MikeLigalig.com

Coldplay-Viva la Vida

Quote from: Way Nada on March 25, 2011, 10:56:16 AM
Swiss Guards in the beginning are mercenaries of the pope of Rome. This is during the time when kingdoms went to war because of their religious belief, the pope since the church itself has no military organization recruited the Swiss people to fight for the church. Since then by church tradition the Swiss are chosen to guard the pope.

WN
 

En Addendum:

Tho benign in comparison to the Roman Empire's elite Praetorian Guard, the Swiss Guard functions almost in the same way, the personal protection of The Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. The Praetorian Guard handled the personal protection of the Emperor of the Roman Empire.

The difference, and most importantly, is the fact that the Swiss Guards don't actively assassinate the Pope, as compared to the Praetorian Cohorts as was the case of Caligula, Nero, etc (Roman Emperors who were assassinated by the Praetorian).

Quote from: Way Nada on March 25, 2011, 11:04:36 AM
Bungoton jud na sila! Kita naa man puy atong bungoton pero nakatago lang.

WN

ahaha!

Sir Nada, mo angay raba ang mga baji sa bungoton nga laki (depende ra pood sa baji) kai ma gilokan sila sa halik-halik. 



"There is always a period when a man with a beard shaves it off. This period does not last. He returns headlong to his beard."
- Jean Cocteau


"He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than a man."
- William Shakespeare

Quote from: TUBAGBOHOL.com on December 14, 2009, 02:18:40 PM
           

The victim was identified as one Isabel Bartel, 76, a resident of Barangay San Ramon, Sagbayan.           
   

Police investigators learned that the suspect threatened the victim with a bolo and shoved her to the floor.           

The suspect demanded money from the victim and when she refused, punched her repeatedly in different parts of her body until she passed out.           

While she was unconscious, the suspect searched her belongings and took away two Nokia cellphones, ATM card and cash amounting to P2,500.           



Meanwhile, policemen continued their operations against illegal gambling when they raided a suspected gambling operation personality in Jagna town.           

The suspect was identified as one Christopher Acasio, of legal age and a resident of Barangay Canjulao, Jagna town.           

Bu-ang kaajo ning tawhana. Ija pa jud gi sumbag ang tigulang nga baji? Walang lagay ning tawhana. Lami pood ning tawhana i sumbagon duro!

Jawaang bu-ang! Walang batasan.

What a stupid individual to strike an elderly person. Walang batasan ning tawhana. Bu-ang na Bu-ang! 

A 69 year old man is hospitalized for an exacerbation of asthma. He is placed on albuterol and an inhaled corticosteroid , but due to low oxygen saturation, he is intubated. After 3 days in the hospital, he has a temperature of 39.4 degs C, a blood pressure of 104/ 63 mm Hg, a pulse of 108/ min, and a respiratory rate of 35/ min. On physical examination, the patient is found to have coarse rhonchi at the base of the lung fields bilaterally. The patient is producing purulent , foul-smelling sputum that shows Pseudomonas aeruginosa on culture analysis. Which of the following agents could be used to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection?

A. Cefoperazone
B. Cefotaxime
C. Cefotetan
D. Ceftriaxone
E. Cefuroxime

Quote from: Mulligan on June 25, 2010, 08:21:00 AM
Photos courtesy of Mikey G.

When you visit this place someday, tell the staff you are friends of Mikey and they will give you 50% discount.    

Fore !

+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Garden Cafe is located beside St. Joseph Cathedral in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. More about Garden Cafe. Nice dining, both Filipino and American pizza. The staff is all deaf so you select items from a small order form. The furnishing is American with boxes and red "leather" upholstery. The prices are very low and the atmosphere is nice.

More about this place.  Click  http://www.mikeygatal.com/connect/index.php?topic=8532.0

I should have taken advantage of this while I was there.

Quote from: Deepwater on March 25, 2011, 07:32:49 AM
we manually resuscitate especially at the ER and wards (and its not only me sad nagpump oi, puli puli mi sa mga co-interns) but i noticed we only used the defibrillator when the patient had insurance or good financial background (thats the sad part) and these are the family of patients who asks the doctors to not stop resuscitating... we usually alternate sa defibrillator then manual. with regards to the epi, thanks, new learning for me. Its not always all the time sad that we give more than 3 epis... most really is three epi's and we give 15mins for response if wla na, we appraise the family but like i said some family's in their verge of emotional insatbility cguro moask man ipadayun sa doc, especially if the patient is young so ambot nganu tagaan man sad epi nasad sa amo resident.

i relayed your story today , dra, with members of my surgical group and we had a discussion about this. our lead surgeon, Dr. Bautisto, who is a product of UST (he is also head of the surgical wing here) gave all of us an interesting lesson: the difference between american and philippine hospital setting. the lecture gave all of us an eye opening awareness of the situation in the philippines. the story that he shared with us, bares similarity with that of your personal experience. and i appreciate them both.

it is saddening to hear that in the philippines, a defibrillator is held off if a patient shows no financial competence. So you mean to tell me that if a person from say Inabanga (suffering from chest pain that radiates to her back and jaw) is rushed to Ramiro Hospital and if she has no health insurance, in case she suffers an acute heart attack / or hypothetical SVT, she will not be given a defibrillator?

Here in the United States, even if one has no health insurance or not, if it is a medical Emergency, the patient must be given emergency care. Mao na ang differense sa setting.

Professionalism aside, I can sympathize with why you guys didn't give up, at the request of the patient's family. How old was the patient diay? And what was the cause of death? Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or acute MI?

Manay,

I checked on Gwargz's lab value levels and it is apparent to me that he is hyperglycemic as indicated. His urine analysis indicates bacteria in medium and suggests a bacterial infection. His BP falls in the hypertensive level and should be checked out.

He complains of pain and his work indicates a stressful lifestyle with long travels. With exposure to pathogens in the air, and food.

The things that I would recommend from observing his results :

1. If not already taking hypertension mdx, he needs to take it soon to control his high blood pressure.
   : lisinopril, captopril; losartan, etc (he needs to ask his pcp about ace-inibs and arbs)

2. His sugar levels; he needs to control his sugar levels. If he is diabetic, he needs to control it and reduce his hyperglycemia
   : he needs to ask his pcp about the following: -- glyburide, metformin, or any generic oral hypoglycemic drugs

3. His urine analysis indicates multiple bacterial presence. His pcp needs to address this and prescribe standard antibacterial regimen.
   
Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular problems. He has to control his hypertension.

I already forwarded him my response and my email. I hope he is alright. If he has any further questions, tell him that he can reach me in my work email, which i check very regularly. I wish him the best and to take care of himself.

Gwargz, if you read this: remember: "Health is Wealth!!"

I will check it out, Manay. Thank you for making it known to me.

Manay, I cannot see it because it is too small. Can you please send the larger files to me via my email? I will then forward you my response.

My email sa: branlorenzo@gmail.com

Quote from: Deepwater on March 24, 2011, 03:25:02 PM
this is so true. unfortunately, esp in the phils. if dli ipaundang sa family sa patient, dli sad paundangun sa doctor. i remember as an intern, we resuscitated a patient for two hours before declared dead. he had 24 epinephrines given na cguro with no response. kapoi intawn cge og pump.

24 epinephrines ? Ka grabeh pood sa Pilipinas. Dili diay sila kahibalo that after 2 high doses of epi, mag saturate ang receptors sa pericardium?

By Medical Law, a brain that is deprived of oxygenated air for 5 minutes will be neurologically impaired. The situation that you personally had to endure was considered physiologically futile as well as fell in the realm of probabilistic futility. But it was noble, nonetheless.

One question, Dra, were you guys physically pumping the patient via manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation or where you guys using an defibrillator? In America, when dealing with patients who are suffering from acute Supraventricular Tachycardia, we usually give a dose (or two) of epinephrine and then cardioeversion to correct the abormal dysrythmia, which if left uncorrected for too long, becomes fatal.

Dra, I will nonetheless give you a standing ovation for that dedicated 2 hours of physical cardioeversion when all seemed lost. Daghan ko kaayo respect para nimo!!

Thank You , again, for the clarification and for the additional information and then some on the regards of INK's misinterpretation to traditional Catholic Teachings, Sir.

Quote from: Way Nada on March 24, 2011, 04:07:04 PM
A Jewish prayers have its origin from the doctrine about "lightness and darkness" which come from the ancient Babylonians and the believers of Zoaraster. Christians pick that up in the NT as "the children of lightness and the children of darkness. They [Jews] pray that Israel is separate than the other nations on earth. The days are literal 24 hours.

But the moslem prayer is a curse against Jews and Christians.

WN

Thank You for that excellent addition of splendid information, Sir Nada.

I have read reports of Japanese doctors that are treating patients in the area of impact, the countless patients they saw with limited medicine and with limited help. I respect and honor their strength and unwavering duty under such trying of times.

I read a report in a local hospital in Sendai , where one nurse recounts one Japanese doctor who was assisting patients to escape to higher ground, himself being consumed by the tsunami and dying as a result. He died in order that he could save his patients.

A noble death.

Quote from: Lorenzo on March 24, 2011, 12:56:06 PM
Decisions to forgo interventions for children





With infants and children, as with adults, recommendations sometimes must be made about what forms of care are indicated when death is likely.
Although it often is psychologically and emotionally difficult to accept the death of an infant or child, physicians sometimes must recommend that certain interventions are not medically indicated because they are futile, providing no, or at best minimal, benefits. All of the cautions about the concept of futility  should be observed.


Case 1:

A fetus is delivered by spontaneous abortion at 21 weeks of gestation, weighing 350 g, and is hypoxic at birth.

Case II:

Jason, a 4 year ol boy , who was absent from his home for approximately 2 hours, is found at the bottom of a heated swimming pool. When drawn from the water, he is limp, has a grayish pallor and is cold. His father initiates mouth to mouth resuscitation, with no response. The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrives 8 minutes later. During the ambulance trip to the ER, CPR is given for 26 minutes and two doses of Epinephrine fail to stimulate any physiologic response. Rectal temperature is 35 degs C.

In case 1, no infant of that birth weight and gestational age is known to have survived under current medical regimens. Although this may constitute probablistic futility, it more likely reflects the physiological incapacity of immature lungs to perform their essential work and thus would constitute physiologic futility.

In case 2, resuscitative efforts can be discontinued on the grounds of probabilistic futility. Current data suggests that failure to obtain a physiologic response after more than 20 minutes of good resuscitative  efforts and two doses of epinephrine in the presence of normal body temperature justifies termination of intervention.

In the likelihood that Jason survives, Jason probably has sustained brain damage that would severely compromise his quality of life.

Decisions to forgo interventions for children





With infants and children, as with adults, recommendations sometimes must be made about what forms of care are indicated when death is likely.
Although it often is psychologically and emotionally difficult to accept the death of an infant or child, physicians sometimes must recommend that certain interventions are not medically indicated because they are futile, providing no, or at best minimal, benefits. All of the cautions about the concept of futility  should be observed.


Case 1:

A fetus is delivered by spontaneous abortion at 21 weeks of gestation, weighing 350 g, and is hypoxic at birth.

Case II:

Jason, a 4 year ol boy , who was absent from his home for approximately 2 hours, is found at the bottom of a heated swimming pool. When drawn from the water, he is limp, has a grayish pallor and is cold. His father initiates mouth to mouth resuscitation, with no response. The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrives 8 minutes later. During the ambulance trip to the ER, CPR is given for 26 minutes and two doses of Epinephrine fail to stimulate any physiologic response. Rectal temperature is 35 degs C.

Unilateral DNR Orders


If the physician has concluded that CPR would be physiologically futile, resuscitation  need not be offered as a treatment option. For example, if the patient is exsanguinated upon arrival to the ER and has been pulse-less with a flat electrocardiogram for 20 minutes, CPR may be withheld without surrogate consent. When the patient is terminal but not moribund, we recommend that consent include the following four mandatory provisions:

1) the physician must obtain a second opinion

2) the hospital ethics committee must be consulted

3) an atmosphere for negotiation between parties must be created

4) the patient's right to be transferred to another provider must be preserved

Quote from: WarWick on March 17, 2011, 01:12:46 PM
The effect of the chaos in Libya alone might not be felt in a large scale extent at all...but the combination of all the unrest in the middle east, from Tunisia to Libya, Egypt, Bahrain and Yemen, this could alter the world economy and demand turmoil in the oil prices which in turn triggers price hikes in all basic commodities.

On the other hand, there is no correlation between the interior political uprising in the middle east to world war. It' not conflicts between countries, but rather conflicts between governments and their people. Even though Saudi Arabia is meddling with the interior issues of Bahrain, though it causes hate and anger among Bahrain protesters, it will not cause Bahrain leadership and all of its allies to fight against KSA. No, the allies of Bahrain will not act against KSA, because KSA is helping Bahrain government in the first place, not the protesters.

Wick,

The recent Allied attack on Libyan authorities and government troops to protect the rebels clearly show us that the west is willing to enact war and to intrude on that nation's internal problems. Under the milieu of freedom and revolutionary rhetoric, one has to be wary in seeing the rise of Islamic Revolution take place in Libya as well as in other countries. The precarious situation in the Middle East is definitely a serious issue, the implication of this recent phenomenon have been political, economical as well as military, as of late.

Considering the limited capability of the Philippine Government to rescue all of its overseas citizens in the middle east, especially in hostile regions , as in Libya, one can only hope for an immediate return to normalcy in the region.

Tho considering the volatile nature of that region of the world, I cant surmise when such a normalcy will be realized. However, I remain optimistic.

I don't use Internet Explorer. I use Moxilla Firefox and have no problem.

Quote from: gwargz on March 10, 2011, 01:48:24 PM
To the OFWs in Libya and other Arab countries that evacuation is going on : Jobless
To the Philippines : High fuel price
To me : Increase in Fuel Allowance      
To others who commute : Increase in Fare Allowance      

George,

I feel you on the sadness due to fare allowance increase. Maybe in the summer time, we can bike to work. 

Quote from: benelynne on March 23, 2011, 04:50:51 PM
The way things are going in the Middle East, the domino effect on other countries is in progress. Remember, it began in Tunisia, then Egypt, then Libya. Now, other ME countries are undoubtedly feeling the aftershocks of the political turmoil in their neighborhood, which can only spill over into them. The most immediate effect is the disruption of the oil supply chain. Sadly, the repercussions are not continents away, but right on our grocery shelves--prices have already shot up.

Tito Ben,

This was made apparently so during my 30 minute commute to Univ. Chicago Medical Center today. As I passed by the BP station next to the hospital, a gallon of unleaded gasoline was now at $4.09. I overheard some of the nurses talking about the gas prices rising up to $5 per gallon by the time summer comes. This is very alarming.

There is a dichotomy between the Philippines and Japan. One , Japan, is non-christian and adheres to a strict secular way of life, while the other, the Philippines, is predominantly Christian (80% Catholic, and 10% Protestant). Beyond the scope of spiritual well being and practice, Japan is far more industrialized , and is above the tier in terms of technological and economic stratum, whereas the Philippines is but a third world nation that is modernizing, with limited technical abilities as compared to a first world nation like Japan.

Both nations, geographically and strategically speaking, are located within the realm of the Ring of Fire and both nations frequently experience natural calamities; Japan : Earthquakes, Tsunamis; Philippines: Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Mudslides, Volcanic eruption.

Japan was hit on the 11th of March of 2011 with an earthquake in the magnitude of 8.9, which was the highest in their recorded history since the turn of the century. The devastation, the combined effects of the hurricane, the tsunami, and the eventual communication collapse and disease spread has led to the calculation of 9,000 deaths and still some 12,000 missing. The entire city of Sendai experienced devastating hits, in its infrastructure and in its economic wing. The disruption of power grids and imports abroad has acute and chronic effects that will manifest in Japan and the Japanese people as well as the global community. The psychological as well as the sociological effects are magnanimous.

It was a miracle, truly, that the tsunami that hit Japan did not continue to the Philippines in the way that it hit Japan.

I do believe that it was the hand of God that protected the Filipino people and the Philippines. I believe that the mercies of Senyor Santo Nino and Holy Mother Mary with the prayers of the Saints in Heaven played a significant role in the protection of the Philippines and the Filipino people.


Ampo Kanunay, mga Higala.

Have you?

Quote from: Lorenzo on March 24, 2011, 08:52:39 AM
Ecclesiastes 12:12

And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

This verse is , indeed, very true. The body is frail and prone to sickness when there is too much studying and not enough spiritual contentedness. This verse reminds me, and all of us, that when we commit to studying (for our academic pursuits and or leisure), we should also give thanks to God for giving us the ability to pursue our studies, giving glory and thanks to Him above all things.

God reminds us in the proverbs time and time again that we cannot do anything ourselves, but through Him who strengthens us in our pursuits. In the pursuit of knowledge , we tend to fall into the array of thinking we know alot (i know that i fall into this category at times). It is integral that we ask God's blessings and support. We cannot do it by ourselves, and if we do try to do out ourselves, we suffer spiritually and mentally.

Ecclesiastes 12:12

And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

-Philippians 4:6-8

Weemall, you are right. There never is a guarantee of safety nor a totally stress-free environment. One has to be mentally, as well as physically ready each and every day.

Quote from: hubag bohol on March 23, 2011, 03:14:46 PM
Author Unknown 

   

We must have thyme :
      Thyme for God
      Thyme for study
      Thyme for prayer

   
Source :   Sue Snyder 


http://www2.lv.psu.edu/

biking out of my housing subdivision and into the trail...











the trail behind my subdivision...

Back home in New Jersey, we have a bike trail that traverses behind my housing subdivision called "Monroe Township Bike Trail". The length of the trail is about 12 miles one way. I'll post some pictures when I finish uploading.

Our Beautiful German Shepherd, Kaiser Wilhelm.

Yes I am. There are a lot of things that I like about biking, namely, the experience to enjoy the beauty of nature. Meeting and talking with other fellow cyclists in the trails that I frequent, as well as observing many beautiful sights / views during the ride.

I ride a Columbia Northway FE Mountain Bike.

Robert Bly

It is a cold and snowy night. The main street is deserted.
The only things moving are swirls of snow.
As I lift the mailbox door, I feel its cold iron.
There is a privacy I love in this snowy night.
Driving around, I will waste more time.

This is how Pinays eat balut.

This American girl is quite fascinated about Filipino Baluts. Dali na 'day, tilawai na..

Mo kaon ka'g balut?




this guy sure likes his balut...

with his white hat on this time..



stylish kaayo ni si manong da. 

sitting on his chair, with his black hat on his head....

Quote from: bugsay on September 02, 2010, 05:16:49 PM
kani mauy hulagway sa nakalitan ug ning deretso nalang ug ambak nga way panamilit aron dili masakpan...nahibilin hinoon ang purol..

Bwahaha. Bugsay, en ader werds, dali ra i sud, dali ra i kuha gawas. pisik pisik.

Quote from: vrglguapo on September 02, 2010, 04:59:52 PM
HAHAHA!i'm sure of myself i'm 100%better than a cat .I guess Ms. Island you always have a desire for guys with a mustache

Nong Virgil, murag dali ra ni ma gilokan si Isles.

Quote from: islander on August 27, 2010, 06:56:46 PM
i haven't asked, but i hope he does, just as i hope that he loves everything about valencia.  i like it though that he doesn't like to wear pants. 

hmmm, murag dili bitaw ni siya mo wear ug pants. murag red boxers ra.

Quote from: Moyhua on March 23, 2011, 02:28:35 AM
bahalag last trip na, basta front seat!

hehehe. pariho ra pood ni sa "bahala ug mo awayaway, basta 'thrilling'"

The Fray - How to Save a Life (Drum Cover)

Quote from: Kerstin on March 22, 2011, 07:03:13 PM
estoyahee manang whihihi

lol @ "estoryaheeee"

murag naka hinumdum ko sa mga tiguls sa Valencia just prior to starting their 'chismiss ratatat'.

sa America , I pay 30 dollars for an hour massage. Swedish style.

sa Pilipinas, you pay 150 pesos in Nuat Thai massage parlor
Or you hire the blind masseuse for the same amount.

In America we call them: Massage therapists

And they get paid very well actually. $30-40 an hour.

Quote from: kiamoy on August 14, 2010, 09:47:44 PM
adobong pig

Awww adobong Pig daw. With rice or no?

Adto sa maribojoc! Go to their restaurant called Uyap by their pantalan.

Lami jamo!

Adunay time-a Ning Adto ko sa brgy Anas sa Valencia Kai mo bisitar sa mga paryente didto. Nakakita ko usang tigulang tawhana. Murag 65+ naman to si manong. Pero Naay gamay nga bata ning ingon nija, "pa..pa.."

Ning ingon sija sa bata, "unsa man 'day?"

Kulirezz! Na kujawaan ko.

Ingon ko nija "Kamusta Nong!"

Ning tanaw sija nako. "buhi pa ko gihapon, dong."

"Nong imuha nang anak?"

"Oo "

I found out that this man has 12 kids.

Nakakatawa ko sa ijang saying,

"diri sa bukid wa man mi jamo kwarta wa jamo tv Pero Daghan anak.
Tamiis man gud ang iyutt-iyutt diri sa bukid!!"

Ayyy kulirezzz!

Quote from: Kerstin on March 22, 2011, 10:01:59 PM
it should be frequent coz constant exercise is needed for a happy and long life yahaha

Minimum of three times a day. Healthy gajud! Mataas ang kinabuhi.

Quote from: cujo on March 22, 2011, 01:42:27 AM
Love is when your mother- in-law told you " I never seen my son cried,not even when his father died whom he loved dearly,but he sits on my couch and cry and says " Mom what if she could not make it ?{That was the time I was in the hospital 24 years ago}...I knew then what real love is.

Awwww. That's just so precious !

Quote from: Kerstin on March 22, 2011, 07:14:19 PM
da oy kakilig..whow romantik gid haw..! 

Sang ilongga-- labing labing gid.
Ang bolanon-- buotan gayud.

Aww Pero ug mo away na... Mo explode ang chocolate hills kag mo flood ang Passi River.

Hehehe

Quote from: Kerstin on March 22, 2011, 07:37:51 PM
basta mag uyab pa..,ayaw mo pag away away kay wa pa mo kono kaldero..!
-(an expression sa tambay sa kanto)

Hehe. Isug jamo lagi ni si inday. Maldita pero labing. Mao. Dili bitaw angay mo away away.

Basta IN LAB na jyud, ug mo away na, murag bomba. haha.

Okay ug Maldita basta Labing.

 

John Legend - P.D.A. (We Just Don't Care)

 


John Legend - Everybody Knows

Japanese Tea Ceremony: Tea At Koken WITH SOUND

1945 Japanese Kamikaze Farewell Ceremony


Loyal Patriots of the Imperial Japanese Fatherland. Those brave enough to sacrifice their lives in the Name of their Emperor and Empire.

Amazing. Such dedication and Loyalty.


1945 Japanese Kamikaze Farewell Ceremony

The Imperial Navy had over 12 battleships prior to the Pacific War. No other power in the world had that many battleships.

The Japanese IJN Battleship Yamato was the largest and most powerful ship in the world.

Japan Battleships prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor Part 2

The Imperial Japanese Naval Ship, Nagato. One of the 'super' battleships that the Imperial Navy produced.

She survived the Pacific War, only to be tested by American Nukes in the Pacific...

Imperial Japanese Navy Battle Ship "Nagato（長門）"

At the time, the Largest Air Craft Carrier Fleet in the world. At the time, overall, the 3rd Largest Naval Power in the World. At the time, overall, the Largest Battleship Force in the world.

The Imperial Japanese Navy of the Empire of Japan.

Imperial Japanese Navy

The Imperial Japanese Navy　大日本帝國海軍

Classical Japanese Koto Music - Izumi-Kai Original Instrumental Group - Rokudan

Ensymada

So beautiful.


Sakura - Japanese Folk Music

from the soundtrack of the movie, Gladiator.


Gladiator Soundtrack - 08 - The Emperor Is Dead

Rachmaninoff - Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini (Pletnev)

A Reflection on the Story of Zacchaeus , the Tax Collector:




This reading from Luke’s Gospel is yet another example of the Sacred Author describing the faith experience of those who encountered Jesus during his earthly ministry.  Luke does not describe mighty works nor the action of eyewitnesses in these passages.  Rather, he emphasizes the faith-driven responses of those individuals who encounter Jesus and recognize him as the Christ.    Other passages that are similar include the “ten lepers” (Lk 17:11-19) and the “pharisee and the tax collector” (Lk 18:9-14).

Notable in this passage is the fact that Zacchaeus is comfortably removed from Jesus and his entourage, as he prefers to observe from a tree.  It is Jesus who calls Zacchaeus down from the tree.  More ironic is the business-like conversation that Jesus undertakes with Zacchaeus.  Jesus does not speak to him of faith or God, but rather tells Zacchaeus matter-of-factly, “I must stay at your house.”

It is Zacchaeus who responds to both Jesus and the sniggering of the crowd with the promise that, I will give half of my possessions to the poor,
and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over!

The encounter with Christ has initiated a conversion of heart in Zacchaeus, which is caused not so much by the words of Jesus as it is by the faith that Zacchaeus has.

History and tradition suggest that Jericho, where this story took place, was a center of balsam trade. Zacchaeus would have collected taxes on the balsam for the benefit of the state.

The Eastern and Russian Orthodox hold a long-standing tradition that Matthias, the apostle elected to replace Judas, is in fact “Zacchaeus Matthias.” This tradition has its origins in the writings of Clement of Alexandria.  He argues that in the second century that Zaccaeus the Tax Collector is surnamed Matthias.

There are divergent traditions about the missionary work of Zacchaeus Matthias.  Some hold that he went to Rome with Peter, and that he was executed in Rome.  Other traditions suggest Zacchaeus Matthias preached in Egypt and Ethiopia, then returned to Galilee or Jerusalem, where he was stoned to death.

http://kingofages.wordpress.com/2010/10/10/zacchaeus-the-tax-collector-in-luke-19/

Zachaeus, the Tax Collector




Luke 19:1-10:

At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town.
Now a man there named Zacchaeus,
who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man,
was seeking to see who Jesus was;
but he could not see him because of the crowd,
for he was short in stature.
So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus,
who was about to pass that way.
When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said,
“Zacchaeus, come down quickly,
for today I must stay at your house.”
And he came down quickly and received him with joy.
When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying,
“He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.”
But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord,
“Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor,
and if I have extorted anything from anyone
I shall repay it four times over.”

And Jesus said to him,
“Today salvation has come to this house
because this man too is a descendant of Abraham.

For the Son of Man has come to seek
and to save what was lost.”

The following sermon was delivered by Pastor Dee Edwards on March 11. Every Christian has heard the parable of the Prodigal Son more than a few times, but the good Pastor certainly offered an insightful take on it.

In our church we have a number of musicians who arrange their worship selections to complement the scripture lesson for the day. Others have been contemplating the scripture during the week. The most interesting thing this week was the number of persons who mentioned that they were anticipating The Prodigal Son (TPS), but not in a positive way.

Upon reflection, there are a couple of thoughts which might shed some light here. It could be that TPS is just old hat. It’s been repeated so many times it’s been emptied of meaning. The other thing, and I think this is more likely, is that they’ve heard TPS a lot and the preachers have generally fussed at the congregation for their own prodigal unfaithfulness.

That really is too bad since, in my hopes, TPS offers a truck load of Good News. Stay with me now, even if TPS has a bit of “cringe factor” for you. Because, it is my job to share the Good News and if you ever hear a sermon and don’t hear Good News please let me know. I covet your feedback and consider it a compliment that you would offer such to help me. It is my prayer that God will give us ears to hear the Good News this morning.

Now, first I want to ask if anyone here has ever fed pigs? I see, some have. I guess the rest of you are city folk? For those among you who have fed pigs, have you ever looked at the pigs’ food and wished you could get your face down there in the trough to eat with them? Of course you haven’t. This offers a glimpse into the level of absolute poverty and powerlessness to which TPS has fallen. He’s hit bottom. Hitting bottom is what it takes for some folks to come to their senses. There are all manner of ways to hit bottom and our own experience or the experience of those we know may well be a different manner. People hitting bottom may well happen to more folks than you can imagine.

The Good News here is that this thought prompted the young man to “come to his senses.” That is the exact opposite of being “beside himself.” He has come together and is able to reason through his grim situation and see a path to recovery. It’s a modest plan. He will return to his father and apologize. He will ask to be treated as one of the hired servants, not as a son of the father.

Now for the really Good News: do you suppose the son came up this plan on his own? Most certainly he had to make his decision. In the bigger picture we can imagine that long before the son came to his senses it was the father’s prayer to do precisely that and come home. The love that “goes before” is what we call “prevenient grace.” That is the grace that goes before. We believe that before a human being ever consciously knows God’s Grace the Holy Spirit is already at work in our hearts, inviting, nudging, tugging and working gently to prompt one to come home.

We always experience Prevenient Grace after the fact. For example, in the truest sense, we cannot “establish” or initiate a relationship with God. That would be like a child trying to establish a relationship with her parents. The truth is that the child’s parents have chosen to be in relationship with the child for some years before the child ever has any awareness or memory of the relationship. In the same way, God has chosen and loved you before you were born. In truth, we can only “respond” to relationship with God. It is simply not possible that we can initiate the relationship. Hear the good news: We reach out to God only to discover that God has been reaching out to us all along.

This is the lens through which we begin to see the astonishing generosity of God. In the parable, the younger son asks the father for his inheritance. In the father’s extraordinary generosity the request is granted. How many human fathers would do that? I’m sure the number would be small. Indeed most fathers’ concern for the well being of the son or daughter would prevent answering that request. In almost any situation we can imagine, giving a young person their entire inheritance in advance would not be a wise thing. Most anyone would not be able to manage that successfully.

So are we to say that God is generous but unwise? No, not at all. You see, for better or worse, God has given all of humanity this freedom to make decisions. The father does no coerce the son to stay home. Neither does God demand that we stay in relationship with him. We are free to leave anytime. You see, it wouldn’t mean anything to be in relationship to God if we are forced into the relationship. The same is true with those we love. If we were to somehow coerce another into relationship, it would not be love. The relationship would just be a consequence of our power over another.

It is clear to us that the younger son’s first chosen path will lead to disaster. Fortunately he discovers that his true life and inheritance is with the father. We may or may not be surprised to learn that the older brother resents the prodigal’s return and acceptance by the father. It’s just as if he had never left. The father’s astonishing generosity is seen again. He doesn’t even let the son finish his apology speech.

What we see in the father’s pleading for the older son to come inside and join the celebration is more of his generosity. The older son’s resentment is deep and angry. He hasn’t come to understand that his own inheritance is not threatened. In the father’s pleading we hear him say, “I have always been with you” and “all I have is yours.” The older brother has the blessing of all the father has, but sadly doesn’t see that. The older brother’s feeling may even be so close to our own that it makes us uncomfortable.

Do you hear the Good News here? Just as we can see the father’s generosity with both of these sons, God’s generosity is the same with us. The father desires for both of his sons to have everything he has and has always been with them and always will be with them. That is the father’s highest priority.

We don’t know how the story might continue. We hope that both sons would realize that their inheritance is with the father, in relationship with the father. We hope that the younger son discovers that though he is free to leave the father, doesn’t mean he should. We hope he discovers that there is no hope for life outside relationship with the father. We hope the elder son discovers that likewise his inheritance is not his possession but a gift he can only receive in grace. He thinks he has earned his inheritance, but it has always been his. This is not for what he has done, but for who he is as the father’s son.

This is wonderful Good News. Receive this news my friends. You are more valuable to God than you can imagine. In fact, God has paid an extraordinarily high price to give you life. It’s so important to God that you are given the freedom to say yes or no. How will you answer? There is no such thing as a Christian by accident. There are only Christians by decision.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Rev. Robert Wilkins, a Delta blues musician and ordained pastor, was inspired enough by the story of the Prodigal Son to write an outstanding song about the parable

http://parkviewmethodist.wordpress.com/2010/03/16/the-prodigal-son-a-truck-load-of-good-news/

LUKE 15: 11-32




11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

   13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

   17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

   â€œBut while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

   21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

   22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

   25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

   28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

   31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Quote from: taga tigbao on March 21, 2011, 05:28:28 PM
I Could Sing of Your Love Forever - Hillsong

Salamat sa tanan. In you I surrender tanan.

I could sing of your love forever!

Guapo ning song. Yes, LORD, I could sing of your Love Forever....

Bro, kini kuyawa kaayo oh:


Oh, I feel like dancing
This foolishness, I know
But when the world has seen the light
They will dance with joy
Like we're dancing now..

I could sing your LOVE...forever..

I accept that i am a failure in many things, i accept that i have weaknesses in this physical existence. And I am content with it. Because I know that the weaknesses that we have in the physical and in this earthly journey pales in comparison to the Glory and Satisfaction we have In Christ.

The Beauty and Splendor in the Communion with Christ is Supreme bar none.

Thanks for that post bro. As I read further and take to heart the WORD OF GOD it is apparent in Scripture that there are indeed gifts that the Holy Spirit imparts on many of us. Some are speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongue, the gift of prophesy, to name the many.

The only time where I experienced such an exuberant spiritual joy never before experienced was during my 2007 Confirmation and blessing by His Eminence Bishop Donald Trautmann, the Bishop of the Diocese of Erie, Pennsylvania.

The group of Catechumens and I experienced this burning sensation in our heads , when we were blessed with Holy Oil and the descent of the Holy Spirit in our acceptance of Confirmation. I really cannot explain the sensation because it permeated beyond the forehead. If i could come close to explanation of the feeling..morag..it was a cooling effect, morag blissful peace that lasted throughout the duration of the Confirmatory Mass.

I would like to attend YFC , SFC sessions. I don't know if they have any in my area, but now you have me interested in attending what you shared with me. I would like to experience that feeling again.


Thanks Bro. God Bless You Always.

An honest and truthful question.


Ladies, why are you so sensitive? Why are women so sensitive? I also notice that it becomes excessively apparent during the preceding week before a woman's menstrual cycle. What can help a woman reduce her sensitivity during this time period?

Much Thanks.

ahaha! 

Fred Oldenburg's piano rendition.

Boléro Ravel

Quote from: islander on March 21, 2011, 11:21:52 PM


that's him, andre rieu, the dutch violinist, conductor and composer.  saw him perform live once, in germany.  whew!  (his hairstyle's like that of the banana republic before, when he let down his hair instead of tying it into a ponytail.)

Isles, im an avid fan of Rieu. I saw one of his performances during a trip to East Prussia (Kaliningrad) several years ago. Beautiful.

Rondo Veneziano's music version of BOLERO!

Bellissimo~!!

Rondo Veneziano - BOLERO

uy. ikaw na ug imohang babypie, isles?

an expression of love:

inday ilongga gets back from a 12 hour shift in the hospital. toto bolanon gets out from a 16 hour on call shift sa hospital. on the way back, because of the sleep deprivation the two have, get into an argument because inday ilongga thinks that toto was being "not nice because he was being silent during the drive". toto, gets angry when inday starts yelling at him because he was apparently ignoring her.

suko kaajo si toto. arang ka suko gid/jyud.

on the way home. toto gets dressed and starts to review papers. he goes to inday's room and starts to cry because how she yelled at him. "baby cakes, nag akig ka sa akon? kainit sang ulo haw? "

she starts to cry and comes up to hug toto bolanon. toto , in response, holds her and starts to cry as well.

"palangga ko ikaw, toto balaho-ano!"
 
both of them go to bed together. and sleep for 12 hours to rejuvenate.

A couple who work together and fight together, Love Together. errr, my definisyon lang hawwww.  

Quote from: islander on March 21, 2011, 11:08:26 PM
the mortal and the immortal, en ader words...

por shyur. shyur na shyur. 

how compelling! 

Quote from: cujo on March 21, 2011, 09:48:24 PM

how can i translate your smile, ma'am? pray, do divulge the secret the hides behind such a smile.

Quote from: islander on March 21, 2011, 10:49:39 PM
one wife, one long life; unsa kaha kun ang duha ang asawa duha diay ka long lives?

one for the mortal life. the other to sustain him on the here after.

La Reina Suprema. What a beautiful view. 

An example of a modern day Curvy Venus, Kim Kardashian.

by: Andre Rieu


A classical favorite of mine.

BOLERO-RAVEL

The Samaritan Woman At The Well





4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.

7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])

10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”

17 “I have no husband,” she replied.

  Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”

  21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to youâ€"I am he.”


-John 4: 4-26

    Transliteration: Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh haâ€'olam, haâ€'mavdil bein kodesh l'hol, bein or l'hoshekh, bein yisra'el laâ€'amim, bein yom haâ€'sh'vi'i l'sheshet y'mei haâ€'ma'a'se. Barukh ata Adonai, haâ€'mavdil bein kodesh l'hol.

    Translation: "Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the universe, Who distinguishes between the sacred and the secular, between light and dark, between Israel and the nations, between the seventh day and the six days of labor. Blessed are You, Lord, Who distinguishes between the sacred and the secular."

×'רוך את×" ×"' אâ€'לו×"ינו מלך ×"עולם

Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh haâ€'olam...

"Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the universe..."

   1. God spoke and the world came to be.

   2. God speaks, does, decrees, and fulfills.

   3. God is merciful.

   4. God rewards those who fear Him.

   5. God is eternal.

   6. God rescues and redeems people.

   7. Blessed is God's name.

We acknowledge to You, O Lord, that You are our God, as You were the God of our ancestors, forever and ever. Rock of our life, Shield of our help, You are immutable from age to age. We thank You and utter Your praise, for our lives that are delivered into Your hands, and for our souls that are entrusted to You; and for Your miracles that are with us every day and for your marvelously kind deeds that are of every time; evening and morning and noon-tide. Thou art good, for Thy mercies are endless: Thou art merciful, for Thy kindnesses never are complete: from everlasting we have hoped in You. And for all these things may Thy name be blessed and exalted always and forevermore. And all the living will give thanks unto Thee and praise Thy great name in truth, God, our salvation and help. Selah. Blessed be Thou, O Lord, Thy name is good, and to Thee it is meet to give thanks.