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Okay, so now we are driving, and I now have two hyper teenage boys in my car and they are discussing such highly intelligent things as Cartman, Ahhhnold sound boards, Simpsons and more. Oh, goody! Now, I'm getting some advanced education on what young "men" consider hysterically funny and what I find "acceptable". Somewhere in there, there must be some common ground, but at 545 in the morning, I don't think I'm going to worry about it, as it's keeping me awake! Destinations accomplished and time for the caffeine! Destinations accomplished and now it's my turn.
I'm quite excited about the fact that I can now walk into this charming little bistro and have them greet me with "going to have your usual half and half large today?". That's so cool! They remember the face and they remember what I order! That's so incredibly awesome, and what customer service! Me thinks that today, I shall leave a small tip! Like I said, my new favorite quiet place and you just can't beat the free wi-fi! However, their only fault is that they don't have a cot available for me to sneak in a nap, on what is going to be a long day. Oh well, that's what reclining bucket seats are for in my car. Not the most comfortable of solutions, but for a catnap, it will do.
Now, that I'm settled into my own version of Central Perk from Friends, I guess, it's time for me to do some of that daily thought provoking stuff that got me started writing Life's Morsels, and to think this all started with years and years of personal journaling that I never shared with anyone. Perhaps some wish that I would keep my thoughts to myself, but they don't have to read, either, do they!
Here goes. Ready? Well, whether you are or not, last warning, hit the little X or read on.
Were you or are you a Friends fan? We used to watch it every week and now of course, we are watching the reruns and in some cases, even know the dialogue. It's all very predictable, as most sitcoms are, but it just kinda jabs at you and you can't help but either laugh or recant the craziness and stupidity of the episode, even now, some 6+ years later after the final show. The show ran for 10 years, from 1994 until 2004, with over 230 episodes, nominated 63 times for awards and is still probably one of the most quoted shows ever. I find it profound!
It all starts with that crazy song at the beginning, you know the one..."I'll be there for you, etc, etc, etc.". All of the Friends are splashing around in the fountain in front of an old apartment building, and for some strange reason, there is a sofa and a floor lamp there as well. Always thought that was kind of weird, but it's make believe, so they are entitled to a little creative license.
Do you have your own version of Central Perks? Or are you a Cheers person, where "everybody knows your name"? Whatever, I hope that you do have someone that you can lean on, count on, confide in, share secrets with, laugh, cry and rant with. Just kind of makes things a little bit more special.
"But, I'll be there for you, when the rain starts to pour. I'll be there for you, like I've been there before. I'll be there for you, cause you're there for me too. "
Those are such neat words and they really have such a special meaning when you start putting some thought into it. Perhaps I think too much. Nah, not possible!
As usual, I have some thoughts about this topic that have a direct connection to my spiritual foundation and my "Best Friend". By now, you know what the answer is here, but if this is your first time to visit Life's Morsels, let me share with you.
Historically, whether you are a spiritual person or not, you have to admit, that at some point, some where, the existence of mankind started with just two people, whether they fell out of the sky or were created by a Higher being. Come on now, you know it takes two to tango, so just don't go there with me, besides, this is my blog, and you are the reader. I know people that believe that when we die, you become worm food, and that the big bang theory is real, and that there is no higher authority, let alone a spiritual life. They are entitled to believe anything they want, as am I. My belief is Biblical, and starts with a Big Bang Theory of all its own. It goes like this "God said bang, and it happened." Short and sweet. Give credit where credit is due. Of course, following in that belief, the original two sinners in this world of ours were named Adam and Eve, and no matter how you try to explain it, we all go back to that one moment that God created Adam and then Eve from a rib bone. So, no matter what color hair we have, where we live, what we believe, good or bad, we are all connected to each other from the beginning of time, whether it's the theory I support or your own. My question is this, "why can't we all just get along?", after all, we are ALL related!
I have a name for my very best Best Friend, and it is God. I don't know if you subscribe, believe or support a Higher or Divine Authority, but I do, but I also know that many of you out there may call Him/Her by another name. I think that one of the wonderful blessings in life in this country of ours, is the right to believe or not believe in what we want. That is one of the many freedoms that we have in this country.
But, I also know that there are many of our freedoms and rights that are subject to interpretation, one of which is freedom of speech, which is granted to us by the First Amendment. I must admit, I become so frustrated with those that tend to hide behind the First Amendment and use it as a means of supporting their "right" to colorfully express themselves. Not my thing, but I think people today are desensitized to the use of certain words or phrases. I especially don't like it when young people, middle school and high school age, take advantage of their "freedom" and routinely and freely express themselves on Facebook and other public forums. I guess is their way of venting or ranting. Had I don't that when I was that age, I would have been blowing bubbles for a month of Sundays due to all of the soap that had lathered the inside of my mouth. So, as a result, I don't much like the use of some words, and in my house, it's a major offense to even think them, let alone use them. Does that make me prudish? Maybe, but I don't think so. If it does, so be it. I'm not ashamed of the person that I am, inside or out and if someone is comfortable with the perception that is left with others, then they have successfully accomplished their personal goal. That's okay. For me personally, I think that there are so many more eloquent and expressive words and phrases that can drive a point home without "those" words.
There is one friend, however, that I don't ever have to worry about, and as we've discussed a couple of paragraphs up, His name is God, He has a Son, and there is a Holy Spirit. They are Three, but They are One. I know, it's a little confusing if they are not part of your life and you don't know the whys and wherefores. But miraculously, it's true! And He/They are the Great Miracle Makers. Point being, though, that THEY have dozens and dozens of other names too, in different religious books, sects, beliefs, languages? Whether you are a believer of one sort or another or a believer of nothing, I hope you have and know "who" your friends are and have the same wonderful appreciation for them as I have for mine. What would this world be without at least one good friend.
So here's to friends, all of them. Love them and respect them for who they are inside and out. Challenge them, and overall appreciate them for who they are and what they believe in, because you are lucky to have them in your life, regardless of how they believe.
Drop into your own version of Central Perk. Maybe it's a Mickey D's, or the kitchen table at home, or the sofa at a friend's house. Drop in and be thankful that you have that wonderful spot to share with your friend!
Thought you might be interested in some of the "other" names from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Rather interesting. I've got a whole list at the end of this edition, and there are references where you can find out the story behind each one.
For now, even if "you're stuck in second gear" "and it wasn't your day, your week, your month, or even your year", just be thankful for the One that's there for you.
"But, I'll be there for you, when the rain starts to pour. I'll be there for you, like I've been there before. I'll be there for you, cause you're there for me too." You have to provide your own fountain, sofa and lamp, though!
Have a great Monday, y'all!
K
if you are curious, the list of names is below...
THE NAMES OF GOD
OLD TESTAMENT NAMES FOR GOD
ELOHIM......Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1, meaning "God", a reference to God's power and might.
ADONAI......Malachi 1:6, meaning "Lord", a reference to the Lordship of God.
JEHOVAH--YAHWEH.....Genesis 2:4, a reference to God's divine salvation.
JEHOVAH-MACCADDESHEM.......Exodus 31:13, meaning "The Lord thy sanctifier"
JEHOVAH-ROHI......Psalm 23:1, meaning "The Lord my shepherd"
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH.......Ezekiel 48:35, meaning "The Lord who is present"
JEHOVAH-RAPHA.........Exodus 15:26, meaning "The Lord our healer"
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU......Jeremiah 23:6, meaning "The Lord our righteousness"
JEHOVAH-JIREH.........Genesis 22:13-14, meaning "The Lord will provide"
JEHOVAH-NISSI.........Exodus 17:15, meaning "The Lord our banner"
JEHOVAH-SHALOM........Judges 6:24, meaning "The Lord is peace"
JEHOVAH-SABBAOTH......Isaiah 6:1-3, meaning "The Lord of Hosts"
JEHOVAH-GMOLAH........Jeremiah 51:6, meaning "The God of Recompense"
JEHOVAH-SHALOM........Judges 6:24, meaning "The Lord is peace"
JEHOVAH-SABBAOTH......Isaiah 6:1-3, meaning "The Lord of Hosts"
JEHOVAH-GMOLAH........Jeremiah 51:6, meaning "The God of Recompense"
EL-ELYON..............Genesis 14:17-20,Isaiah 14:13-14, meaning "The most high God”
EL-ROI................Genesis 16:13, meaning "The strong one who sees"
EL-SHADDAI............Genesis 17:1,Psalm 91:1, meaning "The God of the mountains or God Almighty"
EL-OLAM...............Isaiah 40:28-31, meaning "The everlasting God"
MORE NAMES OF GOD
ABBA.............................Romans 8:15
ADVOCATE.........................I John 2:1 (kjv)
ALMIGHTY.........................Genesis 17:1
ALPHA............................Revelation 22:13
AMEN.............................Revelation 3:14
ANCIENT OF DAYS..................Daniel 7:9
ANOINTED ONE.....................Psalm 2:2
APOSTLE..........................Hebrews 3:1
ARM OF THE LORD..................Isaiah 53:1
AUTHOR OF LIFE...................Acts 3:15
AUTHOR OF OUR FAITH..............Hebrews 12:2
BEGINNING.........................Revelation 21:6
BLESSED & HOLY RULER..............1 Timothy 6:15
BRANCH............................Jeremiah 33:15
BREAD OF GOD......................John 6:33
BREAD OF LIFE.....................John 6:35
BRIDEGROOM........................Isaiah 62:56
BRIGHT MORNING STAR...............Revelation 22:16
CHIEF SHEPHERD.....................1 Peter 5:4
CHOSEN ONE.........................Isaiah 42:1
CHRIST.............................Matthew 22:42
CHRIST OF GOD......................Luke 9:20
CHRIST THE LORD....................Luke 2:11
CHRIST, SON OF LIVING GOD..........Matthew 16:16
COMFORTER..........................John 14:26(kjv)
COMMANDER..........................Isaiah 55:4
CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL...............Luke 2:25
CONSUMING FIRE......................Deut. 4:24, Heb. 12:29
CORNERSTONE.........................Isaiah 28:16
COUNSELOR...........................Isaiah 9:6
CREATOR.............................1 Peter 4:19
DELIVERER..............................Romans 11:26
DESIRED OF ALL NATIONS.................Haggai 2:7
DOOR...................................John 10:7(kjv)
END....................................Revelation 21:6
ETERNAL GOD............................Deut. 33:27
EVERLASTING FATHER.....................Isaiah 9:6
FAITHFUL & TRUE........................Revelation 19:11
FAITHFUL WITNESS.......................Revelation 1:5
FATHER.................................Matthew 6:9
FIRSTBORN (3)........................................Rom.8:29,Rev.1:5,Col.1:15
FIRSTFRUITS............................1 Cor.15:20-23
FOUNDATION.............................1 Cor. 3:11
FRIEND OF TAX COLLECTORS & SINNERS.....Matthew 11:19
GENTLE WHISPER.........................1 Kings 19:12
GIFT OF GOD............................John 4:10
GLORY OF THE LORD......................Isaiah 40:5
GOD....................................Genesis 1:1
GOD ALMIGHTY...........................Genesis 17:1
GOD OVER ALL...........................Romans 9:5
GOD WHO SEES ME........................Genesis 16:13
GOOD SHEPHERD..........................John 10:11
GREAT HIGH PRIEST......................Hebrews 4:14
GREAT SHEPHERD.........................Hebrews 13:20
GUIDE..................................Psalm 48:14
HEAD OF THE BODY.......................Colossians 1:18
HEAD OF THE CHURCH.....................Ephesians 5:23
HEIR OF ALL THINGS.....................Hebrews 1:2
HIGH PRIEST............................Hebrews 3:1
HIGH PRIEST FOREVER....................Hebrews 6:20
HOLY ONE...............................Acts 2:27
HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL.....................Isaiah 49:7
HOLY SPIRIT............................John 15:26
HOPE...................................Titus 2:13
HORN OF SALVATION......................Luke 1:69
I AM....................................Exodus 3:14, John 8:58
IMAGE OF GOD............................2 Cor. 4:4
IMAGE OF HIS PERSON.....................Hebrews 1:3 (kjv)
IMMANUEL................................Isaiah 7:14
JEALOUS..............................Exodus 34:14 (kjv)
JEHOVAH..............................Psalm 83:18 (kjv)
JESUS................................Matthew 1:21
JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD................Romans 6:23
JUDGE................................Isaiah 33:22, Acts 10:42
KING.................................Zechariah 9:9
KING ETERNAL.........................1 Timothy 1:17
KING OF KINGS........................1 Timothy 6:15
KING OF THE AGES.....................Revelation 15:3
LAMB OF GOD...........................John 1:29
LAST ADAM.............................1 Cor. 15:45
LAWGIVER..............................Isaiah 33:22
LEADER................................Isaiah 55:4
LIFE..................................John 14:6
LIGHT OF THE WORLD....................John 8:12
LIKE AN EAGLE.........................Deut. 32:11
LILY OF THE VALLEYS...................Song 2:1
LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH............Revelation 5:5
LIVING STONE..........................1 Peter 2:4
LIVING WATER..........................John 4:10
LORD..................................John 13:13
LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.....................Revelation 15:3
LORD JESUS CHRIST.....................1 Cor. 15:57
LORD OF ALL...........................Acts 10:36
LORD OF GLORY ........................1 Cor. 2:8
LORD OF HOSTS.........................Haggai 1:5
LORD OF LORDS.........................1 Tim. 6:15
LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS..............Jeremiah 23:6
LOVE.................................1 John 4:8
MAN OF SORROWS.........................Isaiah 53:3
MASTER..................................Luke 5:5
MEDIATOR................................1 Timothy 2:5
MERCIFUL GOD............................Jeremiah 3:12
MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT................Malachi 3:1
MESSIAH................................. John 4:25
MIGHTY GOD...............................Isaiah 9:6
MIGHTY ONE...............................Isaiah 60:16
NAZARENE.................................Matthew 2:23
OFFSPRING OF DAVID.......................Revelation 22:16
OMEGA....................................Revelation 22:13
ONLY BEGOTTEN SON........................John 1:18(kjv)
OUR PASSOVER LAMB........................1 Cor. 5:7
OUR PEACE................................Ephesians 2:14
POTTER...................................Isaiah 64:8
POWER OF GOD.............................1 Cor. 1:24
PRINCE OF PEACE..........................Isaiah 9:6
PROPHET..................................Acts 3:22
PURIFIER.................................Malachi 3:3
RABBONI (TEACHER)........................John 20:16
RADIANCE OF GOD'S GLORY..................Heb.1:3
REDEEMER.................................Job 19:25
REFINER'S FIRE...........................Malachi 3:2
RESURRECTION.............................John 11:25
RIGHTEOUS ONE............................1 John 2:1
ROCK.....................................1 Cor.10:4
ROOT OF DAVID............................Rev. 22:16
ROSE OF SHARON...........................Song 2:1
RULER OF GOD'S CREATION..................Rev. 3:14
RULER OVER KINGS OF EARTH................Rev 1:5
RULER OVER ISRAEL........................Micah 5:2
SAVIOR...................................Luke 2:11
SCEPTER OUT OF ISRAEL....................Numbers 24:17
SEED.....................................Genesis 3:15
SERVANT..................................Isaiah 42:1
SHEPHERD OF OUR SOULS....................1Peter 2:25
SHIELD...................................Genesis 15:1
SON OF DAVID.............................Matthew 1:1
SON OF GOD...............................Matthew 27:54
SON OF MAN...............................Matthew 8:20
SON OF THE MOST HIGH.....................Luke 1:32
SOURCE...................................Hebrews 5:9
SPIRIT OF GOD............................Genesis 1:2
STAR OUT OF JACOB........................Numbers 24:17
STONE....................................1 Peter 2:8
SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.....................Malachi 4:2
TEACHER...................................John 13:13
TRUE LIGHT................................John 1:9
TRUE WITNESS..............................Revelation 3:14
TRUTH.....................................John 14:6
VINE......................................John 15:5
WAY........................................John 14:6
WISDOM OF GOD..............................1 Cor. 1:24
WITNESS....................................Isaiah 55:4
WONDERFUL..................................Isaiah 9:6
WORD.......................................John 1:1
WORD OF GOD................................Revelation 19:13
