Mashchak's View

Life and Death

2008-02-17T12:29:00.002-05:00

Till death do us part! We often vow our eternal love for our loved ones. Then we are parted by death. Due to the death of my "oldest" friend and 'relative' in Poland, the world known prof.zw. Zachariasz Łyko, I made my way to Poland. A friend paid for my ticket and encouraged me to go. Dazed and shocked I arrived in Warsaw on Friday. A short visit to the Messianic-Evangelicals, and a short sermon on the topic of Plan of Salvation " to the Jew first and then to the Greek also" and I was ready to fall asleep on the way to Joe's. Poland was cold, drizzly, windy, lonely. Thanks to Joe's hospitality I at least had a roof over my head. Connected with Jonas and Adam Łykos at Janusz's apartment and determined to be of some help and support to drs. Margot, Janusz, Martha and Alex. After the 'state' funeral and inspiring speeches of many dignitaries from the Academia, and various Christian Churches, at the Military Cemetery, attended by a military honor guard, the ~500 friends went to their homes. The immediate family met for a little snack and then....the much needed rest. The next week I spent visiting friends at Podkowa school [WSTH] including mostly my 'young' friends, the students. KJ, again provided the needed funds for some students' tuition and I enjoyed listening to the latest HG [holy gossip] about the school. Visits with dr. Margot, my family in Jedrzejow, and also the lunches with Kozirogs and Tarasiuks, Barons, and my cousins Poloks, filled my few remaining days. Joe cooked and I prepared the drinks, and somehow we survived. There was always the culinary feast at Lazars.I visited the Greeway couple of times, the Pierogarnia on Aleje near Nowy Swiat. I sang with the "Chmielna Orchestra"...they let me when I gave them some change. On Tuesday was the feast with the Professor zw. Maciuszko and his wife Barbara. Superb food and a wonderful company. Prof.zw. Janusz Maciuszko is, among other things, an expert on Church History and Comparative Religions studies. A man after mine own heart. He has books everywhere! He is gentle and genteel, with a healthy dose of quaint humor. On the way there we visited the tomb and the monument of the Hero of the Ghetto Uprising Mordechi Anielewicz, the last defender of the Jewish Ghetto. Cześć jego pamięci! The best social interaction in Poland is always at the home of Andrzej Sankowski. The guests-club members are all highly intelligent, accomplished in their own fields and young. The women are pretty and the food is exquisite. My last sermon at the Warsaw Central church was an occasion to invite the many friends to meet their God, like ap. Paul on the road to Damascus. There were some interesting discussions with students at the Seminary, and delightful Judy, Tatiana, Oleńka, Nadia and some others...in the Convent. this is to be continued ...when I wake up. The Jetlag is getting to me.

Happy New Year

2007-12-27T15:39:00.000-05:00

This year is coming to a close and memories flood the corridors of my mind. So many events, so many exciting experiences. So many blessings, all of them undeserved. One is humbled by the watch care of the Providence. As long as the health is holding one should never complain. The visit to Loma Linda,the Family and friends. Heather's graduation, a gala performance, enjoyable reunion. Exciting news that Jessica is studying to become an archaeologist at La Sierra University. Then in August the delightful trip with Joe and Co. to the ASI meetings. Visit to the Mammoth Caves, then St. Louis, then home. Two weeks later I was on my way to Poland, for 5 weeks. The visit to Poland was a mixed bag of blessings and disappointments. I went looking for a hot weather and found cold and rain. Thanks to Joe and his hospitality I survived. Often he would take me to his club for supper, and meetings with some very interesting friends of his. Joe has a lovely 'flat' according to the Britts, and it is super nice and comfy. Friday nights were the weekly highlights since Joe took me to the Synagogue for supper, singing, prayers and socializing. I miss those Friday evenings. Every Sabbath I managed to preach in some church, and my only message was Evangelize now and do not wait till the time when you will only have regrets. This is still a sore point with me. Almost 20 years of 'freedom' and the evangelistic work continuing to be almost non existing. At least in Stalinist era situation, the 'workers' worked !!! By 'work' is meant evangelism' The brethren from the Division will have to answer soon, before God, for holding back the evangelistic opportunities in Poland. Almost every other country in Europe availed herself of massive evangelistic efforts [free !!]except Poland. I managed some delightful tennis with Tado in Cieszyn, visited my cousins in Jedrzejow, ate dinner with my oldest [in terms of friendship] friend Olek Sosin and his family...the beautiful Olenka and her 3 'boys.' Olek saved my skin by loaning me a winter coat and I survive the cold days. The interesting times included our Friday night suppers at Andrew's, notably on my birthday [70th] anniversary. Mrs. Maciuszko, the wife of Prof. Maciuszko from CHAT, baked or made a super super tasty cake....and we celebrated in style. I managed to get an official visit with prof.zw. Z, and Doctor M Łykos. That spells 'family' and the food and time spent was delightful and delicious. The Family that I enjoyed most were the Lazars, Friends for the last 12 years. The food? the Poles have a saying : 'niebo w gębie' thanks to Mamuska's cooking. Peter, a friend closer to my 'age' in interests and superb English speaker and scholar, and the Prymas of Polish Adventist Church Paweł. In Podkowa, the place of our seminary, pleasant times included dinners with the Rector Koziróg and his lovely daughter, pro-Rector dr.dr.Tarasiuk and Family, and the pro-Rector dr. W. Polok, and a visit with dr. Igor Baron. We celebrated 60 anniversary of dr. and mrs. Dabrowski's wedding at their new home. Then home sweet home, to my Wife and Family. Now my days are filled with delightful memories, tennis games, visits from friends from Poland and a reunion of our young friends from the days when Andrew was a student at Southern. This much for a brief outline of the year. I will share also other interests and details of my life a bit later. Happy New Year to all my Friends.

The Season of Emotions

2007-12-14T20:54:00.000-05:00

Happy Season to you all.

What makes me different from animals is the image of God given to man by God at the time of creation. That 'image' in my view of life and life's setting, consists in the 'intellect' and in the emotions. I am a "true Jew", that is I subscribe to the faith of Abraham our Father on the human side. My Messiah was, is, and always will be a Jew in the same sense. Like Saul of Tarsus wrote, Jesus of Nazareth was the son of David according to the 'flesh' and a son of God 'by the resurrection from the dead'. I have accepted Moses and his writings and all the prophets, I have accepted Jesus, the Jew, as the Messiah, and consequently also the so called New Testament. I accept any thing and anyone that agrees with Moses. This is the intellectual part of my life and an intellectual decision. Now the question comes concerning the 'emotions' of life. Broadly speaking the emotions bring out the 'inner soul'. When the emotions are engaged in any relationship, we speak of 'being in love'. Certain people evoke in us a response of emotions and then we 'love them'. Some people engage our intellect and they appear interesting, charming, mysterious, challenging....but what is needed to complete the relationship is the emotion of 'love'. The awakening of love emotions can be accomplished by words, actions, appearance etc... and then we 'love' the scenes of nature, the sounds of nature, the appearance of nature. To 'love' means to decide on a relationship with another person, in which relationship we live for that other person. The Bible tells us that we should do all things 'for God's sake' out of love for Him. Then comes the question how do we maintain the emotional charge of love day by day, year by year? First of all by 'hearing'. We hear stories about God from our parents and then teachers and then preachers and then...others. Then, by seeing! We read for ourselves the messages from God in the book called the Bible. This is the place where God speaks directly to us, reveals Himself to us and enters into a 'relationship'. The statement: 'we love Him, because He first loved us' is a true picture of God's relationship to us. Then comes the 'need' to respond. Love is a two way street. It is a reciprocal relationship. Binding two people for ever. How do I reveal my emotions to God? We 'recount' back to God all the things we learned (the characteristics of God), by our words and actions. When king David wanted to express his love for God he sang 'psalms'. The ancient way to memorize events and ideas was to put them in a form of a poem and then sing it. I too express my emotions by singing...all sorts of songs...but to remember their tunes they must be melodious and not like the modern excuse for songs. That is why I can take the SDA church hymnal and go through it page by page and 'sing my heart out'. Those that have a melodious tune...I memorized, those that are 'the work of art', I skip. This brings me to the so called X-mas Season. Sure it is pagan in origin, no question there. Sure Jesus was not born in...December...but that is not the point . The point and value of Xmas Season is that it is the occasion to sing 'love songs' about Jesus, God and their work for our salvation. We are so busy all through the year that we have little time to 'really sing' about God and Jesus. Now we have 'an excuse' to do so, and I love to do it. The cheap, third rate 'entertainment' that is practiced in some of our churches, in the form of modern so called songs and dramatic presentations, and dancing, clapping and other things, miss my soul and make me feel that I have wasted at least an hour of my life in there. But songs, by the whole congregation, like the "We have this Hope", The Old rugged Cross, Lift up the Trumpet, etc...make me feel that I have been worshiping my God in the congregation of the saints. I was blessed with a mother that used to sing everyday all day long. The evening before her death, she played piano in a nursing home till 10 pm, she was 94 years of age! When I need to revive my emotional ties to God...I sing. I sing my heart out to God. It does not matter that my voice is not what it used to be and my hearing needs...a hearing aid. So what, I sing to my God, and He understand the intentions of my mind ( heart). So my friends, readers, sing, sing, sing...even if it is during the paganized Xmas Season.

To quote the Preacher: Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days come of which you will say 'I have no pleasure in them'.

I still enjoy my days...when I sing.

Ben Marshak

2007-12-08T21:43:00.000-05:00

A short tribute to my brother Ben who lives in Sydney Australia.

DZIEŃ URODZIN

Czołem biję przed mym Bratem w dzień urodzin, dzień radości,
Za wpływ jego na me życie, za pomocne wychowanie,
Za braterską silną rękę, za wyrwanie mnie z nicości,

Co miesiąca mi posyłał środki na konieczne rzeczy
Często radził, i zachęcał, swym przykładem pokazywał
Boża siła nas buduje a grzech tylko nas niweczy.

Oddał miejsce swe na UW, żebym ja mógł tam studiować
I pomagał gdym sie uczył stawiać pierwsze kroki wiedzy
Zawsze będę jemu wdzięcznym, nie przestanę go miłować.

Zawsze będzie moim wzorem, życia mego bohaterem
On zachęcał mnie do Greki, Hebrajskiego i Historii
Bez pomocy i zachęty mego Brata...byłbym zerem

W jego miejsce pojechałem też do Newbold by studiować
A on stał sie profesorem w Seminarioum, tym w Podkowie
Aby nowe młode kadry, dla kościoła przygotować.

Nikt nie wierzył, że przeżyje lat czterdzieści pięć następnych
Wychowując swoje dzieci na dalekich ‘antypodach’
Zawsze blizki dla przyjaciół , a dla wrogów...niedostępny.

Dzisiaj życie swe umila, żyjąc w Sydney z Piękną żoną
Nas odwiedza raz w dwa lata, aby dzielić się radością
Wieczne życie ma za darmo, a doczesność...zasłużoną.

Przyjmij pokłon aż do ziemi, a na ręce przyjm całusa
Ja wysyłam hen do nieba modły o Twe dobre zdrowie.
Sercem jestem zawsze z tobą, chociaż żyję w kraju USA.

2007-10-16T16:05:00.000-04:00

Reflexions from Poland

Five interesting weeks in the land of Poland. Some losses and some victories and a lot of fun. I was given a room in the "convent" in Podkowa and also by the grace of my friend Joe a place in Warsaw. Near to everything and far from home. They, whoever "they" are or were promised me a very warm weather and I brought with me only "summer"
clothes. Needless to say often I was freezing, specially in Krakow, until one friendly soul loaned me his winter jacket and from then I was ok. Touching bases in Podkowa was pleasant and entertaining. Contacts with the Rector of the school and the prorectors provided me with some friendly encounters and superb food. Four sermons in 5 weeks....not bad for a stranger. I made sure that after each sermon I departed to the seclusion of friends' house. My burden for Poland was and still is the evangelism.
I am amazed that one man in TED and GC, singlehandedly can hold back the efforts of evangelism in Poland. God has provided the causes for retirement....old age...so that the "pillars of the church" will not be able to "hold up" the progress of the church too long. Pun intended!!! The sinner will die because of his sins, but his blood I will require from the hand of the "watchman on the walls" who did not warn him of the danger.
And now for a lighter side of my visit to Poland. I met "old" friends some were glad to see me others pretended, but wished I had stayed home. Then there were my "younger" friends who greeted me with joy. Just to see them was a good enough reason to visit Poland. The friendly...genuinely friendly...crowd at Andrew's place, the pleasant atmosphere and the delicious food, are the memories that call me back to Warsaw. I stayed at the den of Mr. Smok, and with him I enjoyed the services on Friday evening at the Jewish center, the visit to the museum to the "Niemalowany Żyd",and delicious suppers at the club...I was impressed by his generosity and friendliness and helpfulness. Then, there was "nasza wiara" an old expression in Polish, the students from Poland and the Ukraine at Podkowa. Nadia and Zbyszek, Judy and her Hebrew, Irina and her husband Mariusz, Dolly the director of the school of foreign languages, the beautiful MM, My one and only Gosposia, Adjunct professor Baron and his family, and the new star on the horizon of life Olena,Lena,Oleńka etc, the specialist in computers and the girl of sterling character, dedicated to work for the spreading of the Gospel. Of course there were other young fiends from the time past Victor, Carol and his Agatka, Lukasz (did not see Marysia), Arequ and his cat.
The delicious suppers with the prorectors Tarasiuk and Polok. The unforgettable dinners with the rector Kozirog and his lovely daughter (the apple of his eye)and the evening escapade to the ice cream parlor "downtown" Podkowa. The rare glimpse of Pashka the old and enterprising friend. A friendly talk with director prof. Ples, and prof. Ryback. The friendly "evenings" with close friends at room number 26 at the "convent".In Warsaw there were other and different friends, the more sophisticated and all professionals. Mrs. Maciuszko z ChAT who made the best torte in the world for my birthday party, Danusia from Berlin, Ester the beautiful poetess, Sylvia the linguist, Dorotka (Pępuszek) the globe trotter, with a body like Venus de Milo, but alive(!), Peter the generous and practical soul, plus others mainly teachers. The last Friday in Poland we were joined by Veronica and her little kitten. The one highlight of my visit to Poland was the supper with Prof. and dr., Lyko at their place.My last Sabbath in Poland included a sermon (in Polish) on the topic of evangelism. I am glad that though they uploaded it to the internet...they edited my remarks especially those that referred to Benedict XVI, the bishop of Rome. The juxtaposition of names like "father/bachelor and mother/virgin" make sense only in the contorted theology of the Roman Church. It is true that many popes were fathers, but the church would like to forget and expunge those pages of history. I have kept the best for the end of memories. The numerous feasts at the home of Lazars, my friends since 1995, the company , the food and the atmosphere in their home and their hospitality were always unparalleled. Thank you.

Snow, snow, everywhere...

2007-02-01T14:44:00.000-05:00

For the first time in several years I have seen snow in Collegedale. The first thing that came to my mind was ..the feeding of my critters. Had to clear the snow off the ballustrade and give generously of the sunflower seed for my two and 4 legged friends. This done I was able to eat my own breakfast and then of all things ...I went downtown to play some tennis. My partner is "Rocky" a man who never moves [much] because of his knees. Somehow we manage to always win every set. Usually two . On the 5-th we have a party to open the new club house [remodeled]., and also watch the super bowl game. Since Ann is going with me we will not stay long to watch the game. Several weeks ago I lost my good and old friend from my Newbold days Rex Riches. We kept in touch through the years and it is hard to accept that he is gone. Our X-mas gift this year was Dorothy and Patty. What a pleasant date I had with them at Panera. While health lasts and the knees carry me on I play tennis almost everyday and am having fun and satisfaction that I am not slowing but actually improving my game. In the evenings I work with Ann at the office I am the chief Sanitary Officer [ I take the trash out] and I complete and file all the piled up patients' charts. Uncle Bill is staying with us...until he sells his house and moves to his son's place near Memphis TN. For my reading I indulge grossly in the field of NearEastern history and archeology. Occasionally I read some Polish poetry from the period of 1800-1950. I have been looking also at Russian poetry from the Soviet era. I have finished my first [and only so far] volume of my own poems, and will try to have it shared with my close friends. I like to hear from my friends and family in Poland. I am hoping to visit Poland this year ...when it is warm, who knows when that will be. Once a week when health permits I have a date with a prof. of music Oscar Kosarin. We manage to go for a cup of coffee or chocolate at Barns and Nobles and chat away fro a couple of hours. So as you see my friends and [readers], life is good and I am trying my best to make my old age last as long as possible. Every time I read the blog of a certain Beauty that run away from here to Poland, I am encouraged to write something myself. She is an artist in many areas and in blogging as well. Till the next blog, ta ta.

Weeks befor Chanukka

2006-12-15T21:07:00.000-05:00

The roller coaster feeling is gone, and I am back to normal. The weeks have flown by very quickly. I still try to read every night something or other. Sometimes Desire of Ages sometimes Great Controversy, other times I read Zane Gray...nature stories from the West. I teach SS school from time to time and try to support our class, by attending and participating in the discussion. Often creating the discussion when the teacher is at a loss what to do next. The last few weeks I kept in touch with Marian Knapiuk a former student from the seminary days in Bielsko, and a friend. I hear the disquieting news about the Polish churches in Melbourne, and Sydney. Ten days ago I lost a friend, prof. Jarocki, who helped me a lot with the publishing of the book Epochal Events in the OT. I will miss him and his input into scholarly atmosphere at Podkowa school. Thanks to my friend Ken, I continue to play tennis at the Chattanooga tennis club. Some of my friends there are getting more than interested in learning more about what I believe and what the church teaches. Tomorrow my friend Marshall , a lawyer, will come to my SS class. Talked to my brother Ben in Sydney, all is well and we are grateful for God's guidance and blessings of life and good health. My Sister Zofia and her husband Jonas are doing well and looking after Eva up north and Adam in Loma Linda. My Daughter Cynthia continues doing well , teaching at Calimesa Academy. I do keep in touch with my extra friends in Cieszyn. I will bring extra racket with me for Tado so we can have fun again, playing doubles on clay courts. Today is Sabbath day. On the 19th is Zosia's birthday anniversary and we will celebrate with a small group of friends. Dolly has landed in Pennsylvania today and hopefully we will see her here in a week or two. I am not writing any poetry lately...maybe when I relax emotionally I will be able to write some more.

2006-11-23T13:39:00.000-05:00

It has been a long time since my heart was free to express itself. This is the Thanksgiving Day, the only day that I celebrate with my family and friends. I have a heart filled with thankfulness and joy. I still have friends, I called them today just to tell them I care and love them and am thankful for them. I heard from Dorothy and Tadeusz and Peter and Suzi and Barbara, and Mark, and Art and Donna...among others...I have also bought almost 20 hours of phone time to Poland and to Australia. Still to call is Cyndi and Co. Some of my friends are too hurting to keep in touch. Many of them keep asking "why"? Specially when difficulties seem to downgrade the quality of their life. Some are forced to change their long time plans for life due to health problems, accidents and unexpected social twists. What can I offer my friends on this day of "thankfulness"? I have collected some poems from unknown authors [unknown to me]and am posting these for the comfort of both my own and my friends. Happy "turkey day" sweet Yankees!

I May Not Know

I may not know the way entire
Beyond the winding stretch
Around the juts and up the hills
The lane i cannot sketch
But this I know that just ahead
My Fathers love and care
Point out the way, as they do know
For God is everywhere.

Quite unawares my paths of bliss
May change to rougher plain
While I may fail to comprehend
A road of fear and pain
Of this I feel , yes reassured
My God Jehovah true
Has chiseled out this very path
No other way would do.

May I not bravely tread the road
The Father points as mine?
And though I fear, lean hard upon
His strength and love divine
It matters not what turns and twists
How dark the way may be
Mine is the joy of trusting Him
Who planned it all for me.

Friendship

I want to laugh when I know you are gay
And smile at the funny things you say
I want to rejoice in your victory
As though you have done it all for me
I want to be always staunch and true
That's the kind of friend I would be to you.

I want you to know when I take your hand
That here is one who will understand
Who will feel the throb of your heart in pain
And long for the time when it's healed again.
Who will know, when shadows come your way
And will watch with you till the dawn of day.

If others scoff as they sometimes do
Remember a friend who will see you through
If you travel the world, no matter where
There is one who will follow you with prayer.
Why, there is hardly a thing I wouldn't do,
Because, my friend I believe in you.

Be a Friend

Be a friend, you don't need money
Just a disposition, sunny
Just the wish to help another
Get along someway or other.
Just a kindly hand extended
Out to one who is unbefriended.
Just the will to give or lend
This will make you someone's friend.

Be a friend. You don't need glory
Friendship is a simple story.
Pass by trifling error blindly
Gaze on honest efforts kindly.
Cheer the one who's bravely trying
Pity him who's sadly sighing
Just a little labor spent
Are the duties of a friend.

Be a friend. The pay is bigger
Though not written by a figure
Than is earned by people clever
In what's merely self-endeavor.
You'll have friends instead of neighbors
For the profits of your labors
You'll be richer in the end
Than a prince, if you're a friend.

He Knows

He knows the bitter, weary way
The endless striving day by day
The souls that weep, the souls that pray
He knows

He knows how hard the road has been
The clouds that came our lives between
The wounds the world has never seen.
He knows

He sees my tears

Sometimes in my weakness I cannot pray
I can only sob, and yet God hears.
And in tender love He answers me
For He knows my needs, and He sees my tears.

The Little Things

Oh it's just the little homely things
The unobtrusive, friendly things
The won't -you-let-me-help-you things
That make our pathway light

And it's just the jolly, joking things
The never-mind-the-trouble things
The laugh-with-me-it's-funny things
That make the world seem brighter

For all the countless famous things
The wondrous record-making things
Those never-can-be-equaled things
That all the papers cite.

Aren't like the little human things
The everyday-encountered things
The just-because-I-like-you things
Make us happy quite.

So here's to all the little things
The done-and-then-forgotten thing
Those Oh,-it's-simply-nothing things
That make the life worth the fight.

Because You Prayed

Because you prayed for me
I found the strength I needed for my task
The courage I have lacked before, the faith to see
Beyond my narrow world,
New joy for pain I found and zeal
To press on forward strong of heart again
Because you prayed

Because you prayed today
I found it was not hard to face the dawn
Take up again the work I laid away
But yesterday, and shoulder it
And dare to smile a bit
And find a blessing, I'd not dreamed was there
Because you prayed

Because you prayed for me
Tonight I seemed to reach and find your hand
Close by, as I have known it would be
And somehow toil and turmoil needs must cease
It was as though
God to our hearts had softly whispered “peace”
Because you prayed

2006-09-24T22:55:00.000-04:00

The Fire and the Rain? The challenge is to combine the two in such a way that it will take our breath away and sooth our soul at the same time.

Oh Fate! How easy it is to remember the ecstasy of yesterdays. How hard it is to evaluate one's disappointing experiences. We sing our songs, we listen to our favorite singers and yet we are all alone. How often we wish for just one more glimps of the loved one, to hear the voice that thrilled our soul. To see the shape that lifted us to the top of the mountain! To look into those charming eyes that guided us in our search for joy and fulfillment. The sentiments of September are summed up in this song of many years ago:

Summer roses,summer roses
You're so like her love for me
Sommer roses, summer roses
will disappear the same as she.

However, some of us live in two cultures, and we live two separate lives in two different countries, but the sentiments of the heart have the same melodies and similar words:

Chryzantemy złociste
Stoją na fortepianie
w kryształowym wazonie
koją smutek i żal.

Któż mi dzisiaj zanuci
tę piosenkę z przed lat
Kto na szyję się rzuci
Zcałuje łez mych ślad?

Chryzantemy złociste
uśmiechnijcie się do mnie
może zdołam zapomnieć
ukoić żal.

The first love, the romantic love, love that takes over the whole soul, is always full of pathos. One moment we feel we are on the top of the world and the next we are in the valley of dispair. We feel like on a roller coster of our emotions all the time, and we long for the safe and comfortable haven of steady friendship. These experiences can be called the "morning" of life, or the Spring of Life, and we long for the all consuming fires of love to continue endlessly and at the same time we also long for the softness of companionship and emotional sharing. We want to experience the thrills of the journey and the satisfaction of arrival. Only the living continue the search for unending fulfillment, then let us live!

70-th Trip Around the Sun

2006-09-20T19:33:00.000-04:00

A poem was sent to me by my sister dealing with the pertinent topic of "Old Age" and the author is unknown [as yet] so I will reproduce it here in its Polish form and spelling:

Starość jest piękna, masz sporo czasu;
Chcesz iść nad wodę albo do lasu?
To sobie idziesz- nikt ci nie broni
Z łózka za wcześnie też nikt nie goni.
Bowiem nie musisz pędzić do pracy,
Jak wszyscy twoi młodsi rodacy.

Co prawda wigor zwolna przekwita,
Lecz poco wigor u "emeryta?"
Podwyżki pensji już nie wyprosisz
Należną pensję poczta przynosi...

Spokojnie patrzysz jak świat się zmienia
Gdyż wiek ci daje mądrość spojrzenia.
Więc vivat starość! Niechaj nam służy,
Nawet gdy trochę chwilami nuży.
Bowiem-jak sądzę-w tym rzecz jest cała:
By jak najdłużej ta starość trwała.

Zaczałem nową podróż wokoło słońca i mam nadzieję, że jakoś ta podróż się uda. Dziekuję wszystkim przyjaciołom za urodzinowe życzenia i wiem że wszystkie dobre się spełnią. Przypomina mi się piosenka z dawnych lat, pod tytułem "Ptasznik z Tyrolu"...Nie pamiętam wszystkich słów ale niektóre są jak najbardziej apropo.

"Siedemdziesiąt liczył lat
Gdy do domu wrócił dziad
A z wędrówki przyniósł on...
Smutek w sercu, siwą skroń.
Stary dach pochylił się,
Lube dziewczę gdzieś ty gdzie?

Wtem z oddali znów się żali zapomniany śpiew....
Jeszcze raz
jeszcze raz,
jeszcze raz
ptaszku mój zanuć pieśń
Jeszcze raz
jeszcze raz
jeszcze raz
chwile szczęścia i łodości wróc....

Jak dziwnie losy prowadzą nas w życiu!.

Pamiętam chwile szczęścia z dni mej młodości, gdzy byłem nad morzem...szczęściem było patrzeć się w niebieskie oczy przepięknej Bogdanki, gdy byłem na Rusałką patrzałem sie w czarne oczy czarującej Maryli i byłem szczęśliwy. Ale kobietą która obudziła me serce do "pierwszej miłości" była i pozostanie na zawsze Anna. Tak jak kiedyś Kiepura, słynny Polski tenor, śpiewał: Lecz przyznam się o jednej tylko śnię, tej wyśnionej, wymarzonej dam serce me.....Od tego czasu, w każdej pięknej kobiecie dopatruję się cech mojej Anny. Przypominam sobie drugą pieśń pod tytułem: "Pierwszy siwy włos." "...pamiętam kiedy w letni dzień poznałem ciebie....pamiętam każde słowo każdy uśmiech twój..." And also: "Those were the days my friend...I thought they'd never end, and we will love and live for ever more...that we will sing and dance, that we will live our dreams and will be young for ever and a day." As you can see my languages skip and jump from Polish into English . Fortunately, my Anne knows English quite well :) Most of my poems were written to or about my Anne. So, as the 70-th year rolls by and fewer and fewer friends are left to share my memories with, of the days of our youth and our loves and happiness, our joys and disappointments, what is left, is to write down the highlights of my life and fondly remember those that brought so much into my life. Thank you my friends.

2006-09-08T19:15:00.000-04:00

URODZINY OD RODZINY

Vivat! Vivat! mój Leonie, braciszku kochany
Ślę życzenia poprzez góry, morza, oceany
Bowiem zaszczyt to nie lada, kiedy ma się brata
Co się znało i kochało poprzez długie lata.

Wiele-żeśmy lat przeżyli, wiosen też nie mało
W Świecie dużo się zmieniło wiele też się stało.
Sporo ludzi już odeszło, których żeśmy znali
Chwała Bogu Najwyższemu, myśmy się ostali.

Dziś, gdy szronem czas nam włosy pobielił na głowie
Dobrze Bogu podziękować za doznane zdrowie.
Że jesteśmy wciąż przy życiu, my, rodziny nasze
Tu w Australii, w Ameryce gdzie są też Jonasze.

Niewiadomo ile jeszcze lat zostało "światu"
Więc się spieszę by życzenia przesłać memu bratu.
A robię to z przyjemnością tak dziś, jak co roku
Żyj nam długo, mój Leonie, nie zwalniaj ni kroku.

Śmiało naprzód, dąż do celu Bóg wzmocni twe siły
On dopatrzy by się twoje marzenia spełniły.
Abyś wiele miał radości i zadowolenia
Bo tu jeszcze pozostało trochę do zrobienia.

Każdy dzień na wagę złota wykorzystać trzeba
Zanim Chrystus Pan nasz przyjdzie by wziąć nas do nieba.
Tam na zawsze w szczęściu, zdrowiu z panem zostaniemy,
I za wielki dar zbawienia, chwalić Go będziemy.

By Ben Marshak

Łzy radości błyszczą w oczach gdy czytam te słowa.
Chciałbym wierszem mu odpisać lecz już nie ta głowa!
Nie te same myśli lotne kłebią się w mej głowie.
Życie zcichło, spowolniało, jest trudno się ruszać.
Lecz nam jeszcze pozostaly wspaniałe wspomnienia.
Od najmłodszych lat pamiętam mego "ojca-brata"
Co się troszczył mną, i wspierał poprzez długie lata.
Był mym wzorem mym "gierojem," zawsze kombinował
Jak pomagać Ojcu, Mamie, bym się dobrze chował.
Był natchnieniem do nauki, wzorem jakich mało.

posted by Lev @ 3:44 PM

LINKS!

2006-06-21T03:58:00.000-04:00

I am learning how to do links on my blog...hope it stays with me.

Pitfalls and Goals

2006-06-17T01:05:00.001-04:00

Like one said sometime ago: "I am not Jung nor a Freud," if that were the case then what am I? I am .....alive! What others imagine...I live. People often misunderstand this type of life, jealous of the freedom one feels when there are no chains cre rain"eated by cultural differences, provincial demands, or age limitations. It is refreshing to find that "nos mutamus" but also that "vos mutatis" my friends do change indeed, some improve and some are still disoriented. I must admit that I do not make any demands on my friends, I share but am reluctant to take, I give but am not "beholden" to any one,[with the exception of my own family]. I sing "in the rain" and walk on air, I play and never care who wins [tennis]. The four days I spent at the conference for peace in Seoul Korea...were days of interesting boredom [?] Interesting for I met several people of high class! Not only in their position in the political areana but in their outlook on life and their behavior toward others. I looked at former and present day presidents of countries, prime ministers, generals, professors, members of various parlaments and so on. Rabbis, priests of various churches and religions, and academicians : college presidents, deans; editors, publishers, and best of all the "polite Korean greeters." What a mixture of cultures, manners, mores, dresses, outfits and languages. Yes, it was worth to attend the conference! Then comes the question of the content of the various speeches. The agenda, the propaganda, the persuasive and constant pull of ideas. The 87 th bithday celebration of dr. Moon, the inauguration of his mountain top "center" a magnificent project, combined with the coronation od dr. Moon and his wife as the king and queen of peace, and as the "first family" of the whole humanity! The presentation of 182 pair of crowns from as many different countries. That was quite a spectacle! Perfectly orchestrated, and executed without any visible glitch. Then every guest left for home loaded with tokens, mementos of the event. There is still left to ponder the "theological" implications of the high claims of the dr.Moon's organization. An invitation to world wide "unification" of religious entities without respect to their traditional differences! The frequent citation of the well known passages in Isa.2/Micha 4, indicating that in the new order: "everyone will sit under his fig tree and worship his god." Omitting the final phrase "but we will worship our God YHWH." Can we cooperate without merging into "the Universal Church" advisedly not called "catholic" but the "Unification church." Symbolic gestures of unification in projects such as a tunnel uniting Asia and North-America, Korea and Japan, the rewriting of several encyclopedias to include the Unification sentiments into every article [where possible]. These are the plans. All this in the name of peace and cooperation between all people. That is why the top leaders in various countries have been invited to cooperation built on personal friendship. The momentum is maintained by organized conferences in various countries, the next being in Wash.D.C. on Sept. 17.
Then came the departure and the mundane activities connected with not missing a connection at the airport. The arrival in the middle of the night at Warsaw...and finally making it into bed by 2am. Called home and all is on the right course. Later I will share what happened since. I love to hear the call of ET [me] come home. Thank you Ita.

From the Land of Dreams

2006-06-01T03:24:00.000-04:00

My blogger Friends...I am in Poland, and freezing. It is nice here the sky is WET the air is windy and I am frozen. That is what I tried to avoind by going to Poland so late in the school year. But the poeple here are super, I eat in the cafeteria, at least the breakfast.Then I have lectures T-Th. I managed to have tennis two sundays in a row. The court condition is rather poor compared to Manker Patten in Chattanooga, but the people are just as nice as at home. The rain waited untill we have finished playing...how considrate can you get. Food at my friend Ted's home is super. I have a little room in the attic in the!...! girls dorm. But they say I am safe here...so are they. Thanks to KJ DeFoor the students here are not starving, and thanks to Myrna Ott, dr. Helmuth Ott's wife the girls are dressed in some very stylish apparell. The girls here take turns taking care of me...they make sure that my room is clean and my clothes are washed, that I make it to worship and breakfast everyday [just about]. My plans to visit Zakopane or Ojcow were "chilled out" it is atill too cold to go hiking in the high mountains. I have seen the drs. Lyko in Warsaw but have not visited them in their house in Krakow. My beloved Wife Ann has been most forgiving of my laziness and again is helping me to get a new booking for my return flight home. The "D" day is in July. Zosia is helping at the office and Andrew is helping with the Finley meetings, helping out with the video side of the operation. This coming Sabbath I will preach at the Seminary church, then on the 13-th I will travel to Bydgoszcz and Gdansk for the doctoral defence of dr. Tarasiuk. In his "corner" he will have Rector prof.dr. hab. Kozirog; Prof.dr.hab.zw. Z.Lyko and me. Also my friend dr. Baron will defend his dissertation within a short time. His work is academically the most valuable addition to the historical background of the people of Israel. I hear the rumor that his wife Beata is even better [if that is possible?] scholar than he. A bit of a surprice for me...I met my friend from the Warsaw University an Egyptologist, archeologist prof. dr. Jakobielski, one of the precious few that are left, from my student times in the department of Semitic Studies. Still going strong and doing well are my other friends: prof.dr.hab. Lyczkowska, chairman of the Assyriology department, prof.dr.hab. Szczudlowska-Dembska, former chair of the Egyptology department, and the chair of the Ethiopic department prof.dr.hab. Joanna Mantel-Niecko. Am I bragging? Yes indeed, but they are just the cream of the crop of my many friends in Poland, from different walks of life. Everytime I visit Poland I am encouraged to publish some of my scholarly works for the benefit of others. More later as I have to take over one more lecture for a friend.

Opportunities and decisions

2006-05-06T15:32:00.000-04:00

What a thought! Exodus 13, the chapter that spells God's way of teaching us about life! The Israelites found themselves in a "dead end street" and started to complain... bitterly. They thought they had a "problem" and were worried about how to solve it. Go'd message was: "I lead you here to show you that when I am in charge, there are no problems, only opportunities to make the right decisions." A powerful message for us today. We had a lovely consecration service in the gym for the graduates. Tomorrow is the giving out of the diplomas. This kind of weather, we are having, demands a slow and deliberate stroll in some unspoiled area. The "eagle has landed" and Ita will not miss me that much during my visit to Poland. The ET has returned and is settling down to pursuing his short and long term plans. Since the children of my students are graduating , I have a chance to meet not only my students but also their parents. A veritable feast...socially and emotionally. So to quote my favorite "gospel in a nutshell": The Lord is good, a stronghold in the time of trouble, and He knows them that trust in Him. Till later.

ta eschata

2006-05-04T15:43:00.000-04:00

The "last few things" and days before I fly over the ocean. I am trying to play as much tennis as I can. Today I had a beautiful match with Barbara and Bob Alexejus. He comes from Lithuenia and plays well. My partner was Sueann, the wife of Chris, who administers the club. We did well, won the first set, lost the second and lost the 10 points tie breaker. Rain washed us out of the courts, and everybody else too. The next match with Shirley was washed out. My next match will be on Monday with Sueann but I do not know yet against whom. After not playing for a week, I felt good. The club is being renowated-rebuild. Now to the most important events: Zosia is graduating with BA in Accounting ...and...Andrew is finally home. What they will be doing this summer? no one knows. Tonight my 2 granddaughters are arriving: Jessica and Heather at 10 pm from California, then half an hour later my b-in-l Dan from Missoula MO. The doctors Wong [Annie and Serena] are here and the third one [Ron] will come soon also. How am I to pack for my trip to Poland? I can take only 2 suitcases and I have so many things to take. Maybe this time I will not take the tennis balls with me. That will save the space of one suitcase. The books, of course are most important. Then some summer shirts and pants and shoes. I need to take my tux for I plan to have a date at the opera :-) I do not want to look like the Phantom of the Opera. I plan to return home at the end of June, but will I find a place on the plane? I am flying on the Frequent Flier seat...there are so few of them. I still do not know what kind of schedule I will have in Podkowa! Live and learn as they say...but it is not a comfortable feeling. I am planning to buy "cranberries" for Prymas and "fish" for D.
I will bring with me my latest computer...if Andrew loads on it my e-mail accounts, I will have something to play with...besides! I am looking forward to listening to the main speaker for the graduation ceremony at Podkowa. Hope he does not go into much theology...characterized as the Maxwellian approach. This much for now. Hope D is back from Czech Republik, and P is back from Jelenia Gora [or something like that].

si tacuisses philosophus mansisses

2006-04-25T17:53:00.000-04:00

If it were not for our words we would all seem like philosophers. But then life would be dull in the extreme. Chatting with friends is the spice of the daily diet. Good health is the base on which we can paint our dreams. Good friends are the inspiration for life and dreams and visions. What more should we expect from this life?
The Old Age is characterized by the constant dwelling on memories. Young hearts always talk about the future, the new plans for "tomorrow." The choice is ours, always. So! Nulla dies sine linea. We must move forward constantly, perseveringly, steadily, confidently, and above all inteligently... every day. Carpe diem, means not so much :grab the opportunity, as, do what you need to do today! I have enjoyed chatting with my friends in Poland. It was a relaxation after 2 hours of high quality tennis. I am going to Poland loaded with tennis racket, 24 cans of balls, and 958 feet of strings for stringing rackets. Hopefully the weather will smile at our efforts to "exercise" and keep in shape.

Myślę o tobie, gdy te słowa piszę
Wiem żeś jak jaskółka za morzem, daleko
Tęsknota mnie chwyta, kiedy głos twój słyszę
Wiem, jesteś bezpieczną pod Bożą opieką

Twe listy jak ptaszki co jawią się wiosną
Niosą radość sercu, koją moją duszę
Malują twe myśli, postać twą radosną
Ja widzieć cię znowu, codziennie się kuszę.

As you can see, I am switching from English to Polish in my prose and in my poetic expressions.
I have immersed myself into ancient Egyptian history and have tried to find materials that will shed light on the events described in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. The field is enormous, but the materials are scattered through all sorts of sources, mainly fragmentary and often obscure. The tendency of earlier scholars was to push forward into the arena of antiquity, but then the "definitive" works have been published and since then, very little new syntesis or evaluation is presented, for fear that the writer will step on the toes of the "assured results" of scholarly research. The mere imitators of the great teachers who built their reputation by quoting and often referring to the works of their teachers, are unwilling to even consider the possibility that their teachers missed at least part of the total picture. Seldom do we find an original work based on the reevaluation of primary data. Usually the evidence of scholarly work is looked for in the number of footnotes sending the reader to the "giagants of the previous century." Will finish it ...in the near future.

ad ha yom ha ba

2006-04-22T21:41:00.000-04:00

As the title says: Till tomorrow! It is unbelivable that I have not written earlier. Two weeks went by and I found no time to share with you my experiences. What dereliction of pleasure! what intelectual slothfulness! But, I have been in touch with my friends in Poland. The last few days I have been energized to start packing for my trip to Poland. I communicated with the 'powers' that be in Podkowa. My trip will include a series [short lectures] of presentations on various topics from the ancient days in the Near East, otherwise known as the Biblical world. Most of my time I am spending in reading and brushing up on the facts and artifacts from antiquity. I even started reading anew the Egyptian grammar, of all things. Now I am reading up on the evidence from monuments and literature regarding the history of Egypt. In short I have topics like Elephantine, Amarna...in Egypt, Mesha stone from Moab, Incriptions in Phoenician from Sphire, Ugarit and...to name a few. Busy, but not impossible. I plan while in Poland, that in between lectures...to keep in good health, will be...of course... visits to Warsaw Synagogues, and tennis in Cieszyn. Most of all I will again relish the evening discussions with interested theology students, on any topics [Biblical] they wish to pursue. Today I went for the first time into the Museum [Archaeological] and got lost in reading the texts from Mesopotamia that are housed at Andrews University collection. Fascinating, and all absorbing exercise. I hope to buy a set of pictures that illustrate life and literature and history of the Biblical lands...from the Archaeological Society. I found a "sponsor" [my wife] who will help me in this project. My sister Zofia and her husband Jonas will be spending 3 months in Poland and I may join them at their house in Krakow. Hopefully we will squeeze a couple of weekend trips to Zakopane, Pieniny, and some other interesting places. I would like to visit the prison in Wisnicz where my father was held from '54-'56. Maybe they will let me tour the place? Who knows? Nearby lives the family of close friends, the Korostenskis, and Barrs. Poland is a wonderful country with great potential, and glorious future. The downfall and shortcomings of Poland came mainly when the nation was dominated by foreign agencies. Among the most influencial agencies must be counted the Roman section of the christian church, the military powers of Austria, Prussia and Czarist Russia, and USSR, the international communism lead by Stalin and his successors. We can only hope that Poland as a nation will not again fall under the all dominiering influence of Vatican. It was against that kind of domination that Martin Luther protested, and was successfully supported by the princes of Germany [some of them]. No one opposes the religious teachings of any church, but when a church, any church becomes a purely political power and dominates another country or nation, then it is an "invasion and occupation" with destructive results. Well it is late at night and I have a wonderful match of tennis in the morning. My 'beauty rest' is calling and I must answer the call. ET, I love you and will see you on Wednesday evening. My friends in Poland...a happy new week to you. Special greetings to Ann [you figur out which one among all twenty of them]and wishes of quick return to the courts.

Which of the two went home justified?

2006-04-06T20:56:00.000-04:00

A week went bye and much water under the bridge has flown. All is well in the land and all systems are on go! Life is good, health ok, Spring time in the air and plans have changed only minimally. How is that for a successful week? The Family has advised me not to spend too much time in Poland and to enjoy the time with friends. So be it! I am adding to my tennis account as much exercize as I can. Starting tomorrow I will also start regular swimming exercizes at the Y. I want to be able to climb the Tatra wierchy in good condition. I understand that by May 11 all snow will be gone and we can go to Kasprowy wierch and walk to Giewont and down to Zakopane in one day. Then I want also to walk in Czorsztyn and go down the Dunajec on a tratwa. Climb the 3 korony and have relaxed time. When my sister Zosia will be in Krakow I will have a base for all my escapades. When Michalscy will come we will plan something more substantial. Maybe Maniewicze, or Budapeszt, or who knows where. We have almost decided...like 99%.. to switch our base to Jellico and Ann is going there this October to work. We will have two places to take care of. When Prymas comes in October we will visit Jellico also. We had a wonderful conference on the Trinity doctrine in the Bible, at Southern Uni. Nice presentations, though the one presented by the dean of the school of theology Ron Clouset was the most useful of them all. It was nice to see old friends and true friends and acquaintances. My days of teaching at the Polish Theological Seminary seem to be over, they now have their own people to carry on their lectures...etc. It was nice and pleasant to work with the students, some of whom are indeed good scholars. Just about all my friends among the students are graduating this June and the new ones are not known to me at all [there are always exceptions]! I made some good friends at Podkowa, starting with the Rector Kozirog Family, The dean Dr. Polok Family, The Dr.Dr. M. Tarsiuk Family, the Prof.Dr. Igor Baron family, The Director Romanowski Family and the new Director of the School of English prof. Zbigniew, the pleasant and vivatious teachers of English: Dorothy and Monaika, and others too numerous to mention. I will try and keep in touch with my friends Gosposia, Ira [my Cyganeczka], Katiusza, Nadia, Paszka, the Pilat Family etc. Of course there are also private friends like Smok, Arequ, Sankowski, the Kot Family in Warsaw etc. These I will try and visit every year...inshallah!
Zosia, my daughter is finishing her BA in accounting and planning to go for the MA degree at Southern also. Andrew? the ET of my life is coming home but we still do not know what he will decide to do. Zosia may teach accounting at CHA for one month... this June.
As you can see, things will be different from now on, as we grow older and more selective. We learn and live, we live and learn.
We look at our lives and consider what we have done or even accomplished and the story of "the two that came to the temple" comes to mind. If we justify ourselves before God we go home worse off than before! If we humble ourselves before God we can go home justified and at peace. He who succeeds at the expense of someone else will be the ultimate looser. The wheels of God's justice turn slowly but inevitably, they cannot be stopped. What a man sows that he also will reap. But to the faithful one ...even the curse will be turned into blessing...if he relies on God. We all can make mistakes...but the man after God's own heart is the man who humbles himself and redresses the hurt he has done. The reading of Dr. Martin Luther's Vater Unsere or [Pater Noster] brings up wonderful thought about the character of God and our loving obligation to Him and to His family...you! Oswald Chambers adds to the understanding of our situation in regard to being God's children, and the privileges given to us.
I wish you all good night or day and deep satisfaction knowing that God loves you.

agapete me to kakon

2006-03-30T21:34:00.000-05:00

Love not the evil...
My last post was on the day Ita and I went to Berlin. There was a conference on laparoscopic surgery in Kiel and Ita included me in the trip. This made it possible for Ita to brush up on her German [which she spoke fluently on the way through Berlin] and for me to make a dash to Warsaw and Podkowa. The few days there with my friends, that is the old timers [reference to the students]were delightfully filled with visitors. Still plenty of snow on the ground and fairly cold. I stayed in the guestroom in the Palacyk #25. Warm and pleasant and handy for my friends to visit. I was asked to give a lecture to students from 3 departments: theology, education, and tourism. Three hours with a 10 minutes break. Not bad....I survived but got a sore throat. In the evening we had some students come over for a 4 hour presentation on Daniel's prophecies. The days went too fast. When Ita came to Poland on Thursday night we knew that the rest of my stay in Poland will be a blurr of activities. We stopped in Jedrzejow, visited my cousin Richard, and then on to Krakow....visit with Adela my cousin and then to the train at 4pm so that we would get to Warsaw in time to be met by Joe and on to the Christian Jewish worship on Pulawska street. Judy [my Hebrew Girl] went with us. Then back to Podkowa and to sleep. Sabbath, I was asked to speak since Pastor Boyko graciously "made room for me." My topic was, as ever, on the practical meaning of God's image in man. To be a real "man" we have to reflect the character of God our Creator. Afterwards the Rector and his family took us to the White Inn and we had a lovely dinner in a lovely setting including the charming Olenka. In the afternoon we went with Joe to visit Prymas' Family, had some tea and then "quickly" to visit Prof.Zwyczajny dr. Lyko. The supper was super...we survived without overeating and even had some time to listen, till 10 pm when Joe came to take us to the train for Berlin. We made it...thanks to Joe! Slept through the whole trip till we came to Frankfurt am Oder and the problems started. A wagon from the Ukraine broke down and had to be replaced...it took 2 hours to do it....which meant that we were short on time for the flight from Tegel airport. Again a friend Peter Pilch went the proverbial mile to help us. He met us in Lichtenburg station and in his car took us to Tagel. When we boarded we had 4 minutes to spare. The rest of the trip home was uneventful...un till we arrived in Atlanta. I left my lights on in the car and the battery was dead. Fortunately the parking attendants came and jump started us. We made it home at about 8pm. My impressions from the whole trip? Like they say: "pipti pipti" reactivated our friendship with the Pilch Family [Alicja, Peter, Sarah and Debbie] most gracious and helpful. They took us to the Polish church in Berlin that is located just opposite the Egyptian museum. The church reminded me of the first letter to the Corinthians...they had similar problems [some not all]. My impressions from Poland? That is a different story. I went to the school of arts and saw D sing and dance...I was impressed. Visited my friends the Lazars...and got some pyzy...superbly prepared by M. Went for a walk to Lazienki with M and later we were joined at Wedel's by Prymas and Peter. Prymas is a Prince of a man! Podkowa was a place of a heartache...one of my friends, Katherina has been abused verbally by the administration personnel [again some not all] and it breaks my heart to witness such behaviour among "supposedly professional" administrators. Hopefully it will all end well. I have confidence in Rector Kozirog and dean Polok that they will be able to find a solution in a professional [and Christian] manner. The mafia mentality and reputation is rather damaging to the school. To top it all off. My friend's Lazar's Father passed away..at the age of 93...I had the privilege to visit with him two years ago. At Southern Uni. we are hosting the ATS meetings dealing with the theme of "The Biblical Doctrine of the Holy Spirit." The first presentation by Dean Ron Clouset, was superb. Tomorrow the meatings start at 8:30 am. So my friends if tomorrow you will feel tired... remember...you are at the end of a long March [31]....smile as you read it. My word to ET...come home... my heart is waiting...but do God's will wherever you are.

Off and running

2006-03-16T04:07:00.000-05:00

We are on our way to Berlin and Warsaw.Maybe we will survive the weather. Should not be too severe. We are able to take all that we promissed to my friends in Poland. But no place for my computer ...so it will have to wait till May. ET thinking about you. Love you and do not get too wet. Ita will do surgery this morning then we go off to Atlanta then Newark and Berlin. Neola read my blog. I found the address for P.Pilch in Berlin...Will have a sermon in the Polish church...and the who knows maybe Poland...plan to see Adela and her folks. Love you my friends all of you there in the far away places. Till next time. Lev

When it rains it [Morton salt] pours.

2006-03-10T22:16:00.000-05:00

Just a thought before I call it a day and dive into bed. Today I had a veritable feast on msn. Some of my friends checked in and what more, turned their webcams on. It was a feast. I must have talked to 5 or 6 of my friends. I am blest to say the least. For "Andacht" we read Ps 98, and started a whole discussion about the SS lesson. Culture versus theology of life. A thematic dynamite. Tomorrow I am teaching, hope to survive with all my bones intact. I have some strong opinions and it takes a lot of effort to sell them to the class..."if you know what I mean", just in case you don't! you get the drift? Do you know where I am coming from? You know what I am saying? if you say yes to all of the above...you do not know what I am talking about, since neither do I. Just having fun, before bed. We do have a real spring now...the ground hog at the tennis club was having the time of his life basking in the sun all day long. Most of our trees are in full bloom. Tomorrow I will take some pictures...to warm me up on my trip to Poland next week or so. Did not call my ET, but he knows that he should "come home." Love you my friends in Poland, Germany and the good old US of A. ta ta.

A live dog is better than a dead lion

2006-03-09T21:21:00.000-05:00

Today I feel like the opposite of a live dog. I played some enjoyable tennis, lost 2 sets and won the 10 point tiebreaker. Then home...to work in the garden. Raked leaves and cleared dead branches from the lawn and G-ma's driveway. Wind was strong and I could see from time to time the breaking off of big branches from trees. We have quite a few "widow makers" but I do not know how to cut them down. Maybe later. Finished just in time to escape the rain. Not strong but rather wet. Chatted with Peter and Igor and got the good news that I can stay in Podkowa and I can afford the ticket to Berlin. Ita decided to join me in Warsaw on Thursday morning. The only thing that still scares me is the cold in Poland, the snow etc...But somehow I will survive. No news from Neola, so maybe she decided to lie dormant for a while. I am waiting for the blog #3 from her and the Indian connection;-) ET called and chatted a while with me and Zosia, who is lecturing uncle Bill on business strategies of the Great Depression. Andrew is teaching of all things...accounting to highschool students...a riot? I am trying to figure how to pack TDNT for Adam and milk maker [not the real one] for Igor. So he can have soya milk for the family, and 24 cans of tennis balls for Tadek. Fortunately we will have 4 suitcases, 2 carry on and a computer. Maybe I will leave my computer in Poland for my next visit to Podkowa. And maybe I will bring some spring clothes so they will be there when it gets warmer. I plan to dress like an Eskimo to meet the challenges of the Polish winter. And now...shower and to bed. You, my Polish friends, are sawing logs by now. So Good morning for Friday. I will be online again tomorrow. ET love you! "come home" and love to you too my Polish Friends.

March 8 a day to remember

2006-03-08T21:00:00.000-05:00

The more you do the more is there to do.Yesterday was such a day. Got up at 4 am and by 4:30 we were on our way to Atlanta for a medical course in surgery. From 6am till 2pm I was enraptured by a book written by Ralph Larson on the Nature of Christ. For years I have almost ridiculed the book [without really reading it] and I decided it was time to get to know the arguments. To my shame and chagrin I agreed with Larson when I finished reading his book. He made his case carefully and better than others on the same topic. A good work, well documented and carefully argued. Then on the way home from the conference...we stopped at Harrie's store and got some rye bread and a chala. Then to Ita's work and having changed into my sports outfit I went for a tennis match. 2 out of 3 sets won...not bad. I got a box[case] of tennis balls for Tadek Foicik in Cieszyn. In May I will have fun playing on his courts. Today, I sped to the club to be there on time...made it by 10 sharp...only to find out that the match was for 11 am. Still I played from 10 till 2pm and tired but happy went home via El Matador, Mexican restaurant, with my favorite girl. When I came home I had a very hot shower and ...of all things....went to bed. Slept till 6 pm. Got "blackie"
from the Technology where they did a tuneup. Read the e-mail from The Editor asking for 4 CD of heavenly music...ordered the 4 CD's from Amazon and .....I remebered that this day is the March 8, the day we honor our women. So to all my women-friends salut to you and assurance that you all are the greatest joy in my life in this "valley" of gray hair, creecky knees, hard hearing, trifocals, and croaky voice. The trees are in bloom, the whole valley is almost as if snow covered the trees. I am still looking for a schedule for a train ride from Warsaw to Berlin..in time to catch the Continental flight for home. Also, i need to ask the "powers" if I can find a place at Podkowa to spend a few days there. Last time I was in Berlin ET was with me, we went to the musea and run! through some interesting spots in the city, visited the Botanical garden and stayed with the Pilch Family. The name PILCH has a special place in my memories from the mid forties. It was the Fall of '43 and my Father tried in vain to visit Grandma in the little village of Bogdanowka. One Sabbath there were 2 German officers in our church. As customary, newcomeres [guests] were invited to our home to dinner. An Oberst and a Mayor [colonel and a major] both physicians were passing through the city of Lemberg [Lwow, now Lviv] on their way to the Eastern front. One of them was called PILCH. Another time I will relate how they were providentially used by God to save the whole church from being killed. I have searched for this Major Pilch everywhere, no one admits to knowing him. So when I came back to Poland in '88 I found out that there were quite a few Pilchs among the church members and pastors. A friendship developped with most of them. Now it seams I will stay with Pilch Family in Berlin. Small world and a big church family! Then the mysterious Neola! I am enjoying her two blog-posts so far. Hope to get to know her a bit more. My two friends are also interested in her.[Fred and George...Fred nie Łże, and George changed it to Vrednie Łże] Hope to hear from them again...in time. Depends on what Neola will write next. Peter is also interested in the mystery. Knowing Peter he will find out soon, if not already what and where. Fred's uncle was a one time professor at CHAT in Warsaw and George is a refugee from Siberia. This time, my friends, when you read it, it will be daytime....so good morning.

Spring time....in my heart?

2006-03-04T22:13:00.000-05:00

A day full of pleasure, joy , and surprises. A day of Peace and fullness of life. That is the essence of Sabbath for me. Meeting my friends in the SS and sharing ideas about reconciliation, forgiveness, restoration, and responsibility....for one hour was an intelectual and emotional feast. Dr. Jon Butler gave me a CD with songs by Anthony Dwożak [sp]. Have not listened to it yet...but will soon. Then a ride in a brand new Mercedes [blak is beautiful] around the neighborhood with Ken. At home, the visit of the Kosarins [Oscar and Diana] both accomplished and nationally known musicians. We spent from 6pm-till-9pm in eating a sumptious supper and reading John Milton's Paradise Lost. With a screen projection of the text and multiple comments on the subject. At 9am tomorrow, tennis [doubles] at our new courts [beautiful and completely neglected by the PE department]. Then at 12 noon another match at MonkerPatton Club...also doubles. I will have a day full of excitement and exercise. Country Haven Academy is on a spring break and ET was visiting Walla Walla...we chatted a bit about our plans to meet the last week of Aprill in the Tricity and then come home on Friday in time for Zosia's graduation. Got some lovely pictures, from The Editor, of Lazienki Park and a special gift called "the surprice" which translated means the photo of Prymas. What a handsome man he is. Now I can see in print the reason Ann married him. He is a Prince among his peers in looks and character. As you start a new week my friends may your days be filled with wonder, astonishment and appreciation of God's love and the still remaining beauty of nature around you. I pray that my visit to Poland will be a blessing and pleasant experience for me and for you. Good night to ET and good day to my friends in Poland.

The Tao of life?

2006-03-03T21:45:00.000-05:00

I just read the blog about ...none is updating..so I decided to update. The week went like a dream made in Chattanooga, Tennis everyday, once even twice in one day. With different groups...since I only play doubles [too old to play singles]. I am building up my stamina so that I can walk through the Pergamos museum in Berlin and not get too tired. Ten days in Germany with the girl of my "dreams and reality." What more could a soul wish...I know do not tell me again...Tomorrow I will be teaching the SS lesson on family relations...and hopefully I will stimulate the listeners to some creative thinking outside of the stereotype. Would you believe! I met a fellow Polak at the tennis club [a pediatrician] who was a Roman Catholic and is now...an atheist. My luck! I have very little to talk about with him. He is still very defensive about his new approach to life. But we talk about his trip to Poland next week for 10 days with his wife [a budding Buddist] and a daughter...a patient in Ann's practice. Small world. I got a new card [phone] to talk to Poland and Australia, so I can keep calling my brother and get a lesson on church history. He is working now on the 17-th chapter of Revelation and investigating the "wound" of the Creature and its healing. Fascinating and engaging. On Sunday I will play with a select group of "old timers" around the club...always an enjoyment for me. We have fellows who had their knees replaced, who had stroke, who are almost 80 and still playing well and acting like gentlemen. I have given away some of our books that we buy just to give away, books like Steps to Christ and My Utmost for His Highiest.Ann is determined that I should die ...healthy...so she makes all efforts to encourage me to exercize. When I read some of the e-mails and msn's from Poland I am transported to that Land...to my friends, to childhood memories and more recent joys. Yes I am all excited to go to Poland in May and see my friends again. Some of them I see on the webcam/msn. I long to see the rest of them. I am proud of D for her determination to complete her efforts in education, and though it is an arduous road, the goal will be sweet. I am looking forward to being at the graduation party, we will whoop it up for all we are worth. Tomorrow is the nicest day of the week [the Queen-day] may you all enjoy it and share your joy with others. I hope to go and see my ET in April,for a week and then fly together for Zosia's graduation. I understood this week that Dawn welcomed the "dawn of another life" in her family. Till Sunday night....good night and good day.

Geology or Achaeology

2006-02-26T19:33:00.000-05:00

it was a rare occasion for me to go to a restaurant with my daughter, a Mexican, El Matador, I like the food there. Well, would you know, I met there at least 10 friends from the Uni. The pastor of youth Randy Haar, Jackie James, the principal of CA V.Thompson, and his 5 friends[faculty] some of them my former students; the there was this table with 3 familiar faces: prof of Anthropology Dr. Spencer, a student of Biology,and a new face [old]from Loma Linda days of my life. He was prof. Paul Buchheim, a friend. He was giving a lecture that night at Hickman Hall at 7:30 pm. Wonderful world of exciting findings among fossils in a lake etc.... Needless to say I was on a date with a wonderful woman...you guessed...her name is Ann. We thought about our ET...the insatiable searcher of interesting things around him.
Then the letters started to come from my friends in Poland, from Ledy, Czarnulka, Peter, and so on. I am torn between my interests in Poland and at home. I wish I were in two places at the same time. I read the Blog, I look at the pictures sent me by The editor, and others. I see the fun my friends had in the snow, and I am almost not afraid of it. I search my books for some interesting topics to share with the students at Podkowa. I look at the "Palace," it looks great. There are people to meet, places to visit, books to read, lectures to give, songs to sing snd record [D], and have fun shopping for food and things at Carefour, then maybe some concerts in Warsaw. Friday evenings at Andrew's and then the Synagogue with my Hebrew friend. As you can see the activities will overwhelm the few hours we have in a day. The new and more efficient way to protect the girls? by installing electronic locks and monitors in the dorm? Interesting developments, to say the least. In my spare time I am reading Ralph Larson book dealing with the nature of Christ, Thielicke's Kleine Schriften [short writings] on the temptations of Christ, Oswald Chambers on The daily motivations of a Christian, and of course doctor Martins[Luther] discourse on the Pater Noster, Vater Usere in German. I am waiting for Dt's poem written just for me....and I am going to bed. Tomorrow I will send the cable to Dt and hope it gets there soon! Good night special friends.

Virtual Valentine?

2006-02-15T21:56:00.000-05:00

2-4-68! Who can recall that fatefull date? I can! I followed and found my dream! The dream's name is Ann. February, the month of memories, of joys and sadness, of successes and losses. Those memories are precious, unique, unrepeatables, and my very own. I share them only with the friends of my emotions, those who not only know the melody of my heart but also the unspoken words. The Russians have a word that describes a fellow traveller on the road of life, they call him/her: SPUTNIK [pronounced spoot-nick]. Unexpectedly, almost by "accident" we meet a sputnik. We have not looked for him, he just appears... walking along. There are many strangers that pass each other like ships in the night, but sometimes one of those strangers will take our hand, look into our eyes[soul] and we know, for sure, that he is the one we can walk, talk, dream, laugh, and cry with. I am not talking of some casual almost incidental emotional experiences, but of something misterious, something other worldly, something sublime...like friendship. The effect on our being is tremendous, uncalculated, unexpected, and it compels us to forsake selfish urges and dependencies and become willing to give, to be spent completely, to uplift, protect, and ensure the functioning of that newly found gem of life. We are happiest when we follow our dream[s]. We are blessed when we meet someone that can help us and encourage us in that quest. I am learning to express myself in a quasi poetic form and this is my attempt:

Hatshepsut the Queen

You looked like a snowflake on a wintry cold night
There were stars above us and stars in your eyes
As we walked arm in arm and shared our dreams
With Little Boy Moses, the one on the right 

We explored our secrets and voiced our plans
And rejoiced knowing friendship will grow.
Then breakfasts and dinners, occasional dance
And those goodnights deliciously slow.

Soon the winter was over, and spring came a knocking
And the snow was transformed into rain
The flowers and bushes were dancing and rocking
We walked ever slower and whispered again.

The crystal of snowflakes turned to malleable raindrops
The stillness of snow, became concert of rain
Turtledoves cooed and sang from the rooftops
While we walked rather swiftly to catch our train.

The springtime of friendship had come to our hearts
The bonding of our minds was progressing
We talked of your singing, of music, and arts
Your eyes ever charming your hands were caressing.

All that was left was to learn how to kiss
How to hold and create sense of pleasure
How to prolong the experience of bliss
And transform common things into treasure.

50 years of emotions

2006-02-12T22:51:00.000-05:00

Reading some of the posts in a blog community I am overwhelmed by the creative ability of the writers. Thank you D for you latest thoughts. Some of them scary a bit.There was a song in Polish that cought my attention enough to have memorized it:

Jechałem do dziewczyny na własne zaręczyny
I w autobusie przyznaję tu się poznałem inną znów
Jej urok wnet mnie urzekł więc zaręczynowe róże
Oczarowany, znów zakochany oddałem jej bez słów.
Gdzie znajdę na to radę ja mam chyba serca wadę
Ach którz me serce uleczy dzisiaj?
Bym tylko jedną...bym tylko jedną pokochać mógł.

There are so many people and things we love, admire, adore, and wish to express it in words of poems, songs, paintings, sculptures. It is not really important that the thoughts and their expressions refer to different people, but what is important is the endless capacity to bring joy to the hearts of others. Our words can bring comfort, consolation, encouragement, support, appreciation, and respect to others.
There is another poem that encourages us to: "If you want to say to others that they are special...tell them now!" Do not wait even a day to find a better moment [maybe more romantic setting?] for it may never come. Do it now. You are asleep my friends in Poland. May my words, when you read them tomorrow or whenever[if ever], bring a smile to you face, may you be convinced that you are special in every way. You are the stuff the dreams are made of. You are the wind under the wings of an eagle, the sunshine on a rainy day, the water of an Oasis in the desert; you are the beauty of life! You are a friend.

palin erchomai

2006-02-10T22:21:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that a whole week went bye without any note. Much happened in between. First of all the title means: I will come again. This time to Poland. The dice are cast and I am on my way. [ossis jactantur]. Ann has seen to it...since I have procrastinated a long time. Now? Where do I go to? That is the question. Should I go to Podkowa and pretend that I am useful to the students or the "cadry"? Should I simply be a tourist visiting my friends? All I remember is that I will stay in Poland till July 24. We have a major move to consider. From Collegedale to Jelico, 160 miles north from here. Ann is looking at new work in a group od surgeons and FP's in Williamsburg KY. We will not move, but have a permanent-temporary place in Jelico. Part of the time I will spend in Krakow with my sister and her husband; they have a house in Krakow. Then I have to [read want to] play tennis in Cieszyn, walk in the Tatra mountains, visit Pieniny, Dunajec, Czorsztyn, etc. Also visit Maniewicze in Ukraine, and maybe even Odessa, who knows. And yet I want to be with my friends in Warsaw and Podkowa. Those are tough problems that need not be solved ahead of time. My youngest, Zosia, is graduating from SAU with major in accounting. Andrew will come from Pasco for two days since he is still teaching. I am switching computers and try to do it bit by bit, so I will have only what I need. I will be switching from all of my e-mail addresses to gmail.com as soon as I let all my friends know of the change. Tomorrow we will host a discussion group in our home, and hope it will go well. The last two weeks here were cold and windy. Not as cold as in Poland, but then we do not live in Poland.[LoL] I am looking forward to seeing with my own eyes the renovated palace. I remember what it looked like in 89 when I first visited Poland and Podkowa. When I read your notes on the msn and blogs I feel like I were already in Poland, then I remember your weather and I am glad I am here. I talked tonight with ET and he mentioned interest in visiting Poland again...but when...we shall see when it happens. By now, you all are snug in your beds...and hopefully warm. Happy Sabbath to you all and a pleasant day with plenty of sunshine and a bit of warmth...in the air. I will be writing e-mails to my friends in Podkowa tomorrow evening. So sweet dreams Do;Go;Cz;Ir;Ar;in Podkowa and PPA in Warsaw.

Fragrant flowers of humanity

2006-02-02T22:27:00.000-05:00

According to one lady author of the 19/20 century the purpose of God in creating a woman was for the benefit of man. What is astonishing among the so called monotheistic religions is the fact that only the Christian religion, or better yet the Biblical religion recognizes the proper role of a woman in society. Notice I have added one more qualification to the list, and that is the Biblical religion. For, even among Christian denominations there is a gross misunderstanding of the role of a woman in our society and church. E.White in describing the creation of a man, elaborated on the duties of the two sides of man that is the man, and the woman. The duty and opportunity of the man toward the woman was to provide for and protect her and cherish her as a special gift from God, to be the only suitable help to man...in all aspects of life. The man was to learn gentleness, kindness, and other "softer" attributes of life...from the woman! So when we ask ourselves today what are "girls" for...we may answer truthfully that they are to provide us with an opportunity to learn how to be and behave like a real man. Rebelion against God (sin) destroyed in man the knowledge of the true role he was to play in the life of the society (his family). It is sin that prompts us to view women (girls) as someone we "take from," as someone who is to "give" to a man first herself and then her whole life in service. We perpetuate this innane concept at our wedding ceremonies, by asking: Who gives this woman to be married to this man. In Biblical religion the woman is the alter ego of man, the same rules and regulations, the same principles and the same expectations are demanded from a man as from a woman. The famous dictum of the Ap. Paul says it all. For in Christ there is neither man nor woman, neither free or slave, neither Jew or Gentile, for we are all one (in status before God). We may paraphrase the saying of JFK : ask not what you may get from a woman, ask what you can do for her. These thoughts may become handy when the 14-th of February comes around. But the measure of a man is not what he said or brought to the woman on one day of the year, but what he says in words, actions, and thoughts to every woman all year long. Sin has brought selfishness into human relationship. We relate kindly and properly only to those that we benefit from. Some women we like for their prettiness, some for their intellect, some for their industriousness in life...etc...Instead of this we should look for beauty in everyone, the real beauty that reaches deeper than the skin, into behavior in all aspects of life. I read a short saying that is humorous though sad: The average woman would rather be pretty than smart for the average man can see better than he can think! It is a sad commentary on the development [read degeneration] of human nature, but how often it is true! I like to receive letters from my friends in Eastern Europe....letters full of excitement, of accomplishments, expectations, joys, plans, and even difficulties. They are willing to share their life with me...their aspirations and their disappointmentd. They are like flowers that share their fragrance, like skylarks that share their joys of life in song, they are like intimate friends that stand by me and hear the voice of my soul even when I do not speak. In summary, we may say: God created man and woman for "friendship" and everything else is a secondary derivative. A good day to you all: ET in Washington, Go,Na,Mo,An,Ar,Pe, and others. Till tomorrow.

look unto me!...so I looked until...

2006-01-23T18:41:00.000-05:00

The whole weekend has gone by too fast. I mentioned already our trip to Jelico, and the frightening prospect of change. But the Sabbath was a day of peace and joy. A lovely and lively SS for an hour with a most entertaining and attractive teacher in recent memory. A professor of History, no less! Then lunch with our Polish friends the Jesiaks, they have come a long way to assimilate to the new culture and social setting in America. Delicious food and superb atmosphere. Then the trip to our Russian "church" in the chapel at the big church. Since I do not hear well, it seems that the speakers are talking to themselves and not to the audience. So after "nodding" for several minutes we left and ...went to play racketball. Magdalena, Daniele, and I...as the only "expert" on the game. Magda got whacked solidly in the side by the ball and would have died, were it not for the fact that the game was not over yet, and she had to keep on playing. Wally, spent some time in sauna and then went to bed with his...computer! We had a little bit of rain, but it was light and steady, and promissed to go away by the time I am scheduled to play tennis. Today I was invited to go to lunch with a friend, but in stead I had to go to see a "toothpick" that is a doctor of dentistry. She did the filling of the "tooth hole" and fixed not the tooth I thought needed filling but the one that actually had a hole in it. Surprice! Fortunately I did not tell her which tooth and she fixed the right one. While recovering from the dentist event, I got a letter from Cieszyn [town in Poland] with the news that they are enjoying -25 C cold spell. Got an e-mail from my ET in Washington and he told me that Alienware computers are ok, but a bit expensive. Then I got an e-mail from ITA, we try to communicate any way we can and often, honest. But the most interesting was the e-mail from Catherine the Beautiful...from Poland! The picture was superb and it warmed my heart. Maybe one of these days she will come and see us. This brings me to the beautiful passage in Isa.45:22. The phrase that cought my eye was :"look unto me and be ye saved." Immediately I thought of the Israelites in the dessert looking at the brazen snake etc. But the verse actually says, turn to me [in LXX the Septuagint, and in Hebrew]. Turn to me and be saved [rescued]. Turning implies going toward a thing or a person, with a specific purpose in mind. The basic meaning implies turning the face toward...We were taught by our parents to always look in the eyes of the person that is speaking with us or to us. This implies attentiveness, interest, and respect. When we communicate with someone we expect some kind of reaction. Today I received a comment from Patty-Lynn with a phone number and an invitation to call her. Not to react would be very insulting. I will call! Daniel the prophet relates that when he was given a vision he...looked until he saw what was important to him. He wrote: I looked until a stone was sent hurtling toward the statue and, I looked until I saw a judgment scene! To turn our face toward, to look, implies an expectation on our part. To look to someone means to expect some kind of action. We look to our parents to feed us when we are children. We look to our teachers to teach us reliable facts in a most appealing manner. But most of all we always look to a person who can satisfy our most urgent need. What is your need today? Who can come and succor you in your moment of need? Turn to me; look to me and you will be saved, from small things, from big things, from anything that threatens our life, our comfort, our peace. My friends when you turn and face...I hope your expectations will be fulfilled. Look until you are satisfied, until your peace [welfare] is complete. Don Pedro a pleasant day to you and yours. ET love you. Patty when are you not at work?

shalom shabbat...pearl of great price

2006-01-20T21:57:00.000-05:00

There is no day like Sabbath, and peace of that day is unequalled. Tonight, we as a family went to the vespers and heard the conversion story of Cliff Goldstein. What a moving story indeed. This came right after our return from the trip to Jelico. It is on again, this time in a calmer mood. We also visited the Williamsburg Offices [Kentucky] where they want Ita to work. I drove and the traffic was moving fast all the way there and back. 155 miles one way. From Clifford's story I took one phrase with me. If you want God in your heart [mind, life...] you must be willing to give up anything you value more than Him. God is the pearl of great prize, mentioned by Jesus in a parable. Jesus gave everything he had, to "buy" us back from sin. He knew what it costs, now he asks for nothing else but our whole mind to become his. I missed "talking" with my Polish friends, but there will be another day I am sure. In November there is a meeting for the ATS, ETS, SBL, AAR etc in Washington DC, and I found a place to stay while attending, November 18-21. Ita's birthday is the 19th but we will celebrate either earlier or later. I want to attend to visit with my old and former friends...to see which one is still alive, or well enough to come. Selfish? Yes, I miss my friends no matter how old they are. I hear some good knews from Podkowa School in Poland, the "kadry" as they call the teaching staff are upgrading their education and thus hopefully raising the academic level of instruction. I am sure the Lord will continue to bless the school. Again it is almost midnight here and I had a long 300+ miles day. Sabbath School is the one place in the whole week when and where I meet with those that are my friends. What is the most cherished possession of your life? Are you willing to make it less important and replace it with the Messiah? Do it. Of course there are still some lesser "gods" that make our lives miserable, but like the Vulgate reads: omniam posses mecum. With me you can do everything. Good night my friends. Thank you D for sharing you aspirations and plans. May this weekend bring joy to your heart. Love you ET [come home] says my emotional heart, and stay and do your best for Him says my [father's] heart.

tharseite me phobeiste

2006-01-18T23:28:00.000-05:00

Just a short one tonight. It is almost midnight here. We live with fears, delicately called phobias, and we loathe to admit it. We fear even the fears themselves. We worry, in other words, about the consequences of our decisions. We imagine what evil things could happen to us and then [sometimes] we persuade ourselves that they will happen for sure. At every stage of our life we have specific fears, specific to our age, or to our situation. These phobias cause us to react instead of act. We often allow the circumstances to decide for us what we will do, or should do. This gives us the feeling of uncertainty, and creates an atmosphere of panic, suspicion, and fears. One of the signs of maturity is the ability to put aside these fears and make decisions based on the reality of life. Onother sign is the willingness to be "pro-active" rather than "re-active." Phobias are often in our everyday speach,called worries. We begin to think [not a bad habit in itself] in terms of "what would happen if..." And here we can divide humans into two opposite categories: the optimists and the pessimists. My favorite saying is: do not worry...it will get worse! If my saying is true, then we should spend our time enjoying the now and here rather than worry about the future imaginary sorrows and trials. Thus the optimist is the one that makes the best of the present and prepares for the deteriorating future. Be bold and fear not! May this be your motto for today [tomorrow]. Good morning my friends in Europe! Till tomorrow pm. Love you ET.

rather than re-active

agapete me mimou to kakon alla to agaton

2006-01-16T21:07:00.000-05:00

Love the good not the evil! What happens when the evil is more attractive than the good? Here you have the theory and the praxis of life. It is so much easier to sit with a good book and read than to do the chores around the house. How much more pleasant to eat chocolates than beens! Last night I found 6 lost poems that I wrote 50 years ago. This took me back to my teens, and the memories flooded my mind. Those years and experiences of friendship and love are unforgettable. Even the struggles of then daily life, seem today full of mystery and pleasure. The rides on the bus! on the outside of the bus...on the bumper! across the Poniatowski bridge. The grape clusters of students hanging by a toe on the step of the over-crouded tramway.Or the foot walk through the streets to get to the cheapest milkbar for the same meal, for two years. But also the sessions in company of friends in a caffe, arguing the values of ancient Egypt as compared to the Greeks or Babylonians. Sneaking in to a "cellar" where there was the most delicious "Spanish cream" and sipping the delicious nectar of young love. The "boys" all 4 or sometimes 5 of us... three are dead and two are heading that way, frequented the hounts always together. That is why I like to keep in touch with Poland: Warsaw,Poznań,Cieszyn,Bielsko,Kraków,Łódź and Gdynia! Like the song reminds me: "those were the days my friend, I thought they'd never end, and we will live forever and a day." Must admit we loved the good, though we flirted with the evil also. But those "evils" when seen from the perspective of 50 years, were mere pranks. There was no viciousness in any and all our activities. We were rich beyond compare! While we were begging for food ...from the less poor [the Łozowski clan, the Siemionowicze, the Rollas with beautiful Ann;the Bulli arystocrats with Elizabeth...] we enjoyed the fellowship, the togetherness. We lived and loved and laughed. We helped, honored, and defended one another. We slipped from time to time, there were some misunderstandings, some broken [temporarily] hearts, some tears and disappointments, to be sure. Then! the "atomic bomb of freedom" exploded and scattered us into the distant corners of the world. There is a song that summarizes the present sentiments of life, "The Birdman from Tyrol." Seventy years had the old mand when he returned home from his life's peregrinations, and from his wanderings he brought back sorrow in his heart and gray hair, then in a distance he heard a plaintive song of a friend...Once more, once more little bird sing me a song, and bring back the moments of happiness and youth....! Nothing is new under the sun, what is...was, what was, will be...! What a joy it is for me to touch bases with my friends in Russia, the Ukraine, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, England and Spain in Europe and some more in Africa, Asia and Australia, to mention only some of them. My greatest joy nowadays is to see young people experiencing the joys of youth, the joy of life full of friendship, love, and commitments. Good night for now.

blepete pos peripateitos

2006-01-14T20:36:00.000-05:00

Watch how you walk! I love sitting at the airport terminal..when I have to wait for the connecting flight, and watch people walking. The way they walk shows their state of mind. Some walk leasurely, some run, some gallop, some saunter, others are disoriented coming and going then coming back.... How do I walk? Depends on the time of the day and the activity I just finished. Depends on the company I am with. Depends on the goal I am trying to reach. So many variables in life. I start my journey when I get up in the morning. The way I dress and the way I "fix" myself will tell on what kind of a journey I am embarking. When you look at me you may discover my attitude toward the people that will see me and talk with me and interact with me today. Do I dress to appear to them as a pleasant person? Do I dress for my own comfort [or safety or advertising plan]and do not care what other people will observe when they meet me? When I am a salesman, how do I groom myself? Am I trying to tell the customer that they are important to me, that my product is what they need? Or am I careless and treat them as necessary but not too important objects of my attention. We are rich beyond description, in goods that are priceless, so priceless that they can only be given away free. The smile, the wink, the slant of my head, the twinkle in my eye, the handshake, the hug, the sound of joy in my voice...all these are the things we are required to "sell" to others without money. How many of us long for a friendly gesture from...anyone. How many of us are walking with a heart full of ache, agony, longing? When I get up in the morning I plan to look around me and see all the opportunities to sell something to others. Part of my "dressing" is reading some advice from friends long gone: Oswald Chambers, Ellen White, Moses, David...etc. One of those old friends wrote to me and said: Owe no man anything except to lowe them.
How simple is the formula, how easily fulfilled and yet how seldom followed. The best of my friends once said: use yourself to give to others what they need instead of using others to achieve what you want. When the day is done, the honey do's are finished and the pillow is most inviting, what then? Are you happy to have lived that day? What do you see? what do you remember of that day? Do you see the thorns in the crown on your head? the spikes in your hands and feet? the split side? the torn flesh on your back, and the spitle on your face? Or do you see the joy of a blind man whose sight you restored, the lame man leaping and dancing and praising God, the sick lady whom you healed, the little children whom you blessed, the tax collector whom you did not despise but befriended, the homeless prodigal whom you returned to his family, and to his father's home? have you raised someone from the dead? and seen the tears of Mary? My friend Paul wrote: watch how you walk, not as unwise but as wise. It is an art and science to know how to walk everyday. May you enjoy your life-walk today.

'hoti 'hai 'hemerai....it is Greek to me

2006-01-13T17:49:00.000-05:00

Days are chunks of time in which we run around and do our best to accomplish something. Sometimes it is worth remembering other times we wish for selective amnesia. Yesterday was a loaded day. Tennis in the morning 11:30-1:30, and the pressure to squeeze all my appointments into the schedule. Then trip to psyd! then with G-ma to a conference 150 miles away, where they will tell her that he who does not over eat and exercises regularly will not get fat. All that for meer $600, and 6 hrs. of my driving. But the evening ...the crown od the day... the time for dreams come true! I got my screen for my laptop that burned out it's lights. It is perfect...even better than the one I had before...the original. The battery for Igor's laptop is here and my other computer is on it's way....and a hard drive for Igor also. Tired and happy...I did not even do the "girly" things that D is trying out in Podkowa. Today we had rain....rain....rain! The evening is beautiful and not as cold as it is in Poland. My "puellas lindas" are going to a meeting at the convention center downtown Chattanooga. I am going to sack out...for the needed 6 hrs of sleep somebody suggested to D. I miss talking to D, and P, and I, and A...in Podkowa and Warsaw, and few other places. Wlodek J. came over this pm and we changed the oil in our cars...a bit messy but needed. We need a car for a Ukrainian refugee: Alina, so she can drive to work. To find out about D, I have to, outside of reading her blog, talk to the local B! I know it is my fault that I miss you and wish you all were here. So, for tonight! sweet dreams, Happy Sabbath, good rest and pleasant company. Till Sunday then.

A Win-Win Day

2006-01-09T21:58:00.000-05:00

What an interesting day it was, or still is. First, I finally mastered my new tennis partner. He used to beat me everytime and of course lecture me on tennis all the time. Then last Thursday I won my first set. Well, today I had my first chance. The first set was close...I lost 4-6. Then I told myself to relax since I have played very close every game. Then it happened. I won the last two sets with 6:2, and 6:2 scores. He still lectures me on tennis but not so loud. Next match on Thursday. Then we swopped cars. Ann took, mine and I am taking hers. Untill I figure out what makes the terrible noice while driving. Then she will get it back...or get a new one. Today also I declined officially an invitation to teach at Podkowa this semester. Who knows maybe next Fall? But only when I am convinced that they really need me. So far, I am convinced they do not want me and invite me only "przez grzeczność" which means you may come but only if you really really want to. Now I will come to Poland as an independent tourist. Maybe in June and stay about two months. I wish my best to the students at Podkowa, they deserve the best. I will still support my friends everyway I can. I am really encouraged with the progress in academic studies shown by Adam G.in spite the fact that he took the instructions in the Garden of Eden literally and started to "multiply." Another exciting news is about another graduate Grzesio! the Great. Ask him for detailes.It is men like those mentioned that make the teaching worthwhile. But I miss also being in Poland. I miss seeing the smiles the joys and the happiness and the beauty of my friends. Friends are the Flowers in the garden of Life! But enough "modlyn" as the Brits say. Time will come and I will visit Poland again. Good night for now and till the next blog, remember even if you promissed not to forget. Do you know the song: you promissed to forget me not but you forgot to remember!

The Humming Birds

2006-01-08T17:38:00.000-05:00

What a happy day we are having today! The Humming Birds came home from California, and the air is a buzz with their presence. The soup is delicious and the "hungry wolf" is satisfied. Tennis today was superb. The wind was making playing interesting since one did not know where the ball would land. Good exercise. Then the excitement of bidding for a screen for my laptop. I made it and now I am waiting for it to come. A month of struggling with a desktop screen, that does not even belong to me. But like they say: in a desert even a crab looks like a fish. So I was happy and still am.The chatting with my Polish friends brings in a lot of pleasant information, you may call it gossip but it helps me to now how to relate to their situation. Tomorrow I will have to officially notify the Graduate School of Theology in Podkowa that I will not be teaching there this coming semester. They wanted me to teach "piggyback" with a friend of mine of all topics or subjects the "exegesis" of the Hebrew and Greek texts. The professor that teaches it is very knowledgeable and does it well. Why should I teach in the same classroom and at the same time the same subject? It does not make sense thus as my friend Dr. Butler says: if it does not make sense then it is ...nonsense! Will I miss visiting with my friends in Poland...you can bet your boots that I will. There is however a chance that maybe this summer I will find some frequent flier flight that will make it possible for me to be in Poland and visit. At home I am still working on the Prophecies of Daniel and hope to finish it all before my funeral. Also I have finally published a pocket eddition of all or most of my poems, some in Polish some in English and when I will have time to eddit them again the I will print them. For me this is quite an accomplishment, since I speak better and write better in English than in Polish, but I write my poems mostly in Polish. Makes it difficult for Ann to understand the workings of my soul [the emotional part of it]. This year will be the year of major changes in our lives, economically and socially. We decided we will not close any doors that open before us and when all is said and done we will do what seems to us the best choice. So cheers till tomorrow.

Solitude?

2006-01-03T23:15:00.000-05:00

It is almost midnight, I am still up, searching for a screen for my Dell 1150 and falling asleep by the computer. The bright spots of this day were the safe landing of my 2 Girls in Loma Linda and taking care of Uncle Bill. He is in bed now and I will be asleep in a few minutes. I neglected my reading and writing but before I sleep I will read a Psalm. I have an agreement with Katiusha that we will read one Psalm a day. Call it telepathy...we will communicate while contemplating the text of the Psalm. When I am alone I begin to write poems in my head...remembering my friends, my loves, my disappointments and my joys. I am a good cook [soups mainly] and baker [I have a bread machine] and a butler [my teas and coffies]and a taylor [I shorten or lengthen my clothes]and a park-ranger [I feed the birds and squirels], and few other things....All these things keep me busy so I do not feel alone.My next project [ among others] will be to write a poem about "tęsknota" for it is one of the feelings that can bring you up emotionally or gring you down.What might-have-been and what may-be!I miss you my Ukrainians and Polaks and Germans and Russians, and even Czechs. When I come to Poland I will make sure I get to visit with my friends. Now, sleep well all you dear to my heart, cuddled by snow outside the window and snug in your blankets.Good night till tomorrow. ta ta...pa pa.

Cheer Up

2006-01-03T08:49:00.001-05:00

Thank you for your comments DP and DP. Today I will feel like the heroe of Słowacki's play: Ojciec Zadżumionych. The Eagle is in the North and today I will be berieved of my two "girls" as they are flying West for a week. Nevertheless, this day will be beautiful and filled with all sorts of excitements. Last night I started reading a book by a man I ridiculed for the last 10 years! on Daniel. I still do not agree with his interpretation, but he often makes more sense than the "biggies" so popular on the market. I will finish the book today and then comment on it some more. Then Uncle Bill is coming to stay with us for a while. He's been in the Hosp. for a week and is now feeling better. Then I will say bye bye to my Girls at 2pm....wipe my tear stained glasses and head for the Tennis Club. There I met a man who, to survive Hitler spent 5 years in Siberia. A pharmacist. The only drawback is that he plays singles and I am too old to keep up with him. At last I will have a steady tennis partner. Then? I will go swimming at the Y....and if I do not drown....home at last. It is clowdy here but warm. 50F in the morning, not bad for a winter. I am torn inside, half of me wants to go to Poland to be with my friends there and the other half has to stay here and take care of the family needs. The last semester for Zosia in her studies, and Ann's year of making adjustment in her work.Maybe we will move the practice to some place closer, reduce the hours of work from 70 to 40 a week, and maybe do some travelling later.So! [not the king of Egypt but his twin brother]I hope to visit Poland in the first week of May. While there I will have time to disrupt your daily schedules...my friends. I wish you a pleasant snow covered day, with plenty of snowballs and laughter and joy. And! do not worry...it will get worse. I can say so since I am an inveterate optimist!Greetings to all the lovely ones in Poland....my friends.

The Eagle departed

2006-01-01T23:27:00.000-05:00

Today I said good bye to the ET of my life. He went back to his school where he has been teaching for the past 5 or 6 years. But I have been comforted by a phone call from one of my true friends Jack and Jean Sequeira. They live and work in Oregon and I just found out that they have a website [jacksequeira.org] and quckly read through some of his many publications. Most interesting and also timely and important to our spiritual life.His books are even translated and published in Polish.I thing contact with them was and is a special gift from the Lord for me for this year. I enjoyed reading the seasonal escapades of my friends in Poland...the traditional eating exercises over each holiday.The snow feast was probably the best. I am looking for another computer that will be the same as Ann's so we can help each other when need be. We all are staying healthy and happy. I manage to walk or play tennis two or three times a week. Soon I will add the swimming at a nearby YMCA.To all my friends I wish a Happy and Blessed year full of joy and happiness. It is nice to hear that among the friends I have are accomplished opera singers in Denmark and Iceland. For myself ....I am working of a very brief commentary or short study on the four visions of Daniel. Hopefully I will get some responses in a form of critique. It is now almost the end of the New Year's day one. Hope to post some more and more often.Till tomorrow then.

The Eagle has Landed

2005-12-15T19:55:00.000-05:00

The long awaited has finally happened, my Eagle, also known as the ET has come home. We are having a wonderful time together. We studied Polish together, we went shopping and eating at el Matador, and visited the Good will store. That is where I was looking for an artificial x-mas tree. The one we have is too big for my liking. This Saturday night we will have a birthday party for my yougest and prettiest. The forty some invited guests are expected to come but maybe only 30 will show up. I talked with my ET about going to Poland and he is all for it...he will have the summer free. For my physical recreation I am raking the leaves around the house and fixing the leaky roof. Well the roof got fixed properly and it still leaks. Will have to do it again with bigger nails and or more roofing tar. My computer is having geriatric abberations, first the LCD sreen went bad, then today the desktop screen did not want to work with the laptop, but Andrewsha fixed it. On my mental side I have exercised late into the nights by reading the book Ethics of Paul, and the History of the Ostrogoths in the 5-th century, in addition to reading Psalms in Hebrew to keep up with Katherina from Podkowa. We are now in the 40-ies. For my computer, I bought a new [old]cracked screen and will combine my old with my new and come up with one that will work. The screen comes from ...all places England. On Sunday, they predict some snow at highier elevation areas. We will get probably just some rain. All is well here, we are busy and time is short for having all things done. However , all systems are on "go" and the life is worth a living for ET is home.

2005-01-16T16:51:00.000-05:00

Lev in Poland