tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87968095236053728982024-03-12T22:54:39.816-07:00Diary of a MonkTHE LIFE AND TIMES OF A MONK LIVING IN THE WORLD.Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-6935469851655853262015-04-04T09:38:00.002-07:002015-04-04T09:38:29.885-07:00watch and pray<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">As we
watch and pray waiting for the Resurrection, let us contemplate the meaning of
the crucifixion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I never
understood the teaching that “Jesus died for our sins.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Rather,
I see him taking on all our fears and showing us how to conquer them. Yes, lose this life. Do not fear death. Let
go of identifying with your physical form and you will discover a life greater
than you imagined.<br />
<br />
Jesus lived his teachings. He spoke the Word and he lives the Word.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">He said,
<b>“Whosoever shall seek to save his life
shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.”</b></span>
(Luke 17:33)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The basic
instinct to survive is strong within man and animal. All creatures fear death.
Those who cling to this life on earth remain focused on this world, trapped by the
</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">restraints of flesh, blood and DNA. How many people limit their lives
out of fear – afraid of persecution and death?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In a way, such people lose their real lives and become
ghosts fighting to survive, though the battle always ends in defeat. After all,
everything that has a beginning also has an end. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Death is only a transition, much the same as the child “dies”
so an adult can come into being. Every stage of you journey on earth has been a
series of deaths and resurrections. The physical form of a baby ends so a child
can walk and the child then becomes an adult. And, when the adult dies, a new
form emerges not of this earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Jesus died on the cross so Christ could emerge from the
tomb.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-50622936587219282932015-03-08T20:43:00.000-07:002015-03-08T20:43:28.782-07:00useful information<div class="clearfix" role="presentation" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; line-height: 19.9939994812012px; zoom: 1;">
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Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-6401771921681214882015-03-07T10:58:00.001-08:002015-03-07T10:58:31.817-08:00Don't underestimate Christianity<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Aslan: [almost in a roar]<i> Do not cite the Deep Magic to me Witch. I was there when it was written. </i></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zj9L9rs6zlSTQMJH-j8rBG1S0G3dM-taCK6J8SBZzkg1KZsQPcMI99ymXCQ8-aHZZGpt5KKmutO7zLkZ8VtokgdVjjD7X4gFmVF3UKw_AYx97fCzWI7wyIfIA9jTMKn0z29lXfq4uBsL/s1600/Aslan-Lion-3-The-Chronicles-of-Narnia-Wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zj9L9rs6zlSTQMJH-j8rBG1S0G3dM-taCK6J8SBZzkg1KZsQPcMI99ymXCQ8-aHZZGpt5KKmutO7zLkZ8VtokgdVjjD7X4gFmVF3UKw_AYx97fCzWI7wyIfIA9jTMKn0z29lXfq4uBsL/s1600/Aslan-Lion-3-The-Chronicles-of-Narnia-Wallpaper.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">It is foolish to think of Christianity as a weak, passive religion trapped in the memorization of bible chapters and verse.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">It is a force. It is a power. It has no beginning or end. It is the sword of light. It is eternal and there is no greater power. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">It gives sight to the blind and gives strength to the lame. It can bless. It can destroy. Dead branches are cut away. Barren fig trees whither. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">It is the resurrection that demolished the walls of a limited reality and caused a rift felt throughout the universe separating the wheat from the chaff.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Only the foolish and arrogant would attempt to challenge it.</span></div>
Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-19770663999003087872015-03-05T13:16:00.002-08:002015-03-05T13:25:44.333-08:00now available<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlnU6eT4dbD5g29iFBXk9Xi28LlkoEYHcPcvqUbtydPuWmdbs1IFI-Y6y0NOGCqZ3eUioEar7nfg2d-HZGWnPYQhoPkNi1UB4Z8HyMtaUVs_TsN56QGREnALUTiOqFmoG17jyvFvpT4Y5/s1600/monk+book+3D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlnU6eT4dbD5g29iFBXk9Xi28LlkoEYHcPcvqUbtydPuWmdbs1IFI-Y6y0NOGCqZ3eUioEar7nfg2d-HZGWnPYQhoPkNi1UB4Z8HyMtaUVs_TsN56QGREnALUTiOqFmoG17jyvFvpT4Y5/s1600/monk+book+3D.jpg" height="400" width="237" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1773018827"><br /></a></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Way-Monk-Vincent-Cole/dp/0692231250">http://www.amazon.com/The-Way-Monk-Vincent-Cole/dp/0692231250</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-53528564424777027612015-02-19T11:05:00.000-08:002015-02-19T11:05:01.526-08:00Spiritual Terrorism (a note to a friend)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuC6TC31jbBuBqjLNFDnzHys7G-gUhZj0aP4_5N9amJgZG-dmU3tV8fBzl6tgOnHr-M7sM2XdAKcC7dkHontIini1SEhKRhY7ppdh3DXauFmPufcH-5NRRYprkTk3YnrmEyqnG_DtF_g43/s1600/1780991_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuC6TC31jbBuBqjLNFDnzHys7G-gUhZj0aP4_5N9amJgZG-dmU3tV8fBzl6tgOnHr-M7sM2XdAKcC7dkHontIini1SEhKRhY7ppdh3DXauFmPufcH-5NRRYprkTk3YnrmEyqnG_DtF_g43/s1600/1780991_orig.jpg" height="317" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Be aware that as you move forward into the light, there will be forces trying to pull you back. Often the worse offenders are those closest to you. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They resent you moving forward as they linger behind in the dark. They are jealous of how you found the strength and faith to overcome obstacles while they stagnate and wander through life blind. Most of all, they scream and threaten because they can no longer manipulate you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But don't take it personally.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPg5AHgz8tOLzylY6JbolItQ6gR5Zqq6T00EzGd6fHSYqJRLSMfkWMyX4NR8033vAzfJp6lT2xq5oROENYxzgux8pnZ2WzT5w0x1CoJ4pA1GBDEKz1pGrP0w_cphmWvTWc2Baul-_rNhH/s1600/satan_hates_you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPg5AHgz8tOLzylY6JbolItQ6gR5Zqq6T00EzGd6fHSYqJRLSMfkWMyX4NR8033vAzfJp6lT2xq5oROENYxzgux8pnZ2WzT5w0x1CoJ4pA1GBDEKz1pGrP0w_cphmWvTWc2Baul-_rNhH/s1600/satan_hates_you.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Always remember: It is not you they hate but anything of the light, anything good, anything truly creative, anything that isn't all about them. LOL</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is only spiritual terrorism. They use fear to undermine you. But their arrogance will be their undoing. Every four-letter word, every threat made can and will be used against them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<b>This note is to someone in particular</b>: I am amazed how parents of a baby do not consider how their actions may damage their own child but then again such people only think of themselves and can't imagine any repercussions even as they see signs all around them. )</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">See their attempts to pull you into their own darkness as nothing more than Spiritual Terrorism and do not be afraid. They have already lost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After all, it's not like in the movies where the fight against evil lasts for hours and hours. A simple wave of the hand is enough as you say:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5PTHz0BePc1A7cBwHgnKGFovxQf9DXMhMueOxH7A2tWmZYVxaSUeB11svC9P4j95HmAh-Q4tLntHB1ctEwVZRQXWQOHh_lSbejhDRdMLTQ6Opvy8Eg6f03iaUeX4ot0rwot0jJ5KlnBB/s1600/5a9e3842ca517b00950df095207f9813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5PTHz0BePc1A7cBwHgnKGFovxQf9DXMhMueOxH7A2tWmZYVxaSUeB11svC9P4j95HmAh-Q4tLntHB1ctEwVZRQXWQOHh_lSbejhDRdMLTQ6Opvy8Eg6f03iaUeX4ot0rwot0jJ5KlnBB/s1600/5a9e3842ca517b00950df095207f9813.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-9109193247899977772015-02-18T12:14:00.002-08:002015-02-18T12:14:48.573-08:00When will they ever learn?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>There is no greater power.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTJtKCeVxMZWi3E6HxPNEi64U2ZGp7wLs7ydWNlrEJCM7YZutKNfaDGH2EGF41Op0fuFwcF29hcIkFEszAHm9Z8il1A0sxOPF1UMjkeOL9p02GjkYYHS2n9cl0iUMNDbya5FrlZ5yaC0H/s1600/hqdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTJtKCeVxMZWi3E6HxPNEi64U2ZGp7wLs7ydWNlrEJCM7YZutKNfaDGH2EGF41Op0fuFwcF29hcIkFEszAHm9Z8il1A0sxOPF1UMjkeOL9p02GjkYYHS2n9cl0iUMNDbya5FrlZ5yaC0H/s1600/hqdefault.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSKiJHtf8daUf3gdhySYDIla6D_FtN421l5a0lGHAQ2DEMBuki5kqmAIkcPEfmgN5IyySXCQOcVeQLP2vK54lJd_dBC0rE0kytkQ3z6mqds4_nPdyDGengP5idAuMYniuMVBZ9mvdoNrG/s1600/Jesus-casts-out-demon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSKiJHtf8daUf3gdhySYDIla6D_FtN421l5a0lGHAQ2DEMBuki5kqmAIkcPEfmgN5IyySXCQOcVeQLP2vK54lJd_dBC0rE0kytkQ3z6mqds4_nPdyDGengP5idAuMYniuMVBZ9mvdoNrG/s1600/Jesus-casts-out-demon.jpg" height="365" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RGjPa8sjIC-HH-OHi2JYh-BQ2EvG_UPoGQelk1gAzgQytyxuLwUnqmIWybtksCzY8Y6tQi3kPrsa6KzGBMm_ZOfgdZzsY7bN24CAi5nkE6XsnqXeDC9mYE1sp2t2-SnbvRD5Jy8LsGTD/s1600/POWER+OF+JESUS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RGjPa8sjIC-HH-OHi2JYh-BQ2EvG_UPoGQelk1gAzgQytyxuLwUnqmIWybtksCzY8Y6tQi3kPrsa6KzGBMm_ZOfgdZzsY7bN24CAi5nkE6XsnqXeDC9mYE1sp2t2-SnbvRD5Jy8LsGTD/s1600/POWER+OF+JESUS.jpg" height="299" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You will know who dwells in darkness by the words they spew and the threats they make and the arrogance which blinds them to their own vulnerability. Remember there is help not only upon this earth but from Above. Those forces both earthly and Divine are already in place to do battle. So, be at peace.</span></div>
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Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-44508876111955411542015-02-17T18:01:00.000-08:002015-02-17T18:18:18.872-08:00You can do it - you have to do it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUz5wGvkSd09LjBhADXTMPAU3sOQzyJsJrBc8ufC3smPu_CID0m1AtslL5dFL5nHmksOJMyq91eeNoSkNY-aUfq9SYriduNeFz64UBci2OPxKBxvFxNJqW38jQ_Y7K7ede8Hjl7sU06cJ2/s1600/Leaving+Home+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUz5wGvkSd09LjBhADXTMPAU3sOQzyJsJrBc8ufC3smPu_CID0m1AtslL5dFL5nHmksOJMyq91eeNoSkNY-aUfq9SYriduNeFz64UBci2OPxKBxvFxNJqW38jQ_Y7K7ede8Hjl7sU06cJ2/s1600/Leaving+Home+quote.jpg" height="398" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You will never know who you are and what you can do until you break the chains holding you back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Concepts of 'family obligation,' the safety of the little world you've come to know, the routine that seems so comfortable are links in that chain keeping you from flying to greater heights. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do whatever it takes to break away; drive, take a plane or bus or train, but use your feet and <b>'run Forrest, run.'</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There will always be a helping hand should you ever need it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-57787995536820348772015-02-08T11:05:00.000-08:002015-02-08T11:06:48.399-08:00the things I post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmU-16wvV32lxvT6KOZGEUC0WbkyaaNaHONHKhHKSFZ_Xr6sk1VhyNCOEH2GFbLpJhb59I6pRT1vCoF8dIjaMJG0AlfXVDtAoyrMb2DEt09_SsiXaE0wq2jbiwoRIfkp-JbO8dODqGs98/s1600/west-gable-window-centre-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmU-16wvV32lxvT6KOZGEUC0WbkyaaNaHONHKhHKSFZ_Xr6sk1VhyNCOEH2GFbLpJhb59I6pRT1vCoF8dIjaMJG0AlfXVDtAoyrMb2DEt09_SsiXaE0wq2jbiwoRIfkp-JbO8dODqGs98/s1600/west-gable-window-centre-02.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't give much thought to what I write here - I can't imagine any more than a few people reading it anyway.</span></div>
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My posts are composed in the moment and yes, usually in response to something that happened to either to myself or someone I care for and protect.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some readers may find my words harsh and un-Christian, even though I quote His teachings, however, it takes great strength and power to follow in His footsteps. It's not a path for the cowardly or those who wish to remain weak.</span></div>
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Look upon the Sacred Heart - though pierced by thorns and spear, it is still alive, still on fire with the love for God. It remains devoted. A Sacred Heart will endure and conquer anything this world inflicts upon it.</div>
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We must separate the image of Jesus that has become popular as a gentle, flower child who roamed the land with a big smile on his face.</div>
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He may have been those things at different times but how can you explain the fact that he shifted the course of mankind's history, he opened the way for every soul to return to the Source, unless he was also a man of great power?</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Think about it.</span></div>
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</span>Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-77677787536821075262015-02-07T23:39:00.001-08:002015-02-08T10:53:40.835-08:00an end to foolishness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqk_1e5IlxW5fAxUUAjhDeC7l34t4Bij3_75vZ1Gr_AtKkn_fpws-iQ-2ov92bAG2U-G3im4RZNRcz5m-_BNs-xHIzdgk1V00Ewtvjo7e2r117fwFPAutA7yRTc7zZ6CQ3GbKTC4tkW2p/s1600/10644402_892776997422890_457628373374876506_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqk_1e5IlxW5fAxUUAjhDeC7l34t4Bij3_75vZ1Gr_AtKkn_fpws-iQ-2ov92bAG2U-G3im4RZNRcz5m-_BNs-xHIzdgk1V00Ewtvjo7e2r117fwFPAutA7yRTc7zZ6CQ3GbKTC4tkW2p/s1600/10644402_892776997422890_457628373374876506_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I must also add beware of those who deceive. It's the old saying, "Fool me once and shame on you but fool me twice and shame on me."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This may not seem Christian to some people but Jesus never asked us to be foolish. (Be as innocent as a dove and as wise as a serpent.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For many years for too many times it's been "shame on me" for being so naive.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now I am older now.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And, I pray, a bit wiser.</span>Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-30477135688061680762015-02-01T09:18:00.001-08:002015-02-01T09:18:56.030-08:00What is a Monk?<b>Images arise:</b> sandals, tonsure, a rope for a belt; fat, jolly friars partial to frothy beer; gaunt, hooded ascetics with a fondness for self-flagellation; Saint Francis as a perch for birds, a lone figure silently standing in a garden; saffron robes mottled by a green forest; red robes chanting the sutras in ornate temples. Some images are true. Some are fiction. Always male. I guess women who follow The Way are referred to as nuns.<br />
But as Saint Jerome once said, <i>"Interpret the name monk, it is thine own. . ."</i><br />
To be a monk is to follow an uncharted path. It is a journey of discovery, a quest to find the source of the river. Along the way, he or she may stop to test the water, to gauge its clarity and determine what direction to take.<br />
A monk, however, doesn't stop to build a church along its banks or form an organization to advance the expedition. The quest leaves little time or energy for worldly matters.<br />
A monk will forsake a personal family but sees all people encountered on the journey as a brother or sister. Nevertheless, a monk often walks alone. A monk has few friends. Few companions are willing to also search for the source of the river.<br />
A monk is celibate so to be blind to the world of duality, seeing neither male nor female, neither old nor young, neither beautiful nor ugly, seeing not the flesh, but the light of the soul.<br />
A monk lives simply treating possessions as cumbersome burdens. Though grateful for all that is given, he or she remains detached.<br />
A monk is imperfect. Only God is perfect and a monk seeks perfection through God.<br />
A monk is a child who will stumble. Monks know they will trip over his or her mistakes. Chastity, simplicity and devotion are all practices and like someone learning a musical instrument, the wrong note will often disturb the harmony but the monk continues to practice.<br />
The Way of the Monk is difficult. Obstacles get in the way. Sacrifice is painful. Confusion lurks at every new turn in the road. Nevertheless, the monk will continue to walk and stumble because the monk is homesick. Home for a monk is not a place but a state of being.<br />
Some will see the monk as mad or foolish. Some see only the images found in picture books and movies. Look closely and see the scarred bare feet from thorns trampled underfoot. Feel the ache of loneliness when no one listens, the tear-filled eyes that have seen suffering in the world, the broken body that has struggled to free itself from the trap of trivialities.<br />
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Look closer, however, and you will also see a smile. For the monk who has found the source of the river is given "what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, what no hand has touched, and what has not arisen in the human heart."<br />
The Way of the Monk is difficult. Obstacles get in the way. Sacrifice is painful. Confusion lurks at every new turn in the road. Nevertheless, the monk will continue to walk and stumble because the monk is homesick. Home for a monk is not a place but a state of being.<br />
Some will see the monk as mad or foolish. Some see only the images found in picture books and movies. Look closely and see the scarred bare feet from thorns trampled underfoot. Feel the ache of loneliness when no one listens, the tear-filled eyes that have seen suffering in the world, the broken body that has struggled to free itself from the trap of trivialities.<br />
Look closer, however, and you will also see a smile. For the monk who has found the source of the river is given "what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, what no hand has touched, and what has not arisen in the human heart."<br />
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Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-76642835966370965402015-01-31T08:03:00.003-08:002015-01-31T09:42:24.497-08:00Prayer<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b> should not be limited. Just as the voice is capable of expressing itself in many ways -- speaking, singing, blessing and cursing -- so there are different forms of prayer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Most people think of prayer as clasping hands, bowing the head and asking God for something. Or, they see it as a ritual of memorized words, like saying a rosary. Each form has its purpose and power.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is another form of prayer, however, that has no words. It is said not with the voice but with your entire being; every muscle, every bone, every cell in your body has the power of being the prayer itself. You become the rosary, the chant, the head bowed not in humility but a position to receive a power greater than your own. Then you become not a flickering candlelight, but the bonfire that burns away the darkness. </span></div>
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Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-88483242024343058342015-01-30T09:13:00.000-08:002015-01-30T09:14:21.963-08:00Christian family values?<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Christ said.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Father will be divided against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; and mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LUKE 12:51-53</span><br />
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<br />Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-73458409633390845592015-01-28T17:49:00.000-08:002015-01-28T19:38:33.618-08:00Stand Firm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPWxEV0Xt4yIEUxFcHrMtvuNGted_Tr3J2A4whpeqWzyBLHUQAXAqfu8z2pv5Wok9mMr5ustfn2adjkHj6RkpiJQs7jRd9gnWIDiCFDxZvSB-X61wdsufmExdOOsoBjln_qYHXu9LM3LC/s1600/guardian-angel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPWxEV0Xt4yIEUxFcHrMtvuNGted_Tr3J2A4whpeqWzyBLHUQAXAqfu8z2pv5Wok9mMr5ustfn2adjkHj6RkpiJQs7jRd9gnWIDiCFDxZvSB-X61wdsufmExdOOsoBjln_qYHXu9LM3LC/s1600/guardian-angel1.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Then you must find your wings. You must find the power of your soul. With wings outstretched, striking the air in rhythmic waves, you set forth a fierce windstorm scattering the clouds of confusion and doubt."</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span> </span><br />
- excerpt from <b><span style="color: #0c343d;">What God Said to the Rose - a guide to natural spirituality</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">I</span><span style="font-size: large;">n this world there will be dark forces that try to hold you back, try to intimidate you and question your connection to God (something they know nothing about). There is, of course, legal recourse, when threats become dangerous, however, there is also a greater unseen power which will thwart the darkness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's easy enough. As they rant and rave and think themselves powerful, they are blind to their vulnerability. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Remember, as Christ did, so shall you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"> Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #552200; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Ephesians 6</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We have started a prayer circle here in sync with others around the country to help those in need, those being attacked, those who are being threatened in any form. In other words, prayers to </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."</i></span><b style="color: #552200; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i></b></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-30110241597750985122015-01-28T10:29:00.002-08:002015-01-28T10:29:24.287-08:00Shutting the door<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6uoNtan1BiacMUSEqPcz_AhXJ7X508oayz60JA9bMzF3ZyBEHIJxo-F_kIL_ArKsCKOSuSvdqxIG1Rm1LSDSYZFrfETZUSvHTu6GH8AH9Rx7IYOIn8q8mk4A8cb4Z8TaaXYMxsCgwxrP/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6uoNtan1BiacMUSEqPcz_AhXJ7X508oayz60JA9bMzF3ZyBEHIJxo-F_kIL_ArKsCKOSuSvdqxIG1Rm1LSDSYZFrfETZUSvHTu6GH8AH9Rx7IYOIn8q8mk4A8cb4Z8TaaXYMxsCgwxrP/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" height="367" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do not give what is holy to dogs, <br />and do not throw your pearls before swine</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will shut the door </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">in the face of the uninvited.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I will block the way of rapid dogs and ravenous pigs.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I uproot weeds. I cut out cancers. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I avoid infections.<br /><br />We have choices in our lives. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We can pick and choose </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">what we allow to enter. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Only the foolish or insane </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">would try to enter a door </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">forever barred against them.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">(What is right and good is greater than DNA - take the hint) </span></i>Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-81582080257459537502015-01-25T09:09:00.000-08:002015-01-28T08:53:03.497-08:00FYI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="goog_1966477906"></span><span id="goog_1966477907"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>A dear friend recently received an email from an obviously disturbed individual who "wanted to kill her." Such threats cannot be ignored. As this article points out, </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i><b>"Senders can be mentally unstable or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or other unknown factors may be at play. It is better to take a threat seriously and have no outcome than to ignore it and find yourself in trouble later."</b></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep2MsZ5yk6CyIp8xDE84_mY5WIYWl3HfNT6K7L49AylQ8Xkj0_DuDEuW9f7F7W1ioWFjuBhN6Y_5HtSRB3-E2Q7yN9bIxlQKSSO4pKN9jjqXhajFyM_2xJjj6UVn8sxO47JHaMOgl0vwL/s1600/internet-threat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep2MsZ5yk6CyIp8xDE84_mY5WIYWl3HfNT6K7L49AylQ8Xkj0_DuDEuW9f7F7W1ioWFjuBhN6Y_5HtSRB3-E2Q7yN9bIxlQKSSO4pKN9jjqXhajFyM_2xJjj6UVn8sxO47JHaMOgl0vwL/s1600/internet-threat.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sending threatening emails or messages through the Internet using instant messages or other means is a federal crime in the <b>U.S. Statute 18 U.S.C. § 875(c) states: "Whoever transmits in interstate or foreign commerce any communication containing any threat to kidnap any person or any threat to injure the person of another, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both."</b> Intent is beside the point -- the act of sending the threatening email is a punishable offense. Learn what to do if you receive emails that threaten you,</span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_5061920_handle-email-threats.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_5061920_handle-email-threats.html</span></a></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There are some people, arrogant or ignorant, who think they can hide in cyber space. Any one who has been threatened in any form should know they have recourse. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>You can also file a complain with the FBI </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>here's the link. </b>http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx</span>Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-1147232576644087162015-01-24T09:08:00.001-08:002015-01-24T09:08:12.003-08:00A strange life.<span style="font-size: large;">He sits in a dark apartment trying to keep track of all the lies he's told, feeling powerful behind his keyboard because it's all he owns.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbml4mxZNQW09Oho_htsDR9vH21kcwl4oPIqpAhMNt2ZXnkHhM6X9B0-RLQdartWm-lHSfTKZ0EKgbST7hzN9GuPGAMO6XISnp9p4o3P-r0apfrdfqKbdhpUKyh7z-rSiNHdWrIhVUx064/s1600/gollumelite_ipad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbml4mxZNQW09Oho_htsDR9vH21kcwl4oPIqpAhMNt2ZXnkHhM6X9B0-RLQdartWm-lHSfTKZ0EKgbST7hzN9GuPGAMO6XISnp9p4o3P-r0apfrdfqKbdhpUKyh7z-rSiNHdWrIhVUx064/s1600/gollumelite_ipad.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gollum</span>: <i>But perhaps we sits here and chats with it a bitsy, my precious. It likes riddles? </i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">He thinks he's safe sitting in the shadows unaware of the demons who pull his strings, unaware of the laughter of those he tries to harass, unaware that life is slowly draining away from his body with every keystroke of deception. Alcohol and drugs are his plasma. He breathes Anger and Hate. He destroyed everything good in his life. He killed his own soul.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">He fools no one but himself.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">(the beginning or the end of an unfinished story?)</span></div>
Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-7018267939127166892015-01-11T11:17:00.000-08:002015-01-11T11:17:13.197-08:00stop and think<span style="font-size: large;">People get angry when I don't respond to their drama. They get insulted, as if they deserved some special privilege to be in my life. They rant and rave and plot but never once do they look in the mirror.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Life on earth offers choices - what we eat, what we wear, most importantly, how we walk in this world and who is allowed through the sanctuary door. There are 7 billion people walking on this planet. Choose wisely.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvmiUZIYUeTe5uMCTmV5SAkGVqYEI340WDnodt4nLkkGQ7EyevzUvsuZsrudDRCpo1I4YP859UEdKyxseuxUAnb0GoO7GtcRGHZ9Of4PnTRLgyfvh3CEnL3uX1LVwoxJqY-8Mxugo-5XR/s1600/10933871_380038042179090_617061653083938305_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvmiUZIYUeTe5uMCTmV5SAkGVqYEI340WDnodt4nLkkGQ7EyevzUvsuZsrudDRCpo1I4YP859UEdKyxseuxUAnb0GoO7GtcRGHZ9Of4PnTRLgyfvh3CEnL3uX1LVwoxJqY-8Mxugo-5XR/s1600/10933871_380038042179090_617061653083938305_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-53373790599442721072015-01-10T09:14:00.002-08:002015-01-10T09:14:41.350-08:00ain't it great to be crazy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgbb33G_I2kaqgNAvFKl_4a3fM0ld7nS6G-VhRRfvTWLeb2HMb-gPUdQVIC0h0z3JoPkdbAsgCjuiJS0iZF43AjQF9mv-aDSujUPT1kdVJvqvBQFxDObuOZI7voNJ1FwMvVv_LT3_8SgD/s1600/Surreal-Photo-Manipulation-of-a-Monk-in-the-Caves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgbb33G_I2kaqgNAvFKl_4a3fM0ld7nS6G-VhRRfvTWLeb2HMb-gPUdQVIC0h0z3JoPkdbAsgCjuiJS0iZF43AjQF9mv-aDSujUPT1kdVJvqvBQFxDObuOZI7voNJ1FwMvVv_LT3_8SgD/s1600/Surreal-Photo-Manipulation-of-a-Monk-in-the-Caves.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The illusion of a separation between this world and a greater reality is fading. I walk in both worlds, the visible and invisible so that both words become meaningless.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We think of those who left their bodies as ghosts but perhaps it is we who are ghosts walking on this earth, mere shadows of who we really are. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It is only because our physical senses are so focus in this reality that we see it as something solid and "the only game in town."<br /><br />To loosen our obsession with limited way of being we must become totally insane.<br /><br />Then again, you must be crazy to think you can walk on water. You have to be insane to do it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMGnvkd3qNT5NbY48_YYMeMRP5h5VQHMhbXmkIBhYQFR-zSzXsdPJ9e65H0M3Wka30BoMJQQ5fVFtunz0edHyzyC3lneaaaIeQE16CCbCoBoNmrePDa6w0DPpYzBICBpT-bk8MB637a0c/s1600/155695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMGnvkd3qNT5NbY48_YYMeMRP5h5VQHMhbXmkIBhYQFR-zSzXsdPJ9e65H0M3Wka30BoMJQQ5fVFtunz0edHyzyC3lneaaaIeQE16CCbCoBoNmrePDa6w0DPpYzBICBpT-bk8MB637a0c/s1600/155695.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-42734583452036511172015-01-09T17:43:00.002-08:002015-01-09T17:44:39.878-08:00Charlie Hebdo - PARIS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShMy22vw2YorhIsU12QpadcuA82ahZ6WrtPGjp2VAfTl433_vNxhzWqawyqO34_SMr9Lu7S248jsTqBX55DQr11K_ORk0SdO9FDsgpOkKYbvoTGQjaiS-QzKdZ4XG2ENa27w9v3hmVSu8/s1600/french-soldier-stabbed-paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShMy22vw2YorhIsU12QpadcuA82ahZ6WrtPGjp2VAfTl433_vNxhzWqawyqO34_SMr9Lu7S248jsTqBX55DQr11K_ORk0SdO9FDsgpOkKYbvoTGQjaiS-QzKdZ4XG2ENa27w9v3hmVSu8/s1600/french-soldier-stabbed-paris.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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PARIS—. French authorities say the two armed suspects in this week's Charlie Hebdo attack have been killed and their hostage freed during a police raid northeast of Paris.</div>
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<label class="esc-topic-heading" style="color: #666666; padding-right: 6px;">Related</label><span class="esc-topic-wrapper"><a class="esc-topic-link" href="https://news.google.com/news/section?pz=1&cf=all&ned=us&hl=en&q=Paris&ict=clu_top" style="color: #551a8b; cursor: pointer; display: block; padding-right: 10px; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">Paris »</a></span></div>
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<a class="article usg-AFQjCNF7luy_sZmyb1nvWuUbyZ-WeO4YpQ did--1844522211136807007 esc-secondary-article-title-link _tracked" gcnid="250" href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sr=1&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_0_11_a&sa=t&usg=AFQjCNF7luy_sZmyb1nvWuUbyZ-WeO4YpQ&cid=52778705720618&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbc.ca%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fparis-supermarket-hostage-taking-ends-with-4-hostages-gunman-dead-1.2895072&ei=2HuwVOCmPInSmAKky4DYDA&rt=HOMEPAGE&vm=STANDARD&bvm=section&did=-1844522211136807007&ssid=h&gcnid=250" id="MAA4AEgAUAFgAmoCdXM" originalhref="http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/paris-supermarket-hostage-taking-ends-with-4-hostages-gunman-dead-1.2895072" rel="noreferrer" ssid="h" style="color: #1155cc; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 6px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" url="http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/paris-supermarket-hostage-taking-ends-with-4-hostages-gunman-dead-1.2895072"><span class="titletext">Paris supermarket hostage-taking ends with 4 hostages, gunman dead</span></a><label class="esc-secondary-article-source" style="color: #999999; display: inline-block; font-size: 11px; white-space: nowrap;">CBC.ca</label></div>
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<a class="article usg-AFQjCNGQiqc45PDlZ-PTNhrLmvZY-PiCJg did--664986079184446616 esc-secondary-article-title-link" gcnid="250" href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/paris-magazine-attack/paris-massacre-suspects-killed-dramatic-hostage-raids-n282766" id="MAA4AEgAUAJgAmoCdXM" rel="noreferrer" ssid="h" style="color: #1155cc; cursor: pointer; padding-right: 6px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" url="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/paris-magazine-attack/paris-massacre-suspects-killed-dramatic-hostage-raids-n282766"><span class="titletext">Paris Massacre Suspects Killed in Dramatic Hostage Raids</span></a><label class="esc-secondary-article-source" style="color: #999999; display: inline-block; font-size: 11px; white-space: nowrap;">NBCNews.com</label></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Something occurred to me as I watched news reports of this situation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Not sure why these thoughts came so suddenly to me or why I am now writing </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">about it but looking at the photos of the gunmen and the woman still at large,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I thought of the film Battle of Algiers, political film about the Algerian struggle</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> for independence from France.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The organization of Algerian Front de Liberation Nationale (FLN) was constructed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">as a pyramid, a network of cells, each unaware of the others but following orders </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">that came from one person, who in turn was a member of a cell, much like this chart </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ72VpRlVBkmc_vfFVoqqwctiyvxeTPSZCUzIgvt9_B7hyFePhL45_EikbyHLkLL74u3FBCO_DOxDynwtgxVzVJA2uY2lXMGvVN0Lo_Jh1WGlNFkVt_62RXqRa8-xkKp-NgAcpAHVZBYdd/s1600/People-Silhouettes_C0147_084_c01_l.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ72VpRlVBkmc_vfFVoqqwctiyvxeTPSZCUzIgvt9_B7hyFePhL45_EikbyHLkLL74u3FBCO_DOxDynwtgxVzVJA2uY2lXMGvVN0Lo_Jh1WGlNFkVt_62RXqRa8-xkKp-NgAcpAHVZBYdd/s1600/People-Silhouettes_C0147_084_c01_l.png" height="248" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am sure this is the same type of organizational structure being used today. I would bet the woman they are searching for would be the "leader" of the cell if for no other reason than she's have a greater ability to move about, that is, getting directives from someone higher up to pass along to her cell members.<br /><br />If this is the case, it is going to be difficult, but not impossible to dismantle the organization.<br /><br />These are just thoughts about things that I usually have no interest in contemplating but the thoughts came so quickly about a movie I saw so many years ago and haven't thought much of, that I am curious as to why.<br /><br />I suppose time will tell if I am right about this (if the whole story is ever told)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe I shouldn't even post this but it is a diary of the life and times of a monk and what happened in Paris is certainly a sign of the times.</span></div>
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Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-90043743388596225642014-12-30T11:03:00.000-08:002014-12-30T11:03:13.515-08:00Broken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqm2rvpmAW92S_CgWKD1yaIyXu7tkNostYiLAXNCPjA0XlQkHdD6www_RisroEAHfPfJkzVwZ1pmJCKHY6ymLTZy6MqhXjgcN_bLULhu_drMvCABDso7A6ZnnQkv7HbhRRuY3doNnOJE2w/s1600/b5153bc811c6498aaeb1eee4a8def7e2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqm2rvpmAW92S_CgWKD1yaIyXu7tkNostYiLAXNCPjA0XlQkHdD6www_RisroEAHfPfJkzVwZ1pmJCKHY6ymLTZy6MqhXjgcN_bLULhu_drMvCABDso7A6ZnnQkv7HbhRRuY3doNnOJE2w/s1600/b5153bc811c6498aaeb1eee4a8def7e2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some things can never be fixed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Forgiveness does not mean foolishness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For me, it's never a question of forgiving. I never take negative actions towards me as something personal but rather a demonstration of another person's confusion, fear and well, insanity.<br /><br />However, words cannot undo the damage caused by someone's actions and there are consequences to all we do. For every action there is a reaction. Some actions attract. Other actions repel.<br /><br />Know that I walk away, not because I don't forgive you. I walk away because I won't be fooled again.</span>Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-22274802108525178282014-12-27T13:51:00.001-08:002014-12-27T13:51:47.319-08:002015?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>A</b></span><span style="font-size: large;">s the New Year is near, I think of the journey ahead and what changes it will bring.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I wonder what to do with this Blog, if anything. I'm sure not many, if anyone reads it and so, what value is there in continuing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't write about my life all that much because it is, after all, my life and who could possibly be interested in an old man just stumbling through life. Also, it is my life and what happens on my journey is specific to me and the growth of my soul.<br /><br />Perhaps, if I wrote more about how I deal with the daily challenges of life.<br /><br />But at this moment, I am tired and have a bit of a cold. I should rest and pray. I know much lies ahead. No doubt a change of address. Maybe more brothers joining the community. It's also been suggested I take legal action against a family member, but I'm not feeling vengeful (well, not now anyway LOL).<br /><br />What I do pray for in the coming year, is a return to simplicity so I can concentrate on my own spiritual growth and my relationship with Him.<br /><br />May it be so.</span>Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-24223509098092720452014-12-24T09:25:00.001-08:002014-12-24T09:25:25.127-08:00Christmas Eve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">No matter what you believe, one thing cannot be denied.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A child was born and changed the course of history.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wishing all friends and true family</span><br /><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A BLESSED CHRISTMAS</span></span></div>
Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-60418478507917603062014-12-22T16:33:00.000-08:002014-12-22T16:33:05.493-08:00keeping Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's been difficult to find again the joy I once had this time of year. There are moments, like when I set up the nativity set or like last night when Derrick and I stood in front of the house looking at the <span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 33.5999984741211px;">luminarias lining the curb along the street.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 33.5999984741211px;"> (</span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 33.5999984741211px;">luminarias are made from brown paper bags weighted down with sand and illuminated from within by a lit candle. These are typically arranged in rows to create large and elaborate displays. The hope among Roman Catholics is that the lights will guide the spirit of the Christ child to one's home.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 33.5999984741211px;">But it's been a tough year of unexpected events.<br /><br />I know nothing will give me that feeling. It is something I have to find for myself. So, I will hold on to that peace in my heart and keep my mind of the birth of Christ.</span></span>Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-966543699672773232014-12-16T18:21:00.001-08:002014-12-16T18:21:49.364-08:00The day of all days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 28px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">In the mystery of his becoming man, Christ showed us what humanity was meant to become. He showed us the transcendent dignity and destiny of each human person as a child of God.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 28px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 28px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 28px;">-- Archbishop Jose Gomez</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And so each Christmas we prepare for the Holy Day by opening our hearts not just for the birth of Christ but for our own re-birth. I suppose in a way, it's a spiritual New Year's Day, that is "Out with the old and in with the new."<br /><br />Yet, the world does the opposite - accumulating gifts, hurrying about with shopping, traveling, cooking and decorating a tree so that it no longer looks like a tree. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I will have a quiet Christmas along with my brothers, letting it be a time of peace and reflection. The only gift I want is for Christ to enter my heart.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8796809523605372898.post-36854509480715491252014-12-15T20:59:00.003-08:002014-12-15T20:59:44.768-08:00Three X 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">As much as I prefer to be a hermit, the experiences of meditating with others, my two companions of this humble community, has been extraordinary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each night we spend about an hour together in prayer and meditation. Some of the time is spent doing simple Qi Gong exercises. Then we move onto inner contemplation, each of us concentrating on our own spiritual development. We end by turning our attention outward - into the world or towards a specific person.<br /><br />Tonight we prayed for someone who was feeling lonely and afraid. I can't be sure what the result will be but when a soul comes to our attention (in this case, the mother of someone in the community) we have to do whatever we can, acting with both wisdom and compassion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We started by joining our own energy and intentions with each other, visualizing a tall white candle in front of each person.<br /><br />As each of us stared into the light, we "saw" the same light surrounding the person we were praying for.<br /><br />We didn't pray for anything to change, didn't want to make everything alright. Instead we opened our hearts to give comfort and strength. Most of all to give her a sense that she wasn't alone.<br /><br />Wisdom is needed when praying for someone. In the past we had prayed for other people in our family only to result in a negative reaction. Prayer is not a cure all. It is an energy. Not all people are open to receiving. Some will always prefer the darkness. We must accept that. Nevertheless, we keep the candle burning bright in our hearts.<br /><br />How much brighter is that light when united with the light of others.<br /></span><br />
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<br />Vincent Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06848736631985449405noreply@blogger.com0