Are You A Rock?

 ARE YOU A ROCK? 

By Diane Mckinzie 

2022 

When issues in life arise that attack our feelings, and the stability of our minds we need a ROCK to lean on. 

ARE YOU A ROCK??? 

All of us at some point in our lives may have made the statement; “he or she is my rock” or “you are my rock”. Precisely what does that mean? It means you are “there” for someone when they need you. A rock is a person that gives stability when life presents issues that seem to be bigger than someone else can handle alone. We all know someone like that, or we might be that “someone, but God is our rock for us all. 

God is my rock. He is a solid foundation. He is an immovable, unshakeable, faithful, fortress. In times of trouble, God is our source of strength. God is stable and His children (us) run to Him for shelter. 

None of us can be as strong a rock as God, but we can be a small rock here on earth for someone in our lives. 

As Quakers, Silence is a practice we share. Being a “rock” for someone, by using our tool of silence, we can use that silence to listen, as well as, waiting to hear the voice of God with whatever message he has for us. We might become a person’s rock to help with the issues that the person is confronting. Are you a rock for someone, or is someone a rock for you?

INNOVATORS

Marlyn Wescoff and Ruth Lichterman Programming ENIVAC

Although I lived through early stages of the digital age with avid  enthusiasts in my family and on the job using a main frame, I was fascinated by Walter Isaacson's book The Innovators.

I learned many surprising things when I read Isaacson's book. In it he traces the development of the digital age from its inception until the year 2014 when the book was published. It all started with a desire for making difficult calculations simpler and less time consuming. Mechanical devices offered some success but many small advances were required before the first electronic computer could be built. In the mid 1930's using vacuum tubes as on/off switches in electronic circuits sped up processing which had relied on electromechanical switches. The advances in computing in the 1930's "came from a combination of capabilities, ideas, and needs that coincided in multiple places," as Isaacson states.    

The military became involved because of the need to make tedious calculations for trajectories for guns after the entry of the United States into World War II in December 1941. In 1943 The U. S. War department  decided to fund an electronic computer and the construction of the ENIVAC soon began. Although the Defense Department financed much of the development of early computers and of the internet, the academics and researchers who were were directly involved making technical decisions and doing the work, designed a system for collaboration and research. On page 251 we read, "'Janet Abbate noted ... the group that designed and built ARPA's networks was dominated by academic scientists, who incorporated their own values of collegiality, decentralization of authority, and open exchange of information into the system.' These  academic researchers of the late 1960's, many of whom associated with the antiwar counterculture, created a system that resisted centralized command. It would route around any damage from a nuclear attack but also around any attempt to impose control."

A system using personal computers for working alone, along with  connectability to a web of other users, took many more steps before individuals had access to data and the ability to interact with one another through electronic devices. The system developed out of the effort of many thinkers and engineers and innovators working together or working in isolation or in groups to invent specific procedures which could be fitted together. It involved a collaborative process which led to unexpected creativity. It depended upon academics, government, businesses and solitary inventors. Computers and networking are built on the work of predecessors who had no inkling of what could follow their innovations. 

Although we have been given a toolbox which opens vast possibilities,  each of us has a responsibility for using it wisely and circumspectly.

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If this post reminds you of your experience with computers please make a comment below. We would be pleased to hear about your initiation, your discoveries, your frustrations, your satisfactions and your hopes.

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Posted by Ellie

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Joshu, the I-e-su of Nazareth

by Richardson

Joshu the Nazarene of Jerusalem

also known as Jesus the Christ.

Joshu was a lawgiver he was of Jewish birth and also an i-e-su, born near Jerusalem. his predecessors were of the tribe called Esseans, or non-resistants. he labored to bring the Jews back to their pristine purity. he taught the doctrine of the one Great Spirit. in the Christian New Testament it has been supposed that the so called sermon on the mount  is a plagiarism on Joshu's teachings, gotten up by the  ecumenical Council under the direction of the Emperor Constantine. - (Oahspe : A Kosmon Bible)

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Excerpts from

The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ 

by Levi

CHAPTER 54

Jesus becomes a private pupil of the hierophant and is taught the mysteries of Egypt. In passing the seventh test, he works in the chamber of the Dead.

1.  The senior course of study now was opened up and Jesus opened up  and Jesus entered and became a pupil of the hierophant.  

2. He learned the secrets of the mystic lore of Egypt land; the mysteries of life and death  and of the worlds beyond the circle of the sun.

3.When he had finished all the studies of the senior course, he went into the chamber of the dead that he may learn the ancient methods of preserving from decay the bodies of the deaed; and  here he wrought.

4. And carriers brought the body of a widow's only son to be embalmed; the weeping mother followed close; her grief was great.

5. And Jesus said Good woman, dry your tears; you follow but an empty house; your son is in it not.

6. You weep because your son is dead. Death is a cruel word; your son can never die.

7. He had a task assigned to do in garb of flesh; he came; he did his work, and the nhe led his flesh aside; he did not need it anymore.

8. Beyond your human sight he has another work to do, and he will do it well, and then pass on to other tasks, and by and by, he will attain the crown of perfect life.

9. And what your son has done, and what he yet must do, we all must do.

10. Now if you harbor grief, and give your sorrows vent they will grow greater every day. They will will absorb your very life until at last you will be naught but grief, wet down with bitter tears.

11. Instead of helping him you grieve your son by your deep grief. He seeks your solace now as he has ever done; is glad when you are glad; is saddened when you grieve.

12. Go bury deep your woes; and smile at grief, and lose yourself helping others dry their tears.

13. With duty done comes happiness and joy; and gladness cheers the hearts of those who have passed away.

14. The weeping woman turned, and went her way to find happiness in helpfulness; to bury her sorrows in a ministry of joy.

15. Then other carriers came and brought the body of a mother to the Chamber of the Dead; and just one mourner followed; she a girl of tender years.

16. And the cortege neared the door, the child observed a wounded bird in sore distress; a cruel hunter's dart  had pierced its breast.

17. And she left following the dead, nd went to help the living bird.

18.  With tenderness and tenderness love she folded to her breast the wounded bird, then hurried to her place.

19. And Jesus said to her, why did you leave your dead to save a bird?

20. The maiden said, The lifeless body needs no help from me; but i can help while yet life is; my mother taught me this.

21. My mother taught that grief and selfish love, and hops and fears  are but reflexes of the lower self

22. That what we sense are but small waves upon the rolling billows of a life.

23.These all pass away ; they are unreal.

24. Tears flow from hearts flesh; the spirit never weeps; and i am longing for the day when i will walk in light .

25. My mother taught that all emotions are the sprays that rise from human loves, and hopes nd fears;

that perfect bliss can not be ours till we have conquered these.

26. And in the presence of that child did Jesus  bow his head in reverence. He said,

27. For days and months and years I've sought to learn this highest truth that man can learn on earth, and here a child, fresh brought to earth, has told it all in one short breath.

28. No wonder David said, O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

29. out of the mouths of babes and sucklings has thou ordained strength.

30. And then he laid his hand upon the maidens head, and said, i'm sure the blessings of my Father God will rest upon you, child, forever more.

CHAPTER 55

Jesus passes the seventh brotherhood test,

  and in the purple room of the temple receives the seventh, the highest degree, THE CHRIST He leaves the temple a conqueror.

1. The work of Jesus in the Chamber of the Dead was done, and in the temple purple room he stood before the heirophant.

2. And he was clothed with purple robes; and all the brothers stood. The heirophant stood and said.

3. This isa royal day for all the host of Israel. In Honor of their chosen son we celebrate the great passover Feast.

4. And then he said to Jesus, Brother, man, most excellent of men, in all the temple test you have won out.

5.Six times before the bar of right you have been judged; ix times you have received the highest honors man can give; and now you stand prepared to take the highest degree.

6. Upon your brow i place this diadem, and in the Great Lodge of the heavens and the earth you are THE CHRIST.

7. This is your great Passover rite, you are neophyte no more; but now a master mind.

8. Now man can do no more; but God himself will speak, and will confirm your title and degree.

9. Go on your way, for you must preach the gospel of good will to men and peace on earth; must open up the prison doors and let the captives free.

10. And while the Heirophant yet spoke the temple bells rang out; a pure white dove descended from  above and sat on Jesus' head.

11. And hen a voice that shook the very temple said, THIS IS THE CHRIST; and every living creature said,  AMEN.

12. The great doors of the temple swung ajar; the Logos Journeyed on his way a conqueror.

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I decided to make this Blog about Jesus the Christ for the fact that i wanted to recommend the book              "The Aquarian Gospel of  Jesus the Christ". it is a very informative book which is based on the early life of Jesus that have been left out of the Christian bible. The passage above is the last two passages showing how he went through the process of  becoming THE CHRIST.

please do comment if you have any thoughts you would like to share.

 

is there a way for true charity and industry

 by Richardson Exius

On the subject of charity in this day and age, we come across many difficulties leading to failure in social improvement. Todays subject is on charity, the building up of individuals instead of having them dependent on others for growth. It is evident looking at our world today, observing the homelessness, the crimes in our cities, the poverty leading to  the violence that we know much too well.  There is always a way to point people in the right direction if we are unable to uplift them and arise the potential that they have deep down within themselves. There is a right way and obviously a wrong way to do charity.   The former way leads to success  and uplifts the individual and the community and the latter may lead to more debauchery causing our efforts to be a failure in the community. 

    Now we ask ourselves, is there a way for true  charity and industry to be reached through group efforts. My highest light says,  that we,  through group efforts, uniting with the right minds and starting at the root of the problem we can find a remedy against poverty. The remedy seems to be to start with the children, the youth of our communities the needy, the able bodied. With this focus we can assist a better future being built where we can as a unit help equip the youths with the right learning, teaching them trades to build up skills that can create the opportunities for occupation. I see the potential  for our generation to create industrious growth, planting the seed for the next generation to follow in our footsteps.

    So i do believe that there is a way for true charity and industry in our community and in our world, but like every oak tree we must start somewhere. The seed  in which we sow today is going to bare the fruits of our labor. My vision as an artist with many hats is for those who are into the crafts, specifically the craft of  woodworking. With my certificate in Woodworking and Building Construction, i  came to the realization that the community may benefit from having such programs.  Learning a trade can build skills and create growth  towards opportunities that are beneficial to people who would be either jobless or led to poverty otherwise. This is what my light leads me towards as a way to give back to the community and to the youths and future entrepreneurs, and the youths they may bring under their wings. This way charity is done the right way and industry is practiced for the upliftment of the manhood and women-hood of all.

please share your thoughts if you have any ideas, please and thank you.

A time for Prayer

 

by Diane Faisson McKenzie

Time is so important, yet, we treat it as though it is something we take for granted, and something we will always have. We take time to shop, cook meals, look at our favorite TV show, or just talk on the phone, but have you made the effort to carve a small slice of time each day to talk to God? Praying in daily life is as important as breathing.

I have made a conscious effort to wake up, and before anything else start praying. I am an “early riser”, so most of the time, I am up by 6 a.m. So “my” time may not be your time for prayer. Nevertheless, setting aside time each day for your personal “prayer time” is essential. This suggested prayer time should preferably be somewhere in your space (home, patio, walk-in closet, etc.) that is void of noise, has low light, and has no digital devices. I have a small sofa in my breakfast room, with a small side table, where my inspirational spiritual readings, including the bible, are resting, so I can choose which reading material I would like to read on that particular day.

You may want to refresh yourself with God by praying the moment you rise up from your lying position in bed to a sitting position on the side of the bed, just close your eyes for a moment, and offer a prayer of thanks to God for allowing you to wake up. Now, that’s not hard, is it? We usually use prayer as a last resort, but we should use it as our first line of defense. Starting this prayerful habit in your life is a habit that is a good one that you should not want to break.

We are in a crisis of epic proportions that has changed how we live our daily lives. This crisis is the dreaded coronavirus disease. We are forced to be isolated together with our families or alone in our homes. We have been given an” unexpected time”. This is the perfect time to create a new “good” habit, carving that little slice of time for your personal quiet prayer time. This is a time, in your prayer time to pray for hope in our current situation of illness, despair, and death. In Hebrews 6:19 it says that hope is the anchor of the soul. Hope is the force that keeps you steady in time of trial.

I refer to my daily prayer time as my daily “spiritual shower”, just like we daily take a shower to cleanse our bodies, why not take the time to shower yourself with a prayer to cleanse your day? I feel that it is also very important that in your prayer time, you practice silence. Being silent is one way to be receptive to the Holy Spirit, God.

Prayer can be therapeutic. In your prayer time, it can become a time to breathe in the spirit of God, helping you fight fear, and depression, see a light of hope and help you know God is ever present in your life. In your silence, listen, and allow your mind to be open to hearing what he has to say.