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Harmony in the Home
By Linda Rex
When my children were little, I was looking for a way to guide them into healthy ways of thinking and being without being punitive or constantly having to scream at them. I began to read about parenting with grace and found lots of different ideas on how to go about participating with Christ in my children's growth and maturity.
It was a struggle because I was a single mom. I didn't have the luxury of saying, "Just wait till your father gets home!" I was the one who had to call the shots and draw the lines in my home if I wanted my children to have the benefits of living in unity with who they are in Christ. I have two strong-willed children who are very intelligent and gifted in their own way. It was a challenge to keep ahead of them on so many levels.
I've tried a lot of different tactics over the years, but for a while one of the practices I came upon was that of a family charter. I sat my children down and together we came up with a list of rules for the house that had to do with respect. It was important to me that my children learn to respect God, themselves, each other, the authorities in the world around them, and their belongings.
These house rules were pretty simple and had consequences that the children picked out themselves. Once we had agreed on the important things to bring peace, kindness and harmony to the family, we would each sign the charter.
If I felt things were getting out of hand at home, we would meet again to discuss the charter. Occasionally we might make some changes. The consequences might very from one family meeting to the next, but most just stayed the same.
One of the things we agreed upon was that we would guard our tongues. We agreed that we would not use foul language in our home, or say things that were nasty and hurtful to each other. My children decided the appropriate consequence for violating another family member's ears and heart with unkind words or foul language was to clean the toilet. My children would take great delight in catching me using a mild expletive because then I would have to do toilet duty. Of course, they didn't have equal delight in being caught themselves.
After a while my children became frustrated with the family charter and no longer seemed to need it to guide their everyday behavior. So I did not use it in the same way, though I left it up for a while as a way of reminding us of what we valued as a family.
But I have often reflected on the whole idea of joining together as a family to agree to live together in harmony, peace and kindness. Is not this the definition of "koinonia"—of the "perichoresis" that God calls us to live in with the Father, Son and Spirit?
To teach my children to live in harmony with others in a way that involves love in unity, diversity and equality is to teach them to live within the truth of who they are as children of God. This is to teach them to live in agreement with who they are as God's children, made in his image, redeemed by Christ, and filled with the Holy Spirit. To live in harmony with who we are as God's children is to live in the truth of God's kingdom here on earth even now through Christ and in the Spirit.
So when we begin to turn the air blue around us with foul expletives, or we begin to slide into some other form of hurtful behavior, we need to reconsider just who we are affecting with our words and behavior. Jesus said that what we do to one another, we do to him.
If indeed we sit in heavenly places in Christ right now, as Paul said, and we already have been brought out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light, then everything we say and do is somehow bound up in Christ. For in God, through Christ and in the Spirit, we live and move and have our being.
Changing the way we act and talk is not a simple thing we can do if we just try hard enough. It is much more effective to begin to grow in awareness of Christ in us and in others, and to come to realize and live in accordance with the reality of the Spirit's constant presence in us and with us. This is the spiritual discipline some people call "practicing the presence."
This discipline involves being sensitive to God's real, abiding presence with us each and every moment of every day, and engaging God in constant conversation as we go about our daily activities. The mundane activities of life begin to have a different tone when we do them in God's presence, knowing he is aware of every nuance of thought, feeling and desire.
We also become more and more aware of the real presence of God in one another. We begin to see Christ in our neighbor and the Spirit of God at work in people we didn't used to consider being "good" people. We begin to experience the real presence of God in everyday experiences and conversations. This is the kingdom life.
This is living in the reality that we are already participants in the kingdom of God. We already share in God's kingdom life with one another—unless we choose to continue to participate in the kingdom of darkness. And we all know the consequences of continuing to live in the darkness of sin and death—because we see them being realized all around us, and even in our own lives. And we know the pain and horror that goes with them.
Jesus Christ is the gate to the kingdom of God, and his Spirit of life flows through us all. May we all live in this truth of our being, in grace, peace and harmony with one another. May God's kingdom be fully realized here on earth as it is in heaven. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Thank you, Holy Father, for binding us together with you in love through Jesus and by your Spirit. Grant us the grace to live in the truth of our being, in the harmony, grace and peace you bought for us in your Son. May we live in warm fellowship and love with you and one another forever, through Jesus Christ our brother and by your precious Holy Spirit. Amen.
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:4–7 NASB
Over My Dead Body
By Linda Rex
I was reflecting the other day on some of my experiences out on the farm. When you live with and interact daily with animals of any kind, you experience the realities of life and death. Death of humans and animals is inevitable and can happen at the most inopportune times, creating the unpleasant task of finding a place for burial.
And death normally isn't a very pleasant experience. After a day or two, the dead body will begin to bloat and stink, and the scavengers will begin to make a meal off of it. The stench of a rotting corpse, to me, is quite nauseating and disgusting, even though it is the normal process of decomposition. I prefer to get as far as I can from any dead body.
It's interesting that the apostle Paul uses this stench of death as a way of describing how those who reject Christ see the lives of those who are living in communion with God. In one way we are seen as a fragrance—a lovely scent—of Christ rising to God. In the other, we are seen as a "dreadful smell of death and doom". How can we be both at the same time?
Really it comes down to perception. What is real about each of us is not readily apparent to everyone all at once. Our new life in Christ—which is true for each and every person—is hidden with God in Christ. This means that it is a spiritual reality, an objective truth that may or may not be subjectively evident in each of our lives. In Jesus Christ each and every person lived, died and rose and again. God sent the Spirit to all. But what God has done for us in Jesus Christ and by sending the Spirit is not necessarily immediately obvious because not everyone believes or receives the gift of God in Christ and lives it out.
When a person meets and comes to know well someone who is actively participating in a new life in Christ, they are faced with the truth of the resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus, in which we are all included, means that Jesus, and all of us in him, died. There was a time when Jesus' body was a corpse—he died—and so we each died. And we all rose from the grave in him.
The thing is—if we died in Christ—what we used to be is now, dead. That scripture that says "the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked" (Jer 17:9) no longer applies. Sure, it can certainly look as though this old way of living and being is still alive. We can live and act and talk in a way that implies this is still the case. But God has declared in Jesus Christ a definite "No" to this being our nature any longer. He has given us the new heart he promised his people.
But what if we don't want a new heart? What if we think the heart we have is just fine? What if we don't see any problem with the way we are living now? What if we don't believe that God has done any of this for us?
If this is the case, we will perceive this way of being—of living a new life in Christ—as something it is not. We will see it as being a lie, or as being something offensive that we want no part of, and so we will resist and reject the Spirit and his work of renewal. To us it will be a stinking, rotting mess. Because the evidence of this new life in Jesus tells us that without Jesus, a smelly, rotten corpse is just what we are.
We don't like to be told the truth about ourselves. If we concede that in Jesus Christ we are made new, that means we have to die to our old ways of being and doing. If we agree that Jesus Christ defines our new humanity, that means we have to give up being lord of our lives and submit to his ways of being and doing. And that just stinks!
Jesus pounded out the importance of death and resurrection over and over in his ministry. We die with Christ and we rise with Christ—he is our life. Apart from him we have no hope. We are just old rotting corpses that God never meant for us to be.
God created beautiful things when he created human beings and he didn't create humans to be the mess we are today. This is not who we are. In God's purpose we are made to reflect and bear his image. When others look at us, God intends for them to see a reflection of his perichoretic nature of unity, diversity and equality. God's purpose is for us to be creatures in whom and with whom he will dwell, who will participate with him in a relationship full of love and grace.
But because evil and sin and death has entered our cosmos, God sent his Son to take it all on himself and in the process create a new humanity with God's nature hidden within. Then he sent his Spirit to awaken each of us to faith in Christ, so that we can participate in this new humanity. God has replaced all the dead corpses with vibrantly alive beloved children—but not everyone is willing to make the exchange. Some still want to hang on to their old dead bodies.
Personally, I'm more than happy to participate with God in the process of replacing the old with the new. The old me, which is dead, was not a very pleasant person to be around. She was pretty stinky and disgusting. As far as I'm concerned, this new life he has given me is what I want to be a part of and share with others, even if to them I am a reminder of the death of their old selves in Christ.
To a culture enamored with old ways of living and being I may be offensive and disturbing, like an old rotting corpse that stinks. But in the end, this old rotting corpse will dissolve into the ground from which it was made, and I will shine, like so many others who share Christ's new life, as the stars in the heaven. To me, that seems to be the better, more satisfying choice.
Thank you, Father, for the gift you have given us of new life in your Son and by your Spirit. Awaken each of us to the new life that is ours. Grant us the grace to participate with you in your divine life and love as your beloved children, and to leave all that died with Christ buried with him in the tomb. Through Jesus, our Lord, and by your Spirit. Amen.
"But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?" 2 Co 2:14–16 NLT
Death of a Kingdom
By Linda Rex
I was reading in some Karl Barth tomes this morning and got caught up in his writings regarding the kingdom of God. I agree with Barth that if any of us truly caught the vision of the kingdom Jesus brought and illustrated for us here on earth and began to live it, we would turn the world upside down—or more likely, end up dead because we so radically opposed all that society stands for.
Indeed, as Barth pointed out, it would be almost suicidal in our society to live in the way Jesus lived—always turning the other cheek, living free to move about rather than owning things, caring for the outcasts and rejects, and refusing to conform to the religious and cultural traditions of his people. He honored the governments and institutions of his time, but at the same time, he never yielded up his position as Lord of the cosmos and his right to rewrite the God-concepts and societal norms of his peers.
Thinking about all this makes me wonder if we have ever truly come to grips with what it means that Jesus came to this earth as the king of a divine kingdom. What does it mean that someone who is other than us became one of us, lived as we did, and yet lived and died in a way none of us would or could live and die, so that one day we could share the world he came from?
Seriously, that almost sounds like a script from "Ancient Aliens" (no criticism or ridicule intended). Indeed, while his followers were anxiously preparing for the invasion of a political kingdom, Jesus had something totally different in mind. While they were thinking in terms of positions of power and who would be the greatest, Jesus was hammering out what it would take to transform a human being into the image of God he or she was meant to reflect. Jesus was working on a transformation of our very being while everyone else was thinking about getting ahead in the human sphere.
Our culture today for the most part is wrapped around our marketplace, whatever form that may take. What we own, or what we want to own and how we will pay for it, consumes our attention. Our culture is money and power driven, whether we like it or not.
I can almost see Jesus with his scourge chasing out our cash cows and other financial obsessions. It has infected the church, just as it did many centuries ago, and has created so much grief in the process. How often we have had to be pained by the sight of another Christian leader infected with greed, falling from grace! It breaks my heart, especially since I know the capability of my own human heart to fall prey to that disease.
I'm thrilled to see and hear that God through the Spirit is calling people everywhere into relationship. Relationships should always supersede the demands of the marketplace. If we can keep the reality of who we are and who we were created to reflect foremost in our minds, then surely all the rest will fall into perspective.
Maybe, instead of constantly collecting more things for ourselves, we could follow the lifestyle of a friend of mine. Her policy was that whenever she was given something, or something nice came her way, it was because God had someone in mind for her to give it to. Believe me—I saw this in action and it was a beautiful sight to see!
This is like the kingdom of God as expressed in the early Christian church. The believers shared so that no one was in need. No, it wasn't a communal society. But it was a fellowship, a communion. They loved and cared for one another so much and so well that no one had to go without. In the process, others noticed and became caught up in the experience with them.
Jesus' effort to change the world was accomplished through the changing of our very being as humans. His work through his life, death, resurrection and ascension has been and is life-changing. The kingdom of God is a kingdom that crosses all human kingdoms and cultural boundaries. It is open to each and every person because the gift of the Holy Spirit, who Jesus sent to transform human hearts and minds, is available to everyone.
Perhaps if we were less willing to content ourselves with the trappings of this human life and sought instead to embrace the gift of radical grace in the Holy Spirit, we might find ourselves experiencing in fuller measure the kingdom of God now in our lives and in our culture. Bonhoeffer, in his book "Ethics" talked about how important it is that the body of Christ influence its culture and the government of the world in which it lives. We don't try to create a theocracy so much as we live out the kingdom of God in our being, and that living it out in all we think, say and do will dramatically transform the world around us.
The path to the death of our human kingdoms and the darkness in our world is the path that Jesus took on our behalf. Through death and resurrection, Jesus ended the kingdom of darkness and in its place, inaugurated the kingdom of God.
At some point we're going to need to release our grip upon the things of this human existence and begin to embrace the values and lifestyles of God's kingdom. And the only way that will happen is through our sharing in Christ's death and resurrection. We express this symbolically through water baptism, and we partake of Christ's life in an ongoing way as we eat the bread and wine of the eucharist table. As we daily turn away from all the things we depend upon and idolize, and turn to Christ instead, we experience the life and death of Jesus in our human existence.
Living in the reality that there is a world or kingdom that is ours that is beyond this life enables us to hold loosely to the things of this human existence. Accepting that one day they will all be gone and all that will be left is what has been built in the spiritual sphere, in our relationships with God and others, helps us to stay focused on what really matters.
One day this will all be gone—and it could happen in this next moment—and what will be left? Just ashes? Or a beautiful being refined by suffering and glowing with love and grace? It's worth considering.
Father, thank you for sending your Son Jesus to establish a new, glorious kingdom that includes all of humanity. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to dwell in human hearts and to bring to pass a transformation of our lives and our world. Forgive us, God that we resist you and deny you entrance to our hearts and lives, and instead fill them up with clutter of every shape and size and shut you out. Grant us the grace turn to you and to reject anything that may stand in the way of a loving relationship with you and with others. May we trust you to finish what you have begun in us through Jesus and by your Spirit. Amen.
"The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever." Revelation 11:15
A Vacuum of the Soul
by Linda Rex
I was reading "Crossroads" by Wm. Paul Young this week and was caught by the picture of a desolate valley with a dry riverbed running through a broken-down temple. This empty place was meant to be filled with running water, which would have given life to all the plants and animals that lived there. This picture of a broken, desolate human soul was profound.
It took me back to the beginning in the book of Genesis where we see that God placed a garden, the Garden of Eden, at the headwaters of four major rivers. This river was a source of life to the garden and to all the areas around the garden. When Adam and Eve chose to decide for themselves what is good and evil rather than trusting God and eating of the tree of life, they found themselves no longer able to access this river of living water in the same way.
And humanity has been seeking to fill this vacuum in our souls ever since. We find so many ways to try to inject some life into our souls. We seek life through relationships, sexuality, wealth, fame, and a myriad of other fruitless efforts. Instead of freedom and life we often find ourselves even more empty and enslaved to demanding taskmasters such as addictions, obsessions, depression and despair.
The prophet Ezekiel predicted one day a temple would be built from which a river of water would flow—one that was so strong and so wide that it could not be crossed. This river of water would flow out and bring healing and restoration to the salted desolate places.
It is instructive that the final picture we have of the summation of all things in the book of Revelation is a picture of God and the Lamb Jesus Christ being the temple from which flows the river of life. God has made his dwelling place with us as human beings and will never leave. His life, the Holy Spirit, forever proceeds from God's inner being through Christ to all people.
Jesus, when he came, said that he would give the gift of a fountain of living water within our souls for those who are spiritually thirsty. He said this living water would overflow to others around us, so that they would also find their thirst quenched as well. Our souls were meant to be a place filled with the rushing water of the Holy Spirit, flowing in, through and from us, bringing life and renewal.
In the Epistles, we find that our bodies are temples where the Holy Spirit dwells. God with us. We were never meant to live with the emptiness and loneliness of going through life on our own without God. We were created to be filled with and overflowing with God's real presence through Jesus and in the Spirit. For this is true life, real life—knowing God and Jesus whom he sent. It is living in relationship each moment with the God who made us and loves us, and will not be God without us.
It can be quite fearful and challenging to stop and take a look inside. What things are we clinging to? What have we made monuments to in our hearts and souls, such that there is no room for anything or anyone else? What has taken the place that was meant for God and God alone? For this is what is creating that vacuum—that hunger that will never be satisfied. Here is where we must, like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, cast out all our idols and make room for God. What must we release our hold on so that we can wrap our fingers around the hand which holds us so tenderly and tightly? May God give us the grace to let go.
Dear Holy God, thank you for your gift of Living Water. We long to be nourished by your Holy Spirit, to be renewed and refreshed, healed and restored. Lord, today we release our control over our lives and let go of those things we cling to in your place. Forgive us for placing our trust in things and people other than you and for depending on ourselves instead of you. Wash these all away in the River of your love. In Jesus' name and by your Spirit. Amen.
"Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four rivers." Genesis 2:10 NASB
"Then he brought me back to the door of the house; and behold, water was flowing from under the threshold of the house toward the east, for the house faced east. And the water was flowing down from under, from the right side of the house, from south of the altar….Again he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not ford, for the water had risen, enough water to swim in, a river that could not be forded." Ezekiel 47:1, 5 NASB
"Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." John 4:13–14 NASB
"Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.' " John 7:37–38 NASB
"Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:1–2 NASB
Coming out of Darkness
By Linda Rex
This morning as I padded my way into the kitchen early in the morning, my eye was caught by a shaft of bright light on the floor. Since it was still dark, I peeked out the window to see the source of the light. All was black, but up in the night sky hung a silver moon, big, round, and glowing with white light.
I have a fondness for moonlight. Perhaps it is my romantic side that calls to me when I see a huge orange moon rise over the horizon. I have to stop and take notice—God's playing with his creation—all the colors, shapes and creatures in constant motion, taking on new forms each moment of each day.
I think it is significant that God creates such beauty for us to enjoy at night when the earth is at its darkest. For it is an excellent illustration of what God does in the midst of the darkness in our lives.
Surely all of us know the experience of having some place, some event, some experience in our lives which we don't want anyone else to know about. There are places of shame, guilt, anger, loss and grief. We keep these hidden, out of view, sometimes even hidden from ourselves. It seems to be the safest, most painless way to live.
But God woos us with the moonglow of his love in the midst of our dark places. He doesn't allow us to wallow in shame or self-pity, but calls us to bring everything out into the light of his presence. Jesus, as the Light, is now joined with us and has sent his Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts.
We are living in the Light now, but we seem to think we can hide behind the bushes with Adam and Eve. God never meant for us to live in fear of him. He meant for us to live in a covenant relationship of love with him, moment by moment living out our human existence in his presence. All that we do is a participation in his divine life and love.
So Jesus calls us into the light of his presence and reminds us that when we are truthful about who and what we are, we will live and walk boldly with him, no matter where we are at in our journey. If indeed, we are struggling with some character flaw or relational issue, he isn't amazed or appalled. Rather, he is concerned. He wants to help. He wants us to acknowledge our dependency upon him to do the right thing in hard situations.
His calling to us is to live and walk in truth, in relationship with the Lord of all, in the light of his presence. Even if we have fallen short in some way of Christ's perfections, the truth is that Jesus stands in our place. We can come boldly before the throne of grace because it is Jesus who is there already, holding for us the grace we desperately need. He's already paved the way for us to be forgiven.
As we live in this intimacy with God through Christ in the Spirit, doing all of life in God's presence in constant conversation with him and knowing his great love for us, we find that we don't want to do anything to mar that relationship. We dread the possibility of ruining that beautiful relationship. We don't want to grieve our divine Daddy, and we don't want to insult the Spirit of grace. Our brother is so precious to us that we wouldn't dream of hurting him—no, we'd rather die first. And so we find that we begin to live out of a new center. We find that old ways of being and doing begin to fall away.
Those things we have to continue to wrestle with, we find the grace for in the midst of this ongoing relationship with God in Christ. It's not about being good enough, and it's not about being saved or not saved. That was all taken care of a long time ago in the coming of the Word in Christ. No, now it's about living in the presence of God each and every moment, and yielding to the will and work of God as he conforms us to the image of his Son.
Transformation is something God is working out in each of us. Christ is there, and the Spirit awakens us to reality that the Light of God is now present with us, in us and for us. God loves us and always will love us. He won't forsake us, but has promised himself to us forever.
This is where darkness becomes light. For surely we would, if we realized, run to the Light and not away from it. Why hide when being in the Light is so freeing and so filled with joy and peace?
Lord Jesus, you are our Light. You are the one who comes to us in the Spirit and frees us to be all that we were created to be from before time began. Thank you, Father, that in your Son we are free now to live in the light of your presence every moment of every day. Thank you for this gift of life and of love. We love you and may, dear God, our lives bring you joy every moment of every day. Through Jesus our Lord. Amen.
"This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God." John 3:19–21
You are Enough as You Are
by Linda Rex
Last night I was at a sub shop exploring the pages of Karl Barth's "Church Dogmatics" and I overheard a young lady in the booth behind me informing a couple new employees of company policy. Having performed that routine myself in my previous employment as a human resources director, I found it amusing to inadvertently hear her slam the company's policy against profanity. Apparently the opinion of the two young women she was instructing was more important to her than the preferences of the owner of the business.
At that particular point I had been reading what Barth had to say about spiritual gifts and service within and without the church. Barth emphasized that the new life God has given us in Christ includes all of life, not just the going-to-church parts of life. When we recognize who we are in Christ, it impacts how we think, live, talk, and relate to others. Having Christ and therefore the Father living within via the Holy Spirit means that all of our human existence is taken up and made sacred, holy, and should be committed to God's purposes. This includes telling a new employee what the company's expectations are.
Some of us focus on learning what our gifts are and strive to be putting them to use in God's service. Others of us are still struggling to figure out if we even have any gifts to offer in this way. But what God is helping me to see is that just finding and offering my gifts is not all that God has in mind for me. Indeed, he is looking for something a little deeper.
Truly, to seek to know God not only as Father, but as the indwelling Christ, is a lifelong process. It takes time and experience to come to know and recognize the voice of God in the Spirit, and to obey Jesus as he leads us in a real and personal way moment by moment. This being led by and filled with the Spirit is a challenging process, to say the least.
And it's all of grace. For I realize again and again that God speaks and too often I am preoccupied with my own concerns, or too busy, or I miss the cues he is giving in showing me where to go and what to do. I don't always see with his eyes, even though he gives me the eyes of the Spirit. I don't always hear with his ears even though so often the Father is speaking—through other people, through events in my life, through the book I'm reading or the movie I'm watching. If I were alert to all the ways God is interacting with me moment by moment, I think I would be overwhelmed. I am so very grateful that God is gracious and kind!
So the result of that little episode in the sub shop was that I once again saw that I need to take some time for silence and solitude to hear the Word of God to me. What gifts, abilities, and skills has God placed within me and how does he want me to use them in this season and situation in my life? But more than that, I need to quit apologizing for who he has created me to be and start fully using what God has poured out on me. I need to quit caring so much about the opinions of others and place as first priority the will and sovereignty of God and the full expression of the Christ within by the Holy Spirit.
And that's tough. Not only does it involve a letting go, but it also involves a grabbing hold of life and making full investment of all that I am as a human being in the things that really matter. I can't afford to be a part-time, half-hearted Christian any longer. I can't let other people decide for me what I am to do with my time, energy and efforts. That's what Christ meant when he said "Follow me." It's his call, not theirs or mine.
Jesus told the man who wanted to go home to bury his father "Let the dead bury the dead." Christ is calling us into a priority relationship that involves giving all of life to him, even if that means giving him preferential treatment in comparison to our relationships with those near and dear to us. To give one's life as a "living sacrifice" means that there is a laying down of all that matters most to us so that, in Christ, we can receive it all back in a new way in his kingdom life.
Who we are in Christ is enough. We don't have to reach any other standard. Christ is the standard we are to meet and he has met this standard for us in taking on our humanity in the incarnation through his life, death, resurrection and ascension. In the gift of the Spirit, he invests himself in us. And so, we are enough, in him, for whatever we may face in our lives.
But let's you and me be a full expression of Christ, not just a brief glimpse. Let's respond fully to the Spirit and let him transform us—transfigure us—conform us to the image of Christ. Because this is what God wants for you and for me.
Lord, thank you that you have given us yourself by the Spirit so that we can be a full expression of you in your life and love. Thank you for your grace through which we are able to grow up in you and become all that you have in mind for us. For it is only through you, by you and in you that this is possible. In your name, we pray. Amen.
"I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him….So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't." Romans 12:3, 6 MSG


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If you looking to make an investment in any new business it is very important for you to have a good credit score, so that you can get the loan or funds easily from any of the sources. Taking a business loan from the bank may look easy but in actually it is one of the most difficult things to do. This is because it is the very lengthy process and moreover you need to show the bank that you successfully running the business for around six months at least and you also have the constant income. Due to such conditions some people's application gets fail without even considering or looking at their plan.
How to arrange the funds
If you need to invest immediately into any funds then it is wisely advised that you should take a help from the corporate funding programs services. These services help you to get the funds at any cost and help you to make your credit score look good. These services also help you get an unsecured credit card as well.
If you not aware of what is unsecured credit card then it is for you to know that unsecured credit card is that card in which you don't need to submit any kind of security deposit in order for credit limit. That means you get the credit card without any deposit and you can make use it in order to arrange the funds for the investment you need to do. Even if you want to increase the limit of the credit card limits you don't need to submit any deposits. If you make use of these credit cards then you have a time period of at least one month to arrange the funds and return it to the lender. This will also increase your credit score value and helps you a lot further.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Words that start with andi
Found 30 words that start with andi. Browse our Scrabble Word Finder, Words With Friends cheat dictionary, and WordHub word solver to find words starting with andi. Or use our Unscramble word solver to find your best possible play! Related: Words that end in andi, Words containing andi
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- Words With Friends
- WordHub
- Crossword


text:
Sandy, Studio 1, Living room renovation
After a house fire, Sandy and John began a series of renovations on their home in Eastham Village on the Wirral, including a total redesign of their living space.
Sandy, Wirral
February 7, 2017
Tell us a bit about how the project started…
The project started unfortunately after a recent house fire! The result is that of an unfortunate sequence of events. It's been a tough few months with renovation works to the home but the end result is simply stunning!
Q: Were you always keen to have a wood burner in your home?
A: We have always been fascinated by log burning stoves. The authenticity and hypnotic draw to them is mesmerising! This fire's warmth is second to none.
Q: What stove did you choose in the end?
A: We chose the Stovax Studio 1. Easy to use, it has a sleek, contemporary look and is virtually maintenance-free.
Q: How did you go about finding your stove?
A: We found our perfect stove by visiting a local show room (Amberglow Cheshire Oaks)
As soon as we saw it, we knew it was the one – we wanted to feel a real fire's warmth and my goodness, you really can feel it! We can highly recommend this beautiful stove!
Please note that Stovax & Gazco accept no liability for their installation suitability, safety or building regulations conformance. The images shown on these pages are from real independent homes, many taken before installation is complete, and these form no basis of an installation recommendation by Stovax or Gazco. Please consult the complete installation instructions for your chosen product and consult with an appropriately qualified person for your own installation.
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Studio Edge Inset Wood Burning Fires
The Stovax Studio Edge inset fire is for those who require minimalist modern perfection. This contemporary wood burning fire has a seamless no-frame design, allowing your home's interior to frame and enhance the roaring flames. Combine this with the optional fan-assisted convection system and you can boost the flow of heat into your room whilst ... Find out more
"Very Pleased"
Fiona researched a variety of manufacturers and she was pleased with the final choice!
"Toasted Tootsies"
Mike & Tricia are pleased to have gained extra floor space with their recent gas fire installation.
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The Stockton 5 fits perfectly well in Shelagh's Art Nouveau themed living room.
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"The centrepiece of our new home"
Gill and Les were so pleased with their Stockton double sided stove that they decided to have it in their two homes.
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The new fire transformed Ben's home into a beautiful contemporary setting.
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Sue and Roger add an electric fire to their contemporary living space.
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Emma replaced her old fashioned gas convector for a woodburner!
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Rachel and Justin enjoy the warmth of their stove - even Elwin the cat is a fan!
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Louise enjoys a cosy experience in front of her wood burning stove.
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Dom & Sylivia's distinctive gas fire provides a stunning focal point in their contemporary living space.
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Kemey & Chris are delighted with their new electric fire. They are looking forward to using it in the coming winter months.
"We have always had a desire for owning a period property with the key feature for us being a wood burning stove"
Lucy & Dale add a woodburning stove to their dining room as a key feature.
"Our fire creates an ambiance in our family home"
As featured in "Double Your House for Half the Money", Ben Barratt installs a woodburner to help reduce his monthly outgoings.
"We look forward to coming home and lighting our Stovax woodburner"
Camille and Dave explains the benefits of having a wood burning stove in their rented property.


text:
Shimmering white shade trimmed with chrome banding on a smooth chrome frame (8 lite chandelier)
Product Details
Brand: Steven Sabados S&C
Model: SC438WH
Type: Chandeliers
Finish: White
Family: Madison
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Weight: 29
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(858) 707 5991
Are you or a loved one living with prolonged concussion symptoms?
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text:
I had been getting calls from a Robert from Google (phone number was 800-826-9988) who claimed that he could improve my rank on Google. He left me about 4 voicemails and sounded more and more frustrated each time. It was like he felt like I was wasting his time! I had never reached out to Google before either!
I asked my internet marketing company about it and they told me that it's extremely unlikely that Google would be calling because it would be a conflict of interests for them if they said they could improve my rankings (since I was competing with other inns in my area for rankings that they could service too and up the price for all of us). They also told me that these companies can sometimes record the calls, change up the audio clips, and make it sound like I agreed to use them. A pretty questionable practice if you ask me.
I just wanted to let everyone to look out for Robert from Google!


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Student talks gun control
February 28, 2018
I'm sure everyone reading this has access to the Internet, and if you have access to the Internet, you've almost definitely heard of the Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting that took place in Parkland, Fla. on Feb. 14. The events that happened in the school are universally agreed to be tragic and, well, almost completely agreed to have been completely preventable. As a student, the preventability and thus means of preventability are on the forefront of my mind and the minds of my peers.
Gun control is a topic that I've taken to avoiding for quite awhile. However, recent events have brought gun control and likewise my opinion into the limelight. Keep in mind though, I'm certainly not the most qualified person for the job, but you have to do what you have to do I guess.
Naturally, I'd want school to be safer. So how do we go about this? Many people say that guns should just be illegal to own period. I think that it's unrealistic to think that confiscating or buying back the guns of everyone in the United States will actually work. Whether or not that it would it reduce homicides regardless, guns are already deeply rooted into American culture. If they weren't, then we would not have more guns than people in our country, which is the very fascinating but somewhat alarming reality. If the United States were to try to take guns back from the people in any way, shape, or form, would anybody actually comply? There is no doubt that there are many people that have very strong anti-gun control opinions that cause them to be enraged when anybody says an even remotely left statement about the issue. Of course, this is not the majority, but my point still stands; there are quite a few people that will rebel or attempt to rebel should guns be taken away, and they mostly likely have more than enough weaponry to do it.
Taking guns from the public is not an option that can be taken immediately. Sure, you could slowly ease the public into submission, but I think that action against school shooting must be taken quicker than actions were taken with civil rights amendments I propose that schools would be safer if law-abiding and non-mentally ill individuals would carry guns on or near school premise. This raises the question: Who should be the one to carry the guns?
Of course students should not be the ones to carry the guns. That would potentially cause even more shootings. If you are wondering, no, I do not believe that carrying a gun makes you more polite and complacent. However, that's a topic for another day. So because students are out of the question, the other groups of people that could potentially protect students with guns that first come to mind are police officers and teachers. While teachers are much closer to students and thus can protect them quicker, I think that police officers would be a better choice for two reasons. For starters, police officers have much more experience with handling guns. Second, they are already one of the few groups allowed to carry guns in gun free premises, which include schools, so if they had to be around schools while equipped with guns of sorts, then minimal policies would have to be changed.
So police officers are always out patrolling, right? So say we change some of the police officers' patrol routes to closer to the school. We certainly can't afford to reduce the radius of patrol routes just for schools, especially in a place like Danville which has a high crime rate. Furthermore, imagine a city like NYC, which has a lot of high schools and a need for a large police patrol radius. How would they get dozens upon dozens of police officers to stay put at a school or decrease the patrol radius by having them patrol around schools. The solution? Retired police officers.
I'm not saying that retired police officers should leave retirement to work. What I'm saying is that most school guards are retired police officers, including Warren Dallas, our security guard here at Galileo. School guards are of course always patrolling their school, and if they have experience with handling guns, such as experience from a career of being a police officer, then I think they fit the criteria required to be one who handles guns at a school.
Buying back guns or anything related to that would not work. However, having someone protect innocent students from school shooters would definitely help. Having students and teachers carry guns is not a very smart decision, and the former is a decision only a fool would make. The best way to enforce school safety in the area of school shooters is to have experienced school guards carry proper weapons to defend students.


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United States District Court, D. New Mexico
April 10, 2018
L. KIRK TOMPKINS and SUSIE TOMPKINS, Plaintiffs,v.LIFEWAY CHRISTIAN RESOURCES OF THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION, THOM RAINER, President of Lifeway, JERRY L. RHYNE, C.F.O. of Lifeway, LARRY D. CANNON, Sec. of Lifeway, DAVID WEEKLEY, Director of Glorieta 2.0, TERRY LOOPER, Director of Glorieta 2.0, LEONARD RUSSO, Director of Glorieta 2.0, ANTHONY SCOTT, Director of Glorieta 2.0, HAL HILL, Consulting Director of Glorieta 2.0, LINDA K. DEAN, Trustee of Lifeway, and JEFF WARD, Director of Finance, Glorieta 2.0, Defendants.
CHRISTINA ARMIJO United States District Judge.
MATTER is before the Court on Defendants' motions to
dismiss Counts I-V of the Complaint and for sanctions (Docs.
23, 24, 25, and 49). Also before the Court is Plaintiffs'
motion seeking leave to file a surreply (Doc. 66). Defendants
argue Plaintiffs' pro se Complaint is abusive,
barred by preclusion principles, and fails to state a
cognizable claim. For the reasons set out below, the Court
will deny leave to file a surreply; deny Defendants'
motions to dismiss Counts I - IV without prejudice, but grant
leave to amend those claims; dismiss Count V; and decline to
impose sanctions at this time.
For the
limited purpose of this ruling, the Court assumes the
relevant facts taken from Plaintiff's complaint are true.
Southern Baptist Convention ("SBC") owned certain
real property in New Mexico and Tennessee. (Doc. 20, p.
12-14). SBC had a business relationship with Defendant
Lifeway Christian Resources ("Lifeway").
Id. at p. 12-13. Plaintiffs own, or used to own, a
residential dwelling located at 304 Aspen Rd. in Glorieta,
New Mexico ("Aspen Property"). Id. at p.
7-8; 16. Construed liberally, the Complaint appears to allege
the Aspen Property was part of the Glorieta Conference Center
("GCC Property"), a project managed by Lifeway.
Id. at p. 2, 13-15. The GCC Property sits on 2, 500
acres and features single family homes, a religious retreat,
camp buildings, a resort, and a conference center.
Id. at p. 18.
2013, Glorieta 2.0 Inc. ("Glorieta 2.0")
expressed interest in purchasing the GCC Property.
Id. at p. 14-15. Glorieta 2.0 director David Weekley
met with the GCC Property homeowners, including Plaintiffs,
to discuss the sale. Id. Plaintiffs were not
permitted to bring legal representatives or real estate
brokers to the meeting. Id. at p. 39. Weekley knew
the GCC Property was worth $12 million, but he only
"allocated" $2.5 million to the purchase.
Id. at p. 15. Glorieta 2.0 purchased the GCC
Property in September 2013. Id. Lifeway took the
position that it sold the GCC land to Glorieta 2.0 without
selling any dwelling houses. Id. at p. 23. The
purchase contract therefore included an option for Plaintiffs
to sell the home on the Aspen Property (presumably to
Glorieta 2.0) for $84, 999. Id.
to Plaintiffs, Glorieta 2.0's contract to purchase the
GCC Property is "void on the basis of
unconscionability." Id. at p. 34. Plaintiffs
also refused the $84, 999 purchase offer on the home because
it was insulting and unconscionable. Id. at p.
23-24. Thereafter, Defendants embarked on "a complex
scheme leading to egregious heinous damages inflicted on
Plaintiffs in efforts to make [them] accept an Unconscionable
Contract Offer for [their] Private Property."
Id. at p. 16, 23. Specifically, Defendants
represented that the GCC Property lost revenue; published
deceitful articles in Baptist newsletters; and misrepresented
information at a Baptist conference. Id. at p. 21.
Defendants also misrepresented the terms of the GCC Property
sale and falsified property records to "explain away
errors in … previous … sales contracts."
Id. at p. 18, 23-24, 29. These tactics devalued
Plaintiff's home and prevented them from selling the
property for fair market value. Id. at p. 25.
Plaintiffs allege Glorieta 2.0's directors intentionally
engaged in such misconduct to profit at the homeowners'
expense. Id. at p. 32.
In the
following years, Plaintiffs submitted five written requests
to "discuss problematic conditions" on the GCC
Property, including waste management issues. Id. at
p. 27-28. Then, in 2016, Plaintiffs confirmed Lifeway, its
agents, and "representatives at 'GCC'"
used the GCC Property as an illegal dump site for toxic
waste. Id. at p. 28, 35. The problem purportedly
existed for at least 40 years. Id. at p. 28. The
toxic materials included: "additional debris from
renovations;" "asbestos;" "hazardous
building materials;" "chemicals;"
"carcinogens;" and "black mold" in
the eating facility. Id. at p. 36, 38, and 40.
Plaintiffs and their children were exposed to the dump site
in the 1980's, and they ate at the dining hall containing
black mold. Id. at p. 35, 38. Lifeway failed to
inform residents about the toxic areas and instead attempted
to escape liability by selling the GCC Property to Glorieta
2.0. Id. at p. 35.
to the Complaint, such misconduct caused "unknown
health problems over several decades" and
"anxiety for years to come." Id. at p.
36, 38. Plaintiffs further allege that "at the time of
death of [their] Paternal father, the 'HIDDEN'
hazards created and unattended at 'GCC' had been on
the 'GCC' Property within ½ mile from"
their religious retreat/dwelling home. Id. at p. 41.
Lifeway and Glorieta 2.0 are allegedly under criminal
investigation for illegal dumping and other violations of
environmental law. Id. at p. 39.
also allege Defendants abused Mike Adney, a third party.
Id. at p. 42. Adney functions as Plaintiff's
"Trustee." Id. He resides at the Aspen
Property house "for security, " and presumably to
maintain a presence until the dispute over ownership is
resolved. Id. Glorieta 2.0 Director Jeff Ward
allegedly threatened and harassed Adney in an attempt to
extort Plaintiffs. Id. Such conduct caused
Plaintiffs to experience "mental distress" and
denied them "meaningful rest leading to
sleeplessness." Id.
on the foregoing, Plaintiffs filed an Amended Verified
Complaint for Civil Fraud, Denial of Constitutional Due
Process, Unconscionable Contract, Breach of Fiduciary Duty,
and Extortion ("Complaint"). (Doc. 20). The
claims are broken down as follows:
(Count 1): Fraud, which relates to the sale of the GCC
Property and the purchase offer on the Aspen Property
dwelling house. (Doc. 20, p. 20-26)
(Count II): Denial of Constitutional Due Process, which
relates to the sale of the GCC Property, the purchase offer,
and the "taking" of the Aspen Property. (Doc. 20,
p. 27-30).
(Count III): Unconscionable Contract, which relates to unjust
enrichment, the purchase offer, and the sale contract for the
GCC Property. (Doc. 20, p. 30-34).
(Count IV): Breach of Fiduciary Duty, which relates to the
failure to properly dispose of toxic waste and inform
residents of the attendant risks. (Doc. 20, p. 35-41).
(Count V): Extortion, which relates to the threats against
Adney. (Doc. 20, p. 42-43). Plaintiffs seek $800, 000 in
damages, plus punitive damages in an amount to be ...
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text:
Controversial rapper Azalea Banks is back on the Cardi B. hate train. The pugnacious lyricist is no fan of her fellow New York rapper and in a recent interview, Azalea suggests that Cardi B's meteoric rise in the rap game may have conspiratorial roots.
According to Azalea, Cardi's rise may have come at the expense of music industry men pitting top Black female rappers against each other in order to make room for the not-exactly-Black Cardi.
"Even if you look at the whole Nicki Minaj and Remy Ma debacle. These are like the two mainstream band stand black female rappers we have and you guys pit them against each other and egg it on and then brought Cardi B up afterwards? Come on, negros. Come on, negros. Come on.
I don't know, for that to just have happened was kind of like stupid – men in hip-hop should have coerced them to work together. It looked really bad. It just looked bad and it kind of brought Nicki's value down. Even if it brought Remy's value up, it didn't bring her the right value".
"…Remy Ma didn't even need to be on 'Love & Hip Hop.' Cardi B needs 'Love & Hip Hop.' Remy Ma does not need 'Love & Hip Hop.' You get it? And it's almost as if there was a greater strategy to do this and pop Cardi B in there." (The Black Media)
Cardi B. and Azalea aren't BFFs. Azalea has trolled Cardi B. before, even calling out Cardi's alleged ghostwriter.
Cardi recently became engaged to her boyfriend of about 7 months, Offset from Migos. Her hit track, "Bodak Yellow", continues its dominance on the charts.
Social media users have relentlessly attacked Azalea for attacking Cardi and have accused Azalea–who some consider to be a gimmick artist–of being jealous of Cardi's success while her own recording career appears to be circling the drain.
Azalea Banks has also become more known for her beefs than her music.


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Skyler Petersen – History
Email: email@example.com
Classes: World History, U.S. History
Hours for Help: Before School, During Lunch, and After School
Ms. Petersen is proud to teach U.S. and World History at Lompoc High School and to serve as the Vice President of High Schools of the Lompoc Federation of Teachers.
Born and raised in Orange County, Ms. Petersen is a graduate of La Habra High School. She earned a B.A. in History from Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, California. After a post-college detour spent working in Washington, D.C. for a few years, Ms. Petersen moved back to California to attend Claremont Graduate University, where she earned an M.A. in Education.
Ms. Petersen loves teaching history and being part of the Brave community. She also enjoys reading good books, running, going on adventures with her dog Monty, spending time with family and friends, and learning interesting things to share with her students.
This is Ms. Petersen's ninth year at Lompoc High School, and she is excited about another great year!


text:
EA had their EA Play presentation this weekend preceding the E3 festivities to come. The show included a 30-minute look at Apex Legends' second season, which is scheduled to start on July 2nd. What's in store for the game?
There's a new weapon, a new legend, and plenty of battle pass rewards to unlock as you grind your way up through the tiers. The weapon is another Titanfall 2 addition, the L-Star, a fully automatic assault rifle, and the new legend is defender by the name of Wattson. She can erect electric fences, zap down missiles, and be all sorts of sparky hijinks.
Check out the video below if you want to glean every single piece of info presented in it.


text:
Height: 5'2
Weight: 103lbs
Bust: 34D
Waist: 25
Hips: 35
Hey guys it's Alexa ! I'm a tiny blonde girl from Cali thats super outgoing loves to have fun ! I've been modeling professionally for a little more than a year now and I absolutely love it, I am also a competitive figure skater of 12 years and it's my passion. I love going to the gym and the beach and doing crazy spontaneous things ! I hope you all like my pictures ! XOXO Alexa <3


text:
Long over due, I finally put a banner up for my blog!
Had Kristi over to my house on Friday night. We made a guitar hero/rock band party of it with Jenna, Tiffany, Katrina, and Dan.
Saturday was a very busy day for me. I worked a half day at the store and then went to Brisbane for Maria & Ricky's wedding reception. I learned a valuable lesson. You can't be a photographer for one hour and then switch gears to being a guest at a party. I ended up working 5.5 hours, then leaving because I was completely exhausted from running all over.
Sunday was really special because Kristi, Sandy, Carrington, and Nick met me for lunch in Burlingame at the Crepevine. It was so great to meet Nick & Carrington. And of course I missed Sandy. And Kristi just rocks my world ;).
We ate outside since it was a beautiful day and Carrington was with us. Here's Sandy with some Carrington love.
The Whores on the street
I love to take pictures!
I stayed in last night and took it easy. Watched the movie Man of the Year with my parents and laughed a lot. I just love Robin Williams. Also enjoyed an incredible animation that I never heard of until I became an animation student. Go rent The Iron Giant. I know I'm an animation nerd but its incredible! I even watched it a second time to listen to the commentary and learned a lot of cool things too. Finally got to see Edward Scissorhands. LOVED IT! What a cool movie. Not at all what I was expecting. Tim Burton and Johnny Depp are incredible.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Loved Lunch!
3 comments:
- Unknown said...
I had a great time seeing you MJ, i love your nerdy ass, :)
- June 30, 2008 at 12:53 PM
- Unknown said...
i cant believe you havent seen edward scissor hands til now!! That was one of my fav movies when i was younger! lol. love your pics, sounds like you had a fun and busy weekend!
- June 30, 2008 at 3:49 PM
- dani said...
yay new banner!! love it!
- June 30, 2008 at 9:59 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
DCP Alum Rock High School Shadow Day Sign-Up
Sign-up below for DCP Alum Rock High School Shadow day and we'll be in touch soon!
- Time: Every Wednesday from 8:20am- 3:40pm.
- Details: Lunch will be provided
- Dress Code: All students must come with black or khaki pants and a black or white polo shirt.
* Required


text:
Every week, tones of garbage are produced in estates and offices. This becomes a major challenge to people. At homes, people buy foodstuffs, and when it goes bad, it brings a mess. The furniture will also break and make the place look ugly. If proper initiatives are not undertaken to manage the waste, it can lead to a buildup, especially in instances when the renovations is being done at homes. This brings challenges as cleaning become harder. Solve these problems by hiring a junk removal Halifax NS company.
There are many trash companies helping people, be it residential and businesses to collect the garbage and transport it to the landfill. These companies are efficient as they have employed the latest technology in trash disposal. Some of the contractors help to do the recycling.
Every type of refuse collected requires professional approach to remove. Though some homeowners try to do the job, they end up doing a shoddy job. Working with the professional company gives many benefits. Some trash contains asbestos and other health hazards. Hiring a company will help to prevent diseases. The heavy home and office appliances need a professional approach as trying to dispose them can lead to injuries.
When you call the trash company, they do a professional job. They only charge a small fee, but the result is a clean environment. One of the reported advantages of using a professional is that they are efficient and finish the job within a short time. These companies have the technology to help them do the job. They deliver the dumpster containers and later come to haul them away when they are filled with refuse.
In some cases, many broken appliances need proper disposal. When it comes to lifting the heavy trash such as electric appliances, this can only be done by an expert. Companies have tools to lift and dispose of them using heavy trucks. The equipment ensures the safety of clients as they will not come near the trash.
Waste is classified in different types. Some things such as appliances that have broken down can still be used after recycling. The experienced companies will help to keep the environment clean as they do the collection and recycle. Te paper collected at the office is transformed into something better. The old appliances are dissembled and important parts removed and kept safely for use later. Consider working a firm that do recycling.
The law requires that we take care of the environment. The industries, companies and homes produce a lot of wastes which must be collected and dumped correctly. Some wastes contain asbestos, while hospitals produce a lot of junk materials. This can only be attended by a firm that has invested in technology, trained their employees and know the proper place to dump the dangerous rubbish.
It is the duty of individuals to be responsible when it comes to refuse disposal. Hiring a refuse disposal contractor costs money but has benefits. Hire a contractor who has good reputation and experience of many years. Check that they have the licenses and insurance before you sign a contract. Rubbish removal firms will ensure the home and office remain clean, and this prevents an outbreak of diseases.
Read more about The Best Time To Use Junk Removal Halifax NS.


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- Google Flights is backing up their airfare cost prediction feature with a cash back guarantee.
- It's a limited time offer, but maybe it's the beginning of something bigger. Cross fingers.
This is something. Just when you want to hate Google, they go and do something cool.
It's no secret I love Google Flights, which should be one of your, if not the, first stops when planning your next trip. If you have some flexibility, it's great for finding and monitoring upcoming flights (other than Southwest, which lives by its own rules, thank you very much).
But Google has apparently upped the ante, as Afar is reporting. For select flights, Google will back their price prediction feature with an actual guarantee, up to $500.
It doesn't work for all flights, and it's a limited time offer – perhaps a test for a bigger rollout? One can hope.
Anyway, for flights booked between August 13 and September 2, 2019, for travel completed by November 24, 2019, you can breathe a little easier when plunking down the plastic for a (likely nonrefundable) flight.
If you have occasion to use this, share your experience in the comments below.


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Methods of processing, always natural
There are periods and activities that we can not do solely with the arms of our family. Some stages of vineyard processing (from pruning, from thinning to harvesting) are carried out manually to allow us to achieve our quality objectives (for example, the harvest is done manually to ensure the selectivity that the mechanized harvest can not to offer). In these situations, we use manpower in compliance with the legal requirements, mainly coming from cooperatives of skilled workers, with whom we have a long-lasting relationship.
We do not use irregular labor at low cost. This is also in line with the vegan view of a responsible ethic, according to which the pain of others is not exploited.
We use:
- Agronomic practices of green fertilization, carried out by means of shamrock and clover, in order to increase the content of organic substances and the bioavailability of nutrients
- Increase of the organic content by cutting the grass and pruned shoots.
- Increase the use of natural water resources (rains) through the autumn cracking of the grassy cotica
We don't use:
- Fertilizers containing animal flours and blood flours for land fertilization, not to support animal exploitation, even indirectly.
- Mineral fertilizers, which, being easily washed out, contribute to the eutrophication of the water, disturbing the equilibrium of the environment in which we are inserted.
We use:
- Spraying and weeding of the mechanical and manual sub-thread
- Insecticides such as natural pyrethrum (not chemical synthesis) which, being photodegradable, forces us to carry out the treatment after sunset but minimizes the impact on non-target insects of the fight
- Radical choices such as the eradication of diseased vines and subsequent substitution
- Traditional treatments based on copper sulphate for downy mildew
- Products based on fungal spores which are antagonistic to oidium disease, when temperatures permit its action, reducing the use of sulfur
- Green harvest, ie elimination of the bunches which, due to their conformation and position, facilitate the development of foci of marcescence, which reduces the quality of the must.
- We also need the green harvest to reduce the amount of grapes in the grapevine in order to obtain richer grapes and consequently a must with a content of substances suitable for the quality objectives of our wines.
We don't use:
- Herbicides for the elimination of grasses and weeds from the sub-row.
- The herbicides can leave traces in the soil (and therefore in the grape) whose effects on health and the environment are not clear. For example, the most widespread herbicide in viticulture is based on glyphosate whose carcinogenicity is under discussion
- Desiccants to remove the shoots from the base of the vine (suckers)
- Insecticides of chemical synthesis: we limit the insecticides treatments to what is required by the laws for the containment of diseases such as the golden flavescence
- Systemic treatments against fungal diseases typical of the vine (peronospora). Systemic treatments, despite guaranteeing a longer coverage (and therefore reducing time and cost of processing in the vineyard) enter the lymphatic circulation of the vine and can leave residues in the grapes or start dangerous phenomena of disease resistance.
- Anti-mold to avoid the onset of rotting in case of harvest period with high humidity level. The anti-mold also break down the indigenous yeasts present on the grape skin, which we instead use to ensure richer and more typical aromas to our wines.


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I just came across a very interesting paper published in the most recent issue of Co-Design (#4, 2010). The paper's title – "Designing empowering and critical identities in social computing and gaming" – does not necessarily convey the true meaning of the subjects addressed in this work… but is catchy enough to grasp the attention (and by the way, you can access this and other texts from this journal for free till the end of February, a nice cadeau from the publishers).
It's only when reading a bit further into the text I start understanding that the purpose of the work is to suggest, rather modestly, a radically different model for identity articulation – and essentially for identity construction, different compared to the one explicitly accepted today. The new framework is called AIR, Advanced Identity Representation. It is also the name of the project by the Imagination, Computation, and Expression Laboratory (ICE Lab) directed by Fox Harrell, the paper's author from the MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL).
The author argues that the existing prevailing framework of, and approach to identity construction in a variety of digitally mediated domain (social networks, virtual worlds and games etc) is facing growing number of difficulties, and don't seem to satisfy our needs of identity representations in these realms. Worth even, it already 'fires back', since certain theoretical assumptions are now embedded into a range of applications and technologies that in turn start shaping our very identity in a particular (and 'particular abnormal') way.
In the paper he visualizes both theoretical frameworks and the technologies/applications informed and developed on their corresponding bases. The first, currently prevailing one is called "Computational Identity Applications" (I ventured to slightly color up the otherwise undistinguishable charts):
I am skipping here the details of his analysis that shows why this model is limiting us (both 'lay users' and the 'application developers'). But the verdict is pretty gloomy:
"In the design and software engineering of such systems, the reliance of computer scientists on intuitive understandings of identity, rather than nuanced theories that view identity as enacted, contextual, imaginative, and infrastructural, has resulted in software that at best ignores opportunities for empowerment, and at worst results in perpetuating longstanding social ills of discrimination and disenfranchisement".
There is a light at the end of the tunnel, though: "We can do better".
As an alternative approach, of understanding and conceptualizing the above mentioned 'nuances' of contemporary identity, the author suggests to look more closely at a number of promising approaches, and specifically at the Cognitive Categorisation framework explored by Eleanor Rosch and further developed by George Lakoff, and lately further advanced by James P Gee. There is a similar scheme developed, too, to illustrate this alternative approach, called "Cognitively Grounded Computational Identity":
Here is a rather long quote from the paper, illustrating the key differences between these two approaches:
"Traditional theories or objectivist views of categorisation hold that categories are defined by the common objective properties of their members. These traditional views are characterised by ideas such as that meaning is based on truth and reference (relationships between symbols and things in the world), differences between physical objects are defined by common essential properties, there is a single correct way of understanding what is and is not true, and all people think by using the same conceptual systems."
"The AIR Project draws on, in contrast to traditional and 'folk' theories of categorisation, more recent empirically based theory which asserts that categorisation is a matter of both human experience and imagination. The cognitive scientist Lakoff asserts that meaning is based upon human experience, consisting of: embodied perception of the world, experience of motor activity, and shared cultural knowledge; and that meaning is constructed by imagination, including: mapping concepts to one another as in metaphor and metonymy, and dynamically constructing mental imagery. This view of categorisation draws on the growing corpus of research from psychology, computer science, neuroscience, anthropology, and more to reveal a convergence of evidence disputing the traditional theory."
Based on this new understanding of identity, a significantly different type of applications could- and should – be designed and developed:
"As opposed to computational identity applications that are based on standard, static classification systems, the dynamically configurable, imaginatively grounded identities of the AIR Project are boundary objects that can customise user information and preferences for particular communities. The power of such models lies in the possibilities they enable for cross-community communication, which is of course necessary in order to challenge the discrimination that occurs at the margins, and lack of diversity inherent in the centre."
The paper briefly describes a couple of examples of such applications, or rather pilot prototypes, developed with the use a very different, AIR-ed, understanding of identity as a guiding principle. One of them, a game called Chameleonia, emplyes a 'shadow' metaphor, whereby "an avatar and its shadow (performed and socially constructed selves) dynamically transform, along with the cinematic presentation of the scene, based on player selected gestures and the current location".
An excellent and very timely paper indeed, and I fully subscribe to the Fox Harrell's concluding words:
"[W]e must also avoid the temptation to discount technology design as social intervention and to place the onus all on the creativity of end-users. Rather, as a theorist-practitioner-user, I consider myself a stakeholder and my own mode of intervention can encompass design and implementation. Furthermore, I would like to develop enabling ideas and systems for others.
"Only waiting for major software application producers to improve their systems ultimately constitutes just another type of disempowerment. Not everyone is a software designer, but to achieve the dream that computational identity technologies can serve empowering ends we need support on all fronts including creative users of technology, technology designers and producers, and co-creators all along the spectrum in between."


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If you're going to announce a new AAA title, the last place you want to do it is in a job listing. Unfortunately (for publishers / developers anyway), this is a thing that happens. The latest HR blunder comes from EA, which reportedly posted a job listing for a "Lead Online Engineer" to work on "a Star Wars open-world project".
Going from the original story by Gamespot's Chris Pereira, it appears the job description once featured the words "lead a team to deliver online features for a Star Wars open-world project".
However, this sentence is no longer present in the current listing, instead replaced with:
We are looking for a talented and experienced Lead Online Engineer to join an established, experienced team of developers working on a AAA Star Wars title in development at EA Vancouver.
This is an opportunity to join a veteran team to design, architect, and implement the Online infrastructure for the project, while working with industry-leading central technologies.
Considering Star Wars: The Old Republic is still a thing, one has to wonder what type of game EA Vancouver is working on, though it could be related to Visceral's (sadly) doomed Star Wars project.
The Collapse Of Visceral's Ambitious Star Wars Game
It seemed like a surefire hit: a Star Wars take on Uncharted, published by Electronic Arts and developed by the long-running studio Visceral Games.
For now, speculation will have to do — given this slip-up, it's unlikely we'll hear more until EA is good and ready.
Career Opportunities: Star Wars - Lead Online Engineer [EA Careers, via Gamespot]


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Time for another confession session.
I have been cosplaying for about two years now. While cosplay is a lot of fun, it's not all flowing wigs and swishy capes.
I get pretty jealous when I see someone cosplay the same character as me, but way better. It makes me feel inferior by comparison. I don't have enough money to buy quality cosplays, nor the skill to make my own to that level.
I am alright at sewing, but that is it. What really pisses me off though, is my sister was given a sewing machine a few years ago but never uses it. I have asked to borrow it and even have offered to buy it from her. She always refuses.
I hate my own hair with a burning passion, so I wear a wig at every opportunity. Even if I'm just watching an anime at home, chances are I'm wearing a wig. I would wear them to college, but my mum doesn't let me.
Despite all of the body positivity posts in cosplay groups, I am extremely self-conscious of my weight. There are so many characters I would love to cosplay, but I feel like I am way too fat to do it. I feel cute when I cosplay until I see a photo of myself.
Then I feel down about my appearance for the rest of the day. In fact, I only feel good about myself when I am in cosplay. I hate everything about my appearance so I am a lot more confident when I look nothing like myself.
I am unbelievably picky when it comes to making a cosplay. I compare thousands of almost identical wigs for the one that is just the right shade and length. When it comes to the clothes I'm even worse.
To be fair, I do sort out my cosplays months in advance, but to do so I fret and freak out about something that won't be used for another month at least.
I spend more time and money on picking out clothes for cosplay than I do for clothes I will wear on a daily basis.
I will admit, I like embarrassing my parents with cosplay. My Extended family, that haven't seen for months are coming over? You bet I'll be wearing a wig at the very least. I'm if feeling a bit more trollish, I might put on my full cosplay. Often I get forced to change and my mum is annoyed at me for the rest of the day or even a week. So worth it.
I once woke my little sister up at three in the morning to do my hair for a Hipster Belle cosplay. Yeah. If you know me in real life, you know I am terrible with hair. My sister, on the other hand, is great with fashion, make-up and hair styling.
So I pretty much stormed into her room and demanded her to do my hair. She still brings it up when we fight a year afterwards.
At my first cosplay meet, I let someone cut my wig. I have never regretted a cosplay decision so much. That wig is beyond saving. I didn't have the heart to tell her, so I kept my mouth shut and said that I liked it. Cue the why the fuck you lying vine.


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Home : Guided Tours : Depository Participant : Procedure
Depository Participant Guided Tour / Procedure
- The SEBI Regulations specify the format in which any of the eligible entities can apply to become a DP. An applicant has to submit the duly filled application form to NSDL along with the details specified in the Bye Laws.
- On receiving this application, NSDL requests for specific organisational and network details from the applicant vide specified formats.
- After this the applicant has to install the requisite hardware, system software & VSAT equipment and intimate NSDL of the completion of installation vide a specified format. On verification of these details, NSDL confirms installation of necessary hardware and VSAT connectivity and forwards the application form to SEBI.
- A comprehensive training programme covering all operational aspects of the depository system is conducted at NSDL for all the applicants. NSDL then requests for details of the software resources available with the applicant, which the applicant has to furnish vide a specified format. On furnishing these details, the applicant is instructed to install the software required for DP operations (DPM) in the test environment. On completion of successful installation of the software, NSDL organises for the pilot testing of the system. After completion of successful pilot testing the applicant re-installs the software in the live environment as per the directions given by NSDL.
- The applicant completes the registration process by paying the registration and annual fees to SEBI.
- As per the Bye Laws, the DP also has to sign a bilateral agreement with NSDL. After signing the agreement, the applicant pays the entry fee and security deposit to NSDL to become operational.
© Copyright 2012, National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL)


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The SHE Show North West Media Zone
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A System Failure
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Five Xmas presents to give yourself
The seasonal festivities are an interesting time to consider from a wellbeing perspective. While fun for most of us, Christmas also brings more misery and suicides than any other period. As research accumulates to show
Gravity, blame and inappropriate responses
Since nearly all slips and falls are avoidable, this is an area where individual blame often attaches and best practice is easily ignored. This isn't ideal, as statistics show that slips, trips and falls remain
Charles Kennedy and why commitment is vital
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Student Registration
We welcome you and your child to East Haven Public Schools where our mission is to provide a variety of learning experiences and a rigorous, comprehensive education in a safe and nurturing environment to prepare all students to be college or career ready!
Please check back soon for information regarding 2020-2021 new student registration and kindergarten registration.
Please use the resources available on this page to help guide you through the registration process.
We thank you for entrusting us with your most precious asset and we look forward to building a partnership with you.
How do I register my child?
Questions about the new registration process.
Do I have to register my child online?
Yes. If you do not have a computer or mobile device you can come in to the school to register. However, you will still be registering with a computer at the school. If able, we encourage you to register your child at home.
Is my PowerSchool Registration account different than my PowerSchool Parent Portal account?
Yes. You will have two accounts. One for PowerSchool Registration and another for PowerSchool Parent Portal. However, you may use the same email address/password for both accounts.
I noticed that there is a section to upload documents such as mortgage documents or pieces of mail. Do I have to upload the documents electronically or can I fill them out and bring hard copies to the school?
We encourage you to upload as many documents as you can electronically. If you are unable to, please bring hard copies to your child's school. However, your child's Health Form must be brought in to the school. Please CLICK HERE to download a copy of the Health Form or visit your child's school or doctors office for a copy.
I have two students entering the East Haven Public Schools. Do I register them both at the same time?
Yes. You will create a new PowerSchool Registration account and register one child first. Then, to register the second child, click the "Register My Child" button at the top of the page, sign in with the PowerSchool Registration account you created to register the first child and register the second child.
What do I do if I am registering a student and there is a Court order regarding guardianship, custody or a restraining order concerning my child, or the child I am the legal guardian of?
If there is legal paperwork that pertains to the student, i.e. custody, temporary and/or permanent guardianship, restraining order, it is imperative you provide the school with a copy of the order.