tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post3143712432480608616..comments2023-10-22T10:31:09.224-04:00Comments on Just BEing John-Michael: our One Body of HumanityJohn-Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-8064609427448422632008-04-12T11:16:00.000-04:002008-04-12T11:16:00.000-04:00Bless your Heart, my Darling San! I do appreciate ...Bless your Heart, my Darling <B><I>San</B></I>! I do appreciate ... more that I can easily say ... your encouraging and sustaining note.<BR/><BR/>(so, you are saying that I did not conceal my passions on this subject very well? oops! and I thought that I had maintained a nice, distant, neutrality in it. [smile])<BR/><BR/>It sounds like you have joined your Self with a very nice congregation there in SF. I am pleased for you!<BR/><BR/>And, ya know, I love You!John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-85999216606312357802008-04-12T11:07:00.000-04:002008-04-12T11:07:00.000-04:00I so appreciate this impassioned post, chock-full-...I so appreciate this impassioned post, chock-full-of-truth. The minister of the church I sometimes attend here in SF proudly proclaims she is a fundamentalist--in that our church is all-inclusive. We don't feel we've cornered the truth or the salvation or the favor of God.<BR/><BR/>The thumpin' (sometimes feigned) ignorance of those who thump a book they've scarcely read, let alone reflected on with any depth, so they can jump to conclusions that suit their political agenda--it pisses me off too. And the crowds that flock to jump on the easy bandwagon of ignorance, they embarrass me.Sanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18245301334922883500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-67420114067034677812008-04-12T07:50:00.000-04:002008-04-12T07:50:00.000-04:00Jillie, My Darlin', I have just re-visited your po...<B><I>Jillie</B></I>, My Darlin', I have just re-visited your posts that take me back to when I first fell in love with you. That was in September 07, with the first account that I read about your loving relationship with Cay. (How is she, by-the-way?) I think the post then had something to do with not-good chemo news and Robert bringing burgers over to her place. I saw, then, the marvelous character and heart that is You. Loved you ever since!<BR/><BR/>You give me a wonderful satisfaction of Purpose by allowing me to bring your Mind some Peace. To have the privilege of offering a Gift, to a Mind that loves and cares as yours does, is an honor that I treasure.<BR/><BR/>AND I love You!!John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-60232539557426861282008-04-11T22:11:00.000-04:002008-04-11T22:11:00.000-04:00Coming to your blog daily is always like a breath ...Coming to your blog daily is always like a breath of fresh air. They for 1) make me think a little about our world and whats around us and 2) I APPRECIATE what's IN my world.<BR/><BR/>Thank you so much for being my peace of mind!<BR/>XOjilliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15178696064979853189noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-69966620908848479482008-04-10T21:35:00.000-04:002008-04-10T21:35:00.000-04:00You are very welcome, Cath-Baby.You are very welcome, <B><I>Cath-Baby</B></I>.John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-44941169778952575912008-04-10T21:04:00.000-04:002008-04-10T21:04:00.000-04:00"Dad" - thank you. :0)"Dad" - thank you. :0)Cathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01247084030899971480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-74002529519832832692008-04-10T20:55:00.000-04:002008-04-10T20:55:00.000-04:00My Precious, loving, and oh, so, kind Rose, How I ...My Precious, loving, and oh, so, kind <B><I>Rose</B></I>, How I sigh a deep, and satisfying sigh of contentment and peace with your sweet words. I am so glad that I opted for staying here these 51 minutes past my customary sleep time. For my Heart is refreshed, and ... I have my ((hug)) for the day. Splendid!<BR/><BR/>You have given me a validation and certainty, in what I presented in this post, that my Spirit was hoping for. Thank you!<BR/><BR/>I do enjoy and appreciate loving YOU!John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-58131400365568422512008-04-10T20:44:00.000-04:002008-04-10T20:44:00.000-04:00Thank you, thank you, yet again, My Darling Cath-D...Thank you, thank you, yet again, My Darling <B><I>Cath-Daughter</B></I>. You have beautifully articulated views and beliefs that I am certain (for I have looked at today's stats on who has visited and read this piece [grin]) many others found too daunting to address. I bow in admiration of and respect for your beliefs and convictions. And will defend to my last breath, your sacred right to hold to and follow them.<BR/><BR/>I am so grateful for our atmosphere of acceptance and genuine respect shared among us here. Thank you, my Darling, for contributing to that Spirit.<BR/><BR/>How I do love YOU!!John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-12818735999837800982008-04-10T20:41:00.000-04:002008-04-10T20:41:00.000-04:00John-Michael,Well...I ran out of time this morning...John-Michael,<BR/>Well...I ran out of time this morning as I tried to quickly read this entry. But I came back to read it slowly, making sure to take in every word. Because deep inside I've feel this way exactly, but only someone as brilliant as you can describe this in this depth...and this post certainly is worthy of so much more than I can fit on this comment box. Thank you, Well said. How I wish everyone could read this, I mean really read this.<BR/>Hugs,<BR/>RoseKissing of the Frogshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11621769823368917856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-22397068018968136152008-04-10T20:24:00.001-04:002008-04-10T20:24:00.001-04:00Well hello my dear JDM!As you know I popped in ear...Well hello my dear JDM!<BR/>As you know I popped in earlier and read, but had some jobs to do and have thought on your post as I always do on posts. This one really got me thinking. And praying. And these are my thoughts...<BR/><BR/>There is much I agree with in what you say. I agree that the politicians and leaders of this world twist words to suit their own ends, as do those who speak from the pulpit, be it a false 'truth' or silence of the scriptures. I agree that humanity is one and that if we are to embrace our faiths (whatever they may be and in my case I refer to Christianity as that is my faith) then I *must* (not choose, must) embrace the words of Jesus and love my enemy, love my neighbour as I love myself. In other words, I must exercise the same tolerance and love for my fellow man no matter who he is. Jesus did all things through compassion. I must seek to imitate him.<BR/><BR/>Where I depart from you slightly is that it is clear (to me) that Paul was addressing the <I>Christian</I> congregation in his analogy of the body being many parts yet needing one another. Whilst I agree that this <I>can</I> be applied on a wider scale, I do not believe Paul meant it in this way. At the time (and in today's times) he was dealing with some schisms that were developing and disagreements as to who was "better". He admonished us for competing, reminding us that we are ALL in the body of Christ. Ergo, if one does not believe this, one is not part of <I>this</I> particular body. This is obviously an important point for me as being part of Christ's "body" is crucial to my salvation and everlasting life.<BR/><BR/>Now this does not mean that I should be a bigot or get all haughty in my ways. <B>I</B> am not a better person. I gain my strength from my Almighty God whose name is Jehovah through his Son Jesus Christ and the glory belongs to him. Jesus said that no-one would come to the Father except through him. He also told us there was only ONE way.<BR/><BR/>There cannot be many ways. I came to that realisation recently. It is a hard truth to swallow, but a truth nonetheless. <BR/><BR/>But the principle of loving one another without judgement, without bigotry, I whole heartedly agree with and applaud.<BR/><BR/>Hope all that makes sense. It is a controversial issue and difficult to discuss it on a blog!<BR/><BR/>If people would only actually <I>read</I> what is in the bible instead of believing the stuff that is pedalled, they would be so enlightened. There is so much in there that is useful today and wise. One of my favourite portions has to be 1 Cor 13 and the qualities of love (or "charity" - this was posted on by another blogger recently - I think it may have been Sandy Carlson).<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the opportunity to think and refresh my faith.<BR/><BR/>I love you! And I love the people of the world and what God has promised us. :0)Cathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01247084030899971480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-52415728849554665232008-04-10T20:24:00.000-04:002008-04-10T20:24:00.000-04:00Donnetta Lee, I am so very happy that you feel com...<B><I>Donnetta Lee</B></I>, I am so very happy that you feel comfortable "peeking out," and allowing "one foot" to rest beneath my little 'cafe table' of considerations. I know that this stuff that I bring 'to the table' today is not the usual conversational material. <BR/><BR/>Yet, it is my hope, in setting it forth, that some casual exchange and respectful chatting can make these ideas more 'main-stream.' For I do, genuinely, desire a more accepting and hospitable atmosphere for us all to enjoy the living of our lives in. your kindness certainly creates that for me. And thank you for that.<BR/><BR/>Loving and appreciating you!John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-78830279523780413602008-04-10T20:11:00.000-04:002008-04-10T20:11:00.000-04:00Hello, John-Michael: Many thoughts to ponder. So m...Hello, John-Michael: Many thoughts to ponder. So much that I have often mulled over myself. Like debi, I must read it again in order to take it all in. I, too, often grow weary of people and retreat into the safe places of myself. Now and then, I peak out. And, once again, hide. Dual natured, I supposed. One foot in that world; the other--well, someplace else.<BR/>DonnettaDonnettahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14831771508607746472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-55414912212860605252008-04-10T16:37:00.000-04:002008-04-10T16:37:00.000-04:00Well, my Precious Cowgirl, you have touched on the...Well, my Precious <B><I>Cowgirl</B></I>, you have touched on the core of my emotions. For, my Dear One, I too have an appetite for withdrawal. It is a ready reflex for me to succumb to my natural temperament's inclination to seclusion. It is an absolute fact that I am an extreme introvert by innate personality style. That, compounded by my Spirit's disharmony with the prevailing voices of the world, would make "crawling under a rock" of solitud the most natural thing in this world for me to do.<BR/><BR/>'Unfortunately' ... I love! And Loving motivates me to reach out from under the security and comfort of that "rock" and offer my Self to those who my intuitive Muse guides me too ... every day ... in many ways. And it is simultaneously enriching, satisfying, rewarding, exhausting, draining, and debilitating (at times.) So, you see, I can 'hear' the whispered cry of your struggling Spirit. We have a certain kinship in that. And my realization of the truth of our kinship ... makes my way bright, my step light, and my Heart filled with delight (WOW ... those rhyme!!) [smile] <BR/><BR/>I do, genuinely, Love You, Dear Lady. And there is absolutely NOTHING in all of this life that I would cherish more that our sharing moments in Spiritual exchange of agreements, insights, and encouragements. That would be a such a miraculous Gift!<BR/><BR/>NAMASTE, My Darling!John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-35250276405685838292008-04-10T16:20:00.000-04:002008-04-10T16:20:00.000-04:00Oh J-M, what a lot to think about here! You put s...Oh J-M, what a lot to think about here! You put so eloquently so many of my feelings onto paper (well, cyber paper!) How I would love to sit and chat in person one day - what a lot I would learn.<BR/><BR/>If only, IF ONLY all people could learn to use those simple rules of respect - what a world it would be.<BR/><BR/>I find myself withdrawing more and more from people in the main and loving animals instead...Sam Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15981522161884269876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-59392393851344160002008-04-10T16:09:00.000-04:002008-04-10T16:09:00.000-04:00Hey John,I stopped by first time on your blog.. th...Hey John,<BR/><BR/>I stopped by first time on your blog.. through San's blog.<BR/><BR/>Seems like you are really nice person.. I enjoyed reading your posts..<BR/><BR/>Keep it up!Preity Angel...https://www.blogger.com/profile/08546729858570141442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-27565988189723211852008-04-10T15:08:00.000-04:002008-04-10T15:08:00.000-04:00My Darling and gracious Debi, how lovely of you to...My Darling and gracious <B><I>Debi</B></I>, how lovely of you to endure and persevere the digestion of my long-winded thoughts and ideas. I am honored and Complimented. (If you had the slightest idea of how very laboriously plodding and sluggish my progress is in my assembling and putting pen to these pieces, you would feel your reading to be a quick scan, by comparison. I do, indeed dwell on some of these considerations for many years as they "ferment" and form into some measure of coherence to my, somewhat unorthodox, mind.<BR/><BR/>I humbly thank you for your determination and patience with me. This is a Gift that I receive in humility and with grateful appreciation.<BR/><BR/>NAMASTE, my Dear.John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-86381203216704581782008-04-10T14:41:00.000-04:002008-04-10T14:41:00.000-04:00You give me so much to think about and to digest I...You give me so much to think about and to digest I must thank you.You are not a quick read for me. I must go slow to take it all in.I am no writer and feel out of my depth or lack there of here. But still, I will keep coming back.debihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02476178270999437374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-47072768722902431562008-04-10T13:27:00.000-04:002008-04-10T13:27:00.000-04:00I do love my Satchmo!! When in high school and pla...I do love my Satchmo!! When in high school and playing the cornet (Mister Armstrong's instrument of choice in his early days), I had a poster of him fastened to the wall above the headboard of my bed ... perspiration flowing, handkerchief on side of face, horn in hand ... Love that Man! <BR/><BR/>And now, my Dear Friend, we enjoy yet new shared kinships of Spirit. You are in a book that I have immersed much of my life in. Good stuff!<BR/><BR/>I sure do have ever-new bonds forming and solidifying my respect for, and genuine Love of You, <B><I>Jim 'SulDog' Sullivan</B></I>. And I am most grateful for that Gift.John-Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301981965656607401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25195308.post-49889087576470098062008-04-10T12:31:00.000-04:002008-04-10T12:31:00.000-04:00What a wonderful coincidence, John-Michael. I have...What a wonderful coincidence, John-Michael. I have been enjoying an in-depth exploration of 1 Corinthians (via a recorded bible study) since Monday evening. So nice to hear your fleshing out of the apostle's thoughts (if that isn't too much of a pun, considering the "many parts of the body" stuff.)<BR/><BR/>Also, today was the first time I had my speakers on when I visited here. I usually keep them off whenever surfing. So, I hear Mr. Armstrong singing. That is one of my favorite songs of all time. Thank you!Suldoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07778845367184916684noreply@blogger.com