My New Year's Resolution is something I make before the New Year comes. It is the same thing I make every year. My resolution is to not make a resolution. If a resolution comes to mind, it is to make it a point not to go out, act wild, and get drunk because those people who do so should all be sent to jail to sober up. I don't want them driving around my neighborhood at night risking their own lives and the lives of others. This is what New Year's Eve parties boil down to; having a good time, which is good, but it goes with acting wild, carrying on, getting drunk, and suffering from a hangover the next morning.
I am going to do what I do always. I plan to stay home. Oh yes, I did get out today. I went out on a hike at Devil's Den Park and that's where I spent my day. After that, I went home. I plan to spend New Year's Day at home, because I will have to go to bed early on that day and rest up to get ready to go back to work on Jan 2. Ho, ho, ho! I seldom ever go to any New Year's Parties, but lately I started to find them to be very boring. Several years ago, back in 1989, I spent New Year's down in Little Rock. It was just me and a friend of mine discussing several topics, while another friend and his sister went to a party somewhere in town.
I don't put too much emphasis on New Year's Eve. I may go to bed tonight before the ball drops which is at 11 p.m. my time, not 12 a.m.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
The Words of Jesus, John 3
The Words of Jesus, John 3 - Jesus (AS) Teaches Nicodemus
"Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, 'Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.'
"In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
"'How can a man be born when he is old?' Nicodemus asked. 'Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!'"
"Jesus answered, 'I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.'"
"'How can this be?' Nicodemus asked."
"'You are Israel's teacher,' said Jesus, 'and do you not understand these things? I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven - the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.'
"'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.'"
For those of you celebrating Christmas, I wish you a Merry Christmas. Peace.
"Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, 'Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.'
"In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
"'How can a man be born when he is old?' Nicodemus asked. 'Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!'"
"Jesus answered, 'I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.'"
"'How can this be?' Nicodemus asked."
"'You are Israel's teacher,' said Jesus, 'and do you not understand these things? I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven - the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.'
"'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.'"
For those of you celebrating Christmas, I wish you a Merry Christmas. Peace.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Two Hadiths mentioning Jesus
Assalaam! Tonight, I am marking down a couple of sayings of Jesus written from two various hadiths, and these are just two of many other hadiths you can find searching under names of "Jesus" and "Esa", the Arabic name. Tomorrow, since it is Christmas Eve, I will write a passage of John 3 under the title, "the Words of Jesus." I plan to, Lord willing, if my computer run right and/or I end up having a busier day than usual for a holiday.
Here's one from my Hadith software.
"Narrated by Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "The hour will not be established until the son of Mary (i.e. Jesus) descends amongst you as a just ruler, he will break the cross, kill the pigs, and abolish the Jizya tax. Money will be in abundance so that nobody will accept it (as charitable gifts).
- Shahi Muslim
It is believe that in the last days, Jesus will come back as a middle-aged man, unite all believers of Allah (God) (Jews, Muslims, Christians), defeat Satan and the disbelievers and send them to their doom, establish Islam as the only religion and abolish all religions, especially those that cause people to worship idols instead of God or cause people to partner idols with God, and end oppression. He will rule for forty years and all Muslims will bow down to him.
Here's another:
Umar Radiyallahu Anhu says:" (Muhammad) Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: 'Do not exceed in praising me as the Christians over-praised Esa (Jesus) Alayhis Salaam (That they made him the Son of God). I am a bondsman of Allah, therefore, call me the bondsman of Allah, His Rasul."' Ch.46, the Humbleness. Hadith 001 (313). Shamaa-il Tirmidhi)
In other words, Muhammad (SAW) did not come as the Messiah or as a partner of God and warns his followers not to praise him as Christians do, resulting in this serious sin known as Shirk. They must only worship God and God alone. (La ilaha illa Allah muhammadun rasullullah)
In other words, he is God's warner.
Here's one from my Hadith software.
"Narrated by Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "The hour will not be established until the son of Mary (i.e. Jesus) descends amongst you as a just ruler, he will break the cross, kill the pigs, and abolish the Jizya tax. Money will be in abundance so that nobody will accept it (as charitable gifts).
- Shahi Muslim
It is believe that in the last days, Jesus will come back as a middle-aged man, unite all believers of Allah (God) (Jews, Muslims, Christians), defeat Satan and the disbelievers and send them to their doom, establish Islam as the only religion and abolish all religions, especially those that cause people to worship idols instead of God or cause people to partner idols with God, and end oppression. He will rule for forty years and all Muslims will bow down to him.
Here's another:
Umar Radiyallahu Anhu says:" (Muhammad) Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: 'Do not exceed in praising me as the Christians over-praised Esa (Jesus) Alayhis Salaam (That they made him the Son of God). I am a bondsman of Allah, therefore, call me the bondsman of Allah, His Rasul."' Ch.46, the Humbleness. Hadith 001 (313). Shamaa-il Tirmidhi)
In other words, Muhammad (SAW) did not come as the Messiah or as a partner of God and warns his followers not to praise him as Christians do, resulting in this serious sin known as Shirk. They must only worship God and God alone. (La ilaha illa Allah muhammadun rasullullah)
In other words, he is God's warner.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Lakota Freedom
A people, a tribe of people, are voicing their sovereignty and are breaking away from the United States by claiming their independence from the United States as a brand, new nation. Lakota Freedom is the web site that gives out this information.
It has documents that you can read and download explaining why they prefer to live in freedom from the U.S. than to live under policies that just don't work. I'll called up the Alan Colmes Show
and told him about it. I said I heard this news story from an international shortwave station. I didn't mention what station it was. Where I got this from was from listening to an English language news broadcast of Radio Havana Cuba. Alan thought I was crazy. Luckily I called in on his First Word segment, so I didn't have to tell the listeners who I am and where I am from. He asked in angry voice, "Why are you calling me about this? Do you care about this issue?" I said, "Not really." Then he said, "Why are bothering me then if you don't care about it?" I said, "I guess I do care about it after all." Then he said, "Why does this issue bother you?" I answered, "I imagine if the Lakota Sioux breaks away, many other people will want to." Then he said,"Thank you for calling!" What? No Merry Christmas? He thought I was crazy. Apparently, Fox news
did not report it. Oh, they knew about it. But, they did not report it. I had to get my news from Cuba!
Today, I searched the internet with the words "Lakota Freedom" and I've found the web site and yes, it is true. They are breaking away from the U.S. I don't know how successful they will be in establishing their independence. But, they are breaking away and they are serious. They are willing to renounce their American citizenship and cut up their driver's licenses. It's bound to make top headlines soon. This will be another embarrassment to the Bush administration. Russell Means, the head of this movement, now considers the U.S. "an outlaw nation."
But the rest of us who are not Sioux would tell them, "You don't have to stay in the reservation. You can always leave. Move to the city. Get an education and get a job. Live somewhere else." That is something they have heard all of their lives.
Let's just see what comes out of this.
It has documents that you can read and download explaining why they prefer to live in freedom from the U.S. than to live under policies that just don't work. I'll called up the Alan Colmes Show
and told him about it. I said I heard this news story from an international shortwave station. I didn't mention what station it was. Where I got this from was from listening to an English language news broadcast of Radio Havana Cuba. Alan thought I was crazy. Luckily I called in on his First Word segment, so I didn't have to tell the listeners who I am and where I am from. He asked in angry voice, "Why are you calling me about this? Do you care about this issue?" I said, "Not really." Then he said, "Why are bothering me then if you don't care about it?" I said, "I guess I do care about it after all." Then he said, "Why does this issue bother you?" I answered, "I imagine if the Lakota Sioux breaks away, many other people will want to." Then he said,"Thank you for calling!" What? No Merry Christmas? He thought I was crazy. Apparently, Fox news
did not report it. Oh, they knew about it. But, they did not report it. I had to get my news from Cuba!
Today, I searched the internet with the words "Lakota Freedom" and I've found the web site and yes, it is true. They are breaking away from the U.S. I don't know how successful they will be in establishing their independence. But, they are breaking away and they are serious. They are willing to renounce their American citizenship and cut up their driver's licenses. It's bound to make top headlines soon. This will be another embarrassment to the Bush administration. Russell Means, the head of this movement, now considers the U.S. "an outlaw nation."
But the rest of us who are not Sioux would tell them, "You don't have to stay in the reservation. You can always leave. Move to the city. Get an education and get a job. Live somewhere else." That is something they have heard all of their lives.
Let's just see what comes out of this.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The Dentist's Office
Bismillah Arrahman Arraheem Alhumdilillah Rabbiealamin
I write this and dedicates this to God Almighty. La ilaha illa Allah muhammedun rasulullah
I am thankful to God that I still have teeth. It's very important to have for eating, chewing, and talking. Many of us forget to thank God for this and it is Him from where we get these pearly whites. Some of us neglect to take proper care of them and I vow to take better care of them from on and visit the dentist when the time comes to make my appointment. I had to get a crown for one of my bottom teeth yesterday. I never thought there was a problem with that tooth. I felt no pain, but the doctor noticed a crack. So, not only did I have to have a filling. I had to have a crown where he cemented the tooth. Something had to be done. I did not want to lose it, resulting in possible cosmetic surgery. We have no universal health care in the U.S., not even for dental needs. If we don't ever get universal health at all, why not universal dental care. If something seriously had to be done to save your tooth, it will cost a bundle of money. It is better to have dental insurance. I'm glad my insurance covered some of the bill, but I had to pay $473 to get a crown. Do any of you in Great Britain, France, Canada, or Norway run into this problem? Do you get to walk out of the dentist's office with a crown without worrying how much it's going to cost? We do in America even with dentists. And I have to admit, God forgive me, I was upset. My reaction was restrained visiting the dentist. To me, it's like being in somebody else's home and that I am a guest. I try to be as pleasant as I can be. But, once I left him and drove away toward home. I was upset. So upset, there was no place I should go but go home. It wasn't so much I has to get a crown. This appointment was for getting a filling and that's all, originally. But, the dentist had to dig in and find something else wrong. A crack in the tooth. And I had to spend an extra hour in that office as he and his dental hygiene assistant places a crown in my cracked tooth. I feel like I have been had! Like I said, there was no pain in that tooth or in any of my teeth. But, I remember that he did apologize for this inconvenience. So, I guess it was something that needed to be done. Merry Christmas!! Without needing a crown, my insurance would have paid the bill.
In America, the rich finds a way to steal from the poor. The haves find a way to steal from the have-nots. If they are not doing it, the government is! That's all I have got to say.
"O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allh is well-acquainted with all that ye do." An-Nisa (The Women) 4:135.
I write this and dedicates this to God Almighty. La ilaha illa Allah muhammedun rasulullah
I am thankful to God that I still have teeth. It's very important to have for eating, chewing, and talking. Many of us forget to thank God for this and it is Him from where we get these pearly whites. Some of us neglect to take proper care of them and I vow to take better care of them from on and visit the dentist when the time comes to make my appointment. I had to get a crown for one of my bottom teeth yesterday. I never thought there was a problem with that tooth. I felt no pain, but the doctor noticed a crack. So, not only did I have to have a filling. I had to have a crown where he cemented the tooth. Something had to be done. I did not want to lose it, resulting in possible cosmetic surgery. We have no universal health care in the U.S., not even for dental needs. If we don't ever get universal health at all, why not universal dental care. If something seriously had to be done to save your tooth, it will cost a bundle of money. It is better to have dental insurance. I'm glad my insurance covered some of the bill, but I had to pay $473 to get a crown. Do any of you in Great Britain, France, Canada, or Norway run into this problem? Do you get to walk out of the dentist's office with a crown without worrying how much it's going to cost? We do in America even with dentists. And I have to admit, God forgive me, I was upset. My reaction was restrained visiting the dentist. To me, it's like being in somebody else's home and that I am a guest. I try to be as pleasant as I can be. But, once I left him and drove away toward home. I was upset. So upset, there was no place I should go but go home. It wasn't so much I has to get a crown. This appointment was for getting a filling and that's all, originally. But, the dentist had to dig in and find something else wrong. A crack in the tooth. And I had to spend an extra hour in that office as he and his dental hygiene assistant places a crown in my cracked tooth. I feel like I have been had! Like I said, there was no pain in that tooth or in any of my teeth. But, I remember that he did apologize for this inconvenience. So, I guess it was something that needed to be done. Merry Christmas!! Without needing a crown, my insurance would have paid the bill.
In America, the rich finds a way to steal from the poor. The haves find a way to steal from the have-nots. If they are not doing it, the government is! That's all I have got to say.
"O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allh is well-acquainted with all that ye do." An-Nisa (The Women) 4:135.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Pimp Claus
"Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas!" , exclaims Pimp Claus. "Where are my Ho, Ho, Ho's at?!"
"I want my money!!"
"I want my money!!"
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Is Christmas Christian?
This is information I looked at from the Stewarton Bible School in Scotland - http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/sbs777/vital/xmas.html
The answer most people would say to the question is "Yes, of course." But not according to these guys.
There are six reasons why they believe it is not.
(1) Christmas is a pagan not a Christian festival.
(2) December 25 was celebrated in ancient days as the birthday of the unconquerable sun god variously know as Tammuz, Mithra, Saturn, Adonis, and Baal centuries before Jesus Christ (AS) was born in Bethlehem.
(3) Nowhere in the Bible are believers in the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob required to celebrate or observe Christmas.
(4) The early Christian church did not celebrate Christmas. Instead it celebrated the sacred festivals mentioned in the Bible, in Leviticus 23.
(5) In order to win Gentile converts to the Christian faith, the Roman Catholic Church, centuries after the apostolic era, adopted this ancient winter festival of the sun god and renamed it 'Christmas' mistakenly thinking that it would honor the Son of God.
(6) Scholars have for centuries known these facts. They can be confirmed in any reference library.
And besides this, it is researched that Christ was born around the autumn time, around late September/early October, instead of Dec. 25. This is based on their research at the Stewarton Bible School in Scotland.
Peace. Assalaam.
The answer most people would say to the question is "Yes, of course." But not according to these guys.
There are six reasons why they believe it is not.
(1) Christmas is a pagan not a Christian festival.
(2) December 25 was celebrated in ancient days as the birthday of the unconquerable sun god variously know as Tammuz, Mithra, Saturn, Adonis, and Baal centuries before Jesus Christ (AS) was born in Bethlehem.
(3) Nowhere in the Bible are believers in the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob required to celebrate or observe Christmas.
(4) The early Christian church did not celebrate Christmas. Instead it celebrated the sacred festivals mentioned in the Bible, in Leviticus 23.
(5) In order to win Gentile converts to the Christian faith, the Roman Catholic Church, centuries after the apostolic era, adopted this ancient winter festival of the sun god and renamed it 'Christmas' mistakenly thinking that it would honor the Son of God.
(6) Scholars have for centuries known these facts. They can be confirmed in any reference library.
And besides this, it is researched that Christ was born around the autumn time, around late September/early October, instead of Dec. 25. This is based on their research at the Stewarton Bible School in Scotland.
Peace. Assalaam.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Depressed Elves
Do you know why Santa's Elves are so depressed?
It's because they have no elf-esteem!
It's because they have no elf-esteem!
The Design And Extraordinary Characteristics Of Water
This video shows us how we would have global cooling; an ice age.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Christmas
Assalaam.
I have here the Pictorial Bible Dictionary's definition of Christmas:
Christmas: the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ, and its observance, celebrated by most Protestants and by Roman Catholics on Dec. 25; by Eastern Orthodox churches on Jan. 6; and by the Armenian church on Jan. 19. The first mention mention of its observance on Dec. 25 is in the time of Constantine, about A.D. 325. The date of the birth of Christ is not known. The word Christmas is formed of Christ + Mass, meaning a mass of religious service in commemoration of the birth of Christ. Whether the early Christians thought of or observed Christmas is not clear. Once introduced, the observance spread throughout Christendom. Some Christian bodies disapprove of the festival. Many customs of pagan origin have become part of Christmas, e.g. the Christmas tree; but most of these no longer have a heathen connotation, but have acquired a Christian meaning (e.g., the Christmas tree points upward to God and reminds us of His gifts). A commemoration of the birth of Christ in harmonious keeping with the events surrounding the birth (Luke 2:1-20; Matt. 1:18-2:12) is a natural and normal expression of love and reverence fro Jesus Christ.
I have here the Pictorial Bible Dictionary's definition of Christmas:
Christmas: the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ, and its observance, celebrated by most Protestants and by Roman Catholics on Dec. 25; by Eastern Orthodox churches on Jan. 6; and by the Armenian church on Jan. 19. The first mention mention of its observance on Dec. 25 is in the time of Constantine, about A.D. 325. The date of the birth of Christ is not known. The word Christmas is formed of Christ + Mass, meaning a mass of religious service in commemoration of the birth of Christ. Whether the early Christians thought of or observed Christmas is not clear. Once introduced, the observance spread throughout Christendom. Some Christian bodies disapprove of the festival. Many customs of pagan origin have become part of Christmas, e.g. the Christmas tree; but most of these no longer have a heathen connotation, but have acquired a Christian meaning (e.g., the Christmas tree points upward to God and reminds us of His gifts). A commemoration of the birth of Christ in harmonious keeping with the events surrounding the birth (Luke 2:1-20; Matt. 1:18-2:12) is a natural and normal expression of love and reverence fro Jesus Christ.
Shape Changing or #Mimicry Under The Seas *Watch this Video*
Sea creatures camouflaging themselves , part of God's handiwork.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Assalaam Alaykum
I have read the Qur'an three times this year and I am going to start all over and read again. I read it like a devotional, like I would the Bible. This time around, I need to try to read it in Arabic as well as in English. Spanish is my second language, and on the internet, I looked up a copy of the Qur'an in Spanish. When I read it in Spanish, I find it rather confusing. More so than in English. There is only one Spanish translation I have found of the Qu'ran. There are four different translations in English of the Qu'ran. I prefer the translation written by Abdullah Yusuf Ali. It is a beautiful English translation, but that's just me. The Classical Arabic is the original and many Muslims, as I understand it, rely on it as the most accurate, the most articulate, and the most holy text. A translation just won't do. It is a corruption. This is believed to be, because this is how the Bible got corrupted and tampered with, as claimed by Muslim scholars. Many Evangelical Christians here in the U.S. would like to have me believe that the King James Version of the English Bible is the most accurate, the the most articulate, and the most holy text there is for mankind! Wait a minute? The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew and parts of it written in Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus (AS). The New Testament, Greek. Some experts believe many books are missing from the Bible. The Roman Catholic Church places works of the Apocrypha in between the OT and NT, which I have a copy of it in my library. The Latter-Day Saints have the Book of Mormon, which I've read. I have no idea where I am going in all of this. I find the New International Version of the Bible a better read and it's better understand, though I do not think it is the most accurate. My neighbor reads the KJV. His, next door, reads the New American Standard of the Bible. Which one of us is right? Muslim scholars ask this question right now to this day!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The Tragedy of the Slave of Worldly Desire
Gambling is a sin, a worldly desire. It's one of many worldly desire. This is a video by Bilal Philips. I hope you enjoy. Assalaam Alaykum.
Bismillah
Bismillah Arrahman Arraheem
The holiday is over and I am back to my usual routine. I am back to work and my next holiday break will be Christmas and New Year's Day. I did have a booklet called "Is Christmas Christian?" but now I no longer have it. I gave it away, and what I have left in shoe boxes in my closet are past copies of "Freedom Daily", cassette tapes of various kinds, videocassettes of past TV programs and movies. Things I may need to give away to Goodwill, because I am not using these things anymore. I imagine I will need to depend upon the Net to find what I need on this subject since the season is upon us with all of its glitter and shopping days. Rush, rush, rush. Well, I guess that's all for now.
"Ah, woe, that Day, to the Rejectors of Truth." Those Sent Forth, Sura 77:15, 19, 24, 28, 34, 37, 40, 45, 47, 49.
The holiday is over and I am back to my usual routine. I am back to work and my next holiday break will be Christmas and New Year's Day. I did have a booklet called "Is Christmas Christian?" but now I no longer have it. I gave it away, and what I have left in shoe boxes in my closet are past copies of "Freedom Daily", cassette tapes of various kinds, videocassettes of past TV programs and movies. Things I may need to give away to Goodwill, because I am not using these things anymore. I imagine I will need to depend upon the Net to find what I need on this subject since the season is upon us with all of its glitter and shopping days. Rush, rush, rush. Well, I guess that's all for now.
"Ah, woe, that Day, to the Rejectors of Truth." Those Sent Forth, Sura 77:15, 19, 24, 28, 34, 37, 40, 45, 47, 49.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Is Thanksgiving only just a Christian thing?
Bismillah Arrahman Arraheem
This is the question I pose. Is Thanksgiving only just a Christian thing? Is it uniquely so?
Is it only a Christian duty? A Christian deed? A dynamic and a distinctive in Christianity especially in America?
Just look up "thanks" in the Quranic software and in the Hadith software and I come up with plenty of search results.
"Al-Mulk" The Dominion 67:23 - "Say: 'It is He Who created you (and made you grow), and made you the faculties of hearing, seeing, feeling, and understanding: little thanks it is ye give."
Isn't that the truth? Many folks don't pray and thank God that they can see and that you can hear, feel, and have understanding. I pray and thanked God for these attributes and that's because many don't and they end up losing their ability to hear or see, or lose feeling and become apathetic and lose understanding, never realizing they need to thank God in prayer.
"Abu Sa'eed Khudari Radiyallahu 'Anhu says: "After eating Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam read this du'aa:
"Alhamdulillaahil-ladhi at-amanaa wa-saqaa-naa wa-ja-a-lanaa muslimeen."
Translation: "Praise be to Allah who fed us, and gave us drink and made us muslims."
(Shamaa-il Tirmidhi)
The Prophet (SAW) gives thanks to God. Now is thanksgiving just a Christian idea? No.
Commentary from this Hadith:
"It is evident that after eating we must thank Allah and as stated in the Quran: '...if you give THANKS to Me I will increase for you. - Sura Ibrahim, 7."
"This is an opportunity for giving THANKS. The word 'made us muslims' is included because together with worldly favours, Allah has granted us spiritual favours by making us Muslims (one totally submitted to God). Or because in reality the offering of THANKS for eating and drinking (no alcohol) and also praising and thanking of Allah is the result of Islam. Therefore this too has been included."
It is also a Muslim thing as well.
Another one from Shamaa-il Tirmidhi.
"Abu Sa'eed Khudari (R.A.) says, "When Rasulullah (SAW) put on a new garment, he would in happiness mention that garment's name. For example, "Allah Ta'aala gave me this qamis (thowb, kurtah), 'amaanah (turban) sheet, etc.' Then recited this du'aa:
"Allahumma lakal hamdu kama kasauw-tanihi, as-aluka khayrahu wa-khayra ma-suni'a lahu wa-a'u-dhu bika min sharrihi wa sharri ma-suni'a lahu."
Translation:
"Oh Allah, all praise and THANKS to you for clothing me with this garment. I ask You for the good of it and the good of what it's made for, and I ask Your protection from the evil of it and the evil of what it is made for."
Folks, we are never thankful for the clothes we wear that protects from the cold or from heat.
"..what little thanks ye give." Sura 67:23.
"O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Thy Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may establish regular Prayer: so fill the hearts of some among men with love towards them, and feed them with fruits: so that they may give THANKS." Sura 14, Abraham (Ibrahim) 37. Emphasis mine.
My point is throughout is that Thanksgiving is not necessarily an exclusively Christian and an American holiday. Canadians observe it, too, just a month early. There is that possibility of 1.5 billion people from around the globe give thanks to God every chance they do. It would be a sight if we all pray and give thanks on Thanksgiving Day.
"We always thank God...." Colossians 1:3.
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2.
"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what he has done." Psalm 105:1.
Happy Thanksgiving!
This is the question I pose. Is Thanksgiving only just a Christian thing? Is it uniquely so?
Is it only a Christian duty? A Christian deed? A dynamic and a distinctive in Christianity especially in America?
Just look up "thanks" in the Quranic software and in the Hadith software and I come up with plenty of search results.
"Al-Mulk" The Dominion 67:23 - "Say: 'It is He Who created you (and made you grow), and made you the faculties of hearing, seeing, feeling, and understanding: little thanks it is ye give."
Isn't that the truth? Many folks don't pray and thank God that they can see and that you can hear, feel, and have understanding. I pray and thanked God for these attributes and that's because many don't and they end up losing their ability to hear or see, or lose feeling and become apathetic and lose understanding, never realizing they need to thank God in prayer.
"Abu Sa'eed Khudari Radiyallahu 'Anhu says: "After eating Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam read this du'aa:
"Alhamdulillaahil-ladhi at-amanaa wa-saqaa-naa wa-ja-a-lanaa muslimeen."
Translation: "Praise be to Allah who fed us, and gave us drink and made us muslims."
(Shamaa-il Tirmidhi)
The Prophet (SAW) gives thanks to God. Now is thanksgiving just a Christian idea? No.
Commentary from this Hadith:
"It is evident that after eating we must thank Allah and as stated in the Quran: '...if you give THANKS to Me I will increase for you. - Sura Ibrahim, 7."
"This is an opportunity for giving THANKS. The word 'made us muslims' is included because together with worldly favours, Allah has granted us spiritual favours by making us Muslims (one totally submitted to God). Or because in reality the offering of THANKS for eating and drinking (no alcohol) and also praising and thanking of Allah is the result of Islam. Therefore this too has been included."
It is also a Muslim thing as well.
Another one from Shamaa-il Tirmidhi.
"Abu Sa'eed Khudari (R.A.) says, "When Rasulullah (SAW) put on a new garment, he would in happiness mention that garment's name. For example, "Allah Ta'aala gave me this qamis (thowb, kurtah), 'amaanah (turban) sheet, etc.' Then recited this du'aa:
"Allahumma lakal hamdu kama kasauw-tanihi, as-aluka khayrahu wa-khayra ma-suni'a lahu wa-a'u-dhu bika min sharrihi wa sharri ma-suni'a lahu."
Translation:
"Oh Allah, all praise and THANKS to you for clothing me with this garment. I ask You for the good of it and the good of what it's made for, and I ask Your protection from the evil of it and the evil of what it is made for."
Folks, we are never thankful for the clothes we wear that protects from the cold or from heat.
"..what little thanks ye give." Sura 67:23.
"O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Thy Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may establish regular Prayer: so fill the hearts of some among men with love towards them, and feed them with fruits: so that they may give THANKS." Sura 14, Abraham (Ibrahim) 37. Emphasis mine.
My point is throughout is that Thanksgiving is not necessarily an exclusively Christian and an American holiday. Canadians observe it, too, just a month early. There is that possibility of 1.5 billion people from around the globe give thanks to God every chance they do. It would be a sight if we all pray and give thanks on Thanksgiving Day.
"We always thank God...." Colossians 1:3.
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2.
"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what he has done." Psalm 105:1.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Update
Bismillah Arrahman Arraheem
Well, I fixed my computer. It seems to be running well, although it doesn't seem to know where the D and E drives are at, but as long as goes to the main hard drive, that's all that matters. Thanksgiving is coming up a week after this week. I plan to go to Havana to have Thanksgiving there with my brother's in-laws, his wife's relatives. It should be an enjoyable occassion as it always is with plenty of good food. All Halal. I have a lot to be thankful for. I have my health. I work at a good job. I don't take medicine, unless I'm sick. I see real well. I can still hear. In other words, I have a lot to thank God for.
"All praises and thanks be to Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and originated the darkness and the light, yet those who disbelieve hold others as equal with their Lord." Sura 6, The Cattle, 1.
Well, I fixed my computer. It seems to be running well, although it doesn't seem to know where the D and E drives are at, but as long as goes to the main hard drive, that's all that matters. Thanksgiving is coming up a week after this week. I plan to go to Havana to have Thanksgiving there with my brother's in-laws, his wife's relatives. It should be an enjoyable occassion as it always is with plenty of good food. All Halal. I have a lot to be thankful for. I have my health. I work at a good job. I don't take medicine, unless I'm sick. I see real well. I can still hear. In other words, I have a lot to thank God for.
"All praises and thanks be to Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and originated the darkness and the light, yet those who disbelieve hold others as equal with their Lord." Sura 6, The Cattle, 1.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
DLL problems
There's not much to alhumdulillah about when it comes to computer problems. Missing dll files are what is important if you want to run some programs from the control panel. There's no way out of it since what I am using is an old, outdated computer. I have fixed this computer several times before. I can try to do it again. But, I believe it's time to purchase a new one. This computer is a desktop. I beleive I am going to go get myself a laptop. Right now, without a computer, I can still receive email. Just be phone.
I can download music without one. My MP3 player has a radio built and with an FM transmitter, I can record my own music through a radio signal. I can remember life without one. I did just fine. I used to read more, it seems. I never missed some of my favorite TV shows. I hung around friends I knew in school and in college. I spend time with family. My college courses I have taken did not involve a computer. My own work was my own writing. No doubt about that. My world wide web was the shortwave radio and I still have one of those radio or two. They all work, but the computer does not. The worst inventions man can ever make, according to my oldest brother, are computers and cell phones. And don't get me started with cell phones. I wish more people would turn those things off and quit using while driving down the road!!!
I can download music without one. My MP3 player has a radio built and with an FM transmitter, I can record my own music through a radio signal. I can remember life without one. I did just fine. I used to read more, it seems. I never missed some of my favorite TV shows. I hung around friends I knew in school and in college. I spend time with family. My college courses I have taken did not involve a computer. My own work was my own writing. No doubt about that. My world wide web was the shortwave radio and I still have one of those radio or two. They all work, but the computer does not. The worst inventions man can ever make, according to my oldest brother, are computers and cell phones. And don't get me started with cell phones. I wish more people would turn those things off and quit using while driving down the road!!!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Doctors, Prescription drugs
Bismillah Arrahman Arraheem
"Doctors, no good doctors to be found. Can't trust those 'furin' ones. Can't understand what they would be telling me if there is something wrong. Gotta go all the way, clean across the country to Rochester to see a good doctor."
It may not be the doctors' fault regardless if they may be foreign or domestic. Many of them are afraid of getting sued to circuit court for malpractice.
Prescription drugs. I have heard somewhere that they don't really work. Many of contain too many side effects. I was told by a church friend of mine that most of these drugs are manufactured both in China and in India. Many people I know are having to have to take them daily from now on. I don't take them and I feel fine. They take them and they feel bad. Something is fishy here. And most doctors these days are pill pushers. Spend a day of your life in America and this is about all you will hear. "I'm sick and I can't seem to get better." I went to see my doctor today and....." "My wife has got a virus and now I've got it." These phrases are not coming from elderly people, but from the middle-aged and from some of the young adults. Toys from China that contain lead paint, making children sick. A whole society of people forever taking prescription drugs throughout their lives. This friend of mine believes we should pray for the country when it comes to health issues. This writer plans to do so.
I guess that's all for now.
Narrated by Aisha: "I never saw anybody suffering so much sickness as Allah's Apostle." Vol. 7, Book 70, Patients, Hadith 549 (Shahi Bukhari)
"Doctors, no good doctors to be found. Can't trust those 'furin' ones. Can't understand what they would be telling me if there is something wrong. Gotta go all the way, clean across the country to Rochester to see a good doctor."
It may not be the doctors' fault regardless if they may be foreign or domestic. Many of them are afraid of getting sued to circuit court for malpractice.
Prescription drugs. I have heard somewhere that they don't really work. Many of contain too many side effects. I was told by a church friend of mine that most of these drugs are manufactured both in China and in India. Many people I know are having to have to take them daily from now on. I don't take them and I feel fine. They take them and they feel bad. Something is fishy here. And most doctors these days are pill pushers. Spend a day of your life in America and this is about all you will hear. "I'm sick and I can't seem to get better." I went to see my doctor today and....." "My wife has got a virus and now I've got it." These phrases are not coming from elderly people, but from the middle-aged and from some of the young adults. Toys from China that contain lead paint, making children sick. A whole society of people forever taking prescription drugs throughout their lives. This friend of mine believes we should pray for the country when it comes to health issues. This writer plans to do so.
I guess that's all for now.
Narrated by Aisha: "I never saw anybody suffering so much sickness as Allah's Apostle." Vol. 7, Book 70, Patients, Hadith 549 (Shahi Bukhari)
Thursday, November 1, 2007
November already
Alhumdulillah Rabbiealamin. Now that Halloween is over with all the candy and the trick-or-treating, all the stores now will be pushing the 'Ho,ho,ho' of Christmas. It seems so redundant because we go through this every year. Whoever has heard of a Thanksgiving sale? So, Christmas is big and the stores want people to come in and shop until they drop. It is known to be the birthday of Jesus, but when anyone goes shopping, he/she wouldn't know it and recognize as his birthday. There is a booklet I have in my library called, "Is Christmas Christian?" I may share this booklet in this blog with you in a later time.
I have been praying for my niece's husband and for the health of my brother who is the father of my niece. So far, I believe the prayers have been answered because I have not heard anything about the situation, which has brought me almost to depression. But, prayer and continuing to prostrate and pray had relieved me of the stress and the depression. Also, I have my own health to consider. I worked at a fast-paced job full-time and it sometimes put a strain on my back. I take over-the-counter pain pills to relieve the pain and I get back to tackling my job. So much trouble goes into building a refrigerator. You would be amazed what it all involves.
I guess that's all for now.
"It is He Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion, and enough is Allah for a Witness. Muhammad is the apostle of Allah, and those who are with him are strong against the Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer) seeking grace from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage in them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a Great Reward." Sura 48, The Victory, 28-29.
I have been praying for my niece's husband and for the health of my brother who is the father of my niece. So far, I believe the prayers have been answered because I have not heard anything about the situation, which has brought me almost to depression. But, prayer and continuing to prostrate and pray had relieved me of the stress and the depression. Also, I have my own health to consider. I worked at a fast-paced job full-time and it sometimes put a strain on my back. I take over-the-counter pain pills to relieve the pain and I get back to tackling my job. So much trouble goes into building a refrigerator. You would be amazed what it all involves.
I guess that's all for now.
"It is He Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion, and enough is Allah for a Witness. Muhammad is the apostle of Allah, and those who are with him are strong against the Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer) seeking grace from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage in them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a Great Reward." Sura 48, The Victory, 28-29.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Stressful situation
It is a stressful situation for my older brother, the middle brother of the three of us. His job situation with all of those business trips and dealing with a daughter living 165 miles away from here whose husband has cancer with no chance of making it. I don't know what the end of the year will bring but alhumdulillah, I continue to bow in prostration and pray about this situation because right now God is the head healer and physician. If it is His Will to bring her husband's back to Him, then there is nothing none of us here on Earth can do. So why worry? If this seems cold, I don't mean it to be. But, death is reality and we never know if we will live to see tomorrow or any time beyond that. I will end this for now.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Conflicts
Bismillah Arrahman Arraheem
Too many things are going on for me to probably not go to the homecoming game after all. My niece may be visiting this weekend. Who knows if her and her husband will come by if they do at all. They stay at my brother's house when they come to visit and that is about all. My niece's husband has cancer real bad and some doc down in Houston who claim to be the best M.D. of modern time said he can't do anything for him. So, he gives up hope when the real true physician we can rely upon is God or Allah. I am definitely praying for him as I have been praying for him from time to time. I have to admit. I don't know him all that well and it has hbeen almost two Christmases ago since I have seen him, my niece, and their son, my grand nephew. I am not losing hope for him yet, but I don't expect them to pay a visit.
Also, my brother's wife occupies herself around thinking about people who are ill concerning her son-in-law and her sister's husband. It is just enough to make my brother sick. If I had to live around her, it would drive me crazy because I am not likely to get sick. If it is time for him to go meet God in paradise, then that's what it will be. If it's not, then there might enough vigor in him provided by the Lord to fight this cancer. Cancer is the number one cause of death in America, today. It is much more widespread than AIDS. Why isn't there a cure for it? Chemotherapy? That sometimes work to the disadvantage of the patient with cancer. This procedure could kill the good cells and leaving him with the bad, hence ending his life to meet with the Lord a lot sooner. There must be a better way. I hope he considers any alternative that comes his way. The problem with him may be a clear as a bell. He may not believe in the Almighty, el Shaddai, al-Rabbiealamin, al-Jabbar. He is a radio disc jockey personality and I know how they are. They are self-absorbed, organic, arrogant, little gods. Maybe that's the problem. Hope is the key and faith is part of the hope we linger to. That's what keeps us going. It does for me anyway.
The Qur'an has many ayats concerning disbelievers and it is not good. They end up in hell and I hope he gets it right before it's too late if that is the case. I don't want to make judgments.
"The Unbelievers will be led to Hell in crowd: until, when they arrive, there, its gates will be opened. And its keepers will say, 'Did the apostles come to you from among themselves, rehearsing to you the Signs of your Lord, and warning you of the Meeting of This Day of yours?' The answer will be, 'True:but the Decree of Punishment has been proved true against the Unbelievers!'" (to them) will be said: 'Enter ye the gates of Hell, to dwell therein: and evil is (this) Abode of the Arrogant.'"
Surah 50, the Believer, 71-72.
I was informed that as a DJ in his home town, he is making pleads for people to donate money to pay for his medical bills on the radio. If this sickness happened to me or to people closest to me, we would not have the privilege to broadcast our pleads.
Too many things are going on for me to probably not go to the homecoming game after all. My niece may be visiting this weekend. Who knows if her and her husband will come by if they do at all. They stay at my brother's house when they come to visit and that is about all. My niece's husband has cancer real bad and some doc down in Houston who claim to be the best M.D. of modern time said he can't do anything for him. So, he gives up hope when the real true physician we can rely upon is God or Allah. I am definitely praying for him as I have been praying for him from time to time. I have to admit. I don't know him all that well and it has hbeen almost two Christmases ago since I have seen him, my niece, and their son, my grand nephew. I am not losing hope for him yet, but I don't expect them to pay a visit.
Also, my brother's wife occupies herself around thinking about people who are ill concerning her son-in-law and her sister's husband. It is just enough to make my brother sick. If I had to live around her, it would drive me crazy because I am not likely to get sick. If it is time for him to go meet God in paradise, then that's what it will be. If it's not, then there might enough vigor in him provided by the Lord to fight this cancer. Cancer is the number one cause of death in America, today. It is much more widespread than AIDS. Why isn't there a cure for it? Chemotherapy? That sometimes work to the disadvantage of the patient with cancer. This procedure could kill the good cells and leaving him with the bad, hence ending his life to meet with the Lord a lot sooner. There must be a better way. I hope he considers any alternative that comes his way. The problem with him may be a clear as a bell. He may not believe in the Almighty, el Shaddai, al-Rabbiealamin, al-Jabbar. He is a radio disc jockey personality and I know how they are. They are self-absorbed, organic, arrogant, little gods. Maybe that's the problem. Hope is the key and faith is part of the hope we linger to. That's what keeps us going. It does for me anyway.
The Qur'an has many ayats concerning disbelievers and it is not good. They end up in hell and I hope he gets it right before it's too late if that is the case. I don't want to make judgments.
"The Unbelievers will be led to Hell in crowd: until, when they arrive, there, its gates will be opened. And its keepers will say, 'Did the apostles come to you from among themselves, rehearsing to you the Signs of your Lord, and warning you of the Meeting of This Day of yours?' The answer will be, 'True:but the Decree of Punishment has been proved true against the Unbelievers!'" (to them) will be said: 'Enter ye the gates of Hell, to dwell therein: and evil is (this) Abode of the Arrogant.'"
Surah 50, the Believer, 71-72.
I was informed that as a DJ in his home town, he is making pleads for people to donate money to pay for his medical bills on the radio. If this sickness happened to me or to people closest to me, we would not have the privilege to broadcast our pleads.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
It looks like I get to stay
It looks like I get to stay on first shift. Bismillah Wahumdulillah Rabbiealamin al-Annoor. This is all that matters right now.
Homecoming at UCA in Conway is this weekend, along with the tailgating and the football game. I may go to that. And tailgating seems to be a big tradition at football game, especially at any college football game. As more Americans are getting bigger and fatter, many people find that they love to eat. This overeating is what eventually took the life of one of the members of the rap group, The Fat Boyz, at a very young age. Foods that are haram are served at these games. I don't know, because it depends on the individual. Folks prepare their own cuisine of foods and people go and sample them out. Burgers and hot dogs are commonly served. Anyway, the weather now is quite cool and nice. Fall is finally here.
Homecoming at UCA in Conway is this weekend, along with the tailgating and the football game. I may go to that. And tailgating seems to be a big tradition at football game, especially at any college football game. As more Americans are getting bigger and fatter, many people find that they love to eat. This overeating is what eventually took the life of one of the members of the rap group, The Fat Boyz, at a very young age. Foods that are haram are served at these games. I don't know, because it depends on the individual. Folks prepare their own cuisine of foods and people go and sample them out. Burgers and hot dogs are commonly served. Anyway, the weather now is quite cool and nice. Fall is finally here.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Update
Bismillah Arrahman Arraheem Allah Hu Akbar al-Jabbar al-Qahhar al-Adl Rabbiealamin
It's good to be back on day shift. It makes all the difference in the world. It's nice to come home in the afternoon and to have the evenings back. Even if the job was the same job I've done on nights, it's still better. The time makes it better. I go to work real early in the morning. Some folks do not like that. I don't mind. I rather go to work and get the work day over with than to go in the afternoon and not get off until late at night. That's just me.
Narrated by Al-Miqdam: The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "Nobody has eaten a better meal than that which one has earned by working with one's own hands. The Prophet of Allah, David used to eat from the earnings of his manual labor." (Shahi Bukhari)
It's good to be back on day shift. It makes all the difference in the world. It's nice to come home in the afternoon and to have the evenings back. Even if the job was the same job I've done on nights, it's still better. The time makes it better. I go to work real early in the morning. Some folks do not like that. I don't mind. I rather go to work and get the work day over with than to go in the afternoon and not get off until late at night. That's just me.
Narrated by Al-Miqdam: The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "Nobody has eaten a better meal than that which one has earned by working with one's own hands. The Prophet of Allah, David used to eat from the earnings of his manual labor." (Shahi Bukhari)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Shift changes
Bismillah Arrahman Arraheem
I may finally get out of night shift at my job, and go to days. I worked at this same place of employment for over 20 years now and I find that, in my department, I would be at the low end of the totem pole on second shift. So, I decided that I should move on. I figure I rather be the low guy on days than the low guy on nights. The hours are better and the atmosphere is a little better, too. More later.
I may finally get out of night shift at my job, and go to days. I worked at this same place of employment for over 20 years now and I find that, in my department, I would be at the low end of the totem pole on second shift. So, I decided that I should move on. I figure I rather be the low guy on days than the low guy on nights. The hours are better and the atmosphere is a little better, too. More later.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Ramblings
Bismillah Arrahman Arraheem Eid Mubarak!
Eid was yesterday. I hope yours was a good day. On this day, it is now haram to fast. I have seen on the news where the Empire State Building was lit green. It does remind me of the University of Texas lit the tallest building they have on campus burnt orange anytime their football win a game. Green is a symbol of happiness in Islam. It seems that the Muslims and the Irish have something in common. Though I am partial to the color cyan and arctic blue. I drive a car that is that color, but green is my favorite color. It always has been and always will. Green represents good luck and springtime; renewal. To some people, it represents envy. But, it is the opposite of envy to me. In American culture, green is associated with money resulting in greed. To me, it is not so because the federal reserve can choose to make dollar bills any color it wants. They can make them pink and we would still use them to spend them any way we choose.
Old, outdated encyclopedias like the Encyclopedia Americana from 1954 don't list Eid as a topic of interest.
Eid signifies the end of Ramadan.
It is interesting to note the both Christians and Jews practiced fasting before Islam. The object of fasting is not so much to mortify the body as to atone for evil deeds and to commune more intimately with God.
Eid was yesterday. I hope yours was a good day. On this day, it is now haram to fast. I have seen on the news where the Empire State Building was lit green. It does remind me of the University of Texas lit the tallest building they have on campus burnt orange anytime their football win a game. Green is a symbol of happiness in Islam. It seems that the Muslims and the Irish have something in common. Though I am partial to the color cyan and arctic blue. I drive a car that is that color, but green is my favorite color. It always has been and always will. Green represents good luck and springtime; renewal. To some people, it represents envy. But, it is the opposite of envy to me. In American culture, green is associated with money resulting in greed. To me, it is not so because the federal reserve can choose to make dollar bills any color it wants. They can make them pink and we would still use them to spend them any way we choose.
Old, outdated encyclopedias like the Encyclopedia Americana from 1954 don't list Eid as a topic of interest.
Eid signifies the end of Ramadan.
It is interesting to note the both Christians and Jews practiced fasting before Islam. The object of fasting is not so much to mortify the body as to atone for evil deeds and to commune more intimately with God.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Thoughts
Bismillah Arrahman Arraheeem Allah Hu Akbar al-Qahhar al-Azim
My friend from my college days is having a birthday. He is a much older guy now. No, I won't be at the party. He lives further away from me and my job inhibits me from going to his party. I am a little concerned about him. He sits by his computer and writes numerous articles a day. Sometimes 5 or 6 times a day. Basically, it about paleontology and mythological stories from different cultures from around the world and post them on Yahoo!. I don't believe he has a job. He has more time on his hands. He lives with his brother in a very small town. He does not have a car to drive. He probably no longer knows how. He is trying to be an established writer. He runs his friends off, because any time I see him, he wants to make copies of his stories at Kinkos or at another copy store taking away a lot of time.
I do consider him as a friend, but I wonder if I am considered as a friend by him. I had a birthday in August. It was people I know from church who gave me a surprise party. Did friends outside of church wish me a happy birthday. No. Only if I told them that I am having a birthday. Nobody from family wished me a happy birthday. You can't imagine how this feels.
Well, I wish my friend a happy birthday through e-mail and Yahoo! It is about the only thing I can do. People in these days have become so cold.
I close for now.
My friend from my college days is having a birthday. He is a much older guy now. No, I won't be at the party. He lives further away from me and my job inhibits me from going to his party. I am a little concerned about him. He sits by his computer and writes numerous articles a day. Sometimes 5 or 6 times a day. Basically, it about paleontology and mythological stories from different cultures from around the world and post them on Yahoo!. I don't believe he has a job. He has more time on his hands. He lives with his brother in a very small town. He does not have a car to drive. He probably no longer knows how. He is trying to be an established writer. He runs his friends off, because any time I see him, he wants to make copies of his stories at Kinkos or at another copy store taking away a lot of time.
I do consider him as a friend, but I wonder if I am considered as a friend by him. I had a birthday in August. It was people I know from church who gave me a surprise party. Did friends outside of church wish me a happy birthday. No. Only if I told them that I am having a birthday. Nobody from family wished me a happy birthday. You can't imagine how this feels.
Well, I wish my friend a happy birthday through e-mail and Yahoo! It is about the only thing I can do. People in these days have become so cold.
I close for now.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Tidbits
Bismillah Arrahman Arraheem Alhumdulillah Rabbiealamin Assalaam Alaykum
New slogan for Whirlpool that seems to be popular amongst folks who work there.
They wear t-shirts that say, "Support Mexico, Buy Whirlpool."
But here's another.
"Whirlpool es el bien padre,
Los Estados Unidos, chinga tu madre!"
In other words, Whirlpool is best company around, but as a company, we are giving Fort Smith and the rest of the good ol' USA the middle finger. The slogan does not need translation. It pretty much says it all. And as far as life goes here on Earth, we are never guaranteed tomorrow any more than working for same company all throughout your worldly life until retirement or death.
Companies shipping jobs overseas and illegal immigration with people coming here looking for work when there are no jobs to be found. When will the madness end? The war in Iraq is a disaster. I have been opposed to it from the beginning. Now, the Bush administration talks about bombing Iran? When will the madness end?
But who has the last say on this madness going on here on Earth with calamities and mass starvation? It is God.
"It is Allah who created the heavens and the earth, and all between them, in six days, and is firmly established on the Throne of Authority; ye have none besides Him, to protect and intercede for you: will ye not then receive admonition? He rules (all) affairs from the heavens to the earth: in the end will all affairs go up to Him, on a Day, the space whereof will be as a thousand years of your reckoning. Such is He, the Knower of all things, hidden and open, the Exalted in power, the Merciful -." Sura 32, the Prostration, 4-6.
I have nothing to fear and nothing to lose. I still will have a job and work to do. The Lord will provide. Rely on the Lord, not on the government or some corporation. I wish more people who keep with presidential politics would realize that. I guess that will be all for now.
New slogan for Whirlpool that seems to be popular amongst folks who work there.
They wear t-shirts that say, "Support Mexico, Buy Whirlpool."
But here's another.
"Whirlpool es el bien padre,
Los Estados Unidos, chinga tu madre!"
In other words, Whirlpool is best company around, but as a company, we are giving Fort Smith and the rest of the good ol' USA the middle finger. The slogan does not need translation. It pretty much says it all. And as far as life goes here on Earth, we are never guaranteed tomorrow any more than working for same company all throughout your worldly life until retirement or death.
Companies shipping jobs overseas and illegal immigration with people coming here looking for work when there are no jobs to be found. When will the madness end? The war in Iraq is a disaster. I have been opposed to it from the beginning. Now, the Bush administration talks about bombing Iran? When will the madness end?
But who has the last say on this madness going on here on Earth with calamities and mass starvation? It is God.
"It is Allah who created the heavens and the earth, and all between them, in six days, and is firmly established on the Throne of Authority; ye have none besides Him, to protect and intercede for you: will ye not then receive admonition? He rules (all) affairs from the heavens to the earth: in the end will all affairs go up to Him, on a Day, the space whereof will be as a thousand years of your reckoning. Such is He, the Knower of all things, hidden and open, the Exalted in power, the Merciful -." Sura 32, the Prostration, 4-6.
I have nothing to fear and nothing to lose. I still will have a job and work to do. The Lord will provide. Rely on the Lord, not on the government or some corporation. I wish more people who keep with presidential politics would realize that. I guess that will be all for now.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Weather
Alhumdulillah!
Well, the fall season is finally here. No more of these hot temperatures we have been having. It looks like it may try to rain and it is in the forecast that we will have some rain for the next few days. It just in time for the fair that's come to town. I may plan to go to it, but haven't made up my mind. The Razorbacks lose again, this time to the Kentucky Wildcats. Folks are now ready to see the coach get out of Dodge. I have to admit; if it wasn't for him, the Razorbacks would still have Mitch Mustain as quarterback, his buddy Damian Williams as wide receiver, and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. But, it was never met to be and last year, the coach ran them off and the dudes at ESPN probably think the Razorbacks stink. Anyway, that's what Hogs do. Stink! They like to play around in the mud and get dirty. And many Americans eat that stuff. Go figure. I don't have much to say. I leave you with the 23rd Psalm written in an interesting version.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
"He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me to water in places of repose;
He renews my life;
He guides me in right paths
as befits His Name.
Though I walk through a valley of deepest darkness,
I fear no harm, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff - they comfort me.
"You spread a table for me in full view of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my drink is abundant.
"Only goodness and steadfast love shall pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for many long years."
(JPS Version)
Well, the fall season is finally here. No more of these hot temperatures we have been having. It looks like it may try to rain and it is in the forecast that we will have some rain for the next few days. It just in time for the fair that's come to town. I may plan to go to it, but haven't made up my mind. The Razorbacks lose again, this time to the Kentucky Wildcats. Folks are now ready to see the coach get out of Dodge. I have to admit; if it wasn't for him, the Razorbacks would still have Mitch Mustain as quarterback, his buddy Damian Williams as wide receiver, and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. But, it was never met to be and last year, the coach ran them off and the dudes at ESPN probably think the Razorbacks stink. Anyway, that's what Hogs do. Stink! They like to play around in the mud and get dirty. And many Americans eat that stuff. Go figure. I don't have much to say. I leave you with the 23rd Psalm written in an interesting version.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
"He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me to water in places of repose;
He renews my life;
He guides me in right paths
as befits His Name.
Though I walk through a valley of deepest darkness,
I fear no harm, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff - they comfort me.
"You spread a table for me in full view of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my drink is abundant.
"Only goodness and steadfast love shall pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for many long years."
(JPS Version)
Friday, September 14, 2007
Weekend plans not pursued
Bismillah Arrahman Arraheem. Ramadan Mubarak!
There is a football game this weekend in Conway where UCA hosts Tennessee-Martin. UCA has a 0-2, losing their first game of season away from home to Louisiana Tech 28-7. The UCA Bears has special team problems and I am not sure if it is worth driving all the way over there from my home, pay a ticket, and watch them just to see them lose. This may be a weekend plan not pursued, though part of me would like to leave home from a while. Things at work has not been too great. It's a big rumor mill. Maybe I should get into real estate, another plan not pursued. I may need to get a new watch band; I don't need a new watch. I just to replace my old watch band that is beginning to fall apart. A plan that may be pursued, but once I get into the weekend, it may be a plan entirely blown off. I will just have to wait and see. I may need to purchase a new computer. I would like to make home-made videos with it and post them on YouTube. This old computer has hardware that is messed up and I can't make videos. Even if I do, these are videos with no sound. It may be time to invest in one. This computer I am using is seven years old. But, it still works and this is another plan not pursued. Oh, well! So much for this weekend.
We have our minds on things like that and we don't think about the hereafter, when our lives end on this earth and we all go to meet our Maker. This is something I should think about and every one of you should, too.
The Rich Man and Lazarus: Luke 16:19-31
The Words of Jesus:
"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and lick his sores.
"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.
"But Abraham replied,'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but no he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'
"He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'
"Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'
"'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'
"He said to him,'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'" (New International Version)
There is a football game this weekend in Conway where UCA hosts Tennessee-Martin. UCA has a 0-2, losing their first game of season away from home to Louisiana Tech 28-7. The UCA Bears has special team problems and I am not sure if it is worth driving all the way over there from my home, pay a ticket, and watch them just to see them lose. This may be a weekend plan not pursued, though part of me would like to leave home from a while. Things at work has not been too great. It's a big rumor mill. Maybe I should get into real estate, another plan not pursued. I may need to get a new watch band; I don't need a new watch. I just to replace my old watch band that is beginning to fall apart. A plan that may be pursued, but once I get into the weekend, it may be a plan entirely blown off. I will just have to wait and see. I may need to purchase a new computer. I would like to make home-made videos with it and post them on YouTube. This old computer has hardware that is messed up and I can't make videos. Even if I do, these are videos with no sound. It may be time to invest in one. This computer I am using is seven years old. But, it still works and this is another plan not pursued. Oh, well! So much for this weekend.
We have our minds on things like that and we don't think about the hereafter, when our lives end on this earth and we all go to meet our Maker. This is something I should think about and every one of you should, too.
The Rich Man and Lazarus: Luke 16:19-31
The Words of Jesus:
"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and lick his sores.
"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.
"But Abraham replied,'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but no he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'
"He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'
"Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'
"'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'
"He said to him,'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'" (New International Version)
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Quranic Quotes
Bismillah Arrahman Arraheem Alhumdulillah Rabbiealamin
Surah 16, The Bees 68-70
"..thy Lord taught the Bee to build its cells in hills, on trees, and in (men's) habitations;
Then to eat all the produce (of the earth), and to find with skill the spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colors, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought. It is Allah who creates you and takes your souls at death; and of you there are some who are sent back to a feeble age, so that they know nothing after having known much; for Allah is All-Knowing, All-Powerful."
There is a verse I've read on the Holy Spirit. "Say, the Holy Spirit has brought the revelation from thy Lord in Truth, in order to strengthen those who believe, and as a Guide and Glad Tidings to Muslims." - Surah 16, The Bees, 102.
51. - "Allah has said; 'Take not (for worship) two gods (ilah); for He is just One God (Allah), then fear Me (and Me alone)."
Surah 16, The Bees 68-70
"..thy Lord taught the Bee to build its cells in hills, on trees, and in (men's) habitations;
Then to eat all the produce (of the earth), and to find with skill the spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colors, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought. It is Allah who creates you and takes your souls at death; and of you there are some who are sent back to a feeble age, so that they know nothing after having known much; for Allah is All-Knowing, All-Powerful."
There is a verse I've read on the Holy Spirit. "Say, the Holy Spirit has brought the revelation from thy Lord in Truth, in order to strengthen those who believe, and as a Guide and Glad Tidings to Muslims." - Surah 16, The Bees, 102.
51. - "Allah has said; 'Take not (for worship) two gods (ilah); for He is just One God (Allah), then fear Me (and Me alone)."
Monday, September 3, 2007
Labor Day
Bismillah Arrahman Arraheem
Here in the U.S. we celebrate Labor Day and it is a holiday. Many people are off from on this day to celebrate the working man and woman and this is a day observed for all of us who work so hard to earn a living. For most countries around the world, Labor Day is on May 1. Here it is on the first Monday of September. This day was inaugurated by the Knights of Labor who in 1882 held a parade in New York, and again in 1884, when a resolution by George R. Lloyd, one of the Knights of Labor, was passed , recommending that parades be held on Labor Day. According to an article entitled "Labor Day" in Bulletin No. 29 of the U.S. Dept. of Labor, published July 1900, Oregon was the first state to legislate for general observance of Labor Day as a legal holiday. This law, enacted, enacted Feb. 21, 1887, specified the first Saturday of June as Labor Day; but in 1893 the day of observance was changed to the first Monday of September. Other states which passed similar legislation in 1887 were: Colorado on March 15; New Jersey, April 18; New York, May 6; and Massachusetts, May 11. All these states set the first Monday in September as the holiday. In Eurpoe the celebration of the first day of May as Labor Day commenced in 1890.
Of course, here in the U.S., there are people who do work on Labor Day. You will notice that right away if you choose to eat out on this day. Employees work for employers who will them, "On Labor Day, You Labor." They don't get a day off. For those of us who do get a day off, we need to think of them and treat them with kindness.
Also, Labor Day has lost its meaning in America. For many, it means the last day of summer. And that's all it is to them. Just like Memorial Day signifies to them as the first day of summer, when it is a day to honor our war veterans who died in battle. That's how things have changed.
Anyway, I'd thought I should post this.
Here in the U.S. we celebrate Labor Day and it is a holiday. Many people are off from on this day to celebrate the working man and woman and this is a day observed for all of us who work so hard to earn a living. For most countries around the world, Labor Day is on May 1. Here it is on the first Monday of September. This day was inaugurated by the Knights of Labor who in 1882 held a parade in New York, and again in 1884, when a resolution by George R. Lloyd, one of the Knights of Labor, was passed , recommending that parades be held on Labor Day. According to an article entitled "Labor Day" in Bulletin No. 29 of the U.S. Dept. of Labor, published July 1900, Oregon was the first state to legislate for general observance of Labor Day as a legal holiday. This law, enacted, enacted Feb. 21, 1887, specified the first Saturday of June as Labor Day; but in 1893 the day of observance was changed to the first Monday of September. Other states which passed similar legislation in 1887 were: Colorado on March 15; New Jersey, April 18; New York, May 6; and Massachusetts, May 11. All these states set the first Monday in September as the holiday. In Eurpoe the celebration of the first day of May as Labor Day commenced in 1890.
Of course, here in the U.S., there are people who do work on Labor Day. You will notice that right away if you choose to eat out on this day. Employees work for employers who will them, "On Labor Day, You Labor." They don't get a day off. For those of us who do get a day off, we need to think of them and treat them with kindness.
Also, Labor Day has lost its meaning in America. For many, it means the last day of summer. And that's all it is to them. Just like Memorial Day signifies to them as the first day of summer, when it is a day to honor our war veterans who died in battle. That's how things have changed.
Anyway, I'd thought I should post this.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
My Birthday
I turned 43 today and I don't seem any older. It seems like I should not be that old. It seems like I should still be in my 20s with Madonna dominating the pop music scene just like in the '80s. I am thankful many people do remember my birthday; such as friends and my church family. Other than my father, I haven't heard a word from my real family. They did remember, but never bothered to call. I forgive them, because they have become satellites circling around my world. If I didn't wish them a happy birthday, I should have seen it coming. So, the next time they do have a birthday, I will call them and wish them or send them a birthday card. Many people do care after all, right when I start to believe that many people were not caring and right when I start to wonder if it is better to be around animals at a zoo than to be around people. I am thankful that there are people who do turn it around for me and start bringing me back to where I need to be. I seem to have no enemies now, except for Satan, Lucifer, or Iblis, or whatever the devil calls himself nowadays. I pray that he and his demons or shayatin stays away from me, family, friends, and relatives. I pray this everyday and every night when I go to bed. It surprises me that I have lived this long. I never had any near-death experiences, but back in 1990, I wrecked my old Datsun driving down a slippery, icy I-40 going west from exit 81 in Russellville. I believed I could have died that day, but God saved my life that day and reminded me of the mistake I made by not staying put at John's place in Conway until the weather cleared up. I sent Neal home to Dover that day despite of the bad weather. Then, I was driving home and I hit a bridge and wrecked my car. It was stupid of me to try to make it home in icy, winter conditions. I had to get my car towed home in a later time. My father had to come get me and drive me home. From that time on, I vowed never to drive on icy roads again even if I risk losing my job because of the roads. Unlike the folks up north, there are not enough trucks out there to help clear the streets. If there is more than an inch of snow outside, people panic and like me, they don't drive very well on icy streets and unlike me, they don't take care and slow down; something I did not do back in 1990. Hey, like I said, I could have died.
That is how close I came to death.
Now at 43, I am more wiser and I believe that religion has help me be more wiser. I am a Christian. I read the Bible. I also read the Qur'an and all of these things helped get closer to God. I drive a Hyundai Santa Fe and there is no way I will drive that car on dangerous, icy conditions. I have classmates from high school who may show off their Lexus, or their house in the best part of town, but all of these things to me are material. They see that I drive an average car, but it runs good and it had good gas mileage, and no, I don't live in the best part of town. I don't care to live the under the dictatorship of some Homeowners' Association. When you die, you can't take it with you. I guess that's all for now. From time to time, I will jot down various passages of scriptures from the Bible and sometimes from the Qur'an.
Bismillah Arrahman Arraheem
"Alif Lam Mim. ( Allah) God. (La ilaha illa Huwa) There is no god but He - the Living, the Self-Subsisting, Eternal. It is He Who sent down to thee step by step, in truth, the Book, confirming what was sent before it; and He sent down the Law of Moses and the Gospel of Jesus before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion of judgment between right and wrong. Then those who reject Faith in the Signs of God will suffer the severest penalty, and God is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution." Sura 3 The Family of Imran: 1-4.
"Praise ye Yah, give ye thanks to Yahvah, for he is good, forever is His lovingkindness." Psalm 106:1 Restoration of Original Sacred Name Bible.
That is how close I came to death.
Now at 43, I am more wiser and I believe that religion has help me be more wiser. I am a Christian. I read the Bible. I also read the Qur'an and all of these things helped get closer to God. I drive a Hyundai Santa Fe and there is no way I will drive that car on dangerous, icy conditions. I have classmates from high school who may show off their Lexus, or their house in the best part of town, but all of these things to me are material. They see that I drive an average car, but it runs good and it had good gas mileage, and no, I don't live in the best part of town. I don't care to live the under the dictatorship of some Homeowners' Association. When you die, you can't take it with you. I guess that's all for now. From time to time, I will jot down various passages of scriptures from the Bible and sometimes from the Qur'an.
Bismillah Arrahman Arraheem
"Alif Lam Mim. ( Allah) God. (La ilaha illa Huwa) There is no god but He - the Living, the Self-Subsisting, Eternal. It is He Who sent down to thee step by step, in truth, the Book, confirming what was sent before it; and He sent down the Law of Moses and the Gospel of Jesus before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion of judgment between right and wrong. Then those who reject Faith in the Signs of God will suffer the severest penalty, and God is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution." Sura 3 The Family of Imran: 1-4.
"Praise ye Yah, give ye thanks to Yahvah, for he is good, forever is His lovingkindness." Psalm 106:1 Restoration of Original Sacred Name Bible.
Friday, August 3, 2007
The Ozark Folk Center
One of the best places to visit in Arkansas is the Ozark Folk Center which is now a state park. It is a place dedicated to the preservation of traditional arts and crafts and Ozark Mountain music. It also has classes at the Center where one can learn how to play a musical instrument such as the Dulcimer or the Fiddle or learn the various arts and crafts such as painting, basket-weaving, doll-making, making pottery, and others. This place shares the story of the Ozark Mountain way of life which bred a rugged, independent, religious, joyful people who survived hardships in the pioneer days by their native wit and wisdom. There are many different exhibits you can visit and also enjoy good bluegrass music.Visitors can see presentations and demonstrations of the Ozark crafts and music, living history enactments and other special events. You get a chance to meet a lot of good people. There is more I can put down about it, but I will not give it away and I will not copy word for word the brochure from the Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism. This is the place you must go if you visit Arkansas. It is not to say that the Clinton Presidential Library is not as important, but really to get to know a little bit about Arkansas' cultural heritage, the Ozark Folk Center near Mountain View is a must-see. Of course, Arkansas is a wonderful place to travel even if you live here. Where is Mountain View? It is south from Mountain Home. It is also south from Calico Rock. It is north from Shirley. It is west from Batesville. It may be less than 100 miles north from Little Rock. It is located in Stone County and it is a dry county, so no alcoholic beverages will be served anywhere; it won't be served at the Skillet Restaurant nearby the Center. If you want to drink, you may need to stay in Mountain Home. I visited this place recently and there is now a lot more to see and do in this park. They add a few more things to this park than the last time I visited it, which must have back in 1997; 10 years ago. The restaurant was added. I don't remember eating at the Skillet Restaurant back then. But, I ate lunch there this time and the food is excellent. It is a good thing. You can now eat lunch in your own time and then, come back to the park and visit more exhibits. Well, I guess I will end this briefing for now. I'll back to write another addition to this dribble.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Masjid Annoor
Masjid Annoor, the Mosque of Light, otherwise known as the Fort Smith Islamic Center, got denied by the city directors through an unanimous vote to build a school on their property. The school they were going to build was a 4,900 sq. ft. building, smaller than some of homes than surround the mosque. Reasons for why this was denied is because neighbors were complaining of water leak problems or the lowering of property values if this school is built. I read in the local paper that these problems would be addressed during the construction process, but this was turned down and now we will never know how to solve these problems. There is a hidden reason why this building project was rejected. The neighbors did not want it there. Islamophobia may have something to do with it, fearing what the Muslim children will learn in this school. I am afraid the city has goofed and a writer to the editorial page of the local paper, whose name is withheld, believes the city could face a discrimination lawsuit; a lawsuit the city may not be able to afford.
I understand the concern that the neighbors may have over this school, but if it were a Christian school instead of a Muslim one, they would be in favor of this school and the city directors would be voting unanimously for it to construct it. We hear so much about Islam, but it is distorted information coming from Fox News. To know more about Islam, visit your public library, download software of the Qur'an and the Hadiths, look up Muslim websites that will share what their religion is really all about like islamtomorrow.com, buy Islamic books if you can find them at a local bookstore. You may find that the terrorists who say they are Muslim are practicing and doing things are not Islam. They are hijackers of this religion.
So, when the city directors voted the way they did about this school, it was based on poor information they received on a daily basis from Fox News and CNN and they didn't take the time to really get to know the leaders and some of the members of the only mosque in town, which is a small mosque, a building that used to be a church of Christian Science. That's my take on it. It appears to be that way. And that's my two cents.
"Make a joyful noise to Yahvah, all the earth. Serve Yahvah with rejoicing, enter before Him with shouts of triumph." (Psalm 100:1-2, Restoration of Original Sacred Name Bible)
I understand the concern that the neighbors may have over this school, but if it were a Christian school instead of a Muslim one, they would be in favor of this school and the city directors would be voting unanimously for it to construct it. We hear so much about Islam, but it is distorted information coming from Fox News. To know more about Islam, visit your public library, download software of the Qur'an and the Hadiths, look up Muslim websites that will share what their religion is really all about like islamtomorrow.com, buy Islamic books if you can find them at a local bookstore. You may find that the terrorists who say they are Muslim are practicing and doing things are not Islam. They are hijackers of this religion.
So, when the city directors voted the way they did about this school, it was based on poor information they received on a daily basis from Fox News and CNN and they didn't take the time to really get to know the leaders and some of the members of the only mosque in town, which is a small mosque, a building that used to be a church of Christian Science. That's my take on it. It appears to be that way. And that's my two cents.
"Make a joyful noise to Yahvah, all the earth. Serve Yahvah with rejoicing, enter before Him with shouts of triumph." (Psalm 100:1-2, Restoration of Original Sacred Name Bible)
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Sura 64, Ayat 13, and reflections
Allahu la ilaha illa huwa waAAala Allahi falyatawakkali almu/minoona
Allah, there is no god but He: and on Allah, therefore, let the believers put their trust.
(Yusuf Ali translation)
This week has passed by so fast since last Saturday when I attended my high school reunion for the 25th.
For any of you fellow classmates who are reading and have attended it, I want you to know I had a great time
and I hope to see you again real soon. If not soon, hopefully I will see you when we all have the 30th.
It has been a long week and I am glad it is over. Betsy, you might need to let your home town, Tyler, Texas, remain as Tyler, Texas. It is no longer like Fort Smith. Fort Smith felt more like Compton last week. A young Asian man shot another young Asian man execution-style at a Wal-Mart parking lot this week. Keep me and everyone who still lives here in your prayers. This has gotten fellow co-workers I work with concerned because they live out of town and they wonder if it is safe to shop here after all. Well, a day after this happened, I continue to shop at this particular Wal-Mart and I came out of there unharmed. By the way, the guy who did this was arrested and apprehended. I guess that is all for now and I hope to write from time to time in the future.
Peace be unto you-all.
"To Yahvah, belongeth the earth and the fulness thereof, the world, and they who dwell therein; for He, upon the seas hath founded it, and upon the currents doth make it firm." Psalm 24:1-2, Restoration of Original Sacred Name Bible.
Allah, there is no god but He: and on Allah, therefore, let the believers put their trust.
(Yusuf Ali translation)
This week has passed by so fast since last Saturday when I attended my high school reunion for the 25th.
For any of you fellow classmates who are reading and have attended it, I want you to know I had a great time
and I hope to see you again real soon. If not soon, hopefully I will see you when we all have the 30th.
It has been a long week and I am glad it is over. Betsy, you might need to let your home town, Tyler, Texas, remain as Tyler, Texas. It is no longer like Fort Smith. Fort Smith felt more like Compton last week. A young Asian man shot another young Asian man execution-style at a Wal-Mart parking lot this week. Keep me and everyone who still lives here in your prayers. This has gotten fellow co-workers I work with concerned because they live out of town and they wonder if it is safe to shop here after all. Well, a day after this happened, I continue to shop at this particular Wal-Mart and I came out of there unharmed. By the way, the guy who did this was arrested and apprehended. I guess that is all for now and I hope to write from time to time in the future.
Peace be unto you-all.
"To Yahvah, belongeth the earth and the fulness thereof, the world, and they who dwell therein; for He, upon the seas hath founded it, and upon the currents doth make it firm." Psalm 24:1-2, Restoration of Original Sacred Name Bible.
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