the toxic attitude

The events that are taking place in Libya and Egypt are a result of Islam being offended. Across the world violence is on the rise. The widely accepted notion that anyone offending Islam should be punished is increasing.

For vital interests to take root in the Middle East this situation has to be overcome. The United States needs to seek out those that feel Islam can be defended without violence.

gratitude

Generously
Rewarding
Attitude
That
Inspires
Thanks
Uniting
Divine
Expression

with a little help

Occasionally I have a feeling of need. Of needing help or a boost to get through my day. I feel like I have been overwhelmed with too much to do. A solution was needed.

I have found one. When I break my days up unto "mini-days" my time seems to move much more freely. Obstacles are removed. I have been testing this and my day has 11 or 12 "mini-days". The amount of time is each "mini-day" varies, but most are 45 minutes or a little less.

I have gotten more accomplished and am less fatigued. I'll keep it up so as to improve the system.

a mason and a man

My brother, Masonry means much more
      Than the wearing of a pin
   Or carrying a paid up dues receipt
      So the Lodge will let you in

You may wear an emblem on your coat
      From your finger flash a ring
   But if you're not sincere at heart
      This doesn't mean a thing

It's merely an outward sign to show
      The world that you belong
   To this great Fraternal Brotherhood
      That teaches right from wrong

What really counts lies buried deep
      Within the human breast
   Till Masonic teaching bring it out
      And puts it to the test

If you practice out of Lodge
      The things you learn within
   Be just and upright to yourself
      And to your fellowman

Console a Brother when he's sick
      Or assist him when in need
   Without a thought of personal reward
      For any act or deed

Walk and act in such a way
      That the world without can see
    That none but the best can meet the test
      Laid down by Masonry

Always live up to your trust
      And do the best you can
   Then you can proudly tell the world
      You're a Mason ans a Man

                                                     ~ Author Unknown

gnostic thomas

According to the Gospel of Thomas, Jesus said, "The kingdom is inside you, and it is outside of you. When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living father. But if you do not know yourselves, you will dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty." Thomas's Jesus is the dispenser of wisdom, not the resurrected Lord.

In The Book of Thomas the Contender, Jesus said, "For he who has not known himself has known nothing, but he who has known himself has at the same time already achieved knowledge of the depth of the all."*

 

The heart of the problem for the Gnostic is ignorance. But Jesus redeems man from such ignorance. Stephan A. Hoeller says that in the Valentinian system "there is no need whatsoever for guilt, for repentance from so-called sin, neither is there a need for a blind belief vicarious salvation by way of the death of Jesus." Rather Jesus is the savior in the sense of being a spiritual maker of wholeness.  

Unlike the canonical gospels, Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection are not narrated and neither do any of the one hundred-fourteen sayings in the Gospel of Thomas directly refer to any of these events. Although Thomas does not articulate every aspect of a full-blown Gnostic system, some of the teachings attributed to Jesus fit the Gnostic system.

Christ comes, not as a Redeemer, but a Revealer. He gives a metaphysical assist.

 

 

what is a mason?

A Mason brings to mind a certain kind of man, who's thoughtful, caring, considerate, and all too uncommon these days. But that's exactly what Masons are.................................

a rare and special man who deserves the best our lives can bring.

some entertainment

I found this video from guilherme.tv and I am really impressed on the creativity of this. This is a promotional short film for a project known as M Island.

leadership in motion

On Saturday, March 10, 2011 the Illinois Council of Deliberations had their annual leadership seminar in Bloomington at the Marriott. This is where Scottish Rite Valleys talked about the future of membership and our mission to the communities we serve. Our sense of community is great. Our goals for leadership are entrenched in our historical roots. Freemasonry aided in the idea of free thought and freedom from tyranny. Freemasons helped forge a nation and break the bonds of foreign rule.

As we talked about our future, we had a sense of our mission, a mission of responsibility to ourselves and our social conscious. I present this whole idea in this video:

This frankly is what Freemasonry stands for. This is very meaningful. I had the honor of attending this function and have shared a portion with you.