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Hallelujah: doxology

God Joan Winifred things i learned

This expression “Hallelujah” shows up in a lot of unexpected places… even in past/recent animations/cartoons…songs.

The single syllable Jah is usually linked with the more moving emotions of praise and song, prayer and entreaty, and is generally found where the subject theme dwells upon a rejoicing over victory and deliverance, or where there is an acknowledgment of God’s mighty hand and power. Examples of this special usage are abundant. The phrase, “Praise Jah, you people!” (Hallelujah) appears as a doxology, that is, an expression of praise to God, in the Psalms, the first being at Psalm 104:35.

Jah–A poetic shortened form of Jehovah, the name of the Most High God. (Ex 15:1, 2) This abbreviated form is represented by the first half of the Hebrew Tetragrammaton יהוה (YHWH), that is, the letters yohdh (י) and heʼ (ה), the tenth and fifth letters of the Hebrew alphabet respectively. [excerpted: Insight on Scriptures Volume 1, Jah]

Thank FULL for the “Breath of Life“…

 Our very existence gives us just cause to praise Jah. David sang: “I shall laud you [Jehovah] because in a fear-inspiring way I am wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, as my soul is very well aware.” (Psalm 139:14) Yes, we are “wonderfully made” and have such precious gifts as sight, hearing, and thinking ability. Should we not, therefore, direct our life in such a way as to praise our Maker? Paul said as much when he wrote: “Whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.”—1 Corinthians 10:31. [excerpted Praise Jah for His Great Deeds w 01]

10/13/17 @ 8:07 p.m.

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Falling and Standing Still (in Autumn)

Joan Winifred things i learned trees wisdom

Leaf Peeping or Heart Peeping?

amazing tree(s)

trunk stands still…the leaves fall

And the wind blows wherever it wants when it wants…

Picking up the leaves and rustling them to and fro

Simultaneous motion…

Deep roots & water source

Modern-day miracle, eh?

From the standpoint of

a little girl (aka me)

LONG LIVE TREES…

The xylem is composed of dead, thick cells that act as pipes for transporting water and nutrients up the tree.  The active portion of the xylem is known as the sapwood.  The sapwood is found near the outside of the tree.  Older xylem is known as heartwood and is found in the middle of the trunk.  The heartwood is often darker in color and is not very active in transport.  The darker color is caused by resins, oils and minerals, which are deposited as the tree grows.  The xylem (sapwood and heartwood) makes up the majority of a tree trunk.

On close inspection of a tree trunk one can see individual xylem cells.  They are arranged longitudinally.  The shape of xylem cells is what gives wood its unique characteristics.  Pine trees and other conifers have long, narrow xylem cells called tracheids.  This shape provides a surface that gives strength to paper products.  This is one reason why pine fiber is so valuable to the forest products industry.

At some time during your life you must have seen annual (growth) rings, and you know that each growth ring represents a year.  What makes these rings?  An annual ring is one year’s worth of xylem growth.  In most trees the xylem cells formed in the spring are larger than those formed later in the summer.  The difference in size results in what appears as a ring.  In some species such as oak and ash the spring xylem is so wide you can actually see them with the naked eye resulting in a very clear ring. [excerpted reading: How a Tree Grows: A Tree and its Trunk.]

Yep!;) this/my post(s)… sappy, but may be? full of heart?!-lol😉 with a ring of Truth.

Peace to You Reader:)

10/3/17 @ 5:05 p.m.

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Purging Purgatory

compassion forgiveness Freedom insights Joan Winifred knowledge things i learned

Peoples & places & punishments… we all need relief! (some RIP: rest in Peace:)…a break from the fake!…

sadly:( some of us have suffered oppression in one form or another throughout our lives (and in the graves??)…by lies.

Investigate for Yourself, please, the origins of doctrines…[excepted reading reference article: “Is Purgatory mentioned in the Bible?” 2017]

Purgatory is defined in Catholic teaching as the state, place, or condition where the souls of those who die atone for their unforgiven sins and are purified.*(See the New Catholic Encyclopedia, Second Edition, Volume 11, page 824.) According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this purification is needed “to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.” The Catechism adds that “the tradition of the Church . . . speaks of a cleansing fire,” (as depicted in the artwork accompanying this article.) However, this is not a Scriptural teaching.

The ancient Greeks believed in Limbo and purgatory. Influenced by Greek philosophy, Clement of Alexandria asserted that the dead could be cleansed of sin by a purifying fire. However, it was Pope Gregory the Great who stressed the fire of purgatory as a matter of unquestioned belief, according to The History of Christian Doctrines. This reference work adds that Gregory, who was pope from 590 to 604 C.E., “is usually called ‘the inventor of purgatory.’” The Catholic Church defined its official teaching of purgatory at the councils of Lyons (1274) and Florence (1439) and reaffirmed it at the Council of Trent in 1547.

What the Bible says…

People who have died are unconscious. “The living know that they are to die, but the dead no longer know anything.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5, NAB) A person who has died cannot feel anything and therefore cannot be cleansed by any fire of purgatory.

There is no punishment for sins after a person dies. The Bible says that “the wages of sin is death” and that “a dead person has been absolved from sin.” (Romans 6:7, 23, NAB) Death is the full and complete punishment for sin.

Some of us are suffering enough paying full price of consequence(s)… some of us are punished enough in life… leave ’em alone in death!!..RIP…relax, price was fully paid.

 

8/19/17 @ 11:40 p.m.

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The Sunday before…

appreciation comfort control God hope Joan Winifred things i learned

utter despair set in…

don’t be fooled by

the happy smirk

melted make-up

and

stringy hair…aka brief moment captured of quiet relaxation.

(note to self: may be?? i might try brushing my hair and fixing my make-up before documentation photos, huh??! lol;)…documentation of me feeling in somewhat control of myself/circumstances…[P.S. please! to whom it may concern/matter, ya right;) like this would matter to anyone but me–don’t misuse any image of me IF You happen upon on-line.  At some point, i intend to take them down; don’t know IF possible?…took down fun/goofy “hat” photos from a blog and yet found circulating on-line, UGHH!!]

when i post photo of myself, that is me controlling the image…and not some random friend/person/stranger/stalker… somebody instagram-ming me without me know-ing…which i don’t appreciate without my permission/knowledge. Thank You for respecting!!…:)

{facing (a) fear is letting strangers see my (me/freak show) face on-line, which i don’t like much…people looking/staring at me, etc. i can’t hide behind my stringy hair my whole life, right? may be? i’ll chop it off IDK.}

From one Sunday to the next SUN—day for context IF needed please read: Sunday Shades of Nuanced Satisfaction

Last Sunday (photo above)…(what was last Sunday’s date? today is 9/4/17) anyway…life seemed good! and it took a turn toward utter despair/non-resolution and fast!!…………………………..however, i am satisfied to get through the (emotional) pain/unpleasant place and make it unscathed to this past Sunday/yesterday feeling “o-kay”…hooray…THANK GOD! (this experience, among many, taught me once again that: “with God all things are possible.”)

Hope You Reader:) are feeling okay?? and in a safe emotional place of high-compassionate-functioning!!:) oh and Thanks for reading my ramblings..hope they encourage You somehow IF not leave this space now.

i employ my emotional/spiritual strategies of pain management (prayer, positive-Bible study, music, etc, exercise)…which usually are quite effective, but somebody pulled an unexpected/deep trigger from a concealed place…and i was too tired/relaxed and smirking-ly-self-assured (see photo above) with the attitude of: i got this all figured out?!…may be to resist too much…oh, ya, i did fight it in the wrong way; the negativity with negativity: OOPS! {but eventually had to let the despair wave wash over me first and then leave me soaked…glad to be through it…and at this “dry” emotional-well-being place: now of peace.}

a lot of it is (coping success):  mouth/mind self-discipline and not letting my thoughts/words on the loose…in the pit of disappointment, hopelessness, and black-hole darkness of super-sensitivity. But hey, sometimes, we all get engulfed before we realize.

time with my Dad doing artwork helped…we are working on a project. And Sabina helped me too. An example of a sweet, happy, positive woman with incredible health challenges seeming insurmountable…non-working arms and legs. (i should upload a video about her here, may be?) She has amazing skills!!:) a beautiful attitude and a beautiful smile and she can accomplish MUCH with her tongue and heart…what i can’t with working arms and legs without biting my tongue.

she helped me understand that difficulties..when courageously faced teach us special skills and focusing on helping Others is key and not being consumed by self-pity and negativity over our particular lot in life.

Hey, i have working fingers, and working eyes, and working arms and working legs. Enough food, enough sleep, healthy kids, etc, roof over my head, and not directly feeling effects of Hurricane Harvey:(…and no reason to give up!…the every day fine fight of compassion.

Sadly, some of us are facing literal hurricanes and figurative ones…but they are only TEMPORARY!! (Please return IF You choose, for a different post on “is the world out of control?”  recent positive readings and practical points about disasters.)

You’re not a sneaky tornado??…right?! -lol:) No! You’re a Friend of Peace!:)

PEACE Friend of Peace:)

 

8/4/17 @ 3:38 p.m.

 

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A Massive Recycling Project..ion.

comfort compassion Joan Winifred never giving up! peace things i learned

Do i recycle enough?? Can i consider recycling and reusing objects (never before considered) for the benefit of the whole of humanity and our shared planet home–Earth??!

Stuff studied…A beautiful foretold/predicted future recycling project…(of man-KIND (not man-cruel))…taking massive in quantity and massive in power–killing weapons of various sorts…recycling/reusing/turning objects of harm, hurting, and horror into objects of help, health, and happiness…YIPPPEEEEEEE…YAY, big recycle day!!* (day can be time period longer than 24 hrs.)

“‘Yes, this is coming, and it will be done,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. ‘This is the day I have spoken about. 9 The inhabitants of the cities of Israel will go out and make fires with the weapons—the bucklers*(or possibly “handpikes,” a weapon with a pointed tip.) and shields, the bows and arrows, the war clubs* and lances. And they will use them to light fires for seven years. 10 They will not need to take wood from the field or gather firewood from the forests because they will use the weapons to light fires.’ Ezekiel 39:8-10

In the final part of the days,*(in the last days)
The mountain of the house of Jehovah
Will become firmly established above the top of the mountains,
And it will be raised up above the hills,
And to it all the nations will stream.
3 And many peoples will go and say:
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah,(aka God of Bible; God of Compassion & Agape Love)
To the house of the God of Jacob.
He will instruct us about his ways,
And we will walk in his paths.”
For law*(instruction) will go out of Zion,
And the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem.
4 He will render judgment among the nations
And set matters straight*(or correct matters) respecting many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
And their spears into pruning shears.
Nation will not lift up sword against nation,
Nor will they learn war anymore. Isaiah 2:2-4

…unfortunately (and maybe against our control/consent), some of us have been instructed/educated in war & weapons…and that war/violence is a so-called legitimate solution to problems.

Fortunately, some of us have been (& will choose to be & will continue to be) instructed/educated in compassion & peace and the pursuit of peace…and that True Agape Love (and “real” government based and ruling in love (e.g. God’s Kingdom) is a viable solution to man-cruel-made problems.

Can’t we all unselfishly come together as Fellow-Fragile-Life and compassionately clean up our lives and our planet…by pursuing peace and recycling stuff that we truly don’t need…i.e. various weapons/things ultimately harming us and Earth?!

further context IF You choose:)

Partners Practicing Peace: Learning War No More

A Peaceful Mind is a Neutral Mind!

Extreme Behavior Emergency Survival Kit

static

Reasons

Recycle Day

Wishing You Peace Reader:)…
and PLEASE seriously (re)consider recycling…what is destroying life & our planet! THANK YOU!:) Of course, i will try my best to do the same.

8/31/17 @ 11:34 p.m.

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Satisfying Spiritual Needs?? (Part 1)

God happiness Joan Winifred peace spiritual food things i learned

Whether we realize or not…climates change..(not just talking) –Weather watches…& warnings…

The Bible predicts/prophesies/foretells the fall/destruction of:

the World-Empire of False Religion

Bible Scholars relate/say this and historians…

and history–records MUCH bloodshed in the name of so-called religion…

please check out these excerpts (my highlights)…readings…[Lasting Peace & Happiness: “Can Religion Satisfy Mankind’s Needs?” ]

THE major religions in the world have vast numbers of followers and many magnificent churches, cathedrals, synagogues, and temples. Despite all of this, have these religions taught the truth about God? Have they helped people to lead happier and more meaningful lives? Do their leaders practice what they preach?

 History clearly shows that the Western religions have proved disappointing in these areas. For example, some of the most horrible conflicts and massacres in history took place in lands professing to be Christian. The Crusades, for example, were launched by the churches of Christendom from the 11th to the 13th century. The wars during this period took innocent lives by the thousands.

 In the early 19th century, the churches openly supported many Western powers in the expansion of their empires in less-developed lands and the wanton exploitation of the resources of their colonial territories. Church and State acted in collusion. Hand in hand, they brought distress and misery to people in many lands.

 In the two world wars of the 20th century, most of the belligerent powers on the opposing sides were Catholic or Protestant nations. Thus, with the approval of their religious leaders, Catholics killed Catholics and Protestants killed Protestants. In more recent times, the conflict between Roman Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland resulted in heavy casualties. Leaders of these religions love to talk about peace and brotherhood, and all of them profess to serve the same God. But in view of the facts, we must ask: Do they really have a genuine love for peace? Do they truly love their neighbors as themselves?

 Additionally, are the religious leaders and their flocks known for their adherence to high moral standards? Has not the media repeatedly exposed and reported on cases of child molestation and other corrupt practices among the clergy of Christendom?[…]

 As regards helping people to gain an accurate knowledge of God, all major religions of the West have failed miserably. Their doctrines are mainly based on traditional beliefs rather than on the teachings of the Bible. For example, they believe that humans have an immortal soul and that those who do not serve God will be tormented in a fiery hell forever. Just think! If God were really so cruel and hardhearted, would you want to worship him?

Clearly, the religions of the West have not brought lasting peace and happiness for mankind, nor have they provided the right spiritual guidance. What, then, about the religions of the East? In China, for example, the three major religions are Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Have these religions brought lasting peace and happiness for the Chinese?

 In its early stages, Taoism was more a philosophy than a religion. Its founder, Lao-tzu, was dissatisfied with the chaos and turmoil of the times and sought relief by shunning society and returning to nature. However, as time wore on, Taoism became a system of worship venerating a pantheon of many gods and goddesses. Taoists practice divination. They attach great importance to omens and feng shui (the reading of the forces of wind and water) as well as to sundry other rituals. It is clear that Taoism falls short in providing satisfactory answers regarding the meaning of life or in fulfilling the people’s spiritual needs.

 At the outset, Confucianism was a school of ethics and morality based on the teachings of its founder, Confucius. Through the centuries, Confucian concepts have wielded a strong hold on Chinese culture and way of thinking. Still, being a philosophy of life, Confucianism has neither helped the Chinese to learn about the Creator nor encouraged them to cultivate a close relationship with him. Although adopting its precepts as rules of conduct brings certain benefits, Confucianism does not fully satisfy one’s spiritual needs; nor has it brought lasting peace and happiness.

1 Buddhism first came into China from India. This religion advocates compassion and tolerance, and it has fascinated many by its complicated philosophy. But has Buddhism helped people to learn about the Sovereign of the universe? Have the teachings of the Buddha satisfied the spiritual needs of mankind? The book Basics to Buddhism says: “Buddhists do not believe in an all-powerful divine being in the universe”; “Everyone is capable of becoming a Buddha”; “Everyone has to work on his own to become a Buddha and be liberated from suffering.” Buddhism has inspired, not faith in God, but reliance on self.

 To be spiritually satisfied, what questions must we consider?

 If a person’s faith is misplaced, how could he ever find the truth that brings real satisfaction? Down through the ages, the Chinese have followed the tradition of worshipping their ancestors, idols, and the spirits in nature, engrossed in the multitudes of rites and rituals connected with them. As a result, the concept of a personal God, or Creator, is something foreign to most Chinese. Yet, as discussed earlier, to satisfy our spiritual needs, we must come to know not only who the Most High God is but also what his purpose for mankind is. By so doing, we will be able to act in harmony with that purpose and gain lasting happiness. We therefore invite you to investigate and find for yourself the reasonable, objective, and satisfying answers to these questions: Is there a Creator? Does he care about mankind? Can he really bring lasting peace and happiness to mankind, who are so beset with problems and difficulties? Can religions based on myths and superstitions really satisfy people’s spiritual needs?

Further readings…[Lasting Peace & Happiness How to Find Them: Is There Really a Most High Creator?]

 “His invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable.” (Romans 1:20) Even though we cannot see God, our belief in his existence is no mere superstition. Daily, we deal with many things we cannot see, such as wind, electricity, magnetism, and the force of gravity. We know that they exist because we can observe the effects they produce. Similarly, the intricate design and the superb order in the universe distinctly testify to the existence of a Grand Creator.

God is invisible, so how can we come to know him as a Person and establish a personal relationship with him? God has made it possible for us to know him, primarily by two means. Through his creation, God gives a clear indication of his wisdom, power, and love. In addition, he has inspired men to write a book, providing further information about himself. That book is the Bible.

One of the first Chinese words i’ve learned… 上帝 Shang-di (literally “Emperor above”)…

Shang-di…Emperor Above who Rules with Boundless Love aka God of Agape Love & Compassion!:)

What human ruler/emperor on Earth rules with endless/unselfish love??!

 

8/28/17 @ 9:22 p.m.

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Deciphering Heiroglyphics {(Yep! i before e except after c)}

book God Joan Winifred mind food spiritual food study things i learned

Aka typing up my handwritten-lol;)/hieroglyphic scribble notes/paraphrasing pieces of recent *talk on topic “Being Conscious of My Spiritual Need”…ties in nicely with posts: Fully Conscious?? Are You Growing? (Am i growing?), You’re NOT an Idiot!!!…

How Do You…

know IF You:) are appropriately (or at the very least) adequately caring for/satisfying this essential/basic, yet important need??

being conscious of Your spiritual need means to know–Your need for God…{(Yeah, i said it/shared it…You have a need for “God”! and obviously, say not a need for me or my blog, eh?)} we have a built-in design to reach out to someone beyond self…beast vs.man…is NOT content to eat/sleep warm himself…no, we/{mankind-womankind} have a strange urge aka SPIRITUALITY! {(Yeah!! i am very strange-lol:) and probably also because am very vocal about spiritual things/topics.)}

Many experts have acknowledged all civilizations are routed in their “quest for God” …and finding satisfying answers to grappling questions: Why are We Here??  What is the Purpose of Life?? {Why do we die?? Is there Life after Death?? Why so Much Suffering? and will it ever end?? Who is the True God/Creator? Can We Be Friends?} {[BTW: i’ve personally “peered” into the Bible and have found very intellectually/spiritually satisfying answers to these questions and more.]}

“Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need,* since the Kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.

footnote *Or “those who are beggars for the spirit.” (Matthew 5:3)

Being a beggar for the spirit…a begging drive to do all we can to satisfy/fill the need…

Wide-array of beliefs…41,000 different denominations of (so-called) Christianity alone…teachings in conflict, people confused as to what to “really” believe…

a key to satisfying this need in appropriate way…connecting verse 6 of Matthew 5…

“Happy are those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, since they will be filled.* (satisfied).

rigeteousness — desire what is right according to God’s standards

2 Timothy 3:16–“All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight,*(correcting) for disciplining in righteousness,”

“inspired” of God…Greek word “theopneustos” means “God Breathed”

{So for me, personally, i enJOY reading God’s “inspired” word daily/the Bible…but it’s more than just looking…a scan/glance.}
22 However, become doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his own face* (his natural face) in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, and he goes away and immediately forgets what sort of person he is. 25 But the one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does.  (James 1:22-25)
to peer–more than a fleeting glance…a careful search for a hidden object–desires to see, investigates till he finds it…
speaker gave example of lost car keys–how much effort to find, we have to dig, search, peer to satisfy spiritual need.
How do we know IF we are satisfying this need?!
a response, an affect…we would be affected emotionally and/or physically–Psalm 19:7
The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring strength.* (Or “restoring (bringing back) the soul.” The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise.
Deep Bible Study–being absorbed and making application…restoring strength..makes the inexperienced wise, heart rejoices and makes the eyes shine. We don’t need bad experiences to be wise, we don’t have to touch the fire to know we will be burned. {Experiencing many positive affects in life and making compassionate choices.  Having a personal friendship with God…God called Abraham His Friend. Humans have the opportunity to do the same.}
Challenges and obstacles that could hinder us spiritually…Jesus illustrates:
Matthew 13:3-8…”Then he told them many things by illustrations, saying: “Look! A sower went out to sow. 4 As he was sowing, some seeds fell alongside the road, and the birds came and ate them up. 5 Others fell on rocky ground where there was not much soil, and they immediately sprang up because the soil was not deep. 6 But when the sun rose, they were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them. 8 Still others fell on the fine soil, and they began to yield fruit, this one 100 times more, that one 60, the other 30.”
 Context…seed–Kingdom message…opportunity to satisfy need and different heart conditions…verses 3 & 4 seed didn’t grow? why? so much activity coming and going along roadside…not taking time to absorb spiritual food…rocky road – no root- tribulation/trials/hardship at once stumbled–difficulty and stopped growing spiritually. Thorns…anxiety of this system –deceptive power of riches, chokes it!
need to analyze our circumstances/priorities…anything going on? improper desire for a lot of material things? lack of priority for personal study?
{We can truly be happy by being conscious of our spiritual need…takes time, EFFORT!…can be realized/reached…a healthy place/spiritual paradise. Functioning well–manifesting compassionate ways in various aspects of living and loving.}

“Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need,* since the Kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.

footnote *Or “those who are beggars for the spirit.” (Matthew 5:3)

{am i too proud to beg?!}
{am i truly happy?!}
{am i satisfying my spiritual need?!}
7/15 17 @ 7:37 p.m.
*p.s. for clarification talk i heard (not personally wrote) my musings are in {}…this post is a deciphering of my notes of said talk/lecture.
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You’re NOT an Idiot!!!

attitude Joan Winifred things i learned

then why You eating…

fake mind,

fake

spiritual

fast

food??

 

various components contribute to the meal(s) of fake, fast food for the masses of man to consume…big business, big religion, big politics, big academia, big media…etc., etc.

wholesome/healthy/nutritional spiritual needs will not be filled in any of these (sick) places.

 

7/15/17 @ 5:47 p.m.

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Proximity

attitude conscientious-ness Joan Winifred lamentations of the heart things i learned

my choices brought me to this place (figuratively and literally)

this proximity?

 

why? and how? did Your choices

bring You…

here?

there?

no

where

near

me

 

distance and closeness choice & chance

(banished…by…(choice/chance))
(everybody grieves for something/someone…by choice/chance??)

(6/5/17 @ 12:49 p.m. last/previous (before today’s quick edit) edited–published 6/6/17 @ 1:33 p.m.)

a P.S.
to paraphase a loyal man…”i opened my mouth to the True God and cannot turn back”…
i only have the power to move forward!

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A Recent Public Conversation

communication family friends peace things i learned

(whith potential to help many? families/friends)…You:) Decide…

 

5/31/17 @ 2:52 p.m.

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