Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jan 4, 2010
Hillel: "What is painful to you, do not do unto others". (Talmud, tracate Shabbat 31a; Midrash Avot de Rabbi Natan). Akiva states "Whatever you hate to have done unto you, do not do to your neighbor; wherefore do not hurt him; do not speak ill of him; do not reveal his secrets to others; let his
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Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 28, 2009
According to the Associated Press, "Philippine troops went house to house Thursday threatening to use force to move hundreds of residents from the steaming slopes of a lava-spilling volcano. Some farmers begged to stay to guard their livestock while their families spent Christmas Eve in a shelter.
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Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 28, 2009
"R. Eliezer the Great declares: Whoever has a piece of bread in his basket and says. ’What shall I eat tomorrow?’ belongs only
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Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 28, 2009
PRAYER, ACCORDING TO THE MISHNA
"One who says the Tefillah so that it can be heard is of the small of faith; he who raises his voice in praying is of the false prophets; he who belches and yawns is of the arrogant; if he sneezes during his prayer it is a bad sign for him — some say, it shows that
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Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 21, 2009
In December 1903, after many attempts, the Wright brothers were successful in getting their "flying machine" off the ground. Thrilled, they telegraphed this message to their sister Katherine: "We have actually flown 120 feet. Will be home for Christmas."
• Katherine hurried to the editor of the
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Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 14, 2009
This story broke this week from the United Kingdom: " LONDON (Reuters) – Gone are the days of shepherds in tea towels and tinsel-clad angels. Britain’s competitive parents are forking out on luxury pashmina shawls and velour dressing gowns to make their child the star of the annual nativity
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Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 14, 2009
Like the game Mousetrap, if we are in the middle of it -- the guy falling through the bath tub, for example, it doesn’t make sense. But we are part of a process. Maybe we will raise a child that will raise a child that will marry a woman with a child from a previous marriage, and your grandson
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Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 7, 2009
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WAITING FOR GABRIEL
I was picking up my son at a youth event, and I saw Darl, who was doing the same. Darl’s oldest son is Gabriel. I asked him how he was, and Darl said,
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Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 7, 2009
THREE ANGELS AND ABRAHAM
"The three angels that appeared to Abraham (Gen. xviii.) were Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael; Michael, as the greatest, walked in the middle, with Gabriel to his right and Raphael to his left (Yoma 37a). Michael stands at the right hand of God, Gabriel at His left
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Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 30, 2009
When I first began dating Marylu, she was a waitress. Fortunately, I was brought up with good etiquette, & knew to tip 15% for good service. Now the protocol is 20%, and I try to do that, if the service is good. If not, I leave less.
This week, an interesting story broke out of
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Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 30, 2009
John Gill wrote, "Jeremiah, whom some of the Jews have thought to be the prophet Moses spoke of, in (Deuteronomy 18:15) and expected that he would appear about the times of the Messiah" [his source: Baal Hatturim in Deut.
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Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 30, 2009
When I first began dating Marylu, she was a waitress. Fortunately, I was brought up with good etiquette, & knew to tip 15% for good service. Now the protocol is 20%, and I try to do that, if the service is good. If not, I leave less.
This week, an interesting story broke out of
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Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 30, 2009
REVENGE VS. BEARING A GRUDGE
Tractate Yoma, Chapter 2 (aka, 23a): "What is called revenge, and what is called bearing a grudge? Revenge is such a case: When one comes to the other, and asks him to lend a sickle to him, he says: Nay. On the morrow, the second comes to the first, and wants to borrow
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Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 30, 2009
Matters of debate between rabbis included how to implement the commands. Contrast later Rabbis words, "How far should you go in admonishing people? Rav said: Until they beat you up for reprimanding them (Arachin 16b)…I might think that you should admonish him even if his face turned white for
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Contributed by Nathan Ingram on Nov 30, 2009
“Empty Hands” by Martha Nicholson
One by one He took them from me, All the things I valued most;
Until I was empty-handed, Every glittering toy was lost.
And I walked earth’s highways, grieving, In my rage and poverty,
Till I heard His voice inviting, “Lift your empty hands to me.”
So I held my
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Contributed by Nathan Ingram on Nov 30, 2009
SEND ME ANYWHERE, ONLY GO WITH ME
David Livingstone was a pioneer missionary to Africa. His wife died early in their ministry, and he faced stiff opposition to his ministry from his Scottish brethren. He ministered half blind, and walked over 29,000 miles.
Listen to these words from his diary:
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Contributed by Nathan Ingram on Nov 30, 2009
SERMON VISUAL - Goliath’s Height
Measurements: Cubit approx 18”, span approx 8”… Goliath stood roughly 9’6” (NBA hoop 10’ Goliath could slam flatfooted).
I took a smiley face helium balloon and tied it to a pair of boots with a length of ribbon that put the top of the balloon at 9’6". I had a
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Contributed by Nathan Ingram on Nov 30, 2009
We’ve probably all heard the expression, “This is going to separate the men from the boys!” Those words are said when about something that involves danger and risk. Things that take courage and a willingness to sacrifice. Things that are grueling and gut-wrenching. Things that require maturity and
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