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Post by KSA on Dec 1, 2010 0:14:06 GMT -5
~Happy Hanukkah~ This is from last year. One of our family night dinners. I thought yesterday that no way could I go on things were getting very bad for me and when I was talking to my husbad he said tomorrow will be a better day. I said oh ya why is that. I started to loose my positve attitude with all the crazy stuff with my docs and health I was giving up and then he said its the first night of Hannukkah and the last night is the day of your surgery. For the next 8 days I have each night to look forward to lighting a candle be with my family. We do not get tied up with gifts we spend TIME together. He made me realize that we can make it thru this. The story of Hanukkah is about having little but it lasts much longer then it should a miracle. I feel like it is symbolic this year of my health I am living on very little but have still made it this far. HOPE can keep you going.
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Post by Karen on Dec 1, 2010 6:50:47 GMT -5
Brought a little tear to my eye, Keri! Hope indeed can do some pretty amazing things!
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Post by KSA on Dec 1, 2010 10:30:26 GMT -5
If that made you have a tear this will even more so. We keep a jar in are kitchen and all year collect change in it towards the holiday we usually buy for a needy family this year tho I gave Jacob the option did he want to buy toys like we have in the past for a family or should would send it to shelter. I explained to him that when children go to a shelter with a parent it is usually bc they are leaving a abusive home and the shelter is where they live until the can get on there feet. He loves to shop for the family always a bright smile when he gets to pick out the toys for the kids. He chose the shelter this year and he said mom we should give them all the change so they can buy what they need. We mix Christmas in with the Jewish tradition of a Mitzvah. We call it our Christmas Mitzvah. I am really proud that he has learned to give in a way that benefits others. I still think we will buy a few toys for the shelter he likes to send letters with his gifts to the family so it will be nice to do a little of both.
The word Mitzvah has many different meanings. It could refer to the commandments in the Torah, along with the seven rabbinic commandments. In modern society, though, Mitzvah is most often used as a term to refer to an act of human kindness. A Mitzvah is an important part of Jewish society, just as it is important with other religions as well.
When Mitzvah is considered to be an act of human kindness, it transcends all religions. While historically, Mitzvah is considered to be a term related to Judaism, anyone in any religion can perform a Mitzvah. While they may not refer to it by that name, they can still perform an act of kindness for another person.
In order to successfully fulfill a Mitzvah you have to perform an act of kindness that is above and beyond the normal act of kindness. It is performing an act that is completely selfless. One such act of kindness that is often referenced when referring to a Mitzvah is burying someone unknown. This is completely selfless and considered to be a Mitzvah. While other acts can also be a Mitzvah, they need to follow the same lines. They need to be acts that help someone else, but do not actually help the person who performed them.
A Mitzvah is really what religion should be built upon. Random acts of kindness will always have a place in religion, and they help society every time they are performed. Mitzvahs are necessary in order for religion to remain powerful in the world today. They get to the heart of religion and remind people what faith is really about.
Goodness has a place in every religion. Performing a mitzvah is one of the most important things anyone can do in a religion. When people perform acts of kindness, they remember why they believe in their religion. They believe because of the goodness, and that goodness allows them to help others.
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Post by cherry on Dec 1, 2010 10:54:02 GMT -5
I loved that whole last post Keri, it means a lot to me because as you said it transcends the faith you ascribe to, it's the basis of all faiths. I try to keep to that, to let the politics pass me by. I love my church because Father Aidan always gives that message in one way or another, it's never about the politics or differences, it's about being good to others. I guess random acts of kindness are never completely selfless no matter the intention, because they are so good for you even when it's something that hurts you in giving. Such as building your character or giving you peace of mind that somebody will eat or sleep safely, or as you mentioned with burying someone, knowing that they have been interred with blessings to rest in peace. As for Jacob's Christmukkah (I love that term I heard it on The OC years ago ) wish, you're raising an amazing young man there, I take my lessons from you! You're a lovely and inspiring person to be around.
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Post by KSA on Dec 1, 2010 13:44:18 GMT -5
LOL we call it Christmukkah too. I have been very lucky to have a life that we can incoporate both faiths and traditions. My husband observes my holidays just like I observe his the politics has never got in the way. When we got married our Rabbi said I show many qualities of a jewish thinker. I said well I do not put a title on it. In the jewish faith they never push for you to convert that is left to each to decide or force bc of marriage either. It is a very open and religion I went to conversion classes to hear and learn about the faith. I never heard them bash another religion and growing up protestant I heard alot of judgement towards other faiths that turns me off. Good and kindness is how I want Jacob and when he is ready he can choose what he would like to follow or be like me a accept all religion as one.
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Post by KSA on Dec 3, 2010 21:25:14 GMT -5
"Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to. Don't you see? It's not just Kris that's on trial, it's everything he stands for. It's kindness and joy and love and all the other intangibles." ~Fred Gailey~ Miracle On 34th Street~ Santa Cause 2010 Auction Baskets~ All set up and ready to make money for a wonderful cause. I made it happen. I could not stay to enjoy the event but it was enough for me just to be a part of something like this. I set it up solo and had all the baskets, bags and bows placed perfect. I looked at the room when I was done and felt a huge sense of accomplishment. I was so worried I would not get to see it all done my health is fading but I made it. I can not wait to hear what we raised tonight~
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Post by chicagogal2 on Dec 3, 2010 22:10:16 GMT -5
Aw Keri - how wonderful! The baskets and the room look beautiful! I am sure you will raise a ton of money tonight! I truly believe that there are great things in store for you with all of the amazing, caring things you do for others! ~ nicole
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Post by hellsbells on Dec 4, 2010 6:10:35 GMT -5
Well done, I'm sorry you couldn't enjoy the whole event. I guess this was your Mitvah! I learned a bit about Judaism in my younger years at school and found it quite inspirational. It is a very no-judgemental, open faith. There are things I like about Catholicism/christianity - I still believe the fundamental belief is being a good person and treating others well. It's the 'man made' rules I have issues with. Jacob sounds like a real joy in your life, but I put that mainly down to you being a great mum!
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Post by Karen on Dec 4, 2010 9:03:32 GMT -5
Looks great, Keri! Any reports on how it went last night?
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Post by KSA on Dec 4, 2010 20:26:54 GMT -5
Last count was a couple thousand but not all has been counted. We had baskets, tshirts, hats and mugs for sale. It was awesome to hear that tho. Next year I want to raise double of what we did this year. It all goes to the Project Kare to use for the childrens holiday gifts. It makes me feel so good to be a part of this at a time when I am so sick I needed this. I can not wait to do it every year:)
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Post by KSA on Feb 6, 2011 9:36:20 GMT -5
I am 35 today and thankful for so much. LIFE could of been taken from me many times this year. I posted today on my facebook status this...Thanks to my docs, a twin sister that never left my side, a husband that became my nurse and a son that kept me going they made this birthday possible. I didn't have room but all of you are included in that. Thank you~ I am back on my path to planning what to do next my list is getting longer the more I go thru and realize how strong I am. The charity event showed me that if I can do that in the middle of starving I can do anything. I would not change one thing about this year it is what makes me who I am today. This birthday I celebrate life for all of us. ~Cheers~
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Post by Karen on Feb 6, 2011 9:37:27 GMT -5
Love you, hun!
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Post by KSA on Mar 22, 2011 17:13:45 GMT -5
I figured out today that I have to turn my camera on and start to live again;) I have to have my lense fixed and I should have pictures to post soon. I was asked today what I do to relax I went blank...and thought what do I do and my camera came to my mind. I started to collect old camera's and photography too there is something about a old photograph that intrigues me. Who were they? why were they there? I make up in my head a little story about why the photographer took the picture. It was such a expensive hobby that each photograph had to be just right. I do that now even tho I have digital I act like its film and I get one chance to make it perfect. Below is a photagraph I took of a 1930's camera I got last year at a antique show and the picture is hung in my front room. He is standing in Central Park. One of my favorite spots and the dealer I got this off of had many others and the story behing the camera. The man was a photographer in PA and his children got his estate not realizing that he had all of this photography they did not know what to do with it so they had a auction and that is how the dealer got them. He had pin up shots...risky for those days lol a swimsuit model with a parasol, a ton of great landscapes and this one from NYC. I knew the second I saw it that it was going on my piano next to the camera. My friends dad can get me film for the camera but I have yet to take a picture with it. It came with everything the instructions and leather case in wonderful condition. I love it and its a conversation piece everyone wants to know who the man in the photograph is. I say who do you want it to be?
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Post by Karen on Mar 22, 2011 17:24:55 GMT -5
Aw, I heart Central Park!! Cool camera, by the way! Glad you're reviving the hobby. It'll be a nice distraction!
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Post by KSA on Apr 19, 2011 10:22:04 GMT -5
Life has been full of ups and downs. The best part of my week is thursday when I spend half my day with my little niece Ava. We have a schedule and she knows when Auntie Keri comes over Bob Marley gets played, we dance, nap, and dress up. Now that the weather is getting nicer I will start taking her to the park & library my favorite place. I am excited for spring and regardless of my health I get to look at this little face every week and am so thankful for a twin sister that can give me a little part of being a faux mom to a baby girl. Attachments:
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