QOTD

Let me tell you something about human beings. They judge other people to make themselves feel better. Life has become a competition. We compete against other people and, sadly, against ourselves. Society has created a world where it is important to be better than others. Better looking, more athletic, and tragically, superior in intelligence. 

Competitions easily lead to judgment being laid on the better party. It is becoming increasingly difficult for people to accept not being the best.

If something so common as competition can force such a large amount of judgment, when will it end? We will never be free from competition, which is why it's important for us to learn how to control our own judging and the judging of those around us. 

this is t-bear signing off

A Prayer of Peace

For anyone and everyone who has been affected by the unrest happening, not just in Israel and Gaza, but around the world.

As a pacifist Mennonite, I completely disapprove of disagreements that amount to war. We were not put on this earth to destroy each other but to "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Matthew 22:37-39) It is a simple text, yet it is the most difficult one to follow. The end result is peace at it's height, which is why we keep trying even when it gets hard. "The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:26)

 

God of mercy,

As the cycle of violence in Palestine and Israel repeats itself,

Our hearts break once again.

Even as we long to understand that which is often beyond our comprehension,

we lay before you the hearts, minds and bodies of all those suffering from conflict in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel, and from the ongoing occupation. Shower upon all the people of this holy land the spirit of justice and reconciliation.

May weapons and war, apathy and blame be laid down.

May diminishing and demonizing of "the other" cease,

May there be acknowledgment of harms committed

May there be new energy for building bridges of understanding

May there be new efforts to address root causes of the violence

May there be new visions of a shared and peaceful future.

O God, whose heart breaks for the world,

May your justice dwell in the land

May your righteousness abide in fruitful fields

May the effect of righteousness be quietness and trust forever

May the effect of justice be peace - enduring peace.

Amen

 

Adapted from Prayer By Esther Epp-Tiessen, Public Engagement Coordinator for the Mennonite Central Committee Ottawa Office.

 

this is t-bear signing off

Netflix Payment

I am one of those who is under the curse known as "The Monthly Netflix Percentage Payment". Alexander has Netflix. I smiled nicely. I now also have Netflix. For the low monthly payment of $4.00.

If you or someone you know is currently in the same boat as me, please offer them this bit of advice that I have so thankfully acquired.

 

Netflix Payments should not be made by merely handing the collector a toonie or two and then continuing on with life. If you want to make sure the collector looks forward to collection day every month, you must be creative.

For example:

Last month, hypothetically, the collector was in need of his money and also conveniently in need of a snack. To the payors enjoyment, the payee likes peanut butter cups made by the wonderful President's Choice company. Therefore, the collector received a bag of peanut butter cups. (Please remember that this is all hypothetical and only an example.)

Example 2:

This month, hypothetically, the collector will be in need of a snack again. Instead of purchasing such a snack by yourself, you could just save up all those Superbucks from getting gas the past two months and make sure they add up to $4.00 before handing them over. Not only will the Netflix Payment be paid, your friendly neighbourhood Superstore will thank you for your contribution to their enterprise. (Again, just hypothetical.)

All I'm saying is, if you aren't creative the collector may see reason to deny your payment. This could result in a changed password and more secrecy between you and that person in your day to day lives. Just don't ruin a good relationship because of a boring Netflix Payment transaction.

 

Keep it classy, this is t-bear signing off

QOTD

After visiting Oma and Opa's house without them or their furniture inside, I am reminded of the fact that a home is just a building if it doesn't have any love in it.

this is t-bear signing off

I know...

...you're all expecting a post after the fiasco that went down this week.

Three posts in 6 days! No, it didn't suddenly dawn on me that I needed to write more. I just knew that all of you were on the edges of your seats waiting to hear about the books.

We'll see how this new arrangement works. Don't hold your breath (auto-correct thought that would sound better as breadth). Don't forget to live your own lives while you wait for posts.

Why are you watching?

Because I will write again.

Even if I didn't post.

I'll be the writer you deserve but maybe not the one you'll read right now. So you'll watch for a post because I can write sometimes. Because I'm not your hero. I'm a silent figure, a watchful entertainer. A write knight.

Breadth sounds better, this is t-bear signing off

The Arrival

They have arrived! I am in possession of the package of books. 

I was actually in possession of them yesterday, but I waited till today to tell you all about it to add some suspense to the whole situation.

It was rather an interesting task, receiving such package. I looked online on Monday and the Indigo website directed me to the Canada Post website. That's when I started to lose faith a little. If you know anything about the Canadian system, then you will know how bad the postal service has become in the last few years.

So, I was worried. 

To add to it all, the package was too big to fit in the mailbox so I had to get a slip in the mail that directed me to the nearest pick up station which just so happens to be your friendly neighbourhood Shoppers.

I arrived at Shoppers around 4:40 in the afternoon yesterday without the slip but with the barcode on my phone instead. I was hoping this arrangement would be good enough to obtain my package but I wasn't confident.

About 5 minutes later I was walking out of Shoppers with my parcel and a joyful smile upon my face. That was one wonderful afternoon!

My favourite book within the collection of fictional tales that I purchased is a book of fairy tales by The Grimm Brothers. It is such a beautifully created storybook! I am very excited to have it in my possession. You would also find it quite spectacular, Nicole.

Thrice in one, this is t-bear signing off

Mail Monday

The books have gone from "Awaiting Shipment" to "Shipping in Process".

This people, is progress. 

While I patiently await the arrival of my package, I busy my mind with the thoughts of Sarah Dessen. (I'm sure you wouldn't like her books Nicole so you don't have to read this part.) I am currently reading Lock and Key. It is one of my favourite books by her. However, it isn't as much of a love story as some of her other books. It is still quite an interesting storyline. I hope you will all take some time out of your busy life and read it. This includes you Nicole, if you're still reading.

Have a magical Monday! this is t-bear signing off