You may think given the title that my entry today is about my son. It is not. It is about me.
Admittedly, I, like many other Americans, am addicted to my coffee. But my vice is very specific. Starbucks. Oh, good 'ol Howie would be so proud. For those of you who are going "Who?" Well, I am such a regular, you would think I was buddy-buddy with the CEO of Starbucks, Howard Shultz. I am not, but nevertheless, I pay more of his salary than I should, so I feel I have the right to call him "Howie".
My drink of choice is a 1 shot no whip iced mocha. Whereas I used to sweeten it with vanilla, now I add the natural sugar and chemical-free sweetener stevia extract. Years ago, my drink of choice was an iced chai, which I occasionally revisit.
The reason for my gradual weaning off of my Starbucks iced mochas is manifold. But it is what it represents in my life that is of real importance. I'll get to more of that in a minute. Firstly, it is an expensive habit. Now I am not saying I am never going to have it on occasion, but I am after all, weaning, which connotes a graduating process. The daily trip through the drive thru adds up and I want to be a better steward of our finances. So I have found out the ingredients to my favorite coffee and I am making it more at home using the espresso maker. It takes a lot longer, which means convenience and time saving factors go out the window. But it is much cheaper and I can tailor it to my liking. This past week I have made my own mochas for 2 days. Next week it will be three, and so on.
Secondly, I believe it will work to my advantage for weaning my son when it is time. Knowing that he will be receiving less and less of something which he loves so much, I will know what that feels like. I will have traveled that path already and know how hard it is to give up something you love. Even if it is gradual. And I think it will make me more sensitive to his needs at any given time during the process.
Thirdly, I am giving up something I love to gain something that is eternal. In my walk with God, I feel Him challenging me to start letting go of the things which I love and have grown attached to in this world. Jesus put it this way, "He who loses his life for my sake, shall find it". The challenge I feel is to live life this way everyday. This is hard. But I have been finding myself lately thinking such proposterous things like, "Lord, I want to live for you and be content no matter if I am living in the palace or the pit. Whether I have nice things or priveleges, or not". And I feel Him tugging at my heart strings like, "Would you be willing to live without.....(this) or (that), should I take it away from you?". If I do it with love as the ultimate goal (for without love we can do nothing, we will be as a clanging symbol the bible says), especially if I do it out of love for the Messiah, I believe it will be worth it. There is a higher way of living. And I intend to find it. The higher way is actually to go LOWER. To gain one's life, you have to give it up. I will give you an illustration of an extreme example of what I mean.
Once at my old church, I heard a missionary give a talk about what life was like on the mission field. What life can be like when you give it up for the high calling of the Messiah. He said he heard of a story of a young girl that took place in a nation where Christians were hated and persecuted every day. He said the leaders of this area put the young girl in jail with the intent to execute her. She had never been married. Never known what it was like to give birth to a child. She had her whole life ahead of her. She was placed in a 6" by 6" cell with not so much as a toilet or bucket to "go" in. The guards would open the door once a day to throw in some scraps to eat. She knew there were other prisoners in there who were not Christians, people who were placed there for breaking the law to be punished for an indeterminate amount of time. Many of them, like her, were on "death row". Now, I was sitting in my seat thinking....how would I cope with that? (At the time I also was younger and had not yet married nor had any children). I would probably be feeling pretty sorry for myself, or in the least, I would be thinking of how or praying about how I could get out of that place. Not this girl. She decided to give up her life, even her dignity, in a surprising way. The missionary said this young girl, knowing of the need for the guards to clean out the human excrement from all of the cells, and seeing that as a way of telling others of the love of Jesus and sharing with them the Way of salvation before they died, volunteered to go cell to cell. They let her. And as she was scooping out the waste with her bare hands, she whispered to each prisoner...."I know of a better way. You don't have to die alone. There is hope." And she thus told them the good news that they could be saved and inherit eternal life, no matter the outcome of their sentence...
I sometimes think of that brave girl when I am facing a challenge in my life, something that threatens my current way of living or something that I need to give up voluntarily. When considering the sacrifice, I ask myself...is this TRULY living anyway?......
"And they overcame him (the evil one) by the Blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony, and THEY LOVED NOT THEIR LIVES UNTO THE DEATH" Revelation 12:11 (emphasis mine).
*
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
From Fussy to "Happy"...Things Are Looking Up
As I have written here within the past few months, I have a high needs child who is slighlty over 1 year old. We have had our joys and our trials, but oftentimes, I found myself asking myself if the decisions we were making to meet his needs were right. Were we making any difference in his character, personality and his overall well being? And I would ask myself if we would know....if there would be little indications along the way. Our Benjamin has gone from a full-time fussy/colicky baby to an overall, happy, well adjusted toddler. He still fusses to express himself occassionally, but I am no longer pulling my hair out wondering if he was ever going to stop crying. He has. In fact, today at the grocery store, while he sat looking around in his favorite spot-the seat of the grocery cart, an elderly lady was admiring him and she commented how happy he is. "That is good", she said. I felt very encouraged, because although he is still very attached to his daddy and me, at least now I can go to the bathroom with the door shut and he won't scream his head off thinking I have abandoned him. Don't laugh, but I actually used to have to HOLD him on my lap while I used the potty! (Because he would scream if I set him down, even next to me in the powder room) Talk about a balancing act! He has grown out of that need now, thank God! And that is also an answer to all the critics who said that by holding the baby when he cried I would spoil him and he would wind up being overly dependant.
One day a couple of weeks ago at a playgroup, he, along with all of the kids were playing in the play room while the adults were taking care of some Moms Club business in the next room. Benjamin just took off crawling into the crowd of toys and tots and did not even look back at me for reassurance. One minute, two minutes, five, then almost 10 minutes went by before he looked around for me. He was having such a good time with the other kids. I was thrilled and I wanted to cry all at the same time.
My baby is growing up. Can you imagine the emotional wreck I'll be in at his high school graduation?! Perhaps this is just the preparation...
Pass the tissue.
:)
One day a couple of weeks ago at a playgroup, he, along with all of the kids were playing in the play room while the adults were taking care of some Moms Club business in the next room. Benjamin just took off crawling into the crowd of toys and tots and did not even look back at me for reassurance. One minute, two minutes, five, then almost 10 minutes went by before he looked around for me. He was having such a good time with the other kids. I was thrilled and I wanted to cry all at the same time.
My baby is growing up. Can you imagine the emotional wreck I'll be in at his high school graduation?! Perhaps this is just the preparation...
Pass the tissue.
:)
Sunday, August 24, 2008
The Messiah
There are so many prophecies in the Tanakh- the Old Testament scriptures, regarding the Messiah- both His first and second comings to the earth, that I literally would probably crash my blogger website if I listed them all (ok, maybe that is an exaggeration, but there are at least 300, so if you would like a more extensive list than this one, please email me and I would be glad to pass it along to you.)
Why is this important?
Well, for one: it shows the authority of God and His Word. It shows he is who he says he is, if he gave several hundred prophecies regarding Yeshua- Jesus, sometimes thousands of years before they were fulfilled. These prophecies were given through many different people, across many lands and time periods. Yet the ones concerning His first coming, that of the suffering servant, have all been fulfilled to a T.
Two: It points to the Messiah Himself, the Savior of Israel and the world and thus man is without excuse.
Three: It exhibits God's heart toward each and every one of us in that He loves us passionately and intimately. He knows (at any given time), how many hairs are on your head! One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 49:15 because it illustrates God's love toward Israel (and by extension, God's love toward us.) It says, "Can a mother forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you".
Four: It shows us that God is trustworthy and everything that He has promised, He will fulfill. That is encouraging for those who put their trust in Him alone. It is terrifying for those who either actively or passively reject Him.
Here is just a limited list of prophecies concerning Jesus of Nazareth in the Old Testament and their corresponding fulfillment in the New Testament. Looking at each one and pondering it makes for a wonderful devotion or Bible study. I copied and pasted, so they are kind of rammed together, but as you glance over the list and see the cited fulfillment, it is mind boggling. It is worth even just a glance. May your faith be built up in Him.
Fulfilled Prophecy Tenakh/Hebrew Scripture New Testament
His pre-existence Micah 5:2 John 1:1, 14
Born of the seed of a woman Genesis 3:15 Matthew 1:18
Of the seed of Abraham Genesis 12:3 Matthew 1:1-16
All nations blessed by Abraham's seed Genesis 12:3 Matthew 8:5, 10
God would provide Himself a Lamb as an offering Genesis 22:8 John 1:29
From the tribe of Judah Genesis 49:10 Matthew 1:1-3
Heir to the throne of David Isaiah 9:6-7 Matthew 1:1
Called "The mighty God, The everlasting Father" Isaiah 9:6 Matthew 1:23
Born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2 Matthew 2:1
Born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:18
His name called Immanuel, "God with us" Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:23
Declared to be the Son of God Psalm 2:7 Matthew 3:17
His messenger before Him in spirit of Elijah Malachi 4:5-6 Luke 1:17
Preceded by a messenger to prepare His way Malachi 3:1 Matthew 11:7-11
Messenger crying "Prepare ye the way of the Lord" Isaiah 40:3 Matthew 3:3
Would be a Prophet of the children of Israel Deuteronomy 18:15 Matthew 2:15
Called out of Egypt Hosea 11:1 Matthew 2:15
Slaughter of the children Jeremiah 31:15 Matthew2:18
Would be a Nazarene Judges 13:5; Amos 2:11;
Lam. 4:7 Matthew 2:23
Brought light to Zabulon & Nephthalm, Galilee of the Gentiles Isaiah 9:1-2 Matthew 4:15
Presented with gifts Psalm 72:10 Matthew 2:1, 11
Rejected by His own Isaiah 53:3 Matthew 21:42; Mark 8:31, 12:10; Luke 9:22, 17:25
He is the stone which the builders rejected which became the headstone Psalm 118:22-23; Isaiah 28:16 Matthew 21:42; I Peter 2:7
A stone of stumbling to Israel Isaiah 8:14-15 I Peter 2:8
He entered Jerusalem as a king
riding on an ass Zechariah 9:9 Matthew 21:5
Betrayed by a friend Psalms 41:9 John 13:21
Sold for 30 pieces of silver Zechariah 11:12 Matthew 26:15; Luke 22:5
The 30 pieces of silver given for the potter's field Zechariah 11:12 Matthew 27:9-10
The 30 pieces of silver thrown in the temple Zechariah 11:13 Matthew 27:5
Forsaken by His disciples Zechariah 13:7 Matthew 26:56
Accused by false witnesses Psalm 35:11 Matthew 26:60
Silent to accusations Isaiah 53:7 Matthew 27:14
Heal blind/deaf/lame/dumb Isaiah 35:5-6; Isaiah 29:18 Matthew 11:5
Preached to the poor/brokenhearted/captives Isaiah 61:1 Matthew 11:5
Came to bring a sword, not peace Micah 7:6 Matthew 10:34-35
He bore our sickness Isaiah 53:4 Matthew 8:16-17
Spat upon, smitten and scourged Isaiah 50:6, 53:5 Matthew 27:26, 30
Smitten on the cheek Micah 5:1 Matthew 27:30
Hated without a cause Psalm 35:19 Matthew 27:23
The sacrificial lamb Isaiah 53:5 John 1:29
Given for a covenant Isaiah 42:6; Jeremiah 31:31-34 Romans 11:27/Galatians 3:17, 4:24/Hebrews 8:6, 8, 10; 10:16, 29; 12:24; 13:20
Would not strive or cry Isaiah 42:2-3 Mark 7:36
People would hear not and see not Isaiah 6:9-10 Matthew 13:14-15
People trust in traditions of men Isaiah 29:13 Matthew 15:9
People give God lip service Isaiah 29:13 Matthew 15:8
God delights in Him Isaiah 42:1 Matthew 3:17, 17:5
Wounded for our sins Isaiah 53:5 John 6:51
He bore the sins of many Isaiah 53:10-12 Mark 10:45
Messiah not killed for Himself Daniel 9:26 Matthew 20:28
Gentiles flock to Him Isaiah 55:5, 60:3, 65:1; Malachi 1:11;
II Samuel 22:44-45; Psalm 2:7-8 Matthew 8:10
Crucified with criminals Isaiah 53:12 Matthew 27:35
His body was pierced Zechariah 12:10; Ps. 22:16 John 20:25, 27
Thirsty during execution Psalm 22:16 John 19:28
Given vinegar and gall for thirst Psalm 69:21 Matthew 27:34
Soldiers gambled for his garment Psalm 22:18 Matthew 27:35
People mocked, "He trusted in God, let Him deliver him!" Psalm 22:7-8 Matthew 27:43
People sat there looking at Him Psalm 22:17 Matthew 27:36
Cried, "My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me?" Psalm 22:1 Matthew 27:46
Darkness over the land Amos 8:9 Matthew 27:45
No bones broken Psalm 34:20, Numbers 9:12 John 19:33-36
Side pierced Zechariah 12:10 John 19:34
Buried with the rich Isaiah 53:9 Matthew 27:57, 60
Resurrected from the dead Psalm 16:10-11; 49:15 Mark 16:6
Priest after the order of Melchizedek Psalm 110:4 Hebrews 5:5-6; 6:20; 7:15-17
Ascended to right hand of God Psalm 68:18 Luke 24:51
LORD said unto Him, "Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool Psalm 110:1 Matt 22:44; Mark 12:36;, 16:19; Luke 20:42-43; Acts 2:34-35; Hebrews 1:13
His coming glory Malachi 3:2-3 Luke 3:17
Why is this important?
Well, for one: it shows the authority of God and His Word. It shows he is who he says he is, if he gave several hundred prophecies regarding Yeshua- Jesus, sometimes thousands of years before they were fulfilled. These prophecies were given through many different people, across many lands and time periods. Yet the ones concerning His first coming, that of the suffering servant, have all been fulfilled to a T.
Two: It points to the Messiah Himself, the Savior of Israel and the world and thus man is without excuse.
Three: It exhibits God's heart toward each and every one of us in that He loves us passionately and intimately. He knows (at any given time), how many hairs are on your head! One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 49:15 because it illustrates God's love toward Israel (and by extension, God's love toward us.) It says, "Can a mother forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you".
Four: It shows us that God is trustworthy and everything that He has promised, He will fulfill. That is encouraging for those who put their trust in Him alone. It is terrifying for those who either actively or passively reject Him.
Here is just a limited list of prophecies concerning Jesus of Nazareth in the Old Testament and their corresponding fulfillment in the New Testament. Looking at each one and pondering it makes for a wonderful devotion or Bible study. I copied and pasted, so they are kind of rammed together, but as you glance over the list and see the cited fulfillment, it is mind boggling. It is worth even just a glance. May your faith be built up in Him.
Fulfilled Prophecy Tenakh/Hebrew Scripture New Testament
His pre-existence Micah 5:2 John 1:1, 14
Born of the seed of a woman Genesis 3:15 Matthew 1:18
Of the seed of Abraham Genesis 12:3 Matthew 1:1-16
All nations blessed by Abraham's seed Genesis 12:3 Matthew 8:5, 10
God would provide Himself a Lamb as an offering Genesis 22:8 John 1:29
From the tribe of Judah Genesis 49:10 Matthew 1:1-3
Heir to the throne of David Isaiah 9:6-7 Matthew 1:1
Called "The mighty God, The everlasting Father" Isaiah 9:6 Matthew 1:23
Born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2 Matthew 2:1
Born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:18
His name called Immanuel, "God with us" Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:23
Declared to be the Son of God Psalm 2:7 Matthew 3:17
His messenger before Him in spirit of Elijah Malachi 4:5-6 Luke 1:17
Preceded by a messenger to prepare His way Malachi 3:1 Matthew 11:7-11
Messenger crying "Prepare ye the way of the Lord" Isaiah 40:3 Matthew 3:3
Would be a Prophet of the children of Israel Deuteronomy 18:15 Matthew 2:15
Called out of Egypt Hosea 11:1 Matthew 2:15
Slaughter of the children Jeremiah 31:15 Matthew2:18
Would be a Nazarene Judges 13:5; Amos 2:11;
Lam. 4:7 Matthew 2:23
Brought light to Zabulon & Nephthalm, Galilee of the Gentiles Isaiah 9:1-2 Matthew 4:15
Presented with gifts Psalm 72:10 Matthew 2:1, 11
Rejected by His own Isaiah 53:3 Matthew 21:42; Mark 8:31, 12:10; Luke 9:22, 17:25
He is the stone which the builders rejected which became the headstone Psalm 118:22-23; Isaiah 28:16 Matthew 21:42; I Peter 2:7
A stone of stumbling to Israel Isaiah 8:14-15 I Peter 2:8
He entered Jerusalem as a king
riding on an ass Zechariah 9:9 Matthew 21:5
Betrayed by a friend Psalms 41:9 John 13:21
Sold for 30 pieces of silver Zechariah 11:12 Matthew 26:15; Luke 22:5
The 30 pieces of silver given for the potter's field Zechariah 11:12 Matthew 27:9-10
The 30 pieces of silver thrown in the temple Zechariah 11:13 Matthew 27:5
Forsaken by His disciples Zechariah 13:7 Matthew 26:56
Accused by false witnesses Psalm 35:11 Matthew 26:60
Silent to accusations Isaiah 53:7 Matthew 27:14
Heal blind/deaf/lame/dumb Isaiah 35:5-6; Isaiah 29:18 Matthew 11:5
Preached to the poor/brokenhearted/captives Isaiah 61:1 Matthew 11:5
Came to bring a sword, not peace Micah 7:6 Matthew 10:34-35
He bore our sickness Isaiah 53:4 Matthew 8:16-17
Spat upon, smitten and scourged Isaiah 50:6, 53:5 Matthew 27:26, 30
Smitten on the cheek Micah 5:1 Matthew 27:30
Hated without a cause Psalm 35:19 Matthew 27:23
The sacrificial lamb Isaiah 53:5 John 1:29
Given for a covenant Isaiah 42:6; Jeremiah 31:31-34 Romans 11:27/Galatians 3:17, 4:24/Hebrews 8:6, 8, 10; 10:16, 29; 12:24; 13:20
Would not strive or cry Isaiah 42:2-3 Mark 7:36
People would hear not and see not Isaiah 6:9-10 Matthew 13:14-15
People trust in traditions of men Isaiah 29:13 Matthew 15:9
People give God lip service Isaiah 29:13 Matthew 15:8
God delights in Him Isaiah 42:1 Matthew 3:17, 17:5
Wounded for our sins Isaiah 53:5 John 6:51
He bore the sins of many Isaiah 53:10-12 Mark 10:45
Messiah not killed for Himself Daniel 9:26 Matthew 20:28
Gentiles flock to Him Isaiah 55:5, 60:3, 65:1; Malachi 1:11;
II Samuel 22:44-45; Psalm 2:7-8 Matthew 8:10
Crucified with criminals Isaiah 53:12 Matthew 27:35
His body was pierced Zechariah 12:10; Ps. 22:16 John 20:25, 27
Thirsty during execution Psalm 22:16 John 19:28
Given vinegar and gall for thirst Psalm 69:21 Matthew 27:34
Soldiers gambled for his garment Psalm 22:18 Matthew 27:35
People mocked, "He trusted in God, let Him deliver him!" Psalm 22:7-8 Matthew 27:43
People sat there looking at Him Psalm 22:17 Matthew 27:36
Cried, "My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me?" Psalm 22:1 Matthew 27:46
Darkness over the land Amos 8:9 Matthew 27:45
No bones broken Psalm 34:20, Numbers 9:12 John 19:33-36
Side pierced Zechariah 12:10 John 19:34
Buried with the rich Isaiah 53:9 Matthew 27:57, 60
Resurrected from the dead Psalm 16:10-11; 49:15 Mark 16:6
Priest after the order of Melchizedek Psalm 110:4 Hebrews 5:5-6; 6:20; 7:15-17
Ascended to right hand of God Psalm 68:18 Luke 24:51
LORD said unto Him, "Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool Psalm 110:1 Matt 22:44; Mark 12:36;, 16:19; Luke 20:42-43; Acts 2:34-35; Hebrews 1:13
His coming glory Malachi 3:2-3 Luke 3:17
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Talking Toys
Our son got a really neat puzzle for his birthday. It teaches shapes, but the funny thing about it is it talks. Whenever you put a shape in its place, it says what the shape is. For instance, when you put the square in its place, it says, in a male's voice "square!"
The corresponding part has a light sensor in it so that is how it knows the shape is in there. Well, you know how toddlers' puzzle pieces somehow don't always stay in their places. So at night, when we turn the lights off to go to bed, the puzzle's light sensors go off and it randomly starts voicing the shapes.
I turn the light off to go upstairs. I'm all alone because my husband has gone to bed earlier. All of the sudden, I hear this man's voice say, "Oval!" or "Pentagon!"
Aaahhhh! Who was that?! For a split second, my brain registers a strange man's voice and I think, "Who's in my house?!"
Then I realize it is just that blasted talking puzzle again.
Danny takes it one step further. On the weekends, when we stay up later, he goes to turn off the lights, he hears the puzzle spouting off its arrogant knowledge of geometry, we jump, remember where the voice is coming from, then my husband proceeds to turn the light on and off repeatedly, experimenting to see which shape the the puzzle man will foist upon us.
"Trapezoid!" "Octagon!" "Circle!"
Enough already! My husband snickers, watching to see my reaction. His shoulders bounce up and down with mirth.
"I'm gonna have nightmares about the shapes man", I warn.
Our son may never have a memory of the puzzle man. It will probably loose all its pieces in a couch or toybox somewhere or get sold at a garage sale one day. But my husband and I will never forget that obnoxious puzzle guy!!
:)
The corresponding part has a light sensor in it so that is how it knows the shape is in there. Well, you know how toddlers' puzzle pieces somehow don't always stay in their places. So at night, when we turn the lights off to go to bed, the puzzle's light sensors go off and it randomly starts voicing the shapes.
I turn the light off to go upstairs. I'm all alone because my husband has gone to bed earlier. All of the sudden, I hear this man's voice say, "Oval!" or "Pentagon!"
Aaahhhh! Who was that?! For a split second, my brain registers a strange man's voice and I think, "Who's in my house?!"
Then I realize it is just that blasted talking puzzle again.
Danny takes it one step further. On the weekends, when we stay up later, he goes to turn off the lights, he hears the puzzle spouting off its arrogant knowledge of geometry, we jump, remember where the voice is coming from, then my husband proceeds to turn the light on and off repeatedly, experimenting to see which shape the the puzzle man will foist upon us.
"Trapezoid!" "Octagon!" "Circle!"
Enough already! My husband snickers, watching to see my reaction. His shoulders bounce up and down with mirth.
"I'm gonna have nightmares about the shapes man", I warn.
Our son may never have a memory of the puzzle man. It will probably loose all its pieces in a couch or toybox somewhere or get sold at a garage sale one day. But my husband and I will never forget that obnoxious puzzle guy!!
:)
Monday, August 11, 2008
Hair!!
Ok, so I did it! I cut my hair off. It was past my shoulder blades and straight. It was looking very unhealthy and stringy. I also had her color it. Chunky highlights. I have wanted this style since before my son was born. My husband likes it and it is much simpler to take care of. Benjamin is still getting used to it too. He used to run his fingers through my long hair and smile. Now he still smiles, but it takes less time to get his fingers through it and it is slightly out of his reach (another benefit!) I had my hair in this style in the 90's before it was popular then. Then when Katie Holmes brought the style back (mine is not as short as hers), it did not deter me, as can a good trend-spoiler. I did it anyway. I took in a recent picture of Gwyneth Paltrow. If only I knew I'd be this happy with it sooner....
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The Best News EVER!
Pssst. Hey you. Yeah, you.
Hi.
I wanna talk to you today about something very important. Whether you have been checking in on my blogs every now and then, or if this is the first time you are taking a peek, it is no accident that you are reading this particular entry right now.
And it is no accident that I am wanting to talk to you right now about something which, as an already sleep deprived parent of a 1 year old energetic, teething baby, I am sacrificing much-needed and much desired sleep right now. But you see, what I want to talk to you about is so urgent. It is of the utmost importance. It might be the most important communication you and I ever have together.
Time goes by so fast and in this day and age where everything is variable and nothing seems certain anymore... there is one thing that is certain. And I hate to break it to you....but....
You are going to die. That's right. You. You don't know when and you don't know how. But you will. And of this I am certain.
Now, I want to dispell a popular myth right here and now about death. Because, you see, most people in our society believe that once a person dies, you go to Heaven. That's it. End of story. Everyone knows that we all go to Heaven when we die. Remember that movie from a few years back that seemed to infer that all people go to Heaven? It was called All Dogs Go To Heaven. So do all people...right?
I hate to break it to you, but that is not true. Most people know more about the latest tabloid headlines than they do about what is written in the Bible. And the Bible is God's very word. A love letter written by Him to us over several thousands of years through different peopl, but all saying the same thing. But most people don't know what it says. In fact, most people in the United States can name 10 of just about anything, but they can't name even 3 of the 10 Commandments. Beers...you can probably name 10 brands. Sodas...you can probably list at least 10. Fast food restaurants...candy bars...horror movies...well, you get the picture.
The point I am making is that if God, who is holy and who is in charge of letting people into Heaven, as the Bible says He is, has a list of 10 requiremenets in order to get into Heaven (if we were just to go by His 10 listed in the Bible), and most people can't even name a few of them...what does that say about their chances?
But now let's just assume that you DO know the 10 Commandments and that you even thought that you kept them all. If this were God's only requirement to go to Heaven after you die, would you make it?
Let's see....thou shalt not lie.
?
Ever told a lie? Even a little one.. a so-called "white-lie"...EVER? You just broke one of the requirements to get into Heaven. The Bible says all liars will have their part in the lake of fire.
But I'm not THAT bad, you might be thinking...like....I've never killed anyone. Oh! Thou shalt not kill. The Bible says that anyone who hates his brother in his heart has committed murder. Sorry. God does not let murderers into His perfect Heaven.
How about adultery? You might be thinking...I have never cheated on my spouse. Oh..but have you ever looked at someone with lust in your mind? Jesus said whoever even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart (or him...depending). The Bible says that all adulterers are sentenced to an eternity in a place the Bible calls Sheol...the pit. Outer darkness forever. It's known in our language as hell. You see, God did not create this place for man. It was prepared for the devil and his fallen angels. When man sinned in the Garden of Eden, separating himself forever from a loving God, he chose his eternal destination. All people have inherited this sin from Adam. And the Bible says "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23.
The Bible also says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
So you see, BEFORE man ever sinned...God had a remedy. He sent His only son, a Jewish rabbi (teacher) named Yeshua, or Jesus of Nazareth, to die a horrible death sentence on an execution stake. This was to be the substitution, or the payment for your sin. For my sin.
God is a good and righteous judge who demands justice. He couldn't just let the criminal go free. That would not be justice. No, Someone had to pay the payment for your crimes to get your death sentence commuted. All throughout the Old Testament and Israel's history, God demanded a BLOOD sacrifice for sin. The Passover Lamb in Exodus. The sacrifice altar in both the tabernacles and the temple. All were pointing to One true and final sacrifice....all were foreshadowing and making a picture of the Lamb of God who was to come- Jesus. God became man in the flesh. He was born of a virgin birth. Jesus was fully God and fully man. That is why he qualified and why He can so closely identify with everything you and I have ever been through. He even paid the price for our physical and emotional healing. He died, paying the required punishment. Then He rose from the dead on the third day. He ascended to Heaven where He sits at the right hand of God. And He is coming again one day. One day soon.
What a provision! You might be thinking..ok. Jesus took my place. Now what??
Just believe in Him. Believe in the Son of God. Call on His name. Thank God for His sacrifice and receive by faith the payment He made for you. All faith is is trusting. Then allow Him to take control of your life and give you a new destiny. Study His words and follow Him. Turn from your sin...YOUR own way of doing things and thinking things and allow Him to live His life through you. Find other people who have done the same. Tell people what He has done for you and for them. And talk to God. All the time. I talk to God in my car, the shower, bowing my head over food. I want more of Him in my life. He is the only reason for living. He is the giver of all good things.
And those who put their hope in Him will not be disappointed.
But I warn you- don't think you can just passively attain a head knowledge of God. Jesus said unless a man be born again He will not inherit Heaven. His extreme sacrifice demands an extreme response from you. Don't put it off. Don't delay. If you believe my words, Do it RIGHT NOW.
If you would, allow me to guide you in a prayer to get you started on your new life and destiny....pray this with me sitting right there at your computer.
Father God, I have heard what Jesus (Yeshua) has done for me. I believe it. I believe Jesus you died for me and I thank you. I turn from my way of doing life and I turn toward yours. Take control of my heart and life. Come live your life through me. I accept your payment on the cross as a substitution for my sins. Cleanse me of everything that is not of you. Empower me with the Holy Spirit to assure me that I have inherited Heaven when I die and to help me live for you. Not because I am good. But because Jesus fulfilled what was required on that cross. He is MY Passover Lamb of God. Wash away my sins to be remembered no more. Help me to grow in the understanding and living out of your word. Help me to proclaim your goodness and your good news to everyone you lead me to. I pray this in Jesus' (Yeshua's) Name. Amen.
Now read your Bible and do what it says to do. Congratulations. Welcome to the Kingdom of God.
With love in Messiah,
Vesteen
Hi.
I wanna talk to you today about something very important. Whether you have been checking in on my blogs every now and then, or if this is the first time you are taking a peek, it is no accident that you are reading this particular entry right now.
And it is no accident that I am wanting to talk to you right now about something which, as an already sleep deprived parent of a 1 year old energetic, teething baby, I am sacrificing much-needed and much desired sleep right now. But you see, what I want to talk to you about is so urgent. It is of the utmost importance. It might be the most important communication you and I ever have together.
Time goes by so fast and in this day and age where everything is variable and nothing seems certain anymore... there is one thing that is certain. And I hate to break it to you....but....
You are going to die. That's right. You. You don't know when and you don't know how. But you will. And of this I am certain.
Now, I want to dispell a popular myth right here and now about death. Because, you see, most people in our society believe that once a person dies, you go to Heaven. That's it. End of story. Everyone knows that we all go to Heaven when we die. Remember that movie from a few years back that seemed to infer that all people go to Heaven? It was called All Dogs Go To Heaven. So do all people...right?
I hate to break it to you, but that is not true. Most people know more about the latest tabloid headlines than they do about what is written in the Bible. And the Bible is God's very word. A love letter written by Him to us over several thousands of years through different peopl, but all saying the same thing. But most people don't know what it says. In fact, most people in the United States can name 10 of just about anything, but they can't name even 3 of the 10 Commandments. Beers...you can probably name 10 brands. Sodas...you can probably list at least 10. Fast food restaurants...candy bars...horror movies...well, you get the picture.
The point I am making is that if God, who is holy and who is in charge of letting people into Heaven, as the Bible says He is, has a list of 10 requiremenets in order to get into Heaven (if we were just to go by His 10 listed in the Bible), and most people can't even name a few of them...what does that say about their chances?
But now let's just assume that you DO know the 10 Commandments and that you even thought that you kept them all. If this were God's only requirement to go to Heaven after you die, would you make it?
Let's see....thou shalt not lie.
?
Ever told a lie? Even a little one.. a so-called "white-lie"...EVER? You just broke one of the requirements to get into Heaven. The Bible says all liars will have their part in the lake of fire.
But I'm not THAT bad, you might be thinking...like....I've never killed anyone. Oh! Thou shalt not kill. The Bible says that anyone who hates his brother in his heart has committed murder. Sorry. God does not let murderers into His perfect Heaven.
How about adultery? You might be thinking...I have never cheated on my spouse. Oh..but have you ever looked at someone with lust in your mind? Jesus said whoever even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart (or him...depending). The Bible says that all adulterers are sentenced to an eternity in a place the Bible calls Sheol...the pit. Outer darkness forever. It's known in our language as hell. You see, God did not create this place for man. It was prepared for the devil and his fallen angels. When man sinned in the Garden of Eden, separating himself forever from a loving God, he chose his eternal destination. All people have inherited this sin from Adam. And the Bible says "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23.
The Bible also says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
So you see, BEFORE man ever sinned...God had a remedy. He sent His only son, a Jewish rabbi (teacher) named Yeshua, or Jesus of Nazareth, to die a horrible death sentence on an execution stake. This was to be the substitution, or the payment for your sin. For my sin.
God is a good and righteous judge who demands justice. He couldn't just let the criminal go free. That would not be justice. No, Someone had to pay the payment for your crimes to get your death sentence commuted. All throughout the Old Testament and Israel's history, God demanded a BLOOD sacrifice for sin. The Passover Lamb in Exodus. The sacrifice altar in both the tabernacles and the temple. All were pointing to One true and final sacrifice....all were foreshadowing and making a picture of the Lamb of God who was to come- Jesus. God became man in the flesh. He was born of a virgin birth. Jesus was fully God and fully man. That is why he qualified and why He can so closely identify with everything you and I have ever been through. He even paid the price for our physical and emotional healing. He died, paying the required punishment. Then He rose from the dead on the third day. He ascended to Heaven where He sits at the right hand of God. And He is coming again one day. One day soon.
What a provision! You might be thinking..ok. Jesus took my place. Now what??
Just believe in Him. Believe in the Son of God. Call on His name. Thank God for His sacrifice and receive by faith the payment He made for you. All faith is is trusting. Then allow Him to take control of your life and give you a new destiny. Study His words and follow Him. Turn from your sin...YOUR own way of doing things and thinking things and allow Him to live His life through you. Find other people who have done the same. Tell people what He has done for you and for them. And talk to God. All the time. I talk to God in my car, the shower, bowing my head over food. I want more of Him in my life. He is the only reason for living. He is the giver of all good things.
And those who put their hope in Him will not be disappointed.
But I warn you- don't think you can just passively attain a head knowledge of God. Jesus said unless a man be born again He will not inherit Heaven. His extreme sacrifice demands an extreme response from you. Don't put it off. Don't delay. If you believe my words, Do it RIGHT NOW.
If you would, allow me to guide you in a prayer to get you started on your new life and destiny....pray this with me sitting right there at your computer.
Father God, I have heard what Jesus (Yeshua) has done for me. I believe it. I believe Jesus you died for me and I thank you. I turn from my way of doing life and I turn toward yours. Take control of my heart and life. Come live your life through me. I accept your payment on the cross as a substitution for my sins. Cleanse me of everything that is not of you. Empower me with the Holy Spirit to assure me that I have inherited Heaven when I die and to help me live for you. Not because I am good. But because Jesus fulfilled what was required on that cross. He is MY Passover Lamb of God. Wash away my sins to be remembered no more. Help me to grow in the understanding and living out of your word. Help me to proclaim your goodness and your good news to everyone you lead me to. I pray this in Jesus' (Yeshua's) Name. Amen.
Now read your Bible and do what it says to do. Congratulations. Welcome to the Kingdom of God.
With love in Messiah,
Vesteen
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Deep Thoughts....
I was cracking up yesterday as I was talking to my friend Cyndi on the phone. We were talking about how we love to go to the library because, hey...free books! Then I remembered that my 3 books were a few days overdue. I mused that I must have a good fine going.
The doozy...wait for it...one of them is a book entitled, "Debt Free Living"!!!
:)
The doozy...wait for it...one of them is a book entitled, "Debt Free Living"!!!
:)
Addendum to the Ant
Since my last post, the very same day, in fact, we have met with some friends of ours for a Shabbat service, and ironically, the subject for our midrash (discussion of investigation of the scriptures) was how we are to conduct ourselves as Jewish followers of Yeshua (Jesus of Nazareth) in the last days. There were some very good points brought up there amongst the believers. (That's what I LOVE about being part of a community of faith) And as the Body of Messiah, we often compliment one another's lives with our different gifts and points of view. When we search the scriptures together and grapple with the many issues of living a life a faith, others can help to bring balance to our own belief systems.
The most interesting part of our discussion that day was that some scriptural principles were brought up that bear repeating when we are considering the ant (see previous post).
The most important thing is that God will take care of His own, come good times or bad. Now, that does not mean that we will have a dandy, carefree life here on earth. In fact, Jesus Himself warned his followers that they would have persecution and rough times. But in the context of worrying about this life and the provision for our needs, Yeshua told us to "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you as well".
He told his followers to consider the birds of the air. They neither sow nor reap and they do not store up in barns (as people are advised to do), and yet, their Heavenly Father provides for them. Then He says something that puts it all into perspective. He says we are much more valuable then they.
Some have also brought up the fact that Yeshua did at least 2 miracles of multiplication on at least 2 separate occassions. He multiplied the loaves (of bread) and the fishes for the people to consume who came to hear his teachings. There are many other miracles of provision throughout both old and new testaments in the Bible to add strength to this point.
So we know that God is well able and willing to provide for His children in times of trial and scarcity. True believers can take comfort in this.
There is also the issue of protection, which I like to pray from Psalm 91. In fact, the Jewish people as a whole recite psalms on many different occassions and I can imagine that many still do recite Psalm 91 before scary times such as before going into battle. Since we are in a constant spiritual battle, praying Psalm 91 is a powerful and effective way to put our trust in the Lord and in His promises of protection during times of calamity and stress. If you have not read this Psalm or have not read or prayed it recently, I highly recommend that you do.
So while we are considering the ant of Proverbs 6, and seeing how we can learn from and apply this principle of scripture, it would do us well to remember that our God is the God of MORE than enough. And He is the author of the impossible.
The most interesting part of our discussion that day was that some scriptural principles were brought up that bear repeating when we are considering the ant (see previous post).
The most important thing is that God will take care of His own, come good times or bad. Now, that does not mean that we will have a dandy, carefree life here on earth. In fact, Jesus Himself warned his followers that they would have persecution and rough times. But in the context of worrying about this life and the provision for our needs, Yeshua told us to "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you as well".
He told his followers to consider the birds of the air. They neither sow nor reap and they do not store up in barns (as people are advised to do), and yet, their Heavenly Father provides for them. Then He says something that puts it all into perspective. He says we are much more valuable then they.
Some have also brought up the fact that Yeshua did at least 2 miracles of multiplication on at least 2 separate occassions. He multiplied the loaves (of bread) and the fishes for the people to consume who came to hear his teachings. There are many other miracles of provision throughout both old and new testaments in the Bible to add strength to this point.
So we know that God is well able and willing to provide for His children in times of trial and scarcity. True believers can take comfort in this.
There is also the issue of protection, which I like to pray from Psalm 91. In fact, the Jewish people as a whole recite psalms on many different occassions and I can imagine that many still do recite Psalm 91 before scary times such as before going into battle. Since we are in a constant spiritual battle, praying Psalm 91 is a powerful and effective way to put our trust in the Lord and in His promises of protection during times of calamity and stress. If you have not read this Psalm or have not read or prayed it recently, I highly recommend that you do.
So while we are considering the ant of Proverbs 6, and seeing how we can learn from and apply this principle of scripture, it would do us well to remember that our God is the God of MORE than enough. And He is the author of the impossible.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Consider the Ant
There are a series of verses in Proverbs (6:6-11) that talk about the wisdom of the ant. A miniscule creature, the ant; yet it is full of wisdom and can teach those who consider its ways.
"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer, or ruler, yet it stores its provision in summer and gathers its food at harvest".
In summer and fall, the ant's food supply is plentiful. He is in an economic boom. His mortgage meltdown has not happened yet! And still, during this time of prosperity, and during harvest, the time of plenty, he saves provision for the winter when food will be scarce. Why did the author of Proverbs (through divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit) include this warning about the ant? And can we gain anything from it?
I believe that during the time of prosperity, which many analysts say is past for the U.S., it is important to save up for times that will not be so easy going. The context of these verses is to the sluggard- him who is lazy. The ant never stops workng. Have you ever observed an ant? They are constantly on the move. Always working. They do not have a commander to rely on. No governement aid or program to apply for when disaster strikes.
We live in a culture that is addicted to the idea of entitlement. Everyone thinks somebody owes them something. In many schools and sports associations nowadays, they give trophies to EVERYONE, whether they have earned them or not. Sometimes they just keep letting students re-take instructon until they can pass it. What does this teach young people? Don't try your best. Don't compete. Don't work hard. DOn't plan for the future because just your EFFORTS will be rewarded. For after all, it's all about self esteem, and as long as you FEEL GOOD about yourself and are indulging your own senses, things will go ok for you.
Not true. That is not reality.
In the New Testament, Paul writes that those (among his congregations) who refuse to work, they shall not eat. Now, he is not talking about those who are ill or disabled in some way. The Israelites had a specific class and specific provisions for those people. He also taught his disciples not to become a burden to others. They were to live above reproach.
There are many other biblical verses that talk about a man providing for his family and the future of his children. Work hard. Put forth effort to yield positive results. In fact, one of the central messages of the book of Ecclesiastes is: work hard, do God's will, and enjoy what you have been given with gladness and thanksgiving, because it will not last. It seems counter-cultural to today's society, but we must take action to invest for our survival in the future.
Our family has been trying to put this into practice in 2 ways: Giving freely and saving (or making supplies) in case of future hard times.
Many proverbs talk about giving: Cast your bread on many waters and after many days it will come back to you... There is one who scatters and yet increases more.... Yeshua (Jesus) said it this way: Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together and running over. And of course, one of my life's scriptures: Genesis 12:3: " I will bless those who bless you (Israel) and I will curse him who curses you". You can believe God keeps His word.
Lately my husband and I have been watching the happenings in Israel and praying to know what we should be doing about principle #2: making provisions for hard times. Israel is God's timepiece. If we want to know what will happen in the future of our country, we better as well watch what happens with the Middle East and know what the Bible says about Israel.
At the risk of sounding like an alarmist, we have been seeing some disturbing trends with Israel, the U.S., and Israel's enemies. Because we are allies with Israel, or at least have been in the past, we have been attacked by her enemies as well. (Remember September 11th?) Most people were baffled by what happened to us. But if you know what the bible says and how much the Islamic terrorists hate God's chosen people and want to wipe them off the map, it would have been no surprise to you. At that time, I was just beginning to learn first hand about anti-semitism. I got one whopper of an object lesson.
Both Israel and Iran have been running special military exercises very recently. These include plans to use weapons of mass destruction, and yes, even nuclear weapons. Israel, and possibly the U.S. is on the brink of war with Ahmadinijad and his Iran. This includes Syria. (There is still a prophetic scripture about Damascus, Syria's capital, that has not yet been fulfilled. Damascus will be a 'ruinous heap'). You will not hear this on CNN, Fox News, or aol news sources. You WILL hear them from former intel people and current military leaders. But the major American news agencies are not interviewing these people. They are interviewing Obama's campaign manager.
So what are we to do? Run in fear and hide? I think not. I think we ought to pray. I think we ought to re-evaluate our priorities and our goals, line them up with the will of God and trust Him as best we can. For people who have been wandering in the valley of decision concerning whether or not to believe Yeshua is indeed the Messiah and Savior of the world, stop waffling and ask Him to take control of your life, be born again in to the Kingdom of God with all it's benefits (eternal life!) and ask Him what kinds of preparations you should be making for your family.
Do not rest. Do not "fold the hands" and take your repose as the Proverb warns against. Not only possibly will we be in a physical conflict soon, but we are in a spiritual battle right now. Prayer is the key. Just talk to your Heavenly Father. HE knows everything about you already anyway. All prayer is is talking to Him. If you want to beleieve in God, but are skeptical, ask Him with a pure heart to reveal Himself to you. He will.
We have entered a new season in this country. The temptation will be to be fearful, to retreat, to appease our enemies, or to seek one's own will and pleasures. But in the difficult times ahead, let's not forget our God. And let's not forget to consider the ant.....
"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer, or ruler, yet it stores its provision in summer and gathers its food at harvest".
In summer and fall, the ant's food supply is plentiful. He is in an economic boom. His mortgage meltdown has not happened yet! And still, during this time of prosperity, and during harvest, the time of plenty, he saves provision for the winter when food will be scarce. Why did the author of Proverbs (through divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit) include this warning about the ant? And can we gain anything from it?
I believe that during the time of prosperity, which many analysts say is past for the U.S., it is important to save up for times that will not be so easy going. The context of these verses is to the sluggard- him who is lazy. The ant never stops workng. Have you ever observed an ant? They are constantly on the move. Always working. They do not have a commander to rely on. No governement aid or program to apply for when disaster strikes.
We live in a culture that is addicted to the idea of entitlement. Everyone thinks somebody owes them something. In many schools and sports associations nowadays, they give trophies to EVERYONE, whether they have earned them or not. Sometimes they just keep letting students re-take instructon until they can pass it. What does this teach young people? Don't try your best. Don't compete. Don't work hard. DOn't plan for the future because just your EFFORTS will be rewarded. For after all, it's all about self esteem, and as long as you FEEL GOOD about yourself and are indulging your own senses, things will go ok for you.
Not true. That is not reality.
In the New Testament, Paul writes that those (among his congregations) who refuse to work, they shall not eat. Now, he is not talking about those who are ill or disabled in some way. The Israelites had a specific class and specific provisions for those people. He also taught his disciples not to become a burden to others. They were to live above reproach.
There are many other biblical verses that talk about a man providing for his family and the future of his children. Work hard. Put forth effort to yield positive results. In fact, one of the central messages of the book of Ecclesiastes is: work hard, do God's will, and enjoy what you have been given with gladness and thanksgiving, because it will not last. It seems counter-cultural to today's society, but we must take action to invest for our survival in the future.
Our family has been trying to put this into practice in 2 ways: Giving freely and saving (or making supplies) in case of future hard times.
Many proverbs talk about giving: Cast your bread on many waters and after many days it will come back to you... There is one who scatters and yet increases more.... Yeshua (Jesus) said it this way: Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together and running over. And of course, one of my life's scriptures: Genesis 12:3: " I will bless those who bless you (Israel) and I will curse him who curses you". You can believe God keeps His word.
Lately my husband and I have been watching the happenings in Israel and praying to know what we should be doing about principle #2: making provisions for hard times. Israel is God's timepiece. If we want to know what will happen in the future of our country, we better as well watch what happens with the Middle East and know what the Bible says about Israel.
At the risk of sounding like an alarmist, we have been seeing some disturbing trends with Israel, the U.S., and Israel's enemies. Because we are allies with Israel, or at least have been in the past, we have been attacked by her enemies as well. (Remember September 11th?) Most people were baffled by what happened to us. But if you know what the bible says and how much the Islamic terrorists hate God's chosen people and want to wipe them off the map, it would have been no surprise to you. At that time, I was just beginning to learn first hand about anti-semitism. I got one whopper of an object lesson.
Both Israel and Iran have been running special military exercises very recently. These include plans to use weapons of mass destruction, and yes, even nuclear weapons. Israel, and possibly the U.S. is on the brink of war with Ahmadinijad and his Iran. This includes Syria. (There is still a prophetic scripture about Damascus, Syria's capital, that has not yet been fulfilled. Damascus will be a 'ruinous heap'). You will not hear this on CNN, Fox News, or aol news sources. You WILL hear them from former intel people and current military leaders. But the major American news agencies are not interviewing these people. They are interviewing Obama's campaign manager.
So what are we to do? Run in fear and hide? I think not. I think we ought to pray. I think we ought to re-evaluate our priorities and our goals, line them up with the will of God and trust Him as best we can. For people who have been wandering in the valley of decision concerning whether or not to believe Yeshua is indeed the Messiah and Savior of the world, stop waffling and ask Him to take control of your life, be born again in to the Kingdom of God with all it's benefits (eternal life!) and ask Him what kinds of preparations you should be making for your family.
Do not rest. Do not "fold the hands" and take your repose as the Proverb warns against. Not only possibly will we be in a physical conflict soon, but we are in a spiritual battle right now. Prayer is the key. Just talk to your Heavenly Father. HE knows everything about you already anyway. All prayer is is talking to Him. If you want to beleieve in God, but are skeptical, ask Him with a pure heart to reveal Himself to you. He will.
We have entered a new season in this country. The temptation will be to be fearful, to retreat, to appease our enemies, or to seek one's own will and pleasures. But in the difficult times ahead, let's not forget our God. And let's not forget to consider the ant.....
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