Nightmare

 I woke up at 2 am to write down this nightmare I had today:

 “I was in front of anything like a both or closed desk with one of my sons (I don´t know whom). I was paying for a ticket -or a trip- and the money tray was suddenly opened in front of me. There was not any operator who say anything or help, so I nervously took out a package of anything that looked like credit cards. There were coins inside it, perhaps tickets of papers, but while I felt nervous I turned my sight to the right the very moment I planned to put my right hand into the money tray to grab anything of value, except coins.

After I stole and closed the tray I felt the guilt. One thing is coveting or greed, but another things is stealing or taking what belongs to another.

I cared nothing except seizing what I thought I could use later on (and I don’t know how to use credit cards). Morally I paid no attention one of my children was present. I turned to the public eye of a camera for a second, then when I guessed it was watching me. I entered that room but that it wasn´t my intention (as many has failed when tented). I wish it had stopped from the begging, but I didn´t know how to re-open the money tray to give those things back. After I did wrong I didn´t know what to do,inside the booth, so I opened my eyes and saw the covetousness and the greed that steals.

Back in the world of the living I knew who I am and what I shouldn´t do. This area is weak as so many are, but I believed the nightmare teaches me on what to pray and what I should change (I wish I could fix it in the heavenly realms).

In bed I wished I had put my hands over the head or having shut away the tray quickly, but I stole.Real life cannot be rehearsed and I stole anything in that nightmare (Is this how many fall, with no turning back?).

I guess many have fallen in tests like thisand hurt me what I felt. I´m thankful to acknowledge this weakness I have to work on, I felt the pain, my sins. 

In my mind I could find an alibi: I spent all the money I was saving to buy construction materials to keep on building my house, but the sin is the same. 

Yes! I regret not having the money flow I wish to buy my world. I know I must trust God, not me; but my mind says another thing...

Have you ever felt -or lived- anything like this?

If you want to share it, go ahead! 

If you are a cop -please- Forgive me!  (I already wear these handcuffs I made typewriting this nightmare)

Amos 3:3, 7

We are like animals who need associations to be reproductive, to progress, to protect, to learn, to eat. See nature, all around, and each family is an example of this: A convenient association. Churches, similarly, are human associations, bonds created on some truths we cling to: Love, similar religious background not based on nationalities, verifiable beliefs and same spiritual source with the morale of its parenthood.

Read about history and you know how many traditions and creeds were raised. Read stories and see how each is willing to invent his/her own. Is there one Church? No! Each belongs to its beliefs, common interests and united to its temporal leadership. Are we united to one truth? We tried to do so, some say we are one, and the truth is we are divided, because the God I believed may be one divided in 3 persons or One who really has one Godhead separated from Mary, the Mother of Jesus. (The important thing is how I am acting and, more than any of my opinions, it is what God thinks about me).

In Venezuela, too often, I have heard: “Si Dios quiere y la virgen” (If God wills, and the virgin wills). Did God married Marry to be His Queen? Are they both sharing a Kingdom that way?

Yesterday a dear friend told me I am radical. Few hours before another told me the same, because sometimes I expect too much (giving little, by the way) but I have same problems like any and I´m not pretty different than any reader. I wish you could read about Samuel, the prophet. He cut in pieces a man (Agag), stopped talking to a man he knew and, at prudent distance, he prayed and shed tears for that man he liked (1 Sam. 15:32-35). Samuel was known by God since the beginning and learned from Him in his childhood, while serving the temple. He heard God´s voice, more than once and he acknowledged God by personal experience, not by sight or simple readings, like us who boast ourselves on being called Christians and we are far from being like Christ or any godly man on earth. Samuel gave Jews and Christian an example on what he considered obedience (1 Sam. 15:22) but Jesus nullified Himself much more than any other man on this planet, He superseded all since God was with Him and dwelt in His human body.

Some time ago God and Jesus arranged to create what we see (Gen. 1:26-27) and somehow planned our redemption, but this is a process unfolded each century. I don´t know about you, but I had problems to believe the Bible and still have problems to apprehend it; but it serves me to understand spiritual things I cannot grasp or see with my human mind. Is this the only source God has used? I think it is not, He has spoken in several ways and I know believes and religions can be used to rule or control people and, perhaps, this is why there are many denominations and creeds (It is to God to speak and clarify each men´s or women´s beliefs).

No one would walk all the way long without talking or knowing their companion. If spiritually I was made to live eternally, I had better to see what the one who made me has to say. He would consider my misbehaving as my behaving as well. He would consider some actions fit and those that do not.

In a business I should know what I am to buy or sell. It doesn´t matter who buys or sells, but the stuff we are paying for. I can sell anything, but those who want to buy it don´t like to lose anything, it be called time or money. Will you like to waste any part of your time? If you dislike waiting or wasting anything, how much more eternity worths?

In a friendly relationship I always have the chance to leave. In a business, if I write a contract I do not always have such freedom to split easily, because I am obliged, same way when I formalized a protocol or any contract like a marriage. If I was born here, in Venezuela, I need a passport and a visa to leave it somewhere else and life is such a business, I am obliged to achieve certain conditions to be relocated, promoted or be paid when doing a job (it is like at the school or being hired for a job).

Life is a business and see it lasts more than primary school. In fact it is a school and a business some are promoted, hired or fired. Would you like to be eternally fired, by the way?  (I don´t!)

God often speaks. He is not mute, He is not a human being to lie (like me) and His job is eternal (He is busy all the time, but He sees what I cannot see). He gave us a gift we cannot deal without Him: Eternity. If we were not watched, if we weren´t warned, imagine this world and its mess: We were at war each week!

Imagine how boring life would be at “eternal” wars. “I hate you and you hate me”. And no one else knows why, but rage and fights... Imagine how I could kill and eternal enemy. Who can kill Satan and demons?

I don´t want to be eternal. I just wanted to live my life and stop it when I wanted to stop, but it doesn´t function like that. It works the way God made it to function. I like bees and I feel compassion when I see them close to death and more than once I have rushed the process because I don´t like life ceasing, and here you see this contradictory answer or behavior: We all like living and, the opposite, is like dying.  Does the giver of life like the dying? Does He like life ceasing? Do you give a present to be eternally lost or consumed? I don´t think this way.

I have seen animals watching death. I have seen how they fight to protect those they like or loved and I can say they are better than me. Won´t you do the same? (But God does it).

Amos 3:3 is a simple reason. God wants us to walk fine and shed light on the best way. He is not mute, He is not deaf, and certainly He will not do a thing without telling those He loves, those who care about His life business (Amos 3:7).

Read the Bible and tell when He did a thing without giving a warning. He announced Jesus, He foretold these times, and will sent Jesus back to punish those He knows deserve eternal punishment (I could be one of them).

Churches are saying “if you are not like us you won´t be saved”. But God has said: “If you are not like My Son you are not my children”. Is it quite different? Of course it is!

God wants me to walk with Him. Jesus is the way, but I don´t know how to fight against my humanity, my longs and thirsting desires.

Will you mind paying attention to Jesus?

Will you mind listening to God, instead of men traditions?

I will not go to heaven. I don´t like flying the way our planes fly, so I don´t want human wings. Have you seen Jesus “flying” the moment He was taken to heavens? (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51; Acts  1:9, 11).

Those leaders who believe they will fly, with their “holy” wings, mislead those who believe in them. Jesus, who knew God more than any, who has more faith than no one else, was taken up to the place God prepared for Him, Who am I to say another thing?

It is not what I believe but what God believes about me. It is not what I want, but what God wants to do (Matt. 6:10). See God gave Saul a chance and, some time ago, He regretted having chosen one who disobeyed Him (1 Sam.15:11, 28) and see how God picked David up from nothing and, several times, later on he did wrong and finally God had Jesus to rule over human kind.

If I don´t read on God´s issues I will not guess what He wants. If I don´t built a healthy relationship with Him (and those He has asked to follow His Son) chances are that I get lost in loneliness.

I hope He help me walk with those who belong to the right way. I know I came from darkness, but this (eternal loneliness) is darker than being alone or with the people we are not our own.

Sometimes we find people we have liked to talk to, but it is better to get those we would have liked to live, long time ago. We need to talk, to see how we are, but God is not mute to tell us what we have to do: He never asks you to do a thing the other person would dislike. If He wants you to draw near, He will ask the same to others, to be approached: His bond is love, and it is a liking thing (not a disgusting thing).

Do not let any, with strong voices or nominal leaderships, lie to you. We do not need more leaders, but living believers to walk with; so I rather follow Jesus. He is the only source I see to be saved from myself.

Samuel 1.

This Saturday I enjoyed myself reading on Samuel. I felt the hunch that much of my life has been mistaken when getting things I was not heavenly granted and that I have suffered pains for being self centered and selfish.

I learned a bit more on the character of king Saul. He was big, “but not at his eyes” (1 Sam. 15:17) and that´s why he went to build a monument to his name (1 Sam. 15:12). Like politicians today! Have you ever felt you are in the wrong place or with the people you don´t belong?

Reading more chapters we see how he changed, but not for his betterment. God regretted having chosen him and changed His mind (1 Sam. 15:10) so I see here God had FAITH in him, same way He has a positive faith on us, who are invited to be loyal to the gospel and His son. Did God like David for his outer appearance or for his pastoral attitude? (1 Sam. 16:7).

Surely God saw something good in Saul character and later on this was changed and the H.S. got lost sight off (1 Sam. 16:14). See how Saul so loved that temporal role of king and wanted to pass it on his son (1 Sam. 20:30-31). God picked David and got him anointed, while -at the same time- there were two men to rule over Israel: One casted out and the next under a promise (like us).

God gave Saul a new heart. We read how he changed (1 Samuel 10:6, 9) but something went wrong in years, and this happened to David same way (1 Sam.16:13) He failed when he was getting old... Do we need to watch ourselves? (Yes!)

I like the way God tells us not to look at appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). He only can see the inner mind searching our soul, while we seldom grasp enough, but the tip of an iceberg.

I cannot touch tomorrow. Much of me liked the idea of having both, wisdom and a matchmaking mind to get my dreams, or the tools I could use to build them up; but I´m completely wrong. Perhaps some wisdom is utterly reached, but the matchmaking mind is from God´s will. I spent all my life looking for that person I haven´t found. Now I am convinced of this!

David was a humble pastor. He was not a coward boy and grew to fight his fears. Samuel´s account does not tell on David´s brothers business, except that 3 went to the military service (1 Sam. 17:13) and one wanted to rule over David´s will (1 Sam. 17:28). Are we always concerned on the welfare of the family or certainly envious of other´s attitude?

In childhood I wasn´t too often interested in helping. I just had tried to do my will, but this reading broaden my point of view and I knew that obedience is the best sacrifice I can offer God.

Too often I started asking Him things to be done. This is not a friendly relationship and, in fact, I would not like to have a friend -or a person- who always comes asking me things to be done. Are you like that? I have to change this! (Will you too?) I think love is not asking, but giving; but I learned this the opposite way: I believed “being loved” was receiving instead of giving. Of course! A love relationship is built on the flow of both, giving and receiving things fairly, often to both sides.

God needs nothing from me, it is just the other way around, and Jesus showed me the right way (but I have loved -too much- what I considered mine). Is this my life? Is this real life?

This is how I often misbehaved: “Hi, God! How are you doing?... I just wanted to ask You this couple of things... May I trust you to get this and these?”

·         Is God a Genius to make my life happy?

·         Am I His servant or employer?

·         Do I love Him at my selfish convenience?

Same mistake is made with family, friends or those we say “we love”. Think of the many times we used people to get what we wanted, and culturally we are taught the wrong way: “Ask!” (Instead of giving).

When David wanted to marry Michal had to pay a price (1 Sam. 18:23, 25). Let´s say Merak was too expen$ive (Ha! Ha!) and, in fact, Saul reminded me Laban, when that man tricked Jacob when getting Rachel as wife (Gen. 29:17, 20, 25) Dave actually got Merak´s hands by beating Goliath (1 Sam. 17:25, 27, 30) but he was smart enough to ask for the price and finally had to pay for the one he liked. How long he was away deprived -and forcedly divorced- from the one he paid for? More than 10 years and it was sure she won´t enjoy living like a girl scout in the wilderness (such as a poor woman, without safety and shelter). Will any of you like to live as poor people? I bet you do not! (David spent 7+7 years living in such circumstances, and Jacob had to live in open fields to get his two wives).

It is worth noticing how God said nothing on these two men having several women. Jacob was somehow tricked and David had forced no one to be engaged in such marital intercourse, with the exception of that criminal sin he made -being the king- with Betsabeth, where God punished him very well (2 Sam. 12:7-10). I don´t agree having two women, but I do see circumstances allowing men and women to have a second chance to marry ONE. Is it part of God´s grace? I have read how David gave Saul more than one chance to repent. He could have killed him twice (1 Sam. 24:17-18;   26: 20-21, 24) and he dared to approach that one who was unwilling to be changed and converted. I know I cannot be changed by myself but I tried to sort things out, the best I could or knew. Divorce has given many a second (and a third) chance to built their life...

There were portions of the O.T. that seemed mixed and confused with promiscuity, but those completely sinful were corrected or punished, same way Sodom and Gomorrah or when Israel went astray (Exo. 32:27-28).

From Genesis to Revelations I see all human kind under tests. Each will be approved (or disapproved) according to his/her deeds (Exo. 32:33); but it takes time -decades- to realized how we are, and how far we are from reaching His eternal goal. Sometimes eternity seems to be boring, too toiling to be reached, but it is not the same that repeating mistakes here on this dry earth.

When Israel wanted a king I see how Samuel felt despised, but it was God being dismissed by those He loved (1 Sam. 8:6-8). Saul was not fit enough. He was too high (although humble at the beginning) and his faults and recurrent disobedience made God to change His mind (for David´s sake, instead).

Once more we see how we human beings are and see things. David was handsome (1 Sam. 16:12) and I see how we lack enough, unless God comes (and dwell) with His empowering Spirit to dress us up with His eternal grace: The anointed one needed God´s oil and the complete blessing of the obedience His supernatural Spirit gives.

Jesus is the anointed one!      (I hope He helps me change to see life).    June 2013

Fornication

Before the dawn I couldn't sleep. I tried to pray and said some words, but I felt compelled to write down instead: “When I was 27 I had a friend I liked and certain day we were more than that after having and intimate intercourse. I knew where the chat were leading and I want to leave this record to warn me.

Sometimes I gave no pleasure. That was a selfish act done for release and I wasn't paying attention to the fact women like to be pleased. They like hugs, tenderness, same way as flowers and other presents, but I was used to please me first.

I acknowledged my selfishness, but I know there were add-ons I did not count on those days: We dislike girls or women have another to do this.

She told me she had another she often laid. For my it was disgusting to know her truth and I behaved like a dog: I did my thing and left.”

I would have tried to love her: She wasn't ugly; but the ugly thing was doing what real lovers are morally allowed to do.

That kind of honesty spoiled everything, within me. She could have lied (or said nothing) like many fornicators often do (I did that too) but that would be worst, and STDs are easily transmitted that way.

Fornicators have fantasies like anyone, but I'm not like those who have more than one partner. She was nice, but I had no means to say: “Just stay with me”, because I had another each time she went (in fact I called her when the one I “loved” wasn't coming to me).

I didn't know what her ideas were. She was about to break with the one she told me, but I knew she was emotionally engaged with him: Later she knew he had another... Wow! I hate the idea she had another, but I had another at convenience, when she was away or far from me. Does this happen to all fornicators? (Don't tell me! I have checked).

A sane or safe relationship should be for two people. The more we engaged the less the cake...

I felt discouraged because he was working. He wasn't her actual provider, but he could supply what I didn't have. It would never be love because I told her I had another who missed me sometimes and, when having a chance, I called her for physical release. This is the way I used to be!

No need to tell she had a modeled body. The two things I disliked were she has another and something in her face. What were all those disgusting things she never told?

Perhaps that selfishness, a self-centered concern in doing my thing as soon as I could (without thinking about her).

I disliked the idea of competing or kissing where other kissed (just to mention two concerns). It was upsetting and a hindrance that cannot build healthy relationships (and it lasted nothing).

That's the mundane way I used to “live”. I enjoyed nothing but minutes, and marriage is intended for much more, hopefully if concerted with someone who hates playing the adulterer.

Some find easy to cheat or like multiple dating. Out of Christianity we have no rules on this and sometimes we like to bypass that commitment.

Secularized world speaks of freedom and more, but not being loyal may hurt you and those who liked your company. I'm not sure that can be removed from earth, but I have two years emotionally yearning to be utterly dismissed.

Sometimes comes a molesting remorse: What would happen if I haven't failed that much? Did I find the one I dreamed of?

Sins pays its wages (Rom 6:23). Fornications take its time to healing. Now some good friends are lost sight of and probably I wouldn't have a 2nd chance to say goodbye. Fate and luck do not exist, and some good things were not bound to end that way. Some times I built with one hand, but destroyed them with my feed.

Between all people left behind, there was one I liked more than no one else (that was the one I had before this one I mentioned here). She was a teenager and I felt my life lost without her. She was a dream that lasted only a year and today, while I was typing this blog, I decided to call her, just to hear her voice: She wasn't home.

I said “Hello” to memories kept in secret, but I actually heard her daughter's voice on the phone.

Will you believe her voice is too similar, even when this young daughter laughs?

Sometimes I wish I could be taken.

I praised God for His goodness...

But now I have my eyelids sighing, breathing those passed days of youth.

I depend on you, Almighty God.

A.T.

New ID or Name (Draft)

I'm not told way I should be named Peter or Paul, having been born on June 29. I know some days have names to be chosen if a child is born certain days: Joseph if I born on May 1st or  Vincent if it were on Jan 22th.

More than tradition, beneath this, there is a psychological reason. Jesus named Simon Peter and John and his brother received a nickname. Why? Was it a familiar caprice?

Sure Paul changed his name from Saul. Why? Just to walk free within goyim people? If I change my name from Antonio to Tony (or Anthony) will a be believed, heard, sought or loved?

I can do that legally, paying a high price, even in my own country. Will I be the same? Do I have something to change, from the inside out?

Saul Paul wrote, several times, spuring people: “You are a new creature...” and Jesus asked Nicodemus to be born anew (John 3:3, 5). Can I say baptism as the water my mother had within her by those days she was pregnant?

The spirit of a new ID is not in my new name, but in my new way to living. I have seen some Jewish people like to change their names (after conversion or circumcision) and this is a part of their religious tradition. The law asked fathers 1) to circumcise their males, 2) to present children after the 40 days of cleaning, and 3) to redeem the 1st born, after a month (correct me if I'm wrong. I'm not Jew, but I like them).

Part of the law dealt with the economy of the temple's people. Priests depend and depended on silver or gold to live, buying the stuff we buy for a living; so I see the law ruled that too. Society, as well, was engaged with the religious belief of Israel, so a new born needed a name to be introduced into Jewish society, same way we need a name to get an ID card or a green card.

God said new born were His. Parents were to redeem their 1st born paying “money”, same way I should pay to be circumcised, because my father is dead and my grandfather never appeared on my 8th day (he was from Spain).

Today, messianic people like to change their names. These are parts of their religious  background, but there is much more than changing their names, but learning a new language, imitating an old fashioned culture, for the sake of God (that's not bad!).

I don't need a talit and I don't plan to wear a tefilin. Allow me to confess I will be willing to circumcise, with my own hands, to fulfill some mitsvots like Moshén... but I'm not my Dad and my mother tongue is very far from Jewish culture.

In the process of a new being or being born, we learn any culture and, by changing the way way thought, we change the way we feel and think (this is important).

Just imagine immersing in a new culture, knowing nothing about their language, their many signs and meanings. Won't you feel like being born?

Read some of these: DARJEY NOAM or sidur bircat shelomo and get lost... He! He! I do.

A new ID means learning but, being born is more than what I need. Do we need to speak one language? Is God seeking us to find it? Is His truth concealed in that culture?

The OT tells us He will be exposed. Jesus told He seeks true worshipers (John 4:23; 12:28). Does this truth come from the Scripture or from living it out, everyday, by personal experience?

The OT teaches He (God) would teach us. Jesus said God would bring us to Him, and Jesus Himself told those who did not believed Moses would not believe in His words (John 5:46). So we infer here the importance of the OT united to the NT.

Do I need to get rid of the NT?  What would be then, my new name and ID?

I will not read written prayers as repeating. I would read THINKING, feeling and changing. I will change when praying, analyzing my deeds, canalizing my faults, each time I repent to be new, to correct all those things I can mend. 

Call me “Joseph”, give me any name; but I new to be born, a total change, to please Him who gave me life, to socially live.

Judeazing is the same as Christianizing. I don't need Latin or Greek to understand, but the core language of my heart. I wish I knew exactly what God inspired and had written, and His messages are not for one source, language or culture solely. Let's say Satan is not mute but God gave everyone a tongue and, more than that, probably I need an angelic tongue to achieve more than I'm actually achieving when praying: Just to reach Heavens and avoid Satan's hindrances but, is God handicapped? Has He lost any power?

It is me who needs to reach Him who loves me more than I am. It is I who longs to understand, and religion could bring me its berit milá (circumcision) and more traditions, but God is not praying Hide and Seek. Is He?

Moshén was with God 40 days... Jesus appeared with him and Elijah. Whose voice was that Peter, John and James heard? Wasn't it God's?  “Listen to Him”, He said.

I guess His voice could be heard. Scripture exists, but the source is His, not human traditions.

Today we are paganized. Their world influences our more than our changes them. Am I correct? Just count and see numbers, and I acknowledged my flirting, just to grab what I think I miss or need from them: Money or a woman to live with.

I new name won't give me this, but a complete change. Only God can bring me to where I belong, since I know I don't like the world where I lived and certainly I dislike most of its ways: I confessed my frustration to change or relocate, along with the disappointment to get it fast.

Immersing into a new culture helps you to be transcultural. Perhaps it will change some of your customs but, unless you really notice you are dreaming (or daydreaming) with that new language and their stuff, the new mind has not yet come.

Notice how Peter saw a scrolled-down message from God on Acts...

Do we have enough of Him for today, each day?

A new ID, a new name is like being abroad, where no one knows about you and they don't need a stone to criticize you.

Your human register is clean, holy, same way some need to know they now are: No guilt, no fault to be reminded. We are forgiven! (not to sin anymore).

Salvation brings Joy.

It will come if you draw near HIM, God. He will do that if you follow and believe in HIM.

The relationship is based in your following and believing. Allow me to give U my example:

Will I was at my mother's, I heard Elisha's voice. He is my second son and I was surprised, because he lives 100 km far away. I wanted to be sure and I stopped all the noise than could be disturbing to be sure HE WAS OUT THERE...

Within some minutes, I was sure HE WASN'T OUT THERE, in the street. I sharpened me ear, it was not Elisha.

After an hour, my daughter (Joy) called to tell me he was going there and, probably reaching my area...

What does this serve for? I haven't met Elisha, but my daughter told me he came to Caracas. He is somewhere OUT THERE, but I haven't met him yet, same way with God, but THERE IS AN SPIRITUAL CONNECTION. One I cannot explain nor tell about, that SOMETIMES supernatural things happens, telling you things that ARE GOING TO HAPPEN and you are saved and CAN TELL OTHERS TO BE SAVED.

I hope this true story serves you to understand the SPIRITUAL RELATIONSHIP Christians have with God.

I haven't seen my son, but there is a spiritual reason that tells me he is out there, same way God wants you to be HIS prodigal daughter...

Allow us to know about THAT DAY. Please! I beg HIM you to come, little JOY.

Divagaciones con la religión.

Estos días fui a una queilá mesiánica y, ayer, asistí a un salón de los Testigos de Jehová. En la reunión de los mesiánicos me impactó el énfasis transcultural, puesto que, no sólo insisten en la circuncisión, sino en “la necesidad” de cumplir en aspectos culturales judíos y, en ambos casos, la influencia foránea es bien marcada: Si la cultura religiosa heredada de los israelitas prevalece en los mesiánicos, la influencia foránea en los testigos también existe.

Admito estar aburrido del culto colectivo, del convencionalismo tradicional de la religión -como cultura- y, en verdad, no espero manifestaciones alocadas (al estilo pentecostal) ni la liturgia católica. Estoy aburrido del convencionalismo religioso que imita o sigue un patrón simple o elaborado que se ciñe a la tradición bautista, a la tradición de más de 50 años, y a la liturgia secularizada de más de 100 años.

Supongo que mi anhelo es, en primer lugar, conocer a Dios y Sus manifestaciones personales directas. Puede que ya desee verle del modo que Moisés y los suyos le oyeron y le vieron en el tabernáculo, con Sus manifestaciones en una columna de humo o de fuego. Confieso que deseo no procurar una relación de conveniencia, donde yo “me acerque” a Dios porque lo necesite y siempre tenga necesidad de pedirle algo, para pedir y no dar y, en ese sentido, el ritual de la religión me desagrada, me aburre y ya lo detesto.

Cuando viví en Colombia estuve entre los pentecostales y los bautistas. El grupo pentecostal que visitaba no era tan religioso o fanático como los que he conocido y visitado en Venezuela, pero era la misma sopa insípida pues, tanto allí como aquí, la religión les adorna y, esa clase de temas, como “quienes son los salvos y quiénes no” me abruman. Si todos estamos perdidos en pecados ¿para qué vamos a la iglesia? Y, si todos somos salvos ¿Qué hacemos aquí en la tierra?

¡Sí! Me parece bien injusto buscar a Dios por conveniencia, por interés, y no creo que Dios sea tonto para no percibir nuestra hipocresía, nuestra falsedad y todo lo que en nosotros no sea genuino.

Sé que Dios es un Ser real espiritual, Supremamente Genuino, pero no hallo el camino en medio de la religión y sus convencionalismos.

Asumo que Dios disfruta del culto humano. Supongo que aquello de “un corazón contrito y humillado” es cierto para Él; pero el énfasis que le dio Jesús a eso de “mi casa será llamada Casa de Oración para todas las naciones” me significa más importante. Creo que aquello de “buscarle o adorarle en Espíritu y en verdad” me significa más todavía.

Este viernes comenté a un par de mujeres, Testigos de Jehová, la opinión que tienen algunos de mis hermanos en Cristo:

-¡Ellos dicen que Uds no son salvos! -Les dije- Y, si eso fuera así, ¿Cómo y por qué ellos están tan seguros de su salvación? ¿Por el hecho de cumplir con un bautismo o cualquier acto requerido por el credo de su fe? En todo caso, los judíos se circuncidan, y eso no les da “salvación” (aunque se mutilen parte del pellejo). La verdad -proseguí- a mi me parece que la religión les engaña, pues, en la Biblia yo leo que Elías “fue llevado” al cielo (no subió al cielo solo). Más adelante, en el Antiguo Testamento, otro fue tomado y no vio muerte, como la mayoría de nosotros veremos y, en el caso de Jesús, Éste fue tomado y llevado al cielo (Juan 20:17; Lucas 24: 51; Hechos 1:9) ¿Dónde está la jactancia de ser salvos o el presumir que van al cielo? Hasta el mismo rico, en la parábola de Lázaro, tuvo que esperar a que vinieran a buscarlo los ángeles (Lucas 16:22): A uno lo llevaron “al cielo”, al seno de Abraham y, al rico, al Hades del Infierno. ¿Quién soy yo para contradecir al mismo Cristo, o a los que escribieron lo que Dios haya inspirado? Todo depende de Dios, en lo que Él crea y sepa de mí. No es por frutos de la fe ni por obras de mi conveniencia. Jesús dijo que, el final de los tiempos, la salvación es así, y nos vendrán a buscar, porque solos no subimos ni vamos (Mateo 24:31).

Las mujeres me escucharon, algo sonreídas, y no me importa si piensan como yo o me creen.

Jesús mismo, conversando en relación al dinero y los bienes terrenales (Mateo 19: 21) le dijo a los discípulos “...para los hombres es imposible...” y, el comentario o pensamiento de algunos fue: “¡Señor! ¿Quién podrá ser salvo entonces?... Nosotros lo hemos dejado todo por seguirte...¿Qué recompensa tendremos?”. La respuesta de Jesucristo sigue siendo vigente: Para Dios nada es imposible, y la recompensa es proporcional a lo que dejemos (Mateo 19:29).

Cualquiera diría, a este punto, que yo “manipulo La Palabra” si la saco del contexto en que se la halla escrita (como pude ver ayer que hacen, también, en el salón de los Testigos de Jehová) pero no dudo que Jesús haya tenido que “esconder” algunos secretos de la simple vista de los que somos simples, cuando superficialmente le buscamos.

¿Ha notado alguien que algunos líderes religiosos consideraron a Jesús como un bastardo, como hijo de una relación sexual fuera del matrimonio? Justo en este momento acabo de entender esa porción de Juan que cita a los judíos que -indirectamente- le acusan haber nacido de una relación ilícita como la fornicación (Juan 8:41 b) y, más adelante, Jesús mismo comenta sobre acusación “la indirecta” (Juan 8:49 b) en la que procuraban deshonrarlo, como alguien no nacido de Dios y, en lugar de excusarse, les comenta: “Mi Padre es quien me glorifica”(Juan 8:54, 8:46) Y, acaso, a fin de cuentas ¿No es Dios quien da la honra y Le justifica? ¿Me interesa “la honra” que da la vanagloria humana?

En ese párrafo de Juan percibo que, la procedencia de Jesús fue investigada. Imagino que muchas personas fueron movidas en una investigación para determinar todo lo que pudiera averiguarse de Jesús pues, Su fama no era despreciable y, todo el sacerdocio judío se sentía amenazado por Su liderazgo espiritual (lastimosamente, lo vieron como una amenaza política que comprometía mucho de sus intereses económicos) (Juan 19:15 b).

Y, volviendo al tema de la salvación, me basta y creo a las palabras de Jesús: “El que persevere hasta el fin, ese será salvo” (Mateo 24:13) “¿Salvo de qué?” sería la siguiente pregunta. Creo en el registro del Diluvio anunciado por Noé. Creo en la visceralidad vivida aquellos días pre-diluvianos, tanto como a la de hoy; y Jesús la describió con otras palabras (Mateo 24:38) y ¿A quién no le gusta el contentamiento del sexo o del estómago? La diferencia (si la hay) es que -esos días- nadie puso atención al mensaje evangelístico de Noé y, consecuentemente, perecieron todos, tal cual lo indica Cristo (Mateo 24:39).

¿Cuál es la recompensa de vivir sirviendo y honrando a Dios? Algunos esperan una vida eterna. Otros, con pleno derecho, anhelan una vida pró$pera, libre de la humana miseria, y Cristo mismo les alienta en la Parábola de los Talentos (dándoles ciudades, sobre el trono de un nuevo gobierno) y, en Mateo, usando otra breve parábola, Jesucristo no personifica a quien les “pone sobre Sus bienes” (Mateo 24:47; 25:27) ¿Era mentira que los apóstoles deseaban un Israel libre del Imperio Romano? ¿No deseaban ellos una porción de beneficios por seguirle?

Una madre “apostólica” pidió que sus hijos se sentaran a la diestra y la siniestra (Mateo 20:21) porque, a fin de cuentas, Jesús de Nazareth vino a dar gloria a nuestro Padre y, confesándole, admitía que la salvación es potestad soberana de Dios y que, en Su reino, Dios ha decidido a quién colocará a las faldas del poder en Su sempiterno trono, cuando manifieste Su reino aquí en la tierra (Mateo 20:23 b). Sin embargo, como puede entenderse en esta disgregación de ideas, la madre de Santiago y de Juan no estuvo presente cuando Jesús les dijo: “Uds se sentarán sobre doce tronos para juzgar las 12 tribus de Israel” (Mateo 19:28 b). Esta es una promesa exclusiva para los apóstoles (Apocalipsis 21:14). Sin embargo, hay otras naciones que necesitan jueces y Su gobierno.

¡Yo no querría eso! Preferiría un lugar tranquilo, lejos de la gente, con mi actual casa, pero con electricidad (o eterna luz) para no padecer la miseria de andar a oscuras sin tener el ruido incómodo de los que tengo por vecinos...

Con sinceridad, puedo decir que no me interesa la eternidad, ni la “salvación”, a menos que ésta sea la libertad de no tener que padecer la arbitrariedad e incomodidad de tener que convivir en un medio social con gente que no es gente, y estoy pensando en los motorizados de Petare, en los buhoneros de Petare, en las barbaridades que uno ha de tragarse ante docenas de desconocidos, incluso por el aspecto político que marca este último decenio venezolano: El chavismo es una abominación político-religiosa que ensucia la dignidad de miles.

“El que persevere, hasta el final, será salvo” (Mateo 24:13)

Espero no equivocarme y, si el Señor no ha llegado antes, confío en que las denominaciones desaparecerán al final de los tiempos. No sé qué piensen Uds, pero siento que, Sus palabras, no sólo aplican a la vida social, a la vida institucional de varias formas en que se ha manifestado la Cristiandad, así como a la vida de cada pareja, en las familia: “Una casa dividida, contra sí misma, no permanece.” (Mateo 12:25) o “Toda planta que no plantó mi Padre Celestial, será desarraigada” (Mateo 15:13) ¿Tienen cabida Sus dichos en el matrimonio o en la Iglesia? Cada día, según constato en la calle, la gente se aleja de la gente para no ser engañada, para no ser herida o manipulada, y Su advertencia tiene mucho valor: “Que nadie los engañe” (Mateo 24:4)

Esta semana, antes del 26 de mayo del 2013, conocí a un hombre que se apartó de la iglesia por un profundo desencanto y resentimiento. Estuvo asistiendo a una de esas que, pese a la religión aparente y externa, el pastor insistía en pedirle su auto, para que “lo sembrara en el ministerio”... Muchas cosas me dijo ese hombre y, obviamente, me identifico con mucho de su argumento contra lo externo de la religión (Mateo 23:28) y la hipocresía de nuestro corazón. ¿Por qué el “pastor” le pedía a un hombre y no le rogaba a Dios? Si tanto necesita un auto “para el ministerio”. Es una “conveniente” injusticia despojar a unos para acomodar a otros. No tengo idea de lo mucho que habrá parido ese hombre para comprarse el auto, pero “el pastor” manipulaba la Palabra de Dios para asirse de bienes ajenos (y esto es típico de las iglesias materialistas que se amparan en la “doctrina” de la prosperidad). ¿Será que no entienden lo que dice Apocalipsis 3:17-18?

De mi parte, me parece, quiero percibir la gloria del Señor, Su presencia Shekinah, y no dirigir mis palabras al vacío del aire ni al estrado de los que dirijen el servicio de culto, ni pensar en el muro de los lamentos, como ese trozo de Israel, que se supone fue parte del último templo (destruido el año 70 DC). Jesús profetizó que el templo sería destruido (Mateo 24:2) ¿Por qué la tradición de la religión debe “enseñarme” que debo orar en esa dirección, si Apocalipsis me muestra que debo DIRIGIRLAS a Dios arriba, allá en los cielos? (Apocalipsis 4:2, 9-11; Mateo 23:22)

Los apóstoles estaban maravillados del templo, de sus ornamentos exteriores (Mateo 24:1), pero Jesús manifestó que todo allí sería destruido (Mateo 24:2) y, la gloria presencial del Padre salió del lugar Santísimo cuando Jesús murió y Dios rasgó el velo interior del templo (Mateo 27:51; Marcos 15:38; Lucas 23:45). Y hago notar que, cuando los judíos condenaban a Jesús, muy claramente dijeron: “Sea Su sangre sobre nuestras cabezas y nuestros hijos” (Mateo 27:25) Así que todo Israel necesita ser santificado, para ser librado de esa maldición generacional (en nombre de la Autoridad de Jesucristo, declaro LIBRE al pueblo de Israel de semejante maldición generacional) (Mateo 16:19).

Sin embargo, al parecer, hay escritos que desmienten lo que allí está claramente descrito, puesto que los judíos no desean hacerse responsables de la muerte de Jesús y, por otro lado, esas palabras acrecientan el antisemitismo, y hay más de un movimiento que procura desmentir esa parte de los evangelios y, si tal cosa es verdad (que los judíos no mataron a Cristo por manos de los romanos) estamos ante una re-acomodación de sucesos y cosas, unas antisemitas y otras procurando culpar sólo a los romanos, mientras que otros siguen queriéndose librar del testimonio bíblico que NOS acusa pecadores y culpables, mientras que estos libros ya tienen más de 1500 años. ¿Dónde comenzaría la verdad, y dónde la elaboración de cuentos religiosos? ¡Caería en el Nihilismo!

Si yo fuera judío, trataría de limpiar el nombre de mi raza, el nombre de mi pueblo, y diría que ningún judío culpó ni condenó a Jesucristo (pero todo el Nuevo Testamento narra el antagonismo que había contra la tradición enseñada como doctrina) ¡De hecho! Acabo de comprender que, el libro de Esther, es un libro HISTÓRICO; pero que narra cómo la tradición judía instauró las fiestas del Purim. ¿Es algo que les pidió Dios celebrar? (He allí una de las pruebas contra la enseñanza de las tradiciones judías, pues, no dice allí que Dios haya pedido a Israel tal celebración).

No puedo hablar en contra ni a favor del canon judío versus al canon católico. Son cosas que existen antes de que yo naciera y cada religión, creyente o secta, toma lo que quiere o cree y, la verdad debe estar plena en quien es la verdad o la vida.

A.T.

(Oh, God! Remember me! I´m seeking after you.)

My notes on the book of Esther

Yesterday I bought a new Bible . This version is easy to read, to be understood, and naively I asked God to direct me into something I have anything to learn. I don't hear His voice (I wish) but at sort, shutting my eyes, I opened my new book and Esther appeared. It was an act of faith, I wish my fingers were used ant taught, but this way started to read and these are some ideas I got.

This is anything I would call HISTORY. Inspired or not, I see traditions rather than God's commands, and I see how the Purim feast came to be as it is.

This helped me to understand Persian culture. At certain points, it looks like Jewish, but it is not the same (according to my few previous readings on Jewish culture).

If it were possible to live this Persian way, I don't mind that change of mind, because Christianism is Jewish, in many ways. But I will be like Mardoqueo, not worshiping any man. Here there is a foreign background mingled with the Jewish, abroad.

I believed Nehemiah, and others (Nehemías 13: 25-30) were sad that their people chose to marry unbelievers, and Esther knew that king was to divorce Vasti, having previous marital intercourses with more virgin girls. The thing I would not like for my daughter, is allowing a man with several women at hand (Ester 2:14-15).

These notes are not exhaustive, but I haven't seen Jesus partaking in the Purim (so I have to check this later on).

It is a pity I haven't read, nor understood, all the written sources Jewish and Catholic people had for their actual traditions; but I'm happy that Jesus came to make us to be one (John 11:51-52) and my concern is aimed to acknowledging God in His teachings.

Esther is both, History and Jewish tradition and there, the book itself, insists on telling me what this is and I'm thankful that this serves me to see Persians and Jewish people, as culture.

Esther “married” a rich king for convenience, not love. Vasti was right in avoiding her boastful husband (Esther 1:11) and she was forced to be “divorced” (Esther 1:19) while that king -same way as David- had more women (Esther 2:14-15).

If I were to compare today's Christianity, I see people unequally yoked, same way Samson or king David (i.e., rich with poor, Christians with unbelievers). I don't expect my view acknowledged, but I rather like God's approval, because I have failed more than I thought it could be possible for my human good intention (one divorce, and a couple of failures).

The religious background could warn me that that king was an adulterer. He played “the showy” when being drunk, so he would not be the best choice for my daughter, it I were the one to give her an advice (I don't care how rich he is). This reminded me 2 Kings 20:13, 15, 17. If I had anything, I don't want to be like that man who swanked and got lost...

As a man, I will not lie telling that Persian standards are bad for men. I wish both, men and women show respect for one another, so I would agree with the rule that king approved (I'm not too feminist). I like Mardoqueo's attitude and the end result. And that reminded me Joseph's account and his hardships to be the second after the Egyptian Pharaoh, but I don't like the predicament to marry my daughter with an unbeliever and, wealth is a great temptation to avoid, as well as convenience.

I don't find arguments for beauty. I married my ex because I thought she was nice looking, but time has proved we both need more than oil treatments to remarry any. Ha! Ha! That fashion -for make up- won't make a little on people like me (Ha! Ha!) but I have an idea on Esther and the others (2:12). I need several years of intense beauty treatment! He! He!

Struggling prayers

Some people are struggling like many of us... But there are answers and, on a chat for prayers, I met someone who was largely expecting for a friend to pray...

I offered myself to pray for the person she missed.

I asked her to lead me in the prayer time, since I'm not her friend and I don't know what her name is, but we both enjoyed the short time.

I felt like if I had my hand holding hers, and I had to confess I shed some tears and I felt I had my nose running for a new joy, because WE PRAYED TOGETHER and felt my hunger to keep on praying.

She told me how she felt. She said she felt peace and joy. So I had to confess what I thought it was only mine (but she told me that first).

It was a good spiritual exercise to be done and a new experience I treasure (that day at 11am). She was in Asia, at 11 pm. Ja! Ja! It was her bedtime to pray, and I had the privilege of being “at hand” the very moment when she was tired of a long day, but willing to praised God. 

We had an international communion online. It was a need we enjoyed, and nurtured me both, in the mood and spiritually, since this meeting was for common goals that led us to new things on spiritual matters.

There are some things I'm not being answered in some prayers, but THIS pleased me more.

What it is meant for?

Sometimes I see "the trial" stupid. 
We know some weakness in me and others, and often I fail sinning with things I don´t want to. Of course, the testing may serve TO DEVELOPE a character, but I´m loosing the scope of this. 

Will I surrender to evil? 
Will I keep serving God or following the lost world where I got nothing utterly pleasing?

Mrs or Mr Right, and the missing piece.

I belonged to the Hispano culture and its ways of thinking. I thought I would be eternally rooted to it and its traditions, but I'm doing my best to change, and I know it's too late at the age 50; but holy wisdom is backing me up to leave some things behind, and I want to print my square toe on the sand of these passing sheets.

I believed like you and I cannot deny the being of my humanity. I had my dreams and I decided to be contend with those I have at bedtime or daydreaming, and these notes are those dreams bringing me chances I have to daydream: May my words SERVE one to help (and I know two people thanked my writings, and I expected nothing in turn).

My life, like everyone else, has been a quest. I tried to live the best way and, in many aspects, I failed, and I'm happy I forgave myself (If you plan to be a Christian, do you that favor). God keeps on forgiving me when I repent, when I try to change and amend, so why do I have to be the one who wants to cut my life off, when trying to be better?

Life is a long term lesson. I've seen how we can learn from others and these people are giving us free college lessons. Your life also keeps on teaching someone, up to the last day in this human body.

Yesterday I enjoyed a “naive” thread at CC. Someone came giving shouts to find out his “missing piece” (as I said). I lied when I told him I would keep an eye over him, up to the moment he finds that woman he tries to get... Is he the one on that quest?

Recently I told my friend MS that she was wrong. She still prays to find her Mr Right and insists on asking God for the man who has what she lacks, same way Adam acknowledged Eve to be his “missing part”.

Do we really lack a rib, or a bone easy to bite?

I asked her is she had problems with her ADN molecules. I used to think all men had their Eve to be found, but that idea is wrongly taken from the Bible: Adam was directly made by Gods hands, and I came to be “a body” because of my parents. I'll be born again when God gives me from His Spirit, same way Jesus told Nicodemus (John 3: 5-7). So the real missing part is His Spirit, because I used to live on the human flesh.

I tried to tell MS that Eve was a reverse creative process, half a clone, where Adam “really” lost anything within him (the missing rib).

I'd say “reverse” because God worked from an opposite extreme, from a missing spare part, the rest of the world was not heard of; so women is an invention above the invention, and that's why I cannot say: “Flesh of my flesh...” as Adam did. (He was lucky! He had no inlaws) He! He!

Perhaps -that very day- he saw a perfect mirror of what any man (or woman) looked at, while stepping into the uncertain grass of body fitness or beauty; but we were not told how she was mentally and what she would feel she lacked (same way as him).

Both tried to find out the appropriate information to build up that relationship. We are not told the time when God set apart that couple, so they started to walk alone out of Paradise, and here is where we ended up to meet and learn, same way they did, while we try to look deep in our minds what is the correct answer to give.

Jesus told two important things:

a) Love your God... and

b) Love your neighbor.

Somewhere else He taught about FAITH, Justice and Mercy.

Do these mental attitudes really matter in mate selection?

How are they connected as bonding things?

Experience tells me I would not marry godless people (I know who I was and who I could be: That's why I avoid those who acted like me).

I do not marry those who shows little respect or consideration for people. A very demanding man (or woman) shows more respect for his or her own concerns and things. The more we ask, the less we give.

Perhaps my kids won't pay attention to what I wrote today, to what I said anyday, but they will learn the hard way.

I don't care being heard and don't need being thanked, but I owe many who brought me here (specially GOD and life).  :P

I invite the reader to learn from others, I like to share what I got from wikipedia these last days, and it is connected to your Mr or Mrs Right (once you find her, call me back) :D

“From the standpoint of anthropology and sociology, dating is linked with other institutions such as marriage and the family which have also been changing rapidly...”

From the standpoint of Adam, was he concerned of a family or a relationship with himself and his fe-male (his missing part)?

From God's side, was He concerned on the development of a society or in those hum@n's needs? (No doubt He thought of both missing parts).

Wikipedia, on its good article of Dating keeps on saying:

“ ...there have been substantial changes in the relationship between men and women, with perhaps the only biological constant being that both adult women and men must have sexual intercourse for human procreation to happen.^[3] ”

In my book of life, since I was a child, I wasn't thinking of sex. I believed my functioning program was not having such an intercourse before being a teen; but at that time came a new thing that wasn't a rib, and it changed my known drives and gave my life an additional task that gave me new troubles.

I knew it was a nice looking face what helped me to cling easily to some little girls. I was fat, so I seldom looked to those like me; no matter how beautiful they were outside, because I knew who I wanted to be and what I dislike from me.

When being a teenager, I never dated those who reminded me whom I was. I wasn't handsome, so I never got a lovely poem for me. Let's say I tried! But poetry looks after itself. And life gives you much more interesting things to read on...

Wikipedia says:

“Humans have been compared to other species in terms of sexual behavior. Neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky constructed a reproductive spectrum with opposite poles being tournament species, in which males compete fiercely for reproductive privileges with females, and pair bond arrangements, in which a male and female will bond for life.^[4]”

Does a simple Christian compete for REAL LOVE or sex?

I agree that that drive took much of my life to be changed. I “knew” a good nice looking face was related to a body and its beauty, but it took me years to understand that beauty wasn't well associated with companionship, deep love and loyal concern: Beauty makes some men to compete, but it doesn't match long-term companionship but rivalry. Beauty may draw many, but seldom keeps deep bonds of love (for it tends to be selfish, both male and female sides).

Christians are learning to deal above the externals and its appearance. Long-term relationships last more that external beauty and its “fitness”, but I must admit what I'm dealing with, what I thought it was important and what I believed those days moved my loyal feelings: The Bible is a good guide for the subject. Look a Samson's life! Delilah wasn't the best choice he chose. He looked at the outside, and he failed same way I am...

Christians -sooner or later- will change other things beneath our human nature, but our character tends to last at last.

There are many secular writers who have given you the information of their witnessing; but you are the better book  to read on your likes, your needs, and those dreams you try to find out “the missing piece”.

I won't say “we're naturally inspired to built societies”, but relationships.

I do say God made us so perfectly we cling to those we belong, especially when He gave us His Spirit to live His life.  (Thank you, God, for bringing us to a new life).

Dating could be unnecessary if we had God's advice clearly heard. I like to read Isaac's love story and that gave me tips worth noticing: a) Isaac's dad prayed in advance. b) The messenger prayed and did what his lord asked him to do. c) “Mates” pay attention to social status and economy, same way men and women look for beauty.  d) Messengers (or penpals) must to look at good attitudes, such as humble service, chastity and fear of God.

Today I wouldn't say my daughter: “Marry him! He is rich, and of noble family”. That's awful and sinful (I'd be selling her to a man). If I'm asked, I'll give some words; but I should be praying same way Job did for his children.

Today Mrs and Mr Right is not my business arrangement, as it used to be. I rather back off, unless my sons plan to bring her mates home, to live under my roof: Go find your own place! :P

Todays dating is better than clandestine meetings. There is a reasonably risk in these, but public dating serve to help us develop the safe character we lack when being pagans and cheaters. It gives us chances to grow well and there's no need to push for intimacy or privacy.

Your Mr Right is not at the corner drinking, smoking or dancing. Your Mrs Right is not embraced in the darkness of a discoclub, doing things I cannot say.

The missing piece of a man (or a woman) is what we would like to do, to care for and endlessly nurture. I'm not sure if I lack a rib; but I'm sure it's a part of me I haven't lost somewhere that someone will unveil in similarities, likeness, I would like to share, to back up and care of.

God is marvelous! He gave us a code we know when meeting certain people. It's a kind of software that immediately runs or freeze the fashion we know we are or used to be. There's a secret hunch that tells us she is and some aren't, and the Bible teaches well to see what's good or wrong.

The world teaches us to fail, to hurt, to lie, to be lost of success. We expend decades loosing and seldom winning. How long these college lesson will be to suffer pains and to loose?

I wish I could heard God's warns. Sometimes I prayed and the things I thought were His answers misguided me to fail. Sometimes we here voices and those, too often, are our mingled voices, the confusion of the world within our selfish human will: Thank you God, for giving us a second chance.

Who's Mrs Right and Mr right?

It could be any who shows respect for others. One whose life tends to be centered of God's warnings and deeds. Anyone of good character who has what you like and wished to share and enjoy.

Sometimes you find someone you don't like and don't feel forced to accept what you do not like, on demands: The girl who came to marry Isaac liked him at distance. She was “enticed” for reason$ and had a commission to carry on: Marriage! (The essentials were “secured” when she saw the economic status of the one who asked her for his son and, getting home, she knew her mate was handsome, so she felt encouraged from the heart because of her eyes and those "rich" camels a servant brought).

Do not marry unequally yoked. Do not date pagans and be safe from troubles. Your Mr Right is one you like, but pay attention to some warns received.

Let's say something “good” happened when certain king wanted to divorce and the Roman Holy Church said “No”. We naively can say “yes” to anything that can give us a 2nd chance to find out Mrs or Mr Right.

Was that king really interested in finding his Mrs Right? If so, why not trying FRIENDSHIP first and a long-term DATING, before being married?

In Colombia, you cannot be divorced to re-marry in a Catholic church. Legally you can divorce, but you cannot attend your church wedding twice, unless one of the spouse die... Who wants a widow? If divorce or separation hurts, what about that loss?

History is partial and defective to be complete. I could say it because there were more than spiritual reasons for the “Restoration Movement”. Beneath all those superficial waves, there was a powerful economic reason; because Roman Church owned too much land and power in Europe, and it was receiving a big deal on tithing each year; so England needed to get rid of its transnational economic influence. Such that “religious” change (and the rising of a new secular state control) gave England political cohesion and many Catholic believers were won as “Protestants” by the Anglican church; while Rome became weak during the slow process that also influenced other countries in Europe (i.e.: Germany, France...)

Kings in Europe were landowners and the Roman Church had its share as landlord. Some kingdoms were not strong enough; so portions were sold or handed over as pieces of land to some noble men who became crusade champions and free lancers, but time proved them to be rivals (The Reformation Movement has an economic background we're not clearly told as a reason, same way Crusaders wanted to get land outside their own countries to have more economic power: The land was a means of production) and more land everywhere served to get food, new trades, while poor were enslaved to work for landowners... Isn't it easy to remember why the whole America was conquered?

What about Mrs and Mr Right those days “land belonged to kings and noble men”?

(is it the same today?)

This might look sad and nasty: Too often people needed landowner's approval to get married. I watched a movie (with Mel Gibson) that showed me a thing hard to believe, and that's why many used to sin instead of allowing the landlord were first to approve... (That too reminded me those days of slavery in South and North America).

There were civil and political rights for privileged races of light colors; while other human beings were physically abused and enslaved.

What was the attitude of the Catholic Church? Was it “saving” people, or taking advantage in that business?

Have a look at the States who blessed nations to set men free...

Those times were a mess in Europe and America. Marriage needed same race approvals and “the traditional” church was mainly concerned in its decreased economic status. Indulgences were sold “to built” new churches and people needed to pay for their landowner's permission to get marry in Europe. What a sad thing! Today marriage is “free”, and divorce costs you double the inversion... :P

Historically we've seen how families lost control on us, as children, and let us lead our life the way we were pleased. Fathers left their kids made their choice same way Samson did, receiving no tip of parental advice; while others let church leaders misled them into errors when selecting faulty male or females. Some believers did well when their parents were unwilling (or missing) to help them into marriage.

Who's helping you to find out your Mrs or Mr Right?

Jesus said “those seeking will find, those asking will receive...”; but let us be warned that He also said this life would bring us trouble... (John 16:33).

Sometimes I relied on new technologies to find out my Mrs Right (perhaps that surname does not exist) Ha! Ha! :D

I never paid for the social service “matching pairs” promised. I wanted to believe what was often offered, but no one would give me what I would be hindered to receive or see from God's hand. These sites are making their deal acting like virtual “chaperons”, love promoters or real counselors for Jews, Christians... an atheist people.

Where is my Mrs Right?   (Knock! Knock! May I come in?)   Ja! Ja! Ja!

I made my decision and I hope I can accomplish what I liked... I cannot run and hide pretending I like to be an urban hermit, but I'll try to remove this tired secularism from my life.

What if something turns my life around? That will be welcome; but I faced vasectomy to avoid more children and I enjoyed fatherhood already.

What would be my missing piece? Complete peace?

I told my daughter: “Yo no quiero ser abuelo...” and I don't want to be a runaway twice.

Most people I knew wanted to succeed. They tried to do their best, and often shortcomings came where each hidden corner appeared. Some of us failed unintentionally and some lately regret, but God still gives us a 2nd chance.

The world has broaden its ways to cheat, to be double minded and play new game.

How could I risk myself to hurt, since I knew the pains of being hurt?

Will I forget Jesus' teaching, when I'm already told about the broad scope of earthly and heavenly love?

Jesus married no one... I don't know how His mind is and I guess the full nature of His LOVE is above and beyond my own limits (while God's is much more than that).

Todays dating might be changing your Mrs and Mr Right. He (or she) might be endangered to lose or miss you while running too fast on BB chats, SMSs, IMs or FaKeBook.

There are so many ways of exploring, that I confess I'm old fashioned and not updated. What if I admit publicly I liked perfumed snail mail?

           

Your Mrs and Mr Right live at the corner, same city you are in... or abroad!

My mom is above 70. She still saying “I expect a rich man to take me out to be married”. There´s an expectancy of wealth and joy, in everyone´s dreams.

Jesus told us “a man speaks from the treasure of his heart”. The mouth speaks from what we've got. So that's an useful tool to keep at hand to find out our Mrs or Mr Right (I better be shut)  :D  Who wants to be shot?  Ja! Ja!

I hope I finish an article I have published separately, under the named of: “Manual de Supervivencia” (in Spanish). There I shared some tips I've learnt and heard of, and I hope to serve others who see the Internet as a means to find that special someone.

Wikipedia gave me more interesting information on Dating:

“ Social rules regarding dating vary considerably according to variables such as country, social class, religion, age, sexual orientation and gender. Behavior patterns are generally unwritten and constantly changing. There are considerable differences between social and personal values. Each culture has particular patterns which determine such choices as whether the man asks the woman out, where people might meet, whether kissing is acceptable on a first date, the substance of conversation, who should pay for meals or entertainment,^[6][17] or whether splitting expenses is allowed. ”

But what about this next? I should check and confirm:

“Among the Karen people in Burma and Thailand, women are expected to write love poetry and give gifts to win over the man.^[18]”

I hope they never take my poems... I wouldn't like mine were used to draw a man. All of mine were written for women! (I had better to hide my nickname) Ha! Ha!  :P

And, on the other side, I would feel disappointed if a woman copies someone's else poetry to woo me or another. That's a fake feeling! (I'd be misguided, at least).

Dating seems to an evaluation process before being married, but I must admit the “hidden” backsliding this could bring on us. Does friendship serve on meeting your Mr Right?

We too often let dating drifted from  friendship. We did some things wrong before marriage, and I know how my life ended up to be alone. What's wrong to befriend?

There are nice love stories to learn from. These could be endless, and I'll try to find out how (next life).

Wikipedia keeps on saying: “Since there is uncertainty about how to behave on a date, there are numerous sources of advice available.^[21][22][23]”

We had better saving time when learning from others. Some Christians lack the habit to read and learn from safe and holy places, and I don't dare to read too long on a Cosmopolitan magazine, unless I want to know how pagans do and think. Isn't it a battle field we ought to know the enemy?

Children are threat, written violence appears. Am I really armored to this weaponry?

“Sources of advice include magazine articles,^[20]self-help books, dating coaches, friends, and many other sources.^{[26][27][28][29}”

Good! I myself feel challenged...

“And the advice given can pertain to all facets of dating, including such aspects as where to go, what to say, what not to say, what to wear, how to end a date, how to flirt,^[30 and differing approaches regarding first dates versus subsequent dates.^[31] In addition, advice can apply to periods before a date, such as how to meet prospective partners,^[25][31] as well as after a date, such as how to break off a relationship.^{[32][33][34][35][36][37][38}”

The Bible is plenty of ideas, but these may serve to spare time (if these come from Christians).

I like some friend I had. 
Some of them were like they were and some are like they are; and we couldn't cope well to change what is deep inside, out of control.

I cannot change what it's under my skin. It´s not our fault, there is no one to blame. 

My software, my program, is built-in. And I bet God will lead me to the place I need to be...

The missing piece, in fact, does not exist.