It's Time For Change (article, David C. Russell)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is the continuation of Hanukkah in the Jewish tradition, and Christmas Day in the Christian tradition.

One aspect of the Christian tradition in my opinion has been shall we say, Catholicized" - that being the phrase, Wrapped in swadling clothes." This refers to Luke's description of how Yeshua the Messiah was kept safe from environmental harms rather than the parents, Miryam and Yosef, dedicating themselves to raise this child to be upright.

I offer you this reflection by Chaim Ben Torah to elucidate on this phrase banished by traditional Christianity and current Christianity as it is by and large anti-Jewish.
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Luke 2:7, “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Ezekiel 16:3-4, “And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto Jerusalem; Thy birth and thy nativity [is] of the land of Canaan; thy father [was] an Amorite, and thy mother an Hittite.  And [as for] thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to supple [thee]; thou wast not salted at all, nor swaddled at all.”
Only Luke talks about Jesus being wrapped in swaddling clothes.  Had it not been for this passage in Luke most of us would never have heard of the practice of wrapping a baby in swaddling clothes.  This was a practice which would eventually die away around the sixteenth century as it was considered either too barbaric or that it really served no practical purpose at all. It was just a tradition that continued for no other reason than the fact it was tradition. It is even  believed by many medical specialists to be harmful to the child.
I know as a child I would hear this utterly strange expression, swaddling clothes. It was an expression that was never used at any time except when we would hear the Christmas story and I would wonder what the blazes are swaddling clothes.  The usual answer was that it was just a Bible term for blankets or diapers.  Swaddling clothes in the Aramaic is azrura which really means a bandage.  The Greek word that is used is esparganosen which is the Greek word for a bandage.  We have the word swaddling used in Ezekiel 16:3.  The Hebrew word used here is chatal which is the Hebrew word for a bandage.  I believe it is safe to say that this was more than just a diaper or a blanket.
The practice of swaddling is very ancient practice.  It is believed to have been devised around the Paleolithic times about  4500 years ago during the Bronze Age around 2600 BC.  Archaeologists have uncovered little models of babies wrapped in swaddling clothes dating back to this period. After an infant was born the umbilical cord was cut and tied.  In this case, as there was no midwife, either Mary or Joseph would have had to do this.  They would then sprinkle the baby with a powder made of dried myrtle leaves. Then they would gently rub the baby’s skin with a very small  amount of salt that has been finely grounded into a sort of  mortar.  It was believed this would make his or her flesh firm.  For young Jewish parents this represented a testimony that that the parents would raise the child to be truthful and faithful.
The swaddling clothes was a square yard of cloth which had a narrow band attached at one corner.  The mother would wrap the child in this swaddle with its arms close to its body and its legs stretched out.  She would then wind the narrow band around the body from the shoulders to the ankles until the poor little beggar looked like an Egyptian mummy. This little ritual was performed as often as we would change a diaper today and would be done until the child was potty trained.  In a practical sense it was meant to help the bodies grow strong and firm. It is interesting that today medical science has learned that it is best to just leave the poor chap alone, that he will develop naturally without artificial help. It took four thousand years for man to realize that God did a perfectly fine job creating the human creature without artificial intervention.  To the Jewish parent, however, this practice carried symbolic meaning, of course every practice in Judaism carries some symbolism.  This was a sign to the parents that they would teach the child to become honest, straightforward, and freed from crookedness.
This brings up the question as to why Luke felt  it was important to mention this, not once, but two times, again is verse 12 where the angel tells the shepherds that the child will be found wrapped in swaddling clothes.  I mean, big whip, if every baby is wrapped in swaddling clothes just how were the shepherds able to use that to distinguish Jesus from any other baby coming down the pike.  That is like going into an Amish community and asking to speak to Mr. Miller. Odds are every other male is a Mr. Miller.
Some say that Luke mentioned this because he was a physician and thus concerned for these details. Obvious, he was nothing close to the skills, education and training of a physician today and it is a very poor comparison indeed.  Colossians 4:14 called him the beloved physician in our English versions.  The Greek word used is iatros which most your lexicons will say means physician. Although the practice of medicine existed in the first century it was not the skill, education nor training of a physician we have and think of today. The Aramaic word used in Colossians 4:14 is assia which is really a healer.  An assia is not a surgeon, physician nor a dispenser of medicine as was practiced during this time among the Greeks and Romans.  An assia was more of a chiropractor who adjusted joints and dislocated bones. He would have been a practitioner of a holistic form of healing. Such practices were professions that were handed down from father to son with no formal medical training nor did they depend upon the practice for a living. So I doubt very much that Luke mentioned the swaddling from a professional stand point.
More likely he mentioned it from the standpoint of a practitioner of spiritual values rather than medical skills.  Luke would have been familiar with the passage in Ezekiel 16:4 where the prophet refers to this custom in his prophecy. In Ezekiel 16 the prophet is speaking out against the citizens of Jerusalem who were unfaithful to God and His commandments and uses the symbolic reference of washing, salting and swaddling.  The failure to perform this tradition was symbolic of disloyalty and unfaithfulness to God.   The term swaddling clothes to the Semitic mind was expressing the idea of loyalty and faithfulness to God. Thus, Luke wanted to make sure that this child that was born was not only the Son of God  but a Son who would be loyal and faithful to Heavenly Father.  So loyal and faithful in fact that He would be one with the Heavenly Father.

God's presence be with us!

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, Author

Hello My Friend Hello (Neil Diamond, standard)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is December 3, 2019 in my corner of blog land. I thought we would just visit this post and catch you up on what's happening in and around me. Feel free to reply and do the same, okay?

Writing: I am working on a story about a young man who has a dream of becoming a professional baseball player. His girlfriend seeks his help and support when discovering her dad is involved in sinister business practices, human trafficking. I haven't finished the story yet and uncertain of its final destiny. I have a brief paragraph where players from the '60s are mentioned. Do you remember: Don Wert, Norm Cash, Bill Freehan, Willie Horton, Al Kayline and Jake Wood?
Each played for the Detroit Tigers in the mid 1960s.

Family: We had a nice US Thanksgiving weekend. I played piano for diners at a local restaurant Thanksgiving Day, and on Saturday our daughter and her two children came over for dinner. We had other guests too, but it was a nice occasion! She is starting a new chapter in life and we are hopeful!

Reading: I am slowly getting through the title, Holy Envy: Finding God In The Faith Of Others" by Religion instructor, Barbara Brown Taylor. It's a provocative read and causes me to ponder.
One key idea throughout is people look at what we do more than what we say or believe.

Whether you find yourself welcoming summer or contemplating a few months of winter or hibernation, be creative in those areas where you are gifted! Please do say hello!

Kevod Yeheveh, the presence of YHWH be with us!

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, Author

It Won't Be Long (Acoustic, Linda Thompson)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is Monday, November 25 in my corner of blog land. How goes it?

We are headed into that time of year known as the holiday season. Faith practices observe special occasions over the next four to six weeks before we head into a new year, 2020. People in general internationally may celebrate things relative to this time of year. It also may bring up unfinished business, unresolved hurts, unresolved personal goals, etc etc.

I don't have or provide answers to quickly fix the above, but the Mayo Clinic folk recommend something called patience.

There are three ways, according to them, that we can produce more patience in our life. I would add, pray, and learn patience through struggle with the every day. That seems to be the Biblical method.

The Mayo Clinic method for learning patience is in three ways:
- MBSR, mind-based stress reduction to improve those brain areas concerned with emotion. Often taught in six-to-eight week public courses.
- Meditation: The chief benefit, response control. Little things irk less.
- Mindful movement: Benefit both body and mind: akido, yoga, and I might add a good walk or swim.

We will all be given the opportunity sooner or later to use one of these methods for dealing with life's annoyances be they from loved ones, work, or just life in general. We're in this together!

Meantime, kevod Yeheveh, the presence of God be with us.

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell

Holy Holy Holy (hymn standard)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is Thursday, November 21 in my corner of blog land. I just finished typing an article for the freelance service whom employ me part-time. It was about a man who has 25 years of service in the US Military and in 2008, started his own global risk management company. One hallmark of this guy is his willingness to do the "menial tasks" to keep the office running comfortably. He is about service as is his company and products.

For Spiritual growth, I have been a subscriber to Hebrew Word Study by one Chaim ben Torah. The latest article is posted below for you to consider.
If you have a faith practice, what does "holy" mean to you?
Most mainline churches lip these words as part of Christianees but spend little time knowing the meaning from Hebrew and Greek.
Do enjoy this reflection, and drop by often to see this post or past posts.Thanks!
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HEBREW WORD STUDY – AN INVITATION – QADESH קדש   Qop Daleth Shin
Isaiah 6:2-4:  “Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.(3) And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the LORD of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of his glory.(4) And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.”
Last weekend I attended a Hub Convention in Chicago. During the worship service there was the usual contemporary worship songs.  I looked out over the audience and saw a lot of people that were in my age group.  I wondered if many felt like me, “Gee, I wish we would sing at least one old Hymn.”  All of a sudden as if on queue the worship leader started to sing Holy Holy Holy.  “Holy, Holy, Holy, early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.” It has been almost a week but that song still resonates with me.  There are many questions that come to my mind  as I replay this old hymn over and over in my mind. 
This hymn is still song by many churches throughout the world.  It is sort of a corner stone in a worship service for over a century and a half. Yet, this song might have been lost to the ages if not for the wife or widow of the author of this song.
The writer was Reginald Heber, a highly regarded and deeply spiritual minister who served as the Bishop of Calcutta. Reginald Heber was beloved by people throughout the world for his deep love and devotion to God.  When he passed away at the early age of 43 his widow and some friends invested in the publication of 57 hymns that Reginald Heber wrote but never published because they were so personal between Him and God.  They were published just as a memorial or a tribute.  Among these hymns was the song Holy, Holy, Holy.   Every early morning Reginald awoke and the first thing he would do would raise his arms to God and cry: “Holy, Holy, Holy.
The song was taken form Isaiah 65:2-4 we here learn that the seraphims surround the throne of God crying Holy, Holy Holy.  Stop and consider, they have been doing this from time immortal and you would think they would get bored to death just saying “Holy, Holy, Holy.”  You would think Reginald Heber would have gotten bored to death saying; “Holy, Holy, Holy.”   You would think Chaim Bentorah would get tired or bored to death saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy. But I and they do not.   I love it, I anticipate the opportunities to cry “Holy, Holy, Holy.”  Last weekend I cried “Holy, Holy, Holy with several hundred people and wept the whole time.
You know what? I will spend eternity crying: “Holy, Holy, Holy” and I cannot imagine growing tired of doing it.  How many people or Christians even know what it means to cry “Holy, Holy, Holy?”  What does holy mean anyways?
The word in Hebrew for Holy is qadesh which maybe you are all familiar.  We have the Ruch Qadesh, the Holy Spirit.  What does that mean that God’s Spirit is Holy?  In its Semitic root the word qadesh means a preparation.  Some Christians talk of being baptized by the Holy Spirit.  In that sense would mean to receive the Spirit of God to prepare you for service?  Qadesh is also a word used for an invitation.  God’s Spirit is inviting you into His presence.  If we cry Holy we are inviting God into our lives.  If the seraphims cry holy they are inviting everyone to the throne of God. As Christians we don’t have to crash the party.  We have a standing invitation to enter the presence of God, to join our spirit with His Spirit. 
This is absolutely awesome.  The very creator of the universe is giving us an open invitation to prepare for service to Him.   
I recall when the Baptism of the Holy Spirit became a big issue many years ago and turned into almost a fad.  People were wanting to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.  They would pray, weep, beg for the Holy Spirit to fill them.  They were inviting the Holy Spirit into their lives and for some reason many just could not enter into this experience. 
Here’s the crazy thing. They had it backwards.  They were inviting the Holy Spirit into their lives or their spirit when by the very name Holy Spirit, God’s spirit is inviting us into His Spirit. Last Saturday at the Hub meeting I recall one woman sitting in her chair during worship with her arms outstretched repeating over and over; “Come Holy Spirit come.”  Thinking about the Semitic origins of the word Holy, the seraphims circling the throne of God crying out Holy, Holy, Holy or Come, Come, Come to the Father and what I saw was this woman pleading with God to come and God standing there with His arms open wide saying: “ I am here at your request now dear child just come to me.” 
I think for most people they eventually get the hint from God, but way waste so much time. You hear the word Holy, that is an invitation to just jump into His Arms, no matter whether you say it or He says it.

Kevod Yeheveh, the presence of Adonai our Lord surround us.

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, author
 

How To Care At A Distance?

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is November 11 in my corner of blog land. Here, we are expecting a major snowfall of anywhere from four to eight inches in the next few hours. How exciting!

I mentioned in a recent post that I would like your thoughts and prayers for my aging father's health. Though somewhat stable, it is in decline, and he is currently receiving Hospice care in his home. As his siblings, we are all monitoring this as best we can, though one lives 10 minutes away from him and the rest of us are several hundred miles away.
As God would provide, the Mayo Clinic newsletter, Housecall, has a timely guide for caring at a distance.
The highlights include:
- Educate yourself about their illness, aging, etc.
- Research available services including respite care or daily home care.
- Manage the phone calls and communications concerning medical and insurance issues.
- Have the recipient's bills forwarded, or pay online if need be.
- Research care facilities in their area for future need.
- Plan regular conference calls involving everyone concerned.
- Stay in touch with the care recipient by phone, letter, video message.

Though we have implemented several of these measures, the reminder from Mayo is welcomed. Hope it helps you if needed.

Until next visit, may God's presence surround you; Kevod Yeheveh.

Mellow Rock
David Russell

Doctor My Eyes (song, Jackson Brown, 1978)

Hello Grafted in Reader,

Today is November 5, 2019 in my corner of blog land. In brief:
- My dad is receiving palliative (comfort) care from hospice at his home in another state. Please pray with us for wisdom to make decisions that are best for him and all concerned.
- This post I will highlight a couple health matters and also recommend a lengthy article for those interested in faith heritage.

Eyes
Remember the Jackson Brown song, Dr. My Eyes?

The Mayo Clinic newsletter, Housecall, reports Artificial Tears applied to the eyes may help reduce dryness that occurs with aging, or other health factors including those environmental. These are available at most pharmacies as over the counter eyedrops.

Blood pressure readings can vary between your arms. If this is so, google what this may indicate?
Example Blood Pressure Differences Between Arms

Faith Heritage
There are several online documents that address faith matters as they relate to antisemitism or anti-Jewish teaching from the Bible or church faiths. I started reading a 2001 document produced by Lutheran World Federation titled
"A Shift in Jewish-Lutheran Relations"
Google this by title and add lutheran world federation, it should come up in your results.
It is a PDF document, so be advised.

The new Torah cycle is underway, and this week the reading focuses on Avram who later becomes Avraham. He was willing to separate himself and his household from a culture in decline. See Genesis chapters 12-14 for the reading this week.
Until next visit, Kevod Yeheveh, the presence of God be with us!

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, Author

A New Beginning Are You Ready?

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today Is October 25 in my corner of blog land. October in my life history continues to present some memorable events:
My first piano gig occurred in October when in college, I was introduced to the woman who would become my wife in October, my parents were married in October, my dad is in declining health this October at age 94, and for the past thirteen Octobers, I have observed the beginning of a new cycle in reading The Torah. It's a new beginning!
Thus I am pasting the Hebrew Word Study for this date from Chaim ben Torah.org on having a hunger for God! May it reach your soul as it has mine.
Thanks too for dropping by.
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Chaim Bentorah
HEBREW WORD STUDY – A BLEATING LAMB – TA’ROG תערג Taw Ayin Resh Gimmel
As the deer panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: When shall I come and appear before God?" Psalm 42:1,2
How I can sense the heart of David to know our Father. "As the deer panteth..." In the Hebrew the word for pant is ta'rog which not only has this idea of a longing desire, but also means a bleating, like a lamb bleats when it is lost and cannot find it’s way back to the shepherd and its herd or how a lamb bleats when it wants it's mother. Do you ever long so much for something that you actually start to make a physical noise, like a bleating sound, we call it groaning, but that is not what it is. It is a verbal cry to want something. To just want more of the Father.
The root word for ta'rog is arog which is spelled Ayin, Resh Gimmel. The Ayin represents insight into the God, the Resh, the Holy Spirit and the Gimmel represents loving kindness. So the panting or bleating is a desire to gain more insight into the loving kindness of God through His Holy Spirit.
The word thirst in the Hebrew is sameah which means to desire earnestly. It is spelled Sade, Mem, aleph and means to desire the insight into the hidden righteousness or treasures of God. Oh, we know our Father's righteousness has many treasures but did you know there is a hidden treasure reserved only for those who seek and pant after it.
In the middle ages there lived a monk named Bernard of Clairvaux 1091-1153. He came from a noble family, his father was a knight and his mother was a Godly woman. She raised Bernard to love God. His love for God grew so intense that even with all the opportunities his position offered, he chose to live in a monastery to draw closer to his Savior. He soon became the Abbot of the monastery in Clairvaux, France. His love for the Savior drew the attention of kings and princes. It even came to the attention of the pope who commission Bernard to lead a crusade against the Muslims. No, not a crusade with a sword but a preaching crusade. His love for the Savior was so strong that is it recorded that great crowds of Muslims would follow him and multitudes gave their lives to the Savior, for his message was one of redemption and conversion. Thousands of tough, vicious men in the radical sector of the Muslims gave their lives to the Lord and began to carry crosses unashamedly before other Muslims to declare their love for their Lord and to gladly pay the consequences, simply because they saw in Bernard a true love for God which they hungered and thirsted after.
Bernard of Clairvaux's true love and desire for God was expressed in these words dedicated to St. Agnes who was herself a princess and like Bernard of Clairvaux rejected a royal marriage, wealth, power and devoted her life to serving the poor in the name of the Jesus she dearly loved.
Jesus the very thought of thee;
With sweetness fills my breast;
But sweeter far They face to see
And in Thy presence rest.
Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,
Nor can the mem'ry find
A sweeter sound than Thy blest name,
O' Savior of mankind.
Jesus, our only joy be Thou,
As Thou our prize wilt be;
Jesus, be Thou our glory now
And thru eternity.
I have been on my search for the heart of God now for 14 years and the deeper I go I cannot help but feel like Professor Otto Lidenbrock who in Jules Verne’s novel Journey to the Center of the Earth found that the deeper he went into the earth’s interior, the more glorious it became. I only ta’rok – pant more for more, like a little lost lamb bleating for it's Shepherd.

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell

Windy and Warm (acoustic, the late Doc Watson)

Hello Grafted in Reader,

Today is Tuesday, Oct. 15 in my corner of blog-land. It is also the second day of the festival, Feast of Tabernacles or Booths on the Jewish faith calendar. This feast is seven days in length and recalls God caring for the Exodus when they wandered in the wilderness forty years. So too, God cares for us in our respective life periods.

I am quietly observing this feast, as my aging father in another state is moving from independence to semi-dependence. He is going on age 95, and is a very real reminder that we don't have qualities of infallibility. I will be visiting him later this week for three days.

Our health column from the Mayo Clinic this week offers some info about infections.
Did you know viruses or viri are smaller than bacteria?

According to the Mayo newsletter, Housecall,
Viruses require a host albeit person, plant, or animal.
Once comfy inside, they get assertive and order the cell machinery to make more of them. The common cold, TB and AIDS are virus examples.

Infection caused by bacteria are generally treated with antibiotics. Pneumonia and bronchitis are infections, requiring more assertive treatments.
Examples of bacterial infection occur in the urinary tract and throat, known as Urinary Tract Infection and Strep Throat, respectively.

Meantime, wishing you good or better health as God is present with us in every season.

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell

The Long and Winding Road (classic, Beetles)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today, on the Jewish Calendar is Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement. For those of us who practice faith with the Jewish calendar in mind, it is a very "proper" feeling day and also one of personal vulnerability before our Creator.
We profess one God, and not to be that god.
We admit that we as human beings slight others, gossip when we should not, fantasize about the "what if" in our personal lives to an extent that may be harmful, ask forgiveness and aid to turn from those things which hinder us and our world, and literally beg Hashem to be loving and kind, merciful is the theological word.

It is October 9, 2019. An article recently in "Breaking Israel News" cites that more Christians around the world are starting to embrace observing Yom Kippur to not only identify with Israel, but also observe the Holy Day and its implications.

So, if you are among those observing today as Yom Kippur, Fear not. God is not willing that you or I perish, but that we realize eternal life!

Kevod Yeheveh, His Presence surround us,
Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, Author

Not Another Episcopal Church Blog: Episcopal Decline: Living it Locally

Not Another Episcopal Church Blog: Episcopal Decline: Living it Locally: The statistics reported by the Episcopal organization are further confirmation of what we have been witnessing and discussing on these page...

Blessed Holidays To You!

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is the fourth day of Autumn - September 26, in my corner of blog land; perhaps it is the fourth day of Spring in your corner. Regardless the season, may you be filled with Kevod Yeheveh, the presence of God, King of the Universe, Creator of our world and the world to come!

For those of us who observe the Jewish calendar as a framework for faith practice, Sunday evening, September 29 begins the High Holidays: Rosh Hashanah, which opens with the Feast of Shofars or Trumpets waking us to God being in our lives and goings on. For ten days we indulge in soul searching, introspection, and recognizing God's presence in our world and lives: nature, personal activities, stresses, accomplishments, etc etc. This is followed by the Day of Covering, Atonement, and then the celebration of God being our security or Feast of Tabernacles, Sukkot. This feast period is eight days in length. Then a new Torah cycle begins the following Sabbath!

Here is a closing thought offered by Rabbi Rick Jacobs of the Union for Reform Judaism concerning this next few weeks. It is from 2017, or Jewish year 5778, but still quite relevant.
Beginning in Elul, and with growing in intensity during the upcoming High Holidays and throughout the new year of 5778, may we hear and respond not only to the shofar’s wailing cries, but also those of the countless people, both near and far, who are crying out for healing and for love.

Shalom and Blessed Rosh Hashanah,
David C. Russell
Mellow Rock

Hello Grafted in Reader,

Today is Monday, Sept. 9 in my corner of blog land. Health topics and a writing update are our conversation piece this post.
Have you heard of a device-guided apparatus called Resperate? The US Food and Drug Admin along with the American Heart Association give this and other similar instruments a heads up for its repeated use to lower blood pressure, stress, and doesn't require a prescription or a bottle for pills. The user sets aside about 15 minutes time three to four days a week to do the prescribed breathing exercises. For more info google Resperate or see the Mayo Clinic Housecall Newsletter for Sept. 5, 2019.

Writing and Reading
This past week, I submitted a short story to the website Spillwords.com, and hope they may approve to publish online. I will let you know if this occurs.

I am finishing "The Best American Mysteries, 2010, and then planning to read a biography of former US President, Gerald Ford. The book is titled, "Write It When I'm Gone" by Tom DeFrank.

As the seasons show slow transition here, I hope that things are well with you or will soon be so. Until next visit, Kevod Yeheveh, the presence of Adonai be with us.

Mellow Rock

September Morn and Happy Elul!

Hello Grafted in Readers,

Today is Sept. 3 in my corner of blog land, mostly sunny and mild outdoors. We are in the Jewish Calendar month of Elul, which precedes the High Holiday period and has as its overall theme, God Calling to his children: I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine, is often a phrase attributed to this month. It's a time of taking stock, reflection, and making plans to exercise change in our personal lives. Another practice is a daily reading of Psalm 27. So, on this September morn, I bid us shalom during Elul.

Health News
In brief, these items were noted by myself in the recent past:
- Drink green tea for bloating or heartburn. It contains polyphenols and catechins that likely help the food digestion process.
- A bowl of oatmeal, handful of almonds, can lower the bad cholesterol level. They contain what are known as soluble fibers as do apples, kidney beans and brussel sprouts.
- Battle back high blood pressure with exercise and eating healthier foods.
- Breakfast may aid weight control by providing restorative fuel to our bodies. Energy results when glycogen stores are replenished. This, according to the Mayo Clinic newsletter, Housecall.

Until our next visit, Kevod Yeheveh, the presence of God surround us!

David C. Russell, Author
Mellow Rock

Come On Up To The House (acoustic, Sarah Jarosz)

Hello Grafted In Reader,

Much of this post is going to return to the original intent for this blog, and that was to help those of us who profess faith recognize that we are sons and daughters of the Jewish Patriarch, Abraham, or Avraham if you prefer. So what, you ask.
Jesus or Yeshua says he did not come to start a new faith, religion, but he came to fill the Torah, law, full of meaning by his living example. So, as a result of his birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection, many of us believe that we are grafted into the people of Israel as Spiritual citizens. That means, We - of the nations, existing outside of the physical nation of Israel. Hebrews, Jewish men and women, boys and girls, are not grafted into Christianity, nor have they been shoved off the planet and out of God's desire. We who are non-Jews by ethnicity and faith are grafted into them by the mercy and favor of God!

I recently have been having discussion with a friend about the 16th century reformation, Martin Luther, his quotes seen by many to be either antisemitic or anti-Judaism, calls for reconciliation and forgiveness by the church, or by both the church and Judaism or modern God-fearers, etc etc.

There are three distinct articles I would like to invite you to read along with me. They will take a good afternoon if done at one sitting.
- https://www.caspari.com Mishkan Issue Sixty-two. In PDF.
- https://juicyecumenicism.com Article: Why I Defend and Support Israel As an Anglican Bishop

- - https://concordiatheology.org Article: Preaching Romans 11: Israel and Promises - 2011/08

I especially recommend of the three, the title, Why I Defend and Support Israel As an Anglican Bishop. Each and all three are informative and food for considerable thought! The authors are either Jewish in empathy or ethnicity, respectively. In many parts of the world, anti-Judaism is on the rise and there is a newer brand of antisemitism as well. Ask yourself this question,
Are the men and women of the Bible Spiritually my relatives?

Your answer will determine where you stand on the grafted in ideology. Let me know, OK.
We will return to health topics next post.
Until next visit during the month of Elul, (September) God's presence be with you.

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, Author

Please Hear Me Out

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Couple things on this warm August 13, 2019 in my corner of blog land.

Are you a fan or have you ever read any of the Best American Short Stories, series? Evidently, these have been in production every year since 1915.

I am going to sample the annual one from 1984 which is in audio form for those of us with vision impairments through the Talking Book Program. I hope to read more of these on my iPad or computer. Share your opinion via a comment, okay?

While we are discussing hearing and things heard, this one is new to me that was posted in the current "Housecall" Mayo Clinic newsletter:
Proponents of ear stapling claim that the staples stimulate a pressure point that controls appetite, leading to weight loss. Small surgical staples are placed into the inner cartilage of each ear. The staples can be left in place for several weeks or even months.
Although some studies suggest that acupuncture can reduce appetite, ear stapling hasn't been proved effective for weight loss. And the largely unregulated practice of ear stapling can be dangerous if done in unsanitary conditions or by an untrained practitioner.

Personally, I would not want anything stapled on my anatomy..

It has been a while since we have talked about anything related to our faith heritage, so next post, I will bring something of interest to the figurative table.

Meantime, Kevod Yeheveh, His presence surround us.

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, Author

Just Some Facts For You

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is August 7 in my corner of blog land. If you know Jeannine Russell, wish her a happy birthday for me! It is coming up soon.

This post we are going to talk a little about reactions or allergies to aspirin. Also, a couple facts from the nation of our faith in G-d, Israel, which the mainline church in north america basically spurns.

Aspirin
According to the Mayo Clinic and others, many over-the-counter medicines include aspirin as one of their ingredients. It is more common than not for people to have some type of reaction to aspirin. The reaction does not mean you have a given condition, but it may be worth a consult with your healthcare provider.

Reactions include: itchy skin, runny nose, hives, or chronic hives also called urticaria, swelling in the tongue, lips or face, respiratory issues.

Some Facts Concerning Israel

- Government statistics according to resources indicate nearly 25 percent of Israel's population are impoverished. These may be minimum wage earners, partially disabled persons, part-time employed, single parents.
- About 75 percent of the Israeli population observe Passover or attend a Seder.
- Some observant Jews, refrain from getting a haircut for seven weeks between Passover and the feast of Shavuot or Pentecost.

Reading and Writing
I just began a novel based on the later life of the late F. Scott Fitzgerald titled, West Of Sunset, author Stewart ONan. It is quite entertaining.

I am working on a major story for Owl Canyon Press anthology contest, and am planning to publish a short article about poverty in Israel in a local newspaper later this summer.

Until next visit, Kevod Yeheveh, His presence be with you and yours.

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, Author

Dear Someone (acoustic, Gillian Welch)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today, I wish to share with you some answers about weight loss offered from Mayo Clinic in a recent edition of its newsletter, Housecall.

Weight Loss Pills
On Western TV, one can view the latest dietary supplement proclaimed to work like none other in helping one reduce belly fat. The Mayo Clinic comments on the effectiveness of weight loss supplements in this way:
The most effective way to losing weight and keeping it off, is by eating a low-calorie diet and being more physically active. Weight loss supplements are all at best, tools that may help with weight loss. Anyone up for a walk during a cool evening?

From the Dictionary
I like to take rare or obsolete words from the dictionary and use them on occasion as article titles or a town name. I recently worked on a story where I have a care facility set in a rural town named Clamber Falls.

The personality of the town is in the definition offered by a leading dictionary.
Clamber: (verb) Climb, claw, scale and scramble.

Until next visit, G-d's presence surround us.

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, Author

Eat Or Be Eaten by Iggy Pop

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is July 23 in my corner of blog land. This post is lengthy, excerpted from
"House Call, Mayo Clinic" and all about creating a heart healthy diet. Note the things to eat and grocery shop for from this article.
Be well!

1. Control your portion size
How much you eat is just as important as what you eat. Overloading your plate, taking seconds and eating until you feel stuffed can lead to eating more calories than you should. Portions served in restaurants are often more than anyone needs.
Use a small plate or bowl to help control your portions. Eat larger portions of low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and smaller portions of high-calorie, high-sodium foods, such as refined, processed or fast foods. This strategy can shape up your diet as well as your heart and waistline.
Keep track of the number of servings you eat. The recommended number of servings per food group may vary depending on the specific diet or guidelines you're following. A serving size is a specific amount of food, defined by common measurements such as cups, ounces or pieces. For example, one serving of pasta is about 1/3 to 1/2 cup, or about the size of a hockey puck. A serving of meat, fish or chicken is about 2 to 3 ounces, or about the size and thickness of a deck of cards. Judging serving size is a learned skill. You may need to use measuring cups and spoons or a scale until you're comfortable with your judgment.
2. Eat more vegetables and fruits
Vegetables and fruits are good sources of vitamins and minerals. Vegetables and fruits are also low in calories and rich in dietary fiber. Vegetables and fruits, like other plants or plant-based foods, contain substances that may help prevent cardiovascular disease. Eating more fruits and vegetables may help you cut back on higher calorie foods, such as meat, cheese and snack foods.
Featuring vegetables and fruits in your diet can be easy. Keep vegetables washed and cut in your refrigerator for quick snacks. Keep fruit in a bowl in your kitchen so that you'll remember to eat it. Choose recipes that have vegetables or fruits as the main ingredients, such as vegetable stir-fry or fresh fruit mixed into salads.
Fruits and vegetables to choose and limit
Fruits and vegetables to choose
Fruits and vegetables to limit
• Fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits
• Low-sodium canned vegetables
• Canned fruit packed in juice or water
• Coconut
• Vegetables with creamy sauces
• Fried or breaded vegetables
• Canned fruit packed in heavy syrup
• Frozen fruit with sugar added
3. Select whole grains
Whole grains are good sources of fiber and other nutrients that play a role in regulating blood pressure and heart health. You can increase the amount of whole grains in a heart-healthy diet by making simple substitutions for refined grain products. Or be adventuresome and try a new whole grain, such as whole-grain farro, quinoa or barley.
Grain products to choose and limit or avoid
Grain products to choose
Grain products to limit or avoid
• Whole-wheat flour
• Whole-grain bread, preferably 100% whole-wheat bread or 100% whole-grain bread
• High-fiber cereal with 5 g or more fiber in a serving
• Whole grains such as brown rice, barley and buckwheat (kasha)
• Whole-grain pasta
• Oatmeal (steel-cut or regular)
• White, refined flour
• White bread
• Muffins
• Frozen waffles
• Corn bread
• Doughnuts
• Biscuits
• Quick breads
• Cakes
• Pies
• Egg noodles
• Buttered popcorn
• High-fat snack crackers
4. Limit unhealthy fats
Limiting how much saturated and trans fats you eat is an important step to reduce your blood cholesterol and lower your risk of coronary artery disease. A high blood cholesterol level can lead to a buildup of plaques in your arteries, called atherosclerosis, which can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
The American Heart Association offers these guidelines for how much fat to include in a heart-healthy diet:
Saturated fat and trans fat
Type of fat
Recommendation
Saturated fat
No more than 5 to 6% of your total daily calories, or no more than 11 to 13g of saturated fat if you follow a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet
Trans fat
Avoid
You can reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet by trimming fat off your meat or choosing lean meats with less than 10 percent fat. You can also add less butter, margarine and shortening when cooking and serving.
You can also use low-fat substitutions when possible for a heart-healthy diet. For example, top your baked potato with low-sodium salsa or low-fat yogurt rather than butter, or use sliced whole fruit or low-sugar fruit spread on your toast instead of margarine.
You may also want to check the food labels of some cookies, cakes, frostings, crackers and chips. Some of these — even those labeled "reduced fat" — may be made with oils containing trans fats. One clue that a food has some trans fat in it is the phrase "partially hydrogenated" in the ingredient list.
When you do use fats, choose monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil or canola oil. Polyunsaturated fats, found in certain fish, avocados, nuts and seeds, also are good choices for a heart-healthy diet. When used in place of saturated fat, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats may help lower your total blood cholesterol. But moderation is essential. All types of fat are high in calories.
An easy way to add healthy fat (and fiber) to your diet is ground flaxseed. Flaxseeds are small brown seeds that are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Some studies have found that flaxseeds may help lower cholesterol in some people, but more research is needed. You can grind the seeds in a coffee grinder or food processor and stir a teaspoon of them into yogurt, applesauce or hot cereal.
Fats to choose and limit
Fats to choose
Fats to limit
• Olive oil
• Canola oil
• Vegetable and nut oils
• Margarine, trans fat free
• Cholesterol-lowering margarine, such as Benecol, Promise Activ or Smart Balance
• Nuts, seeds
• Avocados
• Butter
• Lard
• Bacon fat
• Gravy
• Cream sauce
• Nondairy creamers
• Hydrogenated margarine and shortening
• Cocoa butter, found in chocolate
• Coconut, palm, cottonseed and palm-kernel oils
5. Choose low-fat protein sources
Lean meat, poultry and fish, low-fat dairy products, and eggs are some of your best sources of protein. But be careful to choose lower fat options, such as skim milk rather than whole milk and skinless chicken breasts rather than fried chicken patties.
Fish is another good alternative to high-fat meats. And certain types of fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower blood fats called triglycerides. You'll find the highest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel and herring. Other sources are flaxseed, walnuts, soybeans and canola oil.
Legumes — beans, peas and lentils — also are good sources of protein and contain less fat and no cholesterol, making them good substitutes for meat. Substituting plant protein for animal protein — for example, a soy or bean burger for a hamburger — will reduce your fat and cholesterol intake and increase your fiber intake.
Proteins to choose and limit or avoid
Proteins to choose
Proteins to limit or avoid
• Low-fat dairy products, such as skim or low-fat (1%) milk, yogurt and cheese
• Eggs
• Fish, especially fatty, cold-water fish, such as salmon
• Skinless poultry
• Legumes
• Soybeans and soy products, such as soy burgers and tofu
• Lean ground meats
• Full-fat milk and other dairy products
• Organ meats, such as liver
• Fatty and marbled meats
• Spareribs
• Hot dogs and sausages
• Bacon
• Fried or breaded meats
6. Reduce the sodium in your food
Eating a lot of sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Reducing sodium is an important part of a heart-healthy diet. The American Heart Association recommends that:
• Healthy adults have no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day (about a teaspoon of salt)
• Most adults ideally have no more than 1,500 mg of sodium a day
Although reducing the amount of salt you add to food at the table or while cooking is a good first step, much of the salt you eat comes from canned or processed foods, such as soups, baked goods and frozen dinners. Eating fresh foods and making your own soups and stews can reduce the amount of salt you eat.
If you like the convenience of canned soups and prepared meals, look for ones with reduced sodium. Be wary of foods that claim to be lower in sodium because they are seasoned with sea salt instead of regular table salt — sea salt has the same nutritional value as regular salt.
Another way to reduce the amount of salt you eat is to choose your condiments carefully. Many condiments are available in reduced-sodium versions, and salt substitutes can add flavor to your food with less sodium.
Low-salt items to choose and high-salt items to limit or avoid
Low-salt items to choose
High-salt items to limit or avoid
• Herbs and spices
• Salt-free seasoning blends
• Reduced-salt canned soups or prepared meals
• Reduced-salt versions of condiments, such as reduced-salt soy sauce and reduced-salt ketchup
• Table salt
• Canned soups and prepared foods, such as frozen dinners
• Tomato juice
• Condiments such as ketchup, mayonnaise and soy sauce
• Restaurant meals
7. Plan ahead: Create daily menus
You know what foods to feature in your heart-healthy diet and which ones to limit. Now it's time to put your plans into action.
Create daily menus using the six strategies listed above.

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, Author

Coffee, Kedoshim and Craft

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Mid July here and so is the heat of summer. It has been a rather warm week in my part of blog land. I still though enjoy coffee throughout my day, and probably would be helped by consuming a couple cups less.

On occasion, I bring up a health topic from the Mayo Clinic newsletter, and this post follows suit.
In "Housecall" the question is raised about coffee helping with weight loss?
My response, I wish it did.

Their response is urged caution in using coffee or caffeinated products to help with losing weight. For adults, 400 mg of coffee is recommended, which I am guessing is one or two cups period. Side effects from too much coffee, according to the Mayo staff, include high blood pressure, nervousness, nausea and insomnia.

From The Torah

In passing, just want to mention that while many Christian Bible translations may use the word "saint or saints" to refer to a group of adherents, some Jewish translations use the word, "kedoshim" instead. Simply, this transliterates into the descriptive, holy ones.

Writing
I am currently working on a major story for a contest being offered by the publisher, Owl Canyon Press in Colorado. Twenty-five winners are featured in their anthology, and the top three receive a specified cash prize. I hope to make the anthology at least. Last year, nearly 900 entries were considered for a similar contest by them.

I have a couple stories in the summer issue of "New Authors Journal" by Mario Farina, available from www.amazon.com for a reasonable cost.

Until next visit, Kevod Yeheveh, the presence of the Lord be with us.

David C. Russell, Author
Mellow Roc

I'm Going Up (acoustic, Claire Lynch)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

First, I would like to wish Canadian and North American readers an early Happy Canada Day and Independence Day, nationally respective. Below, I am pasting an article of general interest and socially encouraging from "Breaking Israel News." It is not my intention to be divisive, but some of us with God's help endeavor to keep Torah.
Please Consider:

Straight Pride March set to take Place in Israel
By David Sidman June 27, 2019 , 8:58 am
If a man lies with a male as one lies with a woman, the two of them have done an abhorrent thing Exodus 20:13 (The Israel Bible™)

In an effort to counter the gay “pride” march, a group of Jewish Israelis from Haifa and the surrounding areas are embarking on something similar to the ‘Straight Pride March’ in Boston called Mitzad Hamishpacha (the Family March). 
The event’s main organizer, Attorney Naama Sela, told Breaking Israel News that the march was the initiative of both religious and secular Israeli citizens looking to emphasize the importance of traditional family values. “We feel that the country is being taken away from us by a gay lobby with a very specific agenda – to obliterate the nuclear family,” Sela said.
The move was the initiative of Sela, who is secular and Rabbi Yair Horowitz. Although Sela describes herself as a secular Israeli, she explained how appalled both she as well as many other secular Israelis like her are at how the LGBT special interest groups have infiltrated “every facet of Israeli society, especially education”. The organizer added how in her son’s school, on ‘Family Day’, the teachers teach them about how just about anyone can call themselves a ‘family’. “Israel’s educational system has completely lost their minds” she added. Sela noted how in junior high and high school, people from the LGBT community, with no background in education, come in and lecture the kids while injecting them with their (anti-family) propoganda”.
One of Sela’s goals in the march is to “wake up the silent majority in Israel and take our country back from this poisonous sentiment” she explained.
“The outpouring of love and support was overwhelming,” she said. “Thousands of people from all over the country flooded my office with phone calls and text messages praising our work” she added. Sela recalled a conversation she had with a 70-year-old man who felt as though his entire culture has been robbed from him and is glad that someone is finally standing up to these “bullies”. Even an Arab called her and “spoke with me for a half an hour about how he can’t take the gay agenda inserting their tentacles into every facet of academia”.
However, not everyone was so supportive. Sela also recalled Whatsapp messages that the people in her group got from the LGBT community threatening to perform “gay acts” at the march. Additionally, Facebook shut down the event’s page and wouldn’t allow invites to be sent out for the event. That’s why she has no idea regarding how many people will attend.
Back in 2010, the Jerusalem Police rejected a request from then-Deputy Mayor Yitzhak Pindrus to hold a ‘Donkey March’ as a counterweight to the gay “pride” march. Although Pindrus was hoping to greet gay parade participants with live donkeys to represent what he said was the “bestial” nature of the gay march, the police refused his request.

Note: May the face (presence of God) shine on us and ever be that which we find inviting and desired.

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, Author

Things To Celebrate This June

Hello Grafted In Reader,

In the faith practice world, we are just a few days away from the annual celebration of Shavuot or Pentecost. It is also called the Feast of Weeks, and celebrates the harvest, giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and Christians believe the Holy Spirit was fully manifest at this time, too. If you observe this time, may it be one of refreshment and renewal.

On June 5, Breaking Israel News reported on how ten million Parkinson disease sufferers look to Israeli research for help in understanding early detection. In essence early detection is noted by super-resolution microscopy.

On June 4, the BBC News reported that research in England is working on a patch for the heart to aid heart attack victims in having cellular restoration and fully functioning heart muscle. The patch is in its final development stages and could be available as soon as 2021.

There is much to be thankful for this time of year. Whether you are in winter or approaching summer, what goes on inside you will likely determine your response to things in life. Often, I need to "look to the hills" from whence comes my salvation, and agree with the author of the Psalms.

Thank you for stopping by, reading, and just maybe, leaving a comment.

Kevod Yeheveh, His presence be with us.

Mellow Rock

Antiseptic Reasoning (Acoustic, Samantha Crain)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

The month of April is just about "in the books" as they say, and it began with myself and my youngest brother and his son returning from a four-day visit with our dad in another state. We had a fun time and made some memories for sure.

I have titled this post, Antiseptic Greeting, for a good reason. In the Bible there is a book titled The Gospel of John, which records much of the activity occurring during the earthly life of Yeshua, or Jesus if you prefer. One such encounter is following his resurrection, which is why Christians celebrate what is known as Easter.

In this encounter, John chapter 20, the disciples of Jesus are meeting together behind locked doors. This verse is perhaps translated more accurately than standard Christian translations. Read as follows:
19 When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Judeans, Yeshua came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be to you.”
20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord.

This is excerpted from the Hebrew Names Version of the 1997, World English Bible.
Most translations use the term (for fear of the Jews) rather than, (for fear of the Judeans).
Wes Howard, Jewish scholar, has an interesting article about this on the blog called, Tikkun Daily. It is titled< Jews, Judeans, and the Gospel Of John

He makes two major points:
The Greek word, "ioudaioi", is the one in question. He cites in this gospel the word refers to Judeans, those that were sympathetic to the Roman empire. The second point by Wes Howard is that the Jews of the first century are not the lineage of the predecessors of today's Jews.

This author refers to his 1994 book, "Becoming Children of God: Radical Discipleship" Orbis the publisher.

Some are reconsidering the use of transliterated Greek texts today, but many still turn a deaf ear to considering a varied understanding of formerly interpreted meanings. It's easy to include "all" when stating reasons for extraordinary events in history:
The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Communists, The Russians, the Muslims, The Roman soldiers, the Pharisees. It was sects within each of these people groups that influenced history, and not the whole ethnic. May the "smug arrogant western church" look in its own eye before considering the log jam in the other's eye. If Jesus is your head, act like it!

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell

Welcome to Life, It's For Us!

Hello Grafted In Readers,

A considerable amount of life events have passed since last posting on March 04. The Festival of Pesach (Passover) is a week from Saturday, and many celebrate Holy Week, beginning this Sunday with what is known as the Catholic ceremony of Palms Sunday. I say Catholic, because the occasion of this coming week is man-made. Here is an excerpt from an article that if you are a professing believer in Messiah Jesus, you are welcomed to consider.
It is in full at
https://www.jewishvoice.org
I will highlight the past month after the excerpt:
Should Non-Jewish Believers Celebrate the Passover?
Jewish man and boy
Jewish and Christian leaders, both in history and in the present day, offer considerable objection to Christian observance of the Passover. It seems that neither official Judaism nor official Christianity is very tolerant of Christians who confuse and confound the clear delineation between these two faiths by attempting to observe the traditional Passover, with or without including the Calvary experience.
Christian Concerns
Most Christian objection to Passover observance is based on ecclesiastical anti-Judaism that developed after the Church’s first century. Before the Church fully opened the door to the Gentiles at the Jerusalem Council, the vast majority of its communicants were Jews; therefore, there was no question as to whether Christians should observe Passover. Its celebration was a significant part of the biblical heritage upon which the early Jewish leaders of the Church had founded a faith and polity that recognized Yeshua (Jesus) as the fulfillment of the Messianic expectations of His people and as the Savior of the world.
As Gentiles came to prominence in the Church, they were influenced by traditions which they had brought with them and by pressures from the political powers of the day to disassociate themselves from the Jews and things “Jewish.” At the same time a controversy raged in the Church over whether complete obedience to the Law of Moses was essential to salvation in addition to faith in Jesus. Of particular concern was the practice of circumcision, whether it should be physically enforced on new converts to this Judeo-Christianity or whether the circumcision of the heart that God had described to Moses, Jeremiah, and Paul was sufficient without the physical procedure.

Get the Passover Infographic
This enlightening infographic will teach you the meaning of the Passover seder plate, the elements to include and the significance behind them.
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In some of Paul’s writings, he openly attacked that part of the Jewish community (both in traditional Judaism and in the Church) that believed salvation resulted from submission to and ritual observance of God’s law. This social criticism, an intramural exercise among fellow Jews, was misunderstood and generalized by later Gentile Church leaders.
Rather than maintain Paul’s balanced position on the interrelationship of Christian faith and the Law, subsequent Church leaders adopted an increasingly antinomian posture, ultimately insisting that Christians have nothing in common with Jews and Judaism. This was particularly true in relationship to ecclesiastical holy days which had been changed from their original First-Century construct to accommodate the various societies into which the Christian faith had expanded. Passages such as Colossians 2:16-17 were enlisted to assure Christians that all “Jewish” holy days and Sabbaths had been abandoned by the Church.
Additionally, virtually all of the Christian Church, including the reform movements that began in the sixteenth century and afterward, maintained a supercessionist view toward Jews and Judaism, which asserted that Christianity had forever replaced Judaism in God’s economy of salvation and that Christians had forever replaced the Jewish people, who had been cursed because of their rejection of Jesus.
------------

I personally observe a modified quiet Pesach at home on the evening of Passover. Perhaps this will change in time..

Writing and Reading
The Spring Issue of New Authors Journal, by Mario Farina, available at
https://www.amazon.com features two of my stories along with those by other authors:
-- Little Man No Big Ham, is about a family making do though they are impoverished in Iowa.

-- As Time Goes By, tells of an evening at the fictitious Rivertown Cafe. Patrons support a customer who is losing his son to cancer.

I hope you might consider securing a copy of the New Authors Journal and treat yourself to some short stories. It is priced reasonably.

I would like to know if you are interested in further blog posts by me?

Could you either leave a comment saying yes or no, or email me at:

david son of hashem at gmail.com.

david.sonofhashem@gmail.com

Unless I hear from you, posts will be phased out and appear once a month through summer 2019.

Thank you for your time, reading and pondering.

Kevod Yeheveh, His presence be with us day and night.

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell

Featured Article from Jerusalem Post

Hello Grafted In Readers,
Today is March 4, 2019. I may only be doing one post this month.
Are you per chance observing National Reading Month?
Would you like to?
Below is an opportunity with a lengthy article from the Jerusalem Post about the Lutheran/Anglican history of service in Jerusalem dating back to the mid 1800s.

Today is March 4, and in two days many will observe the period of church season called Lent. I would challenge those who observe this period to read this article to appreciate our ancestry as believers and as children of Adonai.
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Lutheran fortress
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With a view of Jerusalem and environs, Augusta Victoria tower is formidable in its Teutonic architecture.
Lutheran fortress
lutheran church 88. (photo credit: )
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Coming up to Jerusalem on Jericho Road, as pilgrims surmount the Ascent of Adumim, their first view of the holy city is the Mount of Olives, topped by three towers - the middle of which is Augusta Victoria, a Lutheran church marking the place where Jesus, according to tradition, ascended into heaven. Commanding a view of Jerusalem and environs, as well as much of the West Bank, Dead Sea and Jordan, Augusta Victoria tower is formidable in its Teutonic architecture. Michael Wohlrab, chaplain at the adjoining Church of the Ascension, laughs: "Maybe they were inspired by Martin Luther's song, 'A Mighty Fortress is my God.'" The bell tower, finished in 1910, stands on the highest point in Jerusalem. Beneath the structure, however, lies a ministry with a very human touch. The same northern Europeans who built the Augusta Victoria lookout surveyed the Holy Land and its needs, developing orphanages, hospitals, retirement homes, retreat centers and schools. Sometimes these workers were pastors or employees of a Lutheran institution, but many times they were simply devout men and women who were determined to help. Kirsten, an Augusta Victoria volunteer from Germany, is a good example. She and friends worked to turn a room across from the Church of the Ascension into a coffee shop whose profits help fund the children's dialysis center at Augusta Victoria Hospital. The Lutheran World Federation-run hospital, a 200-bed institution next to the church, provides the only dialysis center for West Bank residents. It also offers a variety of medical services to the Palestinian community, mostly on a charitable basis. Lutheran origins in Jerusalem parallel those of the Anglicans. In the 1840s Egypt occupied the area, but was eventually ousted by a joint British, Prussian and Turkish force. King Fredrick Wilhelm IV of Prussia was eager to use his newfound influence to establish a Protestant foothold in the Middle East. The king favored "that the Church of England establish a Bishopric at Jerusalem." Toward that goal, his emissary met with British foreign minister Palmerston and Queen Victoria. The governing Turks agreed. Michael Solomon Alexander, a former rabbi, was consecrated to the new post in November 1841, and sailed for Jaffa the following month. The joint Anglican-Lutheran bishopric lasted 50 years, and a number of institutions - Christ Church and Talitha Kumi among them - were founded. The cooperative diocese was satisfactory until political and theological differences led to an independent Lutheran church in Israel. Politically, a stronger Prussia led to ecclesiastical autonomy, while theologically the Lutheran church favored social ministry and the Anglicans stressed conversions, according to Lutheran historians. Still, during those 50 years, the cooperative venture yielded crucial ministries and churches. In the 1840s the denominations combined diplomatic efforts to overcome French and Russian (representing Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox) impediments to a Protestant church in Israel. Christ Church inside Jaffa Gate resulted. In 1851 an orphanage and girls' school, Talitha Kumi, was founded. By the end of that decade, 32 Arab, Armenian and Jewish girls lived there. During the 1860s that number reached 140 as Talitha Kumi moved out of the Old City - one of the first buildings to do so. Part of the new structure stands at the corner of King George Avenue and Rehov Ben-Yehuda - a national monument to 19th-century architecture. Due to tensions with the British in two World Wars and restrictions on German teachers, the school was moved to Lod and eventually to Beit Jala, where it currently enrolls about 900 co-ed students and includes a guest home for visitors and a vocational school. The idea for a church on the grounds of the muristan where medieval churches were erected was conceived during the time of the shared diocese, but came to fruition after the division. Kaiser Wilhelm provided funds for the Church of the Redeemer in the late 1880s. In the next decade, he and his wife, Augusta Victoria (for whom the Mount of Olives structure is named), became the first Western rulers to visit Jerusalem - the (specially widened) Jaffa Gate indicating the breadth of his royal procession. The tower of the resulting Church of the Redeemer commands the best view from within the Old City, as thousands of tourists who walk up its 177 steps and almost 50-meter-high watchtower can attest. The church houses about 800 worshipers weekly, meeting at four different congregations - English, Arabic, German and Danish. In the heart of Jerusalem's new city is Caspari Center, founded by the Norwegian church ministry to Israel in 1982. An educational ministry supported largely by a consortium of European Lutheran sponsors, the institution has been eager to involve local workers "to avoid becoming a Lutheran ghetto," according to former director Torleif Elgvin. In 1984 the center began producing Telem, a curriculum for theological training for Israeli believers. Caspari has also produced several books as well as the quarterly journal Mishkan - a forum on the Gospel and the Jewish people. Furthermore, it has provided study tours, lecture series and assistance to congregations planning to produce educational materials. Outside the capital on the main Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway is Yad Hashmona, a moshav founded by Finnish Lutherans to memorialize eight Jews who had sought refuge in Finland but were handed over to the Nazis. The founders of Yad Hashmona (meaning "Memorial to the Eight") hoped to partially atone for this crime. According to resident Gershom Nerel, who wrote a booklet on the moshav, the founders were Lutheran Finns who, "as believers in the fulfillment of biblical prophecy... wanted to contribute their share to the Zionist movement in Eretz Israel." The moshav maintains a popular guest house visited by Israelis and others who want to enjoy the mountain air and view. Visitors are offered a number of hiking trails. A high-quality carpentry shop and tour center also contribute to the moshav's finances. Offering ministry to about 300 worshipers weekly is Jaffa's Immanuel Lutheran Church, founded in 1904 by German believers. Presently a number of Danes, Norwegians, Swedes and Finns join efforts at this "little pearl" of a church, according to Pastor Jan Mortensen. The building houses two Lutheran congregations meeting on Saturday for Hebrew services and Sunday for English. A number of other congregations use the facility weekly, including Russian, Korean, Romanian and Ghanaian services. "In addition, Holy Land Ministries [a Christian charitable organization that collects food, clothing and money for the poor in Israel] has a storeroom in our basement," Mortensen explains. The church is best known to local residents for its free monthly concerts. In May organist Roman Krasnovsky, former professor of music at Jerusalem's Rubin Academy of Music and Dance, performed there. Haifa's Ebenezer Home for retirees was established in 1976 because "the need arose not only for the aged Holocaust survivors of Beit Eliyahu [a local congregation] to find a home suitable for their needs, but also for Arab believers and other non-Jewish believing residents of the land. The Norwegian Church Ministry to Israel led the project, but enlisted organizations and individuals worldwide to realize that vision. Currently Ebenezer houses more than 25 residents speaking several languages. Lutheran (and other) volunteers serve as cooks, maintenance workers and nurses. Ninety-four-year-old Heinrich Israel Pollock, an escapee from Nazi Germany thanks to the efforts of Lutheran Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the underground church, is among the residents. "I wasn't born with the name 'Israel,'" says Pollock. "It was given to me by Dr. Goebbels and I decided to keep it," he adds, explaining that the Nazis added "Israel" to Jewish names to ensure that a person would be identified as a Jew. "It's a name of honor - a biblical name!" he boasts. Last summer's Second Lebanon War didn't keep the Ebenezer team from their duties; new residents were enrolled even as missiles fell on Haifa. Residents were coaxed from their rooms, since many preferred to stay there rather than in the shelter. Ascending to the belfry of Jerusalem's Augusta Victoria, Michael Wohlrab explains that the three bells were imported from Germany in the late 19th century. Getting them from Jaffa to Jerusalem cost twice as much as the trip from Hamburg to Jaffa because crews had to widen the road for the truck carrying them. Wohlrab surveys the land belonging to August Victoria and speculates on its most effective use. "Many traditional Jerusalem Christians have moved to nearby villages, but are in danger of losing their Jerusalem status if they don't return. This is a problem because there's little affordable housing in Jerusalem. We're considering developing housing for those families and renting to them." Consistent with Lutheran forerunners, Wohlrab is not content to enjoy the view from the tower, but actively scans the landscape for ministry opportunities.

May the presence of YHVH be with us as we seek ministry opportunity.
Thanks for your visit!
Mellow Rock
David C. Russell

Don't Bring Me Down (Song, Electric Light Orchestra, 1979)

Hello Grafted in Readers,

Today is February 7 in my corner of blog land. Winter is here though snow is minimal. I want to do something a bit different this post and be informative perhaps.
Some of you know I write for what is called a content mill. I recently produced a 500-word article on heroin use and treatment in America. Just wanted to share the findings with you that come mostly from NIDA, The National Institute on Drug Abuse. I'll be back afterword to just add some final words.
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According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA, heroin use in its addictive form is considered heroin use disorder. Heroin is classified an external opioid. It has a significant effect on brain chemistry also called neurotransmitters. Treatment options found to be most reliable combine a behavioral therapy model with pharmacologic medication. Symptoms of withdrawal may be severe. The symptoms of withdrawal include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Heroin contains the chemical morphine produced from poppy plants. In its pure form, heroin is a white powder. It is grown in South America and southeast Asia.

Two forms of heroin available in North America include black tar heroin, and white powder or gun-powder heroin. Black tar heroin is either a sticky residual like roofing tar, or hard like coal. It is mainly produced in Mexico and sold illegally in the western US. The drug, heroin, may be taken orally, snorted or injected under the skin.

In 2013, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, reported findings concerning overall illicit drug use in the US.
- An estimated 9.4 percent of US citizens over age 12 had once used an illicit drug.
- Alcohol, prescription pain relievers and marijuana are the most common used drugs in the US.
- In 2016, it was estimated that 0.9 percent of reported illicit drug users had sought treatment.

In 2016, the national survey on drug use and health, reported an estimated 948,000 Americans used heroin in the past year. This is a marked increase from 2002, where findings indicate users numbered about 214,000. Moreover. Heroin, formerly an urban illegal drug, now is used across country.
Heroin is an external opioid that when used binds to neurotransmitters causing a reward or rush sensation from the brain. This reward or rush can vary between users and vary by method of inducement.

The signs of heroin use may include dry mouth, drowsiness, arms or legs feel heavy, slowed breathing, lower heart rate and impaired mental function or judgment. Other signs of heroin use, nausea, vomiting and acute or severe itching.

The treatment of drug addiction may occur in a residential treatment program, such as Northbound Treatment, or outpatient by registered certified service providers. Treatment facilities may offers a protocol that helps an individual achieve one full year of recovery or sobriety from illicit drug use.

The result of treatment is measured by increased employability, decrease in criminal or socially challenging behavior and significant lower risk in acquiring disease.

On the medication side of treatment, Methadone and generic forms of suboxone are among the more affordable means and can be given as outpatient treatment measures by qualified providers. There are two behavioral models that are widely used by treatment facilities. Contingency management is a reward system. One builds points by rigorously following an agreed-upon treatment protocol. A second approach utilizes behavioral cognitive therapy. This reorients the drug user's expectations from use and provides strategies for coping with life difficulties outside illicit drug use.

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Let me know your thoughts.. Meantime, God's presence be with us always, Kevod Yeheveh.

Mellow Rock
David Russell

Note: My memoir, Homecoming: A Memoir is available through major online book vendors.
See https://www.dldbooks.com/davidrussell

Let's Hear It For You!

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Can you believe that half the month of January is now behind us? Time doesn't speed up but it seems to as we age or remain active. I found a quote in The Guardian digital news service online that is worth some thought:
Let’s all be better, without trying so hard to be perfect
Eva Wiseman
Ms. Wiseman is a columnist who writes in The Guardian lifestyle section. This is but a snippet from a recent essay written by her on making changes each new year.

Since our last visit, I have been busy with writing, playing piano for two local restaurants two evenings a week, and a Sunday brunch, and am now revising the 2017 publication, Waiting For Messiah, available on Smashwords in its original form. The revision will be imagined accounts of people from the Bible time or life waiting for Messiah. I may re-publish this in several months.

My memoir, "Homecoming: A Memoir" is currently on special via a public coupon through March 2019.
https://www.smashwords.com
In Google type, Homecoming a memoir david c. russell smashwords
and the book title will appear linked as a result.

For health-sake, there is a new study from the British Nutrition Foundation released on January 14, 2019 that recommends portion control and other tips on eating for improved health. Google report british nutrition foundation.

Until our next visit, enjoy a good walk, and kevod Yeheveh: The presence of the Lord sustain you!

Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, Author

Take Your Charge (Acoustic, Kait Lawson)

Hello and Happy 2019 Grafted In Reader,

Why is this blog here?
-BLOG EMPHASIS IS ON ENCOURAGING AND SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER ON THEIR JOURNEY OF FAITH IN YESHUA OUR MESSIAH, LIGHT OF OUR WORLD, REDEEMER AND CHIEF RABBI. --PROVIDING THE OCCASIONAL VERBAL SIPEYR - SAPHIRE, A PRICELESS TREASURE TO SPUR ONE ON IN THEIR LIFE. -ENCOURAGE DISCOVERY THAT "THERE IS NO FREEDOM WITHOUT THE LEARNING OF THE TORAH."

This first week of the new year may have us thinking about changes we want to make in our life: exercise more, eat less, engage with others, support something, retain health, on and on until ad nauseum.

Personally, I am doing abdominal crunches at least three times a week, eating more fiber content, reading a book a month, honoring commitments to my wife, family and writing forums, and retaining my gigs as a freelance writer and pianist for a couple local restaurants.

One of my email subscriptions is to the newsletter produced by My Jewish Learning. I encourage you to give that website a good look-see if you are a person of faith.
An article there is fitting titled, "How To Find The Right Synagogue for You" It doesn't turn the question around but looks at the issue squarely and fairly.
The first step is to decide what are you seeking in a spiritual community, and what's available that matches your answers?

I like the point: that the synagogue's personality is reflected in the behavior of its clergy and members, ritual styles and services. Furthermore, the reason to attend any community is multi-fold. To pray, be inspired, find counsel, socialize, be educated, commit to some type of social action and help financially support the facility.

As we consider the new year this new month, may we ever know that the unchanging presence of Yehoveh is with us!

Announcements
- I have a new blog on goodreads.com titled On The Journey. Also, I have an author page there to welcome questions from interested persons.
- My current book, "Homecoming: A Memoir" by David C. Russell is available in EBook and print from most major vendors.
See
https://www.dldbooks.com/davidrussell

So long for now,
Mellow Rock
David C. Russell, Author