Berkeley's Babel (babble)

[Bryan]

I am going to try and take this up a notch. I'm getting too old for the crass and immature posting flair. :)

This is for Ron and anyone that is interested.

[Bryan]

Absent from the body

What is life? What is death? When this life is over do we start a new life in a different realm? Heaven or hell? (I am not answering these
questions in this blog)

I had anxiety issues for a few yrs re: death. I was fearful of leaving home for fear of impending death. I'd have fears of dying in a car accident. Every time
I had the privilege to fly, I was fearful that the airline was going to crash and burn. Other than that, I really love to fly. Fear of death had control over my life. It was my Pharaoh, and I was a stiff-necked Jew in Egypt's bonds.

There are many theories as to what happens when we die. Many of these theories are faith-based. Mormons believe that they can attain 'God-status.'

Some believe that we return as a different person. Others believe that we return as a rock, a blade of grass, a mosquito.

Many people believe that the end of this life is the end of your existence, sans heaven and hell.

Christianity teaches that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. And yet to some, this is a promise only to those who have died in Christ.

I no longer fear death. I reverence death. I don't want to meet him any time soon. I'd like to give this life a chance and live it to the fullest. When that day approaches I would like to look death face to face, smile and say "You have lost your sting."

A few nights ago I had a dream that I had died:
I felt my heart beat really hard "thump" "thump" and I fell onto the floor. I tried to lift myself up off of the floor like a poor attempt at a push-up. My heart gave a final excruciating THUMP. I collapsed completely -DEAD!!! Then I successfully lifted myself up and off of the floor, but I was out of my body.
I did not see a light. There were no demons around to usher me into eternal flames. I felt alive and without restraint. Fear did not have the audacity to grace my presence.

This is where I am supposed to leave a concluding paragraph. I'm not going to. *grin*
Why don't you share your own thoughts about
death, and why people fear it?

No Wax,

----------------------------------


"A dream is a microscope through which we look at the hidden occurrences in our soul." ~Erich Fromm

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain

"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" I Cor. 15:55

"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." II Cor. 5:8

[Bryan]

8:00 am to 12:45pm I am going to be hanging out at Subway. My friend is the manager. He is going to teach me the ropes and try to get me in the door!! Pray saints, pray!! I need this job!!
At 1:00 pm I have an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon. Pray that I am a candidate for surgery!!

Thank you :)

-berk

[seguidordejesus]

what kind of surgery?

[Sister Alvear]

I am praying for you my friend...I had gall bladder surgery so have been having lots of time to talk to Jesus...you are in our talks...blessings...

[Tina]

8:00 am to 12:45pm I am going to be hanging out at Subway. My friend is the manager. He is going to teach me the ropes and try to get me in the door!! Pray saints, pray!! I need this job!!
At 1:00 pm I have an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon. Pray that I am a candidate for surgery!!

Thank you :)

-berk

Keeping you in my prayers. :)

[Bryan]

Update:

Subway: training went well. Still not in the door yet.


Doctor visit: He said that surgery would make my injury worse than what it is now. Not to let it stop me from living (which it has for the past 2 yrs). Recommended that I work out to regain muscle strength. I can swim, lift weights, etc.
The only thing that I probably can't do is join the military. :eek: I'm not sure how I feel about that now, lol

[Bryan]

OY! I just had a phone interview with the "boss." My cellular died. Battery low. :eek:

[Tina]

Hope the boss is understanding, and will call back.

I am the worlds worst about letting my cell battery run down. I should remember to put it on the charger at night, but for some reason I never think about it till I'm out somewhere with ONE little bar left on the battery-- and it starts beeping at me to warn me I'm about to lose power. :D

You might want to count it a blessing that you can't join the military. The Lord works in mysterious ways ya know. :)

[Bryan]

Hope the boss is understanding, and will call back.

I am the worlds worst about letting my cell battery run down. I should remember to put it on the charger at night, but for some reason I never think about it till I'm out somewhere with ONE little bar left on the battery-- and it starts beeping at me to warn me I'm about to lose power. :D

You might want to count it a blessing that you can't join the military. The Lord works in mysterious ways ya know. :)That's what I'm thinking about. I had full intentions of joining when I returned from Utah late 2003.

well:

Jan. 14, 2004 -car accident
Feb. 2005- separated shoulder
August 2005- car accident

2005- ortho surgeon did not accept my medical benefits
2006- ortho surgeon accepted my benefits, but was not taking referrals

2007- well, todays post explains it all

[Ron]

Berk,

Praying for ya. Glad you strted up this thread.

I will be checking in time to time.

God Bless!

Ron

[Bryan]

Berk,

Praying for ya. Glad you strted up this thread.

I will be checking in time to time.

God Bless!

Ron

no prob... hasta...

[Bryan]

I forgot to report, I decided to no longer attend the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

[Ron]

I forgot to report, I decided to no longer attend the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Where are you attending?

[Bryan]

Where are you attending?
I'm unchurched...

[BoredOutOfMyMind]

Berk, Love the Avatar Bro.

That is a right. "uhhhhhhhhhh......"

[Bryan]

Berk, Love the Avatar Bro.

That is a right. "uhhhhhhhhhh......"
:ignore

[Bryan]

I am going to see the doc today. I need to get a release back to work, after all these yrs of free time *yawn*

Anyway, the Subway gig didn't workout. Pray saints, pray!!! In fact, here is what you should pray! Pray that Michael hires me!!
pretty simple:)

again, thanx!!

ciao,
berk

[Ron]

I am going to see the doc today. I need to get a release back to work, after all these yrs of free time *yawn*

Anyway, the Subway gig didn't workout. Pray saints, pray!!! In fact, here is what you should pray! Pray that Michael hires me!!
pretty simple:)

again, thanx!!

ciao,
berk

I'm unchurched...

I will be praying-especially for you to find a Church!:tiphat

[Bryan]

I will be praying-especially for you to find a Church!:tiphat
Thanks Ron. I really appreciate it. As for the issue of being "unchurched." I am considering going back. I suppose God wants me to walk a really narrow path for some reason. I can do the standards again, I've done it before.

-los

[Bryan]

...and just when I didn't think things could get any worse!! They did! But, maybe something good will come of it!!

[Margies3]

...and just when I didn't think things could get any worse!! They did! But, maybe something good will come of it!!

in what way did things get worse? what happened, brother? Help us know how to pray for you!

[Bryan]

in what way did things get worse? what happened, brother? Help us know how to pray for you!
Sorry, I can't do that here. :)

[Tina]

...and just when I didn't think things could get any worse!! They did! But, maybe something good will come of it!!



You're in my prayers....


How's the therapy going? Doing those exercises? Helping? not helping? PM me an update if you don't want to post...

Hope you're doing better. :)

[Bryan]

You're in my prayers....


How's the therapy going? Doing those exercises? Helping? not helping? PM me an update if you don't want to post...

Hope you're doing better. :)Bad news.. I cleaned out my inbox w/o saving it.. :(

[Tina]

Bad news.. I cleaned out my inbox w/o saving it.. :(

aha.... Check your inbox. :D

[Bryan]

Almost killed Scott and myself. I was driving us to that town where Arph resides. Anyway, so I was supposed to yield for an 18 wheeler.. but I decided to be adventurous. I put the petal to the metal!! Well, stupid car didn't accelerate fast 'nuff!! And the trucker didn't slow down one bit! all I could see in the rearview mirror was the grill to his truck!! My heart was racing!! I loooved the adrenaline rush!!


http://www.truckfindersinc.com/SpecialtyTrucks/1996Peterbilt379HeavyDutyWrecker(P2380)/Direct%20front%20view%20(2).JPG

[Bryan]

In the light of the sun, is there anyone? Oh it has begun...
Oh dear you look so lost, eyes are red and tears are shed,
This world you must've crossed... you said...

You don't know me, you don't even care, oh yeah,
You said
You don't know me, and you don't wear my chains... oh yeah,

Essential yet appealed, carry all your thoughts across
An open field,
When flowers gaze at you... they're not the only ones who cry
When they see you
You said...

You don't know me, you don't even care, oh yeah,
You said
You don't know me, and you don't wear my chains... oh yeah,

She said I think I'll go to Boston...
I think I'll start a new life,
I think I'll start it over, where no one knows my name,
I'll get out of California, I'm tired of the weather,
I think I'll get a lover and fly em out to Spain...
I think I'll go to Boston,
I think that I'm just tired
I think I need a new town, to leave this all behind...
I think I need a sunrise, I'm tired of the sunset,
I hear it's nice in the Summer, some snow would be nice... oh yeah,

Boston... where no one knows my name... yeah
Where no one knows my name...
Where no one knows my name...
Yeah Boston...
Where no one knows my name.

[Ron]

Berk, love troubles?

[Bryan]

Berk, love troubles?

No, sir! :tiphat

But when I listen to this song I begin to feel a lot of emotion, it almost makes me high.:nah

[Bryan]

I met Arph this evening. :)

[Bryan]

this song has been on my mind all day (yesterday)

What A Day That Will Be

There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye.
All is peace forevermore on that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus
What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there;
And forever I will be with the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus
What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
What a day, glorious day that will be!

[Ron]

this song has been on my mind all day (yesterday)

What A Day That Will Be

There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye.
All is peace forevermore on that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus
What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there;
And forever I will be with the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus
What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
What a day, glorious day that will be!


Amen! I agree!:tiphat

[Tina]

Berk--God placed you on my heart when I was praying this evening. Just wanted you to know that whatever you may be going through-- that someone is praying for you.

[Bryan]

Berk--God placed you on my heart when I was praying this evening. Just wanted you to know that whatever you may be going through-- that someone is praying for you.
Thank you! HE is a way maker when there is no way.... :) (that is all I can say.. )

[Bryan]

...I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

And he said, A certain man had two sons:

And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.


When God Ran

Almighty God, the great I am
Immovable rock, omnipotent, powerful, awesome Lord
Victorious warrior, commanding King of Kings
Mighty conqueror, and the only time
the only time I ever saw Him run

CHORUS:
Was when He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise when God ran

The day I left home I knew I’d broken His heart
And I wondered then if things could ever be the same
Then one night I remembered His love for me
And down that dusty road ahead I could see
It was the only time – it was the only time I ever saw Him run

And then He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise as He brought me to my knees
When God ran – I saw Him run to me

BRIDGE:
I was so ashamed, all alone and so far away
But now I know He’s been waiting for this day

I saw Him run to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice I felt His love for me again

He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said, “Son”, He called me Son
He said, “Son do you know I still love you?”
He ran to me and then I ran to Him
When God ran

[Tina]

Wow...



Are you saying what I think you're saying here?

[Bryan]

Wow...



Are you saying what I think you're saying here?
What do you think I'm saying??

[Bryan]

Mah boyz are playin today!!http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l242/disorderlyprofusion/RedSoxIcon.png and I don't know if they are going to be televised in my area!!

think i'll finish watching Modern Marvels "More Military Movers" on the History channel

[Bryan]

Sa sa sa y a tu sa, y a tu sa (4x)

Tu me aplaudes (sa, sa), Que tu me aplaudes (sa, sa, sa) (2x)

[Bryan]

qNM6IuA87eM

[Bryan]

started the raw foods diet yesterday... raw squid.. raw salmon.... I think the shrimp was cooked...

[Bryan]

the "Flatts" was on CMT for a few hours today!!

P3NoLdVATpQ

[Ronzo]

this song has been on my mind all day (yesterday)

What A Day That Will Be

There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye.
All is peace forevermore on that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus
What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there;
And forever I will be with the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus
What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
What a day, glorious day that will be!
Needed this today.... Thanks for posting so long ago.





Berk, I never knew you had your own little blog thread on AFF. I'll be checking it more often now that I know.

[Bryan]

Needed this today.... Thanks for posting so long ago.





Berk, I never knew you had your own little blog thread on AFF. I'll be checking it more often now that I know.

:thumbsup

[Bryan]

Wherever you go your circumstances remain [the same]
You move [around] from town to town
Trying to escape [from] all of the pain

Too many yrs have passed [living] with this [inner] strife
A new day has dawned as you start a [brand] new life

[Ronzo]

Good thoughts.

[Bryan]

Good thoughts.

I'm deeper than that (though, I'm becoming shallow ) .. I just can't get it from my mind onto paper...

[Tina]

Berk, I always thought you did a pretty good job of stating things. Hard to believe that you have trouble in that department.

[Bryan]

Berk, I always thought you did a pretty good job of stating things. Hard to believe that you have trouble in that department.I have a lot of trouble!!! I'm working on something now! If admin approves, I will post it.

[Bryan]

Last night I had the strangest dream:

I was in our old apartment and I heard something crash. I went out to look and the safety rail that led up the stairs to me and mom's apartment had fallen off completely.
There were some ppl at the bottom of the steps. I walked down cautiously and said "I'm going to need your card..." A man gave me his business card. A lady spoke up "I told you they'll sue.."

???? I guess I had pets. I picked up a white bunny and another animal and took them inside to my bedroom. I put them in some sort of a makeshift "cage" for their safety. ????

Mom was leaving and I told her "they removed the safety rail.."

I followed her out the door to makesure she didn't fall. The safety rail was back in place as if it had never been removed, and the ppl that were at the bottom of the stairs were gone.

[Bryan]

Strong's Number 3341... lol... myspace... changed it.. theme is repentance

[Bryan]

After giving the parable of the sower and the seed, Jesus ended it with this line:
Matt 13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

What is it that He wanted us to understand about the parable? I paired the parable segments with the interpretation that Jesus gave to the disciples. I chose to use the passage from Matthew chapter 13.



Matt ch 13
v3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
v4And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

v19When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Have you ever seen someone sitting on a park bench feeding the pigeons. People will throw seed into the air. It falls where it falls. The pigeons will fly in and devour the seed. Our Lord spoke of seed that fell on the way side and He used the fowls of the air to represent the "wicked one" that catches away what is sown in a persons heart. How many times have people come through our doors, get a touch of God, and you never see them again? Soon the "wicked one" will do something to take away what the person received into his or her heart.
------------------

v5Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
v6And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

v20But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
v21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

The seed that fell on stony ground landed in a heart with no real depth. Our Lord said that he had no root in himself. Yet he received the word with joy. Have you had people come to God and are born again who will forsake their salvation as soon as their family starts mocking their faith?? He endured for a while. If he did not endure, I believe he walked away.


---------------


v7And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

v22He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

Do you have thorns in your heart? Have you allowed riches to come between you and the Lord? Does Jesus stand between you and your ambitions? Those that are concerned with riches and everything that Jesus told us NOT to worry about don't lose their faith, but they become unfruitful. There is a small fruit tree in my front yard. It doesn't produce fruit. Sometimes it even looks dead, but if you scrape away at the bark there is fresh green "tree flesh" underneath. If these kind of saints would put their priorities in perspective and sought Christ in the stead of treasures that are corruptible, the tree would begin to bear fruit.
--------------------------
v8But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

v23But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Some hearts are perfect for the planting. As soon as the seed is sewn it begins to grow into a healthy fruit bearing tree.
--------------

Wayside: The wicked one was only to blame for this one occassion.

Stony ground: A heart with no real depth and the help of others (persecution) caused this person to walk away.

Thorny ground: The person whose focus on the cares of this world, his ambitions, and desire for riches become a handicap. With the proper tending, it is possible to become a tree flourishing with good fruit.

Good ground: Great results.
----

Just lost my thought pattern... opinions???

[Bryan]

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l242/disorderlyprofusion/DSC00283.jpg

[Bryan]

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l242/disorderlyprofusion/DSC00284.jpg

[Bryan]

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l242/disorderlyprofusion/DSC00280.jpg

[Elizabeth]

Berk..what is up with the pictures of the snake and the mouse?

[Bryan]

Berk..what is up with the pictures of the snake and the mouse?

that's a weekly occurrence in this computer room!! :heeheehee

[Bryan]

by far one of the LAMEST music videos I have ever seen...!!!

Xqcseze5mb4

...standin on your mama's porch you told me that you'd wait forever... :heeheehee

[Brother Strange]

After giving the parable of the sower and the seed, Jesus ended it with this line:
Matt 13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

What is it that He wanted us to understand about the parable? I paired the parable segments with the interpretation that Jesus gave to the disciples. I chose to use the passage from Matthew chapter 13.



Matt ch 13
v3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
v4And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

v19When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Have you ever seen someone sitting on a park bench feeding the pigeons. People will throw seed into the air. It falls where it falls. The pigeons will fly in and devour the seed. Our Lord spoke of seed that fell on the way side and He used the fowls of the air to represent the "wicked one" that catches away what is sown in a persons heart. How many times have people come through our doors, get a touch of God, and you never see them again? Soon the "wicked one" will do something to take away what the person received into his or her heart.
------------------

v5Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
v6And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

v20But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
v21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

The seed that fell on stony ground landed in a heart with no real depth. Our Lord said that he had no root in himself. Yet he received the word with joy. Have you had people come to God and are born again who will forsake their salvation as soon as their family starts mocking their faith?? He endured for a while. If he did not endure, I believe he walked away.


---------------


v7And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

v22He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

Do you have thorns in your heart? Have you allowed riches to come between you and the Lord? Does Jesus stand between you and your ambitions? Those that are concerned with riches and everything that Jesus told us NOT to worry about don't lose their faith, but they become unfruitful. There is a small fruit tree in my front yard. It doesn't produce fruit. Sometimes it even looks dead, but if you scrape away at the bark there is fresh green "tree flesh" underneath. If these kind of saints would put their priorities in perspective and sought Christ in the stead of treasures that are corruptible, the tree would begin to bear fruit.
--------------------------
v8But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

v23But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Some hearts are perfect for the planting. As soon as the seed is sewn it begins to grow into a healthy fruit bearing tree.
--------------

Wayside: The wicked one was only to blame for this one occassion.

Stony ground: A heart with no real depth and the help of others (persecution) caused this person to walk away.

Thorny ground: The person whose focus on the cares of this world, his ambitions, and desire for riches become a handicap. With the proper tending, it is possible to become a tree flourishing with good fruit.

Good ground: Great results.
----

Just lost my thought pattern... opinions???



Berk...

I read all of your commentary above.

I value your thoughts here. You are right on target in your thoughts and opinions as to what our Lord was trying to teach us in this parable of the Kingdom of God here.

Actually, with the train of thought that you have going here, you could greatly extrapolate them into a very good commentary on the subject, being entirely on target all the way.

Blessing upon you, m' brother.

[Bryan]

Berk...

I read all of your commentary above.

I value your thoughts here. You are right on target in your thoughts and opinions as to what our Lord was trying to teach us in this parable of the Kingdom of God here.

Actually, with the train of thought that you have going here, you could greatly extrapolate them into a very good commentary on the subject, being entirely on target all the way.

Blessing upon you, m' brother.
Thank you :)

[Bryan]

Kind of exhausted. Have been grading papers since Sunday. It drains a guy mentally.

[Bryan]

zxXwIIBlSgw

[Bryan]

that was totally weird.. here's the U.S. version....


bjcFHKOWc0Q

[Bryan]

It is time that I leave this place. I enjoyed my stay here. You all are great. I am on a journey of sorts.
I have a lot of praying and fasting ahead of me. I do not want to approach God with my mind already
set. I want to have a teachable spirit, and allow His Spirit to teach me. Arph, I love you man. And
I love the church. But, I think that I need to go home. I'll still be in town until the end of this month,
and maybe two weeks into July.
I will be disabling my messenger accounts very soon. More than likely Myspace is going, too.
If anyone wants my email address, request in via PM. I will get it to you when I log into AFF
on Thursday evening, or Friday morning.
Again, I thank you all who have prayed and sent an encouraging word. God is so good. Amen.

[QueenEsther]

Good Luck to you! :thumbsup

[Falla39]

Good Luck to you! :thumbsup

Bro. Berk,

May our Loving God direct your path, in Jesus Name!

Blessings,

Falla39

[Bryan]

No takers... s'all good. Thank you QE and Falla...

Be Blessed :)

[Bryan]

I found some direction. My myspace accounts can not be deleted because the email addresses that I used to sign up have been disabled.
Anyway, I deleted all of my "friends", and have taken down all comments, pictures, and backgrounds.

Another month and I shall say goodbye to AFF.


no wax,

[Ronzo]

Pm'd ya bro

[Tina]

I found some direction. My myspace accounts can not be deleted because the email addresses that I used to sign up have been disabled.
Anyway, I deleted all of my "friends", and have taken down all comments, pictures, and backgrounds.

Another month and I shall say goodbye to AFF.


no wax,


Berk, I hate to see you go, :( but will try to understand. You will be missed.

You are in my prayers...

I sent you a PM.

[Bryan]

I don't know how to put this. I am somewhat at a loss. This has kind of bothered me for a few days.
I've been somewhat prayerful... well, more than the norm for me. :)

I heard that silent voice speak to me these words:
"Let her go..."

[Ronzo]

If you feel that was God... listen and do it, bro

[Bryan]

If you feel that was God... listen and do it, bro

Yeah, I just don't want to be a heart breaker. It's my eyes... they always fall for my eyes...

[Ronzo]

A little pain now is better than a lot of pain later... I speak from experience.

[Bryan]

If you were praying and God said "Let him go..." would that mean anything to you? How would you interpret that?
=========
Well, I think it all depends on what you were praying about.

If there was a grudge you were holding and wanted "peace" about a certain situation - let it go.

If you were praying more for restoration/personal revival... revival in it's literal definition... then, let the "old man" go. If you were questioning your forgiveness... let go what's been done in the past.

A Scripture that comes to mind:

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Not sure if this helped you ... or just complicated things. However, since you were the one in conversation with God - I have a feeling you already know what His reply means.
================

I guess it went over you..... In prayer HE said "Let her go..."

===============
I do apologize. That went way over my head.
===============
"Let her go..." as in.. let you go....
================

I get it.

So, do what you gotta do.

[Bryan]

You and I got somethin
But its all and then its nuthin to me, yeah
And I got my defenses
When it comes through your intentions for me, yeah

And we wake up in the breakdown
With the things we never thought we could be, yeah

Im not the one who broke you
Im not the one you should fear
We got to move you darlin
I thought I lost you somewhere
But you were never really ever there at all

And I want to get free
Talk to me
I can feel you falling
And I wanted to be
All you need
Somehow here is gone

I am no solution
To the sound of this pollution in me, yeah
And I was not the answer
So forget you ever thought it was me, yeah

Im not the one who broke you
Im not the one you should fear
We got to move you darlin
I thought I lost you somewhere
But you were never really ever there at all

And I want to get free
Talk to me
I can feel you falling
And I wanted to be
All you need
Somehow here is gone

[Ronzo]

Prayin' for ya bro

[Bryan]

Prayin' for ya bro

Thanks, man... But I thought I'd be upset... I feel relieved.. I can't explain it..

maybe It will hit me tomorrow after I get some sleep...

[Ronzo]

Doing the right thing carries with it a certain amount of peace some times.

[Bryan]

Doing the right thing carries with it a certain amount of peace some times.

Yeah,... I've been having a lot of peace in my life... something that I'm not used to... and I don't want to take it forgranted..

[Ronzo]

Yeah,... I've been having a lot of peace in my life... something that I'm not used to... and I don't want to take it forgranted..
I know the feeling...

[Bryan]

I apologize if I sounded upset in my last reply... I wasn't. I was trying to reply quickly.... which I should already know isn't the best thing to do.

Second, don't apologize for being obedient to God! Don't feel guilty for anything... ultimately, I am resposible for my own actions/decisions.

I wish you the best... may you have a daily experience with God...

Lastly, if I have in any way set a stumbling block in your way - please forgive me.

:shockamoo ...and life moves on!!!!!

[Sister Alvear]

I sent a PM to you....hope you got it...blessings to you. Mom Alvear

[Bryan]

Back laaaaaaaaater.........

[Bryan]

A message directly from God! Amen. My pastor preached circles around me. He had absolutely NO idea what has been going on in my life as of late. EVERYTHING was on target. EVERY point that he made was to me! Amen.

[Bryan]

You can't run away from the call of God. It doesn't matter how far you go, whether it be the depths of sin, or a geographical location.
Two or so weeks ago I sat on the reclining chair and began to think about what I've gone through, or what I've put myself through since 2004.
I wish I could say that a bright light filled the room and goose bumps fluttered my every fiber. That is not the case. I sat and it just hit me. I've gone far. Deep into sin. If you don't know, don't ask. I've also left the area a few times. Enter new geographical location, stage right.

All this time... through the years a loving God has been calling out to me. While in Utah, E.J. sat me down and pretty much told me that I'm called to the ministry. Later, evangelist Matt Crider preached my life story in a revival service.

When I returned home and drifted further away from God, I'd pop in on occassion. A few times guest ministers did change the direction of their message and name the sin issue specifically. No, they did not point me out. I don't even know if they knew who they were addressing.

On one occassion a holiness preacher pointed to me and just briefly let me know that the work which the Lord had started was NOT going to go unfinished. That is rather vague. Or is it? When he concluded his sermon he gave an altar call. A guest who came to hear him preach approached me and began to pray with me. He began to speak to me about getting my house in order, and he then began to address the "ministry" issue.

I did make a visit to the (spanish) Presbyterian church with Noah's parents. And there, the pastor felt led to speak to me some specifics. For the very life of me, I do not recall what he said, per the interpreter.

While in Tennesse I made a few visits to the Church of God. The pastor acknowledged that I have a relationship with the Lord. He then felt led to pray for me and my journeys. Thing is, before I left for Tennessee, a minister prayed the same thing. He didn't know that I was leaving.

My friends used to accuse me of running from the call of God, otherwise interpreted as the call to the ministry. We would argue about it. They were so adamant about it. I would go in circles, not confirming, nor denying.

Really, what's a guy to make of all this? Coincidence? Even the trinitarian pastors feel this out.

[Bryan]

13:38 - You complete me

"You complete me." Those are the words that Tom Cruise spoke as "Jerry Maguire" to his on screen love interest, that pudgy chick that plays "Bridget Jones" in that stupid movie, Bridget Jones's Diary. To clear things up, he spoke the line to her in the movie Jerry Maguire.

I've been alone and lonely for most of my adult life. I used to hate being single. Currently I have found that, though I am alone, I am not lonely. I don't know what changed within the depths of my heart and soul. I love the change. I love the new me. Maybe it's a God-thing. It definitely is a good thing.
I no longer yearn for the company and attention of that special someone, whomever she is. I feel complete in and of myself.. .and of course, God.
Gone is the anticipation to speak these words to a love interest, "You complete me."
I am complete. I am a whole person.

[Cindy]

13:38 - You complete me

"You complete me." Those are the words that Tom Cruise spoke as "Jerry Maguire" to his on screen love interest, that pudgy chick that plays "Bridget Jones" in that stupid movie, Bridget Jones's Diary. To clear things up, he spoke the line to her in the movie Jerry Maguire.

I've been alone and lonely for most of my adult life. I used to hate being single. Currently I have found that, though I am alone, I am not lonely. I don't know what changed within the depths of my heart and soul. I love the change. I love the new me. Maybe it's a God-thing. It definitely is a good thing.
I no longer yearn for the company and attention of that special someone, whomever she is. I feel complete in and of myself.. .and of course, God.
Gone is the anticipation to speak these words to a love interest, "You complete me."
I am complete. I am a whole person.

Glad you found your peace, brother.

[Blubayou]

You have found contentment in your state. That is important to developing a relationship with God and with someone special. You have found a place many singles never find. You are blessed.

[Bryan]

You have found contentment in your state. That is important to developing a relationship with God and with someone special. You have found a place many singles never find. You are blessed.

Yes, I am blessed! :) I know so many people who are in one relationship only a few days after they are out of another. It is sad.

[Falla39]

Yes, I am blessed! :) I know so many people who are in one relationship only a few days after they are out of another. It is sad.

Bro. Berkeley,

That why it is SO important to "seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God and His
Righteousness", and then He will add ALL the other needs we have. And He knows
exactly WHAT we need and WHEN. He will always give His best to those who
are willing to leave the CHOICE with Him, whoever and whatever the need is!
It's worth the wait, to wait on JESUS!:nod

Blessings,:friend

Falla39

[Bryan]

I've learned that NOT all things are good... but.. "...all things work together for good..."

[Falla39]

I've learned that NOT all things are good... but.. "...all things work together for good..."

AMEN...and amen!:friend

[Bryan]

I guess I forgot to tell you all, I got a job... emm... a week ago.

[Cindy]

I guess I forgot to tell you all, I got a job... emm... a week ago.

That's great Berk.:santathumb

[Bryan]

That's great Berk.:santathumb

Yeah, I like it. Co-workers are cool! And some of them females are hotter than a habanero!! mmm

[Bryan]

After work I went to the cemetary. I had some things to say...

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l242/disorderlyprofusion/santos.jpg

[Bryan]

Monday I was introduced to one of the coworkers. Turns out he is gay. He didn't come out and say it, but it is only obvious.

Today he is making major eye contact and says "You're new, huh?"
I said "Yeah" Thinking, we were just introduced two days ago. What gives?

He asked my age. I told him "twenty six" and his eyes lit up!!!

I just looked away and walked to the back of the building. I was already clocked out and ready to leave.

:trashcan

[Bryan]

I'm leaving for a small duration. Because of my hypoglycemia I can not fast effectively.
Thus, I decided to do an Internet fast. For those of you with a limited vocabulary,
hypoglycemia is also known as low blood sugar. I will not be accessing email, AFF, p2p sites, etc.

Looking forward to hearing from you at the start of the new year!
Blessings -In Jesus Name!

-bryan

[Bryan]

...and here we are! I have been having some anxiety issues. Fear, etc. God is speaking to me through people, but it is difficult to believe what they are saying, and the anxiety/paranoia begins to set in.

A thorn in the flesh... well I must have fell into a bush of thorns.
Regardless, God is good!

[Bryan]

I just read through this thread... and I am a bit strange at times... :-/

[Bryan]

The boss's daughter gives me butterflies in my stomach...

[Bryan]

So I purchased some chocolates and a Frak Sinatra cd for her... I think she'll like it... I hope she likes it...

[rosebud]

So I purchased some chocolates and a Frak Sinatra cd for her... I think she'll like it... I hope she likes it...

That sounds really nice. So what was her response? Inquiring minds want to know:coffee2

[Bryan]

That sounds really nice. So what was her response? Inquiring minds want to know:coffee2
LoL. It was good...

[jaxfam6]

LoL. It was good...

not a long enough answer

[rosebud]

LoL. It was good...

:foottap details....we want details:smack
:chat

[Bryan]

Good grief!

[rosebud]

:drama

[mizpeh]

not a long enough answer
...not long enough for someone who likes to babble!! now, get babbling!!:chat

[Bryan]

She's the boss's daughter. Not much to say. No frat with the help! :)

[rosebud]

Well that was so nice of you to buy such a nice gift for the "boss's" daughter
on valentines day.:thumbsup

[jaxfam6]

yeah real nice


brown noser

[Bryan]

yeah real nice


brown noser
I don't need to do that. Boss thinks of me like a son. Already planning to give me a raise. Coworkers hate me. Whatevah!

[jaxfam6]

I don't need to do that. Boss thinks of me like a son. Already planning to give me a raise. Coworkers hate me. Whatevah!

hmmmm already thinking of you like a son huh? sounds like he would not mind some fraternizing with his daughter then.

[Bryan]

As I already explained it t her older sister, I don't date outside of pentecost. :)

[Jermyn Davidson]

As I already explained it t her older sister, I don't date outside of pentecost. :)

Wise, very wise!

I've had to learn that lesson the hard way.

[Bryan]

Wise, very wise!

I've had to learn that lesson the hard way.
Dating within Pentecost is dangerous enough!

[Bryan]

Blah, fasting was not as bad as I imagined.... at the end of prayer yesterday I fell asleep... ahh, sweet tranquility!

[Bryan]

I have been out of it! I have been feeling like I am crawling toward God. I know that I'm forgiven. But, I am not where I could be in my walk with the Lord.
I will keep pressing on. :)
Anyway, I was having trouble gettin' to bed. My mind was not at peace. Then I heard these lyrics in my head

"He took the shackles off my feet so I can dance. He broke the chains and bands so I can raise my hands. He put a JOY down in my soul...
I've got to let the whole world know...
I've got to praise Him, praise Him! Praise the Lord!
I've been set free... I've come to praise Him! I've been set free! I've come to praise Him!"

I jumped outta bed and paced around with my hands raised. I sang that song.... Spoke in tongues.... danced around...
As I was speaking in tongues I heard myself speak in my mind " devil, you can't steal my praise, you can't steal my worship!"

Sometimes you just have to throw a holy fit!

Sweet peace... sweet peace...

goodnight!

[Bryan]

I had a rather interesting dream:

It was dark, and in the shadow of the night I could see a young man standing face to face with a cross. The cross was bigger than he. He was trying to figure out how to carry the cross.
My friends and I marveled at the sight. "What is he doing with the cross?" "Maybe he works for that church..."
I watched as the young man reached for the left side of the horizontal beam. He gripped the vertival beam. The young man began to pull and drag the cross. It was a slow process. The cross was too heavy for him to pick it up and carry. The young man kept pulling, dragging. The cross remained upright. It moved inch by inch, as the young man pulled. Inch by inch, pull by pull. A slow, but not impossible ordeal.
And I heard a voice
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me..."
"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
And when the voice became silent everything and everyone around me disappeared. I was alone, standing on beams of wood. There were crosses nearby. I began to sing "...His cross will never ask for more than I can give. For it's not my strength, but His. There's no greater sacrifice [than] to be crucified with Christ [and yet I live]"

This morning as I was reading from the gospel according to Mark I read the following:
"...Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall
lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world,
and lose his own soul?
Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul... "

[Bryan]

Adios...

[Bryan]

Yeah, about that. I'm canceling Net and text tomorrow. So I guess this is goodbye... I hate goodbyes... blah.

[Bryan]

www.myspace.com/brylos

[Ron]

Leaving?
I can't log into Myspace, I do not belong to any of those sites!

[tbpew]

www.myspace.com/brylos

So...Your Berkness:thumbsup

can you catch us up on some of your thoughts or stirrings in your spirit...particularly those of us who are not MySpace types?

[Bryan]

bi-polar berk, ha. naw, remind me tomorrow. I duin hav 2 work...

[Bryan]

that was supposed to read: I don't have time, I'm at work. :-/

[Bryan]

I should be gettin to bed... anyway:

I have a friend who fell into sin with his gf. I was "there" for him. They agreed to not see eachother for a set ammount of time.
That was great! But, after day two the girl kept texting me "I miss Chad" "I miss Chad"

She was not aware that he had confessed his faults to me. I was growing sick of the txt messages. I decided to bait her. I would hint at things in my replies, but she would not budge.

Now I think "what has gotten into me?" I had nothing to gain. She broke their "fast" and sent Chad a txt "what did you tell bryan?"

And since then he has decided that I am not trustworthy. We don't txt or speak on the phone. At work he barely acknowledges me.

I got too involved. Gained nothing and may have lost a friend. :( Attending church is going to be awkward ( sp ) .

[Bryan]

Ya'll be prayerful over the situation. Doesn't look so good. And I"ve put myself in a position where all I can do is pray.

thanks,
berk

[Jermyn Davidson]

I decided to bait her. I would hint at things in my replies, but she would not budge.





Well, do you realize that you really messed up with your friend?

If you haven't come clean with him, or if you're unable to talk to him, then write him a letter, letting him know your apologies.
I hope he forgives you.

[Bryan]

hmm.. is there a way to make this thread disappear?

[Arphaxad]

hmm.. is there a way to make this thread disappear?

open a can of Thread Be Gone and pour it on.

:doggyrun