Friday, September 30, 2011

September 30 #100: Pedantry/ Fantasy/ Therapy

My good buddy Alex hasn't come up with his 3 sermon words yet for me to write about and I need to pop out this blog before tomorrow, so I consulted a "random word generator" because the Internet is that awesome. I then had to consult Wikipedia on what the words meant, just to be sure and clear headed.

Pedantry according to Wiki = (Adjective) To show excessive concern with formalism and precision, or to show off ones learning. It has a negative connotation and is often associated with the word "condescending".

OCD is actually an extreme version of someone overly obsessed with rules, regulations, and practices. People who are pedantric insist on following the "correct" use of the rules and have problems with change or new lines of thought.

Fantasy according to Wiki = Long definition mostly referring to Fantasy writing, but ultimately including: Imagination, Magic, Supernatural, Myths, Hidden Truths, Mystery, Underlying Themes...

Author Terry Brooks states: "People who view fantasy as second rate or childish are usually people who don't read or understand it. I like to tell them that good fantasy is social commentary combined with good story telling -Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, the Oz stories, and so many others. Sure the stories take place in an imaginary world. But those worlds mirror our own and tell us things about ourselves that need to  said and understood. I also like to tell them how often other forms of literature use fantasy as the bedrock of their own stories. Fantasy transcends its own form in wider scope than any other type of writing."

Therapy according to Wiki = Attempted remediation of a health problem, usually following a diagnosis. Relating terms: Psychotherapy, Preventative Therapy, Supportive Therapy, Over Treatment...
Categories:
Matter - dealing with Drugs/Genes/Hormones/Body Function
Energy - dealing with Electricity/Light/Sound/Temperature sensitivities
Human Interaction -dealing with Counseling/Social Disorders/Educational Disabilities/Relaxing/Sleeping/Eating...

Alright, interesting topics.

Pedantry

A new word for me. Essentially the same as condescending. I hate being around people who abide heartlessly by arbitrary rules they hold everyone around them to and look down on those who are not as elitist as they are. The only upside is the fact that they lead lonely lives and struggle with change. Pedants could never do what Steve Jobs, Martin Luther, Abraham Lincoln, Gandhi, or any other visionary individual has done. They cling too tightly to the established way of doing and thinking and fail to intake even the thought of new possibilities. They are therefore less adaptable and more set/closed minded. You need to be open and receptive to the people and the world around you, otherwise what good will all of that obtained knowledge do if you never apply it in any way other than to to tell others you have obtained that knowledge. You are your own dead end telling the people that then road ends with you. People will just end up driving forward and creating their own path around you.

Fantasy

I know this world well :)
I get lost in it every once in a while to the extent that at some points I actually get bored with my imagination because no new or interesting thoughts or ideas are coming in to add depth and insight to my dreams. I think is why I subconsciously seek knowledge. To fuel my imagination and expand my understanding of the way the world is, but more importantly, the way it should be. I'm like a sponge absorbing facts and data around me to compile and compute reality into a greater world than the physical one I am present to. I then seek to bring that dream back into reality, finding the bridge between what is and what could be. But fantasy alone is useless without its application into reality. It's kind of like being Pedantry, only instead of withholding and feeling superior about your Knowledge, it is about your Vision.

Therapy

I've actually spoke on this topic before. Therapy kind of has negative connotations because people who really do need it would sometimes rather ignore their issues than admit they need to see a therapist. People have a hard time admitting they need help. They want that sense of control, which ironically they'll never get if they don't tell their Ego to shut up. The only danger you can experience with therapy is getting misdiagnosed, over treated, or have severe side effects to medication they give. I'd say over treatment is a major issue these days. It's hard to draw the line where people are just struggling and people really do have a defect that can only be aided through therapy of some sort. Lots of kids are being put on medications that are causing them more damage than good because people think it's safer to medicate a person than to let them go without, when actually the opposite can be just as true.

For instance, my sister Emily has ADD. She started showing signs of it when she was about 6 or 7. Although it was only a moderate case, my mom had her put on an experimental drug called Aderol. The side effects turned out to be worse than the treatment. It seems like, if my sister had been raised to manage and overcome the issue, she would have been far better off in the long run. I think people should try therapy first, but always keep in mind they have the power to ultimately overcome their problems if they put in the effort, time, and energy to do so.

Septemeber 30 #99

My last day to write 2 posts and I have nothing to write about!!! Eeeeep!

Ummmm... Observances...

1. Pure Rest didn't work very well last night. I tossed and turned a lot. I think I need to take it earlier on before I go to sleep.

2. Mi amogo Timo is in an art class. He had to draw a polar bear... 4 times! The same image! Then he had to do one in ink. Now his teahcer says the students need to draw their drawing 4 more times to the style of 4 different artists: Disney, Durer, a robot, and Chloe Piene (her work frightens me. Timo may need to go crazy before attempting to undertake her style of art...) Poor Timo. Art class seemed easier when I was in it not tht long ago... and the projects were mor varied.

3. Movies are coming back. 50/50 looks good. A friend asked me to go see one called Real Deal or Real Metal... it has Hugh Jackman in it so I said yes. Then October 21st Paranormal Activity 3 comes out. I was debating whether or not it would be non-cheesy and non-frightening enough for me to see it, but my friend Timo said he would go with me so I've decided to put my fears and skepticisms aside and just go for it.

4. Speaking of ghosts, there's a new show out that my step-sister mentioned called Paranormal Witness. It's on the SYFY channel and she says it s scarier than the show The Haunting... which was pretty damn scary. Last Wednesday at Toastmasters a man named Kahlid was called up to answer a question during table topics. "Have you ever heard of ghist stories and do you believe spooky ghoss are real?" Thanks Ayu for asking that... He said No, he didn't believe they were real at all but he thought ghost stories were very amusing. I'm not stupid, I find ghost stories that are fictional to be entertaining as well, but to say ghosts don't exist at all is just ignorance.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Zodiac 31: Traits

As a Pisces, You are very sincere and never have a second thought when you devote yourself to something or someone.
As a Pisces, Try to be steady, set up your goals and then act accordingly.
Pisces are amiable, kindly and, on occasion, a little devious, twisting and turning to find the easy way out of difficult situations.
As a Pisces, you can use your imagination as much as you wish in private, but learn to use it in a more practical way to avoid disappointment
As an Aquarius, You should resist taking the easy way out, allowing your uniqueness to become regarded by others as weirdness or crankiness.
A good long-term relationship with an Aquarius is both stable and worthwhile - but not altogether easy to achieve.
As an Aquarius, Others find life more exciting and happier when they are with you.
As an Aquarius, your creativity enables you to notice and take advantage of things other people fail to notice.
As a Capricorn, You can appear to be stubborn and traditional. Try to show the passionate and fun side of you more.
As a Capricorn, You will never appear in a hurry. You dislike those who are careless and who pay no attention to rules.
The most likely place to find a Capricorn is in a quiet corner, carefully observing everything that is going on.
Capricorns could learn to relax and look on the brighter side of things instead of keeping themselves under such restriction.
As a Sagittarius, utilize your intuition to its fullest; but don't get so carried away that you can't see the trees for the forest.
With a Sagittarius, Keep your emotional distance and they will be attracted to you.
As a Sagittarius, You perceive that beauty within is more important than the beauty on the surface.
As a Sagittarius, You have the capability to perform well in short notice.
As a Scorpio, You respect your own privacy and dislike people who are too inquisitive.
As a Scorpio, Control your jealousy and turn the emotion into your motivation to strive forward.
Scorpios only find satisfaction in a life-style which allows them both to satisfy their strong physical and emotional appetites.
As a Scorpio, with your emotional nature, you would do well to consult others before making decisions concerning important things.
As a Libra, your secret is to act after fair consideration and to be prepared to act again and again if necessary.
As a Libra, You don’t invest much passion or feeling in your relationships, loving with your head instead of your heart.
As a Libra, You pay great attention to beauty which might be perceived as shallow at times. Try to be balanced.
As a Libra, you are a quick learner and you always act positively to any situation.
As a Virgo, you like to observe and prefer to deal with things objectively.
As a Virgo, the first impression you give others is that you are very frank and optimistic.
Do not attempt to probe inside of a Virgo's mind because their emotions are pretty much closed off.
As a Virgo, You are advised to concentrate your desire for perfection on objects and situations rather than on people.
As a Leo, If you want to be the center of attention, fine; but when you do get it, be certain that you have something worthwhile to offer.
With a Leo, Always have the best of the best and never try to offer them second rate.
As a Leo, You often force others to accept your kindness in order not to let them feel they are indebted to you.
As a Leo, in public you rarely reveal your anger or frustration. But in private you might feel frustrated or hurt.
As a Cancer, You are kind to everyone and you find it hard to reject if others ask for help.
As a Cancer, your strong adaptability enables you to survive in any situation.
You can give a Cancer compliments, but be careful because they will easily sense when you are complimenting them just for the sake of it.
As a Cancer, Give others their freedom, let them breathe, and rest assured that emotionally they are never far away.
As a Gemini, because of your basic duality, you can do twice as much good or twice as much harm.
As partners, Gemini are reasonably reliable - if their affections stray, it is not for long.
As a Gemini, you do not care what others think. You are adaptable and always follow your own mind.
As a Gemini, You are creative, agile and very quick in turning your ideas into actions.
As a Taurus, you keep promises that you make to other people and you are polite and very grateful.
As a Taurus, When you are in a bad mood, try to let it out instead of holding it inside.
As a Taurus, Your sexuality is strong and deep, though not necessarily electric on the surface.
As a Taurus, Just exercise more care that what you make up your mind to do will benefit others as well.
As an Aries, You must learn to relax somewhat and remember that most worthwhile things in life take time to accomplish. Take it a bit easier.
Aries are very capable so if you go with their plans, you are sure to have a good time.
As an Aries, try to be more patient and take cautious actions when unsure.
As an Aries, You must develop an objective attitude and improve your self-retrospection ability.

Sintopia

There is a concept that has been rolling around my brain for a couple days now giving birth to new thoughts and ideas that I now feel the need to express.

Firstly, the concept is that Sin is "anything against God's intent" that degrades the soul from reaching it's True Self. Because of this "sin", we as humans and as a planet must die and live with pain and suffering.

This seems to be a new Truth. When people describe Utopia, although some may refer to chocolate ponds and marshmallow clouds, most describe it as a place without pain and full of serenity and beauty. This Eden on Earth seems to be bountiful and free. I think the reason we all have similar images of what Utopia would be like and we all seem to subconsciously and consciously strive for it on some level is because we know it is where we are meant to be.

If you ask someone whether they would rather be in Heaven, Hell, or on this Earth, most would ultimately choose Heaven -a place of peace and calm without pain and darkness. In fact it seems that many people spend their whole lives striving to attain this in their next one. I believe this is because deep down we all want to return to this place. We just don't think we can have it on Earth.

And "sin" is what keeps us from this eternal state of the Divine. I believe sin to be things like hate, fear, doubt, The 7, self-loathing, denial... There's the Top Immoral Acts that people can do to F-up their lives like murder and adultery, but for the most part it is the accumulation of these little, more impulse acts that will get you.

From a Buddhist stand-point, "sin" is the stuff that covers, buries, and distracts you fro your True Self and reaching Enlightenment. From Freudian stand-point, it is the Ego preventing you from achieving the good that the Super Ego intends. Any way you look at it, these faults hold us back from Being that which we were ultimately intended for. It is an interesting notion that we would achieve all that which we desire if we give up our desires and natural impulses.

When you look at people who try to do this, you think, "Wow I can't believe that person became a monk or a nun or a priest..." because they seem to give up so much. But maybe they're the ones who think that we are giving up the most by holding onto our Egos and our False Selves and our Sins.

Don't worry I'm not going Nun or anything... at least not at this point in my life... Maybe when I'm 60 and I've enjoyed enough in this to say I can let go of it and move on to a higher place... but not now.

It seems like the solution to this pain/suffering/death problem is the same none the less. Instead of pointing out other people's flaws and holding them against them, we should be mindful of our own and supportive of others who choose to overcome them. People who try to erase those they consider to be sinful end up engaging in sin themselves -either hate, or in the case of the Inquisition, murder.

Love and Acceptance. That's it. Plain and simple. Love and Accept yourself to the extent that you decide you are of greater worth and value than the impulses and flaws that degrade you, and let them go. Love and Accept others for who they are so they can feel inspired to love themselves as you do to let their flaws go as well. Then maybe we'll see the day when no one has to suffer or die.

“The unreal is more powerful than the real. Because nothing is as perfect as you can imagine it. Because its only intangible ideas, concepts, beliefs, fantasies that last. Stone crumbles. Wood rots. People, well, they die. But things as fragile as a thought, a dream, a legend, they can go on and on. If you can change the way people think. The way they see themselves. The way they see the world. You can change the way people live their lives. That’s the only lasting thing you can create.” – Chuck Palahniuk

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Dreams, TM, and GNA

Dreams

My Pure Rest from Usana finally came in the mail yesterday. Holy crap! I had what felt like a 2 hour dream movie. It involved the Revolutionary war and then went forward in time to the 1970s. It was crazy, vivid, colorful, frightening, and intense. Then when I woke up, I wasn't that sleepy. I didn't have coffee or anything this morning, and I felt more awake than usual. I thought it would take a couple days for this stuff to work, but Nope. It works just fine. Wow...

TM

Toast Masters was this morning. It was a lively meeting with 4 speakers.

Bethany spoke about what not to do when making a Power Point slide which is pretty obvious to me at this point: 1. Don't overcrowd your slides with text 2. Never use full sentences or read off of the slides 3. Don't use crappy or distracting background images if they don't help convey the theme or point of your presentation.

Then Leonissa spoke/sang/ did gestures. Her charisma was off the charts and it was greatmazing. I learned W.A.T.C.H. =Words, Actions, Thoughts, Character, and Habits which all comprise YOU.

Then Doug spoke about issues found in Darwin's Theory of Evolution. Apparently Darwin was a big fan of pigeons and found that when he bred pigeons he could isolate certain traits and make them consistent with the offspring. He also found that each pigeon shared common traits. ll this led him to the conclusion that, if you wanted to breed something to become something else eventually down the line over many many years it could happen. A mouse could essentially evolve into an elephant. He also believed because of this, that all beings came from one source and changed and diversified over time due to natural selection. This was the notion in 1859.

Darwin met with many critics. Besides the church-going enthusiasts who weren't big fans, there were a lot of people in the scientific community who said that fossil records showed large gaps in beings evolving. These "Transitional Species" that could link one type of animal to another through evolution just weren't there. And Darwin basically said they just hadn't found those fossils yet and would in the future. But now scientists say that the evidence is even more compelling that these beings could not have evolved from one another because those gaps have increased.

Then another scientist came along around Darwin's time, named Grendal? -something like that, just going off the notes I took during Doug's speech... Grendal studied pea plants and found that there wee these things called Genes that limited the amount of changes and variations that could happen within a species. You could get certain dominant genes to repeat in offspring, but that didn't mean they could change from one plant to another. There was too limited a gene pool and therefore a mouse who did not have the same genes as an elephant could never become one.

In 1941 the Geological Society -who was on Darwin's side and wanted to preserve his line of reasoning- got together to sort all of this out. They came up with the theory that things called "mutations" add info to the gene pool increasing its possibilities to evolve into other things. These mutations are random and can create greater variety.

But there were issues with this theory that can easily be found. "Mutations" in genes that most people are familiar with now are things like Cancer. As Doug explained, Genes are like Software. The programing is very specific and very complex. Randomness is the enemy of Software. Randomness occurs when codes interrupt and corrupt the software process causing errors and malfunctioning. These events are obsolete, rare, and almost non-existent. You also can't select a mutation to isolate and get a pure quality gene because there are too many other genes to isolate out. You would end up with nothing. Essentially Mutations are Rare and create Breaks in the Genetic Code, Not Greater Variety to it.

In the 1960s bacteria were examined and even those microscopic simple organisms had complex systems of functioning that they were comprised of. Francis Crick said that the origin of life itself seems like a miracle because it would have to be under the right circumstances at the right time which would all have been about as rare as it gets, and yet it did. It's hard to call it just a coincidence that life occurred, because the odds were ultimately against it happening.

Then Oscar gave a speech about being an effective salesperson. He recommended a book called The Autonomy of Persuasion. He said that the more money a product costs and the more a consumer will have to invest in it, the more time a consumer needs to think about it. You should act like an HR person trying to match an employee to a specific business or job if that person fits. Match-making via customer and product.

GNA

Then I went to the weekly Genuine Networking Association meeting. It's a group for people who have their own business and want advice for running it better and getting more customers. Sice I'm in 2 network-marketing businesses and 3 of my friends from TM go there, I decide to go and have been going for the past month or so.

Today a woman named Christi spoke on how to get organized and get the most accomplished with in the least amount of time. Some suggestions included: The 20/3 Rule -get a list of 20 names and call 3 of those names each day, Time Block when you are most effective at accomplishing tasks and then schedule that time to do them, Create Templates for setting p appointments with people, make sure you have a Standard Operating Procedure, Prioritize 6 tasks you want to accomplish each day and list 1 of those as the Top Priority -preferably something you have been procrastinating about doing, Keep track of your progress and make plans for each  day... She also recommended the books 7 Habits of Effective People and Eat the Frog.

Lastly she suggested making a mission statement. A "Compelling Vision Statement" will help you stay focused on the Why of what you are doing when you work towards a goal. It's something to keep you focused on your business. For her it was to be free of work after building up people to delegate work to so she could spend more time at home with her family.

My Vision Statement:

Goal 1: To earn enough money to 1. ensure my financial stability and retirement and 2. have enough money to also donate to causes in financial need such as charities and other organizations.
Goal 2: To become free to spend my time by my choice and no one elses to devote that time to 1. Growing my soul and developing as a person and 2. Finding ways to encourage others to do the same.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Zodiac 30: Traits/Motto/Greatest Asset

Pisces love extremely and fiercely and find it very hard to turn off their emotions should things go wrong.
A Pisces shyness can impede the start of a relationship or prolong the initial process.
As a Pisces, you feel the need to express and bring life to your fantasies, imagination and creativity.
Pisces Motto: Make love, Not war.
Pisces Greatest asset: Empathy
As a Pisces, your emotional nature leads you to view everything personally and you lack the ability to be objective.
As an Aquarius, One of your goals in life is to try and sway people to see things your way.
Aquarius Motto: Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil
Aquarius Greatest asset: Humanitarianism
In a relationship an Aquarius enjoys keeping things light and easy.
There is a penchant for drama with the Aquarius sign, it is almost delicious and definitely addictive.
Aquarius is likely to try to please you even if they know they will fail. It is really a case of 'it's the thought that counts'.
Bad news affects a Capricorn less than other signs, and rarely holds them back for long.
Capricorns prefer to think things out on their own before openly discussing them and committing to a decision.
With a Capricorn in your corner, as your trusted partner and lover, you’ll be sure to make it through, "come hell or high water."
Capricorn Motto: I will either find a way, or make one!
Capricorn Greatest asset: Powerful driving force
As a Capricorn, You can also be very aggressive, which surprises many people because they tend to think you are gentle and reserved.
Sagittarius want to live their life the way they choose without having to consult or have another’s approval.
Sagittarius Motto: The grass is always greener on the other side.
Sagittarius Greatest asset: Versatile
Being open to all possibilities means a Sagittarius will often keep a back door escape route open, just in case of emergency.
Sagittarius enjoy change and adventure and are always keen to mix things up.
Sagittarius lovers can be very intense and attentive, generously planning special things just to please their beloved.
Don’t expect to be taken for granted when a Scorpio has given you their heart.
Scorpios will literally sacrifice themselves to ensure your happiness often putting your needs above their own.
Scorpios may feel the need to manipulate circumstances and/or people in order to get what they want.
Scorpio Motto: Still waters run deep
Scorpio Greatest asset: Strength of mind
As a Scorpio, when you have an opinion its firm, but if it doesn't concern you, then you don't waste your time.
As a Libra, You like knowing how things are and knowing what to expect of them. This can also make you something of a know it all.
Libra Motto: Live and let live
Libra Greatest asset: Tact and diplomacy
If you enjoy being romanced by a thoughtful, and pleasing partner then you’ll think you’ve just about died and gone to heaven with a Libra.
Getting a Libra to commit may prove more time consuming than most other signs, simply because they are picky.
Libras will not take kindly to a partner that is insecure, preferring someone self confident and as equally well read and cultured as them.
Virgos may not verbalize their adoration as much as other signs, but they will still show the strength of their love via actions.
Virgo's sexiness isn't an 'in your face' style, but more about action versus words.
The more uncomfortable a Virgo feels in their environment - the more critical, fussy, and unreasonable they act.
Virgo Motto: Cleanliness is next to godliness.
Virgo Greatest asset: Practicality
As a Virgo, It usually takes a while for people to get to know you.
As a Leo, In your mind life is too short to waste by being a pessimist or worrying about unnecessary drama.
Leo Motto: Live each day as if it is your last.
Leo Greatest asset: Enthusiasm
A Leo’s energy is much more self-reflective and inner-directed than the average person might ever suspect.
The key with a Leo in love is honesty; they tend to value this trait very much.
There are no head games played by a Leo, what you see is what you get, and Leos tell you exactly what they want and like.
Sentimental in the extreme, Cancers are likely to notice the little things and keep track of things better than other signs.
Less likely than other signs to bail when the going gets rough, Cancers are very loyal and determined to work things out.
For a Cancer, the past often feels more "real" than the unknown future.
Cancer Motto: Home is where the heart is.
Cancer Greatest asset: Caring
As a Cancer, You are good at keeping secrets and are more observant than you let on.
As a Gemini, Anything set in stone loses appeal for you. For you life is a journey, to gather new and exciting ideas and thoughts.
Gemini Motto: Variety is the spice of life!
Gemini Greatest asset: Communication skills
The old saying, "curiosity killed the cat" surely had a friendly and ever curious Gemini lover in mind.
Gemini can shift quickly in either direction, positive or negative you name it.
Gemini in love can be warrior-like in love arguments. Be prepared for intense verbal sparring followed quickly with intense making up.
Taurus are careful with their money which makes them a stable partner. They will value a partner that shows consideration in this matter.
Taurus love anything that reminds them of good memories of the past and are known to collect things from a favorite era of their lives.
As a Taurus, If you treat your lover as one of your possessions, then no matter how stubbornly you hold on they'll slip through your fingers.
Taurus Motto: What’s yours is mine; What’s mine is my own!
Taurus Greatest asset: Patience
As a Taurus, You are generous with loved ones, but when you don’t like someone it is as if they don’t exist at all.
As an Aries, weakness is something you hate to show others. You’d rather suffer injury than admit you’re afraid or incapable of anything.
Aries Motto: First come, first served!
Aries Greatest asset: Uncomplicated view of life
If you want your Aries lover to do something special for you, then don't drop gentle hints and expect him or her to "pick up on it."
Aries is one of the most physically protective signs of the Zodiac, typically not hesitating to risk life or limb for a loved one.

The Gospel of John 1:19-51

"19 This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, 'Who are you?'
20 And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, 'I am not Christ'.
21 They asked him, 'What then? Are you Elijah?' and he said 'I am not' 'Are you the Prophet?' And he answered, 'No'.
22 Then they said to him, 'Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?'
23 He said, 'I am A VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKESTRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD,' as Isaiah the Prophet said." -John 1: 19-23

So apparently John the Baptist was a non-prophet doing exactly the same thing as previous prophets ad done. No wonder the Jews were confused. Levites =Group comprised of Priests/ One of the 12 tribes of the Jewish Nation of Israel. Elijah = The person the character Gandalf from LOTR is based off of. Elijah represented the Power of God (like Moses represented the Laws of God). Elijah could resurrect the dead and worked many wonders before Jesus came. Isaiah = From the Book of Isaiah/ Was one of if not the greatest Prophets. He foretold of Jesus's coming. "Confessed" = Denotes the fact that many it was dangerous to go around preaching of Jesus to the wrong people, which is essentially what John the Baptist was doing.

"24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.
25 They asked him, and said to him, 'Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?'
26 John answered them saying, 'I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know.'
27 'It is He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie'.
28 These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where john was baptizing." -John 1: 24-28

You'd think after a while people would get the picture. John = a baptist here to announce and make way for Christ. Pharisees = Branch of Jewish Teachers (Kind of like the Inquisition in Europe/ Very serious about upholding the rules/ An institution that was Solid, Heartless, Merciless, Ennacting, Law Abiding, and Wealthy). Baptism = The way to reach Salvation/ A Commitment to being Christian/ Washes away Sins/ Creates a Sacred Space for the Holy Spirit to Dwell/ John the Baptist's way to get people to open their hearts and souls to the Word of Jesus yet to be spoken.

"29 The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
30 This is He on behalf of whom I said, 'After me comes a Man of higher rank than I, for He existed before me.'
31 'I did not recognize Him, but so that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water.'
32 John testified saying, 'I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove
33 'I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.'
34 'I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.' -John 1: 29-34out of heaven, and He remained upon Him.




Lamb of God = Pretext of the concept that since the world was perfect, but sin led to it's imperfection, Death had to exist. Sin goes against God and the Divine and therefore leads to death in a world that was intended to be Everlasting. A person who sinned, must die. However God showed mercy initially by allowing man to sacrifice an animal in his place -Typically the best Lamb. The Lamb would be washed and cleaned, and then sacrificed to God on behalf of that man's sins. Through Christ living as the Universal Lamb for the Sins of the World, no more sacrifices needed to be made. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice. God sacrificed Himself and His son to cleanse the world.  The Dove here was not physical, just for the record. It would be hard to describe the Spirit descending, so instead it is compared to a dove -White, Graceful, Beautiful, Innocent, Pure. I believe it was probably more of a light that descended and remained upon Jesus. If ever there was a beacon of the White Light, it would have been Him. It would have radiated out like a light house directing people away from stormy rocks, safely to shore.

"35 Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples,
36 and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God!'
37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
38 And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, "What do you seek?" they said to Him, 'Rabbi (Teacher), where are You staying?"
39 He said to them 'Come and you will see.' So they came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.
40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
41 He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah (Christ)'.
42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, 'You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas (Peter)'." -John 1: 35-42

Two of his disciples = 2 guys following John the Baptist around switch and start follwing Jesus when John announces Him. Poor John... What do you seek? I got that question once before and it's something I typically wonder about other people. Nobody usually asks it though because they typically don't know it themselves -which is probably why these two guys stwitched topics. Andrew, one of the Discpiles, becomes a follower of Jesus and brings his brother Simon in. Jesus then changes Simon's name to Peter. Yes, it is The Peter.

"43 The next day He purposed to go to Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, 'Follow Me'.
44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter.
45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, 'We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote -Jesus of Nazereth, the son of Joseph'.
46 Nathanael said to him, 'Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?' Philip said to him, 'Come and see.'
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, 'Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!'
48 Nathanael said to Him, 'How do you know me?' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Before Philip called you, you were under the fig tree, I saw you.'
49 Nathanael answered Him, 'Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.'
50 Jesus answered and said to him, 'Because I said that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.'
51 And He said to him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.' -John 1: 43-51

Philip is the guy Jesus walked up to and said, "Follow Me". I wish getting people to follow me on Twitter was that easy. Phillip then found his buddy Nathanael . Nathanael was brought by Philip to meet Jesus, but initially had his doubts about him since he was from Nazareth. Nazareth back then was a sketchy area kind of like Oakland or East Palo Alto in California, which is why he was wondering if anything good could come out of it.  Then Jesus praised Nathanael for not being a deceitful person. Nathanael didn' know how Jesus, a stranger he just met could say that about him. Jesus then told him he psychically witnessed him under the fig tree, before Philip went to go get him. Then Nathanael was convinced entirely that he was the Messiah. Jesus was like, "Really? That was all I had to do to prove myself to you? Dang..." Some people are better at recognizing the Truth when it's in front of them than others. Jesus refers to Himself here as the Son of Man, even though most people refer to him as the Son of God. This is to show He is both sides of the coin.

I think it's interesting how John does not include stories that are covered in the accounts given by other disciples. I see myself doing this sometimes. Like with Gandalf and LOTR -If you don't know what those refer to go consult wikipedia. I'm more concerned with getting the main points out that recovering information that has already been well covered by others. It's more important for me to say why certain things are important than to go over the details I automatically presume to be common knowledge or easily obtained information.