 01692 406017
Web Site: www.pss.co.uk
Company Description:PSS are market leading specialists in the manufacture of steering columns, power steering pumps and hydraulic equipment. You'll find our products all over the world – in off-highway vehicles, military vehicles, tractors, trucks, buses, forklifts and more.
As well as manufacturing original equipment products from concept to completion, we are undisputed experts in remanufacturing aftermarket parts to Original Equipment standards.
Every job we undertake reflects our ethos of Driving Excellence. So whether you need a single unit or a batch of thousands, you can rely on us for quality, expertise and outstanding customer service – every time.
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International Fraternity Inc., CSU Colony
Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc.(SLB) Colony was founded at Chicago State University (CSU) on April 15, 2016 by a group of four young men that adhered to the principles of brotherhood, community service, cultural awareness, and scholarship.
It began with an interest group that was established as an official student organization in the fall 2015 semester as Success, Leadership and Brotherhood (S.L.B.) Society. S.L.B. Society members adhered to the beliefs of further nurturing the dynamic of interested male students through leadership development, academic success, and networking. Their commitment and dedication paid off at the end of the spring 2016 semester when they transitioned into a Colony of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc.
They made history at CSU as they are now recognized as Founders of the first Latino based (Multicultural) Greek Fraternity on campus. The Founding line consists of Andrew Huff, Jonathan Navarro, Albert Regalado, and Isaac Rodriguez.
2016-2017 Executive Board Members
President: Jonathan Navarro, Business
Vice President: Isaac Rodriguez, Criminal Justice
Treasurer: Andrew Huff, Chemistry
Secretary: Julio Lopez, Criminal Justice
Signature Events
Halloween Masquerade Ball
Day of the Dead
Food Sales
Holiday Toy Drive
Contact Information
Location: Cordell Reed Student Union Building
Room: 230-A
Phone: 773-995-2526
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
National Website: www.SigmaLambdaBeta.com
Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc.-CSU Colony


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Tag Archives: Masamune-kun's Revenge
Masamune-kun's Revenge Episode #12
Oh look, it's Masamune Makabe as he broke free from the clutches of Class A. However… …it appears that their version of Snow White is already running and without Kanetsugu Gasou, there's no prince to kiss Aki Adagaki! So, what … Continue reading
Masamune-kun's Revenge Episode #11
Hey look, it's Kojurou Shuri as he rehearsing his role as Snow White. C'mon, his feminine looks is fitting for Class B's stage play!
Masamune-kun's Revenge Episode #10
Here's Masamune Makabe, finishing up his training routing in the great outdoor. After all, he doesn't want to be labeled as a fat guy!
Masamune-kun's Revenge Episode #09
On this episode, we continue where we left off last week as Aki Adagaki and her friends worked together to find Neko Fujinomiya. After all, she has a frail body and who knows what will happen to her if Neko-sama … Continue reading
Masamune-kun's Revenge Episode #08
Here's Masamune Makabe as he finally noticed that his childhood photo went missing or should I say stolen by a certain girl…
Masamune-kun's Revenge Episode #07
Hey everyone, it's time for a beach episode as Aki Adagaki invited more people at her summer house 'cause she can't spend summer by herself or with Yoshino Koiwai all the time. Of course, Aki-sama didn't plan to invite Masamune … Continue reading
Masamune-kun's Revenge Episode #06
Well, seems that Neko Fujinomiya is finding Masamune Makabe, but he's currently cleaning the pool together with Aki Adagaki. So, Neko asked Yoshino Koiwai about his whereabouts, but it seems that she doesn't know where Masamune-kun is. Also, Koiwai felt … Continue reading
Masamune-kun's Revenge Episode #05
Here's Yoshino Koiwai as she acts as a gun-tottin' guardian for Aki Adagaki! Although last week's episode was a case of misunderstanding due to the arrival of a mysterious girl, Masamune Makabe wants to clear that up…
Masamune-kun's Revenge Episode #04
Well, looks like this episode seems normal to me as Masamune Makabe and Aki Adagaki are attending supplementary classes.
Masamune-kun's Revenge Episode #03
Look what we have here, Masamune Makabe helping Kojurou Shuri on his studies! Yeah, looks normal… …except that this girl named Tae Futaba is having rotten thoughts about those two boys. Well, looks like this class representative is a bonafide … Continue reading


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Lulu is a 34-year-old communications manager who lives in Riverdale. She describes her style as casual chic and says, "My favourite look is fitted jeans, knee-high boots and a cozy but classy sweater." Lulu describes herself as "charismatic" and says, "I'm a great friend to the men and women in my world." She likes going on ski and surf trips "or even just weekend getaways." Lulu is looking for someone who is "outgoing, kind to others, and successful, in terms of doing well at what he loves."
After a long period of being single — more than a year — my girlfriends demanded that I start online dating. There's something to be said about a woman's intuition, and her gut instincts, but I acquiesced. Not long after creating an account, my inbox was consumed by messages. One suitor stood out because of his profile name, which was something about a "knight." Charming.
We chatted online for a week. He was polite, and quirky, maybe even odd. I liked that about him, because it made it easier to think about meeting him in person. The Knight — Michael — asked me out for coffee.
I walked to the café to meet him, and a feeling of anticipation overwhelmed me: I was nervous, excited and scared, but I mostly felt proud for pushing myself to go through with this date.
The patio was full, so I sat just inside the open doors. We had exchanged some quick messages earlier that day, and I had described what I was wearing. Michael had written: "You won't miss me." He was not kidding: the "knight" showed up in an almost full set of actual armour. The patio fell silent as he slowly made his way toward me. Every single person at the café was staring at us. I remember his approach as if it were in slow motion. I was mortified.
Michael approached me and took off his helmet; there was sweat dripping down his face. He bowed slightly and struggled to sit down. He was grinning and clearly enjoying the attention from everyone in the café. Before I could even react, he began telling me facts about the armour he was wearing, how realistic it was, and how women could get it custom made. I could feel the pained look on my face, but that didn't seem to deter him. He probably thought, "Wow, she's so impressed, she's speechless!" but "Help me!" is what was really going through my mind. Note to self: listen to your gut.
After an hour — the conversation was completely one-sided, which didn't help him any — he told me he was going home to change, but would come back. It turned out he couldn't get a cab in his suit and I had to help him. As he got into the cab I told him I was actually going to call it a night. I'm not into medieval role-play, but at least my online-dating life was off to an interesting start.
Lulu rates her date (out of 10): 6
Want to be a dating diarist? Email email@example.com


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Head of Customer Relations (Energy and Utilities)
- Recruiter
- Consult Solutions
- Location
- West Midlands
- Salary
- 40000.00 - 50000.00 GBP Annual + Benefits
- Posted
- 20 Apr 2017
- Closes
- 18 May 2017
- Category
- Business and Consultancy
- Function
- Consultant
- Contract Type
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full Time
Head of Customer Relations (Energy and Utilities), West Midlands - Consult Energy
Job Type: Permanent
Location: West Midlands
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: GBP40,000 - GBP50,000 DOE + Benefits
A Head of Customer Relations (Energy and Utilities) is required to join an up and coming Energy supplier on a permanent basis in the West Midlands. This is a heavily financially backed Energy retail business with plans for mass growth and other subsidiary companies possibly being considered in the near future. Please read through the job requirements and get in touch if you meet all of the criteria.
- Must have at least 5 years' experience working in the UK Energy Industry
- Must have expertise working in a Senior Departmental Manager or 'Head Of' role
- Strong leadership skills are a must, having managed large 'Front Office' operational teams
- Strong knowledge of the end to end customer journey
- Excellent organisation skills, budget management, recruitment, training and performance management experience
- Experience having lead large Complaints teams for an Energy supplier considered an advantage
- Expertise in process improvement, continuous improvement and relevant certifications considered an advantage (Lean Six Sigma etc.)
- A passionate, hard-working and career focused individual with a real back bone and drive to succeed will stand out like a sore thumb!
Day to Day role:
The successful Head of Customer Relations will be responsible for managing multiple teams across a growing Utility in the West Midlands. With 4 or more direct reports and cross functional teams including, but not limited to inbound customer service, outbound customer service, credit management, retentions, third party suppliers, offshore partners (sales) and other Back Office functions, you will be required to effectively manage a very diverse team. The Head of Customer Relations will also be responsible for developing and implementing short term and long term plans to develop staff and improve performance, managing budgets and driving down costs as well as resource planning across all of the Operational teams. This is a very fast-paced role and thus someone who has experience in a similar role with the ability to manage a high workload will be a great fit. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates to join a high growth utility with ambitious and exciting growth plans.
If the above role is of interest to you then please apply today by sending a copy of your CV to Steve at (see below) or by calling (see below). If you know someone who might be a good fit for the role then please pass on the above details and get in touch ASAP.
Head of Customer Relations (Energy and Utilities), West Midlands - Consult Energy


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September 20, 2015/
Pentecost – Proper 20
Wisdom of Solomon 1:16-2:1, 12-22; Psalm 54; James 3: 13- 4:3, 7 – 8a; Mark 9: 30-37
In the Name of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. AMEN.
In several weeks Episcopal clergy from all around the Diocese of Texas will gather at our Diocesan camp, Camp Allen, for an annual event called "clergy conference." I have now been to about ten of these clergy conferences, and one of the things that I have noticed about them is the natural, and very human tendency clergy have in comparing themselves to one another. There is a lot of talk about successful parishes, lot of talk about church growth, growing budgets, new staff members. Those are the stories clergy seem to want to share. But there is not much talk about failure, churches that are struggling, and certainly rare is the occasion when a priest would admit to buckling under the pressures of leading a congregation.
This is sad to me, for many reasons. It is sad that clergy feel the need to compare themselves and the churches they serve to other churches. It is sad that clergy sometimes confuse their relationship with their church with their relationship with God. They are not the same thing!
And finally, it is sad that we, as clergy, struggle to admit our own inadequacies, our own mistakes, our own brokenness, failures, and instead choose talk about safer, more comfortable things, like church attendance, curriculums, or programs. It's much easier, and safer, to compare yourself to another person on superficial matters, like church size, than it is to confront your own brokenness. And so clergy conference is sometimes the forum where priests argue over who is the greatest, the most successful, the best.
These arguments are not new – the disciples had them long ago as they were walking along the coast of the Sea of Galilee. They were doing just what many at clergy conference do – arguing over who was the best, the greatest. I guess they needed something to pass the time – they were probably bored, and arguing is something people certainly do to avoid boredom, strange as that sounds. Once they get to where they were going Jesus asks them, "what were you all arguing about?" and the disciples were embarrassed that Jesus heard them, and they said nothing. They were ashamed, I imagine, of their selfish ambition.
Ambition alone is fine and good, but selfish ambition, a desire to be greater than others, does nothing but create chaos. Our lesson from James this morning reminds us that "where there is selfish ambition, there will be disorder of every kind." The reason why James says that putting yourself above others breeds disorder is because if you say that you are better, more important, that your needs matter more, then you are going to live a very lonely life, because in your own imaginary world with your self-inflated importance, no one is allowed to come close.
Theologians have a word for this kind of living where your selfish ambition constantly supersedes the needs of others, where your ongoing desire for recognition and importance is all that feeds you. The word they use to describe this kind of life is simple – hell.
There is a way out, by the way. Jesus shares this way out with his disciples, when he says to them "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all." In other words, greatness doesn't come from ambition. It comes from humility.
Mark's Gospel never says if the disciples understood what Jesus said to them, or if they just kept on bickering amongst each other about who was the greatest. But in the Gospel of our lives, in the story we tell about who we are as God's people, we get to say how we understand the words of Jesus. We get to say – we understand.
We don't need to be ashamed of who we are. We don't need to lie about our story. We are free to be imperfect, as God created us to be. We are released from the prison of comparing ourselves to others, and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to just be, and to be grateful.
When I interviewed with the search committee of this parish, I was asked by one of the members that if I was called here, would I use St. Andrew's as a stepping stone to get to some flashier, glitzy, high rolling church in a few years. What they were really trying to find out is if I was some selfishly ambitious little twerp. My answer to them was no. I envision a lot of ministry for us to do together for an abundant chapter in the history of St. Andrew's.
Pray for those clergy going to clergy conference this year, stuffing their insecurities, failures, and shame into their suitcases too small to carry such burdens. I wish I could say it was only clergy that do this, but the truth is – we all do. And all of us have been given a way out, thanks be to God. AMEN.


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Pattaya condominium for sale at Baan Suan Lalana property rentals
Baan Suan Lalana is an immaculately maintained complex set in luscious gardens and is just 800 meters from Jomtien Beach.
Pattaya condominium for sale - Prices start from 1.19 million Thai Baht.
Condominium for rent Pattaya - from 10,000 Thai Baht per month.
We have a range of apartments available of various sizes, for short or long-term rentals and condominium Pattaya for sale - great investment opportunities or you can rent-to-own with our Flexible Payment Plans.
View a selection of available apartments in Baan Suan Lalana here:
Residents at Baan Suan Lalana can benefit from many amenities here including:
two tennis courts
three large swimming pools
two saunas
a table tennis room with three tables
a fitness center
a library
several children's play areas
a cafe
laundry services
free resident parking
24 hour porter service
gated 24 hour security
Baan Suan Lalana is a beautiful, well maintained condominium complex located in a peaceful area of Jomtien. It's name translates from Thai as "beautiful garden home" and is set in luscious green gardens, giving it a village feel and tranquil atmosphere. The condominium offers a lovely peaceful, secure and relaxed environment for residents looking for a Pattaya condominium for sale or rent.
This is a private and popular resort complex, located on Chaiyapruek Road, approximately 800 meters from Jomtien Beach, where you will find an abundance of restaurants, shops, markets, bars and water-sports along the 6 km beautiful sandy beach.
You can find various restaurants in close proximity to the complex, along with shops, convenience stores and bars. Jomtien Beach is a short walk, drive or ride on the Baht bus away, and from here there are easy connections into Central Pattaya.
There is easy access to Sukhumvit Road from the complex (located 600 meters from the main road), which has good transport links to the north (Bangkok) and south (Rayong), with their many attractions and golf courses making a great condominium for rent Pattaya or purchase.
Condominium for rent Pattaya large selection of Thailand Real Estate for sale
Jomtien is a quieter beach area than, and to the south of, Pattaya - with a fantastic 6 km of sandy beach. Along the beach there are numerous beach chairs where food and drinks can be purchased from the beach vendors while you relax. Jomtien Beach also offers a range of water-sports for your enjoyment, including jet skiing, windsurfing, banana boating and scuba diving to name a few!
Jomtien offers numerous restaurants with a mix of international and traditional Thai restaurants and cuisines. In addition Jomtien has a wide and varied nightlife catering for all tastes, from family orientated establishments, and cabaret show, to it's own version of Walking Street (Super Town).
In the area you will also find beauty salons, massage parlors where you can enjoy a range of relaxation treatments and traditional Thai massages, numerous shops and markets offering items such as clothing, souvenirs and fresh fruit and vegetables.
There are two night markets in Jomtien, one located on Beach Road which is open every night and popular for its many cheap food stalls. The other is Thepprasit Night Market, which is held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening and well worth a visit - this is one of Pattaya's largest markets with many stalls offering a variety of wares from clothing, mementos and electronics, to pets - and a large food area where you can sample a huge range of delicious authentic Thai street food.
Jomtien is a great base from which to explore Pattaya and its many attractions such as its many golf courses, Pattaya Floating Market, Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden and the Sanctuary of Truth. A short ride on the Baht Bus from Jomtien Beach Road will take you into Central Pattaya, with its abundance of shops, restaurants and bars, a vibrant night life (such as the famous Walking Street), plenty of tourist attractions to keep you entertained and 4 km of beach offering various water-sports and trips to the nearby scenic island of Koh Larn (Coral Island) with it's white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters providing an excellent opportunity for snorkeling.
If you want to explore further afield there are many tourist agents offering a variety of day trips and excursions to attractions such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Erawan National Park, the Bridge over the River Kwai and Bangkok.
Pattaya condominiums for sale great selection of Real Estate Thailand
Condominium for rent Pattaya / condominium Pattaya for sale


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Second Temple Palace Uncovered
reprinted from The Jerusalem Post
by Etgar Lefkovits
Israeli archeologists have uncovered a monumental Second Temple structure opposite the Temple Mount that was likely Queen Helena's palace, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced Wednesday.
The building was unearthed during a six-month excavation in the Givati parking lot just outside the Old City's Dung Gate, ahead of the planned expansion of the Western Wall parking lot.
The site also indicates that the ancient City of David was much larger than previously thought, said archeologist Doron Ben-Ami, who is directing the dig at the site.
The palace, which was destroyed by the Romans when they demolished the Second Temple in 70 CE, was dated to the end of the Second Temple period by pottery and stone vessels, as well as an assortment of coins from that time, Ben-Ami said.
He said the elaborate edifice, which is an anomaly in the landscape of the lower city at the end of the Second Temple period - otherwise marked with only modest buildings - was probably a palace built by Queen Helena, a wealthy Babylonian aristocrat who converted to Judaism and moved to Jerusalem with her sons.
Helena became known for her generosity in helping the city's poor during a famine. She was buried in Jerusalem.
According to the prominent 1st century historian Josephus, Helena's family built lavish buildings in the City of David, which stood out at the time in a largely residential area that was noted for its almost complete absence of public or monumental buildings.
The archeologists carrying out the dig have not yet found any inscription to identify the building they uncovered, but Ben-Ami said there was a "high probability" that the site was indeed Helena's palace.
"We need more evidence to decide, but almost everything fits," he said.
The well-preserved structure being uncovered in the excavation is an impressive architectural complex that includes massive foundations; walls, some of which are more than five meters tall and are built of stones that weigh hundreds of kilograms; halls that are at least two stories tall; a basement level that was covered with vaults; and remains of polychrome frescoes, water installations and mikvaot.
The narrow openings that were discovered in the basement level of the structure were likely used by its inhabitants to flee shortly before the Romans destroyed the palace, Ben-Ami said.
The building was destroyed by dismantling the walls of the large structure, causing the massive stone walls and ceilings from the upper stories to collapse onto the basement.
The large edifice was covered with remains that date to later periods - Byzantine, Roman and early Islamic. Below it there are remains from the early Hellenistic period and artifacts from the time of the First Temple.
"It is like an open history book of Jerusalem," Ben-Ami said.
Discovered: Large 2nd-Temple House Adjacent to Temple Mount
reprinted from Arutz 7
by Hillel Fendel
(IsraelNN.com) The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) held a press conference Wednesday afternoon, announcing the discovery of a large-sized house from the Second Temple Period several dozen meters south of the Temple Mount. The remains were excavated in the well-known Givati Parking Lot, just outside the entrance to the Western Wall.
Writings of the Jewish-Roman historian Josephus Flavius (Joseph son of Matityahu) indicate that the uncovered building may well have belonged to the family of Queen Helene, who converted to Judaism in the 1st Century BCE. However, excavation chief Dr. Doron Ben-Ami said that this may or may not be true, "and we can only hope that we will discover more findings that will help us identify this building with certainty."
The find includes massive foundations, walls whose remains soar five meters high in some places, two-storey-tall halls, a basement, ritual baths (mikvaot), remains of colored frescoes, and more. The archaeologists say they can see, in the narrow openings discovered in the basement level, evidence of the drama that transpired in the structure prior to its destruction by the Romans. It appears that the inhabitants attempted to flee through the openings. Attempts were also made to destroy the structure at the time.
The large edifice was overlain with remains dating to later periods: Byzantine, Roman and Early Islamic, while below it there are remains from the Early Hellenistic period, and even artifacts from the time of the First Temple.
The dig is being carried out by the Israel Antiquities Authority together with the Nature and Parks Authority and the Ir David (City of David) Foundation.
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Qarib Qarib Singlle, Irrfan Khan and Parvathy's new film, has earned Rs 1.75 crore at the box office on Friday (Day 1), trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted. It marks Malayalam actress Parvathy's Bollywood debut. "Fri 1.75 cr. India biz... Expected to witness growth over the weekend witness growth over the weekend," read Mr Adarsh' tweet. Qarib Qarib Singlle is a contemporary love story. Two people (Irrfan and Parvathy) embark upon an unusual journey which eventually becomes an adventure. Irrfan Khan plays a small-time poet Yogi and Parvathy features as Jaya Sasidharan, a young widow. Qarib Qarib Singlle is directed by Tanuja Chandra, who has previously made films like Sangharsh and Dushman.
- Qarib Qarib Singlle is a contemporary love story
- It marks Malayalam actress Parvathy's Bollywood debut
- Rajkummar Rao's Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana also released on Friday
Here's Qarib Qarib Singlle's box office score.
#QaribQaribSinglle Fri 1.75 cr. India biz... Expected to witness growth over the weekend.— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) November 11, 2017
In his review for NDTV, film critic Saibal Chatterjee gave Qarib Qarib Singlle 3 stars out of 5. "A light-hearted traipse through loves lost and lives interrupted, Tanuja Chandra's Qarib Qarib Singlle - yes, it is single with double 'l' - isn't anywhere near qarib qarib perfect. The unhurried rhythm of Qarib Qarib Singlle might put off average filmgoers but if you see value in a film that breaks away from norm and derives strength from understatement rather than flashy storytelling methods, your search ends here," he wrote.
Ahead of the film's release, Irrfan told news agency IANS, "I am not nervous, I am excited as you don't get to do stories like this very often. It is a romantic tale. The romance in the film has old-charm to it, like we use to see in childhood. And it has characters you can relate with."
Qarib Qarib Singlle released along with Rajkummar Rao and Kriti Kharbanda's Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, which was received poorly by the critics.
Get Breaking news, live coverage, and Latest News from India and around the world on NDTV.com. Catch all the Live TV action on NDTV 24x7 and NDTV India. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram for latest news and live news updates.


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...at the moment.
I have recently had problems with exporting songs to GarageBand an issue that left me extremely frustrated.
The cause for my frustration is the fact that the exported file is very distorted. It all started with random beats, mostly cymbals and hi-hats appear choked when I listen to "arrangements" in the song view. Starngely this could not be heard when I played a song in the mixer view.
Now I have not used DPP for a week and when I started the app, to my astonishment my custom kits are gone, the Garagekit is gone, my purchase of Rock Drums is gone.
I have been able to restore the purchase but my custom kits and the Garage kit are still gone.
Best regards


text:
*This book contains adult themes
**Review by Susan & Stacey
Logan has loved Gemima for years. Gemima doesn't know.
After her deadpan relationship implodes, Logan seizes his chance to rock her world.
Set in picturesque Paris, SHE is an erotic tale about falling madly in love. Combining sex, passion, and romance, these two high-flying professionals will leave you saying, "Oh, la la!"
So we meet Gemima, who from the first page, I just connect with. She's hilarious and such a strong independent woman despite bring poorly treated by her then boyfriend, Jerry. Gemima has lived in France for 8 years but can't shift her American twang or hilarious attitude. I simply adored her.
A phonecall from Logan Leary to Gemima Samuels would be the making of the pair. Logan is one of the most genuine people, so trusting, adorable and romantic. Despite him having his own problems he is the most brilliant unassuming man. I admit I fell for him a little bit :)
Within a short space of time the two are together, in every sense of the word. Emotionally they are connected from the very beginning and we see that develop.....Physically!? The pair are hotter than hot. Where do I start? The ottoman, the syrup, the glass, the gift from friends?! Oh it's up there on the steam meter.
As for the story, it's brilliant, it's well written and I loved that each chapter was written to a song...it just flowed brilliantly and I read through it in 48 hours because despite three children I couldn't actually put it down. I now can't wait for part two because I have so many unanswered questions! I can't wait to read the second installment of SHE and get my answers.
"For a moment, I'm lost in our kiss, my mind unable to comprehend the level of happiness that I'm feeling right now."
So as soon as I knew this book was set in Paris, I wanted to read it - Paris always attracts me as I find the descriptions really draw me in and make me want to be there, She is no different!
I absolutely love Gemima, she's so funny; always having conversations with herself so she reminds me of me!
Logan is a dream boyfriend too, with a dream apartment to boot.
Logan has been besotted with Gemima ever since they met at a function a few years ago but Gemima was already attached (to a bit of a moron) so he just waited, and waited... And she finally came! (In more ways than one...) The attraction was magnetic from the off, from the very first meeting, and I was just egging them to get it on as the tension was unbearable! Logan is the perfect man in the bedroom (and out of it too). All through the book you just want these two to have a happy ending - even though you just know it's going to happen anyway!
"What could possibly be greater than opening my heart, and feeling, fully, the love that another has to give me?"
Absolutely loved reading this and can't wait for part two.
You can keep in touch with Annabel Fanning and news about her books on Facebook.
Get your copy of SHE here (UK) or here (US).
We received a copy of this book to review, but all thoughts & opinions are honest & our own.


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Fence bracket install tips
When attaching rails to a fence post it is important to use a fastener that will survive the corrosion present when using pressure treated ACQ wood. My previous post on ACQ goes into detail about this corrosion. When attaching an angled rail that will not fit the Simpson FB24Z bracket I like to use a stainless screw like the one pictured here. The increased pull out resistance afforded by the screw is useful in keeping the rail fast during wind or other stressors. A typical steel screw will become brittle and frequently snap or shear off in this application, even ACQ rated screws. I also use the stainless screws on the upper fence bracket for this same reason.
I prefer to use a strap nailer like the one pictured below to attach the lower brackets where the pull-out force is not as great. This gun shoots a 16d 2″ hard galvanized nail. The heavy thickness of this nail and it's hard galvanized coating ensures it will resist the corrosion present from ACQ treatment. Nail steel is also much more elastic than screw steel and far less likely to become brittle and shear the way a screw might. Careful choice of fasteners is another small detail in constructing a long lasting fence project. There are a wide array of materials available, choosing the correct one for your specific application will ensure a successful install.


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This dramatic and out-of-the-ordinary luxury home required a special strategy for selling, so we presented many options for livability. We strive to make as many possibilities spring to life for those touring this lovely lakefront property.
Staging helps buyers see the potential of a home for themselves. They project their own lives into the home.
Home buying is an intensely personal family decision.
Staging provides a sense of balanced perspective, showing your home at its best. We simplify and beautify homes.
Before and After photos illustrate the dramatic impact of professional home staging:


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The village was on the main trade route from Lhasa
to Bhutan and the people were relatively prosperous. By the late 1950's
the communist oppression had intensified and the social structure was
turned upside down. In 1962 Khenpo and his family fled through the mountains
and made their way through Bhutan to India.
After arriving in India, he and his sisters were
sent to a government boarding school for Tibetans in Darjeeling, West
Bengal. There he began his formal education. The curriculum included
the usual primary school subjects as well as English, Hindi and basic
dharma teachings. At the age of ten he took the robes of a monk and
received the vows of a novice (ge-tsul). He continued his education
up to the eighth grade. Year after year, he was always at the head of
his class.
1969 he entered the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan studies at
Sarnath, near Varanasi. There he followed a nine-year curriculum in
Buddhist studies and general education under his principal teacher,
Khenpo Palden Sherab, and other masters. His class work included
Sanskrit, English and intensive studies in the textual traditions of
Indian and Tibetan Buddhism. He graduated with the degree of Acharya in
1978, ranking first overall among the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism
represented at Sarnath. His Holiness the Dalai Lama honored his
achievement with the award of a silver medal. After graduation he was
invited to teach at Palyul Namdroling Monastery at the Tibetan
settlement in Bylakuppe, near Mysore in South India. For several years
he was engaged in training the young monks and teaching in the monastic
college, theNgagyur Nyingma Institute (Shedra). In 1983 he was
enthroned as a khenpo by His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche. In the
Nyingmapa tradition, a khenpo is a professor of Buddhist studies.
Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso has received all of the major
lineage empowerments and transmissions of the Nyingmapa school, including
the Dudjom Tersar from Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche; the Longchen Nyingthig
Yabshi, and Nyingma Kama from Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche; and the Rinchen
Terdzod and Nam Chos from Pema Norbu Rinpoche. He has done intensive
dzogchen practice under the guidance of Penor Rinpoche and other eminent
masters including Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche and Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche.
Pema Norbu Rinpoche has authorized him to represent the monastery and
to teach, to confer empowerments and to give personal instruction in
Buddhist practice.
Khen Rinpoche has traveled and taught extensively
in America, in Taiwan, and among the overseas Chinese communities in
Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. His open, direct and thorough
style of teaching has been very well received. He recently gave the
empowerment of the Gyud Sangwai Nyingpo (Guhyagarbha Tantra) followed
by extensive teachings on Mipham Rinpoche's commentary, Odsal Nyingpo.
This was the first time that this fundamental Nyingma tantra was explained
in such great detail in the USA.


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Follow @palinfoen Follow @palinfoar
JENIN, (PIC)– Unknown gunmen on Wednesday night killed deputy director of the Palestinian authority preventive security forces Hisham Al-Rakh in Jenin city.
The reason why he was targeted and who was behind the attack are still not known.
An informed source told the Palestinian information center (PIC) that Rakh was shot several times in his legs and chest and rushed to Martyr Khalil Suleiman hospital, but he died upon arrival at the hospital.
Rakh was notorious for his enmity towards the Palestinian resistance and in 2007 he boasted in a statement to Israel's channel 2 about his cooperation with the Israeli side and handing it an officer who infiltrated into Jenin city and was spotted by citizens outside the grand Mosque.
Last May, he ordered the arrest of many Fatah gunmen during a large-scale security crackdown in Jenin district after the home of governor Qaddura Musa was attacked causing him a deadly heart attack.