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Taylor rental car with chauffeur is a transportation company located in Civitanova Marche (MC) town.
The Taylor company provides a people transportation service with a fully optioned Wolkswagen Passat car; it has a municipal license which allows transit in all the historic town centres, in limited traffic areas (LTZ) and in bus lanes.
The Taylor company has twenty years experience in the customized transportation sector. The current municipal fees are applied and special prices are offered by making an agreement with the client.
The driver can speak fluent English and French, knows the local footwear district very well, cooperates with numerous hotels, farm holidays, restaurants andother local accommodation facilities. Payments by credit cards or POS payments are also accepted.

subset: commoncrawl


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Monthly Archives: March 2020
Urban Planning Guru Says Driverless Cars Won't Fix Congestion
Tech companies claim that autonomous vehicles could reduce traffic. But skeptics argue that they'll add to gridlock if people are still taking solo trips.
Bonhoeffer Capital 3Q18 Partner Letter: International Value Picks
Bonhoeffer Capital letter to partners for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018. Keith Smith is a CFA charterholder and received his MBA from UCLA. He has held positions with Empire Valuation Consultants, PwC, Management Consulting & Research, and served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force. Keith most recently served as a managing […]
China Opens Giant Bridge Linking Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland
The government hopes the 34-mile span will bolster growth, but some say the primary goal is further integrating semiautonomous cities and the mainland.
Tesla's 'Dog Mode' To Let Passersby Know The Pet is Safe Inside
StockSnap / Pixabay Tesla cars already had a Cabin Overheat Protection feature to keep a child or pet safe in a locked car, but the automaker is now expanding on that feature. Tesla's dog mode will let passersby know that the pet inside the car is safe. What will Tesla's dog mode be? Tesla's dog […]
The Computer Chauffeur Is Creeping Closer
Fully autonomous cars are years away, but it's the automobile where artificial intelligence could have a critical role for the greatest number of people.
Journalist's Expulsion From Hong Kong 'Sends a Chilling Message'
More than 15,000 people have signed a petition asking why the semiautonomous Chinese city decided to expel a Financial Times editor.
Hong Kong Plans to Expel a Financial Times Editor
The newspaper said Hong Kong will not renew a work visa for Victor Mallet, heightening fears of deteriorating media freedoms in the semiautonomous Chinese city.


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Riverside Poly football coaches John Rice and Bill Powell joins us LIVE in the studio!
Plus, our exclusive interview with former BYU and Heritage High School linebacker Sione Takitaki.
We also take a look at some of the top high school baseball and softball league championship races in the #InlandEmpire.


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A colourful place to keep track of my crafty adventures, interesting things I've spotted and great links. You'll find knitting, crochet and sewing with a smattering of baking and lots and lots of tea.
Now with added embroidery!
Don't forget to leave a comment, frou-frou likes to talk!
No, not THAT time of the month… THIS time of the month:
Is it a month already since the last one? Blimey, I must have ben enjoying myself!
Lucy loves playing with her little bag by the way. Steals my money and spends ages putting it in and taking it out again.
A week may be a long time in politics, but a month is a short time in craft fairs
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Live Blog
Regarding the McGenerals -- McChrystal, McRaven, Mattis, Kelly, et al. -- this observation:
Mitt Romney may not have the Republican base behind him, but with delightful rinos like John Kasich in his corner, he doesn't need those vulgar heathens, amirite?
I have more GOP re-ax, including RNC chairwoman (and Romney niece) Ronna McDaniel, here.
This puts things in perspective.
I disagree with Matt Yglesias on pretty much everything, but this is quite good and eye-opening.
This strikes me as spot-on -- and of course, not as a compliment.


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My blog page hits hit a new high (this is a guess) on Wednesday, thanks to a new group I created on Facebook.
Happy the man,and happy he alone, He,who can call today his own; He who,secure within,can say, Tomorrow do thy worst,for I have lived today.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
A devastating inferno
It's such a sorry sight. 24 lives have been lost so far when a 150-year old building on Park Street went up in flames yesterday. Music World, one of my favorite music stores in Kolkata was housed here.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Time for a change of template?
I love this template, but it's time to don a new look.
Never before…
has my blog homepage been littered with so much crap. I'm currently suffering from an acute poverty of imagination.
Yes, I must finally agree with what someone had said years ago – I know many workarounds when technology plays nasty tricks. Wish I could delve a little deeper in my blog!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Extract from THE TIMES OF INDIA
Taking action against the player's for their poor performance on the Australian tour…
That's Indian journalism for you!
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Make The World Go Away – Jim Reeves
If there is one song I can't live without, if there is one song that brings me both a tear and a smile, if there is one song that cries my heart out, if there is one last song I could play before I die, this is it.
Labels: music
Friday, March 05, 2010
All comments to posts prior to 10/10/06 have disappeared!!! What the hell is Blogger.com doing with my stuff? The comments really were more interesting than my posts! There was so much of nostalgia in them.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
India: 63 dead, dozens injured in temple stampede (AP)
It seems our redundant gods have taken it upon themselves to reign in on India's burgeoning population by systematically organizing stampedes at religious places!
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
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Regardless of your industry, workplace disputes are an increasingly common issue for employers and employees to face. Consideration to how each dispute is handled can be the difference to whether the matter resolves amicably and peacefully or whether the business finds itself involved in costly and protracted litigation. Receiving prompt, strategic and commercial legal advice can make a significant difference in the resolution of workplace disputes.
It is more and more apparent in this day and age that the law seems to favour the employee rather than the employer. To this end, disgruntled employees and former employees have a variety of tools available to ensure they continue to consume your time, resources and money, even after they have left your employ. Dependant upon the decisions you make and the processes you follow regarding workplace disputes, you may find yourself confronted with a:
- Breach of contract claim;
- Unfair dismissal claim;
- A general protections claim;
- Unlawful discrimination; or a
- Bullying and harassment claim
Forge Legal's Employment Law division has a broad range of experience in advising and advocating on behalf of employers in relation to countless situations and different types of workplace disputes. In these situations, we are available to provide you with the necessary and timely advice and advocacy to protect your interests. Our team has decades of experience undertaking investigations of serious misconduct, assisting with disciplinary processes for employees and outlining rules of conduct for senior employees. We customise performance review procedures for your business to ensure that workplace disputes are properly managed and assist in the implementation of disciplinary action were necessary.


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Stephanie HolbrookAll plans by this Coach
12 Weeks
4 Run, 2 Strength, 1 Day Off
13.1 miles
running half marathon beginner intermediate masters weightloss multi day hr based tss based strength
This plan is protected by our Refund Policy and may, with the author's approval, be exchanged for a plan of equal value from the same author.Still have questions about this plan?
Every training plan is built specifically to use within the TrainingPeaks desktop apps, iOS app, and Android app. During purchase you will be asked to login or create a free account to start your training.
How does the program work?
The secret to the success of the Summer Sizzle Quick Start Program training program for women lies in the scientifically proven Optimized Fat Metabolism program. The Optimized Fat Metabolism (OFM) program uses the latest research in fat metabolism, training, and neuroscience to uncover your authentic self. Don't miss out on this 12-week program that is specially designed to fit into the busy life of every frustrated and stressed woman.
Who is Summer Sizzle Quick Start Program For?
Summer Sizzle Quick Start Program is for women from any walk of life who is are ready to train to see the health benefits of reducing stress, feeling serene and fulfilled by following this this step by step training, nutrition and meditation plan. The program is designed to promote a healthy body, mind, and spirit. If you want to cross the finish line as the best version of yourself, then Summer Sizzle Quick Start Program may be a great fit for you.
What does a typical week look like on the program?
The Summer Sizzle Quick Start Program is accessible online or through the TrainingPeaks app. There are weekly question and answer webinars that cover your questions and include information about nutrition, stress, sleep, time management, hormones, and much more. During the program, you will build up to a 10-mile-long run.
A typical week consists of 4 run and 2 strength workouts. The program includes daily meditations and weekly mind/body worksheets. A heart rate monitor is recommended monitor is recommended in conjunction with perceived effort, but a heart rate monitor is not required.
Please note: This plan starts any time so pick your start day 12 weeks before your target race day (week one is race week). This plan version assumes your target marathon race is on a Saturday.
What if I don't like the program?
That's an easy one. Listen, if you are not completely satisfied with this program or your experience for any reason whatsoever simply send us an email 60 days of your purchase and you will be issued a no-questions asked 100% refund within 48 hours.
What support resources do you offer Summer Sizzle Quick Start clients?
We offer you 24/7 customer support via our email help desk at firstname.lastname@example.com. Also, you may call and speak to coach Stephanie at (623) 910-1711. And in addition, you will also receive access to our customer only closed Facebook group where you may receive real time advice and support from other Summer Sizzle Quick Start participants. With the Summer Sizzle Quick Start Program, we never want you to feel alone and we do everything we can to make sure you're fully supported every step of the way with this program.
A Baseline MAF Test is a starting measurement. We will do another MAF Test next month to determine the level improvement that you are making.
To perform the test, you must first obtain your maximum aerobic heart rate with the help of the 180 Formula. While working out at that heart rate, determine your walking, jogging or running pace—the time that it takes you to cover a certain distance—in minutes per mile, cycling speed in miles per hour, or repetitions (such as laps in a pool over time), and make a note of it. This is the parameter you will test for improvement later on.
Pick relatively flat course, track or treadmill.
Warm-up 20 minutes
Reset timer/Garmin
For 3 Miles keep HR at MAF HR .
Record the times and record each mile.
Stop and Reset Timer;
Cool Down for 10 minutes
Warm-up on Cardio Equipment or outside for 10 minutes.
Circuit: 5 x5
Cable Pull
Split Squat
Floor Work:
2 x
10 x 5 seconds Prone Cobra
15 Crunches
10 minutes warm-up. Gradually raise your heart rate to MAF HR zone.
On a very hilly course try to keep HR in MAF HR Zones within 10 BPM
Good form. Quick cadence.
Warm-up on Cardio Equipment or outside for 10 minutes.
Circuit: 4 x 12
Reverse Lat Pull-down
Dumbbell Thrusters
Floor Work:
2 x
10 x 3 seconds Supermans
10 x Oblique (each side)
4-5 mile Relaxed Pace MAF HR Long Run
Warm-up on Cardio Equipment or outside for 10 minutes.
Circuit: 3 x 20
Squats (depending on your femur - you may need to adjust your feet)
Upright Cable Row
Dumbbell Bench Press
Floor Work:
20 x Plank Push Up (start with weaker side)
20 x Dead Bug
10 x Clamshell (each leg)
Run in MAF HR https://philmaffetone.com/180-formula/
Flat to gently rolling. Continually check form. Quick cadence (88+ rpm).
Flat foot strike with weight on ball of foot (not toes). Foot paws back just before foot strike.


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Exam timetable for 2nd PUC in Karnataka for the year 2018. 2nd PUC is equivalent of 12th grade. Post this exam students can join professional colleges.
Home » 2nd puc time table
Karnataka is a state in Southern India. Karnataka is best known for its software industry and now biotechnology.


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VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - If you're looking for a way to spend time with your family but not spend a lot of money you're in luck.
The Vigo County Fair is offering fun events that won't drain the wallet.
Look no further than the 4-H competition.
Rylee Bull has been in 4-H for seven years. She is the proud owner of several llamas. Before the competition, she brushes their hair to get all the hay out.
Anna Pfister has been in 4-H for five years. Pfister raises goats and spends hours with them on their family farm.
Baylee Fidler is the veteran of the group, as the President of the Swine Club. She has competed in 4-H competitions for eight years. She showed off Timir her pig on News 10 this Morning.
The pig, alpaca and llama competitions are Tuesday morning.
If you would like to get fair news alerts directly to your phone you can text VIGOFAIR to 888777.
Related Content
- Vigo County Fair gets "hog" wild
- Vigo County public library hosts literacy fair
- Set-up begins for Vigo County Fair
- 90th anniversary of the Vigo County Fair
- Hog Wallow Farms ready for fall fun
- Vigo County 4H holds community cleanup ahead of fair
- First ever $2 Tuesday takes place at Vigo County Fair
- Racing takes center stage at Vigo County Fair
- Vigo County commissioners plan to host a job fair
- Volunteers work to prep fairgrounds ahead of Vigo County Fair


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- dhadak hd movie online
- dhadak songs hd
- dhadak movie watch online free
- dhadak full movie watch free 720p
- dhadak trailer online youtube
- dhadak release date
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when two worlds collide; they become one. Set in the picturesque city of Udaipur, Dhadak is the story of Madhukar and Parthavi.
From the moment they set eyes on each other; Madhukar and Parthavi felt something familiar, something pure, but as their love blossomed, so did their problems.
Torn between society and their families, their fate became uncertain. DHADAK is a simple, passionate story about first love
Dhadak 2018 Movie News
Bollywood is certainly seeing a number of movies being postponed because of numerous clashes. In this scenario, Karan Johar too announced 'Dhadak's new release date.
The movie, which was set to release on July 6th, has now been pushed to 20th July release. But what is the reason for it?
Mid-Day reports that one of the cast members wanted to do a crash course in acting to get the act right for the movie's next schedule. So is it the lack of preparation that causes the delay.
Dhadak 2018 Movie Details
Dhadak | Official Trailer | Janhvi Kapoor | Ishaan Khatter | Shashank Khaitan | 20 July
"When two worlds collide, they become one"
Dhadak is a journey of young, pure, unconditional and a fierce first love that fights fate.
Watch Dhadak (2018) Hindi From Player 1 Below
Watch Dhadak (2018) Hindi From Player 2 Below


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Article Text
Aim: To determine any differences between the predictive abilities of the IOL calculation formulas of SRK-II and SRK-T and to compare these using two different IOL types.
Methods: A prospective, consecutive, single surgeon clinical trial was conducted on 400 consecutive patients who received routine, standardised phacoemulsification cataract surgery. 200 had cataract surgery and had the Alcon MZ30BD, a 5.5 mm one piece PMMA IOL, and another 200 cases used the Chiron C11UB, a silicone plate haptic IOL. The data used optimised A-constants. The measures were preoperative axial length and keratometry, IOL implanted, and refractive error at 4–6 weeks postoperatively.
Results: There was no significant difference between the predictive abilities of SRK-II or SRK-T. For the Alcon and Chiron lens respectively, prediction errors using SRK-II were <0.5 dioptres in 58% and 70% and for <1.0 dioptres in 84% and 92%. These differences were statistically significant (χ2, p=0.02).
Conclusion: There are differences in the predictability of refractive outcomes between intraocular lens styles.
- refractive outcome
- cataract surgery
Statistics from Altmetric.com
Implant power calculation formulas attempt to provide a predictable refractive outcome based on preoperative assessments.1–5 With modern phacoemulsification the preoperative and postoperative axial length and keratometry are broadly unchanged. Therefore, the ultimate determinate of the refractive outcome is the actual anterior chamber depth (ACD) of the implanted intraocular lens (IOL). Because the crystalline lens is approximately 5 mm thick and an IOL is about 1 mm thick, an implant placed within the capsular bag is subject to a variety of potential influences on the final lens location and hence ACD.
The hypothesis of this paper was that there might be design factors in the IOL that may have a significant influence on ACD. Therefore, this study examined two IOL styles that maximally exaggerated lens design while being suitable for phacoemulsification. The Alcon IOL used was a common non-foldable PMMA lens of conventional design whereas the Chiron lens was a plate haptic design.
The paper also hypothesised that with data from a single surgeon using a single set of equipment, there may be differences in using the implant calculation formula SRK-II and SRK-T. The ACD constant for SRK-T may be supplied by the manufacturer or may be calculated4,5 from the SRK-II A-constant by using the formula:
A prospective cataract database provided data from consecutive patients undergoing cataract surgery by a single, experienced phacoemulsification surgeon (ME). The study compared 200 cases with the Alcon MZ30BD, a 5.5 mm one piece PMMA lens with 5 degree haptic angulation, and 200 cases with the Chiron C11UB, a one piece plate haptic silicone lens. The Alcon IOL was used in the first 200 cases and the Chiron IOL in the next 200 consecutive cases. The surgeon does approximately 500 phacoemulsification cases per year and neither his technique nor abilities changed over the study period. Preoperative keratometry and applanation sonography axial length measurements were all performed by a single technician using the same equipment (Teknar Ophthasonic a-scan III, Teknar, St Louis, MO, USA). The surgery consisted of routine phacoemulsification cataract extraction. The wound was a linear scleral incision, 2 mm behind the limbus at the 12 o'clock position. The PMMA lens had a 5.7 mm wide incision sutured with one 10/0 nylon suture whereas the plate haptic lens had an unsutured 3.2 mm incision. Otherwise, the surgery was identical for both lens types. The capsulorrhexis was approximately 5 mm in diameter. The inclusion criteria were all consecutive cases of phacoemulsification. The exclusion criteria were combined procedures, capsule rupture, and failure to place the lens in the bag. The author determined the spectacle refraction at 4–6 weeks postoperatively.
Calculations were based on the preoperative keratometry and axial length, the IOL power used, and the postoperative refraction, which was reduced to a spherical equivalent. For each case, the standard formulas for SRK-II and SRK-T were used to calculate the individual A-constants for that patient.4,5 These were aggregated to determine the actual A-constant for the lens type and for each formula. Hence the A-constant gives a mean absolute error of zero for each of these datasets. This new A-constant was used for each patient to predict the refractive outcome, given the actual IOL used. The difference between the predicted outcome and actual outcome is the variance in spherical equivalence. These calculations were performed using SRK-II and SRK-T for both lens types. The standard error of equivalence was calculated5 and data were compared using χ2 tests with Yates's correction where appropriate. Data analysis only occurred after all 400 cases were complete.
The keratometry, axial length, and IOL powers used are detailed in Table 1. There was no statistically significant difference between the keratometry and axial length of those patients receiving the Alcon or Chiron IOL. The A-constants supplied by the IOL manufacturer and the calculated A-constants are given in Table 2. The standard error of estimate is detailed in Table 3 and the variance of outcome of spherical error is detailed in Table 4. This is the difference between the calculated and actual outcomes using the optimised A-constant. There were statistically significant differences for the following; for variances of <0.5D and <1.0D the Chiron IOL performed better than the Alcon using SRK-II (70% v 58%, p=0.02, 92% v 84%, p=0.02 respectively); the Chiron achieved more cases <0.5D than the Alcon using SRK-T (68% v 56%, p=0.02, there was no difference in outcomes for total cases <1.0D and <2.0D); there was no significant difference in using SRK-II and SRK-T for the Chiron lens (70% v 68% <0.5D, 92% v 90% <1.0D); there was no significant difference between SRK-II and SRK-T for the Alcon lens although for errors <1.0D p=0.049.
Implant power calculation formulas typically derive from either an empirical or theoretical background—for example, SRK-II and SRK-T respectively.5 However, all formulas use some sort of "constant" that can be optimised for an individual surgeon and IOL type. This optimisation is achieved by taking preoperative parameters and postoperative outcomes of a given database of patients and back calculating the constant. The origin and composition of these datasets are vital to understand the applicability of a given power calculation formula.2 Some sets are composites of several surgeons, some of several IOL styles.5
Retzlaff et al4 used an unselected data set of 1677 cases to compare the formulas of SRK-T, Holladay, SRK-II, Hoffer and Binkhorst II. For errors <0.5D the percentages achieved were 50%, 50%, 48%, 42%, and 47% respectively for which Hoffer was significantly worse (p=0.0001) but the other formulas were statistically similar. For errors <1.0D the outcomes were 80%, 80%, 77%, 78%, and 78% for which SRK-II was significantly worse than SRK-T and Holladay (p=0.03) but no other differences were significant. For errors >2.0D, SRK-T, SRK-II, and Holladay were significantly better than Hoffer and Binkhorst (p=0.02).
Sanders et al5 used a data set of 990 unselected cases from multiple surgeons and seven IOL styles to compare SRK-T, Holladay, SRK-II, Hoffer and Binkhorst II formulas. The outcomes were that the percentages that achieved a spherical error of <0.5D were 30%, 30%, 29%, 28%, and 29% respectively and an error of <1.0D was achieved in 81%, 81%, 79%, 77%, and 77% respectively. For unselected cases it would appear that SRK-T and the Holladay formulas are best. However, analysing Sanders et al's data (1990) with χ2 and Yates's correction there was no significant differences between any formulas for errors <0.5D and the only significant difference for errors <1.0D are that SRK-T and Holladay was better than Hoffer and Binkhorst (81% v 77%, p=0.03). SRK-II was not significantly different from SRK-T or the Holladay formula.
Sanders et al5 selective data for eyes with an axial length less than 22.0 mm (n=99) showed no difference between any of the five formulas at errors <0.5D, <1.0D or >2.0D (χ2 with Yates's correction).
The situation is different for longer eyes. Using Sanders et al's dataset5 for all eyes with axial lengths >27.0 mm (n=40), the results for SRK-T, Holladay, SRK-II, Hoffer and Binkhorst II formulas for errors less than 0.5D are 45%, 45%, 25%, 45%, and 40% respectively for which there are no significant differences between the formulas. For errors <1.0D the results are 85%, 70%, 40%, 63%, and 70% respectively for which there is no difference between SRK-T, Holladay and Binkhorst but all of these are significantly better than SRK-II (p=0.01). For errors greater than 2.0D the results are 2.5%, 2.5%, 20%, 2.5%, and 2.5% for which SRK-II is significantly worse (p=0.03). Hence, SRK-II is worse overall for these long eyes whereas there is little difference between the other formulas.
Hoffer1 published a series of 450 cases that were single surgeon, single technician, single IOL style. For SRK-II, SRK-T, Holladay and Hoffer-Q an error of SD 0.5D was present in 57%, 62%, 65%, and 66% respectively and for errors (SD 1.0D) the results were 88%, 92%, 93%, and 93%. The mean preoperative axial length was 23.56 (SD 1.24) mm and the keratometry was 43.83 (SD 1.56) D. This is very similar to this series as are the outcomes. Hoffer found that SRK-T, Holladay and Hoffer were statistically similar and all were better than SRK-II with axial lengths greater than 26.0 mm.
Sanders et al5 study showed that for SRK-II, 30% achieved an error of <0.5D and 81% <1.0D. This compares with this current study of the Alcon IOL of 58% and 84% respectively and the Chiron IOL as 70% and 92%. One explanation for the differences is that there is less variation in outcome with a single surgeon and a single technician performing the preoperative measurements using the same equipment. Hoffer's series1 supports this contention. Within this context, there was essentially no difference in the predictability of outcome with SRK-II and SRK-T although it is recognised that no eye had an axial length greater than 26.39 mm
There is a huge difference between predictability and surgeons. Retzlaff et al4 used five datasets each from a different surgeon and for SRK/T the standard error of estimate ranged from 0.63–1.02 between the five. The mean was 0.86 and similarly the mean for the same surgeons for SRK/II was 0.89 and for Holladay was 0.88. It appears that there is more variability between surgeons than there is between formulas; however, none of the five sets allowed comparison of a single surgeon and two lens types or vice versa. Similarly, Holladay et al3 used 12 surgeons' data and showed a range of mean absolute error from 0.48 to 0.81 for his formula. The lens styles were not quoted.
This study chose two entirely different styles of IOLs to determine if there was a difference in refractive predictability between lenses. If it is assumed that an eye retains similar axial lengths and keratometry before and after surgery, and if IOL powers are accurately stated by the manufacturer then the only explanation for a more consistent refractive outcome is that the ACD is more predictable. It is conceivable that a plate haptic IOL may locate in a more reproducible place than a 5.5 mm PMMA IOL with conventional haptics but the author can find no evidence to support or refute this suggestion.
The manufacturers recommended A-constants were very accurate (Table 2). However the calculated SRK-T A-constant equivalent differed by 0.3 from the actual SRK-II A-constant for both IOL types. If the conversion formula is altered to ACD = [0.623 × A-constant] − 68.747 then the manufacturers' supplied A-constant for the Alcon and Chiron IOLs ACD-constant is automatically corrected to less than 0.08D of actual.
Rapid responses
Letters on the following British Journal of Ophthalmology papers have been published recently as rapid responses on the BJO website. To read these letters visit our website www.bjophthalmol.com and click on "Read eLetters"
R J C Bowman, H Faal, M Myatt, et al. Longitudinal study of trachomatous trichiasis in the Gambia.Br J Ophthalmol 2002;86:339–43.
J Plšková, L Kuffová, V Holáň, et al. Evaluation of corneal graft rejection in a mouse model. Br J Ophthalmol 2002;86:108–13.
L Xie, X Dong, W Shi. Treatment of fungal keratitis by penetrating keratoplasty. Br J Ophthalmol 2001;85:1070–4. If you would like to post an electronic response to these or any other articles published in the journal, please go to the website, access the article in which you are interested, and click on "eLetters: Submit a response to this article" in the box in the top right hand corner.
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The blue is my favourite, followed joint by the yellow and the current luminous orange/red colour.
You should try a (metallic) green too, or were trying to get away from the total military look?
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Posted on January 18, 2019
"So I say a little prayer and hope my dreams will take me there
Where the skies are blue to see you once again, my love
Over seas from coast to coast to find the place I love the most
Where the fields are green to see you once again, my love"
A client once told me that if I happen to step into the right neighbourhood in Sydney, I would fall in love with the city immediately. He also told me that the sky is always beautiful and blue (if not everyday different) in Sydney. My client is from this place obviously but works here in Singapore. He manages to go back to this hometown every weekend and returns to Singapore on Monday mornings. I understand that his family is based there but isn't this pretty expensive for short weekends spent away from work? Sydney must be really that beautiful. So I was inspired (or intrigued).
I have pushed back plans of visiting Sydney for quite some time, not really sure what to expect or see there except the city (and the Opera House of course). A lot of people I know have been here before to visit only friends or family and to see (yes, you guessed it right) the Opera House. Besides, I also live away from my family and putting together a trip to Sydney will be a challenge for me both logistically and financially. But you know what? We all have this secret desire to see or travel the world. Like most bloggers or travellers, I also have this map of the world where I mark every city I have visited. But I will not show it here for fear of embarrassment, as these cities (or countries) are quite few you can count them on your fingers. 🙂 I have already visited major Asian cities I've always wanted to see when I was still young (those that I can only afford to visit now with my family). Last year, I challenged myself physically by visiting the UAE; a journey that I really enjoyed but cost me a bomb. Looking at my world map and seeing I have seen Asia and the Middle East, I was thinking where to go next. An American or Euro tour is a dream and will not happen anytime soon. So I revisited my aborted Sydney plans and (inspired by my Australian client) decided again to put the Australian continent on my world map. 🙂
Below are a few practicalities.
Sydney is quite a big place but most people are right when they said they wanted to see only the Opera House (and Harbour Bridge) to experience the city. Well, at least that is how I felt too. I think what they meant was that all the major sights are clustered near or around the Opera House; and moving around town, you will often pass by Opera House (if not just catching it at the corner of your eye). There is something about doing or seeing things often and repeatedly that makes you fall in love with it. Well, that is how I fell in love here (with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge). Honestly, I was not really sure if I even stepped into the right neighbourhood. I never even bothered to ask my client about those places. But I really fell in love with the city anyway. And the last time I checked, December is supposed to be summer in Sydney. But some major cities around Sydney were experiencing thunderstorms at the time, so Sydney had its share of a few rain showers while we were there. So this made summer evenings cooler; which made night photography a pleasant experience for me (despite the lack of warm clothing).
And the sky was indeed beautiful. On one day, moving clouds met with the late afternoon sun; creating a fiery and spectacular city sunset. Some days, angry and heavy clouds will form in a twilight sky of purple and orange. And on most days, the sky is either mantled with diffused and dappled puffs; or just simply a clear and perfect blue. When it's blue, there was no need for me to saturate sky colours in the post processing of photos. Other than the sky above, Harbour Bridge below is endearing. Harbour Bridge is the world's largest and heaviest steel arch bridge (last time I checked) but standing underneath never felt overwhelming. In fact, I even felt happy and at peace. There is bliss and serenity standing underneath or submitting to something that is quiet and powerful. Honestly, I even loved it more than the Opera House. I understand now why so many people here set up neighbourhoods around the bridge they love so much. Nighttime is the right time to fall in love and is my favourite time of day. So you will notice that most of my photos here (mostly of Harbour Bridge) were taken either at twilight or late in the evening. 🙂
For first-timers here, Circular Quay should be the first stop. This is the main and most popular tourist destination where you find the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Walk the promenade beside the Opera House bordering Farm Cove and you will come to the breakwater and Mrs. Macquarie's Point; where you get a classic postcard view of Sydney Harbour with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge beyond. Take a detour to The Royal Botanical Gardens on your way back to the Opera House. Understand Sydney's history by walking the atmospheric lanes of The Rocks where you find remnants of convict-era architecture. There are wonderful cafes and restaurants with outdoor dining areas; as well as free museums dotting the neighbourhood. The Rocks Cafe is a good choice for dining anytime of the day. 🙂
If you get tired of the city streets, cross beyond The Rocks and enjoy the view at Observatory Hill; a grassy knoll overlooking Millers Point, Harbour Bridge, Luna Park and North Sydney beyond.
City Centre has Sydney's upscale malls and beautiful colonial architecture. Visit Hyde Park and take a photo at Archibald Fountain with St. Mary's Cathedral in the background. During December, St. Mary's Cathedral puts on a show called Lights of Christmas; a video and image projection mapping done on the facade of the building. At the opposite end of Hyde Park is Anzac War Memorial facing The Pool of Remembrance, which looks really lovely at night. Not to forget of course are Sydney's malls. The grand Queen Victoria Building and the ornate Strand Arcade are some of the earlier public buildings that were converted to upscale retail centres.
Darling Harbour is basically what it sounds like; a place where you can bring your loved one (or loved ones). 🙂 The best way to experience the harbour is by walking along the promenade of Harbourside Shopping Centre in the evening when the gleaming towers of Cockle Bay Wharf at the opposite side illuminate the waters of the Harbour. Pyrmont Bridge (a pedestrian bridge) links Harbourside Shopping Centre to Cockle Bay Wharf and provides a perfect vantage point for photographing the Harbour.
There were still neighbourhoods in Sydney that we haven't explored due to time constraints (a holiday will always be short no matter how long it is). But honestly, the sights around the Opera House and Harbour Bridge were enough to make you fall in love with the city. I could not imagine what I would have felt if we had seen more. Anyway, I was granted a multiple-entry tourist visa. I believe that would mean I have reason to come back this year; and another reason to fall in love all over again. 🙂 Meanwhile, I share the rest of my photos below. Enjoy the images and as always, stay grateful and inspired.
See you in my next post. Cheers!!! 🙂
(click on any of the images below to activate the photo carousel)
Posted on March 18, 2018
This is one example of those late melancholic posts. I finally had the chance to see Tokyo a second time last Winter. The first time was way back in the Autumn of 2013 when I was invited by a major Japanese furniture manufacturer to attend a 3-day convention. Since then, I always remember Tokyo as a cold city (my first encounter with the outside world); the city I fell in love with and the one that inspired me to explore, to travel, and to discover more of the world around me. I don't know how I will do it; but after this recent trip, I promised myself (and my family) to return to this place at least once a year. 🙂
That photo of Tokyo Tower above is one of my favorites from this recent trip. I have always wanted to capture Tokyo at twilight from that vantage point (at the top of the Tokyo World Trade Center). It was not really the composition I had in mind though. A new building was being built infront of the World Trade Center; blocking the iconic and signature view of the cityscape below as well as the silhouette of Mt. Fuji beyond and forcing me to shift the camera to place the tower on the left side of the frame. This is another example of the importance of acquiring updated research before reaching your destination. Still not bad really, as I ended with a different take of this beautiful city (at least for me). 🙂
Anyway, I should stop stalling. I know I just needed to write (or blog) regularly. I just simply miss Tokyo. A protracted throwback is not really my thing and very seldom do I visit the same place twice. But I honestly still have the blues for this city and still can't get over those late night photography sessions out in the cold. 🙂 As always, I had my shot list on hand (which took me months to diligently prepare). The thing is that long holidays are always short and chances are you will not be able to do all the things in your shot list (unless you're traveling alone). Besides, we took a couple of ad hoc day trips to nearby Kyoto and Osaka which required me to take a bit of time off from my rigid and regimented Tokyo photography schedule; to spend quality time with my family and in-laws. Kyoto and Osaka however are different and wonderful cities (and the essence of a Japan trip for most travelers) which arguably deserve a separate visit as well as a proper write-up of their own. Meanwhile, the unfinished tasks in my Tokyo shot list gives me a valid reason to come back next year. 🙂
It's a good thing we will have our summer company trip next month; and that will give me enough time to let this melancholia of cold places to subside. 🙂 So I'll just share them here: my incomplete and random postcards from this recent Tokyo trip and a few from my earlier 2013 trip as well. I have to apologize for all that drama up there and for not being the supposedly informative Tokyo travel guide in this blog post. The internet anyway is a far more reliable and accurate source of information and I do not want to bore you with my profuse writing. I did label the photos though so you could look them up yourself. 🙂 I honestly enjoyed taking them and these I gladly share to those who enjoy travel photography and to travelers who plan to visit this beautiful and unforgettable city.
Enjoy the images as much as I do and always remain excited and inspired.
See you in my next post. Cheers!!! 🙂
(click on any of the images below to activate the photo carousel)
Posted on October 26, 2017
I also just got started with photography during this time, so I was able to put it into practice during my stay here. Like most newbie photographers, most of the photos I took home later were just average. But I was happy with the thought of being able to document the travel experience in pictures. With the days also shorter in autumn, I found myself doing more of night photography. That sense of peace and being alone as a stranger in those cold autumn nights gave me the confirmation that I am happiest as a photographer when shooting during the late hours of the day. That first travel experience also gave me the desire to explore more of the world around me with whatever limited time, opportunities or resources I may have. I remember looking outside our Tokyo hotel window one early morning and promising myself to return to this place. Four years and twelve Asian cities later, I will finally be back this winter.Seeing only Tokyo is barely scratching the surface of the beauty that Japan has to offer. Chances of snow here in winter is minimal and the landscape barren and devoid of color. But I don't mind. I can always come back. I have always loved this beautiful city, with its pace and busyness. I usually don't write about an upcoming trip (honestly, I am just making full use of what I am paying for in this blog space) and seldom do I visit a certain place twice (unless it's to find something I lost). But in this beautiful case, I will make an exception. But I did lose or missed something: it's those precious moments alone outside in the cold; in the same place where peace and a perfect and unforgettable experience had started. I haven't listed yet what I will do here, but I do hope to make more time to cover those places I have missed the last time I was here. Looking forward to more photography sessions in the cold. 🙂
See you in my next post. Cheers!!! 🙂
Posted on August 25, 2017
A month ago, I was given the ONE LOVELY BLOG AWARD by my fellow blogger Audrey. Audrey pens Living for Experiences, a blog about her wonderful insights on life and useful tips on travel. Do check her wonderful blog. This is my second award from her, with the first award causing me to earn a few followers. It is encouraging to know that people are actually reading some of my thoughts and writings.
1) Thank the person that nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
2) List the Rules.
3) Display the Award in your post.
4) List seven facts about yourself.
5) Nominate 15 bloggers for this award and comment on one of their posts to let them know you have nominated them.
1) I am an architect from the Philippines.
2) I am currently based in Singapore (an Overseas Filipino Worker away from my wife and daughter) and working as an Interior Designer.
3) I became an architect because of my love for drawing and the LEGO (which I wrote about here).
4) I am an obsessive compulsive, phlegmatic control freak (with a tendency to overthink and overwrite). 🙂
5) If I am not doing architecture or interior design, I practice writing, photography, and do a bit of traveling.
6) My love for travel started in 2013 after a first trip to Japan; and fell in love with Japan and anything Japanese ever since. 🙂
7) I always wanted to write a book about my professional work but started this blog in 2015 instead; and have used it since to share my travel postcards and insights brought about by my Christian faith.
For the next ONE LOVELY BLOG AWARD, I list below my nominees whose posts I read for a variety of reasons which include a zest for life, passion for travel, love for architecture, excellent photography, and an emotional or unique style of writing. Congratulations to all my nominees. It's okay not to accept the award but I sure would like to know more about you my fellow bloggers. Enjoy!!!
1) Eat, Pray, and Love Kind of Adventure
2) Travel Happy
3) My Life in a Snap
4) Albert
5) Weeknightly
6) Architecture Wander
7) Joshua Dunn
8) Tiny Nectar
9) WanderingKakat
10) A World of Adventuring, Learning, and Loving
11) Jet Set Brunette
12) Ezekiel Kok Photography
13) Jandreiventures
14) Yen and Again
15) The Weary Travelers
Again, thank you very much to Audrey of Living for Experiences for this wonderful ONE LOVELY BLOG AWARD. See you all in blogosphere. 🙂
See you in my next post. Cheers!!!
Posted on March 5, 2017
This wanderlust has been an effective family therapy for us. I've been writing here for a while but I forgot to mention that I work abroad (currently based in Singapore) and away from my family. Like most overseas worker, I made it a point to go back to my hometown every 6 months and spend a week or so with my family. But before that one week is over however, we were already crying; knowing it will take another 6 months or more for us to see each other again. My father also used to work overseas when I was a kid; so I know how it feels like now for my own family. Nowadays however, distance (and long distance communication) is dead and modest travel is available for everyone. So instead of just me traveling alone, my family and I decided that (if I have the resources) we will meet regularly in some nearby foreign lands and explore those places together. Parting ways at the end of those journeys however is stll difficult; but now, the sadness is eclipsed by the memories of those travel experiences . Whatever. 🙂
Anyway, I am being cheesy and talking gibberish back there. Sorry about that. It's been a month since I took the photos in this write-up and I really don't know what to say about this recent trip. Except maybe that I was glad my new employer announced the Chinese New Year break a bit early last year; which gave me enough time to plan on spending the week-long break in a place that's Chinese. I could have chosen Hong Kong (which would be the easiest), but decided to see Macau instead; a small Chinese outpost known mostly as a day trip destination for most people touring Hong Kong. You can't blame them; as Macau is generally a walkable city and most of the major sights are within walking distances from each other.
But that wouldn't do justice to the beauty of this place. I love Asian cities especially if it has a history of colonization. Because the end product would always be a blending of cultures of sorts; confusing but exciting. Which is very much like Macau. Known as "The Vegas of China", the city obviously comes alive at night with its megacasinos, luxury resort hotels, and shopping districts. So the word "day trip" wouldn't be correct. 🙂 But Macau is more than that. A Portuguese colony for more than 300 years, it only became part of China in 1999; two years after the British withdrawal from Hong Kong. Remnants of colonial architecture, churches, and grand public squares give the place a tangible Mediterranean flavor; oddly picturesque and peculiar in a city that is strongly and culturally Chinese. You can walk through cobblestone lanes and hear people chatter in Cantonese; asking for directions to find streets with Portuguese names. To add to this, megacasinos and modern high-rise hotels in ambitious themes and scale appear almost every minute in districts with well-preserved Macanese architecture. I fell in love with the confusion almost immediately. 🙂 If you're a fan of postcards, night photography, and architecture, your day trip to Macau will not be enough for you.
Needless to say, food is a part of the general travel experience. But you won't find it here. I'm a mindless eater and a really lousy food photographer (sadly) so you just have to believe me (or anybody else who has been here) when I say that the local food here is one that you should try and experience. 🙂 Obviously, my bias has always been towards the major sights and architecture of a place; which is my way of understanding a new city. So a typical photowalk in Macau covers its 2 main islands; within any of the two you can do some exploring on foot as the major attractions are close to each other. A bus ride however is needed to get from one island to another.
The Macau Peninsula holds the Old City Center, with its 2 most popular day trip attractions: The Ruins of St. Paul's Church and Senado Square, a grand public plaza. It is also the site of some of the earliest hotels and casinos including the Grand Lisboa, Lisboa Hotel, Wynn Macau, and MGM Hotel. Along the fringes of the peninsula are Macau Fisherman's Wharf (a themed park) and Macau Tower with its open-air observation deck. Towards the south are the integrated islands of Taipa, Coloane, and Cotai. Taipa has well-preserved colonial houses. Coloane has Macau's beaches, and Cotai is home to the high-rolling Cotai Strip (Macau's version of the famous Strip in Vegas), an avenue of megacasinos, luxury hotel and shopping centers including The Venetian Macau and Galaxy Macau, as well as the recently completed City of Dreams, Studio City, and The Parisian with its Eiffel Tower replica. As much as I would like to give a description of each of these (and for fear of boring you to death), I will just allow my personal postcards below to hopefully speak of the glitz and beauty of this city. 🙂 I tried to cover as much places as I can during my 5-day stay here but missed out on the important Chinese temples and colonial churches (which speaks so much about the place's history) because of a rain shower on the day I planned to visit them. Sorry about that.
Not surprisingly, I was able to take home more photos from this trip as compared to previous ones. Only because my family and in-laws decided on our fourth day to take a day trip to Hong Kong to do some shopping (only to find out later that most of the stores there were closed for the holidays) while I decided to stay behind and catch up with my personal photowalk. So what happened to that family bonding we were looking forward to that I was talking about earlier? And I thought Macau is supposed to be the day trip destination (and not Hong Kong). 🙂 I hate to say it, but I have to admit that the brief moment alone helped me maximize my time. Don't know if it's a good or bad thing, but I guess the travel therapy really worked. 🙂
So there you go. My two cents worth on this beautiful and quaint city (which I think deserves more than just being called a day trip destination) and my first of many other adventures I am looking forward to in days to come. Enjoy the postcards below. Stay grateful and inspired.
See you in my next post. Cheers!!! 🙂
(click on any of the images below to activate the photo carousel)
Posted on February 15, 2017
Two weeks ago, I was given the Liebster Award for bloggers by Audrey, author of the blog Living for Experiences. I thank Audrey for this nomination as I did not expect people to be reading a lot of my writings and musings. It is an honor to receive such a nomination. Check out Audrey's blog here and be inspired by her amazing insights on life and her useful tips on travel.
What is the Liebster Award?
Dating back to 2011, the Liebster Award is an award that exists only in the internet, and is given by bloggers to fellow bloggers to promote each other's blogs. Liebster in German means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.
As a sign of my gratitude and my appreciation of other writers, I would like to nominate for the next Liebster Awards the blogs I follow below because of their authors' amazing zest for life and passion for adventure. Do check out their sites.
My Nominees (drumroll please):
1) Jandreiventures
2) Yen and Again
3) Wandering Kakat
4) The Weekend Sightseer
5) Architecture Wander
Rules of the Award
1) In a blog post, thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.
2) Answer the questions sent by that person who nominated you.
3) Nominate other bloggers for the award and ask them a new set of questions.
4) List the rules for the nominees and display the Liebster logo in your post and in your blog.
If my nominees do not wish to accept the award, I am fine with that. Although it would be great to know more about you my fellow bloggers. If you are new to this nomination (or your first time to hear about it), you can click here for more ideas about the guidelines, questions to ask your nominees, and some latest Liebster logos you can attach to your post. Remember to notify your nominees about their nominations and link them back to your blog post.
My Questions to My Nominees
1) What or who inspired you to start your blog?
2) What do you think made your blog successful (in terms of number of followers, visibility, etc)?
3) Where are you from and what top 3 places in your country / hometown would you recommend travelers to visit?
4) What are your Top 3 Dream Travel Destinations and why?
5) What place or country left the most impact on you and what is your most important take away from that place or country?
6) Any unique experience / advice / lesson you want to share with other travelers / bloggers?
My Answers to Audrey's Questions
1) What is the story behind your blog's name?
I originally wanted to write a book about my specialized work in architecture but busyness caused that writing project to be shelved. I picked up photography as a cure for tunnel vision and found myself writing about my photos instead. My blog title (From Lines to Lenses) explains that shift from writing about Architecture (Lines, Drawings, etc.) to writing about Photography & Travel (Lens, Cameras, etc). Pretty lame isn't it? 🙂
2) Why did you start blogging?
I was already using photo-sharing sites before I started this blog, but found those free sites to have ever-changing formats and interfaces. Having your own blog allows you to contol appearance, format and content. Nowadays, almost everyone has a web presence, and owning your own blog (or domain) is a powerful medium to reach other people with the same interests. If you have something to share (or if you love writing), the blog is a perfect venue to do that.
3) What according to you is the best thing about blogging?
I realized that there are many talented and creative people out there, and some of them are very inspiring writers and bloggers. Blogging allowed me to reach out to other people with the same passions; and their experiences and stories help me improve my own skills. I love photography and travel; and blogs are the best sources of travel advice and real-world experiences for me.
4) What is/are your goal(s) for 2017?
Other than my personal & career goals (which I think are too many to write here), I plan to see either Australia (Sydney) or the Middle East (Dubai) in the later part of this year. As I am working in Singapore and away from my family, it will take a bit of logistic planning to travel with them to either of these places. Meantime, I just came back from Macau and will be back in Hong Kong next week for a company trip. Singapore also has 7 long weekends this year, so I will do a lot of road trips and photography projects around those long weekends. I am also looking at the potential of earning revenue from my photography.
5) Where are you from and what is the common stereotype / misconception about your home town / state / country?
I am from Manila, capital city of the beautiful Philippines. One of my former employers had a branch office in Manila but I heard the owner of the company never really visited that Manila office for fear of being kidnapped. While crime is always present (what country doesn't have one?), those isolated incidents of abducting aliens (and alien abductions 🙂 ) still will not take away the fact that my country has its own unique set of resources and beauty (I'm a good example by the way 🙂 ). When traveling to the Philippines (or to any unfamiliar country), it is good common sense to have a friend or someone who knows the place well to guide and accompany you. Each country I have visited has certain areas I was told to avoid, and I was wise enough to follow that advice.
6) What kind of traveler are you- spontaneous or planner?
The trips I take are never long enough so I do a fair amount of planning to maximize my time when I get to my destination. With my trips planned around photography and with the speed at which I need to take pictures, a good deal of research about the places I plan to cover is always a key.
7) Share your worst travel experience ever.
All my travels so far were pleasant ones (thank God). Most of the locals we encountered were kind to tourists; except for a few cranky ones inside crowded trains, buses and restaurants who are oblivious of the tourists around them. Language is a challenge sometimes (my fault by the way) but adds to the beauty of the experience.
8) What is one important lesson you have learnt in your travels?
Not just one, but a lot actually. Traveling helped me respect other cultures and to understand friends and colleagues who come from all sorts of nationalities and backgrounds. When visiting another country, I also learn more about my own country than the country I am visiting. Also, travel photography (being different from a family holiday) is best done alone to maximize the time (I apologize to my family who will read this 🙂 ). To travel to take pictures is different from taking pictures while traveling. If you have to do both travel photography and a family holiday, it is always best to plan the holiday sightseeing around the places you plan to shoot. As always, I plan well and try to cover a place like it will be my first and last chance to see it.
So there you go. Again, stay grateful and inspired. My sincere thanks once more to Audrey of Living for Experiences for this wonderful Liebster Award. Do check her wonderful blog at www.audreysimplicity.com
See you in my next post. Cheers!!! 🙂
Posted on September 11, 2016
It's been a while since my last write-up (or to be more accurate, since I last travelled). Honestly, I have maxed out my paid leave for the first three quarters of the year and have to wait for a few more weeks to be able to make use of the available balance. But that may not happen. I have resigned from my current post which might cause that balance to be forfeited; and it will take another long period before I could be allowed to take a long leave under my new / future employer. The good thing is that Singapore will have 7 long weekends next year. Some of the public holidays in 2017 will fall either on a Monday or Friday; so I am looking forward to working my road trips and photography projects around those long weekends. At least; until I get to my next major holiday. Meantime, I take the time to write this post to feature this beautiful country that has been second home to me for almost a decade.
It's my 9th year working as an FT here in Singapore (Foreign Talent, as they call it) and my first time to find new work since I came here. This post simply could have waited for my 10th year anniversary (which sounds more appropriate) but it couldn't; thanks to this period of inactivity and travel hiatus. Honestly, I just felt guilty I didn't write about Singapore's 51st Anniversary which happened last month. None of the fireworks photos I took during the celebrations was really successful; which was supposed to be the highlight of my aborted Singapore Anniversary write-up. So I simply write here and make use of the photos I have; images I have created recently as well as those I have amassed during my long stay here.
You know what's good about anniversaries? They actually help you remember. I have been blogging for a year now and I just realized I really haven't featured this beautiful city. How could I forget a country that took care of me for the last 9 years and that has allowed me to do my best work and rewarded me accordingly? Ten years ago, I never would have imagined working here; much less move outside my own country and travel to see other places. But now I am here; and for too long. Familiarity does breed contempt (or even complacency); and you'll never know of the wonderful things you have until you find yourself stuck somewhere in limbo with all the time available in your hands (which happened to me just recently). 🙂
Anniversaries also remind you to be thankful. The problem with being a foreign talent is uncertainty. I honestly feel quite fortunate for still finding new work in a foreign country especially at a time when most companies are either downsizing, reorganizing, or folding. Back where I come from, it will require an enormous amount of fortune, an intricate network of connections, and a miraculous economic upheaval to be able to succeed in my profession. Working in another country has levelled the playing field for me and has allowed myself and others to reap the benefits of meritocracy. So like any foreigner working in another country, my mantra has always been "to endure and succeed, or pack up and go home". 🙂
Lastly, anniversaries allow you to start afresh. It allows you to take stock, appreciate your own uniqueness or strengths, and assess what worked well and what didn't so you could better prepare and be stronger the next time around. We are only as good as our last projects; and this tempering process has painfully changed me from being an impractical theorist to more of a humble, open-minded learner. This recent activity of finding new work has taught me just that (the hard way, to be honest). 🙂
In most of my posts, I usually write a short historical background of the place or city being featured. But in this case, I am happy to forego that one and just allow the images to speak of the beauty and wonder of this place (hopefully). I just wanted it to be more personal and leave all the researching to you. Travel photography is all about shooting places in the best available light (those fleeting moments before sunrise and after sunset) which you do not have a lot of when you are traveling (how ironic isn't it?). The best thing about living in a photogenic country is that you have all the time to do just that. So I share them here; my personal postcards from Singapore (my favorites) which I hope will entice you to visit this surprising and beautiful country (in case you haven't done so). Enjoy the images and stay grateful and inspired. 🙂
See you in my next post. Cheers!!! 🙂
(Click on any of the images below to activate the photo carousel.)


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Did God Have to Go Down and See?September 27, 2019 at 10:24 am | Posted in Q&A | 3 Comments
Tags: commentary on Genesis, Genesis 18, God's omnipresence, God's omniscience, Job 37, Psalm 139, Psalm 147, Sodom and Gomorrah, Sunday School lessons on Genesis
Question: My question is about Genesis 18:20-21: "And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know." If God knows everything, and if He is omnipresent, why did He have to "go down and see" Sodom and Gomorrah?
Answer: First of all, we need to determine if these verses are setting forth a clear precept about the nature of God. Since Genesis 18 is a section of the Bible that is written in the genre of historical narrative, rather than a sermon on the attributes of God, we must balance it against other Bible verses, especially those that speak directly about the question of what God knows in a general way.
For example, Job 37:16 says, "Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?" Not only is the Book of Job considered wisdom literature, but here God Himself is addressing the question of His own knowledge directly. To be perfect in knowledge is to be complete – to lack no knowledge whatsoever.
Another example is Psalm 139:1-4: "O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether." Psalm 139 is specifically about how God knows all our thoughts, "ways," behavior, actions, and even our words before we say them.
So, if we apply this to Sodom, God knew more than the general condition of Sodom. He knew everything that each individual was doing and thinking and saying – and why they were doing it! Psalm 147 is perhaps the most explicit precept concerning God's omniscience: "Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite." (Psalm 147:5). This means that God possessed all knowledge about Sodom from all eternity, but it also raises the question: Why is He making it sound in Genesis 18 like He's not omniscient?
The answer is that God often uses anthropomorphism to describe His actions: anthropos = man; morph = form. Anthropomorphism means "man-form." It is when the Bible describes God as a character in the narrative using human terms that help us understand His point of view. In Genesis 18 it helps us to understand how seriously God took the sin of Sodom, and how much He immanently (not just transcendently) cares about the events of this world. It also records God's way of letting Abraham understand His thinking, since these statements are part of an actual dialogue between the Lord and Abraham.
Another reason for the statement that God would "go down to see" Sodom and Gomorrah is to let us know that this was a type of Theophany (or perhaps even Christophany): an instance where God appeared to humans in bodily form. God wanted to have a personal visit with Abraham, who was called "the friend of God." This establishes the trust the God had placed in Abraham's faithfulness, which will be a key later in the Genesis narrative to understanding the Lord's testing of him with Isaac.
Beware the Foretaste of FatalitySeptember 27, 2013 at 10:53 am | Posted in The Fives | 10 Comments
Tags: cause of death, Cinco de Mayo Bible lessons, commentary on Genesis, Deuteronomy 11, Genesis 2, Genesis 3, Genesis 5, origin of sin, sin and death, Sunday School lessons on Genesis
The first man lived a long time under a death sentence.
And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.
Genesis 5:5
When Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden by disobeying God and eating the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, he knew the consequences.
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Genesis 2:16-17
So why did Adam not die that very day? Some Bible scholars believe that God withheld the execution of the death sentence out of pure mercy. Under this theory Adam may have received a nine-century reprieve. Others believe that when God said, "In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die," He was referring to the spiritual death into which all humanity is now born ("dead in trespasses and sins"), even though Adam might not have taken it that way at the time. Furthermore, "that day" Adam did die in a sense: His death was assured and he began to be subject to the aging process, disease, and fatal injuries. I fall into the latter category of commentators, being of the opinion that God did not "change His mind," but, either way, God made sure that Adam (and Eve) no longer had access to the Tree of Life.
So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Genesis 3:24
Nobody relishes the thought of a trip to the doctor which culminates in the pronouncement, "You have X amount of time left to live." Adam received a great gift of grace from God to have his execution delayed by hundreds and hundreds of years, but we have to wonder if he felt strong pangs of guilt and regret every time another human being around him bit the dust, so to speak.
We tend to think of our own mortality when we attend a funeral, see a hearse drive by, watch a tragic story on the evening news, or have a "close call" with a speeding semi truck. We might be better off, though, if we made a permanent mental connection with our death and its ultimate cause: sin. No person can be righteous enough in his or her own power to earn eternal life, but those who have already received this glorious gift from the Savior ought to think soberly about the connection between sin and death, and ought to strive to resist the temptation to sin.
Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates: That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth.
Deuteronomy 11:18-21 (emphasis added)
GenesisAugust 5, 2011 at 10:32 am | Posted in Genesis | 1 Comment
Tags: Book of Genesis, commentary on Genesis, Genesis, Overview of Genesis, Sunday School lessons on Genesis
When a new Christian asks his pastor where he should begin reading in his Bible, the answer will often be the Gospel of John (4th Book in the New Testament), and I agree: that is a good place to start. However, I think all new Christians should also try to read the Book of Genesis very early on in their Christian walk. It contains the blueprint for all that is to come later in the Bible, it gives us invaluable information about exactly Who God is, and it tells us how we human beings originated. At times it reads like a terse historical narrative and at other times like a torrid novel, but it is completely reliable, factual, and inspired by God Himself.
I have enjoyed posting a series of brief lessons on the Book of Genesis, for which I have provided links below:
1. Universe or Multiverse?
2. Catechism Question 1
3. Catechism Question 4
4. The World's First History Book
5. Where to Find Yourself
6. Marriage Should Not be Spurious (Genesis 1-2)
7. The Devil's Math (Genesis 2-3)
8. I'm Just Sayin' 8 (Genesis 2:18)
9. The Founding Father
10. A Fake in the Grass
11. You Can't Get Blood from a Turnip *
12. What Is Lying at Your Door?
13. How the Fallen Are Mighty
14. Beware the Foretaste of Fatality
15. Falling, Flooding, and Facing Facts
16. Their Ark Was Bigger than Their Bite
17. Men Rise and Fall, but the Lord Reigns Forever
18. Children Need to Know that Death Is Real (Genesis 6-9)
19. The Big Cover-Up
20. We've Come a Wrong Way
21. The Great "I AM" Announces the Great "I WILL"
22. Getting a Lot Out of the World
23. Being At-TENT-ive to God
24. Home Is Where Your Lord Is
25. "Aman" of Faith
26. The Internal War
27. The Top Story in Sodom (Genesis 17-19)
28. Did God Have to Go Down and See? (Genesis 18)
29. As Good as Dead (Genesis 20-21)
30. Tested Faith Is Strong Faith (Genesis 22)
31. Abraham and Isaac Receiving Christ in a Figure (Genesis 22)
32. Spiritual Lessons Found in Historical Accounts
33. A Match Made in Heaven Part 1
34. A Match Made in Heaven Part 2
35. Anybody Can Be Profane
36. The Scientific Method
37. Lord, Leader, and Ladder
38. Shove at First Sight
39. The Name Game
40. Choosing the Right Watering Hole
41. The God-Mastered Man
42. The Men Who Worked on Skyscrapers
43. The Dangers of Fatherhood
44. The Son of Suffering and Glory
45. The Best Representative of a Generation
46. The Down Side of being the Favorite Son
47. Beware of Fabrics, Frolicking, and Friends
48. Don't Get Too Attached to Your Coat
49. The First Interpreter
50. That's Good. No, that's Bad.
51. Jesus and Joseph and Their Brethren
52. The Recognition Admonition
53. Check Your Sack Before Jesus Comes Back
54. Nominative Repetition: Warning and Comfort
55. The Real "First Thanksgiving:" The Pilgrims Meet the Egyptians
56. The Redeemer Is Prophesied
57. The End of the Beginning
*most read post in series
The Redeemer Is ProphesiedJune 6, 2011 at 11:01 am | Posted in Bible Studies, Genesis | 24 Comments
Tags: 1 Peter 1, Biblical firsts, Christ in Genesis, Christ the Redeemer, Christophanies, Colossians 1, commentary on Genesis, daysman, Ephesians 4, Genesis 48, Hebrews 9, Job 19, Job 9, lessons on Genesis, Luke 2, Luke 21, mediator, Psalm 107, Psalm 34, Psalm 44, Psalm 49, Psalm 71, redeemed, Redeemer, redemption, Romans 12, Sunday School lessons on Genesis, Titus 3
I am now getting near the end of a long series of posts on the Book of Genesis. Since Genesis is the first book of the Bible, it has been fun to point out several things, ideas, or words, which occur for the first time in Genesis. We have seen the first plants and animals, the first man and woman, the first marriage, the first sin, the first murder, the first song, the first tears, the first rain, and the first interpreter.
Now we will look at the first time a very special Bible word is used in Scripture: "redeemed."
The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
Genesis 48:16
The Hebrew word is ga'al, and it means "to buy back," or "to pay the price to set someone free from slavery." When a sinner trusts Jesus Christ as his Savior, he is set free from the slavery of sin.
The concept of redemption is a key to understanding God's plan of salvation, and it is a concept about which the Lord has much to say in the Bible. Below is a brief study guide on the Biblical concept of redemption:
Q. What was the price of redemption?
A. The precious blood of Christ. (I Peter 1:19)
Q. Can it be paid for with something else of value?
A. No, silver and gold are corruptible (I Peter 1:18), but the blood of Christ is incorruptible.
Q. To what were we enslaved?
A. Sin – such as serving divers lusts, hating one another, living in envy, living for self (Titus 3:3), and to vain conversation or empty living. (I Peter 1:18)
Q. What are we set free to do?
A. To serve the Lord diligently, not to be slothful or lazy. (Romans 12:11)
Q. Who is the Redeemer?
A. Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Colossians 1:13-14)
Q. How did the Redeemer first appear?
A. As a young child. (Luke 2:25-40)
Q. How does the Redeemer continue to work?
A. As a Mediator. (Hebrews 9:14-15 and Job 9:32-33)
Q. How long does redemption last?
A. Redemption is eternal. (Hebrews 9:11-12)
Q. How long will the Redeemer last?
A. He always has been, always is, and always will be: "He lives" (perpetual present tense). (Job 19:25)
Q. Redemption sets our bodies free from the slavery of sin, but what about our souls?
A. The price has been paid for our eternal souls to be set free. (Psalm 34:22)
Q. How should being redeemed make us feel?
A. Our lips and souls should sing and rejoice. (Psalm 71:23)
Q. Do we deserve redemption?
A. No, God's mercy allowed our redemption. (Psalm 44:26)
Q. Can anyone other than Jesus be powerful, influential, or wealthy enough to redeem me?
A. No, true redemption is through Christ alone. (Psalm 49:6-9)
Q. How much time is there before it is too late to be redeemed?
A. The offer of redemption is for a limited time only – you must by faith receive Jesus, and trust in the price He paid, before you die and before He comes back. (Hebrews 9:27 and Luke 21:27-28)
Q. Should we keep quiet about our redemption?
A. No, the redeemed of the Lord should say so. (Psalm 107:2)
Q. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in redemption?
A. He seals us unto the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)
Nominative Repetition: Warning and ComfortApril 8, 2011 at 9:07 am | Posted in Genesis | 5 Comments
Tags: 1 Samuel 3, Acts 9, assurance, Biblical names, Christ in Genesis, commentary on Genesis, Genesis 46, Luke 10, relocation, Sunday School lessons on Genesis
In Genesis 45 Joseph revealed himself to his brothers. This is sort of the climax of the story of Joseph.
In Chapter 46 Jacob moves his family to Egypt, but first he built an altar and worshiped.
And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac.
Genesis 46:1
This was very wise. It is always wise for us to seek counsel from the Lord before we make any move, and especially before we relocate our family.
Jacob was concerned about going to Egypt, and understandably so: He was aware of the trouble that Abraham had experienced there.
And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.
Genesis 46:2
When the Lord says someone's name twice, it is as if the first time is to get their attention, and the second time is to give assurance or comfort.
Genesis 22:11: "Abraham, Abraham" (when Abraham was just about to slay Isaac)
I Samuel 3:10: "Samuel, Samuel" (when the Lord spoke to Samuel as he served Eli)
Luke 10:41: "Martha, Martha" (when Jesus wanted to contrast Martha and Mary)
Acts 9:4: "Saul, Saul" (at the time of the Apostle Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus)
Why did God want Jacob and his family in Egypt?
And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:
Genesis 46:3
Even though going down to Egypt is sometimes a picture in the Bible of "going down" spiritually, God wanted to use Egypt as the place where He would fashion a people for Himself – not for themselves.
And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen.
Genesis 46:28
The "land of Goshen" (which is sort of an exclamation where I'm from) was very fertile – good for herdsmen. Judah led the way, continuing to establish his leadership role in the family – and foreshadowing the fact that the tribe of Judah would be the "royal tribe."
Lord, I confess that I am not depending on anything other than the shed blood, atoning death, and bodily resurrection of Christ Jesus for my righteousness. Lord God, when you look at the account sheet of my life, none of my works are going to pay the price for even my slightest sin. You're going to look on the righteousness side of the account sheet and see nothing but the blood of Jesus. This I confess in His holy Name. Amen.
Check Your Sack Before Jesus Comes BackMarch 14, 2011 at 2:12 pm | Posted in Genesis | 2 Comments
Tags: Benjamin, Biblical cups, birth order, Christ in Genesis, commentary on Genesis, Genesis 43, Genesis 44, Jacob, John 18, Jospeh, Judah, Judah's speech, spiritual baggage, Sunday School lessons on Genesis
Jacob and his family were out of food, and the famine was still going strong.
And the famine was sore in the land. And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the corn which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said unto them, Go again, buy us a little food. And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you. If thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down and buy thee food: But if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down: for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you. And Israel said, Wherefore dealt ye so ill with me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother? And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down? And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones. I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever:
Genesis 43:1-9
Judah stepped up to the plate for his family. Maybe he learned a lesson from the incident with Tamar.
Jacob sent his sons back to Egypt, and he reluctantly sent Benjamin with them. Now the brothers had three main problems:
1. Returning to Egypt, how would they explain why they still had the money they were supposed to have used to pay for the corn?
2. Simeon was still locked up in Egypt. How would they get him out?
3. How would they make sure that nothing happened to Benjamin?
These problems have spiritual corollaries as they picture similar problems that we, as Christians, may face in our lives today:
1. Are we still carrying some type of material or spiritual baggage from an excursion we made into the world, and, if so, how are we going to get rid of it?
2. Do we have "brothers" who got locked up in the ways of the world while they were out in it with us, and, if so, how will we get them back?
3. Are we doing what we can to make our "little brothers and sisters" safe from the world?
Here's how God arranged for Joseph's brothers to deal with these problems:
First of all they confessed that they had something they weren't really supposed to have.
And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house, And said, O sir, we came indeed down at the first time to buy food: And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand. And other money have we brought down in our hands to buy food: we cannot tell who put our money in our sacks.
Genesis 43:19-22
This took care of two of their problems at once: They were not in trouble over the money, and they got Simeon back.
And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.
Genesis 43:23
The dream which was part of the beginning of all Joseph's troubles was now fulfilled:
And they answered, Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance.
Genesis 43:38
The brothers still had one problem left, but God's grace took care of that one, because "the Egyptian ruler" took a mysterious liking to Benjamin.
And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.
Genesis 43:34
It must have also seemed exceedingly strange to the brothers that the Egyptians had them seated according to their birth order. How could they have known that?
The events in Genesis 44 take place about 22 years after the brothers had thrown Joseph into a pit, sold him into slavery, lied to their father, and "got away with it." Now they thought that their problems had been solved. They were on their way home with Benjamin, Simeon, and the corn: mission accomplished. Joy over hidden sin (and the idea of "getting away with it") might produce a type of relief, but it is a false relief – a false joy. Joseph's brothers were shocked when they were overtaken on the way home by Joseph's steward.
And he searched, and began at the eldest, and left at the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack.
Genesis 44:12
The steward searched their sacks according to their birth order, which, again, must have seemed strange. The brothers had made a deal that the one who was found with the silver cup would remain in Egypt and be a servant. The tension would have been heightened as they moved toward Benjamin.
The word "found" can be "found" about seven times in Genesis 44 [Verses 8; 9; 10; 12; 16 (twice); and 17]. There is also the expression "come upon" in Verse 34. The brothers' sin was being "found out."
The word "father" is mentioned about 17 times in Genesis 44 [Verses 17; 19; 20 (x 2); 22 (x 3); 24; 25; 27; 30; 31; 32 (x 2); 34 (x 2)]. Sin was being "found out" and the "Father's" judgment was coming upon it.
And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken.
Genesis 44:2, emphasis added
And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lord's servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found.
Genesis 44:16, emphasis added
In Scripture the "cup" is often the image of God's wrath.
Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
John 18:11, emphasis added
You do not want to be caught with the cup of God's wrath in your sack when Jesus comes back.
And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph's house; for he was yet there: and they fell before him on the ground.
Genesis 44:14
Notice that Judah appears to have taken the position of leadership. Also, Joseph's dream has now been fulfilled again. They all bow.
Judah's speech in Genesis 44:18-34 is very interesting. Judah may have been divinely inspired to appeal to the Egyptian (Joseph), using Judah's own father (Jacob), without knowing he was talking to a man who also called Jacob "Father." Notice "thy servant my father" in 44:24; 27; 30. Now came the fulfillment of Joseph's second dream where Jacob also bowed before Joseph. Through this speech – this impassioned plea – Joseph realized Judah had changed.
The Recognition AdmonitionFebruary 11, 2011 at 10:29 am | Posted in Genesis | 6 Comments
Tags: Benjamin, Christ in Genesis, commentary on Genesis, fear of God, Genesis 38, Genesis 42, Haggai 1, interpreters, Proverbs 4, Sunday School lessons on Genesis
Lord, help us to be forgetful of ourselves and focused on others. Help us also to be focused on Your glory. Help us to be looking for opportunities to give You glory and to praise Your name. Just as Joseph wanted to introduce his brothers to the king of Egypt, I pray that You will show us ways we can bring our brothers and sisters closer to You, our King. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.
And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us. And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required. And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.
Genesis 42:21-23
Joseph's brothers left Simeon in Egypt and went back home to break the news to Jacob. They also had to tell him that they needed to take Benjamin to Egypt. They were also alarmed that the money they left with the Egyptian's (Joseph's) steward had been discovered back in their own sacks.
You may notice that Joseph's request was kind of suspicious. From the brothers' point of view, how would this Egyptian even know that the person they brought back was really their little brother?
We see in Jacob's unwillingness to send Benjamin, and in his fear that "something might befall him" on the way, the consequences of sin. The sin of Joseph's brothers was not just affecting them; it was affecting the whole family and all their people. My sin doesn't just hurt me. It hurts my wife, my children, my fellow church members, the people to whom I've witnessed. Sin hurts the sinner, and it hurts others, too.
Joseph began to set up a series of trials and surprises all designed to do two things:
1. To make sure, having understood his boyhood dream to be a command from God as well as a vision, that he was doing his part to make the vision come to pass.
2. To make sure that his brothers were repentant over what they had done – so that true reconciliation could be possible.
Here is an excellent piece of advice from Joseph that we would do well to heed today: "This do, and live; for I fear God." Those who fear God do not live in fear. They live in safety, knowing that reverence for God brings life. Joseph also teaches us to plan for reconciliation with those who have hurt us. Acknowledge the source of the problems we have with others. Consider what resources God has given you since the time of the conflict you had with someone else, to see if those resources may be used to resolve the conflict. Consider how you have grown and changed since the beginning of the conflict. The person you had the conflict with might not recognize you any more.
"Recognition" is a recurring theme in the story of Joseph. His brothers recognized him from afar in Genesis Chapter 37. Since they recognized him, they had time to plot against him. The brothers asked Jacob if he "recognized" Joseph's coat. We see the theme in a different context in Genesis 38. Tamar asked Judah if he recognized his personal possessions. There is an advantage when you recognize something that someone else doesn't. Haggai 1:5 says "consider your ways," and Proverbs stresses the importance of recognizing where you will end up if you take a certain path. When Genesis says somebody saw somebody from afar, remember the principle of recognizing the Lord and turning from our ways to His ways before we take action.
Jesus and Joseph and Their BrethrenJanuary 17, 2011 at 11:42 am | Posted in Genesis | 4 Comments
Tags: 2 Corinthians 5, 2 Peter 1, Adam, Christ in Genesis, commentary on Genesis, Ephesians 2, exclusivity of Jesus, Genesis 3, Genesis 45, Sunday School lessons on Genesis
When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, first there was weeping, then there was some shame, and some fear, but look at the response of Joseph:
Come near to me, I pray you…
Genesis 45:4
Not only should we want to spend time with Jesus, but we should be thrilled to find out that He wants to spend time with us.
The Book of Genesis ends with the story of Joseph, but it begins with the story of Adam. Throughout the Bible, we find that God, for some reason, wants to spend time with men.
And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
Genesis 3:8-9
"Where are you Adam? I want to talk to you!"
"But I'm a bad person, God!"
"Adam, I want to walk with you in the cool of the day!"
"I'm afraid of you, God!"
"Adam, I want to spend time with you."
"I'm not the only one who messed up, God, go find Eve and bother her!"
"Adam, I want to communicate with you."
"I don't want to admit I did wrong, God!"
God didn't call out "where are you Adam?" because Adam was the all time champion of hide and seek and could actually conceal himself from God. God called out because He wanted love freely given, obedience, worship. What if Adam had come running, begging for forgiveness?
Joseph told his brothers "come near to me, I pray you," and he made himself known to them. "I am Joseph whom you have wronged." (Genesis 45:4) Jesus wants us to remember, every single day, that He's the One who was sent by God to preserve our lives.
Once Jesus has made Himself known to us, He will begin to reveal the blessings He has in store for us.
And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:
Genesis 45:10.
The Lord wants us to relocate permanently to the land of blessings – not just pay Him a visit once in a while.
And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither.
Genesis 45:13
When Jesus has revealed Himself to you, go tell others – your family and friends – and bring them back with you. God does not have a limit on His attention. When He reveals Himself to you, He wants you to bring others into communication with Him also. The revelation of Jesus to His brothers will cause His brothers to want to relocate, to want to bring others with them, and to communicate better with Him.
Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.
Genesis 45:15, emphasis added
They had a lot of catching up to do. You can talk to God anywhere, but how can you get God to speak to you? Read the Bible. It is a more sure word of prophecy.
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
II Peter 1:19-21
There are really only two good times to read your Bible – day time and night time. Not only can the Holy Spirit teach you out of the Scriptures, but God can speak to you directly while you're reading and studying and meditating on His Word.
Look at the effect of Joseph making himself known to his father through his brethren:
And they went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan unto Jacob their father, And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob's heart fainted, for he believed them not. And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived: And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.
Genesis 45:25-28
Jacob revived. He came back to life with new motivation. Just as Jacob was motivated by finding out Joseph was alive, we should be motivated because we serve a living God, a living Savior.
I serve a risen Savior,
He's in the world today;
I know that he is living,
whatever men may say;
"He Lives," Alfred H. Ackley
Jacob was motivated because Joseph was "governor over all the land of Egypt." We should be motivated because our Brother is the Maker of Heaven and Earth and everything in them.
Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
II Corinthians 5:9-10
Believers will be judged for the good works we've done for God. This judgment will not determine our eternal destination. They only way to Heaven is by grace through faith, not of works. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Jesus will reward His brothers.
Jacob was motivated because he knew he was going to die.
And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.
Genesis 45:28
Jacob said it is "enough" that my son is alive, but he didn't really mean it. He wanted to see him, too. And he was conscious that he had a limited time to do it. I believe Jacob lived to be 147, and he was about 130 when he found out Joseph was really alive. He had had 17 years to enjoy Joseph and his grandchildren. You and I probably won't make it to 147, and, unless the Lord comes back, we are all going to die. The death rate has been remarkably consistent over the centuries. It's always been about "one per person."
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
II Corinthians 5:11
As Christians, our Brother will not be the Brother of those who have rejected Him. This should motivate us. If you have been born once, then you have to die at least once. But you can be born a second time, and you don't have to die twice. Time is short. God's Spirit will not strive with you forever. Maybe the the Holy Spirit is speaking to you now. Will you believe that He's on your side and that Jesus wants to save you?


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(Cummings) Peter, 85
Patricia A. (Cummings) Peter, 85, of Worcester, passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 in her home. Her loving husband, Lazaras �George� Peter, predeceased her in January 2005.
Patricia is survived by her son, Paul S. Peter; a grandson, Josh Peter both of Worcester; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Paul Cummings and by a sister, Dorothy Gaudette. Born in Worcester, daughter of Earl F. and Mabel K. (Palmer) Cummings, she has lived in Worcester all her life.
She graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester and later worked as a Pharmacy Tech at the former Bergwall�s Pharmacy on Main Street, for over thirty years. She then worked for the Worcester School Department as a Teacher�s Aide, before she retired.
Patricia was devoted to her family as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Her happiest moments were the times spent surrounded by her family.
Calling hour will be held on Monday morning, October 31, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, followed by her Funeral Service at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be held privately for family at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.
Flowers may be sent or donations in her memory may be made to Children�s Friend, 21 Cedar Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or online at


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Froggy Went a Courtin'
Tex Ritter
Weird Bob
Learn it on harp with Night Train James
Tony Norris and Noah Aldridge
This traditional folk tune is often thought of as a children's tune, even though the themes are quite mature. We're talking about a gun-totin frog who wants to marry a mouse, who has to ask a rat, her uncle for permission. We're talkin about a big wedding, held in the hollow tree. All the animals come out for the celebration, but all it takes is one little incident, when the old grey cat shows up, uninvited and gobbles up the rat, and all hell breaks loose. Carnage in the animal kingdom. This is no gentle song, gentle readers, no...even if it does have a very compelling old melody.
There are plenty of versions of this out there. I posted the Tex Ritter version because, well, I like Tex Ritter, and also he messes about with it some and I enjoy that. The Bob Dylan version is from one of two delightful recordings of folk material he recorded at the beginning of the 90's, Good as I Been to You. I recommend this recording highly. There are a number of excellent performances presented there. My favourite might be Jim Jones...or maybe Diamond Joe...or maybe Arthur McBride.
The harp piece is simply fun, and the last piece is just so loving, I had to post it.