tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362408362024-03-14T01:43:33.594-05:00Wondering About Godkumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.comBlogger855125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-50579521679015804272022-01-07T14:42:00.003-05:002022-01-07T14:42:54.763-05:00Manic Monday <p> </p><p> </p><p>“I am feeling manic.” That’s what I told my shrink. That is probably not exactly the correct description to use, especially when you are talking to a mental health professional. I definitely don’t fit in that clinical category.</p><p>Let’s try this, “My mind is racing.” It is racing all the time with ideas, words and phrases I should use in my memoir, to do lists, people I should contact, projects I should finish, new projects I should begin. Do you ever feel that way?</p><p>There’s a song in Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, called, “Nonstop” where the lyrics say, “Why do you write like you’re writing out of time…” There is an urgency that he felt, hence he wrote furiously.</p><p>Now, I am pretty sure I will not die in a duel – I mean, it could be possible because, well, I have a lot of enemies. </p><p>Here’s the secret that I have never told a soul. I have always believed that I was going to die young. Am I being a self-fulfilling prophet? No. I don’t want to die. Read that again. I just believe that my life on this earth is short. There is a reason for that premonition that I will probably have to take to the grave. But, “that encounter” was enough for me to believe my life is short. </p>kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-47219793688778469642020-05-13T10:14:00.000-05:002020-05-13T10:14:26.288-05:00Book Review: Power of Creed <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50372025-power-of-the-creed" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Power of the Creed" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1578592258l/50372025._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50372025-power-of-the-creed">Power of the Creed</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19907320.Mark_Nauroth">Mark Nauroth</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3334368400">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A Nicene Creed is not something most Christians repeat these days. I would be surprised if life long Christians even know what the Creed is. In his book Power fo the Creed, Mark Nauroth reminds the reader of the ancient text, and how this manifest continues to have relevance today. <br /><br />The Nicene Creed was compiled in the year 325, approximately twelve years after Christianity was legalized in the Roman empire. Some argue that Constantine, the convert ruler of Rome, convened this ecumenical meeting of religious leaders. The emerging Christian identity was still forming; therefore it was being influenced by other cultures and religions. <br /><br />The Church Father's believed they needed to develop a statement of belief that would unite this emerging religion. "The church needed an elevator pitch. Hence, the Nicene Creed." Out of this meeting, a four-paragraph statement (revised again in 381) was created. The statement, formulated in the Bithynian city of Nicaea (now Turkey), not only summarized the Christian faith but adopted as a form of liturgy, often recited from memory during worship. <br /><br />Nauorth provides a solid overview of the history and development of the Creed. He doesn't overwell the reader with academic hyperbole but instead stays focused on his thesis - to reinvigorate the reader with the spiritual power of the Creed. The writer approach is to take essential phrases of the Creed, and creates a book chapter, delving more in-depth to help explain the theology behind the sentiment. His writing is informative, mixed with a gentle pastor nudge, encouraging the reader to look deeply at their own life, and be aware that they too can transform by digesting the ancient text. For example, in Chapter 7, Nauroth urges the reader who is experiencing moments of shame and regret to "stick with it. Remain connected to the source of life…" (97). <br /><br />The heart of the book is found in Chapter 9. The author thoughtfully reveals the plan of salvation through the phrase, "Born of a Virgin." Nauroth carefully and articulately convey God's plan - always emphasizing the burden on the Creator. He never shifts the blame or responsibility to the human, but rather, allows the reader to feel an immense sense of relief, "It has been said that, 'we contribute nothing to our salvation except the sin that made it necessary'" (122). <br /><br />He introduces a profound concept that heaven was in collaboration with humanity for the salvation story to succeed. "Salvation wouldn't be possible without a contribution from one of our own - a young woman, in and through whom the Word became flesh" (122). It is observations like that provide a glorious understanding of how the Nicene Creed revealed God's grace to the early church. <br /><br />Nauroth believes that the same message that centered the early church is still essential to today's modern church. Throughout the book, the author implores the reader to accept and be nourished by the Creed. He explains that he has memorized the Creed, and now recites it regularly. In a personal story, he shares the first words his newborn son heard was the Nicene Creed. His hope for his son and the reader is to feel the power that Christians long before experienced. <br /><br />This book is written with clarity. The author writes vulnerably, expressing a pastoral understanding of the Creed. The intent of this book is not limited to the historical perspective of the Creed, but driven by a pastoral hope that the reader's life will be changed. Grade A<br /><br />**Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.<br />
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kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-87386856548921124202020-03-02T21:10:00.001-05:002020-03-02T21:10:28.846-05:00Book Review Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45755173-djinn-patrol-on-the-purple-line" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569249414l/45755173._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45755173-djinn-patrol-on-the-purple-line">Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7556605.Deepa_Anappara">Deepa Anappara</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3215525716">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Little Jai is like any other nine-year-old child. He loves eating, going to school with his mates, and pretending to be a private investigator. That is what kids do when they live, in the slums, far off the purple line. From the stoop of his tin shack, Jai can see the high rises, and other buildings from the city, that seem too far away for him to grasp.<br /><br />When a child from the slums goes missing, Jai calls upon his small crew of friends to join him as private detectives. The kids begin to work on this case until more children start going missing. What is going on? Is this just a fluke? Is there a serial child murderer on the loose?<br />Why are all of the missing Hindu? Is this some Muslim retribution? Are the gods angry?<br /><br />As Jai and his friends begin to get closer to the case, they discover some new truths. The police do not care about their families who live in the slums. They are considered castoffs. Jai's families and neighbors are growing weary, but they too are afraid to raise their concern with the authorities' because they fear retribution for living illegally and fear their homes will be torn down.<br /><br />The entire slum town is under siege of fear. Children are no longer allowed to leave the house, and parents are even more watchful for any unusual behavior. Just as the case is about to be blown open, Jai's older sister goes missing. The family is frantic, and his mother must now make impossible decisions to keep looking for her daughter, or go into the city and keep her job as a maid for a wealthy family.<br /><br />This story is more than a 'who dun it," but exposes light on a massive problem child exploitation, child trafficking, and human organ smuggling.<br /><br />The afterward is written by the author. She shares how she stumbled on this story, as a journalist, and realized she needed to expose the problem through fiction. She cites, 180 children go missing in India every day. This is an alarming number!<br /><br />After reading most books, I usually google the reviews to read what others thought of the book compared to my own opinion. The reviews are generous and suggest that you can't put this down! I was able to put it down. It was a good story and disturbing.<br /><br />However, there was something else missing in the story, perhaps more of a connection to the characters instead of advancing the plot.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/110873975-kumar-dixit">View all my reviews</a><br />
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kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-20713349856903280662020-01-06T21:22:00.001-05:002020-01-06T21:28:38.523-05:00Josh Baptism <div style="text-align: left;">
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Here’s the video is of Josh’s baptism</div>
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kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-75550274836069849082020-01-06T21:19:00.001-05:002020-01-06T21:19:28.104-05:00Thanksgiving Visit<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;">This year we visited my sister for thanksgiving. One of the reasons was to baptize my nephew Josh. He is the final Sukumaran to be dunked. It was a very special evening with lot’s of laughs and hijinx. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ksqrvTCwVH9DS8XU_TZMTvVcMwtNCWGb" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ksqrvTCwVH9DS8XU_TZMTvVcMwtNCWGb" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1h9iYNgeUihV7TFNRKIKV11k3hWpCAMqG" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1h9iYNgeUihV7TFNRKIKV11k3hWpCAMqG" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1aURkat_eRUCpPE129Du8yvIzcjBl0DkQ" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1aURkat_eRUCpPE129Du8yvIzcjBl0DkQ" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1UGtvIbSRBgCiOM9aGhfjqUKcumQHlclC" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1UGtvIbSRBgCiOM9aGhfjqUKcumQHlclC" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1UfLyx-F9u3CuIiS9nu6sxjJkWCG-IumX" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1UfLyx-F9u3CuIiS9nu6sxjJkWCG-IumX" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1sSh3OMwJ9wDzQmQCsL8ZVyOd7Sa7ScCq" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1sSh3OMwJ9wDzQmQCsL8ZVyOd7Sa7ScCq" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1-df5iAUW7-GncKEXrimIEfmVZkZYznYu" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1-df5iAUW7-GncKEXrimIEfmVZkZYznYu" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1cC-IG6CU4ZXHHYicmMp7ElQ5P8ivGcw6" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1cC-IG6CU4ZXHHYicmMp7ElQ5P8ivGcw6" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1VLdiaENBLH6rYb3uXj1ufWXdf1oO0xAN" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1VLdiaENBLH6rYb3uXj1ufWXdf1oO0xAN" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=18wl4T_lT_SC3Dmd7tz-oXo8rIodWH-Cb" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=18wl4T_lT_SC3Dmd7tz-oXo8rIodWH-Cb" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></div>kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-48251620132517454912020-01-06T21:03:00.000-05:002020-01-06T21:30:49.927-05:00Mariah made my Christmas <span style="display: inline;">My wife gave me the best birthday gift: 2 tickets to Mimi. She said, “you get to take a friend so I don’t have to attend!” She hates Mariah but loves me enough to send me. She asked Michael if he would go with me. Apparently, Michael isn’t a fan, but he loves me enough to suffer </span>through an evening of lip-syncing.<br />
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I still remember the first time I heard Mariah. Her cassette was my first album purchase. I was driving back from (Maryland), after an ACRO weekend at CUC. I was sitting in the front passenger seat with my coaches wife. I handed her the cassette and asked if she would be willing to play one song. We listened to the album on repeat for hours.</div>
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So how was the Mariah concert? Exactly what I expected. A lot of lip syncing and lots of fans! I thought I was her biggest fan - I was wrong. Holy moly!</div>
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<img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=190wqq2Kjvnb5-yJRDwIgSGy88g8poC_O" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=190wqq2Kjvnb5-yJRDwIgSGy88g8poC_O" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1PZOY3Ee5q-LnOYMcSgvapuAtyq8mPRtm" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1PZOY3Ee5q-LnOYMcSgvapuAtyq8mPRtm" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1-8fs3KXlPk9EjVJxcM0FYWoAkO7-nJcG" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1-8fs3KXlPk9EjVJxcM0FYWoAkO7-nJcG" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /><img alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ccOjvM-TnQKKii0j9JucM-FGzljCFYJM" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ccOjvM-TnQKKii0j9JucM-FGzljCFYJM" style="font-size: 12pt; height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" /></div>
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kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-2435326112297359972020-01-06T20:52:00.001-05:002020-01-06T20:52:24.422-05:00Mariah made my Christmas My wife gave me the best birthday gift: 2 tickets to Mimi. She said, “you get to take a friend so I don’t have to attend!” She hates Mariah, but loves me enough to send me.<div><br></div><div>I still remember the first time I heard Mariah. Her cassette was my first album purchase. I was driving back from (Maryland), after an ACRO weekend at CUC. I was sitting in the front passenger seat with coaches wife. I handed her the cassette and asked if she would be willing to play one song. We listened to the album on repeat for hours.</div><div><br></div><div>So how was the Mariah concert? Exactly what I expected. A lot of lip syncing and lots of fans! I thought I was her biggest fan - I was wrong. Holy moly!</div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1NwHsnj83I8tgWmBAorwaJ74QOqaiAdck" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1NwHsnj83I8tgWmBAorwaJ74QOqaiAdck" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=190wqq2Kjvnb5-yJRDwIgSGy88g8poC_O" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=190wqq2Kjvnb5-yJRDwIgSGy88g8poC_O" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1PZOY3Ee5q-LnOYMcSgvapuAtyq8mPRtm" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1PZOY3Ee5q-LnOYMcSgvapuAtyq8mPRtm" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1-8fs3KXlPk9EjVJxcM0FYWoAkO7-nJcG" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1-8fs3KXlPk9EjVJxcM0FYWoAkO7-nJcG" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ccOjvM-TnQKKii0j9JucM-FGzljCFYJM" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ccOjvM-TnQKKii0j9JucM-FGzljCFYJM" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></div>kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-19411578876267539902018-09-17T21:17:00.002-05:002018-09-17T21:17:49.005-05:00MAVIS<div class="_2cuy _3dgx" data-block="true" data-editor="85c2u" data-offset-key="fmb3g-0-0" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d2129; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px auto 28px; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px; word-wrap: break-word;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dear friend, Mavis Jones</td></tr>
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<span data-offset-key="fmb3g-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">A week before my mom died, she asked me, “Who will pray for my kids once I am dead?” I asked her what she meant. She explained “I have been praying for you and your siblings every day since you were children. After I die, who will keep praying for you?” </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prayer Journal Entry from 2014</td></tr>
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<span data-offset-key="a2n20-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">A few weeks ago, one of my very special church members, Mavis, died. I was able to hold her hand, sing and pray for her, just a day before she passed in palliative care, in Vancouver. When Mavis was diagnosed with a new round of cancer, I went to her home with my mom, who was visiting me in Canada at the time. Both ladies were around the same age. My mom had not yet been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. We all sat together, laughed, cried, and prayed. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="5i8p5-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Mavis was one of my church elders, and the leader of our prayer ministry. She never missed a Wednesday night prayer meeting, and was the first to pray for you, no matter what was happening in your life. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="c089i-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">After Mavis died, a few of her friends went through her personal belongings. They found her prayer journals. In every entry, each day, at the very top, she had a new entry in which she wrote, “Pastor Kumar and his family.” She was praying for me. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="3cpnt-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Wow. I was speechless when photos of these prayer journals were sent to me.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="9slfs-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">How much I wish my mom knew, that it was Mavis praying for me. </span></div>
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<br /><span data-offset-key="9slfs-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prayer Journal Entry from 2016</td></tr>
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<span data-offset-key="bf39u-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Now that Mavis has also passed, I am sure there is someone else who has taken up that mantle, even without my knowledge. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="70mme-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I feel prayed over. Thank you for whomever is lifting me up, on behalf of my mom. </span></div>
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kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-71805839902714571532018-09-12T16:35:00.001-05:002018-09-12T16:40:02.163-05:00IMMEDIATE CLARITY<style type="text/css">
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><i>Only with equanimity can we see that everything that comes into our circle has come to teach us what we need to know. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">Earlier this week, I read the above<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>quote from American Buddhist nun, Pema Chodron in her book, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Comfortable-Uncertainty-Cultivating-Fearlessness-Compassion/dp/B077VTVFGY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536787908&sr=8-1&keywords=Comfortable+with+Uncertainty" target="_blank">Comfortable with Uncertainty</a></i>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">I had a moment of immediate clarity upon reading that sentence.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">Judy was feeling enormous regret and anxiety about the passing of her father.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She tells me this in counselling.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“There are so many things I wished I would have done differently,” she cries.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She wishes she would have spoken up to the nurses.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She feels like she didn’t advocate for him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIt9vGeBHdw/W5mGgK9sgJI/AAAAAAABnz8/iNV_ZI0tYVQANv35mVNUOqj4J0ji-mesgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-09-12%2Bat%2B5.33.43%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIt9vGeBHdw/W5mGgK9sgJI/AAAAAAABnz8/iNV_ZI0tYVQANv35mVNUOqj4J0ji-mesgCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-09-12%2Bat%2B5.33.43%2BPM.png" width="224" /></span></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">Jason is so angry that he wasted four years of his life dating “the wrong person.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He feels like these were years he can never get back. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span> </h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">When I read Chondron’s statement, I began to ask, “What can Jason and Judy learn from this experience?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Why did these experiences occur? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span> </h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><i>What can be taught?</i></span></span> </h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><i></i></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">Sometimes I feel like my regret is like the drip of a faucet.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is persistent and slowly fills my life like a tub to drown in. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span> </h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">When I read the above statement, I felt like the tub was immediately flushed away.</span></span> </h3>
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kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-41243759612733265412018-09-10T17:45:00.002-05:002018-09-10T17:45:43.477-05:00We Should All Be Feminists - BOOK REVIEW
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><i>“Nuanced and rousing.” —Vogue<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></span><span class="s1"><i><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></span><span class="s1"><i><br /></i></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><i>“Adichie is so smart about so many things.” —San Francisco Chronicle</i></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s personal essay is poignant and personal.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Isn’t that what most reviewers are saying? The title of the book, We Should All Be Feminists,</span><span class="s1">is in essence the basic premise, the thesis statement. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span><span class="s1">I must admit, I never heard of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, or any of her books.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I was looking for a book to listen to in preparation for a twelve hour drive.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This book was recommended to me by Audible and so I downloaded it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span><span class="s1">There are numerous thoughts I have been wrestling with regarding this book.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>First, I didn’t realize it was an essay, that was based on a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg3umXU_qWc" target="_blank">Tedx Talk</a> the author once gave, with the same title.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So I was surprised by how short the book is, and frustrated I had spent an entire Audible credit on such a short product.</span></span></h3>
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<span class="s1" style="font-weight: normal;">With my penny pincher frustrations put to aside, I was taken back by the simple message conveyed in the book. The message was quite elementary.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I thought there would be more layers to the thought.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The author provided a cultural landscape to what is happening in Nigeria, offering insight on the challenges women face regarding sexism and gender bias. She embeds examples such as being overlooked at the restaurant table when a man is sitting with her, or having to offer a reason as to why she is entering a hotel lobby, because the conventional thought is that only men have business in that location. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">The author makes valid points, however none of them are new. I feel like a jerk saying this, but I was hoping to read sometime with greater depth than this short essay styled book. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span class="s1">Her message:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We need more female representation.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We must create and provide spaces for females to be leader in all areas of industry.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span class="s1">I am sure the contents of this book is necessary and needed in especially emerging nations, where the ideas of female equality is just starting to be understood and take root. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span><br /><br /><span class="s1">Paperback: 64 pages</span><br /><span class="s1">Publisher: Anchor Books; Reprint edition (2015)</span><br /><span class="s1">Language: English</span><br /><span class="s1">ISBN-10: 110191176X</span><br /><span class="s1">ISBN-13: 978-1101911761</span></span></h3>
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<br />kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-3244847849079163212018-09-04T19:47:00.001-05:002018-09-04T19:47:38.701-05:00HAPPY 50 TO MY SIS<a data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8495660@N05/albums/72157695151432620" nbsp="" title="Reema 50th Bday Party"><img alt="Reema 50th Bday Party" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1879/44431884302_abf2ce0c7f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<span class="s1">My sister celebrated her 50th birthday this past weekend.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Wow.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>50!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What the heck?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>How are we getting so old?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I remember very distinctly when we threw my dad his surprise 50th bday party.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I was only 10 years old.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My mom saved and saved, and was able to buy him a brand new video camera. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">This party of my sisters was bittersweet for many reasons.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was sweet because there were so many people gathered to honour her and celebrate with her.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was bitter because both of our parents are death. I wish our mother could have been there to witness this party. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">One of the themes that emerged from the speeches was the generosity my sister bestows on people. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">It is true.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She has always been generous, and continues to.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Since I can remember, she has taken care of me.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>No words can ever describe how grateful I am to her, and for the friendship we have. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<br />kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-113620658844182632018-08-30T18:12:00.001-05:002018-08-30T18:12:29.028-05:00
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zfjys7nxu48/W4h5wnpJ05I/AAAAAAABny0/PfAcb1w9dI0NKAbQk_sY6tC1Qc7K-HeFwCLcBGAs/s1600/datacenter-future-e1503509968416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="728" height="361" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zfjys7nxu48/W4h5wnpJ05I/AAAAAAABny0/PfAcb1w9dI0NKAbQk_sY6tC1Qc7K-HeFwCLcBGAs/s640/datacenter-future-e1503509968416.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Forecasting the Church Future</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">(Part 1 of 3)</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>This is the first of three articles (October) that will appear in my column in the <b><a href="https://adventistmessenger.ca/magazine" target="_blank">Canadian Messenger Magazine</a></b></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I recently met a “futurist.” Her job is to study trends and forecast the future for companies and organizations. A lesson in business management, she said, is that you need to reinvent yourself every three or four years in order to stay ahead of the curve.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Many companies spend millions of dollars on innovation labs and partnering with think tanks to get a better idea of where trends are moving. Huge companies such as Amazon, Apple, and Facebook have been known to buy smaller start-up companies and add their “skill” to the company’s portfolio. For example, Facebook has purchased Instagram and WhatsApp, along with dozens of other companies, because they saw how the trends were moving.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The church doesn’t have the funding to purchase new start-ups or to operate an innovation lab. However, we must continue to forecast the future to understand how trends and ideas are shaping our culture. What are some of the changes taking place in our culture that the church can address? In this three-part series, I will highlight a few monumental changes that are occurring in our cultural landscape.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Baby boomers have already started retiring.</span></b></span></h3>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How does this fact shape how your church does ministry in your community? What kinds of ministry opportunity can you provide for this population?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>A recent study by Franklin Templeton Investments Canada showed that one-fifth of Canada’s working baby boomers have not saved for retirement. “Three-quarters of the pre-retiree baby boomers surveyed said they felt anxious or stressed about their retirement savings or investments, and 40 percent said they expected to rely on a government pension as their primary or secondary source of income.”</span><span class="s2"><sup></sup></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The local church can provide educational seminars, outreach to seniors, and volunteer opportunities that will reach this aging population in your community. Financial uncertainty can contribute to stress, relationship decline, and adverse health effects. Here are some questions your church board and elders can discuss.</span></span></div>
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<li class="li3"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s3"></span><span class="s1">What neighbourhoods in our community have large pockets of seniors? </span></span></li>
<li class="li3"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s3"></span><span class="s1">What kinds of seminars can we provide for people who are already retired?</span></span></li>
<li class="li3"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s3"></span><span class="s1">What kind of seminar can we develop for people who will be retiring in 10 years?</span></span></li>
<li class="li3"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s3"></span><span class="s1">How can we address some of the health issues that older adults face?</span></span></li>
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kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-52918545291911094312018-08-29T19:10:00.001-05:002018-08-29T19:14:31.433-05:00A WORTHY CAUSE <style type="text/css">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learn more at www.lacesport.org </td></tr>
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Click here to read the <b><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/refugee-kids-get-soccer-pointers-and-life-lessons-at-special-camp/2018/08/14/8deaa254-9cd2-11e8-843b-36e177f3081c_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.70fb491e6ef3" target="_blank">Washington Post Article</a> </b><br />
Click here to listen to the <b><a href="https://wamu.org/story/18/08/28/feels-like-home-summer-soccer-camp-welcomes-refugee-kids/" target="_blank">NPR story</a></b><br />
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<span class="s1"><i><span style="font-size: small;">His name is Muhammed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He is nine years old, and going into the fourth grade.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As I drove him to the camp, he told me he had been in the USA for three months.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>His English is broken, but I could understand him just as well.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“How do you like America?” I inquired.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“It is fine, but I miss home.” I continued to pepper him with questions as I drove him to camp. “How do you like school in America?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He nodded his head. “Yes. Yes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In my last school, there was a bomber.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The bomb blew up too early, and a desk flew into the air towards me.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Thank God, my teacher was able to push the desk away while it was still in the air, so it wouldn’t hit me in my chest.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was about to crash in my chest.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He told me this story in such a normal casual voice, that I had to ask him to repeat himself.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i></span></blockquote>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volunteer coaches showing the kids some moves </td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">A few weeks ago, our family volunteered<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in a local mission project.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We volunteered at a soccer camp for refugees, called <b><a href="http://www.laces.org/" target="_blank">LACES</a></b>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Most of these kids (ages 9-14) are from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Sierra.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Rej kind of forced this on us.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She had volunteered to make breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks for the week.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I don’t think she knew what a huge commitment this was.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We had to make the lunches the night before from 7-9pm, with the help of some friends, and then wake up by 6:30am and head out to the camp for both morning and afternoon sessions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was a very long day!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RC8ogxMHYec/W4cyzyXGI8I/AAAAAAABnyE/K-zjViwQm0oZTBHHX3dKBS4H5fSvAamgACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RC8ogxMHYec/W4cyzyXGI8I/AAAAAAABnyE/K-zjViwQm0oZTBHHX3dKBS4H5fSvAamgACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_9712.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seren Fryatt, founder and executive director being interviewed by the Washington Post </td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">On Monday, I decided to help her get started for the first few hours.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>After seeing how much work was involved, I rearranged my schedule to stick around and help.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The director of LACES asked me if I would be willing to pick up a camper who had missed the bus that morning.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I agreed, as long as she wasn’t asking me to coach! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">I drove to the low income apartment complex.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There was a huge banner next to the gate entrance that read, “Refugees are welcome.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My heart skipped a beat.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There has been so much talk in the news about turning immigrants and refugees away.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkLc_PEUqGE/W4c2fvEfLxI/AAAAAAABnyo/amlsgL81VKwSDpp5YSaqdSXRNpPUD0X7ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkLc_PEUqGE/W4c2fvEfLxI/AAAAAAABnyo/amlsgL81VKwSDpp5YSaqdSXRNpPUD0X7ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3728.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This banner is posted on the gates of a low income apartment complex in PG County, Maryland where many of the refugees live </td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">A little boy came out of the gate accompanied by his mother.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She was working a hijab, and holding her cell phone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She told me her husband wanted to talk to me.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I took the phone, and confirmed that I indeed was “Kumar” from <b><a href="http://www.laces.org/" target="_blank">LACES</a></b>, while his wife stood in front of my car to confirm my license plate number.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">His name is Muhammed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He is nine years old, and going into the fourth grade.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As I drove him to the camp, he told me he had been in the USA for three months.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He English is broken, but I could understand him especially well.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“How do you like America?” I inquired.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“It is fine, but I miss home.” I continued to pepper him with questions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Yes. Yes.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In my last school, there was a bomber.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The bomb flew up too early, and a desk flew into the air towards me.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Thank God, my teacher was able to push the desk while it was in the air, so it wouldn’t hit me in my chest.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was about to crash in my chest.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He told me this story in such a normal casual voice, that I asked him to repeat himself. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2N4ESg8s028/W4cy_ANSRvI/AAAAAAABnyU/dybbpdBK1_0fqwofEsHLmzc8ilFTYNa7ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2N4ESg8s028/W4cy_ANSRvI/AAAAAAABnyU/dybbpdBK1_0fqwofEsHLmzc8ilFTYNa7ACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_9807.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids and Coaches listen to an inspiring message about teamwork </td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">During that week, I heard countless stories by these boys and girls.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What a gift of life and freedom that they are in the Great United States of America.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Here are four ways you can help:</span></b></span></h3>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRR2KGsnt5g/W4czSaGxJ6I/AAAAAAABnyc/lHRwdBvgVi8U3bYS6n0eT7489MwFaPmyQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRR2KGsnt5g/W4czSaGxJ6I/AAAAAAABnyc/lHRwdBvgVi8U3bYS6n0eT7489MwFaPmyQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9804.jpg" width="213" /></a><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Instead of going on two vacations next summer, consider <b><a href="http://www.laces.org/donate/" target="_blank">gifting</a></b> one vacation ($3,000-$5,000) to this camp/organization.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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Make a commitment to <b><a href="http://www.laces.org/donate/" target="_blank">donate</a></b> one week of your vacation as a volunteer with your family. You can serve as a coach, cook, driver, etc. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Make a small <b><a href="http://www.laces.org/donate/" target="_blank">monthly contribution</a></b> to this or another organization.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>These organizations depend on monthly commitments to get through the year. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.laces.org/donate/" target="_blank">Donate</a></b> your child’s week long, or two week long summer camp experience to this camp, and spend the week together with your child, serving as a volunteer.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Perhaps, your kid can join these refugee children as a fellow camper, while you volunteer.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">I wish I could post some of the amazing pictures I took of these children at summer camp but families are concerned for their kids safety. </span></span></div>
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Click here to read the <b><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/refugee-kids-get-soccer-pointers-and-life-lessons-at-special-camp/2018/08/14/8deaa254-9cd2-11e8-843b-36e177f3081c_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.70fb491e6ef3" target="_blank">Washington Post Article</a> </b><br />
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Click here to listen to the <b><a href="https://wamu.org/story/18/08/28/feels-like-home-summer-soccer-camp-welcomes-refugee-kids/" target="_blank">NPR story</a></b><br />
<br />kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-23512729086688118582018-08-28T22:16:00.003-05:002018-08-29T20:54:35.028-05:00PODCAST WORLD <style type="text/css">
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span class="s1">Sometimes I visit numerous clients during the day, which means I am in the car more than I want. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span class="s1">I’ve been listening to various podcasts during my drive.</span></span></h3>
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<span class="s1">Here are a few of my favorites. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></h3>
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<span class="s1"><a href="https://wondery.com/shows/dirty-john/">Dirty John</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> is a 7-part episode podcast about romance, murder, and revenge.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">It is</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> the </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">real-life story of John Meehan, a con-artist and convict who slowly makes his way into the life of wealthy socialite Debra Newell. This podcast - with actual interviews, and recordings will have you riveted.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">For once, I was actually looking forward to my love drives in the car so I could listen to this story unravel. Here is a </span><a href="http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-me-dirty-john/">L.A. Times article</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> you can read as a teaser. </span></span></h3>
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<span class="s1"><a href="https://stownpodcast.org/" target="_blank">S-Town</a></span><span class="s1" style="font-weight: normal;">. Oh my. How do I describe this incredibly produced story? This podcast comes from the same people who produced <a href="https://serialpodcast.org/" target="_blank">Serial</a> and <a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/" target="_blank">This American Life</a>. So, as you can imagine, the quality, and narrative is exceptional. In a few words, John, the central figure is one of the most complex personalities you will come across. Listening to his southern, Alabaman accent, will make you crazy, but also realizing that you may be listening to a genius, perhaps on par with Isaac Newton, you can't wait to meet him....but you can't. I loved every minute of this exhilarating story. </span></h3>
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<span class="s1"><a href="https://www.missingrichardsimmons.com/" target="_blank">Missing Richard Simmons</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> is a 6-part episodic series that is well produced and addictive.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">I grew up watching Simmons as a quirky TV personality.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Did you know Richard disappeared from the public a few years ago, and there are rumors swirling that he has been held hostage in his own home by his long time house keeper?</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">I know it sounds crazy.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">This series investigates what happened to Simmons and why he disappeared.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">You won’t get all of the answers you want, but you will discover an entirely new side of Simmons. </span><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> There have been many critics of this podcast, suggesting it is morally suspect, and infringes on the personal rights of Richard Simmons, who wishes to remain private. Here is a </span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/14/arts/missing-richard-simmons-podcast.html" target="_blank">New York Times critique</a> </span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;">of the show. I'll let you make your judgement. </span></span></h3>
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<span class="s1"><a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" target="_blank">Ear Hustle </a><span style="font-weight: normal;">comes right out of the "studio" of San </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-weight: normal;">Quentin</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-weight: normal;"> correctional facility.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-weight: normal;">If you want to know what real prison life is about, you can get a glimpse with the help of Nigel Poor, a local Bay area media artist, and Earlonne Woods, a resident of the prison.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-weight: normal;">The episodes are humorous, yet poignant as you become better acquainted with various prisoners and the personal circumstances that led them to prison.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I would suggest starting with </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20frameborder=%220%22%20height=%22200%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20src=%22https://play.prx.org/e?uf=http:%2F%2Ffeeds.earhustlesq.com%2Fearhustlesq&ge=prx_59_fac58065-7b8d-4772-ba0c-b07bbec9564e&ue=https:%2F%2Fmedia.radiotopia.fm%2Fshows%2Fear-hustle%2FEp%2B1_Cellies&gs=_blank%22%20width=%22100%%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">Episode 1 of Season One</a>.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3>
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<span class="s1"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/podcasts/the-daily" target="_blank">The Daily</a></span><span class="s1"> </span><span class="s1" style="font-weight: normal;">is produced by the New York Times.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you are in a rush, this podcast will give you a quick snapshot of the most pressing issues happening in the news in about 30 minutes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I am often amazed by how quick they are able to produce a segment which includes backstory, sounds bytes and more.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>One of the </span><span class="s1"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/30/podcasts/the-daily/korean-war-kim-jong-un-summit.html" target="_blank">more notable episodes</a></span><span class="s1" style="font-weight: normal;"> is from April 30, regarding the family separation that took place when North and South Korea divided.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This is a tear jerker, that highlights the complexity of the issue. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></h3>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Also, </span><a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first?gclid=CjwKCAjw5ZPcBRBkEiwA-avvk_vhod1mJzrW5J5sQcU89DrBeHqQVWx2cVKoPj7I-nFv-UfLReg89hoC8CEQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Up First</a>, </span><span class="s1" style="font-weight: normal;">produced by NPR is a shorter version that gives you all of the headlines of the morning, instead of focusing on one singular issue. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></h3>
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<span class="s1"><a href="https://www.savagelovecast.com/" target="_blank">Savage Lovecast<span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></a><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> Hmmm, how should I say this? </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you are a conservative Christian, conservative sexually, or just plain conservative, I would not recommend you listen to this.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">In fact, I don’t listen to this podcast in regularity, but it does provide insight on what real people are wondering about regarding relationships and sexuality.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">One notable episode can be found on August 21, 2018, </span></span><span class="s1">(<a href="https://www.savagelovecast.com/episodes/617#.W4YH45NKhsM" target="_blank">Episode 617: Mindfulness: The Female Viagra.</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">”</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Dan Savage, the podcast host shares a writhing commentary on the </span><a href="https://www.savagelovecast.com/episodes/617#.W4YH45NKhsM" target="_blank">sexual scandal facing the Catholic Church</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">He says in part:</span></span></h3>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Finally, one of my favorite podcasts is </span><a href="https://www.goodchristianfun.com/" target="_blank">Good Christian Fun</a> <span style="font-weight: normal;">(GCF).</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you grew up in the world of Christian pop culture, you will love this show.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">The hosts, Travis and Teresa, are irreverent, hilarious, and sometimes sacrilegious.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">They poke fun at everything, including Amy Grant, to Skillet, and everything in between.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">One of </span><a href="https://www.goodchristianfun.com/listen/carman" target="_blank">my favorite episodes</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> is their live show about Carmen.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">The only downfall of this show is that it feels too long.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">They don’t edit as they should, and the production quality is lacking.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Think: a few friends sitting around the table chatting.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span> </span></span></h3>
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</style>kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-59491684491142007412018-08-23T19:29:00.004-05:002018-08-23T19:29:38.406-05:00YOU HIT MY CAR<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Yesterday while I was stopped at a traffic light on Connecticut Ave, a woman started banging on my window and yelling. I partially rolled down the window to hear her scream, “you hit my car! You rear ended me!” I told her meet me around the corner once the light turns green, and since she was a few cars behind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Once we were parked, she told me that I had hit the back of her car at a previous red light. I explained to her that I hadn’t stopped at a red light until the last light. There was no way it was me. I told her to look over my car and inspect it for damage. She found none. “I guess it must have been another car,” she admitted.</span></div>
kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-822078076770583972018-07-31T21:14:00.002-05:002018-08-29T21:05:57.539-05:00THE BREAK-UP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had coffee with a former church member today. I say former, because I am no longer his pastor, and he left the church after some harsh experiences after I left. As he was sharing his breakup experience, he made it clear, "the church left me, I didn't leave the church."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He still loves the denomination and considers himself a cultural Adventist. How many times should a person be subjected to pain and mistreatment before they walk away. There are always two sides of the stories, but in his case, I tend to see it his way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know of numerous people who have left church because of my poor pastoring. Some of these fractured experiences I have apologized for, and others, well, I felt they probably needed to find another community. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some of the heart ache that accompanies a break up, is sometimes related to who did the breaking up. Many people are upset that they were dumped, even when they themselves were already planning on leaving the relationship. It comes down to ego. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While I am sad he left, I am also glad the church left him. He appears to be in a more healthier spiritual place than when I last left him. Breakups hurt, but they are sometimes needed. </span><br />
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<br />kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-4207902474654264602018-07-30T14:32:00.000-05:002018-07-30T14:32:00.058-05:00LETTERS FROM MOM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was going through some old files, and found this letter from my mom. She mailed it sometime in 2013 after we moved to Vancouver. Here is what it says:<br />
<br />
My dearest Kumar<br />
<br />
I miss you alot<br />
<br />
Today when I went to church, many people had nice thigs to say about you. I felt I am the richest mother it felt so good<br />
<br />
God really blessed me to hear nice things about my son<br />
<br />
many people said that they missed you and your sermons. Said that she misses<br />
<br />
your and your sermons<br />
<br />
Stay close to God and follow him<br />
<br />
Blessings are yours<br />
<br />
My prayer are for you and your [family]<br />
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kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-60091043453696524132018-04-25T20:25:00.001-05:002018-04-25T20:25:31.794-05:0023 AND MEYesterday I visited a patient's wife who was having a hard time watching her husband's health decline. During the last few weeks, he has forgotten who she is, and is starting to sleep about 20 hours a day. This has been really hard for her to watch. I told her I would stop by.
During our visit, she told me about her genealogy work. I get a kick out of this, because so many white American's are into their genealogy. <p> They are shocked they aren't Irish, but rather German. Oh my!
This particular individual has been able to trace her family all the way to the Mayflower. Okay, that is impressive! <p>She went into great detail about her family history; those who were in the military, who fought in the War of 1812, and how they migrated west in search of land (They eventually stopped in Texas.) She even had photographs of family members from over a 100 years ago.
I kept thinking to myself, Hmmm...I wonder where my family is from. <p> I mean, I know where they are from: INDIA.<p> But could I go back four or five generations and know who they were - where exactly in India they came from? <p>My parents have a short history - their grandparents, and that information is spotty, let alone, there were no cameras!
Here is a picture of my father's parents. <p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BuLa1bQCesg/WuEpZIQ-ZRI/AAAAAAABnds/Wefs4x1Z56gjXxMSRCW1EXfVAY3ONd0fACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BuLa1bQCesg/WuEpZIQ-ZRI/AAAAAAABnds/Wefs4x1Z56gjXxMSRCW1EXfVAY3ONd0fACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2809.jpg" width="243" height="320" data-original-width="1213" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<p>
His dad worked for the church as a translator. I think that was his official title, but from the stories I've heard, he really didn't have a stable job. His mother was a homemaker, trying to raise seven children. That is the earliest photo I have of my family history. <p>
After I heard about this ladies incredible family lineage, I jokingly mentioned that I should consider doing a 23 and Me mouth swap, or join Ancestry.com. She said I may be surprised by how many connections around the world I may find and who I am somehow related to. Hmmm. I really had never given that a thought. <p> But now, I just may give it a shot. kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-90227166939090090022018-04-25T19:53:00.000-05:002018-04-25T19:53:36.152-05:00MISSING MOM <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crwCIUvKbiM/WuEilb-u9MI/AAAAAAABndU/xJD2_rfBns4gGRY_ermBX10ekcBpwPjIgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crwCIUvKbiM/WuEilb-u9MI/AAAAAAABndU/xJD2_rfBns4gGRY_ermBX10ekcBpwPjIgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2321.jpg" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="1280" data-original-height="960" /></a></div>
Last night I dreamt about my mom - all night. We were having conversations about everything. The dream was on a loop of some sort so it kept repeating. I woke up a few times and tried to reboot. <p> Have you done that before? <p> Tried to stop a dream? Well it didn't work. I kept dreaming until the morning. <p>
A few hours ago, my sister texted my brother and I telling us she too had a tough night thinking about mom. <p>
I know, I know, they say time helps things get better. I know that is true. But right now, time is not on my side. <p>I just miss my mom. kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-42091597676101115562017-10-06T10:56:00.001-05:002017-10-06T20:46:30.405-05:00REBRANDING KUMARMy identify has long been associated with my profession and job. I have always been blessed to have good profile positions, and never really worked in a low level.
<p>
Now I am without a job. At least, not working in the denomination. I have started part time position at a hospice, getting paid by the hour.
<p>
Wow. By the hour. Not salary.
<p>
I have been talking to my therapist over the last few months about identity and how it is wrapped up in my profession. I told her that I want my identity to be shaped by my family. The kind of father, husband I am. I told her this, even though I didn't really believe it. I wanted to, because perhaps, it is the right thing to do and say. But in my heart, I had other ambitions.
<p>
Now that I am without a job, career, professional, I have the ability to start over. The rebrand myself. Who do I really want to be. Is my self-esteem tied up to my ties to the denomination? Can I be happy, and more importantly, proud of who I am if I a not a denominational worker, but rather an ordinary hourly worker?
<p>
How can I be happy with myself. Can I be happy with a pay cut. Can I be proud of who I am if I am not overly busy, and have more time at home?
<p>
The other day, I told Rej I was putting out a flees e before God. She asked, what the point was, because even if a denominational job didn't open up within the time period I had allotted, she said I would still take a church job, long after the time period had closed, just whether it was offered to me.
<p>
She was right.
<p>
One of these days I will figure out what exactly God is trying to do with me. In the meantime, I need to figure out how to be Kumar, for Kumar, and nobody else.
kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-66512132875347851562017-10-06T10:47:00.000-05:002017-10-06T20:47:02.992-05:00WHO AM I Today I started a new part time job as a hospice Chaplain. A year ago, I was working for the denomination, starting my "dream job" which I learned early on that that description was not accurate.
<p>
Now I am calling every denominational leader, friend, connection to see if there is anything available that suites my skill set.
<p>
This morning, as I was walking into the hospice to begin shadowing, my phone rung. It was Andre, my intern, protege calling to inform me that one of the jobs I was hunting for, was offering to him.
<p>
That is correct. He was offered the position. He hadn't angled for it, called the president and sent his resume (as I had). He was called and offered the position. I immediately congratulated Andre, because I genuinely meant it. He will do an outstanding job in this capacity.
<p>
However, at the same time, I could't avoid feeling sorry for myself. How do you stop that? The bleeding of self worth, hurt feelings, feeling bypassed. I told myself that I wanted to remain happy, positive and proud of him, for his accomplishments. But, in a small way, I was languished, feeling like I was losing hope.
<p>
Each day, something new happens that changes, or strips my identify. Who am I without all of these markers that bear witness to who I am?
<p>
A couple days ago, the Hospice issued me a company computer (Microsoft Surface) and an Android phone. I have often joked that I wouldn't work for a company or accepted a position if they didn't give me a Mac product
<p>
Do you see how low I have dropped.
<p>
While I say this half-hearted, I am wondering why I am going through this difficult phase in my life. Am I being punished? Is God trying to get my attention? Is there something for me to learn? I guess we will find out shortly.
<p>
I am happy to Andre. He deserves the job. I am sad for me, because I need a job.
<p>
I suppose I will find out who I am during this period in my life. kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-87484150000204077872017-05-18T19:52:00.001-05:002017-05-18T19:52:55.668-05:00PUT THAT PHONE AWAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZiKb4ccSpA/WR5BtuZfgnI/AAAAAAABnJA/1G2tUunPd9Q0RDZSkeecHhqMkrLhmD4SgCLcB/s1600/iphone_se_review_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZiKb4ccSpA/WR5BtuZfgnI/AAAAAAABnJA/1G2tUunPd9Q0RDZSkeecHhqMkrLhmD4SgCLcB/s320/iphone_se_review_08.jpg" width="320" height="180" /></a></div>This morning I was attending a seminar and was using my phone to take notes and look up a book on Amazon that the presenter had referenced. All of a sudden, she looked at me and said, "Would you mind putting your phone away? Err, are you taking notes or something?
I responded. "Yes, I am taking notes, and looking up the book you just mentioned"
"Well," She replied, can you put that away and just look at the notes I handed out instead?"
I complied. However, I was furious.
I've been wondering this evening if I'm mad because she called me out in a public setting, or because she was wrong.
I rarely use pen and pencil. In fact, the books I purchased for this particular class were on Kindle. Everything is electronic.
Should I be forced to acquiesce to her demands because she feels threatened or bothered that I may not be paying attention?
kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-75358305446066419662017-01-25T20:58:00.001-05:002017-01-25T20:58:40.487-05:00INTERESTING PRAYER REQUESTS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1FVhITWX5Mk/WIlXXhPiFGI/AAAAAAABnEA/eNcSmFId54EzVVgUhMk9P_n9o-bzI0MbQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1FVhITWX5Mk/WIlXXhPiFGI/AAAAAAABnEA/eNcSmFId54EzVVgUhMk9P_n9o-bzI0MbQCLcB/s400/IMG_2151.JPG" width="300" height="400" /></a></div>Sometimes we get some interesting prayer requests at the radio station. We received about 33,000 requests every month. <p> Believe it or not, there are a couple ladies who come in to the office each week and sort through, and pray for every request. <p>
Today as I was talking to Ms. Leila, an 82 year old volunteer, I saw this prayer request sitting on her desk. This didn't completely surprise me. I've read some interesting ones, including one from yesterday that read, "I am praying for my husbands mistress, that she finds a good man." <p>Wow.
kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-13246124897223968312017-01-03T22:38:00.002-05:002017-01-03T22:38:55.881-05:00Photo Album of Badlands National Park <a data-flickr-embed="true" data-header="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8495660@N05/albums/72157676806558732" title="Badlands National Park "><img src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/669/31280530973_a608a34d2a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Badlands National Park "></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36240836.post-78610189016594587352016-09-26T12:08:00.001-05:002016-09-26T12:08:52.223-05:00GOODBYE PETER
<i>Posted on Facebook September 20, 2016
</i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QLC__uVKLIs/V-lV55kxeiI/AAAAAAABlew/Wz7BAFRVGNY3RdNXi5yNih2h2QfbyeT7QCLcB/s1600/14333664_10154410646455993_6213617381619532062_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QLC__uVKLIs/V-lV55kxeiI/AAAAAAABlew/Wz7BAFRVGNY3RdNXi5yNih2h2QfbyeT7QCLcB/s320/14333664_10154410646455993_6213617381619532062_n.jpg" width="320" height="320" /></a></div>If you ever wonder where I got my eccentric personality from, look no further. My dad, Peter Dixit was born in harsh poverty stricken conditions in Calcutta, India in 1934.<br>
<br>Against all odds, he somehow left 10 siblings and his mother and attended college, moved to the USA, worked for the church, married and raised three children.<br>
<br>He had a brilliant mind, superb musician, charismatic personality; and yet plagued by many unresolved demons.<br>
<br>My dad's life has left me with a treasure trove of stories. Some hilarious and others that would make you weep.<br>
<br>He's the perfect example of someone who loved the Lord deeply but never fully understood or accepted God's unconditional grace.<br>
<br>One day (hopefully soon) I will meet him in heaven and see him through the eyes of God - faultless and redeemed.
Until then, sleep well, daddy.<br>
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Funeral service will be held on Saturday afternoon (likely at 3pm) on September 24 at the College Park Adventist Church in Oshawa Canada.kumardixithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15039869344549971812noreply@blogger.com0