"And Ruth Said" Part 2...

Ruth 2:1 - 2:19

The Worst of Times...

The Bible really stresses the fact that Ruth was a Moabite woman. After doing research, I learned that Moab and Israel during this time period were very bitter enemies, and Ruth took an enormous risk immigrating to a land that might treat her as an outsider, or despise her as a "foreigner". You would've thought that Ruth was crazy, but she wasn't. She was just good hearted.

Ruth Meets Boaz...

So Naomi had a relative on her husbands side who's name was Boaz. Ruth decided that she was going to go work in the field and pick up leftover grain, from the people who may have forgotten it. As it turned out, the very field she was working in belonged to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.

When Boaz arrived in the Field and said " The Lord be with you, May the Lord bless you".
He noticed Ruth and asked the foreman who she was. The foreman explained that she was the Moabitess, and that she had worked in the field from morning to night, with just a short rest in the shelter.

Then Boaz told Ruth not to glean in another field, and not to go away. He asked her to stay with his servant girls.

Ruth could not believe that Boaz, a stranger, was offering this great favor. She asked him "why?" "why have I found such favor in your eyes?" Boaz explained how he had heard everything that she had done for her mother-in-law (Naomi). He then offered her dinner with the servant girls and wine. Ruth was extremely grateful and blessed him.

When Ruth returned home to Naomi she explained to Naomi that she had worked in the field belonging to Boaz. Naomi explained to Ruth how Boaz was a close relative, and that he had a good heart.

Ruth:
She arrived in Israel with no money, a outsider and a widow, with her mother-in-law as her only friend. Considering that her home country of Moab was often at war with Israel, and that the two nations worshipped two different Gods, Ruth hardly figured to thrive in Israel. Yet she went to work without anything daily.

Even though she was a foreigner she showed herself as a model Israelite woman, modest, hardworking, and deeply loyal to those she loved.

Ruth Never complained about hardship, she actually responded with gratitude when anyone showed her even the least bit of kindness.

I know that I said I would finish up Ruth tonight, but I don't think I can express all that I feel in one post. I will try to finish up Ruth tomorrow.

Kale

"And Ruth Said" Part 1...

Ruth 1:1 - 1:22

Due to my "slump", I have explained that I am having extreme difficulty doing my daily readings. I have decided since I am trying to keep my Journey going, that I will do this post on my favorite book in the Bible.

The Book Of Ruth. This story has always held an extremely precious place in my heart and I am not sure why. Most people do not receive as strong of a message from this book than others, but this one speaks to me in a way I cant explain.

Here We Go...

In the time when the "Judges Ruled" in the land of Judah, there was a great famine in the land. Elimelech (originally from Bethlehem), along with his wife Naomi and his two sons Mahlon and Kilion, went to live in the country Moab.

While in Moab, Elimelech passed away and the sons married two Moabite women. Mahlon married Ruth, and Kilion married Orpah. After they lived in Moab for about ten years. Mahlon and Kilion also passed away.

At this point in time Naomi has lost everything. She has lost her husband who took her to live in the country of Moab to escape the famine, as well as her two sons. Who took care of her for ten years in Moab. Now all Naomi has is two daughter-in-laws.

While They were in Moab, Naomi heard that the Lord had come to aid in the land of Judah ( the homeland of Elimelch, Naomi and their sons) by providing with food. Naomi, Ruth and Orpah prepared to return home to Judah.

So while traveling, Naomi breaks down.

"Go back, each of you, to your mothers home. May the lord show kindness to you, as you have shown to your dead and to me. May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband."

This break my heart every time. Naomi deeply cared for these girls, and although she had nobody, she was willing to live alone then have them unhappy in any way.

The girls refused to go, they felt as though they belonged with Naomi, Naomi was their family, but she explained to them that the Lord had gone out against her, and she could not have more sons for them.

After telling the girls a few times to go back, the girls were both crying and weeping. Orpah kissed Naomis head and headed back home. Ruth however would not go. She would not leave Naomis side.

This is by far my favorite quote from the Bible... Ruth 1:16

And Ruth said, "Entreat me not to leave thee, or return from following after thee. For whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge. Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."

Ruth has such a big heart. Every time I read this quote I feel like I am going to cry. Ruth had no legal ties to Naomi. She was setting off to an unknown land with a woman who had nothing but herself.

When looking for pictures that related to Ruth and Naomi, I noticed that all the pictures gave a false interpretation of Orpah.

In most of these pictures, it shows Ruth and Naomi having their moment while Orpah walks or stands away unaffected. I do not think that is what happened. I think their was probably a strong moment with Orpah and Ruth, as well as one with Orpah and Naomi. Orpah turning back was not a bad thing. Orpah was only carrying out the wishes of her Mother-In-Law. She did not want to turn back. She was doing what she thought was right for Naomi, and what Naomi wanted.

Naomi and Ruth were unlikely Friends. They were an entire generation apart. Ruth was young and strong while Naomi was well past middle age.

Even stranger than the age difference. One was the others Mother-In-Law, and came from an entirely different ethnic and religious background.

Ruth was a great person. She had (in my opinion) what we are all missing today. She had the strength and courage to give her life, family, and home up just for the happiness of a lonely woman. Ruth deeply cared for Naomi. This is very sweet to me.

I will finish Ruth Later Tonight.

Kale

Puzzled?

Lately Ive been having this crazy dream...

The dream starts out with me, sitting at a glass table putting together a puzzle. Only a small portion of the puzzle is put together, and there are hundreds of puzzle pieces sitting on this glass table where I am sitting. All of the sudden the pieces start to jump, like an earthquake. I look around and nothing else is moving or vibrating.

All of a sudden the pieces start to pop up at me, hitting me in the face and falling everywhere, then all of the pieces start coming at me. I try to run but this mob of puzzle pieces is coming at me like a tidal wave. It catches up with me and out of panic I close my eyes, when I open my eyes, It's thundering, lightning, and raining, and I'm swimming, in an endless ocean of Puzzle Pieces. The puzzle piece ocean is moving and swaying like an actual ocean. The waves are coming up over my head as I am trying to get back to shore. That's when I wake up.

I am having a hard time interpreting this dream. I'm obviously puzzled. But this dream cant be that obvious. It has to have some meaning and moral behind it. Maybe there is something I am having trouble putting together. Maybe there is something I should be trying to put together. As if life isn't already confusing enough as it is. What is God trying to tell me?

Slump...

This is my first post for about two months now. I know some of you have been disappointed that I haven't been writing. I am back, and plan on finishing my journey.

I have been in a small slump lately. I have been struggling internally for some time now, and it doesn't seem to be getting much better. Although my "Journey Through The Bible" has helped me more than I could even explain. My "slumpness" still remains. I have having an extremely difficult time finding where I am, and what to do in life. I find that people I want to be close with are deceiving me.

I feel like I have fallen down the rabbit hole. But instead of finding myself like Alice did. I feel like this hole is making me lose myself.

I'm not sure what to do. I have decided that while I am in this slump, I will not read the Bible. I do not want my negative thoughts and mind to tamper with the words and essence of God. Right Now, God is all I have left.

I cant move. I cant go forward or back. Life right now is difficult.

Kale

And All That Jazz...

Side Post.

I work at Sonny's BBQ. Often, with or as a tip. Customers will leave pamphlets, brochures and sometimes pictures telling me I should worship God, go to church and so on. This happens to me at least once day, more than most of my coworkers Ive noticed. I believe this is because I am gay. Anyone who knows me, knows that it isn't hard to tell.

This does not offend me. I find it encouraging. Instead of judging me, and telling themselves that I am going to hell. They feel that they are leaving me information for guidance. I think this is what God would want. They are doing what they think is right, not turning against what they think is wrong.

Today I received one, and it stuck with me. It had the usual information for the Church, the address, the Pastors name, the mission statement. It wasn't until I turned it over on the back, that I decided to keep it. The Back said the following:

You can Know That You Are For Sure Going To Heaven

First, realize God Loves You...
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Second, realize that everyone is a sinner...
Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."

Third, realize sin has a price that must be paid...
Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Fourth, realize that Jesus Christ died to pay your price...
Romans 5:8 - "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Finally, pray. Ask Jesus Christ to be your Saviour, and claim His promise of eternal life...
Romans 10:13 - "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

All of these verses touched me in a very special way. No matter what people say about me, no matter how I feel about other people. Only God can judge me. I am the only one who can make, or condemn myself. I am the one who will get me to heaven. I am the one who will keep my relationship with God. I am the one I need to be worried about. :)

More Of Numbers Tomorrow...

Kale

The Oldest Trick In The Book, Literally...

Day Twenty One: Numbers 1:1 - 5:31

I have decided to continue with Numbers and not skip ahead to the New Testament yet. I am going to try to read it from cover to cover.

So far, I am enjoying Numbers much more than I did Leviticus. Not that Leviticus was bad, but it was extremely hard for someone like me (having the attention span of a gnat) to follow along with it. Numbers, in the first portion alone had already become an ongoing storyline.

Here We Go...

Two For One
(Recap)
Although Joseph was only one of twelve brothers who formed the tribes if Israel, His father Israel, originally named Jacob, had adopted Josephs two sons, Ephriam and Manasseh as his own. (I am not sure, but I want to say it was somewhere around Genesis 48:5-6? Maybe?)
Thus Joseph got a double share of the family inheritance, meaning there are really thirteen tribes of Israel.

I am not sure why exactly, but the tribe of Levi was always treated separately. They were not counted as Israelites, even though they were Israelites. I understand that they had a special role in worship. The Census (from what I gathered, please let me know otherwise!), was mainly to prepare a roster for military purposes. The Tribe of Levi was excluded from the Census. So...I guess, As care tackers of Gods tabernacle, The Levites for ineligible for the draft...? Please help me out.

The Arrangement Of Tribal Camps

The Israelites did not walk or wonder around like an undisciplined mob of people. Each tribe had an assigned place to set up camp. At the center of their camp was the tent of meeting (The Tabernacle). I believe God wanted that to be a visual reminder of what should be the center of their lives, every time they pitched their tents.

The Test For Unfaithfulness

This, for some reason, was my favorite part. There was an old trick used to test for unfaithful wives. When a man had become jealous, or suspected his wife of cheating. He would take her to the priest. The priest would tell her, in a nutshell. That he was going to give her a drink of water. If she was Innocent and had not dishonored her husband. The water would do nothing. She would be fine. However, if she had cheated or been unfaithful. The water would make her ill, her abdomen would swell, and her thighs would waste away. Of course, upon hearing this, The women would confess.

Its funny to me how our government often uses these types of tricks against criminals today. A lot of times of Police Investigation shows they will use tricks to win confessions, and they always think they are smart. Its funny how the writers probably don't even realize that tricks and tests have been used since the beginning of time. :)

Loving Numbers,

Kale

Another Ending....

Day Twenty: Leviticus 25:1 - 27:39

My Last Leviticus Post!!!

I am so proud of myself for finishing Leviticus! No kidding, I was getting very discouraged by it.

Like every book in the Bible so far, Leviticus had a happy ending. Even though I was easily distracted, I really enjoyed the ending.

In the end of course, its all about God. When God is done giving Moses the laws, he then tells Moses all the things he will do in return for their obedience of those laws. I love how at the end of every book, it always reminds you that God is great, and that he loves each and every one of us.

At the end of Leviticus, God talks about his rewards for the Israelites. He says several time that as long as they keep up there end of the Bargain, he would keep up his end. Meaning: As long as we don't sin, and obey the laws, he will give them great crops, and endless amounts of Animals.

This was my favorite verse in Leviticus. "I will grant you peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid. I will remove savage beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country". 26:6

It shows us how much God means what he says. In today's society, people are sinning, with no regret. Some people are conniving and scheming. Perhaps this explains extreme hotness? Perhaps this explains earthquakes and tsunamis? Perhaps this explains a random oil leak?

Definitely makes you think! :)

Onto something else...

I was talking with Shanon the other night about a pendant I received from a dear friend a few years ago when I was in theater. My friend told me that it would bring me good luck always, especially if worn on stage. On the front pendant, it show St. Genesius of Rome. on the backside it read, "Pray For Us". Shanon told me that the pendant had nothing to do with Christianity and God. I did my research, and have proved him wrong.

St. Genesius was an actor. He was supposed to be in a play that was making fun of Christian Baptism. During it, he says he saw Angels and heard Gods voice, and changed his ways. He was killed for his actions.
At the start of the play Genesius lay down on the stage as if sick. Two other actors asked what ailed him. Genesius said he felt a great weight that he wanted removed. Hence, two other actors, dressed as a priest and exorcist, were called in. They asked what the protagonist wanted. He replied, "A baptism." At which point he said, he saw a vision of angels bearing a book with all his sins inscribed. The actor portraying the priest asked him: "My child, why did you send for me?"
At this point, Genesius claimed to actually see angels and asked to be baptized himself onstage. Enraged, Diocletian had him turned over to Plautia, prefect of the praetorium, who tortured him in an effort to force him to sacrifice to the pagan gods. When Genesius persisted in his faith, he was beheaded.

He is known as the patron saint of actors, comedians, clowns, dancers, theatrical performers, musicians, attorneys, barristers, lawyers, printers and stenographers, prostitutes, and is invoked against epilepsy.

This makes me extremely happy. No wonder my pendant has brought me such good luck!

Kale

Breakfast At Tiffanys...

This is another Side Post.

Right Now I am watching my all time favorite movie, "Breakfast At Tiffany's".

I am not sure why at all, but this movie has always held an extremely special place in my heart. Why? Its not very spiritual. Its not sad. Its not funny.

I think because, I can relate to it. I think I in a way, am a male version of Holly Golightly. Not just because she is played by Audrey Hepburn (my all time favorite Actress), But because of her personality and personal struggles, and of course the things that make her happy.

So what does this movie have to do with my relationship with God? This movie doesn't mention God, or religion, or the Bible.

Holly Golightly was a extremely misunderstood socialite in New York City. She had escaped her previous life as Lulamae Barns and decided to live her life for herself. She had several love interests and was very into the party scene.

I on the other hand have always had a longing to escape from my life, I would love to be a high class New York socialite, and have never been too much of a hard partier. I think its her personality and persona that reminds me of myself.

I think God gives us things to hold on to. I think he gives each person their own things that they need to make their souls healthy. Some things do not have an everyday purpose, some things are just very good for your soul. I feel as though God sent this movie to me as a way for me to be confident, and have someone to relate too when I feel alone. I think if we all look hard enough, there are tones of small things, like this movie for me, that God gives us to makes getting up allot easier, and going down allot harder. God gives us everything.

I love those stories where someone is looking for happiness, and in the end they always find it in their own back yard. Kinda like that one story where the wolf huffed and puffed at the beanstalk, until the girl let down her really long hair, and she was riding in a pumpkin that had vine wheels with seven short men on a yellow brick road, and then there was that other thing?

I can speak from personal experience now. I have found happiness, in myself and where I am in life. Although, there is always room for improvement. I love who I am, and what I represent. I love where my life is going. I also know that God loves me, just as he loved Holly Golightly. Perhaps that was why she was always so unhappy underneath it all. Maybe she wasn't aware of Gods love for her.

(Yes, I am aware that Holly Golightly was a fictional character, just trying to get my point across).

Isn't Audrey Hepburn Beautiful?

Kale

Levit...Zzz...icus!

Day Nineteen: 19:1 - 24:23

Only One More Post And Leviticus Is Done!!!! :)

Thank Goodness that I am close to the end of Leviticus. I had begun to think I was growing a little too bored with this project. I believe that I may skip Numbers for now, and maybe move ahead to The New Testament, and then come back to Numbers. Ill have to think about it though. I kinda like the Idea of reading it cover to cover, and I'm kinda OCD, so if I skip Numbers I may have some sort of dream where the Statue of Liberty is reciting verses from Numbers while she squirts me with Ketchup, and that would be a disaster.

Again, Leviticus mostly repeats itself, Everything I am reading now, I have already blogged about at one point or another. I had no idea God told Moses so much. Its interesting to me how God picks who he blesses. Who was Moses? Moses was a random kid stuck in a basket, and now he is the leader of the Israelites, and the only connection they have with God.

God is great, God is love, God is able, and he wont fail. A friend of mine asked me the other day via facebook message, "Like what do you actually feel about God?"

I began to type...and then stopped, and then began to type again, and then stopped. After about ten minutes of this I realized that I didn't exactly have an answer. I wasn't sure how I actually felt about God.

I feel that God is real, and that he loves me, and that his one big purpose is Love. But that is all stuff that I know. How do I feel about God? What do I think of God? When replying the message I simply glazed over answering the question. I wasn't exactly sure what to put. How do I feel about God?

Just one more portion of Leviticus and I'm done!

Kale

On The Soap Box...

Day Eighteen: Leviticus 16:1 - 18:30

I know I missed a few posts due to labor day, very sorry. Back on Track

Detestable - arousing or meriting intense dislike.

I think this is where my blog gets controversial. Very sorry.

As I have mentioned before, Leviticus is all about laws. Laws of sacrificing, Laws of Welfare, and The last two chapters I read were laws all about sex.

"Unlawful Sexual Relations"

As most of you know, I am an openly gay man. I do not hide it. I do not feel like God wants me to hide it. That doesn't mean he loves it.

The Laws of sex are all about Incest.
Do not have sex with your sister,
Do not have sex with your mother,
Do not have sex with your aunt,
Do not have sex with your fathers wife,
Do not have sex with your sons wife,
oh....and don't have sex with another man either...its detestable.

My whole life I have been told how The Bible is completely against Homosexuality, and that by being gay and open I was going to hell. I do not feel this way.

I do not by any means feel that Homosexuality is what God intended. But I do not think he sits around, damning people to hell for being themselves.

Edgar Allen Poe is known as a brilliant poet. Not for marrying his 13 year old niece.

Franklin Roosevelt also was married to Eleanor, his 4th cousin.

Johan Sebastian Bach, married his second cousin on his fathers side.

Thomas Jefferson married his 3rd cousin Martha.

Albert Einstein married his second cousin Elsa.

Jerry Lee Lewis, a great songwriter married his 1st cousin Myra, she was 13 years old.

I think people worry too much about what is "wrong", and don't focus enough on what is "right".

Out of every law mentioned in this chapter. Homosexuality consumed one verse. Incest consumed 17 verses. Yet....in 1/2 of the USA it is legal to marry your 1st cousin. In the other 1/2 it is legal to marry your second cousin.

I think God loves me. I think God wants me in heaven. I think God loves, that I can be me. I think God loves that I can look people in the face and say..."This is me, this is who I am."

I think god loves me...For me!

Tomorrow....
Kale

The Sun'll Come Out....Tomorrow...

This is another side post from my journey.

All my life I have felt as though I was meant to be on stage. Someone asked me the other day if I felt that Gods plan for me was theater. This made me think quite a bit. This is what I came up with...

I think God gave me the ability to make people laugh. My mom, my sister Holly, and my cousin Rachel are probably the people who tell me the most often, "I just need to talk to you". Sometimes I anger myself at how little seriousness I carry in most situations. Even when I am not meaning to make jokes, or make someone laugh. Even if I honestly am trying to comfort them, they always end up laughing. At first I retrace my words, and sure enough. I through a Joke in there, or made a funny face, or told a funny story, and said it all in a funny accent. I think that is God working his magic on me. I think the he always helps me out to make someone laugh (especially when they need it) even when I don't realize it. Even If I don't realize what I am saying or doing until afterwards.

...and this makes complete sense to me. In just about every show I've ever done, I have always been the comic relief. Even though it is frustrating always playing "the funny one", I have grown to love it. Its kind of comforting to me. Sometimes I feel like I'm living out the show "I Love Lucy". Lucy was the focus of her world, yet she was the comic relief. Not saying that I could ever hold a candle to Lucille Ball, but I think God also worked this same magic on her.

Over the past few weeks, I have really grown to believe that we all have some sort of calling from God. Whether its the ability to make someone laugh, or the ability to be a good listener, or the ability to give great advice. Over the past few weeks, I have seen all these abilities. Each one in a completely different person. The shows that Gods plan always works. Gods plan is fool-proof. It cannot be undone. :)

Thanks For Listening to Me Babble...

Kale

P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney...

Day Seventeen: Leviticus 11:1 - 15:33

I know I am way behind. This weekend being labor day weekend, my work schedule has been hectic this week. Hopefully after tomorrow I will be back on track. :)

I have to be honest. When reading Leviticus so far I feel like Dory from Finding Nemo. If there is something around me to distract me, it WILL distract me. Of course my attention span has never been anything to brag about. I find it extremely hard to stay engaged in Leviticus. This makes me sad! I have had such a good experience reading the Bible so far. No matter how long it takes me to read Leviticus, I will not give up!

I think that sense I am having a hard time with this one. I may shorten the portions a tad bit. Maybe just reading two to three chapters a day. That way I wont get bored, and I can focus better on the laws, and points the laws are trying to make. I only have about ten chapters of Leviticus left. So, my goal is to be done by the end of next week. Most Definitely.

So...Here We Go...

Clean and Unclean Food

This section was mostly talking about what animals the Israelites could and could not eat. Anything that could eat the cud and had a split hoof, could be eaten. They had to have both of these things. If an animal ate the cud but did not have a split hoof. They were considered unclean. If the animal had a split hoof and did not eat the cud, it was considered unclean.

( just keep swimming....just keep swimming...)

They were to "detest" the following birds:

The Eagle
The Vulture
The Red Kite
The Black Kite
The Raven
The Horned Owl
The Screech Owl
The Gull
The Hawk
The Little Owl
The Cormorant
The Great Owl
The White Owl
The Desert Owl
The Osprey
The Stork
The Heron
The Hoopoe. and
The Bat

Other than that. Eat it!

These were the most basic laws. The Bible got really detailed about what not to eat, and what would be considered clean and unclean. (Insects, lizards, seafood, etc.)

Purification after Childbirth

These laws were very strict ( ya know I speak whale...)

If a woman gave birth to a son, she was not considered clean until the seventh day after his birth, On the eighth day the son was to be circumcised and the woman was to wait thirty three days to be purified from her bleeding.

If it were a girl she gave birth too, she was not purified from bleeding until sixty six days after the birth.

Why all these rules? I guess and Germs are to Surgeons, "Unlceanness" is to Leviticus.
I guess if people didn't know any better, then the only way to make sure things got done properly was for God to makes laws for everything.

The were also many laws mentioned about ( i shall call him squishy and he shall be mine, and he shall be my squishy) Infectious Skin Diseases, Mildew, The Discharging of Semen From a Male.

There were so many laws and details I couldn't possibly began to describe them here. ( please excuse him, hes lost his son, fabio)

I hope this post did not bore anyone too much ( yes, im a natural blue) . I promise the next one will rock!

"I suffer from short-term memory loss"
Kale

Offering Part Two...

Day Sixteen: Leviticus 6:1 - 10:20
(Technically)

So...right off the bat I'm confused.

The chapters that I read in my last post were talking about the procedures of the Israelites offerings to God. So why do these chapters mostly repeat it? Is is supposed to signify that the rules for slightly different for Aaron and his family? I'm not sure. If anyone has any thoughts please let me know. I would like to understand it.

Mostly this part confused me. But I did have a few thoughts...

Double Jeopardy
An Israelite who committed a crime against another person had two parties to reckon with. First of all the criminal/sinner. Was to repay the victim. Second, they also had to bring a special offering for God. A crime against another person, counts as a sin against God.

I also noticed that Priests had certain privileges that other Israelites didn't have. They were exempted from "military duty" and also had the right to keep portions of the offerings as food. The Priests, however, were never considered "holier than thou", they had regular sacrifices for their own sins, as well as sins for the Israelites. If I read all this correctly. The Priests were doing about twice as many sacrifices.

Aaron assumes the new office of high priest. God has set apart the tribe of Levi to perform religious duties for the entire nation. There ceremony consisted of the Israelites anointing their garments, as well as sacrificing their offering of rams and bread (without yeast). This ceremony apparently lasted eight days in all and culminated in a dramatic display of Gods approval. The priesthood remained in Aaron's family from then on.

The Death Of Nadab and Abihu

The sons of Aaron took their censers, put fire in them and added incense. Then they offered "unauthorized fire" before God, against his command. So fire came out from the presence of God, and consumed them. They died before the Lord. This really shows how strict God was about offerings and sacrifices. God thought very highly of this temple, and it was very important that everything run smoothly.


This has nothing to do with My Journey Through The Bible. Just a nice thought. This is my favorite poem, and I wanted to share it.


The Road Not Taken


Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

- Robert Frost


So Sleepy...

Kale

Offering Part One...

Day Fifteen: Leviticus 1:1 - 5:19

My First Post For Leviticus.

Even though I have only finished two books now, I feel an amazing accomplishment when finishing a new book of the Bible. It puts me in a very good mood when starting a new one.

Leviticus so far...

God is explaining to the Israelites the Procedures of Offering. Every type of offering has its own procedures.

The Burnt Offering
The Grain Offering
The Fellowship Offering
The Sin Offering
The Guilt Offering

When you commit a crime, you don't get off in court just by saying. "Oops! My Bad!" Justice requires that you pay for you crime. The Israelites, therefore, could not just march into God's presence to fellowship with him. They had to bring sacrifices to "Atone", for their inadequacies (been waiting all day to use that word). These sacrifices cost most of what the Israelites have.

To subsistence farmers, a bull or goat represents a large contribution. Those less fortunate could give less (due to the fact that was all they were able to do), a pair of doves, a little flour. But in just about all cases, a person would feel the cost, cost meaning...something they has worked hard for, something inherited, or something grown on their own farm.

I wonder how bad the economy was in this time period. Think of all the animals, livestock, and firewood they went through just for offering. It leads to believe that God knew this was going to happen. Making it impossible to survive in the long run if people continued to sin. The more they sinned. The more they were to offer and sacrifice. The more it became rare. God definitely knew what he was doing. :)

Its amazing to me that blood and animal parts were once considered a sacrifice. God wanted them to sacrifice something dear and important to pay when they sinned. It would be equivalent to one of us today...burning a Cell Phone, IPod, or Computer. These are things we consider necessities today. To the Israelites, animals, food and grain were considered necessities.

I know I am a post behind. So tonight there will be two. See you again in like....five minutes.

Kale

Ant Moses...

Day Fourteen: Exodus 36:1 - 40:38

This is my last post of Exodus.

The other day I was outside walking with my mother and sister. While walking I saw the most beautiful anthill I had ever seen. Ants, have no way of communication as far as we know. There is no delegation, and there is no royal ranking. Ants, just know what to do. The Israelites are kind of like ants. All of them worked together to build The Tabernacle of Moses. Very much like the way a colony of ants build an anthill. People who were skilled in different areas gave their abilities to building the tabernacle.

In a way I guess, the Tabernacle was like the first Church in the Bible. In the sense that, it was a holy place, and was meant for worship.

It was also similar to a church in another very big way. A Church is not only a place to worship. It brings people together. A church is a big family. A small community of its own. Just like the Israelites. The Israelites all worked together and through it all. There was a happy ending.

So...

Moses was definitely a character. I think he was the first person in the Bible to show (very obviously and openly) every visible emotion. There were times he was scared, naive, happy, sad, brave, timid, meek, and Inspiring.

There is not much more to post about, considering I have posted three posts on the building of the Tabernacle. This was a huge part of the ending of Exodus, just about the last ten chapters was nothing but an explanation and plans for the Tabernacle.

Super Excited About Leviticus.

Kale

The Golden Calf...

Day Thirteen: Exodus 30:1 - 35:35

Only one more post of Exodus!


Mostly trough out the beginning of this portion, it was finishing up Gods instructions for the sanctuary. Moses was on top of Mount Sinai for a total of 40 days and 40 nights. Moses came down from the mountain to learn that Aaron and the Iraelites had built (and were Worshipping) a Golden Calf. They made the calf out of the Israelites. When Moses saw this happening, he became extremely angry. He threw the two stone tablets to the ground and destroyed the Golden Calf. Moses then told the Israelites, that they believed in God, to come forth. The Levites immediately came forth. He told them to take a sword, and kill the rest of the Israelites. They did just as Moses said.

Moses returned to Mount Sinai so that he could speak with God once again. He was up there for another 40 days and nights. When he returned again. The Israelites said that he was glowing, and they could tell he had been talking to God.

I think its great that Moses' face was glowing. Even though my face isn't physically glowing, I can tell that I am a much happier person than I was before. Not that I was unhappy before, but I do feel different. It just goes to show you, that does really does work tremendous magic in your life...always.

I have to be honest. I am not sure what to think of Moses' reaction to the golden calf. I want to think that he overreacted. He did however, tell God not to kill the Israelites. Moses tells them that God has blessed them for turning against their brothers and family. This part made me feel a little uneasy. Its just kinda...odd?

I am sorry that there was not more to post this time. Not a lot happened other than God explaining the plan for the Sanctuary.

Tomorrow is my last Exodus post! :)

Have Your Cake And Eat It Too

Kale

Let The Punishment Fit The Crime...

Day Twelve: Exodus 21:1 - 29:46

Exodus is going very well. I plan on being done with Exodus in just one or two more posts!!!!

Even though The Parting Of The Red Sea, was my last post. I found this picture and fell in love with it. I have heard a lot of people say that The Parting Of The Red Sea was absurd or crazy, due to the fact that the water had to go somewhere, and the fish had to swim somewhere. To me this picture makes it look realistic, It lets you see what my have been happening without getting all "Hollywood". Maybe I am looking way too much into this (no! not Kale), but anyway its a cool picture. Your Welcome.

This portion of Exodus was extremely difficult. It was by far the most difficult portion for me to read yet. Mostly it continued with the Ten Commandments (where it left off), and then the last five chapters were mostly God directions to the Israelites for building the sanctuary.

The first few chapters however, were more of Gods laws. I found it interesting, that not one time was there anything about homosexuality mentioned. I know that is a risky topic, and very controversial. Over the past few years, I have heard over and over again about the Bible, and how it teaches us that Homosexuality is wrong. I am gay, and very happy. I feel as though God loves me, I feel as though God loves the fact that I have struggled due to the fact that I have told people I was gay. (Not saying that God loves to see me struggle. I'm saying that he loves me for simply being honest...and being me). I am not trying to preach or alter any ones views on this at all. I know that later on in the Bible there will be mentioning of homosexuality. I am looking forward to it. I have learned a lot from these laws that I have read in Exodus.

Bottom Line. I Know God Loves Me...Calvin Klein underwear and all. :)

In contrast to the punishments of other contemporary codes, the penalties for wrongdoing described in these chapters emphasize punishments fitted to the crime. God words make it clear that he is trying to "make-good" for the victim.

"Let The Punishment Fit The Crime" - Gilbert and Sullivan

I also mentioned in an earlier post about sin. I talked about how I though there was no scale of sin, but an exception to every rule. God says this (not in those words exactly) a few times here. He says that if someone is robbing you at night and you kill them , you will not be punished. All in all God is the only Judge. He judges the crime (sin), rule (commandment), and exception.

I love the detailed explanation that God gives Moses and the Israelites on building his sanctuary. It shows how much God wants to be worshiped, how much he wants to know that we love him, as he loves us. I also love that Aaron finally got a piece of the cake. God told Moses and the Israelites to make Aaron and his family fine clothes and garments so that they will always be recognized as priests.

How nice it must be, to be singled out and showed off by God. :)

On another (random) note...

I recently watched the movie Godspell. I love this movie. I have seen it a million times.

I can remember just a few years ago when I was in a production of Godspell for the first time. It is mostly based on the Gospel of Matthew. I know that I am nowhere near that part of the Bible yet. But, I thought I would let everyone know that if they have not seen it...they should. Even though in the 1970's it was extremely controversial due to the fact that the man playing Jesus had a "fro" (apparently that makes you a hippy), I think the extreme upbeat and strong loving vibe, is exactly the point that Jesus tries to teach us all. God is great! :)

Goodnight Sky

Kale

On Top Of Old Sinai...

Day Eleven: Exodus 13:1 - 20:26

I Love Reading The Bible!

The Firstborn Principle

At the time of the passover and the "exodus" (exit) from Egypt, God introduced an important principle. Every firstborn male, including animals were to be devoted to him.

It AMAZING to me how much faith Moses had in God, and how much faith God had in Moses.
No matter what happens, God is doing his best to be sure that the Israelites believe in Moses.
Moses is almost like the Jesus from the old testament. Thoughts?


The Parting of The Red Sea

I can say that so far, this could be my favorite part. (Besides Adam and Eve).
Its funny to me how these people were able to walk on a highway through the sea that God had made them, and people still did not believe that God was talking to Moses. Its very similar to today. I don't understand how anyone can look at a baby, or the ocean, or the sun, or the moon, or the stars, or the mountains...and not believe that God exists. It just goes to show you that people have always (since the beginning of time) had trouble with their faith. The Israelites have been through a lot, what with their living condition in Egypt, and now their difficult journey out of Egypt.

If you have never read The Song Of Moses and Miriam 15:1 - 18. I would recommend it.

I think when Moses and The Israelites sang this song to God, it was supposed to show their awareness and love for God. I think by singing this song it made God aware that the Israelites believed in him, and were grateful for the exodus from Egypt.

Its Raining...

The Israelites became impatient with Moses, telling him that when they were in Egypt, they weren't going hungry or tired, and that the exodus is making them starve. Then God tells Moses that he will make it rain bread, and that everyone is to only take what they need, and that on the Sixth day....they should gather enough for two days..because on the Seventh day, there will be no bread. The Israelites called this bread Manna. The seventh day, that God made holy, is referred to as Sabbath.

On Top Of Old Sinai...

Moses receives the Ten Commandments from God.

I must be honest. At this part I cried a little. You always hear about the Ten Commandments, but how many people have actually read that part in the Bible? It was heartwarming that I was reading something important, that I had always heard of, and I wasn't prompted to, I was reading it for my own enjoyment.

I like Moses. Moses is totally go with flow and just wants everyone to be happy. Whatever God says goes...end of story. Moses is an alright kid (in the Bible I believe anything under 600 is a kid...just makes sense).


1. “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.

2. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My Commandments.

3. “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

4. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.

5. “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

6. “You shall not murder.

7.“You shall not commit adultery.

8. “You shall not steal.

9. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10. “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.”

Half-way Through Exodus!

Kale

Everythings Coming Up Moses...

Day Ten: Exodus 6:1 - 12:51

I have learned over the past week how much my attitude has changed. I have such a positive outlook on life that it is almost impossible for something to go wrong. For example: Saturday night at Sonny's was very slow, it was not a good night for money. I however, probably made more money on Saturday night in a single shift than I ever have. I have no doubts what-so-ever that my attitude and new found relationship with God had everything to do with it.


So....Moses shows his Pharaoh his magic staff miracle (Just as God told them), and Pharaoh refuses to let Moses and Aaron leave (Just as God told them) with the Israelites (from now on I am going to refer to them as the I-ites. Much easier to write).

So...Moses and Aaron (Just as God told them) strike the water in the Nile river and turn it to blood, with this all of the water in Egypt becomes blood. Pharaoh does not let the I-ites leave (Just as God told them).

So...Moses and Aaron ( Just as God told them) bring a huge plague of frogs into Egypt. Frogs begin to multiply and appear from every direction....frogs, frogs, frogs everywhere!!! Pharaoh still would not let them leave (Just as God told them).

So...Moses and Aaron send a plague of gnats to Egypt (Just as God told them), gnats to the left, gnats to the right. High gnats, low gnats. Gnats here, gnats there. Pharaoh still would not let the I-ites leave (Just as God told them).

So...Moses and Aaron send a plague of flies into Egypt (Just as God told them). Flies everywhere! It was worse than a picnic in a trailer park! Pharaoh still would not let the I-ites leave! (Just as God told them)

So...Moses and Aaron send a plague on the livestock (Just as God told them). Only letting the livestock belonging to the I-ites live. Pharaoh still doesn't let the I-ites leave!!!

So...Moses and Aaron send a plague of boils into Egypt (ok really enough is enough, I can handle frogs but boils really? Really, Pharaoh? gross) Boils covered all the men and animals of Egypt. Pharaoh still did not let them leave.

So...Moses and Aaron send a plague of hail into Egypt (Just as God told them). The biggest hailstorm the world has ever seen. Worse than the movie Twister! Pharaoh still did not let them go. (Just as God told them)

So...Moses and Aaron send a plague of locusts into Egypt(Just as God told them). Locusts take over! Locust-zilla! Locust Kong! Locust-donna! Pharaoh finally tells Moses he can take only the I-ite men (Just as God told then).

So...Moses and Aaron send a plague of darkness over Egypt (Just as God told them). Except for where the I-ites were. Nobody could see anything or go anywhere for three whole days. Pharaoh tells Moses that he can only take the men and women but cannot take any animals or livestock. When Moses refuses, Pharaoh tells him that if he comes to him again, he will die.

So...Moses and Aaron tell the people of Egypt that at midnight God will come into Egypt and kill the firstborn child of every household (Just as God told them). Except for the I-ites.

This is what we all now know as The Passover.

Finally! Moses is able to lead his people from Egypt!

It's interesting to me how long God let these plagues last. It shows us how far he will go. Not only to get a point across, but to save and help people. It shows that if God is determined for something to happen it will happen, and fighting it only causes chaos (boils-gross).

So Pharaoh finally lets the Israelites leave Egypt! It stinks that all of Egypt had to suffer due to Pharaohs earlier decisions (boils-nasty), but in the end it all worked out.

I think that is what many people need to focus on today. In the End it will All Work Out. I think that is the best outlook you can have :)

Boils-Why?

Kale

Moses Supposses His Toeses Are Roses...

Day Nine: Exodus 1:1 - 5:21 I know I'm a day Behind :)


Why is it that since the beginning of organized government, Dictators have always picked on a helpless minority? The poor Israelites.

Its very similar to Hitler and the Jews, or Hussein and the Kurds.

The King of Egypt told the Hebrew midwives that if a boy was born to the Israelites, they were to throw him into the Nile river. This was supposed to stop the the reproduction of the Israelites. A Levite (Israelite) woman became pregnant, and hid her son for three months. When she could not hide him any more, she put him in a basket and sent him down the Nile river. When the Pharaohs daughter found him she named him Moses. When Moses was grown up he saw an Egyptian man beating up a Hebrew man, and Moses killed the Egyptian. Then later he saw two Hebrew men fighting. When Moses confronted the man in the wrong, the man confronted Moses about him killing the Egyptian.

I guess this is to show that Moses was always followed by controversy. As a child he was supposed to have died, and now as an adult, everyone knows who Moses is. Moses is kind of like a modern day Eva Peron. Eva Peron (Evita), was followed by extreme controversy her whole life until she later become the President of Argentina. Moses reminds me Eva. Not sure why.

The Burning Bush

When Moses talks to God in the burning bush, God tells him that he is to go and get the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses had a very "who me?" reaction to all of this (but wouldn't you?).
Moses had big doubts about his ability to lead. He resisted God, bringing up his "unworthiness".

God assured him that the elders of the Israelites would believe him and follow. Moses asked God what he should do if nobody believed him. God gave him a staff, he told Moses to throw the staff to the ground. When Moses threw the staff to the ground it turned into a snake, God told Moses to grab the tail of the snake. When Moses grabbed the tail of the snake, it once again became a staff.

As if this wasn't enough...

God also told Moses to put his hand into his pocket, when Moses pulled his hand out of his pocket, Moses' hand was "leprous" like snow. When Moses put his hand back into his pocket, it returned to normal.

Just to be on the safe side...

God also told him that he was too poor water from the Nile river onto the floor, and it would turn into blood.

So, pretty confident now, Moses and his family set out for Egypt.

QUESTION:

4:24 Confused me, It says that at a lodging place on the way, God almost killed Moses...but when Zipporah took a knife and cut off her sons foreskin and touched Moses' feet with it, the Lord let him alone.

Highly confused...Why was God going to kill Moses...was it because his son was about to enter Egypt and he was not circumcised? Please help me with that one.

Its funny that God chooses the people he does to be leaders. Why Abraham, Why Joseph, Why Moses? I guess it just goes to show you that no matter how small you think you are. God knows your there...always. :)

Next Time.

Kale

Reunited And It Feels So Good...

Day Eight: Genesis 46:1 - 50:26

My journey through Genesis is complete :)

I have grown extremely close to Joseph.

Joseph (when starting out) was a spoiled brat, favored by his father over ten older brothers. He got the fancy clothes and preferential treatment and apparently thought he deserved them. He even had the audacity to brag about his dream to his brothers (the dream about them bowing down to him). What makes a boy like this grow up? In Josephs case, his brothers ridding him from their land was almost a prayer from God (not saying God sent him to Egypt). If Joseph would've stayed in Canaan, and would've continued to be spoiled by his father, Joseph never would've grew up. I feel the exact same way about myself. I feel as though everything I have been through was for a reason. I feel as though God has brought me through these last five years for a good reason, and I can completely see it now. :)


Family Reunion:

Israel (Jacob) is finally reunited with his son (Joseph) and gets to meet his Grandchildren. I love happy endings :)

Even more important than the reunion between Jacob and Joseph. Is the reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. Joseph had no hard feelings and forgives his brothers right away.

Josephs summation of his experience might apply to many human situations. His brothers intended evil, but God intended good. Josephs trust that God can bring good out of bad intentions enabled him finally to forgive his brothers, leaving all judgement to God :)

Joseph Passes.

When Joseph passes he tells his brothers not to worry, and that god will aid them through hard times. I began to cry a little during the death of Joseph. Even though I knew it was going to happen, it still caught me off guard, I wasn't ready to let Joseph go.

My life over the past week, had made a complete turn around. I am so happy with myself. I find myself talking to God throughout the day, even if its.."Hey God...Hows your day going?" I cant begin to explain how amazing I feel.

Exodus. Here I come...

Kale

Let's Talk About Love...

I have decided that since my journey through the bible is going so well...that tonight I would take a small break before finishing Genesis and talk about other things that have been on my mind.

Today I was talking with friends about Revelations. They were telling about how everything the bible says is going to happen is happening right now. I kept trying to pull the conversation away and make the talk more positive. My friend was extremely interested in the Book Of Revelations (this is not a bad thing) and wanted to talk on it further. He talked about the Antichrist, Jesus coming back, the mark of the beast, all things I had heard about before. It wasn't until discussing it with other people, that I realized how people today really are convinced that the end is just around the corner.

This is how I feel...(not saying I'm right)

The world is still an extremely beautiful place. The U.S. government is having extreme difficulties getting organized and solving problems but I do think as a nation we will pull trough. I believe that because things have gotten to a "scary" point in America today that people are associating the results of a "less than well" economy, with those events that are said to be taking place in the Bible. Even though there are people nowadays that cant be trusted, and there are places where love is short lived and little. The world is still great! :) and God loves it (us).

I firmly believe that we (we meaning Mankind...not we as in Americans) have so much more to discover and learn about life and the world right now. The United States may not be in the best of shape right now. But in some parts of the world. Things are hunky dory!!! :) Just because a nation is having Leadership and Government difficulties, that does not mean the end is near.

If the end is near...

I think that's all the more reason to be positive and spread the word of God by love...not fear, because after all, God is Love.

On another note....

Ive noticed some amazing things while reading Genesis. Ive noticed even more, everything that Jesus did! Even though Jesus was not even around during the time of Genesis. When reading Genesis...it never once says anything about people praising God, or worshiping God. I believe that in the Beginning....the word of God was spread mostly by fear. After all there was no Bible, all people had to go on was that he had kicked his children out of Eden, and then killed all people with a huge flood. Why wouldn't you be scared? I think that is why he picked people like Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph to bless. He knew that they were capable of spreading the word. He knew that if he put his will in their hands, all would be good.

This made me notice how big of a job Jesus had. He told the whole world they were loved by God, because I don't think many knew it. Not saying that people did not love God, but I do think that most people (until Jesus) had no idea just how strong Gods love for us is. It is almost a foreshadowing of what is to happen in the New Testament.

Sorry If i threw anyone off...tomorrows post will cover the rest of Genesis.

I cant even begin to express how my life is improving right now. Never have I been so happy :)

God Loves Me

Kale

Walk Like An Egyptian...

Day Seven: Genesis 41:1 - 45:28

Only one more post, and I will have completed Genesis.

Also, I have received an Email from an extremely nice woman in Sweden. She asked me if it was ok for her to introduce my blog to her study group. I didn't say yes....I screamed it!!!

I was talking with a Co-worker of mine the other day. We began talking about God and the Bible. I was talking about Judgements. She had an extremely nice insight on the topic. She said, "God loves us, always, for who we are, and no matter what..." super simple....but it stuck with me.

"Well it came to me kinda funny...uh...like a dream!" - Guys and Dolls

I have come to learn that I am picking the worst chapters to leave off at. All day long I was stressing about how Joseph was going to get out of prison and the whole time it was less then ten verses away from where I left off.

Finally! Joseph is released from the big house!

The chief cupbearer finally remembered him and told Pharaoh all about him! Pharaoh then told Joseph of his dream....

I love how Joseph never took credit for reading the dreams. He always gave God the credit.

The dream told Joseph that there would be great crops and food for seven years, and then there would be a severe famine for the seven years following that. He then made Joseph the ruler of all Egypt.

Finally, good things are happening for Joseph!!!
Joseph was extremely smart and saved so much food that it was "beyond measure". When the severe famine finally hit, Josephs brothers in Canaan heard about the food in Egypt and were sent there by Israel (Jacob) to buy some. When they arrive in Egypt, Joseph recognizes them right away. They, however, do not recognize him. He tells him that they must go back and get their youngest brother from Canaan and return to Egypt with him. (Joseph really just wanted to see his youngest brother, he was not trying to blow them off). They return to Egypt with the youngest brother and he then tells them they must bring their father, Israel to Egypt.

I am horrible at being mean! When I try to be mean to someone or teach someone a lesson I am always the one who gets hurt. I hate seeing someone in pain or with hurt feelings. Even if they are extremely mean and rude to me. Even if I feel that they deserve it. I cant do it.

I connect with Joseph in this way. Joseph tells his servant to hide a gold cup in the youngest brothers bag. Then after catching them he tells them that they are to be his slaves, he then asks about their (his) father. When they explain to him how heartbroken Israel was when he never saw Joseph again. This made Joseph cry to hear that his father had been in pain all these years, so he decided to come clean. He told them the whole story. At first they were scared to hear that he was alive. Due to the fact they had sold him to Egypt, and took his "Coat Of Many Colors" (it really never gets old.

Pharaoh overheard the whole thing and told Josephs brothers to return to Canaan and return to Egypt with their father!

YAY JOSEPH!!!
Joseph has grown 110% since the very beginning. When we first met Joseph, he was spoiled and naive. Now he is completely sincere and caring. Go Joseph!

I cant wait to read about Joseph reuniting with his father!

Loving Life...

Kale

Once Upon a Dream...

Day Six: Genesis 35:1 - 40:23

I have become obsessed!

Not obsessed with this blog, but obsessed with the Bible. Everyday I rush home to read the Bible. I feel great about life! This is my joy, Reading The Bible and sharing it with all of you!

Jacob is now known as Israel.

I love how whenever God blesses a person he often changes their name. (First with Abram/Abraham and then with Sarai/Sarah).

So Rachel and her maidservant (Deborah) have both passed away. I had no idea that Rachels death was caused by a difficult birth. It shouldnt shock me though I guess. Dying during birth was very common back then. But her son did live. Ben-Oni (Benjamin).

Joseph - Beautiful Dreamer

Joseph (only seventeen) had a dream, that his sheave of grain (google it) rose up and that his Brothers sheaves began to bow down to it.

To Joseph this was probably just a dream. ( I often have horrible dreams about the Statue of liberty and Ketchup). Joseph was a great guy. His brothers were always very jealous. I cant blame his brothers for feeling jealous. Joseph was by far the favorite of Israel. Israel is the one who gave Joseph his infamous "Coat Of Many Colors" . So naturally his brothers would resent him. This makes me sad.

I do believe that Joseph is the first "big" example of growth in the Bible. God revealed Josephs future by way of two dreams. Foolishly, Joseph told everything to his brothers, who only began to hate him even more. Joseph was very spoiled and naive at this time. You would never think that this later would be the careful, prudent leader who leave prison to rule Egypt (got a little ahead of myself...I think the multicolored font above has made me hyper).

Josephs Brothers Sell Him!!!

The story of Joseph reminds me very much of the movie "The Color Purple". In the "The Color Purple" (really, Ill stop now), Celie (Whoopi Goldberg) has a horribly tragic life. No matter what she does, bad stuff just seems to keep happening. No matter what Joseph does he just keeps getting in worse trouble, and none of it is his fault.

It breaks my heart how upset Israel was when his sons told him that an animal had eaten Joseph. They brought Israel, Josephs "Coat Of Many Colors" ( really, thats the last one ) and told him that a ferocious animal had attacked him. Israel was heartbroken and did not get out of bed.

So when Joseph finally becomes a servant of Potiphar. He has things going fairly well for him. Until Potiphars wife becomes angry due to the fact that Joseph wont sleep with her. Then she tells Potiphar that Joseph tried to violate her. The he gets put in prison ( very depressing ). Then while in prison he meets two men. The two men tell him of two odd dreams they have had, and Joseph tells them what they mean. Joseph tells the first man ( the cupbearer) that when he sees Pharaoh, he should tell him of Joseph, so that once again he could be released.........but the man forgot about Joseph. :(

I love how Joseph never lost his faith. No matter how bad things seem to get for him, he always listens to God. The Story of Joseph is very inspiring.

Joseph cannot catch a break...he lost everything including his "Coat Of Many Colors" (seriously, dont hate....Its totally precious).

I truly love how God is working in my life right now.

Kale

The Real Housewives Of Paddan Aram...

Day Five: Genesis 29:1 - 34:31

I am now half-way through Genesis. :)

This portion was very interesting for me to read. As I read, I can see that times are changing. In the beginning everyone was so innocent and kind. People are now starting to scheme and plot.

I think it is super sweet how Jacob felt about Rachel. Jacob worked (for Laban) a total of fourteen years to win Rachels hand in marriage.
Meanwhile he also earned (undesirably) Leahs hand in marriage.

I have to be honest. My heart goes out to Leah. All she wanted was acceptance, and affection. When she was finally able to have a child, she was convinced that Jacob would now love her. She was wrong. Rachel became so jealous, (she was barren) she sent her maidservant to lie with Jacob, just to get back at Leah. Then Leah became jealous (see a pattern forming?) and had more children. Then Rachel became jealous (seriously I'm not kidding) and finally was able to conceive one for herself.....Joseph.

Brotherly Love.

I almost started to cry when Jacob and Esau finally reconciled. Even though the Bible did not make it out to be a huge deal. I think that God was trying to get the point across. That they were both too big of men to say "I'm sorry". But at the same time they were both too sensitive to turn the other cheek. I was very happy (I really didn't see it coming though).

"Someones In the Kitchen with Dinah..."
I feel very close with Dinah. She seems like she was often caught in the middle of family affairs. I imagine her as a very loving and caring person.
Shechem "violated" Dinah. This broke my heart. So naturally her brothers (Jacobs sons) Simeon and Levi ( in the spirit of good ole' southern raisin') were extremely angry to hear about this. They told Shechem that if he and all the men of the city were to be circumcised, they would Let him wed Dinah, and that they would marry the women of the land. When the men were still very sore from the circumcision, Levi and Simeone killed every male in the city. (and thats the night the lights went out in Georgia).

Even though killing is never ok. It touches me how much Simeon and Levi cared for Dinah. I think that Jacob did a good job raising his children. He was a very good dad, although he was never a very good son. I think his way of making up for his stubborness as a child, was showing his love for his wifes and children as an adult. Even reconciling with his brother was a huge step.

This (from what I have read so far) is the first example of forgiveness between family (even though there were small examples with Adam and Eve as well as with Noahs family).

This blog is helping me in so many ways right now. I am so happy that I can now see how God is trying to work in my life, and where he is planning on taking me. I am so happy! :)

PS: I am soooo sorry everyone that I wasnt at The Avenue Church this morning! I overslept! :) See you next Week! Really!

Next Time.
Kale

Dont Cry Daddy...

Day Four: Genesis 20:1 - 28:22

Before I get into my readings, I would like to talk about a few things.


Just last night I recieved an email from my old friend Marge, telling me how much she enjoyed what I was doing. She spoke extremely highly of my post concerning the sun and my connection with God. She talked about how everyones relationship with God is different. She explained to me how when she would look at the stars, she could feel Gods presence and almost hear him speaking to her. This was exactly the point I was trying to make :). Another friend, Leona, also discussed with me, a little about Adam and Eve. In my post, I explained how I thought Adam and Eves actions must have really hurt God. Leona exaplined to me how she (being a parent) did not think that God had put the fruit there as a test. He was really trying to protect Adam and Eve. I think Leona makes a very good point.





Then a few nights ago I had a nice conversation with Shanon :). After discussing a few things I had been reading about in the Bible, Shanon said..."Gods love is something beyond what people could ever imagine."

I loved this! It truly touched me, and changed my outlook on all questions I had.

So here we go....

Abraham once again.
I am a fond believer that sin is sin. There is not a ranking, or a scale or "sin-ness". After explaining this to people they often say ,"but even a white lie is a lie, do you think that telling someone a white lie is as bad as killing someone?" No I dont, and after reading about Abraham, I firmly believe that God takes a white lie into consideration, for example: Abraham has now lied twice about Sarah being his sister, not his wife (even though she is his half-sister). Instead of God being angry, he still continues to bless Abraham, because God knows that Abraham only lied to save him and Sarah. He did it for Sarahs own good, not out of selfeshness.

I do still firmly belive that sin is sin, but just like every rule, I do feel that there exceptions.

I never knew how highly God thought of Abraham until reading this. God tested Abraham several to prove his love for God, and Abraham passed every one. Even when God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (his son) as a burnt offering on the mountain. Abraham was going to do it. Thanks goodness God stopped him in time.

The Death Of Sarah ( Kinda sad. I really liked Sarah ).

Sarah has passed away due to old age. Abraham told the Hittites that he would sell all of his land to bury Sarah, but the Hittites told Abraham that they saw him as a prince, and to bury Sarah wherever he wanted. Ephron did not even want the four hundred shekels of silver.

If you think about it closely. This is probobly the oldest recorded business deal. The elaborate politeness sounds very much like bargaining in the Middle East today. Underneath the smooth words, shrewd negotiating is going on.

Not that everything in between Sarah dieing and Isaacs sons wasnt important. But the next thing to really stick out to me was Rebekah

Rebekah
Rebekah was an extremely forceful woman.
When offered marriage to an unkown relative hundreds of miles journey across dangerous lands, Rebekah did not hold back. Although her family wanted her to take time and adjust to the idea. Rebekah gatheres her things and was ready to leave the next day. In todays society Rebekah would be considered someone like Marilyn Monroe, or Gloria Steinem. She was very much like the Scarlett O'hara of her time. She was willing to leave even though she knew she would never see her home again.

Initiative is admirable, but an overdose can lead to trouble. Rebekah waited twenty years to have a child and then gave birth to twins. God told her that Jacob, the younger of the twins, would be God's chosen. In an attemp to manage Jacobs success, Rebekah made him lie to his father. Isaac (who is now blind) had no idea that he was giving his blessing to Jacob, he tought he was giving it to Esau.

Esau's birthright, which he sold for a meal, was his inheritance as the firstborn son. He stood to be head of a large extended family and its property. Though his brother Jacob took advantage of him, The Bible gives Esau little sympathy for this. I think this is because of how angry Esau had gotten when finding out, even threatening to kill Jacob. Although I dont agree with what Jacob and Rebekah did. They were still his brother and mother. He even also grew to despise his birthright. Which was his initial blessing anyway. Not cool.

So all in all. Jacob through his own greedy scheming had won the family birthright, and then ironically, had to run away from his family. Yet God came to him full of promises. Jacob had not looked for God,, but God had been looking for Jacob. This is exactly what my friend (who i accepted this challenge from) was explaining to me just last week. He was telling me that God loves to be pursued. He loves to be chased after just as people do. Even if we are in a relationship, it feels great to be chased after. It is a natural instinct. God is the same way.

Feeling Great

Kale

Somewhere Over The Rainbow...

Day Three: Genesis 9:1 - 19:38

Whoa! This has been my longest and most challenging read yet. ( out of the whopping 3 sections Ive read (: ) I found this extremely hard to understand and actually had to read over a few sections many times. But before I begin to discuss my readings. I would love to talk about the praise from all of my friends and family for starting this blog. I had no idea people would cling to it so soon. People have been calling me and writing me all day to tell me how great of a thing this is. Do know that I am not doing this only for myself. I am doing this for every person who is in my position. There are many other people besides myself who arent sure how to discuss or try to improve their relationhsip with God. Sometimes you need a boost. Im hoping that if you are in my position, you will consider this blog, a boost! As for myself, I am doing this to find my reltaionship with God. I can feel him trying to work his magic on me, I just need to learn how to accept it. I am so happy so many people have chosen to follow me along the way.

"Stranger to the Rain"

The rainbow is quite possibly the best gift we have ever recieved. The color and essence are extremely soothing to my soul. However, it is how we got the rainbow that is truly remarkable. For it is our promise from God that his covenant exists. It is our promise that he loves us, and never will harm us again like in the Flood. This was something that I had no idea about. I thought the rainbow was an "optical and meteorological phenomenon that causes a spectrum of light to appear in the sky when the Sun shines onto droplets of moisture in the Earths atmosphere." I can say, that I will never be able to look at a rainbow ever again without thinking that it is not only a gift to us, but a promise.





Abram/Abraham

Something I thought to be very interesting was that out of everything I have read so far. The first "lie" in the bible was told by Abram. Well, I guess it was not as much as a lie as it was a "half-truth". A lie is an attempt to decieve (according to one definition), and by that standard Abram was lying when he claimed Sarai was his sister. Yet he was telling half the truth, for she was his half-sister. It did not work out for him unfortunately.

Melchizedek.

The most mysterious Biblical character I've encountered yet.
In a 1980's teen movie, Melchizedek wouldve been known as..."the wise janitor" who happened to be really popular once upon a time.

Sarai and The Substitute Wife
Im not 100% sure I understand where she is coming from? (doesnt mean she is wrong).
She tells Abram to lay with Hagar (her and Abrams servant) to concieve a child, due to the fact that she had borne Abram no children, and did not think she ever could. According to custom, a man could sleep with a servant and include her children in his household. Abraham was trying to get the children he and his wife longed for and to "help God out" in fulfilling his promise of a son. Abrahams way was not Gods way, however, and Abrahams attempt led to considerable jealousy and sorrow ( to me, it seemed somewhat similar to that of Cain and Abel, but not quite as intense, for I dont think Hagar ever would have killed Sarai.

Sodom and Gomorrah
Yikes! This was an extremely intense and mindboggling section to read. After doing some research on it afterwards, many people have said that the destruction was due to the act of homosexuality. The Bible does not say this!!! The bible says it was a place of rape and torture. Yes, the act was men raping men. But between raping someone and being gay? Id choose gay. I can be gay and a good person. I highly doubt that a gang rapist is a good person. Thank goodness Lot (son of Abram) got out in time! Thoughts? I would really love to talk to others about this and recieve theirs views and opinions.

Now finding it hard to keep the Bible closed,
Kale