Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Thermometers and Book Reads

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is November 28 in my corner of blog land, still 2017. In about one month, cold and related seasonal conditions will be rampant in my area as is the case with the onset of the winter season. The Mayo Clinic newsletter, Housecall, recently had an article about the different types of thermometers, mostly digital.

Briefly, there are pacifier thermometers that are best used with very young children who might use pacifiers. One thing to note is that to get an accurate temperature, the pacifier thermometer has to be in the child's mouth for at least three minutes.

There is also a digital thermometer for the armpit, mouth, and rectum. It is strongly suggested to have two thermometers if one is going to be used for recording rectal temperature, and the other for oral or mouth temperature. Evidently, temperature recordings from the armpit are the least accurate.

Current Book Reading

I am currently reading "The Centurion's Wife" which is published by Bethany House and by two authors. It is set just right after the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah. Roman rule is concerned and wanting to verify that the prophet Jesus whose Hebrew name is Yeshua by the way, is dead, and that revolution is not going to occur. Chapters are a comfortable length and the read is enjoyable.

I would like to ask you to comment if you are reading this blog. A simple yes I am, or I do but not often, will suffice.

Meantime, Kevod Yeheveh, may the presence of God be real in your life and world today and always.

Mellow Rock
Waiting for Messiah, my 11 story anthology is available from smashwords.com in EBook and other major vendors online.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Something Happened On The Way To Heaven (song, Phil Collins

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is October 17, a cool day with temperatures in the mid 50s or mid teens Celsius, in my corner of blog land. I just ran across an interesting article about apologies. Did you know that several types exist?

This article is copied here from the grammar site, www.grammargirl.com.

It's good mental and Spiritual health to not only practice forgiving, but also apologizing when necessary. I share this post:
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If you follow this apology template step by step, it will helps you explain clearly what you did and understand how you affected someone else. Rather than having you fill in the blanks, it helps you find the words to say what you really mean.
By Samantha Enslen, read by Mignon Fogarty, Grammar Girl
October 12, 2017
A picture of a woman who might need to write an apology letter.
OK, let’s admit it.
None of us really likes to apologize when we’ve done something wrong. 
In fact, the ways we avoid apologies are so common they’ve been given names. There’s the “nopology,” the “unpology,” and the “fauxpology,” just for starters. And the hashtag #sorrynotsorry has trended for years. It’s used to indicate a sardonic lack of shame, as in: “Binge-watching instead of cleaning house #sorrynotsorry.”
So how do you write a good apology and avoid one that rings false?
Let’s start by talking about what NOT to do.
Types of Non-Apologies
1. The “If” Apology
2. The Passive Voice Apology
3. The Reverse Apology
4. The Florid Fauxpology
Let’s explore each non-apology a little further. 
The “If” Apology
First, avoid the “if” apology. It’s probably the most common non-apology. It can suggest oversensitivity, as in, “I’m sorry if you were offended.” It can imply that others weren’t smart enough to understand your intentions, as in, “I’m sorry if my remarks were taken out of context.” And it can suggest that a perceived wrong might not have even occurred, as in, “I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings.”
To avoid this, drop the “if” from your apologies and simply admit what you did. Instead of saying, “I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings,” try “I’m sorry that I hurt your feelings.”
The “that” makes all the difference.
The Passive Voice Apology
Next, avoid the passive voice apology. Sometimes it’s hard to admit when you’re wrong. When that happens, we can subconsciously slip into the passive voice to give ourselves an out.
“I’m sorry I lost your keys,” becomes “I’m sorry your keys got lost.” “I’m sorry I backed into your car,” becomes “I’m sorry your car got hit.” 
This phrasing lets you acknowledge an offense—while softening the fact that you’re the one who did it.
The most infamous version of the passive voice apology is “Mistakes were made.” These three words have been used by politicians from Nixon to Reagan to Clinton. They’ll surely be used again, anytime politicos want to acknowledge a mess-up without admitting it’s their fault.
To fix this non-apology, use the active voice. Say clearly what you did. For example, “I’m sorry the dishes didn’t get loaded,” becomes “I’m sorry I didn’t load the dishwasher.” “I’m sorry there’s dog pee on the floor,” becomes “I’m sorry I forgot to let the dog out.”
The Reverse Apology
Next, avoid the reverse apology. This one is particularly nasty. It takes a wrong and lays the blame for it at the feet of the accuser. 
Say you had a bad cold and sneezed on a good friend—who justifiably yelled at you. You could say, “I’m sorry I sneezed on you!” Or you could say, defensively, “I’m sorry you’re so sensitive to germs.” 
Or imagine you ate all your roommate’s Captain Crunch. You could say, “I’m sorry I ate all of it.” Or you could say, “I’m sorry you’re not very good at sharing.”
In the first case, you’re admitting that what you did was wrong. In the second case, you’re admitting what you did—but you’re saying that the other person had no reason to take offense.
To reframe a reverse apology, focus on what you did—instead of how the other person reacted. “I’m sorry you’re so sensitive to cold,” becomes “I’m sorry I left the window open all night.” “I’m sorry your allergies are so bad,” becomes “I’m sorry I brought my dog to your house without asking.”
The Florid Fauxpology
Finally, avoid the florid fauxpology. This is the most ridiculous non-apology. Think “I offer you my sincerest apologies,” or “I deeply regret the events of that day to the core of my soul.”
These non-apologies use language steeped in emotion, and they may sound earnest at first blush. But their overheated language makes you wonder if the speaker is sincere—or is just trying really hard to sound sincere.
Here’s a good rule of thumb: if your apology sounds like soap opera dialogue, rethink it. While you’re at it, cut out unnecessary words, which can dilute the real intention of your apology. For example, “I offer you my sincerest apologies for mowing over your flowers,” would become “I’m sorry I mowed over your flowers.” 
How to Write an Apology
Now that we have these fauxpologies out of the way, let’s talk about the right way to say you’re sorry.
Luckily, there’s a foolproof template you can use. And the template’s not a trick. If you follow it step by step, it helps you explain clearly what you did and understand how you affected someone else. Rather than having you “fill in the blanks,” it helps you find the words to say what you really mean.
We got the idea for this template from Professor Aaron Lazare, and his book “On Apology.” Dr. Lazare explains that a genuine expression of remorse should include these components:
1. Acknowledging the offense clearly
2. Explaining it effectively
3. Restoring the offended parties’ dignity
4. Assuring them they’re safe from a repeat offense
5. Expressing shame and humility
6. Making appropriate reparation
This may seem a little much if you’re apologizing for a small offense, like eating the last of someone’s ice cream, but we’ve found that the little offenses sometimes sting the most. Eating someone’s ice cream becomes a proxy for how little respect you have for them. Or how few boundaries you have. Or how you’re a taker and not a giver.
Let’s see how an apology template might work in this situation. We’ll pair Dr. Lazare’s advice with a sample sentence.
Example of an apology using Lazare's advice
Notice that this apology doesn’t include a justification, such as “I only ate your ice cream because I was so hungry after working all night.” Excuses like this make you feel better. But they don’t mean much to your accuser—and can even negate the impact of your apology. 
It’s hard to do, but leave excuses out of your apology language.
Here’s another example of how the apology template might go:
Another example of an apology using Lazare's technique
Remember, even a sincere apology might not be accepted right away. If that’s the case, try to react with graciousness. You could say, “Thanks for hearing me out,” or “I know you’re still upset, but I appreciate you listening to me.” 
Then give the person time to consider what you’ve said and come to their own conclusion.
Fortunately, to paraphrase Justin Bieber, it’s often not too late to say you’re sorry. And even if you really messed up, a thoughtfully-worded apology can go a long way toward healing hurt feelings. 
Samantha Enslen runs Dragonfly Editorial. You can find her at dragonflyeditorial.com or @DragonflyEdit.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Waiting For Messiah: Other News

Hello Grafted In Readers!

Yep, the exclamation point means this is going to be a special post. I'll start with the good news!
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The anthology, "Waiting For Messiah" is about to be released on Smashwords.com in E-book format.
Smashwords – Waiting for Messiah – a book by David Russell
https://www.smashwords.com › Fiction › ReligiousResult details
Discover the Messiah in a different way with this collection of stories about Christ from a Messianic Jew point of view.
Smashwords – About David Russell, author of 'Waiting for Messiah'
https://www.smashwords.com › Fiction › ReligiousResult details
This is the biography page for David Russell. ... Books. Waiting for Messiah by David Russell. Pre-release—available September 13, 2017. Price: $3.98 USD.

Six authors including me, created 12 stories and one free-verse poem set at the beginning of the Common Era, and imagine what it was like for some Bible persons to have encountered Messiah Yeshua, Christ Jesus. These are warm, humane accounts. In some way, they challenge us today to ask for what type of Messiah are we waiting for in our lives?

I wanted this anthology to come out around the time of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. The date for that is sunset, Sept. 20. It also would be fitting for those Christ believers who observe Advent. I am donating about 25% from each book sale to the faith charity, Bridges for Peace International, which has numerous charitable causes ongoing in the Holy Land.

I noted a couple facts about Rosh Hashanah from the website, My Jewish Learning.

- Foods eaten to symbolize wishes for prosperity are varied and include apples dipped in honey; beets, dates, leeks, pumpkins, pomegranates and string beans.
- It is traditional to fast on the day after Rosh Hashanah.
-Rosh Hashanah became the Jewish new year between the time of the Torah and the codification of the Mishnah.

If you observe Rosh Hashanah and the period known as the Days of Awe, Yom Kippur and the Feast of Tabernacles, may these forthcoming days be truly special and full of meaning as you renew your relationship with Adonai and those loved ones in your life.

One final note, and this is from the Mayo Clinic health newsletter, Housecall.

The subject is Parkinsonism, which is different than Parkinson disease. Parkinsonism is believed to occur because of loss of dopamine-containing nerve cells (neurons). People with Parkinsonism may have slow movement, impaired speech or tremors, or some combination thereof. Keeping active, and keeping one's environment safe are two immediate things one can do to minimize hazards. Also, confer with your healthcare provider for further planning.

Thank you for dropping by and do leave a comment related to our post if you care to do so! Until next time, God bless and keep you in your season of life.

Mellow Rock
David Russell

Friday, August 25, 2017

Help For Stomach Aches or Heartburn?

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is August 25 in my corner of blog land. I am soooo glad to tell you our humid weather has broken like a fever! Weekend temps will be in the mid 20s C during the day, around 10 degrees C overnight. Love it!

Today, we'll talk about our stomachs, bellies, guts. The Mayo Clinic newsletter, HouseCall and Science Magazine newsletter are our resources for this post.
HouseCall talks about something called "Nervous Stomach." It usually is a term used when tests fail to show the presence of an ulcer or gallstone for example. You might have to suggest or ask about more testing.
Anyhow the symptoms of "nervous stomach" are said to be: anxiety, bloating, changes in bowel habits, e.g. times you poop, and frequent indigestion.

I was listening to the daily radio news program, All Things Considered, on Thursday, and they referenced this piece from "Science" online about a study concerning stomach bacteria and diet. I am posting the article below:
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Early human gut bacteria may have cycled with the season
By Michael PriceAug. 24, 2017 , 2:00 PM
You may be what you eat, but trillions of other lives depend on your diet: the microbes that live in your digestive tract. Scientists have long known that the foods we eat influence our intestinal microbiomes, but a new study finds that the gut residents of one of the world’s few remaining hunter-gatherer groups change seasonally, with different bacterial profiles in the dry and wet seasons. The findings—the first to show such a cyclical change in humans—may help researchers understand what our ancestors’ microbiomes were like before most of them switched to agriculture.
Nearly 200 of the 1000 Hadza who live near Lake Eyasi in Tanzania’s Rift Valley practice a traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle, eschewing agriculture in favor of hunting and foraging. In 2014, anthropologist Stephanie Schnorr and colleagues at the University of Oklahoma in Norman found that many of them harbored considerably more species of gut bacteria than people living in modern Western nations (a finding that dovetails with evidence that the Hadza don’t suffer from colon cancer, colitis, or Crohn’s disease). The Hadza’s gut bacteria also appeared to specialize in breaking down their fiber-rich diet.
Unlike most people in industrialized nations, the Hadza eat seasonally: During the wet season, they forage for berries and eat honey, and during the dry season they hunt and eat game like warthogs, antelopes, and giraffes. They eat starchy tubers and baobob fruits year-round.

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Interesting stuff indeed. Increase the intake of vegetables, grains and oatmeal, (little brown sugar on mine without milk please).

Until next visit, feel free to say hello and leave a comment related to the post.

Kevod Yeheveh, his presence is with us.

Mellow Rock
David Russell

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Prepare For Elul (Mellow Rock)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is August 17 in my corner of blog land. I am hoping we have thunder-showers today, cooler temperatures prevail, and the near 28 degree C temperature in our house drops to perhaps 22 C or thereabouts in the near future. I must still have thick blood, though they say as we age, we prefer warmer temps. Hmm.

I want to share a health tip and a book review with you this post since Monday begins the Jewish calendar month of Elul. It is the period just before the High Holidays, and in brief, is the period where G-d invites us back to Himself from where we are or have been in those areas of life that have separated us from G-d.

The health tip is from the Mayo Clinic newsletter, HouseCall.

Flat Stomach
When it comes to a flat stomach, diet and exercise, not undergarments, are what count. Core exercises can strengthen and tone the underlying muscles. Core exercise examples include abdominal crunches, leg-lifts, fitness ball, Pilates, and bridge poses.

Book Review
The following book review is from the Messianic Jewish Publisher, First Fruits of Zion blogger, Toby Janicki:
This is offered this year by me in consideration of Elul and perhaps the High Holidays.
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The World Of The Ger
BY TOBY JANICKI
Over the past fifty years, the Noachide movement within Judaism has really taken off, and, in turn, a number of books have been written to help initiate Gentiles into the world of Torah for non-Jews.
I have read quite a few of these books and, unfortunately, have found more than a few of them to be less than encouraging for my spiritual walk. In many of them, I have felt that the path suggested by the author would cause me to take a step back in my spirituality, Torah practice, and relationship with God. With a few exceptions, I would not recommend these books to others. But The World of the Ger by Rabbi Chaim Clorfene is a completely different story.
The title comes from the premise of the book, which explores the concept of a non-Jew coming to the God of Israel not just as a Noachide but as a ger toshav (resident alien). The Torah gives instructions not only for Israelites but for the stranger (ger), sometimes referring to the convert (ger tzedek), sometimes to the resident alien (ger toshav), and sometimes to both. The ger toshav was a non-Jew who had publicly renounced idolatry and accepted the Torah’s universal moral laws. He then lived in the land of Israel and received certain rights such as legal protection and charity when he was in need. Rabbi Clorfene seeks to demonstrate that while the legal status of the ger toshav is not in force today, since the Jubilee Year is not practiced, in principle the category of the ger toshav has a lot to teach non-Jews about their relationship with the Jewish people and the Torah.
He cites Rabbi Yosef Rosen:
Because the rabbinic courts are powerless to accept the ger toshav due to a snag in halachah, the Rogatchover Gan ruled that a Noahide can become a ger toshav on his own simply by accepting the Seven Laws of Noah, without any need for rabbinic approval. And even on this basis, the Jewish community is obligated to support him if he fell on hard times, and he may take a share of the agricultural gifts for the poor. And he is permitted to observe any or all the mitzvot of the Torah, including Shabbat and Talmud Torah. (33)
Unlike many books for the Noachide that rely heavily on an in-depth overview of the seven Noachide laws, The World of the Ger focuses on “parables, stories, and historical narratives that form the character and worldview of a people” (27). The result is a work that was not only encouraging in my own pursuit of a Torah life but quite inspiring as well.
One of the aspects of this book that caught my attention right away was the way the author sought to connect the ger not only to Noah, as is typically done, but to Abraham as well:
The truth is that before there was a Jew there was a ger. Abraham said to the men of Heth (Genesis 23:4), “I am a ger and a toshav with you” … Abraham called himself a ger because he was a Hebrew living among Canaanites, a foreign resident. Abraham is the father of all gerim, both Jewish converts and Noachide gerim. (29)
Noah is the biological father of everyone on earth. Abraham is their spiritual father. Noah brought them into this world. Abraham delivered them to the World to Come. (64)
Rabbi Clorfene uses language that sounds apostolic, even saying of Naaman after he denounced idolatry and recognized the one true God, “The foreskin of his heart has been circumcised” (83). He also argues that Torah and the knowledge of God were first given to Adam and passed on through the generations to Shem before they were delivered to Abraham and his descendants. Hence, without these faithful non-Jews, the Jewish people would not have risen to the level of Mount Sinai.
The World of the Ger has three chapters on righteous Gentiles that serve as models for the modern-day Gentile who is drawing close to the Torah: Naaman, Jethro, and the Queen of Sheba. The book also contains helpful chapters on Shabbat observance and kosher laws that allow Gentiles to explore Torah observance beyond the seven Noachide laws. Also included is a helpful appendix that lists the forty verses in the Torah that deal with the ger toshav. The book is a great resource for anyone wishing to study a non-Jew’s relationship to Judaism from a rabbinic and biblical perspective. I highly recommend it.
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In brief, editing continues on the anthology, Waiting For Messiah. I am beginning to give some attention to organizing my short stories into a collection for possible publication in 2019.

Until our next visit, thanks for your time, possible comment or greeting, and Kevod Yeheveh; His presence be with us!

Mellow Rock
David Russell

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Those Memories Of You (Acoustic, The Trio)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is Thursday, August 3 in my corner of blog land. I titled this post "Those Memories of You" for a couple different reasons:
-The Sabbath this week follows a special date in Jewish History known as Tisha B'Av on which the Jewish people may observe a fast to mourn the destruction of the two Jewish temples in history. The theme for the upcoming Sabbath, (August 5) is "Shabbat Nachamu" which means Shabbat of Comfort. Isaiah chapter 40 is the Haftarah portion for this date. It starts, "Comfort you, comfort you my people."

-Another reason for the title, I have two close friends who recently lost loved ones, and another friend lost a job suddenly only after being hired. Loss is a part of everyone's life! Comfort is the most appropriate to give someone in times of loss be it simply listening or just acknowledgement and presence.

Turning our attention to general health, The Mayo Clinic Housecall newsletter this week had a short feature on Kombucha tea. This is a colony of bacteria and yeast mixed with sugar and tea, and allowed to ferment. The liquid contains vinegar, vitamins B, and chemical compounds.

Studies so far indicate Kombucha tea acts much like a probiotic in that it helps prevent constipation and helps protect the immune system. Side effects have included some upset stomach and some allergic reactions. It is still being studied but wise to use on occasion if at all according to the Mayo Clinic advisor.

Writing and Reading: I am well into the process of editing the anthology, Waiting For Messiah. Please pray for my editor who has some personal matters ongoing at present. She is a very important part to this effort and G-d has blessed us in being able to work together thus far. For reading, I am enjoying the novel, A Few Green Leaves, by the late Barbara Pym.

Until our next visit, Kevod Yeheveh, His presence keep you sure, strong, and comforted.

Mellow Rock

David Russell

Friday, March 31, 2017

Looking Back The Balance of Power and the Past

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is the last day of March in my corner of blog land. Tomorrow we begin April, and according to the book of Exodus, (Shemot) it is also the month of Nisan in which the Festival of Passover occurs. Biblically speaking, Happy New Year!

See Exodus chapter 12. Remember, the Hebrew calendar is lunar/solar whose months start with the appearance of the new moon.

As we continue our look back at faith heritage, I want to share with you this post, a short commentary from the Website www.torah.org. It is based on the reading for this week from the Torah and in particular, Leviticus 1 through Leviticus chapter 5 verse 26. This will give you a snapshot of what this book is about and the belief of the time.
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Note from the Director
Perfection
In this week’s reading, we begin the third of the 5 Books of Moses, Vayikra, or Leviticus. It was undoubtedly dubbed "Leviticus" because much of it concerns the Temple services, done by the Kohanim, the Priests, descendents of Aharon HaKohen, of the tribe of Levi.

Here, at the beginning of the book, some of the first offerings to be discussed are those when various individuals commit a serious transgression through negligence -- by, for example, forgetting that the behavior was prohibited. And the Torah prescribes different offerings based upon who committed this sin: there is an offering for a High Priest who transgresses. Then there is one for "all of Israel," by which the Torah means if the Sanhedrin, the Supreme Court, were to rule incorrectly in a matter of law, only realizing its error later. Then there is one for the King, and finally for the common individual.

Long before the modern era, the Jews had a Balance of Powers. No one could claim absolute authority; rather, King David himself had to consult with both the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) and the Sanhedrin.

But furthermore, everyone had to second-guess his own conduct -- even the King, even the Sanhedrin itself. There is no equivalent to "papal infallibility" in Judaism; on the contrary, no individual could avoid the possibility of transgression.

We could seek no better proof for the idea that no one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. So no one should look back at the past, and lose hope for the future. Nothing can stand in the way of sincerely turning back to the correct path, because G-d will always accept a sincerely repentant person. And as we see in this week’s reading, everyone does indeed make mistakes -- even the judges themselves!

Kevod Yeheveh, His redeeming presence sustains us.

I look forward to visiting with you again.

Mellow Rock

Monday, March 27, 2017

Don't Know Much About History (classic song, 1970s, Faith Heritage Continued)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is March 27, in my corner of blog land.

I titled this post, Don't Know Much About History, based on a popular song in the recent past sung by various artists, which espouses romantic love as a certainty even though the lyricist claims not to be an expert in the humanities. Recently, I learned from some discussion with others that history today focuses on the reason for events as opposed to when events occurred. When we read Bible stories, there is a school of thought called Purpose History that encourages a similar approach. It encourages us to ask:
Who is the audience? What are they being told? What reaction might they have to what they're being told?
What is the ultimate result of this information they have received?
How would you or how do you respond to this?

This removes the us versus them or minimizes it. You realize human beings were living and responding to something occurring then for some reason. For example, the last three minor prophets wrote after the Israelites returned from 70 years of exile to Babylon. Conditions were pretty bad and these committed people had to rebuild the temple, rebuild Jerusalem, and rebuild life as once known. They took their sweet time in doing so, and Haggi, the prophet, urged them with God's message to do otherwise, which they did!

Today, the Christian church still likes to blame the Israelites for being neglectful, forgetful, sarcastic, accusing, misinformed, and that Yeshua and G-d had it with the old covenant and instituted something brand-spanking new that is the be all and end all. Now, just love your neighbor as yourself and love God. That's it. Nothing else required. Soon, the hymn of the day may be, "All You Need Is Love" by the Beetles; some argue for their song, "Imagine."
Have the rules changed, asks writer Skip Moen.
Author Skip Moen makes some telling observations on how the Christian church may be doing with this mode of peration:
I say, congratulations Catholics, Episcopalians, Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, Church of Christ, Quakers, Christian Reformed, American Baptists, Southern Baptists, Evangelicals, you're doing a "damn" good job. Woohoo!

1. Do justice – recent reports rank the USA near the bottom of countries with equal opportunities for self-realization. We might quibble over the measurement, but any serious look at our society certainly demonstrates a lack of justice.
2. Righteousness – since the Bible defines righteousness as alignment with Torah in relation to God, even a cursory review of American society shrieks disconnect here. The fact that American religious institutions lead the way against Torah should be enough to make us shudder.
3. Deliver the one who has been robbed of power – Today’s legal environment seems to do just the opposite. Coddle to the one in power. Ignore the oppressed. On a national scale, we fail.
4. Do not mistreat – The Bible lists those near to God’s heart. As far as I can tell, the stranger, orphan and widow have a very difficult time in this society. There are approximately 400,000 children in foster care in the USA. Perhaps we find solace in the fact that there are 60 million orphans in Asia, but what excuse is there for 400,000 in the richest nation on earth?
5. Innocent blood – Since Roe v. Wade, almost 60 million children have been killed before they were born. They are the most innocent of all innocents. Did we think there were no spiritual-social consequences for this atrocity?
Jeremiah is right. We have the results. In Jeremiah’s time it led to Babylon. Do you think God changed the rules somewhere along the way?

Kevod Yeheveh, His presence become your shalom!

Mellow Rock

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Looking At Words (David Russell)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is the second day of Spring or Autumn depending on what side of the equator one is on. I am on the side favoring Spring. I love many of you on the Autumnal side though. I appreciate a couple of you who have subscribed to my blog from the UK.

A few weeks ago I subscribed to the Weekly Prayer Letter by author and teacher, Joseph Shulam. He is based in Israel, and has an international ministry but this particular newsletter has been of interest. I share the content with you as it fits in our current look at faith heritage. I title this post, Looking At Words, because that is what this reflection by Mr. Shulam is largely about. I hope you enjoy and are also informed.
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The Jerusalem Prayer List – February 23, 2017
By Joseph Shulam  – From Belo-Horizonte, Brazil
We have been in Brazil for a week.  In the city of Vitoria we had the privilege of inaugurating a new congregation.  The name of the new congregation is Hesed V’Emet – Grace and Truth.  The text is taken from John 1:14, 17.  In the English Bibles and in other Christian Bibles you will find this term only in John chapter 1:14,17 – but if you check the Hebrew Bible you will find it more than 20 times.  The key to understand this term is in Exodus 34:6-7.  The reason that you don’t find this term in most Christian Bibles in the Old Testament is that the Christian translators decided that it would be confusing for Christians to find “Grace and Truth” in the Old Testament since the text in John 1:17, says: “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”  So if Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ – there must have not been Grace and Truth in the Torah or the Prophets or the Writings (the Old Testament).  Wherever there was “Grace and Truth” the translators masked it by using synonyms like: Gen. 24:49 “if you will deal kindly and truly” – Ex. 34:6 “abounding in goodness and truth” – 2Sam. 15:20 “Mercy and truth be with you.” – Psa. 25:10 “All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.” – Psa. 40:10 “Your lovingkindness and Your truth.” – Psa. 85:10 “Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.”   These are just a few examples from the Old Testament.  The translators masked the fact that the Torah and the Prophets and the Writings – the whole Tanach – is full of Grace and Truth, and they did it by using synonyms.  So, we have a new congregation associated with Netivyah in Israel by the name Grace and Truth – Hesed V’ Emet.  We took a Torah Scroll as a gift for the new congregation and they have built a wonderful Torah Cabinet and a reading table.  However, the most wonderful thing about this congregation is that it is made up by young families full of energy and zeal to please God and to do His will.  Most of the members – are survivors of a previous congregation that we had a hand in establishing in the same city – a congregation that developed spiritual and moral mold and an abusive leadership of directed by women.  So, praise the Lord that gave Noah and his generation an boat to ride out the storm, and not in the city of Vitoria – there is God’s Hesed V’Emet – His grace and truth – to provide a home and a community for healthy growth and godly leadership that will work together and network with all brothers and sisters in that city and in Brazil.
This week the Parasha is Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18), The Haftarah (Reading from the Prophets is: Jeremiah 34:1-22, and the reading from the New Covenant is Mathew 15:1-14.
Immediately after God gave HIS instructions for everyone at the foot of Mt. Sinai – God expands his instructions (The Ten Commandments) and details the laws and the statues for the children of Israel and for every civilized society. The text starts with the laws of how to handle the weakest link in the society at that time, how do deal with a Hebrew slave.  The Torah sets limitations to power and authority.  When there is a person who out of circumstances in life had to become a slave – and even if you are a master – you can’t do with your slave as you wish.  You can’t abuse the slave, and you must remember that the slave is your “brother.”  There are so many interesting laws that God has given his children to regulate and have a society that is responsible for the weak and for the strong, and treats the weak and the strong, the poor and the rich, righteously and with disregard for the social position or political power.  Please read the the Torah and the Prophets and the passage in the New Testament and ask yourself the following questions: 1) Why did tradition chose the following readings in the Prophets and in the New Testament to accompany the reading of the Torah?  2) What are the principles and benefits that I can glean from these texts that would help me become a better person and a more faithful servant of God?

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These are questions we can all use in whatever portion of G-d's Word we are considering. Until next visit, Kevod Yeheveh, may the presence of G-d be very real to you and me!

Mellow Rock
David Russell

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Yeshua the Messiah a Legalist? (David Russell)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is March 15 in my corner of blog land, historically known as the Eides of March. On this historic date before the common era, Roman ruler Julius Caesar was put to death as he was deemed to be too dictatorial for what several wanted from Roman rule. They wanted more leniency from Government. Several decades later, during the latter part of the first century when the Messianic believers were both consisting of Jew and non-Jew, customs and culture were being worked out. Most worshipped on the Sabbath, and many observed the "law of Moses" as it defined moral and ethical behavior toward humanity and personal regard and reverence for G-d.

According to an online article titled "Understanding Acts 15" by Robert Clanton from www.auburn.edu, he notes there are two types of gentiles, non-Jews, described throughout the Bible.

-Proselytes: This person is also called the "sojourner" as he might be regarded as Jewish in religion. The proselyte if male, is circumcised, and thus bound by the Sabbaths, 613 commandments, and may have been a God-fearer but then decided to adapt proselyte status. He made the choice.

-The God-fearer is the gentile who denied belief or adherence to foreign gods and idols regarded by pagans and other gentiles. He/she professed faith in the one true G-d. These persons were not required circumcision, but if they did observe the feast of Passover, males were to be circumcised. They were not required to keep the ceremonial law in order to "participate or enter the congregation of God." They did observe the Sabbath and other feasts out of choice and desire rather than obligation!

Today, many programs define commitment in increments of days, weeks or months. Perhaps even in terms of dollars and cents. We have taken the Jewishness out of much of our faith practice in the western world. A God-fearer today may be regarded as opposed to grace and a staunch supporter of legal Christianity. Yeshua was a legalist in that He kept the Torah perfectly and in Him was no imperfection found!

Thank you for joining us as we take a brief look back at our faith heritage. I hope you are enjoying these glimpses.

Kevod Yeheveh, His presence be with you this hour and always.

Mellow Rock
David Russell

Monday, March 13, 2017

In The Beginning: Passover and Purim (David Russell)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is Monday in my corner of Blog Land. A taste of winter has returned to my corner or region of blog land, and some parts are anticipated to receive major amounts of snow over the next couple of days. Our previous month had several days of above normal temperatures and now we are being reminded that the season of Spring is yet to arrive.

Meantime, we continue looking at faith practice in the light of Jewish heritage. Today our thoughts are courtesy of an article by Messianic Rabbi, Russ Resnik, from The Messianic Times. It is titled,
Purim, Passover and the Hidden Messiah

"Who has believed our report?

And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" Isaiah 53:1

Citing Rabbi Resnik, "The phrase, the arm of the Lord, normally describes the mighty and undeniable acts of God. It reminds us of Passover, when God revealed himself openly to Israel and Egypt by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Isaiah says that "He is one from whom people hide their faces," (53:3) which reminds us of Purim not Passover.

Purim is the festival of exile, a time when God seems hidden. Passover is a festival of redemption, when God is undeniably present! The Good News of Mark 1:1-11 may well answer where we are today. Verse 24 even points out the demons believe Yeshua to be the hidden Messiah.

Purim reminds us: Things are not always as they appear. Outsiders and even God will ultimately put in place those who seem powerful and in control.

Note: One common practice during the festival of Purim, is public reading of the book of Esther that clearly shows how God did act on behalf of His people. Most main-line churches ignore this occasion and prefer instead, to paint the Jewish people as unfortunate, incapable, misinformed, persons who "didn't get it." Thank you for joining us in our look at our faith heritage.

Kevod Yeheveh, His Presence is full of shalom!

Mellow Rock.

Friday, March 10, 2017

In The Beginning (Breishit 1, Genesis 1)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is Friday, and at sunset, the weekly Sabbath will begin in our corners of the world. This has occurred each week since creation for an estimated 5771 years. As mentioned in my last post, we are going to spend a few posts looking at our Jewish heritage as persons who practice faith. It is a vast subject, and one that we can only brush against here. If you are curious and pressed for time, start by perusing Bible History Daily from the Website, Biblical Archaeology Society, or grab a copy of their magazine, Biblical Archaeology Review and read some articles inside.

I was given an online membership to the Website by my family, and found a very interesting article at Bible History Daily under the Beginnings of Christianity where I would like to begin our look today.

About six years ago, officials in the country of Turkey announced that through ground-penetration radar, a well-preserved large church building had been located. This church is in Laodicea, and probably built during the reign of the Roman Emperor, Constantine, in the early fourth century, but survived an earthquake that hit the city in the early 600s. Some speculate that this building may have been where the Roman Catholic church held its Council around 363 A.D. Laodicea had at one time been a prosperous center, but in the latter portion of the first century - believers were threatened by the rule of Diomician. He decreed that people also honor the state in order to trade and sell, or the option was famine, starvation and ultimately death. It's in this dynamic we read in Revelation, Because you are neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

Imagine yourself in such a predicament. You have a family or yourself to support. What do you do when your life is literally on the line?

Have you heard this explanation from the pulpit?

Another Bible History Daily article by Dr. Douglas Boin, titled, "The Archaeological Quest for the Earliest Christians", alleges that findings indicate early Christians were not too impoverished or disenfranchised to leave mementos behind. There have been artistic works found near Bethlehem for example that depict representations of personages during the time of Christ. These are not in great quantity, but do suggest all may not have been as bleak as has been portrayed down through the years.

Thank you for taking the time to look back with me at a facet of our faith heritage. Please share this with someone who may be interested, or leave comment if you so desire.

Kevod Yeheveh, His presence be with us always.

Mellow Rock
David Russell

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Falling (The Civil Wars, Acoustic)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is February 23, 2017 in my corner of blog land. This is the last post by me as a 64 year-old blogger, as in a couple days I have a birthday! When I took the course, Developmental Psychology, over forty years ago, age 60 and over was considered elderly. Whether that has changed or not, I haven't noticed. Anyhow, today I was looking at the Mayo Clinic newsletter, HouseCall, and they had some tips on the issue of falling. This is a leading cause of injury for older adults. I paraphrase the recommendations offered.

- Wear sensible footwear, no high heels, pick footwear with non-skid soles. Choose slippers that fit properly.

- Keep moving. Consider walks, water workout, or a gentle form of balance exercise called tai chi.

- When visiting your primary care provider, discuss what eye or ear disorders contribute to risk of falls. Review what supplements or medications are taken, especially those considered to be sedating or anti-depressant. Some adjustment might be made in dosage of these medications or supplements if felt to raise significant risk for fall.

Other Items: I am currently reading an autobio of American Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin. He is originally from Boston, comes from a family of 17 children, had a variety of occupations, wrote extensively.

I am helping edit stories included in a forthcoming anthology about forgiveness. When these are published, will advise and highly recommend readers consider obtaining copies. Stories are personal and well-written accounts about this human action. One thing seems true for all of us, forgiving takes time and practice.

Until our next visit, thanks for stopping by and saying hello when you do. Your words are truly welcomed!

Kevod Yeheveh, His Presence be with you.

Mellow Rock
David Russell

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

The Umteenth Valentines Day (Story by blogger and author, David Russell)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

For Valentines Day which is February 14, I would like to feature a flash fiction story I composed titled, The Umteenth Valentines Day. Do Barry and Belinda love by letting each live their life, or do they love by doing what the market specialists advise?

Any comments, please leave them after you read this.
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The Umteenth Valentines Day
David Russell
Barry put his coffee cup in the sink, put on his winter jacket, stepped out into the big winter chill and began to scrape the overnight ice off the front of his Ford Torus. He thought,
"I'm tired of these damned cold February mornings. The car barely starts. I always have to scrape the windows. On and on and on. Sheesh, when will it end?"

These thoughts were not new to Barry. They rumbled like a train through his head on schedule every winter. They started after the first of the year, and traveled like a train with 175 cars going at a cautious rate of speed until the last one passed on the track. Every year he felt like the driver sitting motionless while eyes view the passing train cars and noting the endless trail of them. The only consolation is to day-dream about someone you wish were there.

Then, the numbing radio ads:

"Buy your honey a Pajama-gram."

"Buy your sweetie a Vermont Teddy Bear."

"Buy your lover a weekend at the Motel-6. We'll leave the light on for you."
"Buy your honey a divorce," he said one morning in retaliation.

February 12 rolled around, and Barry was clueless as to what he would do for the Umteenth Valentines Day. He and Belinda had been lovers for 16 years. They had two adolescent children that added to the momentum of daily life. One was in volleyball and the other was in gymnastics.

He went to work, and filed the accounts that were on his desk leftover from the previous day. Late in the afternoon, he received a phone call from Rene who managed the Badinage, a cozy, modest-priced restaurant that had a sing-along piano-bar in its confines.

"Barry, we're in a pickle. Bernard cannot play tomorrow night. Would you fill in? Will buy you and Belinda dinner and drinks?"

Barry felt like he had been rescued from a sinking ship and whisked on to a lifeboat. He could feel the air of salvation.

"Sure, what time?"

"How about from 6:00 until 9:30?"

"Got it, will be there."

"Thanks Barry. I knew I could count on you!"

Barry and Rene knew each other from university chorus when they attended Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant. They now lived in Lansing, the state capitol. Rene managed the Badinage restaurant, which attracted young professionals and divorcees looking for new beginnings. Often, patrons would sing solos that portrayed what might be going on in their private life. Over time regulars became friends and a sort of social therapy group loosely formed. Barry would occasionally fill in for Bernard, their regular piano man. He envied his position but more the patrons.

"Belinda, this Valentines Day you get to be my groupie. We're going to the Badinage for dinner, drinks and piano-bar entertainment."

"Oh joy. I would rather stay home and watch Jeopardy."

"You don't want to be with your husband, the star of Lansing?"

"I"ll wait up for you."

So, the Umteenth Valentines Day included Barry and Belinda eating breakfast together, separating for work, and then watching the 11:00 news together when he arrived home after playing at the Badinage and having a club sandwich with Rene and the staff.

"You know Belinda, love might just sometimes be letting each other live life the way each is meant to live it. Happy Valentines Day."
"Happy Valentines Day to you, Barry." They embraced and she tweaked the hair on his chest for a while, which he liked before they married. He gave her a body massage while some music by J. S. Bach played in the background on the CD player. Then, in private intimacy, they laid side-by-side like spoons and found contentment in just being together, drifting off to their sleep abode.
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Mellow Rock
David Russell

Monday, February 6, 2017

Wildest Dreams (contemporary song, Taylor Swift)

Hello Grafted in Readers,

Today is February 6, 2017 in my corner of blog land. It is my dad's 92nd birthday and also the birthday of baseball great George (Babe) Ruth. It is said of him, Babe Ruth, in 1929 he earned more money than the US President to which he responded that he did more than the US President that year. Maybe so. Dad is still living and fortunately has many of his faculties about him!

This week, the Mayo Clinic Newsletter, HouseCall, has a brief article about the condition, pneumonia. It seems to be most rampant during the winter months in north America. Various organisms are the possible cause for pneumonia in humans. Pneumonia is defined as an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The lungs fill with fluid or pus. This can cause cough with phlegm or fluid, fever, chills and difficulty breathing. Medication treatment is recommended by a healthcare provider qualified to do so.

In the anthology world, work continues on both the Forgiveness Anthology and the Waiting For Messiah Anthology that will be released in spring and late summer, respectively. I am looking into publishing options for the Waiting For Messiah anthology and considering one of three prospects.

Until our next visit, keep warm and stay in good health!

Kevod yeheveh, His presence be with us.

Mellow Rock
David Russell

Monday, January 30, 2017

Sample: Waiting For Messiah by David Russell and Others

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is January 30, 2017 in my corner of blog land. Winter has returned, although in a mild form with at least an inch of snow outdoors and temps seasonal. That's fine with me. I continue reading the memoir of former US First Lady, Laura Bush, wife of former US President George Bush. She has an interesting story and background in both writing and teaching. Their twin girls are named after their respective mothers. The book is titled, Spoken From The Heart by Laura Welch-Bush.

I continue to be involved with work on two anthologies. One is on the theme of forgiveness and will tentatively be released in Spring.

The second, Waiting for Messiah, tentatively will be released late summer. It will feature about fifteen stories or poems centered around first century citizens of Israel awaiting the arrival of Messiah and what the wait may have been like for them. The authors are doing a very fine job at imagining likely emotions and circumstances in retelling certain Bible accounts. I am contracting outside assistance to copy edit these stories and may publish either with Lulu or KDP Direct. Here is an excerpt of one of the potential pieces that I have written.
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Musings Of A God-fearer
© David Russell


An upheaval has come that will reshape the lives and identities of people of faith throughout Israel for an inordinate time to come. Our city and its treasures lie in ruin: treasures of pottery made by our people are but shards; a treasury of ideas, produced by the minds of our people, have been rendered senseless and chaotic; even our greatest treasure, the Temple, the earthly dwelling of Adonai,
Who lives and reigns forever, is despoiled.
A great wailing is heard, for our temple is destroyed. Holiness and mercy were present in this
dwelling-place made for Adonai by His people. Where, now, will we find peace from our travails,
mercy for our transgressions, convergence with that which is holy?

The fragrance of our offerings to Adonai is replaced in our nostrils by a lingering, acrid stench issuing
from caustic decrees made by a merciless world power bent on global domination!

The conflict has been simmering and boiling for months, years, generations.
Conflict dressed as old opposing new; together follow only Adonai as our G-d, versus discordantly follow Adonai and any other gods of one's choosing; bring on the miracles to show us Messiah,
versus grant us wisdom, self-realization, understanding, and peace.

Adonai, Blessed be He, knows our Messiah from before creation of the world.
- Adonai knows the name of Messiah.
- Adonai knows on what date the Messiah will arrive.
- Adonai knows when and how the Messiah will establish his kingdom.

" His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)





Meantime, Kevod Yeheveh, his peace be yours today and tomorrow.
Mellow Rock
David Russell

Friday, January 13, 2017

Classical For Colds: Piano Quintet, E Flat Major, Robert Schumann

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is Friday January 13, 2017 in my corner of blog land. For the past few days I have had a "common cold" for which there is no cure. The "HouseCall Newsletter" from Mayo Clinic though suggests some remedies to possibly make one feel less agitated during these experiences. The common cold can last for up to two weeks. I did add a remedy of my own today that I used as the title of this post; yes it is a bit high-brow I know for a mellow rock listener but hey.

The folks at Mayo Clinic recommend the following remedies to not rid the cold but ease the misery of one.
- Rest and hydration with water, juice, clear broth, or warm lemon water with honey. This evidently loosens congestion. Coffee, (oops), caffeinated sodas, and alcoholic drinks can make dehydration worse.
- Add moisture to the air. Use a humidifier or a vaporizer.
- Take Over-the-counter medications or decongestants as directed! These will differ for children and adults.
- My remedy: Enjoy some classical music, in particular the Piano Quintet in E Flat major by composer Robert Schumann.

Meantime, Kevod Yeheveh and enjoy a good story.

Mellow Rock

Thursday, January 5, 2017

This Will Be Our Year (Acoustic, Kelly Willis)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

This is our first post of 2017, January 5, and it is cold outside in my corner of blog land. Somewhere below freezing and slightly above 0 Fahrenheit but probably in the low teens if that. Cold! I'm not as being indoors for two days settles that issue for me! There are a few topics to highlight today.

-On the health front, the Mayo Clinic newsletter, Housecall, has an interesting article about sleep and weight loss. It might take a few minutes to fully wake up from sleep, especially deep sleep, because growth hormones, stress hormones, and insulin hormones get released when we are in deep sleep. Everything goes back to some type of normal. If we get fragmented sleep or poor sleep, is there really a difference, then we snack the next day and might eventually gain some weight. The hunger hormone is complaining and being passive aggressive. My interpretation from being a parent.

The Mayo experts tell us to consider changing the type of pillow. Look at what disrupts sleep and get rid of it. No, not your honey. Also, turn off the mobile devices and "find a screen-free way to relax." Cuddle with your honey..

-On the writing front, late last summer I answered a call for submission from author Dan Gilbert, and today, am in his poetry worship anthology titled, Stones Before An Ocean. Paper copies are available internationally from the book seller online, Lulu. I pasted a blurb below.
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s
Stones Before The Ocean by Various (Paperback) - Lulu
www.lulu.com/shop/display-product.ep?pID=5478351Result details
Dec 16, 2016 - Visit the Lulu Marketplace for product details, ratings, and reviews. ... Stones Before The Ocean is an anthology of poetry for use in prayer and worship, featuring over 200 poems from modern and classic poets. ... Copyright: Daniel Paul Gilbert (Standard Copyright License); Publisher: Hewson Books ...

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Please tell your friends who practice faith about this volume. I am happy to be one of the authors with a short poem herein.

-For reading pleasure, "Coffee With" by fiction crime writer, Margaret Maron. A college Art Department chairperson is murdered by someone who taints his coffee and a few hours are being spent reading about "who done it." Answer yet to be revealed! There are eight or so possible prospects. The book in audio form is about six hours long and I have a little under 90 minutes remaining.

Until next post, Kevod Yeheveh, His Peace is with us in our moments of success and struggle.
Thanks for the drop-in!
Mellow Rock
David Russell