Tag / Journal

General activities I want to talk about that I may be doing

by kennieb

My Eyes

CHRIST IS RISEN

 I just wanted to give an update about my two cataract surgeries.  If I did not have help from my sister and brother-in-law, I think I would just now be able to have the surgery for one eye.  As it is, the left eye was done in November, 2013, and the right eye was done in April, 2015.  Has been so strange when going out with no glasses, that I had a pair of sun glasses made – the shade is not strong, just enough to cut down the glare, which I am not used to yet.

The world does look so much better now; that is, the physical world.  I see beautiful greens, blues, reds, and oranges.  With some of the family I made a short trip to Dagupan (it’s on the Philippine Sea).  The Bougainvillaeas were blooming in a bright violet colour, no red or white, and trees were blooming in yellow and orange.  Just very wonderful to see so well.

I thank God that the surgeries went very well and that the surgeon was A#1, best in the country, and that my sister and brother-in-law have been so kind to me.  I am still recovering from the right eye surgery, which is coming along so well that the surgeon said I only needed to see her if I had problems.

DEO GRATIAS!!

by kennieb

Just some general stuff

2012-09-13, Thursday
I was watching a programme on the History Channel – it is rare that there is real history programmes on that channel in Asia. This programme was about the Mayans and Aliens from outer space.  These so-called scientists are intent on proving that there are aliens from outer space that they do not consider that maybe these people were intelligent enough to do the things we now find left behind.

My blood pressure seems to be staying on the low side and I shall be able to see a doctor next month (November). And, sometime this month, I have to go to the Bureau of Immigration in Manila. That costs me about $50 for the trip, plus 12 hours in travel time.

There have been lots of rain and thunderstorms. Perhaps we are coming to the end of those storms as the earth tilts and the Northern Hemisphere moves away from the sun. When the Northern Hemisphere is close to the sun, there are many storms, like typhoons or hurricanes.  Today there is some sun, but still lots of clouds, which may mean rain later.

I did not get to see any of the Memorials about the 911 attacks because they were held during the late night and very early morning here. Since I do not sleep well, anyway, I was not going to wake myself and then not be able to sleep the rest of the nght.

by kennieb

General Journal, 2012-08-30

At 1:10 AM tomorrow morning, Nay and I leave for Manila Immigration, again. Then, I have to go back on the 25th of September, I think, to get the new ACR-I card. Hopefully it is for longer than one year. Then, I am free -Free at last!

I have been listening to Laudes on YouTube sung by what appears to be a religious order of men and women at Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris. Of course Laudes is sung in French, so I do not understand all of it. I know when they are singing the Our Father and the Benedictus. And, I understand “The Lord be with you” and the response.

These men and women sing in a Russian-style, i.e., the modes or tonality sound like Russian or OCA modes. There are at least two icons I have seen. The main icon on the altar is Jesus the teacher, I believe.  The other icon changes daily and sits on an icon stand on the main floor.  This service is offered in one of the chapels of the Cathedral and at the entrance to the chapel, there appears to be two more icons of angels facing each other. There is not much light.

They stand during the entire service and there are some other people at the back of the chapel who also participate as part of the choir. Anyone can read the first reading, but only a priest reads the Gospel, or second reading and he also reads the prayer.  They do not stand during the entire service – I forgot that they sit on the floor during the first reading and the meditation time after the reading.  The meditation is presented by either a monk or nun playing a wind instrument (most often a flute or recorder) and sometimes the small organ. But they do sing a capella.

They are Roman Catholics.  This takes place in the Roman Catholic Cathedral and there is Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the service on some days. I have all the days except Monday. There seems to be no recording of that day.

by kennieb

General 2012-08-20, Monday, 0958

Weather – overcast with light wind; clouds break for sun periodically.

I forget to write every day. Guess I do not have much to write.

My “development” to becoming an urban monastic is coming along. I try to remember the formal prayers every day, but I am not good and meditation, personal prayers, or reading seem to suffer the most. My scripture reading is behind 7 days and I am really trying to catch up.

I have started turning off the TV more, which is good.  Most of what is on isn’t very good anyway. But, I have substituted that with YouTube. I do try to keep my watching to things relating to learning more about God, not for my glory but so I can know God more and draw closer to him. Many people who know me may be shocked when (or, if) they read this. And some of the liturgical celebrations, including the Office of the Hours are in my list.

The Orthodox Faith is what I have accepted to have the true teachings of Jesus.  However, I have to say that I am still very attracted to the contemplative orders, primarily those who follow the Benedictine Rule, of the Roman Faith.  But, I cannot accept the infallibility of the Pope or his position as the Supreme Pontiff. When I read or hear him address Roman bishops as “My Brother Bishops”, I get very upset. For, if they were his brother bishops, he would not hold to this absolute authority, but would share it with the other bishops.  The Bishop of Rome was always considered the First among Equals. He has always had that title and respect, but when he started trying to tell other bishops what to do and making absolute pronouncements, many other bishops said, “No Way!”  Especially the bishops in the East.

Popes John XXIII and Paul VI appeared to be trying to change this Absolute Authority to a shared authority the way it was in the original organisation of the Church.  But, the traditional bishops just would not support them.  The Council of Vatican II turned into “Let’s change the Liturgy”. Now the Roman Faith has a liturgy, which, while there was an attempt to take the liturgy back to an original Western style, isn’t recognised by anyone as a legitimate liturgy or resembling an ancient Western liturgy.

On another subject: I have to go to Manila to get some paper work done, however, today and tomorrow are holidays, so the Immigration office is not open.  I have postponed the trip until next Monday.  I hope this is not going to make the paper work late and cause me to have to file for an extension while all is processed.

I just learned that there is another holiday on Monday, 27th of August, and I had planned to go to Manila then. So another change and that may add a 20% surcharge to the ticket for the bus.  This is very lucky with all the holidays. There is even a day for Ramadan. Holidays seem to be mixed between religious and civilian days.