Theology on Tap

Church of Kink

2011-12-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

I started a new Blog called the, "Church of Kink." It is adult oriented and deals with cultures, sub-cultures and other goodies that my Theology on Tap can't carry although I could.
Anyway, if your liberal enough, then drop by and be a follower in my new Church of Kink. I named it Church of Kink just because it covers some kinky areas.
Just click here:

Church of Kink

Blessings all,

Dr Gale Candice

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I just wanted to write a few things today. First and foremost ~ MERRY CHRISTMAS! I notice that mt blog has really grown since I first started out about a year or so ago. Thank you everyone who puts comments in as to all you readers.

Just recently I started a new blog called, the "Church of Kink." It is adult oriented and deals with cultures, sub-cultures and how people live their daily lives. Some extreme and others very quiet and subtle.
Here is the URL for you more open and liberal readers:

Church of Kink

Anyway, I just wanted to wish each and everyone of you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the bottom of my heart.

Hugz,

Dr. Gale Candice

Buddhism and Hinduism

2011-11-11T15:29:00.000-07:00

Buddhism and Hinduism

Buddhist Monks

In my research and running comparisons, my own Seminary had brought up an article that I thought had great merit. I included it here for you to read. This can give the reader a better understanding between the two.

There are many similarities between Buddhism and Hinduism so it is a good idea to ensure you understand the differences and similarities between them. Hinduism (commonly called Sanatana Dharma, roughly translated as "Perennial Faith") is characterized by a diverse array of belief systems, practices and scriptures.

To the Hindu, the active force in defining the 'Eternal Dharma.' It has been for Hinduism what the infinite Divine Self of Advaita is to existence, remaining forever unchanged and self-luminous, central and pervasive, in spite of all the chaos and flux around it. In general, Hindu views are broad and range from monism, dualism, qualified non-dualism, pantheism, panentheism (alternatively called monistic theism by some scholars), strict monotheism, polytheism, and atheism.

Hindu monists, i.e., Smartas, who follow Advaita philsosophy, see one unity, with the personal Gods, different aspects of only One Supreme Being, like a single beam of light separated into colours by a prism, and are valid to worship. Some of the Hindu aspects of God include Devi, Vishnu, Ganesh, and Shiva. One of the most prominent Hindu monists is the saint Ramakrishna, whose preferred form of God is Devi and who reiterated traditional Hindu beliefs that aver devotees can invoke God in whatever form a devotee prefers (termed Ishta Devata, i.e., the preferred form of God) and ask for God's grace in order to attain Moksha, the end of the cycle of rebirth and death.

Hinduism

Although Hinduism is very diverse, one of the possible things that unite all hindus is the quest for enlightenment and to free oneself from the cycle of rebirth. Another major concept is the concept of Ahimsa, which means "non-violence." Through this concept, strict movements of vegetarianism and tolerance grew. Hindus believe that everything in the world is part of the universal spirit, and therefore everything needs to be respected, preserved and protected.

Similarities and Differences Between Hinduism and Buddhism

Gautama was born and brought up and lived and died technically a Hindu...There was not much in the metaphysics and principles of Gautama which cannot be found in one or other of the orthodox systems, and a great deal of his morality could be matched from earlier or later Hindu books. "Buddhism, in its origin at least is an offshoot of Hinduism." (S.Rahdhakrishnan)

Similarities

1. Both emphasize the illusory nature of the world and the role of karma in keeping men bound to this world and the cycle of births and deaths.

2. Both believe in the transmigration of souls and the cycle of births and deaths for each soul.

3. Both emphasize compassion and non violence towards all living beings.

4. Both believe in the existence of several hells and heavens or higher and lower worlds.

5. Both believe in the existence of gods or deities on different planes.

6. Both believe in certain spiritual practices like meditation, concentration, cultivation of certain bhavas or states of mind.

7. Both believe in detachment, renunciation of worldly life as a precondition to enter to spiritual life. Both consider desire as the chief cause of suffering.

8. The Advaita philosophy of Hinduism is closer to Buddhism in many respects.

9. Buddhism and Hinduism have their own versions of Tantra.

10. Both originated and evolved on the Indian soil. The founder of Buddhism was a Hindu who became the Buddha. Buddhism is the greatest gift of India to mankind.

Differences

1. Hinduism is not founded by any particular prophet. Buddhism was founded by the Buddha.

2. Hinduism believes in the efficacy and supremacy of the Vedas. The Buddhist do not believe in the Vedas.

3. Buddhism does not believe in the existence of souls as well in the first cause, whom we generally call God. Hinduism believe in the existence of Atman, that is the individual soul and Brahman, the Supreme Creator.

4. Hinduism accepts the Buddha as an incarnation of Mahavishnu, one of the gods of Hindu trinity. The Buddhist do not accept this.

5. The original Buddhism as taught by the Buddha is known as Theravada Buddhism or Hinayana Buddhism. Followers of this do not worship images of the Buddha nor believe in the Bodhisattvas. The Mahayana sect considers the Buddha as the Supreme Soul or the Highest Being, akin to the Brahman of Hinduism and worship him in the form of images and icons.

6. The Buddhists consider the world to be full of sorrow and regard ending the sorrow as the chief aim of human life. The Hindus consider that there are four chief aims (arthas) in life which every being should pursue. They are dharma (religious duty), artha (wealth or material possessions), kama (desires and passions) and moksha (salvation.)

7. Hindus also believe in the four ashramas or stages in life. This is not followed in Buddhism. People can join the Order any time depending upon their spiritual preparedness.

8. Buddhists organize themselves into Order (Sangha) and the monks live in groups. Hinduism is basically a religion of the individual.

9. Buddhism believes in the concept of Bodhisattvas. Hinduism does not believe in it.

I will devle deeper into the religion and philosophies in my next article.

Out-Reach / Witnessing

2011-09-26T08:13:00.001-07:00

We are starting to gather up funds for bike events so that we can start our outreach and witnessing program. Your donation, contribution and support is very much appreciated.

You can click the donate button on the right of the page. Any amount is appreciated. We cannot do it alone so give a helping hand if you would.

Thank you and God Bless,

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice Revilla

Christian Reincarnation

2011-09-04T14:16:00.001-07:00

Scriptural support for reincarnation
There are many Bible verses which are suggestive of reincarnation. One episode in particular from the healing miracles of Christ seems to point to reincarnation:

"And as he was passing by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, 'Rabbi, who has sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?" Jesus answered, 'Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents, but the works of God were to be made manifest in him.'" (John 9:1)

The disciples ask the Lord if the man himself could have committed the sin that led to his blindness. Given the fact that the man has been blind from birth, we are confronted with a provocative question. When could he have made such transgressions as to make him blind at birth? The only conceivable answer is in some prenatal state. The question as posed by the disciples explicitly presupposes prenatal existence. It will also be noted that Christ says nothing to dispel or correct the presupposition. Here is incontrovertible support for a doctrine of human preexistence.

Also very suggestive of reincarnation is the episode where Jesus identifies John the Baptist as Elijah.

"For all the prophets and the law have prophesied until John. And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who was to come." (Matthew 11:13-14)

"And the disciples asked him, saying, 'Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?' But he answered them and said, 'Elijah indeed is to come and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they wished. So also shall the Son of Man suffer at their hand.' Then the disciples understood that he had spoken of John the Baptist." (Matthew 17:10-13)

Here again is a clear statement of preexistence. Despite the edict of the Emperor Justinian and the counter reaction to Origen, there is firm and explicit testimony for preexistence in both the Old and the New Testament. Indeed, the ban against Origen notwithstanding, contemporary Christian scholarship acknowledges preexistence as one of the elements of Judeo-Christian theology.

As for the John the Baptist-Elijah episode, there can be little question as to its purpose. By identifying the Baptist as Elijah, Jesus is identifying himself as the Messiah. Throughout the gospel narrative there are explicit references to the signs that will precede the Messiah.

"Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." (Malachi 4:5)

This is one of the many messianic promises of the Old Testament. One of the signs that the true Messiah has come, according to this passage from Malachi, is that he be preceded by a forerunner, by Elijah.

Although the Bible also contains other reincarnational passages, these Elijah-John passages constitute clear proof of reincarnation:

1. The Old Testament prophesied that Elijah himself (not someone "like" him or someone "similar" to him, but Elijah himself) would return before the advent of the Messiah.

2. Jesus declared that John the Baptist was Elijah who had returned, stating bluntly "Elijah has come".

Now, based on these passages alone, either (A) or (B) must be true:

(A) John the Baptist was Elijah himself, meaning that Elijah had reincarnated. If this is true, then reincarnation must belong in Christian theology, and the West's entire doctrinal interpretation of "Life After Death" in general, and the "Last Day Resurrection" in particular, must be radically revised, or...

(B) John the Baptist was not Elijah himself, meaning that Elijah himself had not returned. If this is so, then either:

(1) The Old Testament prophecy about Elijah returning before the Messiah failed to come to pass (meaning that Biblical prophecy is fallible), OR

(2) Jesus was not the Messiah.

Basically, it comes down to this simple question: What do you want to believe? One of the following A, B, or C, must logically be true:

A. Reincarnation is true, or

B. Jesus was not the Messiah, or

C. The prophecies of the Bible are unreliable.

As surely as two and two make four, one of the above must be true. At any rate, the passage in which Jesus says in no uncertain terms that John was Elijah is "overt" and direct:

"But I tell you, Elijah has come." (Mark 9:13)

The following verse is used to refute the John the Baptist/Elijah reincarnation connection. The Bible tells us that John the Baptist possessed,

"... the spirit and power of Elijah." (Luke 1:17)

Those who refute this reincarnation connection say that John the Baptist merely came in the spirit and power of Elijah. However, this is a perfect description of reincarnation: the spirit and power. This is reincarnation - the reincarnation of the spirit. The Bible itself states that John the Baptist possessed the spirit that had previously lived in, and as, the man Elijah - not his physical being and memory, but his spirit.

John carried Elijah's living spirit, but not his physical memory. And since John did not possess Elijah's physical memory, he did not possess the memories of being the man Elijah. Thus, John the Baptist denied being Elijah when asked:

They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No." Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'" Now some Pharisees who had been sent questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?" "I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." (John 1:21-27)

But Jesus knew better, and said so in the plainest words possible:

"This is the one ... there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.... And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. He who has ears, let him hear." (Matthew 11:11-15).

It comes down to this: Jesus said John was Elijah, and John said he wasn't. Which of the two is to be believed - Jesus or John?

There is a prophecy in the Book of Revelation concerning the days before the second coming of Christ. Two prophets are predicted to appear at this time working the same miracles and performing the same ministries as those of Elijah and Moses.

"And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands that stand before the Lord of the earth. If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. These men have power to shut up the sky so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want." (Revelation 11:3-6)

While the verses in Revelation do not specifically identify the two prophets to come as Elijah and Moses, it strongly suggests that it is them. If Elijah and Moses are to be "born of the womb" again before the second coming of Christ, then it is clear the only possible way for them to do so is through reincarnation. After the death of John the Baptist, whom Jesus identified as Elijah, Elijah appears again along with Moses at the Mount of Transfiguration:

"After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters-- one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead." The disciples asked him, "Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?" Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands." Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist." (Matthew 17:1-13)

The scriptures strongly suggest a connection between Elijah and Moses with the ministries of Jesus. Since Jesus already identified Elijah as appearing during his first ministry, it is not hard to conclude that Elijah will appear again at Jesus' second coming. Even the Old Testament suggests this will be the case:

"Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." (Malachi 4:5)

This is one of the many messianic promises of the Old Testament. It was fulfilled during Jesus' first coming and there is reason to believe it will happen again during Jesus' second coming.

Due to the condemnation of reincarnation by church authorities some 500 years after Jesus left the scene, this doctrine has become an alien, even enemy concept to the Judeo-Christian West. However, it is reasonably certain that reincarnation was not an alien concept to the people Jesus preached to, nor, to Jesus himself. As a natural geographic crossroads, the land of Israel enjoyed a strong and steady flow of both foreign travelers and foreign ideas; the doctrine of rebirth is not only likely to have been a familiar concept in 1st century Israel, but actually seems to have been widely considered a distinct possibility. Even though the idea later became a heresy to the people of the Christian Empire, during the life of Jesus, at least, reincarnation was an open question in the minds of many.

From time to time in Jewish history, there had been an insistent belief that their prophets were reborn. The Samaritans believed that Adam had reincarnated as Seth, then Noah, Abraham, and even Moses. Christ's countrymen seem to have thought of the doctrine of reincarnation as an intriguing, if unproven theory; the Israelites were aware, of course, that their sacred scriptures didn't specifically endorse this theory, but, since they didn't condemn it either, the general population apparently felt it best to keep an open mind about the whole idea. To the chagrin of traditional Christian doctrine, it was apparently actually rather common for Christ's contemporaries to innocently wonder aloud if Jesus himself was the reincarnation of some earlier prophet:

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples,

"Who do people say the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16:14)

His disciples replied:

"Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

Considering such widespread conjecture about the doctrine of reincarnation in 1st century Israel, the people of his own time undoubtedly assumed Jesus had been openly promoting this doctrine when he claimed that the man now known as John the Baptist was the same man who centuries earlier had been the famous prophet Elijah.

Confronted by these rumors that His countrymen believed in reincarnation, did Jesus take this opportunity to deny and refute this doctrine? No. Instead, He made statements that seem to support reincarnation.

Jesus was sometimes taken to be a reincarnation of one of the prophets. An example of this is when Jesus asked:

"Whom do people say that I am?" (Mark 8:27)

The consensus of opinion seems to have been that He was a reincarnation of either John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the Old Testament prophets. It is hard to see how Jesus could have been a reincarnation of the prophet by whom He was baptized, but that has not deterred these believers in reincarnation around Jesus.

Another Bible verse has Paul discussing the process of "resurrection" (i.e. reincarnation):

"But someone may ask, 'How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?' How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body. All flesh is not the same: Men have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another. There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor. So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body." (1 Corinthians 15:35-44).

Another verse suggestive of reincarnation can be found when Jesus declares the following to the believers in the Church of Philadelphia:

"Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it." (Revelation 3:12)

Jesus is stating that people were once inhabitants of the temple of God. This is strongly suggestive of preexistence and reincarnation. As soon as the person overcomes (the world) the person becomes a permanent inhabitant of this temple and never again has to leave it. The flip-side to this is that those who do not overcome must leave this temple of God only to return when they overcome the world.

Another verse in the Book of Revelation suggests reincarnation:

"She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne." (Revelation 12:5)

This verse describes the birth of a child who is taken to heaven after birth. The interesting aspect is that this child is to rule all the nations with an iron scepter. Because the child was taken to heaven after birth, reincarnation is the only way the child can return to the world in order to grow up and "rule all nations". Although Revelations is mostly symbolic and is often quite abstract, this verse implies the ability to incarnate more than once.

There is another reference to reincarnation in the gospels; an indirect reference, yet an unmistakable one. In all three of the synoptic gospels, Jesus promised that anyone leaving their homes, wives, mothers, fathers, children, or farms to follow him would personally receive hundreds more such homes, families, and so on in the future. Jesus said:

"No one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or wife or children or land for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age - homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields ... and in the age to come, eternal life." (Mark 10:29-30)

Outside of the doctrine of reincarnation it's difficult to imagine how such a promise could be fulfilled. In one lifetime, one can only have a single set of real parents, and no one seriously proposes that each of the 70 original disciples, who actually did leave their homes and families, ever received as compensation a hundred wives, a hundred fields, and so on. Either this statement of Jesus' occurred when he was waxing so poetic as to allow a falsehood to pass his lips, or he was making a promise that only many reincarnations could fulfill.

The following passage in the Book of Hebrews, especially the italisized sentence, is a clear statement of the concept of reincarnation.

"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country-- a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." (Hebrews 11:13-16)

Indeed the reincarnationist can even find scriptural support for personal disincarnate preexistence. Origen took the following Bible verse as proof of preexistence:

"He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish in his sight and love." (Ephesians 1:4)

Jerome, who is just as uncomfortable as Justinian about preexistence, interprets the passage to mean that we preexisted, not in distinct disincarnate form, but simply in the mind of God (Against Rufinus 1.22), and from this throng of thoughts God chose the elect before the creation of the world. The distinction is indeed a fine one, for Jerome is asking us to distinguish between that which exists as a soul and that which exists as a thought. What is illuminating for the reincarnationist is that this passage from Ephesians offers very explicit scriptural testimony for individual preexistence.

Malachi 1:2-3 and Romans 9:11-13 both state that God loved Jacob, but hate Esau even before they were born. These verses are highly suggestive of the pre-existence of Esau, a necessary tenet associated with reincarnation.

The same concept of pre-existence can also be found in the following Bible verse:

"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" (John 8:58)

Other words uttered by Christ are suggestive of reincarnation. In the gospels, Jesus reveals information about His return and who will witness it. Several times, He has mentioned that some people alive during His day will be around when He returns. One example is when Jesus gave His Olivet Discourse about His second coming. His disciples ask about His return and inquire as to the signs that would proceed His return. After Jesus reveals the signs of His coming, He states,

"I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened." (Matthew 24:34).

It can be argued that Jesus is pointing to a time in the future when those around Him inquiring about this will reincarnate and experience His second coming. Another example is when Jesus states,

"Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom." (Matthew 16:24-28).

The question now is this: what is it to "taste death until He comes"? The concept of a person having to "taste death until the Lord comes" is a good description of reincarnation and of what the Bible refers to as the "First Death". The First Death is spiritual death, separation from God. When we are born, we are born into spiritual death and it requires some action on our part to break out of it and enter into spiritual life. These verses all are suggestive of reincarnation.

It can be deduced from the scriptures the fact that Christ Himself had many incarnations in the flesh. It is well known that the apostle Paul wrote of Adam as:

"... a pattern of the one who was to come (i.e. Jesus)" (Romans 5:14)

Paul drew between Adam and Christ a parallel that was also a contrast:

"The first Adam became a living being; the last Adam (i.e. Jesus) became a life-giving spirit." (1 Corinthians 15:45).

Christ is thus seen as the last Adam, the "one man" who by his obedience undoes the results of the disobedience of the first (Romans 5:12-21). Jesus Christ recapitulated the stages of Adam's fall, but in reverse order and quality.

The belief in many incarnation of Jesus is not a new belief. The early Judeo-Christian group known as the Ebionites taught that the Spirit had come as Adam and later reincarnated as Jesus. Other Jewish Christian groups such as the Elkasaites and Nazarites also believed this. The Clementine Homilies, an early Christian document, also taught many incarnations of Jesus.

Another possible incarnation of Christ is the Old Testament figure known as Melchizedek, the High Priest and King of Salem, who:

"...without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever." (Hebrews 7:3).

It is clear from the scripture that Melchizedek was no ordinary man, assuming He even was a man - for what kind of man has no father or mother, is without genealogy, and without beginning of days or end of life? Whoever this Melchizedek was, the scriptures declare Jesus to be a:

".. priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." (Hebrews 7:17).

It may be argued that Melchizedek was one of the incarnations of Jesus. Certainly it has to be acknowledged that Melchizedek was no ordinary man.

There are Bible verses that are highly suggestive of the "mechanics" of reincarnation. Before His arrest, Jesus stated:

"All who take the sword will perish by the sword." (Matthew 26:52)

Common sense tells us that not all people who live "by the sword" will die by the sword. This statement can only be true if meant in the context of a future life. If in this life you "live by the sword", you will most certainly die, if not in the same life but a future life, "by the sword". In fact, this concept is the ancient doctrine of "karma" as it is known in the East where reincarnation is the foundation of reality. Here are some other Biblical references to this concept:

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A person reaps what he sows." (Galatians 6:7)

"Life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise." (Exodus 21:24-25)

"In anger his master turned him over to the jailers until he should pay back all he owed. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." (Matthew 18: 34-35)

"If any one slays with the sword, with the sword must he be slain." (Revelation 13:10)

"Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny." (Matthew 5:25-26)

The above passages can be seen to at least be suggestive of reincarnation.

In James 3:6, some translations (such as the American Standard Version) mention "the wheel of nature" which seems to resemble the cycle of endless reincarnation stated by the Eastern religions. However, in this context the reference is made to the control of speech in order not to sin. The ASV translation states:

"And the tongue is a fire: the world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the wheel of nature, and is set on fire by hell." (James 3:6)

The tongue out of control is compared with a fire that affects all aspects of existence, thought and deed, in a vicious cycle. This means that sinful speech is at the origin of many other sins, which are consequently generated, and conduct man to hell.

Nowhere in the Old Testament is reincarnation denied. Job asks:

"If a person dies will he live again?" (Job 14:14)

But he receives no answer.

Another Old Testament verse states:

"Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again...What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:4-9)

The Hebrew kabbalists interpreted this quote to mean that a generation dies and subsequently returns by the process of reincarnation.

In the New Testament, one verse in particular is often used to refute reincarnation. It is Hebrews 9:27.

"... man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment...." (Hebrews 9:27)

This is often assumed, reasonably enough, to declare that each human being lives once as a mortal on earth, dies once, and then faces judgment. But this verse, on it's surface, not only applies to reincarnation, but to the modern concept of resurrection. In fact, if anything, this verse can be most applied to refuting modern Christianity's definition of resurrection. Reincarnation states that the spirit leaves the body at death, faces judgment, then can enter a new and different body at a later time. In this way, Hebrews 9:27 does not refute reincarnation because it is not the same body that dies again. It implies one man/one death, which agrees with reincarnation, but totally disagrees with modern Christianity's definition of resurrection which holds that after a body dies and faces judgment, his physical body will rise from the grave at a later day to face possible death again and judgment. So Hebrews 9:27 does not refute reincarnation after all, but does refute resurrection as modern Christianity defines it.

From all that has been said here, one can safely draw the conclusion that reincarnation was not only known by those in Christ's day, by that Christ Himself and the Bible teaches it and reincarnation should be a doctrine acceptable by every follower of Christ.

God Bless,

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice Revilla D.D.

The Theologians

2011-09-02T12:23:00.002-07:00

I hear people telling me that they are “Theologians” yet when I ask them how long they have been into theology, they say, only a few years and have no formal training. Ah, they are amateur theologians. Why the big hype? Well many from what I have seen like to put up a discussion that runs on low merits. I have even had long standing Ministers throw things into the air and I cringe as I hear them being blurted out.

True Theology is a long process of dealing with Divinity and the cross references of many religions. So how long did I take me to get my own doctorate degree? It took around 45 years and studying not only the Christian religion but the nine main religions and the sub-cultured religious groups.

I know many of you do not know the main and sub-groups that I have studied in the last 45 year. So I thought I would write some of them down here.

Taoism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Sufism, Qur’an, Wiccan, Torah, Paganism, Diannic, Gardner’s Book of Shadows, Grimories, Enochian, I-Ch’ing and of course the Holy Bible which includes Apocryphal Scriptures.

Here is the definition of the word, “Theologian.”

Augustine of Hippo defined the Latin equivalent, theologia, as "reasoning or discussion concerning the Deity";[2] Richard Hooker defined "theology" in English as "the science of things divine".[3] The term can, however, be used for a variety of different disciplines or forms of discourse.[4] Theologians use various forms of analysis and argument (philosophical, ethnographic, historical, spiritual and others) to help understand, explain, test, critique, defend or promote any of myriad religious topics. Theology might be undertaken to help the theologian:

• understand more truly his or her own religious tradition,[5]
• understand more truly another religious tradition,[6]
• make comparisons between religious traditions,[7]
• defend or justify a religious tradition,
• facilitate reform of a particular tradition,[8]
• assist in the propagation of a religious tradition,[9] or
• draw on the resources of a tradition to address some present situation or need,[10]
• draw on the resources of a tradition to explore possible ways of interpreting the world,[11] or
• explore the nature of divinity without reference to any specific tradition.

I find that many amateur theologians seem to take whatever they read online as scripture when in reality, another amateur theologian wrote his feelings or outlook online. The source is not valid and people then get the wrong message or misconception of the interpretation of a certain scripture. Theology takes decades to learn and study. Using the term of, “Divinity”, brings in more religious comparisons to the primary religion that is being studied. Those who go through the courses must study theology to be a theologian.

Many feel that there can be short cuts and that is where the amateur falls short in comparison interpretations.

A perfect example is that many people think that Jesus’ last name is “Christ.” One must understand that Jesus didn’t really have a last name other than how his family could be found, e.g., “I am Jesus of Nazareth from the house of Joseph the Carpenter.”

Christ is the English term for the Greek Χριστός (Khristós) meaning "the anointed one".[3] It is a translation of the Hebrew מָשִׁיחַ (Māšîaḥ), usually transliterated into English as Messiah or Mashiach. In popular modern usage—even within secular circles—the term usually refers explicitly to Jesus of Nazareth.

The word is used as a title, hence its common reciprocal use Christ Jesus, meaning "The Messiah Jesus". Followers of Jesus became known as Christians (as in Acts 11:26) because they believed Jesus to be the Christ, or Christos, or Christian Messiah, prophesied in the Old Testament - therefore they often call him Jesus Christ, meaning Jesus is the Christos. Another term that can be used is, “Jesus the Christ.”

Since the Apostolic Age, Jesus was never accepted as the Jewish Messiah.[4] Many Christians, however, await the Second Coming of Christ when they believe he will fulfill the major rest of the Christian Messianic prophecy. The area of Christian theology focusing on the identity, life, teachings and works of Jesus, is known as Christology which is different than a standard theology.

What type of comparisons can be made in religious theology to give you a better idea?

9 Religions, 2 paths

The Two Paths

One path is the path of Absolute Awareness achieved through meditation, and this is the path Buddha took. The other path is a path of Faith, achieved through prayer, which is the path Christ showed us. One path is with the Tao and the other is with the Father. Another way to look at it is this. One path experiences God as pure Awareness, called Nirvana. The other path experiences God as having a human like personality such as Allah, Krishna or God the Father."

"But which is better?". There is No Better.

"I'll try to be logical for you. Let’s assume the statement that, God created everything, to be true. That means for Eternity, God was before Creation. This means the original Eternity contained only God. The best way to put it in words is to say God was Eternal Infinite Awareness in perfect Balance. During the original eternity God had no personality because a personality is used to interact with other persons. God only manifested a personality after God had a creation to interact with."

"The God Awareness path explains Tao, Buddhism and Zen. The Personal God path is contained in the story of Krishna and Christ."

"That is only four religions! You can't count Zen and Buddhism twice!"

The Three Three's

"The three three's. The Mystery of the three three's will explain it." "Three primary religions teach reincarnation, they are Hinduism, Taoism and Buddhism. Three primary religions teach of a resurrection, they are Judaism, Christianity and Sufism. And three more religions are a blend of one of the two mentioned. You can call them blended religions. Zen is a blend of Buddhism and Taoism, The Sikhs are a blend of Hinduism and Sufism and there is one more blended religion, a blend of Judaism and Christianity called Sabbath Christians or Messianic Jews."

"I know that doesn't explain why you have three religions teaching reincarnation and three others teaching resurrection." That brings on another avenue of theology that again can bring on more comparisons. (Read my Article on Christian Reincarnation).

Many people make the mistake that, “Christology” is Theology. Although it can fall under that heading, “theology”, it deals more with comparing other religions and seeking or looking for the puzzle pieces that can link them altogether.

So, can one be a Christian and still be a true theologian? Yes, but one must be open and un-bias to the other religions. Many Christians are not prepared to do that, which puts them back into, “Christology” and not a true “Theology” or theologian. One also must be strong in their own beliefs when studying other religions to avoid any type of outside influence to one’s belief or traditions.

Some will argue this but, I have encountered so many claiming a Standard Theology but in reality they focus on Christology more so and disregard all other religions. This conflicts with standard theology because one cannot undertake an un-bias comparison study by being bias. It is not a matter of belief; it is a matter of having an open mind and learning the secrets to life and to reach God through one’s personal journey.

A conservative Christian will rebuke, scratch and claw and scream out words like, “Anathema,” or heresy. But one must understand that Jesus was not a conservative by all means. To forgive the wicked and to heal those who were condemned by society puts him as a very liberal man. Was he bias in belief? Yes and no. In his last 3 years of his ministry he had his doctrine set but, before that, Jesus spent a great many years learning and teaching in India and Tibet before returning to Jerusalem.

How does one find these things out unless one opens the books that say he was there. That’s Theology!

God Bless,

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice Revilla D.D.

The 3 Covenants (The Bible)

2011-06-14T21:23:00.002-07:00

The Covenant (The Bible)

Covenants, Old and New (Exodus 24:7, Jeremiah 31:31-34, 1 Corinthians 11:25

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice Revilla

We are all parties to a covenant of some sort. When we buy an automobile or house we sign a covenant (contract, agreement) and shake hands. Marriage is probably the only covenant which is S.W.A.K. -- sealed with a kiss. Insurance contracts, oaths of office and treaties between nations are all covenants.
A covenant is simply an agreement between persons or parties. While it is not a word we frequently use, covenants is very much a part of our everyday life.

I. Covenant is a Major Biblical Motif

This theme runs through the scriptures from Genesis 17 to Revelation 21. The Bible itself is divided into the Old Covenant and New Covenant (or Testament). In fact the Hebrew word Berith occurs 286 times in the Old Testament alone. Its root means to bind. We use the term "binding covenant" of an agreement between persons or nations.
God made a covenant with Abraham, calling him to leave his homeland for the Land of Promise. Though childless, he was told that he would become the father of a nation. God promised to bless Abraham and -- through his descendants -- to bless mankind. This man of faith believed God and in due course Isaac, little laughter, was born. Thus Abraham became a forbearer of the Messiah in whom all people may be blessed with salvation. Abraham was obedient to the heavenly call.

God also cut a covenant with Moses and the children of Israel at Mt. Sinai. He agreed to make that collection of recent slaves into a favored nation -- provided they were obedient to the divine law. God's covenant with Israel included the ethical demand of the Ten Commandments. These concerned how we are to relate to God and to others.
The covenant at Sinai between God and Israel was between unequal parties. And it was totally undeserved on Israel's part -- it was all of grace. Israel did not keep the covenant it made with God. They disobeyed His law and worshiped false gods. They also turned the divine law into a cold, external legalism. It became a code more than the basis of a relationship with their maker.

II. Enter Jeremiah

Years of disobedience at last brought the nation to the brink of disaster. Those were dark days when "the weeping prophet" declared the word of the Lord. Indeed, in the darkest hour of national history Jeremiah announced the brightest hopes: "Behold the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with Israel and Judah."

This welcome word contained three special promises:

1. "I will put my law within them. I will write it on their hearts." The will of God would no longer be simply an external code written on tablets of stone. Now it would be engraved in the human will -- a matter of internal faith. The law of God is now within us.

2. "I will forgive their iniquity. I will remember their sin no more." Only God can do that. The law cannot change our human nature and neither can we. God does that for us in the new birth, when we are born from above. Note that God also is a good forgetter. Once we've asked divine forgiveness we need to learn to forgive ourselves.

3. "I will be their God and they shall be my people." Under the new covenant God would be more than a Lawgiver. He would become our Heavenly Father with whom we live in a glad relationship. Jeremiah's promise of a New Covenant was ....

III. Fulfilled by the Coming of Messiah

At the Last Supper Jesus announced, "This cup is the New Covenant at the cost of my blood." The birth, life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus is the gospel. In Christ, the prophetic promises became a reality.

The New Covenant is symbolized in our observance of the Lord's Supper. This new relationship is between God and believers (the church), not a nation. It is a internal matter and not merely an external code. The New Covenant is based on faith, not merely obedience to a law, or biological inheritance. It becomes ours at the divine initiative.

Because of this New Covenant we live the Christian life in gratitude. We are set free from guilt and the bondage of sin -- no longer slaves but the children of God. He is a covenant-making God -- and we are glad.

Many do not realize that the Bible is actually three covenants with the third covenant yet to come. The 1st covenant or Old Testament took 1,000 years to write. The 1st Covenant points to the 2nd and the coming of the Messiah. The 2nd Covenant or New Testament took around 400-500 years to write and is about the Messiah (Jesus) and this Covenant points to the 3rd Covenant which hasn’t taken place yet. The writing should be around 10-20 years to write once it is done. It is a book that will be used through the ages and for any of those who need to read and follow God’s great plan. It will be a book of great importance and archive.

The 3 Covenants are a representation of man’s life on earth as well as a timeline. Yesterday, Today and tomorrow. The Trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit which all points to God’s Great Plan for mankind. There is more but I will stop with the, “Covenants” of the Holy Bible and the Covenant between mankind and God.

God Bless,

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice Revilla D.D.

The Gospel that Divides

2011-06-12T22:25:00.002-07:00

The Sword that Divides

• 1 Corinthians 15:31, Acts 1:16, Acts 28:1-31, Daniel 12:2 Ephesians 6:17, Galatians 2:19-20, Galatians 6:14, Hebrews 4:12 John 5:28-29, John 9:16, Luke 2:14, Luke 14:26, Luke 16:22-31, Mark 3:21, Matthew 25:46, Romans 2:6-11, Romans 5:1

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice Revilla

Is religion relevant? Many people apparently do not think so. They don't believe religion is necessary because they are convinced that all anyone really needs in life can be obtained through science and technology. For them, any attention given to spiritual matters is a waste of time.

Such people sometimes reluctantly concede that religion might be useful as long as it focuses on humanitarian help at the individual level and universal unity and harmony at the societal level. In their minds, under no circumstances should religion ever be allowed to polarize or divide society. Instead it should relentlessly seek the utopian goal of "world peace."
Did Jesus Christ come to this earth to usher in world peace? Hardly! Hear the biblical rebuttal to this erroneous notion in Jesus' own words:

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man's enemies will be the members of his household. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take up his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for my sake will find it."

With salty language, Jesus plainly said He did not come to bring peace to this world. Instead, He came to bring a dividing sword. The writer of Hebrews referred to that sword when he said: "The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12).

The sword Jesus brought to this world is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (Eph. 6:17). The razor-sharp edge of that sword is the powerful Gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:16), and the Gospel of Jesus does not unify this world—it divides it.

The Gospel Divides Universally

Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth." Not long before Jesus made this statement, He had sent out His disciples, declaring them to be apostles to preach, heal and cast out demons. He also warned them about the price they would pay for serving Him—being arrested, imprisoned and even killed. Some of them would be betrayed and delivered to hostile authorities by their own families. Being persecuted has been a part of being a Christian and believing in Jesus throughout history. Here is a simple question for you; if you were on trial today for being a Christian, would they have enough evidence to convict you?

Jesus went on to say, "Nevertheless, do not fear any man. Men only have the power to kill your body. Instead, fear God because He alone has the power to destroy not only your physical body, but also your soul in hell."
It was in this context of demanding discipleship that Jesus said, "I did not come to bring peace on this earth." Jesus' words were troubling then, and they are still troubling today. He came to divide, not bring peace.

The erroneous idea that Jesus came to bring peace to this world sometimes is based on the King James translation of Luke 2:14. It says the angels celebrated Jesus' birth by singing: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men." That rendering is misleading. It obscures the actual meaning of the text. A better translation comes from the New American Standard Bible: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom God is pleased." God is pleased with those who have been born again in Christ.

Jesus did not come to bring peace on earth to just anyone regardless of whether he or she had been saved or still were lost. Instead, Jesus came to bring individuals the peace that comes exclusively through salvation. That's what Paul was speaking of in Romans 5:1 when he said, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." You will have true peace only when you repent of your sin, put your complete faith and trust in Jesus, and call on His name to save you.

Jesus does not unite humanity. He divides it right down the middle. This division isn't ethnic or regional. It has nothing to do with being white or black. It isn't about being a Democrat, Republican, Tea Partier or an Independent. Jesus does not divide the world based on political ideologies such as capitalism or communism. The universal division created by the Gospel is that people either are saved or lost.

The Gospel Divides Intentionally

Was this division that Jesus came to bring a random accident? Hardly. It was God's intentional plan all along. Jesus frequently illustrated this when He taught among the multitudes. For instance, Jesus spoke about the fact that everyone must enter one of two gates: the small or the wide gate. Each of those gates puts you on one of two roads: the narrow or the broad road. Those roads take you to one of two destinations. The small gate puts you on the narrow road that leads to life (heaven). The wide gate puts you on the broad road that leads to destruction (hell).

Jesus also compared people to two kinds of trees: good or bad. He said if you are a good tree, you'll bear good fruit; if you're a bad tree, you'll bear bad fruit. We can know what kind of person someone is by analyzing the fruit of his or her actions.

Jesus also spoke about two foundations—the solid foundation of rock and the sinking foundation of sand. If your life is built on the solid rock of hearing and obeying God's Word (the gospel), then you will withstand the winds, rain and storms of life. However, if you build your life on the unstable sand of rejecting the Gospel of Jesus, then you will experience destruction. Jesus used these and other similar illustrations to divide the world by the Gospel.
Wherever Jesus went, He divided groups of people. In John 9:16 we read, "Some of the Pharisees were saying, 'This man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.' Others were saying, 'How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?' So there was a division among them."
Likewise, when Jesus' disciples preached, they also divided the crowds. We know that when Paul preached about Jesus, some believed and were saved while others rejected his message. At the end of the Book of Acts (ch. 28) when Paul was imprisoned in Rome, as he proclaimed the Gospel, some believed; but others mocked, rejected the Gospel and turned away. That's the way God designed the Gospel. It divides us intentionally.

The Gospel Divides Domestically

Jesus went on to say His Gospel sometimes would sever relationships within people's families. "For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man's enemies will be the members of his own household. He who loves his father or his mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me."

Some may recoil when they think about Jesus dividing families, but that is exactly what Jesus meant. A lost son will be against his saved father, and a lost father will be against his Christian son. The gospel would cause a daughter to be at odds with her mother, and a daughter-in-law against mother-in-law. Jesus was talking about the most intimate of all human relationships.

This means that our love for Jesus must transcend and supersede every other human relationship, even family relationships. That's what Jesus meant when He said, "I came to divide." In Mark 10, Peter said to Jesus, "Behold, we've left everything, and we followed You." Jesus didn't say they shouldn't have done that. Instead He said, "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms for My sake and for the gospel's sake, but that he will not receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life."

In other words, "If you leave family to follow Me, I'll give you the whole body of Christ. Then look at all the mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters you'll have; look at all the houses you have; look at all the lands you'll have!" We are all one body.

On another occasion, someone said to Jesus, "Blessed is the woman who bore You and nursed you." At that time, Mary and Jesus' brothers were not following Him. Instead, they thought He'd lost His mind (Mark 3:21). Jesus responded to that person by saying, "No, blessed are those who hear the Word of God and do it." Jesus was saying we should love Him so supremely that it supersedes every domestic relationship.

The New Living Translation is helpful in understanding Luke 14:26: "If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple."

Some Christians say, "God is number one in my life." God shouldn't merely be at the top of a long list of our priorities. Rather, God is in a category all by Himself! He will have no other gods before Him, around Him or even near Him! That includes not making an idol or a god out of your family. Jesus said, "Your love for Me should be so sincere, so genuine and so deep in commitment that compared to every other relationship, even a domestic relationship, the contrast will look like the difference between love and hate." There is no way around these words. Our love for Jesus Christ is to be superior to all other loves.

I know of a pastor who is Jewish by heritage, but became a Christian, thus a Messianic Jew (sometimes called Completed Jew). When he came to Christ, his Jewish parents were so angry with him that they actually held a funeral on his behalf and told him, "You don't exist to us anymore." The Gospel divided domestically.

I saw a man become saved, who suddenly didn't want to drink, party and go to questionable places anymore. His wife didn't want to become a Christian and became upset with him. I've also seen a wife become saved and want to take the children to church, but her husband who wasn't saved became angry with her because he wanted to continue living his sinful lifestyle. I've even seen children become saved in Vacation Bible School and youth ministry and want to live for Jesus; but their parents made fun of them for coming to church. The Gospel often divides families!

The Gospel Divides Demandingly

Jesus said, "He who does not take up his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me." Jesus demands those of us who receive His Gospel to die to our selfish desires. It reminds me of a hymn we sang when I was younger: "Take up thy cross and follow Me, I heard my Master say. I gave My life to ransom thee, surrender your all today." The response was given in the chorus: "Wherever He leads I'll go. I'll follow my Christ who loves me so. Wherever He leads I'll go." That's easier to sing than to do. The Gospel demands that we die to self, but there is no painless way to die.

Paul emphasized the demands of the Gospel when he said, "I die every day" (1 Cor. 15:31). He also said, "For through the Law I died to the Law so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (Gal. 2:19-20)."

Paul was dead to the things of the world. He said in Galatians 6:14, "May it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Paul no longer cared about worldly things. He said they had died to him and he had died to them. Paul went to the cross every day and died in a sense because Jesus' Gospel demanded it.

The Gospel Divides Permanently

Last of all, the Gospel of Jesus divides the whole world permanently for all eternity. That's what Jesus meant when He said, "He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it." He was saying that those who think they have found their lives in this world actually have lost their lives and are on their way to hell. Those who have lost their lives in this world, by rejecting the world and receiving Christ actually have found eternal life and are on their way to heaven.

The prophet Daniel saw this eternal division coming. He said in Daniel 12:2, "Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt." That's an Old Testament reference to heaven and hell!

Jesus spoke about hell and heaven (in that order) in one breath when He said: "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life" (Matt. 25:46). Jesus knew there was a hell to shun and a heaven to gain.

Jesus also spoke about two men who died. One was a rich man who went to hell. The other was a poor man named Lazarus who went to heaven. Jesus said, "Now the poor man was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom (heaven/paradise); the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades (hell) he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom" (Luke 16:22-31).

The rich man desperately desired for Lazarus to put some water on his tongue because he was in such torment in the flames. Abraham said, "Lazarus cannot come. There is a deep chasm separating us so that no one can cross from here to there or there to here." They were permanently divided. The rich man was in hell forever, and Lazarus was in heaven forever.

Jesus spoke often about this eternal division between believers and non-believers. For instance, He said, "Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear God's voice and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to the resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment" (John 5:28-29).

Likewise, Paul said, "God will render to each person according to his deeds: to those who by perseverance and doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath, and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God" (Rom. 2:6-11).

The Roman Catholic concept of Purgatory and the Hindu concept of reincarnation are unbiblical. When a person dies, he or she stands before God in judgment and is then assigned to heaven or hell for all eternity. Where someone spends eternity depends on what he or she does with Jesus during this life.

Charles Spurgeon was a great preacher in the late 1800s. He preached to approximately 6,000 people every Sunday morning in London for almost 40 years. In 1886, while preaching at the massive Agricultural Hall in London, Spurgeon shouted this toward the end of his message:

"To each one of you I say with deepest earnestness, let a division be made by your conscience. Let your understanding separate between him that feareth God and him that feareth Him not. Let each man question himself this morning: 'Am I on the Lord's side? Am I for Christ or for His enemies? Do I gather with Him, or do I scatter abroad?' 'Divide! Divide!' they say in the House of Commons. Let us say the same in this great congregation this day. Political divisions are but trifles compared with the all-important distinction or division which I would have you consider.

"Divide as you will be divided, to the right or to the left, in the great day when Christ shall judge the world in righteousness. Divide as you will be divided when the bliss of heaven or the woes of hell shall be your everlasting portion. ‘Choose you this day whom you will serve; as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.' ‘Who is on the Lord's side?' says Moses. ‘Come and follow Me.' ‘How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God,' said Elijah, ‘follow Him and serve Him; but if not, if Baal is God, follow him. But choose you this day.'"

Spurgeon understood the Gospel of Jesus Christ divides mankind!

Can you hear Jesus' call to divide today? It's the message of every genuine Christian preacher and teacher—"Accept or reject Jesus. Be divided into one of two categories—saved or lost. There are only two eternal destinies—heaven or hell!"

Sinner, can you hear the divisive call of the Gospel? Which side are you on? What will you do with Jesus who is called the Christ?

No, the Gospel of Jesus does not unite this world—it divides it universally, intentionally, domestically, demandingly; ultimately, it divides the world permanently.

That is exactly what Jesus meant when He said: "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword!"

You cannot be neutral about Jesus. You're either for Him or against Him. You either follow Him or you oppose Him. He will not allow you to be indecisive.

In the words of Spurgeon, "Divide, divide!"

God Bless

A Ministry of Enlightenment

2011-05-27T10:24:00.002-07:00

I know it has been awhile since I have written anything. Sorry for not writing sooner.
Lately I have been trying to re-establish myself in a new place and it has been one snag after another. Just yesterday my AC died and I have to figure out how to get some portable AC's into my place before I burn up and melt in the 115 degree heat that is just around the corner. Its already 95 degrees outside and I live in a 38' 5th wheel where the temps climb over 100 degrees by afternoon. Bible Studying has to be put on hold grrrr. By God's grace and blessings alone I have managed to finally sit down and write something.
One of the things that comes to my mind about what I am trying to do is that, I am not seeking to build a new motorcycle ministry like all the others that ride around locally and trying to convert new souls for Our Lord.
I am going to let the standard churches do that. I have noticed that even though the churches are converting new people towards Christianity that, many of those souls sit idle and do not work their way towards Christ-Consciousness. Many have so many questions that are not being answered. That's where I come in.

I will Enlighten Your Spiritual Path to Christ-Consciousness

Do you believe in the Bible? Do you Believe in Jesus? Do you Believe in God? But, you have so many questions about it all that no one seems to know the answers? You search far and wide but to no avail. I may have those answers that you seek. One must be liberal in thought and when I piece the pieces together for you, you will become enlightened and start to see your path towards Christ-Consciousness and God-Awareness in your life. Yes, after a lifetime of searching, studying and learning, I have found so much of God's Mysteries and great plan right in front of us. If only we would step back from the Bible but never leave it and see the overall picture of God's great plan. e.g. It is much easier to map out a valley from the top of a large hill or mountain (Liberal) than from the ground and in the valley itself (Conservative). That is what I mean when I say step back from the Bible but never leave it.

Let us walk together and let me show you the wonders of what God's plan is all about. It will boggle your mind. When you sit beside me, make sure you have a notebook and pen/pencil. You will not be able to grasp it all.

** Note: If your a Moderate to Conservative Christian, this will may not be for you. Moderate to Conservative Christians are set in their ways and this enlightenment may not be what you seek at this time.
Although, we will all have to go through the process of what I am going to teach. It just may not be at this set time that those people are ready. Some people just do not like change while others wish to expand and work towards Christ-Consciousness. Many do not even know what "Christ-Consciousness" is all about. I am going to explain and show you.
I have put together the pieces of the "Apocryphal" Texts, (which means "hidden writings" and comes from the Greek through Latin) from many sanctioned sources which includes, 1 Clement, Didache', Enoch, Thomas and other "Apocryphal Acts."

Main Ministry Purpose: While all the churches across the globe work towards "Soul Conversion," This Ministry is focused on enlightening the already converted soul and leading to Spiritual Enlightenment, Christ-Consciousness (Christ-like) and God-Awareness. Again, to reach this Spiritual Path, one must be open and liberal in thought.

I think there are people who are beautiful Christians out there but walk with only a dim light in their heart of what God is all about, his great plan for us and How Jesus gave us the hints and secrets on how it can be done. By learning and understanding, you take yourself a step close to being Christ-like and becoming one with the Lord. This does not mean you become some kind of monk. Enlightenment is an understanding that we all must go through in our life time here are earth.
God is so understanding and merciful. He wants us all to be Christ-like and for good reason. That is what I will tell/teach you. His overall plan for us is mind boggling and so exciting at the same time.

A Ministry of Enlightenment

I an not looking for some huge motorcycle ministry in membership. What I seek is to teach those select Christians who then in time will assist and teach others. I am still in the process of forming my first Bible Study. For now though, I gotta figure out how to come up with $300 to set up the AC's so we can stay cool and not melt.

So, I ask you my dear friend. Are you ready for a journey unlike anything you have ever heard of or seen? You are here today and reading this because you have not reach your Journeys goal yet. Join me and we will begin together.

God Bless,

Rev. Dr. Candice

email: gale@galerevilla.com

FORGIVENESS ~ How it Works

2011-05-13T11:30:00.001-07:00

Forgive and Love Your Enemy

How Forgiveness Works
• Colossians 3:13
• John 1:14
• Matthew 18:15-18
• Matthew 18:27
• Psalms 32:1-5

The Headlines Read the death of Osama Bin Laden who masterminded the destruction of the World Trade Center in New York City where over 3,000 people perished as well as other acts of terrorism in Europe and we wrestle with the word: Forgiveness.

That word got the attention of the media with people wrestling with mixed emotion about his death, but what does it mean—forgive? What did it mean for people to forgive a murderer like Bin Laden? Does this make any sense? How does righteous indignation figure into the crimes of humanity? How can we have justice and forgiveness at the same time? Accountability for violation of the laws of God and application of the mercy of God?
Every single one of us needs to understand and come to terms with the issue of forgiveness. Because forgiveness is part of God’s plan, it will not, when properly understood, ever contradict God’s justice.

I. Forgiveness Is...
But before we go any further, we need to define what forgiveness is. Or, let’s start with what forgiveness is not.
Forgiveness is not a compromise of morality. Don’t ever think that God would confuse moral clarity and moral responsibility with grace and forgiveness. God’s justice ensures that the murderer will not get away with murder, and the sex offender will not get away with molestation. Forgiveness is not a violation of justice. God will never compromise His justice.
Forgiveness is not merely the avoidance of conflict. There are a lot of us who do not like conflict. And since we don’t want to have hard feelings or hard words with someone else, we skirt around issues of conflict. Sometimes forbearance is the right thing to do, but simple avoidance of conflict is not the same thing as forgiveness.

A. Release (Matt. 18:27,32)
So, then, what really is the meaning of forgiveness? Try to forget for a moment everything you have ever heard or assumed about forgiveness. Let a single word impress itself on your mind, the biblical word, the new covenant word. In Greek it is aphesis, in English, release.
Now just for a moment, don’t make it any more complicated than that. Release. To forgive means to choose someone whom you have been holding in your debt, holding in resentment and bitterness, and release him or her.
Forgiveness is not calling something that someone else did that was immoral or destructive OK. It is not turning a blind eye toward injustice. Forgiveness simply means that you choose to release somebody from personal obligation to you—even though that person will have to face the justice of God.

In Matthew 18, Jesus’ disciple Peter asks Jesus: "How many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" (v. 21, NIV).
Jesus answers in a parable in which a man owed a king ten thousand talents (Today’s equivalent? Millions of dollars.) and was on the brink of having to sell his wife and children into slavery to pay the debt. But the pleas of the man to the king resulted in a canceling of the debt. Forgiveness. Release. But the same man turns on a man who owes him merely a hundred denarii (for us, $20 or so). And when the king hears of it, he is incensed, saying, "You wicked servant, ... I canceled all that debt of yours. ... Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant?" The king rescinds his forgiveness. And Jesus’ closing words are these: "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

Forgiveness is release—being released by God, and then we are able to release other people in our lives.

B. The application of grace and truth (John 1:14)
   Another way to understand forgiveness is that it is the application of grace and truth. I reference John 1:14 here, which says that Jesus came to us "full of grace and truth." That is how we know that the mercy of forgiveness is not a compromise of the firmness of justice. Grace and truth coexist. Forgiveness never means calling something that was very wrong just OK.
How can we forgive a terrorist like Bin Laden who killed so many people? How can people in an Amish community start to talk about forgiveness within a day or two of a murderer having cut down their children in school? Is it that they don’t care about their children? Hardly! Is it that they don’t have it in them to be indignant over an act of unspeakable cruelty? No.
What happens to people whose lives are deeply, deeply rooted in the grace and the truth of God is that when a tornado of evil rips through their lives, they are left standing. They don’t let evil turn them evil.
   The Amish have a deep faith in the providence of God—a knowledge that God is still there even when tragedy strikes. They have seen evil before. Their European ancestors were sometimes mercilessly persecuted for their faith—burned at the stake or drowned in rivers. They have seen evil raise its ugly face before. And the Amish have a strong bond of community. That makes all the difference in the world. When tragedy hits, and you know you are not alone, you have the moral strength to be able to stand up in the face of evil.

C. A new way of looking at others
    Forgiveness is a new way of looking at others. It’s a radical and counter-cultural perspective on life. If you believe in forgiveness—that God forgives, even though He is not obligated to, and that we’ll have the best kind of life if we hold other people in our lives with a loose grip—then here’s how you’ll view other people. You will see people for what they can be and what they were intended to be, rather than simply as they are. You’ll learn to not focus on people who simply irritate you. You can focus on them, of course, if you choose to, and keep yourself in a continual state of irritation; and you end up irritating the living daylights out of other people around you. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Forgiveness means looking at people who really have wronged you and deciding that you’d like to set things right—but in the end, you’re not going to play God. And forgiveness means that you view the deranged people who shoot up school rooms and then turn the guns on themselves as people who are going to be standing before the judgment seat of God. They will answer to God.

D. A decision and a process
    Finally, forgiveness is a decision and a process. You can release someone from obligation to you personally, even though the smoldering fires of resentment keep burning in you for some time to come.

II. How Forgiveness Works
    So, how does forgiveness work? We would be terribly mistaken if we thought forgiveness was a kind of soft feeling certain soft-hearted people are capable of, and they cushion the blow that others of us with a harder edge aren’t good at.
   Remember—the boldest act of forgiveness the world has ever seen was in the bloodied and beaten and torn body of Jesus Christ. To forgive is the gutsiest thing you can do in life. Forgiveness is not for the faint-hearted. Forgiveness is the mark of the true man and the true woman of God.

A. The responsibility of the person seeking forgiveness (Ps. 32:1-5)

Psalm 32 is a landmark passage about the way forgiveness works:
    "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’ — and you forgave the guilt of my sin."

First, to be forgiven is to be blessed beyond your wildest dreams, knowing that your Creator, the gracious Father above, is willing to forgive your mistakes and offenses. God is willing to not hold our sins against us. One’s record is wiped clean. No debt owed. Account settled. We’ve got to comprehend the blessing of forgiveness because if we take God’s forgiveness for granted with an attitude that says: "Well, what else is God going to do? Isn’t that His job?" then we’ll never understand or appropriate the forgiveness of God, and there is not a chance we’ll be forgiving of others.

Notice the progression of the person’s heart in this passage: "my bones wasted away... my strength was sapped." This is a person being "eaten up on the inside" as we sometimes say. Guilt will do that. And though it is hard to believe, the tortured conscience is a gift. Look at the psychopaths and charlatans in our society. Look at the terrorist, the spouse-abuser, the chat room predator, and you’ll be frightened by the image of the dead conscience and glad if your conscience is alive and vocal.
    What’s the responsibility of the person seeking forgiveness? Verse 5: "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’—and you forgave the guilt of my sin."
    When was the last time you tried to cover up your transgressions? We all know cover-ups aren’t limited to Washington, D.C. Covering up is the unfortunate instinct of fallen human nature. Denying our faults and mess-ups seems to be the way of least pain, but it only adds pain to pain.

We are supposed to confess our wrongdoings. But to whom? The simple answer is: the person or persons whom we’ve wronged. Now in every instance, that is God. In Psalm 51, David’s heart-rending confession of his adultery with Bathsheba and arranging the death of her husband says: "against you, you only, have I sinned." Of course, he had sinned against people—but the epicenter of the earthquake of our sins is always our detachment from God Himself. And so we confess to God.
     We’re also supposed to confess our wrongdoings to the people we’ve wronged in many, but not all, circumstances. You have to judge the outcome. To say to your sister-in-law: "You know, I used to resent you all the time because I thought you were arrogant, but I’ve really learned how to tolerate you and to forgive your many shortcomings" may not be the most constructive thing to do. To confess to someone in your office that you’ve been attracted to him or her even though he or she is married is a confession best made between you and God.

But there are many times when a flat-out, humble-pie, heart-felt apology is the right thing to do. And if you know it’s right—don’t hold back.

B. The responsibility of the forgiver

Now, let’s turn the tables. What about when you are the forgiver?

1. Analyze the problem: when to forbear and when to forgive (Col. 3:13).
     The first thing to do when you think you should forgive someone who has wronged you is to make sure that it really rises to the level of forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 says: "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
     There is forgiveness, and there is forbearance. You can think of forbearance as a kind of low-level forgiveness, or more simply as exercising patience and tolerance in the face of the idiosyncrasies of the people in your life.
For example, if your spouse is chronically late in getting ready to leave the house for an engagement, that doesn’t really rise to the level of mortal sin. It may be irritating, but it just doesn’t say in the Ten Commandments, "Thou shalt not wait until the last minute to put thy makeup on." And it doesn’t say in the Ten Commandments that table manners are a matter of spiritual life and death.

You may have to forbear someone who talks too much, someone who wears really pungent perfume, someone in your house who chews with his or her mouth open or who leaves towels on the floor, someone who seems incapable of replacing the toilet paper roll. You may need to smile and tolerate some of the weird opinions of others or if they have no opinions or are opinionated about everything—but that probably is more about forbearance than forgiveness.
    If you don’t see the necessity to forbear, then you may be living a narcissistic life, as if your way of living and thinking is superior in every way to that of others.
No, we have to live with the assumption that we live in an imperfect world surrounded by imperfect people, and not every bumping of heads means someone has sinned.
   None of this is to say that we should take our sins against each other and minimize them, expecting others to just put up with our major mess-ups just because "none of us is perfect."
    I’ll say it again: Forgiveness is the gutsiest thing a human being can do because real people do real damage to each other all the time—but it can be solved.

And so here are our marching orders: "Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

But how do you do that?

2. Be willing to forgive: striving for grace (Mic. 7:18; Luke 6:27-37; 15:11-32).
     First, we have to be willing to forgive and willing to strive for grace. Micah 7:18 gives us a statement on why God forgives: "Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy."
   God forgives because He delights in showing mercy. God does get angry. He does have wrath. But that is not the way He wants things to be. God delights in showing mercy.

Do we?

Let me ask you to be honest with yourself and honest with God: When you release somebody—when you tell him or her that you forgive—do you walk away with steam coming out of your ears, or do you, yourself, feel released? If we really have forgiven, we will feel released as well. Now that may take time, but the decision to forgive will set us on the right path.

In Luke 6:35, Jesus sets the high

Standard of kingdom living:

"Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
    Being willing to forgive, in the end, is not grudging obedience to a God who is saying: "Can’t we all just get along?" Being merciful happens—really happens—only when God’s character is impressed on the crookedness and hardness of our character.

Look back at what I said here. It is important to know the difference between forbearance and Release. Understand the difference of forgiveness and injustice. By applying these simple rules, you can start to look ahead and not over your shoulder at past issues. By applying this ideology you can understand the true meaning and feelings of forgiveness. True Forgiveness!

I GIVE YOU a SEED of TRUTH, Nurture it and GROW!

God Bless,

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice Revilla
www.galerevilla.com/MorningStarMinistry

The Tree of Life; The Leaves

2011-04-21T09:01:00.001-07:00

"We all come from the same root, but the leaves are all different."

The Leaves on the TREE OF LIFE:
We all come from one God but we are all different and unique. Nothing in the Great Creation has a twin that is identical. Even children that are twins are different. Every single person is extremely special and unique. Each person has a purpose and reason why they are on the Earth. Just like every leaf on a tree is different, each one is needed to make the tree look like it does and make it what it is. No leaf is better or worse than the other - all leaves are of equal worth and belong on the tree. It is the same with human beings. We each belong here and do things that will affect the great whole. We as humans are the leaves of the tree and God is the trunk and the roots that make us who and what we are. For without the trunk and the roots, the leaves cannot prosper, grow and can never take root on the branch. For the branches are the denominations that hold to the trunk and they make the Tree of Life alive.

We are the leaves on the Tree of Life.

God Bless,

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice Revilla
aka Reverend/Mother Candice
www.galerevilla.com/MorningStarMinistry

The Veil of Submission, the Crown and The Women of God

2011-04-18T12:00:00.002-07:00

Many people in the Christian churches across the globe have gotten away from women wearing veils over their heads in churches. Maybe it is due the sexual revolution and the feminist movement that took place in the mid 1960’s. Where, women felt they were no longer subservient to their man, the home and to God. But for those who follow the scripture, it has never gone away. Many still follow this but it would seem that the Catholics were most prominent in women wearing veils. It is not only Catholicism way of life but is a Christian tradition and in scripture for reasons that I will explain.
Let me start off with, St. Jerome who translates this passage as “ideo debet mulier potestatem habere supra caput”. “Therefore the woman must wear the (symbol of the man’s) power over her head”]; we see that St. Jerome gave it a literal translation, and consequently did not further reveal its meaning. The Greek, according to Liddell and Scott, translates to “power” or “authority.”

This power, however, is not simply a strange way of saying “covering”; it means, quite literally, power or authority. The woman does not need a covering on her head in this verse; she needs authority over her head, “supra caput.” St. Paul is talking about authority being over the woman, just as God is in authority over mankind. The woman, therefore, needs “authority” over her head; the veil, the covering, represents that authority. St. Paul is setting up the veil as a sign of woman’s subjection to man.

1 Corinthians 11:10

The fruit of this doctrine of submission and covering is that simply by appearing with a covering on her head, the woman is giving testimony to many of Catholicism’s and Christians greatest truths. She proclaims simply by her head being covered that God is greater than man; that man is the leader within mankind; that woman is subjected to man. She is also proclaiming her personal submission to Jesus Christ, to her husband if she is married, and/or to her superiors if she is not. A mere garment declares all these things to a doubting world; woman is quite privileged to be able to wear it and not considered a burden. She stands out from the rest and makes a profound statement.
This analogy of Christ and mankind to man and woman also extends to the relationship of God to the Church. That is, man is to woman as Christ is to the Church. St. Paul himself makes this extension, telling us that “the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church.” So a woman who appears with a covered head is also proclaiming the submission of the Church to Christ, the covering on her head symbolizing the Church’s universal submission. Furthermore, by proclaiming one end of the analogy, she is also proclaiming the other. The covered woman is giving witness to the fact that “Christ also loved the Church, and delivered himself up for it.” She declares that her husband or man must love her just as Christ loves His Church, and that God lovingly watches over mankind just as — and much better than — her husband and/or man lovingly watches over her. This simple garment, when understood in this way, is a powerful witness to the Catholic and Christian faith; happy the sex that with so simple a gesture can proclaim such noble truths!

Ephesians 5:23-25

St. Paul illustrates this truth by referencing customs concerning hair. He argues that, men having short hair is the same as them keeping their heads uncovered; it symbolizes their authority over woman and the authority of Christ over the Church. Similarly, women having long hair are the same as them keeping their heads covered; it symbolizes their submission to man, and the submission of the Church to Christ. While this may seem like a local custom, St. Paul seems to hold otherwise, asking the Corinthians whether “nature itself” teaches “that a man indeed, if he nourish his hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman nourishes her hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering.” The custom of the veil, then, is reflected in nature; women grow their hair long because it is natural for their external appearance to reflect their submission, and men keep theirs short because it is natural for their external appearance to reflect their authority. The veil is how we perfect nature’s symbolism.

1 Corinthians 11:14–15

But does not St. Paul say that “her hair is given to her for a covering?” Why, then, does she need to wear a veil, when she is already covered? For the same reason that we wear wedding rings even though the Sacrament endures without them. Men require artificial signs of natural realities. One might as well ask why the priest wears vestments, when the very fact of offering the Mass is a sign of his authority. St. Paul requires women to cover their heads in addition to their long hair while “praying and prophesying,” saying that to do otherwise is like being shaven.

1 Corinthians 11:5

If he were referring only to the woman’s long hair, then to pray and prophesy uncovered would actually be praying and prophesying shaven and the analogy of uncovered to shaven would be superfluous. So St. Paul was definitely speaking of an actual covering over the woman’s head over and above her natural covering, at least while praying and prophesying. At other times, it seems, the hair alone is sufficient symbol of her submission to her husband and/or man.
This, at least, is what seems to me to be the only coherent interpretation of the text before hearing the words of the Church on the subject. What has the Church taught concerning these passages? The Church has not taught anything infallibly regarding their interpretation. However, many great thinkers have approached these verses, including Fathers and Doctors of the Church. I will examine their opinions of their meaning.

Any Catholic or Christian at all familiar with the Scriptures has run across 1 Corinthians 11, the chapter in which St. Paul discusses hair, veils, and hats. This chapter gives us a number of clues about the Christian tradition of the veil and the head-covering in general from a number of different avenues. First I will quote the text in its entirety, both to refresh the reader’s memory and to put the focus of the discussion on the table as simply as possible.

The Veil Text in Scripture

The Scriptural text, which I shall refer to as “the Veil Text,” upon which the whole Christian theology of the veil is based, is surprisingly lengthy, considering the treatment which other subjects receive in its context. It reads: (KJV)
“Be ye followers of me, as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that in all things you are mindful of me: and keep my ordinances as I have delivered them to you. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying with his head covered, disgraces his head. But every woman praying or prophesying with her head not covered, disgrace her head: for it is all one as if she were shaven. For if a woman be not covered, let her be shorn. But if it be a shame to a woman to be shorn or made bald, let her cover her head. The man indeed ought not to cover his head, because he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For the man is not of the woman, but the woman of the man. For the man was not created for the woman, but the woman for the man.
"Therefore ought the woman to have a power over her head, because of the angels. But yet neither is the man without the woman, nor the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, so also is the man by the woman: but all things of God.
You yourselves judge: doth it become a woman, to pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that a man indeed, if he nourish his hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman nourish her hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering. But if any man seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor the church of God.” (1)

For now I wish simply to lay out a surface interpretation of the text, an interpretation which merely takes St. Paul’s words and gives them their facial meaning. Essentially, St. Paul is saying that the veil — from the Latin velare, to cover — is necessitated by the tripartite relationship of God, man, and woman.

This simple reading is entirely clear. St. Paul begins by explaining that “the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” Here he is drawing an analogy, a classic analogy that has been used throughout the History of the Church, particularly in explaining the Sacrament of Matrimony: that man is to woman as Christ is to the Church. The head of man, St. Paul tells us, is Christ; the head of woman is man. He further tells us that man “is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.” Also, he observes that “the man is not of the woman, but the woman of the man.” The analogy of God and man to man and woman is clear, and definitely not alien to St. Paul.

1 Corinthians 11:3-11

Indeed, St. Paul is most hated by modern feminists and within homes of Matriarchs because of his formulation of this very theory in his Epistle to the Ephesians. There St. Paul makes the analogy much more explicitly, but it can easily be recognized as the same analogy all the same:
“Let women be subject to their husbands, as to the Lord: Because the husband/man is the head of the wife/woman, as Christ is the head of the church, He is the savior of his body. Therefore as the church is subject to Christ, so also let the wives/woman is to their husbands/man in all things. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it.”

Ephesians 5:22–25

The similarities between the passages are clear: the Veil Text and this text from Ephesians are expressing the same analogy. Indeed, the Douay-Rheims even makes a cross-reference to Ephesians 5 in I Corinthians 11, and vice versa. So, incidentally, do some newer translations, including the Catholic Edition of the Revised Standard Version — although that version neglects a cross-reference from Ephesians back to I Corinthians, it recognizes the tie between the two by referencing Ephesians from I Corinthians. The conclusion that St. Paul is drawing the same analogy in both passages is inescapable.

St. John Chrysostom, St. Ambrose and St. Augustine –believed very strongly that God designed the world in a particular way, and that each person or thing has its appointed place, women not excepted. The veil was a visible reminder of woman’s place in the world, as the representative of the Church in the divine analogy in which all men participate. To remove the veil was to symbolically remove woman from her proper place, the place for which God made her and the only place in which she can really be happy and fulfill her end. Thus, removing the veil is not liberating, but enslaving, in the same way in which Satan’s rebellion was enslaving: one cannot attempt to gain a place other than that which is appointed. Only by remaining what she is, the truly glorious thing that she is, can woman become what God made her to be.

Perhaps St. John Chrysostom, such an ardent defender of the veil, stated it best:
“But if any say, ‘Nay, how can this be a shame to the woman, if [by removing the veil] she mount up to the glory of the man?’ we might make this answer: ‘She doth not mount up, but rather falls from her own proper honor.’ Since not to abide within our own limits and the law ordained of God, but to go beyond, is not an addition but a diminution. For as he that desireth other men’s goods and seizeth what is not his own, hath not gained anything more, but is diminished, having lost even that which he had (which kind of thing also happened in Paradise); so likewise the woman acquireth not the man’s dignity, but loseth even the woman’s decency which she had. And not from hence only is her shame and reproach, but also on account of her covetousness.” (7)

It is not that the Fathers wished to degrade the woman; they wished to raise her up from the muck of the fall and place her on the glorious throne which God has prepared for her. The veil removed from the
Woman’s head does not liberate her, rather it enslaves her and she loses the crown and glory not only to man but to God. One must understand the symbolism of the veil.

I have visited many Christian churches and I was the only one who wore a veil over my head. Modern times has allowed it for the woman to remove the veil but does this new modern ideology that is not backed by the Christian churches hurting the woman more than praising her? I believe so in my personal opinion.

By not making this rule within the modern day churches and leaving it up to the woman whether she wishes to wear a veil or not, should at least inform all the women of the church congregation of why it is a good thing to wear a veil during worshipping or prophesying to the people. That if it not be a church doctrine then at least inform the woman of what is at hand and what it is said in scripture and then leave it up to her to make her own decision. That is as close to appeasing the feminist who balk at anything in the Bible because of how the woman is placed and her status role within scripture. Things have changed indeed, especially during the mid 1960’s. Yes, I remember, I was there.

By the turn of the twentieth century, the ornate bonnets of the nineteenth century had given way to ladies= hats. Until the mid-century, women in Europe and America typically wore a hat or scarf in public, but they were simply following tradition and fashion without realizing that there was originally a spiritual reason behind the practice. Similarly, until about 1960, western women wore hats when in church. But the meaning behind the hat was lost. Basically the churches did not inform the woman of its significance, purpose and symbolism.

Today, Christian women in eastern churches still cover their heads in church. Some of them cover their heads all of the time. In the west, some Plymouth Brethren women still wear the prayer veil in church, as do many black women. But usually these sisters do not wear a head covering at other times.
Generally speaking, in the west today, only the Mennonite, Amish, Brethren and Hutterite women still practice wearing a head covering at all times. However, in recent years, they have been joined by thousands of Christian women from house churches and other independent congregations who have re-discovered this New Testament practice.
I feel once women get a better understanding of their role in the church and how they are looked at, that many more women will once again start wearing veils in and out of church.

In Conclusion: I have been guilty as well in staying away from the veil in and out of church. But, when I started working towards my Doctorate I did some research and started to re-think the ideology of the veil. I now wear it in church but I am also contemplating on wearing it at anytime that I do any sort of Ministerial duties. It not only sets me apart and that they know I am a Reverend but also allow me to set an example as to why the veil was important for the woman to wear. Many today still say that it is a Catholic thing and I disagree wholeheartedly because it is written in the Holy Bible and the Bible is not Catholic rather, Christian. These scriptures are not in the old testament as many would say that it would not apply, but in the New Testament and written not just once but several times over in the Bible.

So I am also adjusting and maybe some time in the near future I will wear a veil all the time as it is originally written. But for now, I will wear it always in church and really considering whenever I do ministerial work.
As you read, it will be my submission to God, the Church and Man. It will be my crown for all to see, that I am a woman of God.

God Bless,

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice Revilla
aka Reverend/Mother Candice
www.galerevilla.com/MorningStarMinistry

Prayer & Faith

2011-04-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

This is a cute story that will put a smile on you ~ A pastor had a little kitten stuck up in a tree, and the kitty would not come down. The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and drove until the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten. As he moved just a little too far, the rope broke. The tree snapped upright and the kitten instantly sailed through the air and out of sight.

He felt just terrible and walked all over the neighborhood asking people if they had seen a little kitten. Nobody had and finally he prayed, "Lord, I commit this kitten to Your keeping," and then went about his business.
A few days later, he was at the grocery store and met one of his church members. In her shopping cart he was amazed to see cat food. Now this woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he asked her why she was buying cat food when she hated cats so much.
She replied, "You won't believe this, but I have been refusing to buy my little girl a cat even though she has been begging for one. Finally I told her that if God gives you a cat, I'll let you keep it.

"I watched my child go out into the yard, get on her knees and ask God for a cat. Really, Pastor, you won't believe this, but I saw it with my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the blue sky with its paws spread out and landed right in front of her. Of course I had to let her keep the kitten because it came from God..."

God Bess,

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice
www.galerevilla.com/MorningStarMinistry

A Bikers Prayer

2011-03-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

I saw this and had to share it with all of you.

God Bless,

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice

Our God is an Awesome God

2011-03-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

Being that now is the seson of Lent that leads to Palm Sunday and Easter. I felt that this Awesome Video would inspire you as it does me every time I see it.

I will be adding more videos during Lent.

God Bless your day and enjoy the video.

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice Revilla D.D.
www.galerevilla.com/morningstarministry

God Dislikes Preachers

2011-03-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

It would seem that many people for one reason or another do not like the clergy, (Ministers, Pastors, Priest, Reverends).
Recently there was a heated discussion going on and a non-Christian gentleman got so frustrated that he reverted to calling the Minister derogatory names. The Minister told the readers (this was online) that calling a Minister names is a sin not only against the Minister but also God. This is serious but for a non-christian, it meant nothing. He finally said that, GOD DISLIKES PREACHERS! Let me bring to you Scripture:

John 15: 18-22

18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

20: Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.

21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin

2 Timothy 4: 1-5 (NIV)

1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:
2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Please understand that, according to scripture, publicly ridiculing and calling a clergy names is a sin against Jesus our Lord God. This is serious stuff people. I am not just talking about me rather, any man or woman of the cloth (clergy). You may not like what is said or how it is put. Be careful in what you say and how you disagree or you can commit a serious sin against my Master.

I Give you a SEED of TRUTH, nurture it and Grow!

♥ God Bless

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice Revilla D.D.
www.galerevilla.com/morningstarministry

Professor Jesus: His students, the Book and his Kingdom

2011-03-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

Professor Jesus: His students, the Book and his Kingdom

Many are always telling me about the fallacies in the Bible and that they were written by man so they have no meaning or merit. Here is a modern day example of how it was done 1,900+ years ago.

Professor Jesus decided it was time to build his NEW church and teach his first ever class of students that he called - "Disciples." When he was done teaching these "Disciples" they will be the new teachers who will teach what Professor Jesus had taught them. This is how teachers populate the world in school today.

Like all good students who go to class, these disciples brought paper and pen with them to write down what Professor Jesus had to say and teach. I mean who would come to class without a notebook right?

So Professor Jesus started talking/teaching and had these 12 students (it was a small class) take note, so that they don’t forget these very, very important lessons. He not only made them write his words down, but also sent a special tutor that he called, “The Angel of Truth.” This special tutor was there to help his students who would later write all the things that took place when Professor Jesus was around. These students, who by this time are now teachers, might forget some of the things that Professor Jesus did and the Angel of Truth would remind them of incidences that took place.

Professor Jesus had many, many field trips to show examples of his teachings to his 12 special students.

Just before Professor Jesus was about to finish up and leave and his first ever class to graduate, he had told his students to write and to build some buildings across the land. These buildings he called, “Churches.” These Special buildings taught what Professor Jesus taught to his 12 special students who are now teachers themselves.

12 student/teachers/disciples and 12 different notebooks. Someone said, “Hey, lets get these 12 notebooks that these once special students who are now teachers, and lets combine them into one big text manual.” So instead of having a book of Paul or a book of Peter or Matthew and so on: One Book of Professor Jesus’ teachings. Well, we can’t call it a Math book, or a History book although, it does deal with history. Let’s name this book the, “Bible.” This book can be referred to biblical written references and Professor Jesus’ teachings.

Do you understand the jest of what I write here? You go to school and are taught by teachers. These same teachers went to school and were taught by teachers and then by Professors to get their credentials to teach you. It always comes back to a Professor who taught teachers who became Professors and teach students who can go teach and become professors. This goes on and on for generations to come. You most often DO NOT question the teaching credentials of a Professor because you know that he/she has been learning and learning and then finally teaching you. He or she has spent years and years learning to be a Professor. Understand that Professor Jesus taught these disciples for years before they went to go teach his word to the world. Top it off, Professor Jesus even sent a tutor to help them after he left to make sure that nothing was forgotten by human error.

Of course the Bible was written by man. Special Students that Professor Jesus selected to write it all down (like any student would), and then go teach it once they understood what was taught.
Scholars later put together all the writings from their notebooks from these original 12 students/teachers and called the book the, “Bible.” This is the Manual according to Professor Jesus written by his students with the help of a tutor the, “Angel of Truth.”
This is how education is taught all over the world since writing was invented. All Manuals are put together by scholars who legitimize the book. Why does a layperson (one who does not teach) criticize a Manual that they barely know or think they know without years and years of dedicated studying?

No layperson would criticize a doctor’s manual just because they read it and think otherwise. The doctor’s manual was written by man and legitimized by scholars so to speak. Yet they will with the Bible Manual.
God sent that same tutor to Moses and told him to write down what the tutor told him. This went on with other Special people as well. This created the 1st Testament.

God finally realized that people were just not getting his message properly and decided to pull out a piece of him and send that piece to earth and call him, “Professor Jesus.”
So when one says that the book has fallacies because it was written by man and you THINK you are more educated than Professor Jesus, you’re doing the book injustice. The Manual is exactly that, a Manual. The Churches have teachers to help you with the manual (clergy). Some churches actually have Professors and there called, Doctors in Ministry or Doctor of Religion or even a Doctor of Divinity.

A Master Mechanic is a Master of what he does. But the Master Mechanic was taught by a Professor. The Disciples are like Master Mechanics and have mastered the word of God. But it was the Original teacher who taught them that. He was/is Professor Jesus.

God Bless,

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice Revilla D.D.
www.galerevilla.com/morningstarministry

A Ministry of Love ~ TRUE LOVE

2011-02-26T14:06:00.006-07:00

Morning Star Ministry ~ A Ministry of Love
Loving the Unlovely Matthew 8:1-15

I had walked up on two women in conversation. One of them I knew and the other was a total stranger. I had placed my hand on the upper back of the stranger listening in on the conversation and started caressing her upper back shoulder blades. After a few seconds the woman turned to me and jumped back. She had this evil stare at me and said, "What are you doing?" I looked at her off guard and had to think for a moment. Then I told her that I was giving her "True Love." She looked at me with contempt and said, "I am STRAIGHT!" I did everything I could to not laugh and decided to walk off before my friend introduced me to the stranger. She felt that a caress had a sexual intent.

I was talking to some other people and turned to see the woman that I placed my hand on her back earlier standing next to me. I smiled and she said, "Your friend told me who you were and I want to apologize for my actions. I didn't know who you were." I smiled at her and said, "It's alright, I forget that I touch everyone all the time and never give it a second thought." She said what made her jump was that she could feel this warmth on her upper back like someone placed something very warm on her and that she was not use to something like that. I told her that it was God's love and that it brings warmth to those who receive it and feel it. I then asked her for a hug and she allowed it. I did give her a long caressing hug and the smile on her face afterwards made it all worth it. She had received God's TRUE LOVE! When I touch, I send a blast of the Holy Spirit into them. Many people don't understand the feeling that they get. A weak mind will go in the wrong direction. A strong Spiritual heart embraces.

I gave a man and a woman a hug and they both caressed my entire back with the long hug. I did the same and we smiled at each other and went with God in our hearts. Caressing is Love for one another. True Love and not some ill intent that so many put on that word. I had one gentleman caress my stomach and I asked why he was doing that? He said because it needed to be. I said okay.
Another woman put her hand on my chest, between my breast and placed her hand there and closed her eyes. I could actually feel her love through her hand. She opened her eyes and I gave her a long hug and love from my heart. That is TRUE LOVE!

Here is some other types and examples of TRUE LOVE; Jesus had just come down from the mountain where He had set forth the great truths about what it meant to be His disciples. Among them, He said that it was easy to love people who love you. More difficult, Jesus said, was to love those who do not love up. Matthew's gospel tells us that no sooner had He come down from the mountain than He had to put into practice some of the very things He had been preaching. Almost immediately, it seems He had three encounters with three very different types of people. From them we can learn a great deal about what it means to be His follower and to be a citizen of his kingdom of TRUE LOVE.

First, we can see that He Touched the Untouchable. Matthew tells us that this untouchable was a literal untouchable, a leper. Luke's description of the same encounter says the man was "full of leprosy." Apparently, this man did not have just one lesion or a few snowy white spots on the skin. To paraphrase, it might be said that this man was eaten up with leprosy. In The Miracles of Christ, David Redding describes leprosy in this way:
"No other disease can touch its hideous talent for mixing agony with horror. It strikes a small spot on the skin silently, like a viper, and no one notices until the dreaded numbness sets in and the deathly snow-white color gives it away. Then the victim is subjected to a savage siege of terror as the killer advances slowly, relentlessly, spreading like a venomous stain, finger by finger, often erasing the face first, leaving behind a messy trail of ugly scabs and sores like open sewers. The hands are frozen into claws long before they drop off. The feet boil up into bandaged stumps before they are left behind. The leper's voice breaks into a cracked record of its former self and his features draw tight into the infamous leonine look until they too leave. The flesh rots off, bones give up, inch by creeping inch. Where it stops nobody knows. In odor and appearance, leprosy has no competitor."

Of all the diseases described in the Bible, no disease was more horrible than leprosy. Horror and pain bombarded the leper daily. Jewish law forced these victims outside the mainstream. Lepers were considered cursed by God and suspected of terrible sins. After all, why else would God punish someone so terribly unless they had done something awful. At least this is what they believed.

Of all of the miracles performed by Jesus, few were as spectacular as those where He healed lepers. We don't know why this man came to Jesus in such an advanced state. Surely, he must have thought his leprosy was so terrible that even Jesus could not heal him. He perhaps heard that Jesus told of a God of love, and lived a different lifestyle. Jesus was moved with compassion. "He touched him." Jesus didn't have to touch him. He healed others without a touch. Why did He do it? I believe He did so to show compassion, to affirm and to reassure. It had been so long since this man had known human touch but Jesus sensed that he needed it. He loved someone very different from Him.

In Matthew we hear those immortal five words from Jesus as He tells his disciples, "I was hungry, and you fed Me; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me." We, too, must touch the untouchable -- we have been touched, we must touch. Some people need the touch of reassurance while others need the touch of compassion. Still others need the touch of faith and others the touch of Christian witness. Whom do you need to touch and caress in TRUE LOVE? I touch many and many run. I touch some and they remain. They feel God's love through my hand and my heart and soul.
Not only did Jesus touch the untouchable but also He Received the Unacceptable. The next person he encountered was a Roman centurion. Typically, the centurion was a captain of 100 -- probably in this case he commanded the garrison of Capernaum. Matthew was from Capernaum and probably knew the man personally. The centurion was a Roman citizen and soldier. From the Jewish standpoint, not only was he a Gentile, but he was also a leader of the Roman oppressors. He would have been despised by the Jews. To make matters even worse he was not asking for himself but for his slave who Luke says was dear to him. This slave was in tremendous pain. Literally translated, the word used here for pain means "examined by torture." The centurion comes asking for Jesus to heal his slave. He knows Jesus has power and authority. he knows that Jesus had compassion and love.

Jesus is being called upon to practice what He has just preached. He is asked for help by the enemy. What He had just said was "Love your enemies." Now He is required to put that into action. And He does. Something remarkable happens here. The faith demonstrated by this normally unacceptable centurion was far greater than that of even the religious elite. Despite the fact that Jesus risked the anger of those who would have disapproved of His aiding the Gentile oppressor, He acts.

Years ago a great preacher, John Henry Jowett, said, "Ministry that costs nothing accomplishes nothing." Jesus was willing to minister here to an outsider even at the risk of the anger of others. He was willing to love an enemy.

Who are the unacceptable? Those who are our enemies, who have wronged us. The unacceptable are those who are different, who have racial, cultural and even religious differences from us. The unacceptable are those who make us angry and those who stand for things very different from us. Just because we accept them does not mean we have to accept the things they do. It does mean we are called to forgive them and accept them, especially when they demonstrate faith. This should be done even when the faith may seem to be incomplete.

Not only did Jesus receive the unacceptable and touch the untouchable but also in the final encounter in this passage we see that Jesus Valued the Unprofitable. The third healing which takes place in this passage is that of Peter's mother-in-law. Quite frankly, this woman was of no practical value to Jesus or, for that matter, to Peter either. She was most likely an illiterate second-class citizen, probably an elderly woman living in the house of her son-in-law. Not only this, but the woman was also a person who could do little for His ministry. She had little wealth or influence, unlike the centurion. This disease carries no drama in the healing like that of the leper. The "fever" which she had may have been a disease that was contagious -- some have suggested typhoid, cholera or malaria. Yet once again He heals. The scripture says He "touched her." An amazing thing happened. The woman was no longer a burden but became a blessing.

How can we value the unprofitable? We need to realize that all people, regardless of their age, class, race, socioeconomic background or educational levels have value and worth. We need to consider that all people are important. If we are to be faithful to Christ in all things then we will love people who have nothing to offer us in return. And we'll love them because even they have the image of God in them.

Years ago, an African-American congregation began preparations for a revival meeting with great expectations due to the fact that an outstanding black evangelist was coming to speak. The weeks beforehand were filled with preparations for the first day of the meetings. Finally, the day came. The pastor of the congregation gave a flowery introduction of their guest. The choirs sang with great enthusiasm and prayers said with great fervency. With great anticipation the congregation awaited the sermon as the evangelist rose to speak. But instead of beginning his message, the minister quietly went to the piano and sat down.

In the next moments he began simply and softly to play a quiet melody. The congregation fell silent. As they listened, they heard him beginning to sing quietly. Every person leaned forward to hear his words. Finally, they could hear what he was singing as he slowly grew louder. Over and over he was singing the words, "I will, I will." Catching the spirit of his singing, the congregation began to join in and the evangelist sang and played more loudly. Before long the entire building was virtually shaking with the hearty singing of the enthusiastic congregation as they sang "I will, I will." Then abruptly the evangelist stopped playing and singing. As the congregation once again fell silent, the minister closed his eyes and raised his hand toward the sky. Loudly he prayed, "Lord, you've heard our answer. Now ask us your question."

What question is God asking you? Who is He asking you to touch? Who is He asking you to accept? Who is He asking you to value? Who is He asking you to love?

This New Ministry foundation and cornerstone shall be, "LOVE." I give that love to you, Jesus gives that love to you. Touch, touch my hand and feel its warmth. Touch my chest and feel God's Love in me. Caress me as I caress you and feel TRUE LOVE enter your heart.

I know some of you will be like that woman who I placed my hand on her back and caressed her. But, she felt the warmth of True Love and the Love of God. It will take effort on your part since you have been conditioned that a "caress" means that you are straight and other intentions creep in. Understand True Love. Hold my hand and let us walk together into the kingdom of Heaven. It is time for your change in life. Come with me. Come to me. Let us begin that change today. For I know that today you cannot touch me or caress me Spiritually, Emotionally and Physically. If you cannot do it with me now, then surely you cannot to a stranger. Let us work on it for tomorrow. ~ God Bless.

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice Revilla D.D.
http://www.galerevilla.com/morningstarministry

Parts written by, Michael E. Williams

Breaking Traditions & the Mustard Seed

2011-02-24T18:39:00.001-07:00

At the synagogue Jesus follows to deliver this woman. First He looks at her, and then He calls her. This old woman was bent over and could only see the floor due to being possessed of a demonic spirit. She had been hunched over for 18 years. I wonder if Jesus bent down and looked into her eyes? I imagine Him as He looks into those fearful but hopeful eyes. He smiles and says, "Ma’am, you are set free from your infirmity." She is still bent over, so Jesus reaches out and touches her.

I love Luke verse 13. It says, "Immediately she straightened up and praised God." I don’t know what she said or sang; it just says she started praising God. If she were around today, maybe she would have sung, "Love lifted me, love lifted me! When nothing else could help, love lifted me."

Now, that leads us to your Life Lesson: When Jesus touches you, you’ll straighten up and praise God!
Maybe you feel the weight of the world has doubled you over. You feel bent out of shape because of the burdens you have to carry. Worry and anxiety can bend you over. Heartache, pain, frustration and suffering can bend you over. Some of you have lost your jobs; you’ve been hurt, abused or rejected; and it seems as if you can’t look up. You may be trapped in some sin or carrying around some deep, dark secret; and you feel bent out of shape. People say, "Just look up!" and your reply is, "I can’t!" They say, "Just shake it off!" You say, "I can’t!"

Jesus wants to do the same for you that He did for this woman. First, He sees you, and He knows your pain. You can hide your pain from others behind a smile, but Jesus sees you. Second, He calls you to Himself. "Come to me all you who labor and are bent over with care, and I’ll give you rest." Next, He speaks to you to let you know that you can be set free from your weakness.

But best of all, He touches you. Every time you encounter Jesus in worship, He touches you. Here’s His word for you: "Straighten up." If your marriage is a mess and you feel bent over from the burden, let Jesus touch you, then straighten up and praise Him. If addicted to something, Satan has you bound; let Jesus touch you, then straighten up and praise Him. My friend, you can’t be touched by Jesus and stay the same. Let Him touch you and deliver you today.

Now, this poor woman was not the only crippled person there that day. We also see a man who was:

Bent Out of Shape by Religious Rules (Luke 13:14-16)
The poor woman who had been set free was praising the Lord, and all her friends were rejoicing and shouting, "Hallelujah, praise the Lord!" But the leader of the synagogue couldn’t stand it. This was out of the ordinary, and he didn’t like it one bit. He became indignant—bent all out of shape.
In the midst of the rejoicing, he jumped to his feet and ordered everyone to be quiet and stop rejoicing. Things were NOT going to get out of hand in HIS synagogue! He even quoted Exodus 20:9 to justify his action. There wasn’t going to be any healing in HIS synagogue on the Sabbath. No sir! It’s one thing to quote Scripture; it’s another thing to correctly apply it!

Apparently, the synagogue ruler had a few others who agreed with his action because Jesus addressed His words to a group. I like the way Eugene Peterson paraphrases it in The Message:

"You frauds! Each Sabbath every one of you unties your cow or donkey from its stall, leads it out for water and thinks nothing of it. So why isn’t it all right for me to untie this daughter of Abraham and lead her from the stall where Satan has had her tied these eighteen years?"
The Jews had made so many loopholes in the Sabbath laws, they had figured out a way to untie their livestock and lead them to water, even if the water was more than a Sabbath’s walk away. Jesus accused them of treating their animals better than they treated people!

Sadly, the descendants of this self-appointed religious expert are still with us today. These uptight folks are relying more on a set of strict religious rules than on a liberating, joyous relationship with God. They are often called legalists or religious traditionalists. You can usually spot them when other folks get happy in the Lord and start praising God. Like the man in our text, they are quick to complain. They still get upset when they see someone having a good time in the Lord. I guess it’s because they think religion ought to make you miserable; and if you are enjoying yourself, you can’t be very spiritual. Those who have been set free by Jesus are under the constant scrutiny of these legalists who are ready to condemn any unexpected exuberance.
It’s nothing new. It was happening 3,000 years ago. In 2 Samuel 6 there is an interesting story about King David. The Ark of God had been out of Jerusalem for a long time, and finally David arranged to have it brought back to the city of Jerusalem. As the priests were carrying the ark into the city, David got so excited that the Bible says he, "danced before the Lord with all his might!" I don’t know exactly what that means, except I suppose David was so full of joy he just got happy feet.
One of his wives, Michal, saw him and despised his behavior; she got all bent out of shape. She mocked him and, in words dripping with sarcasm, accused him of being "undignified." I love David’s reply. He didn’t let her rob his joy; he just said, "I will celebrate before the Lord and become even MORE undignified, because my dignity isn’t as important as celebrating the goodness of God" (2 Sam. 6:12-22).

Sam Jones was a Methodist Evangelist who lived and preached in the late 1800s. He was known to be extremely plain spoken. Once he was preaching about how some people refuse to get enthusiastic about God because they are afraid they might lose their "dignity." He said: "Dignity is the starch of the shroud. The more dignity a fellow has the nearer dead he is. I expect to be as dignified as some of you when they put me in my coffin."

Every church has what I call "the cold-water committee." Whenever the fire of God starts burning in the hearts of some folks, they rise up and pour cold water on it. Whenever there’s a new and creative way to do church, they pour cold water on that idea. The cold-water committee is not an elected committee; the members are self-appointed. They think it is their job to make sure things don’t get out of hand in their church. Their favorite phrases are, "We don’t do things like that around here," or, "We’ve never done it that way before." Like the ruler of the synagogue, these people may even quote a little Scripture; but they are more into rules than into the liberty Jesus gives.

Don’t become a part of that committee, and don’t pay any attention when someone on that committee corners you to complain about something he or she doesn’t like.
There are some religious traditions that are completely benign. But when you allow traditions to overshadow the Word of God, that’s when they become dangerous. Jesus said in Mark 7:8,13, "You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men ... thus, you nullify the Word of God by your tradition which you have handed down."
God is always at work in the now, and a tradition always anchors us to the past. Someone has written a clever definition of a religious tradition: "A clock that tells you what time it was." It’s sad to say that many churches and many Christians still want things to be the way they "used to be." When they sing about "the old-time religion" they aren’t talking about 2,000 years ago in the Book of Acts; they are talking about church in the south in the 1950s and 1960s!
Here’s the Life Lesson: God’s laws aren’t to tie you down but to set you free! The law of God was never intended to restrict you but to set you free. Jesus said the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. In Galatians 3:24 Paul is writing to a group of Christians who have forfeited their liberty under grace and have slipped back into the straight jacket of the law. He says, "The law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law."
Legalists don’t enjoy their faith—and they don’t want anyone else to enjoy it either. A legalist is someone whose list of rules is longer than God’s, and they want to impose their list of rules and regulations on others. Max Lucado wrote: "Legalism has no pity on people. Legalism makes my opinion your burden, makes my opinion your boundary, makes my opinion your obligation. Nothing will keep a Christian more immature than trying to keep a long list of rules" (Up Words, May 1993).

Ask yourself: Am I delighted about all the wonderful things God is doing in our church? Or am I a little skeptical? The common people heard Jesus gladly, but the religious people stayed irritated. It’s still true today. These two simple parables of the Kingdom explain why we should be full of joy. The Kingdom of God is not a bunch of rules; it’s having a personal relationship with the King.

One of the best definitions of the Kingdom of God is found in Romans 14:17, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking [religious rules], but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." You are enjoying the Kingdom when the Holy Ghost of God is filling your life and you have right standing before the Father. In addition, you have inner peace and a joy that can’t be contained.

1). His Kingdom starts out small but grows large.
This brings you to my small Ministry that I am just forming and trying to take hold. My Ministry is a mustard seed that is tiny, but it has something in it that a grain of sand doesn’t: life. The mustard plant in Galilee has brilliant yellow flowers and can grow to be over nine feet tall. Tiny birds can build nests in its branches. Like that seed, the Kingdom is alive and although it starts small, it grows. That’s true of the Body of Christ, the church. Jesus started with only 12 men, and one of them was a fake. Jesus told them to change the world—that’s from a pretty small seed. On the Day of Pentecost, there were only 120 people in the Upper Room; and today there are more than 2 billion Christians. It started small; but it has certainly grown.

This is also true personally. When you first enter the Kingdom of God, you don’t fully understand the impact it has on you. It’s a small part of your life, like a mustard seed. But if you are truly growing as a Christian, the older you get, the influence and impact of God in your life grows and grows until knowing and serving God becomes the single-most-important goal in your life.
Sadly, some people receive the seed of God’s Word, but for a variety of reasons the seed doesn’t take root, and they soon drop out and are never heard from again, except maybe on Easter or Christmas. Can you testify today that God’s influence is growing larger and larger in your life? If you can, the seed has taken firm root in your heart.

2. His Kingdom changes every part of your life.
If you are going to bake good bread, you can take a pinch of yeast and put it in the bread dough. Like a mustard seed, yeast is "alive." I didn’t realize this until I accessed the Fleischmann’s Yeast Web site. It says, "In yeast, there are thousands of living, plant-like micro-organisms. When activated by warm liquid, and fed by sugar or starch, the yeast releases tiny bubbles of carbon dioxide gas. This gas is what makes the dough rise and achieve its light texture after baking."
Yeast acts as a catalyst to change the nature of the bread dough. Just a tiny bit of yeast can affect an entire lump of dough. That’s the point Jesus is making. The Kingdom of God is a living catalyst that changes every part of your life. You cannot have an encounter with God and stay the same.
Yeast also works invisibly on the inside of the dough. Religion attempts to change people from the outside in; it’s very interested in appearances. However, the Kingdom of God works invisibly on the inside of your life, and—like yeast—God changes you from the inside out. The Kingdom of God is not outward appearance or behavior; it is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Are you allowing the Kingdom of God to change your life?

Whatever is broken in your life, Jesus can fix it. If you are bent out of shape by suffering, Jesus sees you and calls you. He came to set you free from Satan’s bondage; and when He touches you, you will never be the same again! You may be bent out of shape by religious rules, a miserable legalist. Jesus came to set you free from the chains and weights of the law. Will you let Him?
He wants you to be delighted in what He is doing right now, and that can only happen when you allow His Kingdom to be real in your life.We are all like the old Humpty Dumpty:

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall;
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall;
All the King’s horses and all the
King’s men;
Couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty back together again.

Some of you know the problem: you’ve fallen, and you can’t get up. We live in a world of broken people. Life is fragile; it should be handled with care because people break easily. All the self-help programs and the religious rules can’t fix the broken hearts, broken hopes and broken homes of people around us. My Master, Jesus Christ was the only person who ever claimed to be able to heal broken hearts. Here is the last stanza to Humpty Dumpty. It goes this way:

Jesus Christ came to your wall;
And on the Cross, He died for your fall;
Regardless of death and in spite of your sin;
Through grace, He can put you together again!

In Conclusion:
If you understood what was written, then know that "Indignity" runs rampant through my veins for my Master. Such Joy and happiness I feel. I wish to share that with you. Enter with me the Kingdom of our Lord as mustard seeds and let us grow together.

Now I am sure your asking if there are rules. Of course there are, just not so stringent that you do not nurture that seed you carry inside of you.
Yes there is sacrifice and obedience as well as mortification (Fasting). But there is so much more and one of the Main things that Jesus tells us to have is, "Love for him and Love for one another."
Are most capable of this from the start? No! But in time you will know what it means to be free and with Jesus our Lord, God in your hearts and then you will see and feel "True Love." Then the second part of that true love falls into place as you treat one another with this wonderful gift that awaits you.
From what you have read, you can see that Traditionalist are conservative. Jesus was not and he made it clear he wasn't a traditionalist or conservative. Love should never be corralled.

I Give You a SEED of Truth, nurture it and Grow!

God Bless,

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice Revilla D.D.
www.galerevilla.com/morningstarministry

Let God into Your Heart

2011-02-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

Truly, truly let God into your heart and watch the miracles land before you. He will literally change your life and those around you. ♥ I Give you a SEED of TRUTH, nurture it and Grow! ♥ God Bless

So many walk through life telling me or saying that, they believe in God, or that they have God in their hearts. Yet, when I really ask them, they only half heartily pray to God. Only half heartily read his words. Only half heartily follow his ways.
Those same people complain to me that God doesn't answer them or that things are never right with them.
Let me say this in street talk for a second: "Give a half-ass effort and you will get a half-ass result." You don't really expect to see miracles and life changing experiences when you are giving half heartily do you? Come on, use some common sense.

You want to see miracles and have a life changing experience? Put 100% of God into your heart and THEN you will see things happen.
All those problems will seem to either go away or become easier to tend with. This includes, Love relationships, finances, health, family, kids and more. You want to see things change? Then YOU MUST make that change first.
God will not come to you until you call him. You don't dial half a phone number to make a call. You have to dial the entire number. That is the same with God. You have to actually call him and dial the entire number before he answers you. A half dialed number doesn't reach its destination. A half dialed number will never reach God. Make the 100% and dial the entire number and HE WILL ANSWER!

Understand that you cannot do this alone. You cannot get through life with love, happiness and content without my Master Jesus our Lord thy God standing next to you! .. Your not big enough, your not strong enough, your not bad-ass enough and you don't have the things to make you all that you can be without God by your side.
Yeah, yeah I know, what will your friends think if they knew you have God in your heart. Who cares what they think. If they all jump off a bridge, are you going to jump off too because they did? Do not be concerned with peer pressure or what others will think of you.

The question is to you: Do you want to Live for ever? Do you want Eternal Life? Those things can be reached ONLY thru God himself.
I can show you that path and what must be done, but YOU HAVE to want it! I can't do it for you. You must make 100% effort and dial the entire number or it don't happen.

You want to see things change around you? You want to see people react different to you? You want to see miracles happen before you? Then you MUST KNOW GOD first!

To you Atheist, Pagans and Scientist. Think about this, for I will NOT bash you but give you thoughts and words to ponder on: What has Your goddess done for you? What Salvation do she bring you? What Scriptures do your faith come from? For Mother Earth is Part of God. For Space is the womb of the Woman and the planets are the seed of Man.
Those ingredients are from God who put it all into play. Nothing created this world. The Big Bang came from nothing and mankind and all its animals come from NOTHING? God is the ingredients and he is Something. Even if the BIG BANG had occurred, then those Ingredients that brought on the BIG BANG are from GOD! Understand the Creation of Ingredients from God and you will finally understand the ending that is GOD! You can say, goddess help me, you can say Nothing help me, you can say all those words but, it comes down to WHO created you and this wondrous world and the Universe.
14 Billions light years across that Nothing created doesn't make much common sense. Chance just doesn't happen that way. Not when the answer is right in front of you.

Those who say there is NO GOD, needs to look around. Everything single thing on this planet from day one is from GOD.
That includes your cell phone and PC and the TV and the car you drive. Every single stem cell or amoeba cell that science test and every single atom is an ingredient from GOD! It did not come from NOTHING! No goddess has ever proclaimed those ingredients. Only God has. Put down your "Nothing" book, put down your, "Goddess" book and pick up God's book (The Bible).
That's where the answers are. Then all the other things fall into place.

I Give you a SEED of TRUTH! Nurture it and Grow.

God Bless,

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice Revilla
http://www.galerevilla.com/morningstarministry

The Fallen Angels (sons of God) and the Giant Nephilims

2011-02-20T13:24:00.004-07:00

In my own research, I have seen wondrous thing that our Lord God (my Master) has allowed and brought into this world.
Today Giant people are rare in comparison to how they were in ancient times and the writing of the Bible. Most if not all scientist shun away from the Ancient Giants because it debunks their scientific belief and it gives credit to Creation which they don’t want to do. Remember, in Micro-Evolution according to science, we came from the Monkey and Giant Hybrid men does not fit into the scientific scheme that they proclaim. The Bible tackles this in small and Epic ways.

I can give you rows and rows of scripture here in reference to the Offspring of the Giant “Nephilims” that were on earth before and after the great flood. Gen. 6-4.

A common belief which we share is that the “sons of God” who did marry the “daughters of men” were fallen angels.

Why did God send the judgment of the flood in the days of Noah? The strange events recorded in Genesis 6 were understood by the ancient rabbinical sources, as well as the Septuagint translators, as referring to fallen angels procreating hybrid offspring with human women-known as the Nephilim. This was far more than simply a historical issue, the unique events leading to the Flood are a prerequisite to understanding the prophetic implications of our Lord’s predictions regarding His Second Coming. This is believed to have happened both before the Flood and after the flood. In Israel at the time of David, and before this when the Hebrews were scouting the land - there were tribes of these Nephilim - Goliath the giant of Gath is one example. Early Church fathers also understood this to be the case. It appears that these fallen angels were active all over the world.

These giants living on the earth are also echoed in the legends and myths of nearly every ancient culture. The ancient Greeks, the Egyptians, the Hindus, the South Sea Islanders, the American Indians, and most all the others have these legends.

The Hebrew word Nephelim (plural of nephel) (Nephilim) literally means “rejects”. The Hebrew plural for Nephites would be “Nephi’im”.

In simple translated terms for the lay person is that, 200 Angels had fallen out of God’s grace and landed on earth. They showed their angelic powers to the earth women and took them as wives. The fallen angels took the image of human man. This correlates with Genisis: 6-4 before the flood, (son of God). These offspring were not humans rather, hybrid humans and were dangerously powerful people that reached heights of 36 feet tall. They had some super natural powers and were on the brink of taking modern man out.

Modern man (Hebrew - “Adam” meaning man or “Adamic” meaning mankind) would no longer exist on the planet. For the Nephilims were procreating faster than Adam/Adamic who God created.

The Nephilim were not God’s creation and thus they were souless who never looked to God for any type of guidance. They were Pagans and prayed to Satan and the fallen angels.

Gen: 6-5, God became basically fed up and knew that man could not tackle these Giant men that came from the fallen angels of God. So he talks to Noah and told him to build an Ark because he was going to flood the earth and rid of all these Nephilims.

God captured the 200 fallen angels and put them in a holistic prison until judgement day.

After the great flood and man (Adamic) as well as Noahs gene pool was tapped. Somehow the Nephilims again appeared and God was once again angry at the only one who could do such a thing (Satan), brought back the Nephilims.
God commanded King after King to destroy the Nephilims. He told Moses before the Israelites can enter the promise land, that he must kill the Nephilims/Caananites who were in the Valley of Jordan which is right next to modern day Israel. All Nephilims West and East of the Jordan river were to be killed. All, Men, women and children. Some of the remaining Nephilims ran away and scattered across the globe in hiding.
This is why so many cultures are finding these Giant remains (fossil skeletons). Most of the dead Nephilims were burned to ashes so that they could not be re-assembled by Satan’s dark angels.

God had given any human super-natural strength and powers when they confronted any Amorite, Caananite and/or Nephilim.
Scientist today will not venture into this arena because if they do, they will give credit to the Creation and the Bible. But, hard evidence does not go away.
Modern day Giants is modern man (adamic) and God’s creation. Most never grow beyond 9 feet tall. They are not the same as a, “Nephilim” who grew as tall as 36 feet with super strength.

There were other names for these Hybrid Giants besides, “Nephilim.” Like the Amorites, Anakims and the Caananites. As soon as it was made known that the Seed of the woman was to come through ABRAHAM, there must have been another irruption after the great flood, as recorded in Genesis 6:4, “and also after that” (that is to say, after the days of Noah, more than 500 years after the first irruption). The aim of the enemy was to occupy Canaan in advance of Abraham, and so to contest its occupation by his seed. For, when Abraham entered Canaan, we read (Genesis 12:6) “the Canaanite was then (that is to say, already) in the land and waiting to take out man again.”

Also in Genesis we see two more attempts by Satan to interfere with Abraham’s seed before the birth of Isaac, as told in both Genesis 12:10-20 and in Genesis 20:1-18.
In an ancient text of the Jews, we read an astonishing description of some of these gigantic Amorites whom the Israelites conquered. In Buber’s Tanhuma, Devarim 7, the text tells us of a Rabbi Johnanan ben Zakkai’s encounter with the Roman Emperor Hadrian. This event occurred in about A.D. 135, soon after the Roman victory in the Bar Kochba war, when the Jews rebelled against the Romans. The text reads:
“The wicked emperor Hadrian, who conquered Jerusalem, boasted, “I have conquered Jerusalem with great power.” Rabbi Johanan ben Zakkai said to him, “Do not boast. Had it not been the will of Heaven, you would not have conquered it.” Rabbi Johanan then took Hadrian into a cave and showed him the bodies of Amorites who were buried there. One of them measured eighteen cubits [approximately 30 feet] in height. He said, “When we were deserving, such men were defeated by us, but now, because of our sins, you have defeated us” (quoted in Judaism, edited by Arthur Hertzberg, p.155-156, George Braziller, New York: 1962).

The Anakim: This was another name for the Watchers. It means “the descendants of Anak”, or Enoch, Cain’s son. Though it was said that a flood had been sent to destroy them, there were still entire cities of Anakim in Canaan as late as the time of Moses. And Jewish chronicler Josephus states that even in his own day it was not uncommon for people to dig up gigantic skeletal remains.

Click to Enlarge

A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp ... Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.”

Reading further, both in 2 Samuel 21:16-22 and I Chronicles 20:4-8, we discover that Goliath had four relatives, also giants:

1) Ishbi-Benob, whose bronze spearhead weighed three hundred shekels (more than seven pounds) and who said he would kill David;

2) Saph (or Sippai), another descendant of Rapha (the giant);

3) Lahmi (the brother of Goliath), whose spear shaft resembled a weaver’s rod; and

4) a huge man (unnamed in the text) with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot.

Goliath and these four were all descendants of Rapha in Gath, “and they fell at the hands of David and his men” (2 Samuel 21:22 and I Chronicles 20:8).
David apparently knew in facing Goliath that these other four might also have to be reckoned with. So David prepared himself to take down all five giants, one stone per giant, if need be. The Bible tells us that the other four did fight against David and his army in later battles, and all four were defeated.
David’s stone was a bullet of faith, launched from his sling at probably 100 to 120 mph (by normal standards), and with sufficient momentum to break through Goliath’s skull bones and his helmet. The boastful giant never knew what hit him. The text indicates that David ran toward Goliath as he launched his shot, thus adding to its momentum. We can assume from David’s success in killing both bear and lion that he was a fast runner (Goliath could never have caught him in open field running) and an accurate shot, probably able to put a stone into a 3- or 4-inch circle consistently from a distance of 20 or 30 feet (an accuracy comparable to that of today’s pro baseball pitchers).

Again, understand what God had originally said. He would give any person (human) super strength to kill all descendents of the Nephilims, Caananites and Amorites. So that 120mph rock headed for Goliath may have jumped to 300mph or maybe even faster. Scientist say that the rock couldn’t have penetrated the helmet and the skull to kill Goliath unless an unknown power interceded to change physics. God had stated long before the meeting of David and Goliath what he will do to enhance the human man to defeat the Giants.

Scientist today shun from the evidence of these Skeletons while the Bible embraces them. A reversal of roles so to speak.
The Evidence of God and what took place in ancient times comes to fruition with the fossil bones of these Nephilim offspring.

Source:

(1.) Hebrew Nephilim, meaning “violent” or “causing to fall” (Gen. 6:4). These were the violent tyrants of those days, those who fell upon others. The word may also be derived from a root signifying “wonder,” and hence “monsters” or “prodigies.” In Num. 13:33 this name is given to a Canaanitish tribe, a race of large stature, “the sons of Anak.” The Revised Version, in these passages, simply transliterates the original, and reads “Nephilim.”

(2.) Hebrew rephaim, a race of giants (Deut. 3:11) who lived on the east of Jordan, from whom Og was descended. They were probably the original inhabitants of the land before the immigration of the Canaanites. They were conquered by Chedorlaomer (Gen. 14:5), and their territories were promised as a possession to Abraham (15:20). The Anakim, Zuzim, and Emim were branches of this stock.

In Job 26:5 (R.V., “they that are deceased;” marg., “the shades,” the “Rephaim”) and Isa. 14:9 this Hebrew word is rendered (A.V.) “dead.” It means here “the shades,” the departed spirits in Sheol. In Sam. 21:16, 18, 20, 33, “the giant” is (A.V.) the rendering of the singular form ha raphah, which may possibly be the name of the father of the four giants referred to here, or of the founder of the Rephaim. The Vulgate here reads “Arapha,” whence Milton (in Samson Agonistes) has borrowed the name “Harapha.” (See also 1 Chron. 20:5, 6, 8; Deut. 2:11, 20; 3:13; Josh. 15:8, etc., where the word is similarly rendered “giant.”) It is rendered “dead” in (A.V.) Ps. 88:10; Prov. 2:18; 9:18; 21:16: in all these places the Revised Version marg. has “the shades.” (See also Isa. 26:14.)

(3.) Hebrew ‘Anakim (Deut. 2:10, 11, 21; Josh. 11:21, 22; 14:12, 15; called “sons of Anak,” Num. 13:33; “children of Anak,” 13:22; Josh. 15:14), a nomad race of giants descended from Arba (Josh. 14:15), the father of Anak, that dwelt in the south of Palestine near Hebron (Gen. 23:2; Josh. 15:13). They were a Cushite tribe of the same race as the Philistines and the Egyptian shepherd kings. David on several occasions encountered them (2 Sam. 21:15-22). From this race sprung Goliath (1 Sam. 17:4).

(4.) Hebrew ‘emin, a warlike tribe of the ancient Canaanites. They were “great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims” (Gen. 14:5; Deut. 2:10, 11).

(5.) Hebrew Zamzummim (q.v.), Deut. 2:20 so called by the Amorites.

(6.) Heb. gibbor (Job 16:14), a mighty one, i.e., a champion or hero. In its plural form (gibborim) it is rendered “mighty men” (2 Sam. 23:8-39; 1 Kings 1:8; 1 Chr. 11:9-47; 29:24.) The band of six hundred whom David gathered around him when he was a fugitive were so designated. They were divided into three divisions of two hundred each, and thirty divisions of twenty each. The captains of the thirty divisions were called “the thirty,” the captains of the two hundred “the three,” and the captain over the whole was called “chief among the captains” (2 Sam. 23:8). The sons born of the marriages mentioned in Gen. 6:4 are also called by this Hebrew name.

So this leaves a question that can be answered but because the scientist shun and stay away from the Nephilims is, who built the Pyramids or Stonehenge and other large stone structures? Several 35 foot tall with super strength Nephilims, Amorites or Caananites could easily lift a massive amount of tonnage and place stones that today baffle the Archeologist, paleontologist and others on how it was done during ancient times. This also debunks the reports of Ancient Aliens visiting our planet and building these giant monoliths and then leaving a mystery that no one can solve. Remember, that the Nephilims were written in many cultures all over the world.

Note: Later Judaism and almost all the earliest ecclesiastical writers identify the "sons of God" with the fallen angels; but from the fourth century onwards, as the idea of angelic natures becomes less material, the Fathers commonly take the "sons of God" to be Seth's descendants and the "daughters of men" those of Cain.
—Jerusalem Bible, Genesis VI, footnote.

God Bless,

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice Revilla D.D.
http://www.galerevilla.com/MorningStarMinistry

Tithing and the Churches

2011-02-15T14:05:00.001-07:00

I have traveled a lot over the years and have seen some beautiful country here in the USA. I have traveled at least through 41 states over my 55 years.
In my travels I have seen some nice looking churches and some not so nice looking churches. I would have thought that ALL churches would look decent or meet some kind of standard, but when I walked into one that caught my eye. I was afraid to sit in a pew because it looked like it was ready to collapse.
I had to think of, what happen to this church and how could it get this bad with no repairs made, needing a paint job and creaking wooden floors? I had seen a caretaker and asked why the church was like this. His answer was that this small town didn't really support the church and many would head over to the neighboring town to worship on Sundays. I was a bit confused and asked, "Was the pastor/minister that bad or?" He said no. It was that many of the town folks didn't give any money and most don't believe in it. I had asked if the neighboring town church was like this one. The caretaker said no. It was nice looking and their local people supported their church. So, the town folk went there and they still didn't support the church with "tithing?" Nope, they just go there because the church is nicer looking. What about the Pastor here? Does he/she live here in town? Nope, can't afford to keep him and he had no place nor money to get a place here in town.
I saw a donation can and walked over to it. I could kinda see inside it and it was empty. I threw in $5 and shook my head in dis-belief.

I have seen what happens to a house of God when no-one supports it. I have also seen and been to churches the size of football stadiums that can hold 3,000+ people. I lived down the street from one of those churches for years. One church gets massive amounts of tithing and another gets my $5 in an empty coffee can.

The Last 3 years of Jesus' life was doing his missionary life and traveling. He wasn't working as a carpenter anymore with his adopted dad (Joseph). So his income was from tithing which had to cover not only him but his disciples.
Jesus' had no church or I should say, Jesus' church was himself and he traveled. He had to have clothing, food, accommodations and traveling expenses. There is no law in the New Testament or command that tithing was required. But, if tithing had not happen, then Jesus would not have to even think of dying on the cross, because he would have starve to death or return back to carpentry work.
No, tithing was not a command by the New Testament, but many gave him gifts of clothes, food, housing and monetary funds to continue on his quest/mission to spread the word of his father.
Today, we have forgotten those simple roots. By not seeing it as a command or law doesn't change what needs to be done by those who follow Jesus Christ's crusade today.

Yes there is a controversy, but faith will always have controversy.

In the New Testament, for Christians, giving took on much the same purpose as the tithe for the Israelites; however, it was not according to any laws. An Old Testament passage gives excellent insight into Christian giving. Deuteronomy 8:10-20 is about giving thanks to God for what He has blessed us with, and making sure we do not become proud, but humbly recognizing that all that we have is by God's hand and not our own. We must also realize that what He gives us is not because of our righteousness or faithfulness (Deuteronomy 9:6 and surrounding context).

Paul writes some instruction regarding Christian giving in 1 Corinthians 9:14, where he states that, "...the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." In other words, preachers should be paid to preach. Where does this money come from? In Galatians Paul tells us, "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things" (Galatians 6:6 - this can be better understood from another translation: "And let the one who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches" (NASB). We see this same concept again in 1 Timothy 5:17-18 where Paul writes, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward." Therefore, we should be giving to support those who teach us faithfully. Yes, that means giving to the church for the church and it's faithful preacher. Remember what I said about Jesus' and his own means of survival.

In 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, Paul tells the Corinthians that each man should set aside a sum of money on the first day of every week, "as God hath prospered him", for a collection to be taken to help the saints in Jerusalem. He follows up on this subject in 2 Corinthians 8, where he explains how the Macedonians gave overwhelmingly, even though they were impoverished; and the Macedonians' giving was marked by their joy, and the feeling that it was a privilege to be able to give. Thus, he encouraged the Corinthians to make good on their promise to give. So we see, this giving was due to a promise made of their own volition, not a legalistic method of tithing. This point is again reinforced by Paul's statement in verse 8 that "I speak not by commandment..." Notice in verse 12 that "if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not." Implicit in this verse is that the gift is not acceptable if the willingness is not there. Paul further explains that this giving is so that there might be equality among the saints (apparently, many among the saints in Jerusalem were impoverished).

Moving on to chapter 9 (which is a continuation of chapter 8), Paul states that his reason for writing about this is so that they will be ready when the time comes to collect the money to take to Jerusalem (verse 3). He continues by stating that he wants it ready so it will be "that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness" (verse 5 - that it is given willfully, not grudgingly). This again enforces the idea that giving should be done willingly. Paul continues to reinforce this thought in verse 7 when he states, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give ; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." Paul also states that God gives us what we need to be able to give (verse 10), so we can continue to give generously. He again gives reason for the giving in verses 12-15. Therefore, we should give to help the saints who are in need.

Still we have not seen any instance in the New Testament where people were urged or commanded to tithe. You would think that if a command to tithe would be given, it would be given to those who were new to the faith, especially Gentiles, who would not necessarily be aware of the Jewish laws and customs. However, when a question arises how to deal with Gentiles who were being added to the church, the apostles and elders met together, and led by the Holy Spirit, decided on some requirements for the Gentiles. Their requirements were four-fold: "... abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood" (Acts 15:20). They then wrote a letter "unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia" (verse 23), stating that these requirements came from the Holy Spirit (verse 28), and restating "that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication" (verse 29). Surely this would have been a most appropriate time to institute a tithe among the churches, yet the Holy Spirit, the elders, and the apostles did not.

Conclusion:
In light of all of the evidence presented, tithing is not a principle which Christians are subject to, but was part of the Mosaic law. Rather, Christians should give out of the willingness of their heart, and thanksgiving to and reverence for God, both for who He is and for the blessings He has bestowed upon them. Giving is done in response to the good teachings which Christians receive, to support those who teach, and to support saints in need. By following these teachings, and the examples set by New Testament Christians, we may always give willingly and joyfully, and please God with what we have and bring to offer.

It is a part of sacrifice and loyalty to God and his house (the church) and his new disciples (the preacher/teacher/minister). Sacrifice is a form of mortification and that brings on true love for God.
So how much is a sacrifice? One might say $10 while another it may be $50. It depends on your income and how you sacrifice. Look at the word, "Sacrificial Donation" and understand it's meaning.

God Bless,

Rev. Dr. Gale Candice Revilla D.D.
http://www.galerevilla.com/morningstarministry

True Love

2011-02-08T07:59:00.002-07:00

I stand as your light and your beacon. I am a lesson to be learned! I am stripped of pride and ego, I only bare my heart and soul to you, for that is all I have. I am filled with the Grace and Love of God yet most of you will shun it.

I give... you a hug that lasts a long time, can you handle it? Most cannot. In that hug I caress you (no intent other than True Love), can you handle it? Most cannot. I give you a kiss on the lips (male or female), can you handle it? Most cannot.
I let you caress me with Love, can you do it? Most cannot. Why?

Because of your stagnated conditioned mind and not understanding True Love. I give it to you yet, many will frown and shun from it because of what OTHERS might think or you are not comfortable in your OWN SKIN!

You swim in the shallow part of a deep pond afraid that the predators or others will chew you up and spit you out. Here I am! Hold my hand and we will go into that deeper water together. They will not harm you because I am here protecting you.... and as you will soon see that there are NO Predators in the deep end of the pond. Why? Because they are shallow swimmers (shallow people) and will drown in the deep end and they are more scared than you are.

Strip your shame and weak thoughts. Forget what others might think of you. True Love Awaits and I reach my hand out to you. Can you do it?

I give you a SEED of TRUTH. It is up to you to nurture it and grow or discard it.

God Bless,

Rev. Candice

Finding the right people of God

2011-02-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

I know it has been awhile since I posted anything, my bad, my bad. I seem to spend a lot of time on Face book only because there are so many people who intermingle with each other.
I know I have to promote this blog big time and I don't. No, I don't ignore the blog, I just don't post as often as I should be. I should be posting every single day.
Starting a New Ministry with my own twist to it is going to be a challenge. I have spent so many years writing music and performing as well as working in the field as a Reverend left me behind in many areas. Especially in the church arena and how to go about getting it going.

I ordered a couple of books from my Monastery that should be very helpful in what I need to do to make this ministry work better.
In the entertainment field taking things to the extreme is what it is all about and its not quiet the same in a ministry. So I have to approach things differently even though I have radical viewpoints to make the journey to God interesting.

I personally don't think God our Lord is a conservative by all means. I mean he has allowed liberalism and conservatism work hand in hand for centuries.
I look at it this way in regards to "Love." - Liberal-Love, can love beyond sight. Conservative-Love, can only love what they see. That's the analogy of liberalism and conservatism in a nutshell. Oh sure we can debate it, but it's still there.

Many of you who come here already know my attitude and radical approach to my ministry. LOVE is the Primary focus on church and God.
So, does a long caressing hug bother you? Most would say yes. Does a kiss send you into a weaken state and make you uncomfortable? Many would say yes.
We are so out of touch with each other and I am not only talking about in churches. I am talking everywhere. I mean it virtually and literally. We don't touch each other because we guard our space with fervor that someone, somehow is going to take it away from you and you can't get it back. That's bad conditioning minds that puts that into our brain cells.

My ministry crosses many lines back and forth in conservatism and liberalism. I have to because there has to be a balance.
Like for example; I believe that women should be subservient to their man. Well that might of held the last 6,000 years, it doesn't hold today for the most part. So, how is that accomplished since it is written law in the bible?
As the Reverend, I take on that role and try to umbrella it over the ministry so that others don't. I know its 2011, I know that there is civil rights and women's rights and equality. I know it all changed from when it was originally written 6,000 years ago. So, by me being subservient, the ministry doesn't falter in God's eyes. Since ALL churches and religions did a back flip and given women those rights, at least I am making that effort to try to adjust and still be within those words of the bible. Okay, so what else do I have to do?

It is against God's law that women shall not teach to the word of God to man. Whoa! Umm, okay then I will not TEACH the word of God to man. But, I'll just PASS ON the word of God to man. If I get slammed at the purly gates for this play on words, so be it. I tried.
God had allowed exceptions to women taking on men's roles. Like Deborah or Joan of Arc. When a government is in disarray then there can be exceptions. Well, this also includes churches. Are churches in disarray? Oh very much so with so much scandals going on and such. So, there is an exception to me being ordained. Western Rite allows me to be a Reverend/Minister and Eastern Rite does not for the most part. They are coming around though.

A Patriarch must be the head of a church? Yeah, it says so. So, symbolically I will have a male patriarch who can be deemed the head of the ministry so to speak. Yes, I am the leader and follower being subservient at the same time. Its not a contradiction rather, more of role switching when needed. That will cover the ministry order of a Patriarch. No, I don't have to do all of this. Many Churches who have female Ministers don't. But I like to cover all grounds and make sure things are done within the right eyes of God.

So, the basics are being seeded and I will nurture it and watch it grow. In the beginning I will have a house-church because of the small amount of people who will come. Then in time, grow to a standard church ministry. I will continue to meet new people and God will send those people to me who need guidance and love.

Yes, I am stepping out of the box and thinking out of the box. I know there will be people who will find my loving radical approach to God and his word refreshing, invigorating and inspirational. I will write more here on matters of Morning Star Ministry and God.

God Bless you,

Reverend Candice
http://www.galerevilla.com/morningstarministry

Why?

2011-01-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

I saw this and had to Post it!

Why is it so easy to reject a good person? Yet we stay with someone who takes us through hell.

Why is it so easy for us to leave home but so hard for us to come up out of a hole?

Why do we sleep in school but stay away for a 3 hour movie?

Why is it so hard to talk about God but so easy to talk about premarital sex?

Why are we so bored when we look at a christian book, but find it easy to read emails?

Why is it so easy to ignore a Godly forward yet we forward the demanding ones?

Why are churches getting smaller but bars and clubs are expanding?

Why is it so easy to worship a celebrity, but difficult to worship God?

Think about it, are you going to post this? Or are you going to ignore it cause you think you wil get laughed at or not look cool?

90% of you wont post this.

The Lord said: "If you deny me in front of your friends, I will deny you in front of my father."

12 Gifts I Wish for You in 2011

2010-12-27T08:47:00.001-07:00

Here are 12 gifts that I wish for you in 2011.

HAPPINESS Deep down within.

SERENITY With each sunrise.

SUCCESS In each facet of your life.

FAMILY Beside you.

Close and caring FRIENDS.

Good HEALTH Inside you.

LOVE That never ends.

Special MEMORIES Of all the yesterdays.

A bright TODAY With much to be thankful for.

A PATH That leads to a beautiful tomorrow.

DREAMS with the power to make them come true.

And APPRECIATION Of all the Wonderful things about you.

God Bless each and every one of you throughout 2011.

Hugz,

Rev. Candice
http://www.galerevilla.com/MorningStarMinistry

Its a Time for Change

2010-12-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

With Christ birthday over and of course the celebration goes on. It is a time of good tidings and cheer. Time to share your love with friends and loved ones. But, it is also a time for change.
Many people procrastinate and say year after year that this is the New Year's Resolution that I am going to make and stick with. Then one loses interest or there is no support in your efforts.
That's where I come in as a Life-Coach. I am your Encouragement and Your Support! People call me like you, who are trying to make that change, but always seem to fall short.

They talk to me and I guide them and prod them along to stick with it. That's what a Life-Coach does.
You are not alone and doing this new resolution all by yourself. Even with family by your side it can be frustrating because they are not focused on you. They are busy with their own lives and you feel alone again and sooner than later, you drop the whole idea of this New Year Resolution that you wanted to do.

Call me and let me be that bouncing board you need. Call me and let me be that encouragement that is so vital to keep you going through the new resolution that you want to do. Call me and let me give you that support.

Procrastination is like stagnated water. After awhile you have to throw it out because it looks ugly and smells. It is a word that so many people have in their lives and when they finally notice it. They realize they have to throw that great idea out because the water was never replenished.
I am that replenishing water for you. I keep the pond stirring and every time you feel frustrated, you call me and I refresh you with clean drinkable water from that pond.

Make that New Year Resolution stick. I am here for you in support and encouragement. I can assist you but remember like that old saying, "You can lead a horse to water, but one cannot force the horse to drink it." I can lead you to the troft of abundance, but you have to make the effort, grab the cup and drink from it.

To the right of this Blog page is a button that can change your life. It says, Life-Coach and it says, Call Now!
I can lead you and show you and guide you, but I cannot force you.

Happy New Year and may Your New Year Resolution be fulfilled this year, "Finally."

Blessings,

Rev. Candice
www.galerevilla.com/MorningStarMinistry

I am a Lesson to be Learned

2010-12-17T12:00:00.001-07:00

I am wondering where it is written that, wearing any kind of summer clothing in the fall or winter is illegal? Well its not! But people seem to think it is. I put on some skimpy leather outfit showing a lot of skin (feels so good when the warmth of the sun hits me) and jumped on my motorcycle and ran errands. It was a nice sunny warm day.

First place was to the grocery store. Yeah, walked in and I must have had a sign on me that said, - "She has the plague, stand back." I heard more people talking to God (that's a good thing) but not in a praise manner (not a good thing) and saying OMG (Oh my God). Like who made them the fashion police anyway? When I walked by a group of women and they are staring, they notice a patch on my leather vest that says, "MINISTER." Then they take a different turn and start smiling, I look at them and smile back and say, "Two Our Father's and one Hail Mary will do. Do not judge on to others what you cannot judge on to thyself. con tempted whisper talk is a sin." The look of shock in their eyes. Now I am wondering how many are actually going to do that penance? Hmm makes me wonder. How many of them even know the, "Lord's Prayer?" Well whatever, the penance was laid out for them if they know what the word even means.

All was not lost though. After dropping my groceries at home I went and got some gas. A woman ran over to me and just loved my bike. Then she noticed my patch and asked if she could touch me and I said, "Of course you can." She then took my hand and kissed the back of it. I smiled and said, "God Bless You." She said, "thank you Reverend and God Bless You to." I notice people looking at me and wondering why she kissed the back of my hand. Well it was out of respect and reverence. I saw a teen giggling because of the woman's actions and respect for me. We said our goodbyes and I walked into the station to pay for my gas. The teen was standing there with her mother. The girl was looking right at me and our eyes met. I smiled and said, "There is a lesson to be learned in what you saw today." Her mother looked at me not understanding and the teen gave me a smirk of contempt. Think she might know the, "Lords Prayer?" Hmm I doubt it. So I didn't throw it at her.

My Bike is a beacon and my attire shows that I bare all to the world and that only my heart and soul can be seen. That I hold no hidden agendas under my leather. No hidden motives and that I walk in my faith proudly.
I have seen so many people (mostly women) who cast the first stone of contempt towards me and know nothing about me. They sin right in front of me and are so ignorant to even know they did that. When I can, I do let them know they did. The rest of the time, I just shake my head and walk on.
Maybe some day they will find out what my calling is and that how I dress or what I ride has no bearing on who I am and who I walk with in my heart and soul.

Yes, like I said, women are the worst in casting stones at me. Jesus said, "those who are without sin, cast the first stone." yet people do all the time. It makes no difference if they are rich or poor. Many cast that stone at me and I watch it land at my feet. How sad it has become that women will go way out of their way to judge another without knowing them. This happens with young and old, rich and the poor.
Has this world gotten that bad that people do this to each other? Do these people pray to God or even have a religion? What happen to their values?

Okay, I show lots of skin. But there is no sexual intent. No sexual seduction. I do see weak minds that think sinful thoughts. Is this wise of me to dress this way? I would have said no 20 year or 30 years ago. But, I will be who I am and skin has nothing to do with who I am. I think I have become a learning lesson. That if I can make one think different after their original reaction and sinful way of thinking, then I have done my part. I am a lesson to be learned.

Blessings & Best Wishes,

Rev. Candice
www.galerevilla.com/MorningStarMinistry

Bacon for the Holidays

2010-12-04T07:07:00.000-07:00

Oh, oh I know this is not sexual or anything like that unless you feel that bacon is an aphrodisiac.
I am a bacon lover and I decided to do what bacon lovers love to do. EAT BACON! But this time I decided to add a twist to my own special holiday treat.

I cooked about a half pound of good bacon (not the cheapest brand) just good maple tasting bacon. After the bacon cooled a bit and was patted down with a paper towel I heated up and melted the chocolate. Then I proceeded to dip the bacon into the chocolate. Put them on a coated paper plate or you can use wax paper. Then threw them in the fridge for about 15 minutes for the chocolate to get hard over the bacon.

OMG I was in heaven. Chocolate covered bacon is to die for if you love bacon. The secret is to keep chewing and let all the chocolate sweetness go away and then the bacon flavor comes through.
My daughter just stood there silently and didn't say too much but shook her head as I dipped away the bacon. Yeah, she wanted to see if this chocolate bacon was going to be good.
She actually ate three of them and couldn't eat anymore due to the chocolate being so sweet. I had four slices and that was my limit as well.

No I didn't make this up. It has been around for awhile and becoming more popular among the bacon lovers. Sweet and salty is not new. Look at salted licorice or Salt Water Taffy. I have even eaten salted chocolate covered pretzels.

So there you have it. Bacon for the Holidays. Go on try it! Yum! Let me know what you think.

Hugz,

Reverend Gale Candice

The Holiday Blues

2010-11-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

Once again the holidays are upon us, which means it's time for festive partying with friends and family, sharing gifts and laughter -- and getting depressed. That's right. For many people, the holidays bring on feelings of sadness and anxiety that can be hard to shake.
According to the National Mental Health Association, reasons for feeling blue around the holidays are numerous. They range from fatigue -- a result of all of the increased holiday activity -- to financial limitations and family tensions. Experts say one of the fastest routes to holiday depression is unrealistic expectations.

"People often hold on to what they remember as an ideal holiday from years gone by, and are unable to reproduce it," said Jill RachBeisel, M.D., director of community psychiatry at the University of Maryland Medical Center. "There are also expectations around the holidays that 'everything must be perfect', and perfection is, of course, rarely obtainable."

To reduce heightened expectations, I suggest that people be honest with themselves about what they can do during the holiday season.
"Set realistic goals. If your holiday plans require you to run around shopping and going to parties until you are exhausted, and staying up all night to wrap presents, your plans aren't very realistic. You need to pace yourself and get enough rest so that you won't be grouchy and testy."
Other factors that can contribute to feelings of sadness around the holidays are memories of deceased loved ones and strained family dynamics.

"The holidays are associated with family and togetherness, "In today's world of high divorce rates and fragmented family units, stress is commonly experienced as family members attempt to find some compromise in defining shared time."
Creating family traditions is one way to bring family members closer together, said Dubin. These traditions don't have to be formal or elaborate. For instance, she recommends visiting a nursing home to help serve holiday meals to some of the residents, or videotaping holiday celebrations and making an annual event of watching the previous year's celebration.

Symptoms of Depression

Below are a list of depressive symptoms compiled by the National Institute of Mental Health. NIMH experts suggest that you seek professional help if you experience five or more of these symptoms every day for two weeks. If you have recurring thoughts of death or suicide, you should get help immediately.

•Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
•Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
•Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
•Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
•Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
•Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
•Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
•Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
•Restlessness, irritability
•Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

Spend Some Time Alone. Some people love the energy and exuberance of big holiday parties and activities. For others, all of it is very taxing. If you find yourself getting a little anxious, take a breather. Find a quiet spot to relax and recharge your batteries. Other people will be so caught up in what is going on that they probably won't even miss you.

Let Go of the Past. Don't be disappointed if your holidays aren't like they used to be. Life brings changes. Embrace the future, and don't dwell on the fact that the "good old days" are gone.

Don't Drink Too Much. It is easy to overindulge around the holidays, but excessive drinking will only make you feel more depressed.

Give Yourself a Break. Don't think in absolute terms. You aren't the best cook in the world, or the worst. You aren't super mom, or the most horrible mother in the world.

Lets work on any of these issues before they override your senses. The holiday season and be fun and joyous as long as you stay realistic and stick to the present.

NOTE: Having depression or sadness everyday for more than two weeks is not good for the mind nor the body and you should seek a doctor for medical help.

Let me help you get through these holidays with flying colors.

Happy Holidays,

Reverend Gale Candice
http://www.ingenio.com/ReverendCandice

Walking with Your Dreams

2010-10-27T14:33:00.001-07:00

I find many people walking through life judging others just by their looks alone. For example, I wear leathers, come off a bike and wear a thick leather collar. Quickly people will smirk and give dirty looks without ever knowing that I am a Reverend. Because I don't fit the photo pages of your book on what a person of the cloth is suppose to be makes it alright to make a haste judgement on looks alone? No, but people do all the time.

The negative impact on someone who might be more shy or timid and even introverted can be harsh on them.

One of the most important things I say in my sessions is to stay positive even among those who are negative.

Here are the ABC's of Positiveness and holding on to your dreams.

A - Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits.

B - Believe in yourself.

C - Consider things from every angle.

D - Don't give up, and don't give in.

E - Enjoy life today, yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come.

F - Family and friends are hidden treasures. Seek them and enjoy their riches.

G - Give more than you planned to give.

H - Hang on to your dreams.

I - Ignore those who try to discourage you.

J - Just do it!

K - Keep on trying. No matter how hard it seems, it well get easier.

L - Love yourself first and most.

M - Make it happen.

N - Never lie, cheat or steal. Always strike a fair deal.

O - Open your eyes, and see things as they really are.

P - Practice makes perfect.

Q - Quitters never win and winners never quit.

R - Read, study and learn about everything important in your life.

S - Stop procrastinating.

T - Take control of your own destiny.

U - Understand yourself in order to understand others.

V - Visualize it.

W - Want it more than anything.

X - Xcellerate your efforts.

Y - You are unique of all of God's creations. Nothing can replace you.

Z - Zero in on your target, and go for it.

Practice these ABC's each and everyday. You will see almost immediately a difference on how you feel about yourself. You will also see a difference on how people will react to you. It's amazing.

hugz,

Rev. Gale Candice
www.galerevilla.com/lifecoach

Happy-Holidays

2008-12-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Holidays and all that other stuff that goes along with it. I say Happy Holidays because I mix New Years and Christmas together being they are back to back holidays. Hence: Happy Holidays.

Yeah, I get a lot of email scolding me that it is CHRIST-MAS! Sheesh, like I have nothing more to do than to sit and read this crap and be scolded because I say Happy Holidays and try to cover the season with two words, - Happy & Holidays. Maybe some of these people should keep their noses out of my business. Be scolded for NOT saying, Merry Christmas can take the holiday spirit out of someone real quick. I guess I must have a bunch of Christian friends who don't like me saying Happy Holidays. But if you know me, I will just ignore them and continue with what I say.
Maybe I should say that when every holiday comes around like, Memorial day or Labor Day. Hey, Happy Holiday to you. Now I am sure that will turn some heads. I can see the scolding email now. It is not Happy Holiday, that is only allowed during Christ-Mas. OMG, Run Forest Run!

I put door knob Xmas bells on my bike and a Christ-Mas Reef around my headlight. I had a guy look at the bike as he walked by and said that it looked sissy! Sissy? What does that mean? The bike looks Christmasy. I guess if I was a man I should have taken that as an insult. Walked over to him and knock him on his ass and say, "The Fuckin bike looks like it is having some Happy Holidays and it is not sissy looking. Now get up off the floor and Merry fuckin Christ-Mas!" But I only thought it and said, "I am a sissy, so there." Stupid men and their remarks.

Maybe the guy thought I was a guy. Seems to be the thing these days. They seem to come in waves. I am a bit upset with two friends of mine that seem to always be around me. Not a day goes by that I don't talk to both of them. Come to find out when they first met me they questioned my gender. Are men just stupid and/or fuckin blind?

So yesterday I knew they were coming over and decided to walk around the house naked. Well that ended that question about my gender real quick. But I still have this dis-taste in how they first saw me.

Weird how some people make nice comment to my looks and I get Wows and stunning and erotic. At the same time I get blind people who question me? What's with that shit? Even my daughter who is just short of 14 years old gets that shit.

I guess if one is like 5'11" tall there are questions but I still see them as blind people only seeing what they want to see. Maybe I should put a potato in my panties and walk around and really make people think.

Damn! I cant fix stupid! I should know that since I have dealt with many of them. Why do I even try to help humanity when they are too stupid to comprehend? Just like Merry Christ-Mas!

It has been raining the last couple of days and I have been keeping the pony in the garage. I guess later today I will pull out the pony and run some errands.

Let me say this.. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Candy

http://www.galerevilla.com/

Will you come back?

2008-10-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

As I travel across this great land that the Great Father has provided us to share among the people of all colors and races, I feel for those who don’t understand what the NA (Native Americans) fought for. One cannot own the land. It is not there’s to be owned by man. Like you cannot own the air or the water or the animals. The same is with the land.

As I left the Lakota Sioux homeland and the black hills on my Iron Pony and headed into the Little Big Horn Mountain range and into the Lakota-Cheyenne homeland I can see the beauty of the land and the tall waving grass against the warm breeze.
2,600 miles this road has been so far and I enter the state of Montana, yeah, I know of the battle of Little Big Horn and the final battle with the Nez Perce took place in Montana. I see the name of Hardin and know that not too far away is the battleground where Custer died. Hmmm! I wonder if it be interesting to stop and see what the White eyes (park rangers) have to say about this historical event.

Yeah, the US Government left us a lone for the most part and then when the battle of little big horn happened. All the treaties with all the NA nations became void. So, the Battle for Little Big Horn did have an impact on the Apache’ people.

Little Big Horn Monument

I rolled up to the entrance to the tour or story telling. I saw a lot of markers on the side of the hill. I think that red one is where Custer fell. Behind me were the Memorial names of all the 700 or so soldiers who died in the area. As I stood there above the hill side looking down. I can’t help wonder how stupid Custer was. About that time, some other tourist stood beside me and was looking in the same area as I was. It was kinda quiet for some reason. Hey, this isn’t a cemetery, it is just land markers I am saying to myself, or is it?
Then the group on the other side of me said, “Damn Indians, we should have wiped them of the face of the planet.” I slowly looked at them and then on the other side of me I heard, “Yeah, they should have been exterminated completely.” Shit, I am be sandwiched by a bunch of white racist people who think they are being Patriotic by saying shit like that. I must have been invisible to them until I spoke up and said looking at Custer’s marker, “Stupid people always get themselves killed and that idiot got himself creamed. Hehehehe.” Now I am looking in both directions at them. They had this blank stare on their faces. I looked behind me at the names on the memorial and said, “Look, they even have the names of all the idiots. Who knows, maybe one of your relatives are on the list.” I snickered. They didn’t realize that a Native American was standing next to them as a tourist as well. Here I am an Apache’ standing up for Sitting Bull and his tribal nation.

As I slowly walked away I said very loudly, “We will always be here so, lock your doors at night or we’ll steal your kids.” They stood there silently kinda half looking at me as I walked back to my iron pony. I was really fascinated with the whole area and the markers, but those white tourists blew it for me with their comments and remarks. I had read that in 1999 they had erected 7 markers where some chiefs had fell in the battle. This was 1994 and no NA markers were up.

I started up my pony and headed out of the battle tourist area. I saw that I needed gas and at the bottom I saw a Shell mini mart station. I pulled up to a filling pump and saw a NA working outside. I smiled but got a blank stare. Hmmm! Okay, went inside and went up to the cashier who was also NA and I smiled, I gave her the money for the gas and waited for some change. She slams it on to the counter and looks at me. I look at her in a puzzled way. No why in the hell is she giving me these dead cold stares like I just insulted her.
I put the money away and kinda looked over my shoulder as I walked out to put gas in the bike. I can see her following me out with her eyes. When I was outside there were two NA guys off a short distance away and they were just staring at me. WTF? I might have some dirt on my face from riding all day, but I am sure it didn’t look like I had war paint on. I looked in my bike mirror. Nope no War paint on my face. Hmmm.

I kept looking over my shoulder at those two NA guys, I just didn’t feel right with them talking to themselves and staring at me. I was dressed in my normal full leathers and of course my native riding jacket. Yeah, I had all my NA jewelry on too.
Well, I had more change coming back since the gas tank was filled and I paid more than I put in. So, I walked back into the mini-mart to get my change and grab some junk food to keep my stomach from growling until I see a restaurant in he next few hours. I was going to go to Billings and then head south to Red Lodge Montana and maybe spend the night there.

I walked back into the mini-mart and here come the cold stares and now both NA guys are in the store following me in. What are these people gonna do, jump me? Well that would be a mistake that is for sure. I have my pig sticker on me and I am not going down without some others going down first. So I grab a soda and some chips. Walk up to the counter and I see these cold stares coming at me again. Yeah, there are now other patrons here as well. Finally I had enough and said, “Sister, your too fuckin small to be giving me looks like that. WTF’s the matter with you and those two other clowns around the corner over there?” She again slams my change down on the counter and this time she says with disgust, “Crow”. I am looking at her confused for a sec. “Crow?” I pause for a couple of seconds, “You think I am Crow?” She says, “Yeah, because I am Cheyenne and I know all of them and you’re not Cheyenne.” I give her a cold stare. “I am NOT Crow, I am Mescalero Apache’.” She then takes a step back with her eyes looking like they came from a barn owl and says, “OMG, You’re the Mean Ones.” I am thinking to myself, I am the Mean Ones? I just defended Sitting Bull not a mile from here, I smile not once but several times to all 3 of them, I even tolerated their rude behavior of slamming my change on the counter and tons of dirty looks and they call me the mean ones?

So now it is my turn to turn it on them and I say it loud enough for the other two guys around the corner to hear. “I am Mescalero Apache’ sister, yeah we are the mean ones. It takes 15 white men to equal one Apache man, 10 white men to equal one Apache’ woman and at least 5 Cheyenne to equal this Apache Biker Chick here. Don’t fuck with me Cheyenne. Slam that change on the counter one more time and I’ll shove it up your ass.” She gently gives me the change and I start walking out of the store mumbling, “Fuckin Crow, you Cheyenne don’t know SHIT.” I looked over my shoulder to see if those two NA men came out of the store. They didn’t. I rolled my pony out of the parking area and decided to head for Red Lodge and not go into Billings. I found a pull over stop and drank my soda and ate my chips and thought. Interesting attitude by an outside NA cutting across another’s homeland. From what I am gathering the Cheyenne and the Crow don’t get along and it goes back to little big horn. Something about the Crow siding with Custer and the US 7th Calvary and leading them to Sitting Bull.

So off to Red Lodge I go, I was starting to get tired. As I cruise the highway and can see land that looks nothing like my homeland of Arizona and New Mexico. Rolling hills of tall grass waving with the summer time breeze. Miles and miles of this. What a beautiful place. Now I know why the Lakota-Cheyenne fought so hard to keep the settlers off the land and putting up fences.
I finally rolled into Red Lodge and just outside the little town was a camping area and I decided this will be the place I will sleep tonight. The manager was a Shoshone’ NA. He invited me to a community bon fire and I was honored to attend. I told him of my Cheyenne incident and he laughed and said that they were always at odds with each other. He invited me to a Shoshone’ Powwow and it was only 2 days away. I would have to go through the Beartooth highway and exit the West Yellowstone gate and then into northern Idaho. I agreed since it was not a commercial Powwow and was deep in the Shoshone’ Reservation. But, tomorrow I was looking forward to riding the Beartooth highway. I went to the Bon Fire that evening and listen to NA stories of the area and how Chief Joseph was chased through the Beartooth area from the US Soldiers in 1877. I learned a lot and know that many NA suffered at the hands of the US Government. The Great USA huh? Ha!

Beartooth Highway

In the morning, it was a bit cold but I managed to warm up pretty quick. I loaded up the pony and it was time to find a coffee house and a gas station. I was looking forward to the roads today.
Red Lodge and Beartooth highway: One of the Most Breathtaking Rides in the United States.
The Beartooth Highway begins in the mountain town of Red Lodge, Montana and quickly starts climbing steep switchbacks. After winding 20 miles through 50-60 million year-old mountains, you come to a pullout that provides excellent panoramas of the Beartooth Plateau. From here you can see the Hell Roaring and Silver Run Plateaus to the north. Glacier Lake is also visible, and if you look hard enough, you might even spot a mountain goat or other wildlife. From here, the road keeps ascending and reveals magnificent canyons carved by the Clarks Fork River. Thirty miles from Red Lodge, you reach the summit of the pass at 10,947 feet. Shortly after, you come upon the only service area along the entire highway at the tiny settlement of Top of the World. The descent provides views of thousands of mountain lakes. It has got to be one of the most breath-taking rides you will ever experience on an Iron Pony (motorcycle). It is in places like these that you become one with the Great Father’s Scheme on life and this earth. The roads are sweeping turns that go for miles and miles as you descend into the northwest Yellowstone entrance. You will want to stop a lot and take plenty of photos.

I went through Yellowstone National Park again (as I have many times in my life), and exited out the west gate and headed south to the Shoshone’ Reservation. I had a date with a Powwow and the Shoshone’ people. I easily found the manager of the Red Lodge Campground that I stayed at and he introduced me to many NA’s who live on the rez.

By days end, I was ready to head out, but was invited to sleep with a family on the rez till morning. I took the invite and had a great time with my NA brothers and sisters of the north. We laughed so much that night. They had asked me, When will I come back. Sadly I didn't have an answer for them. The next morning, I loaded up the bike and two women came over to me admiring my clothing and my pony. I met them the night before and they invited me to stay with them in Missoula. Well that was heading back north again and I wasn’t going that way. My financial funds were starting to get low after 3 1/2 weeks on the road. They said they would make sure I had extra funds. Missoula huh? What’s in Missoula I asked, “We are in Missoula and we have an extra room with a nice soft bed.” I thought to myself that it has been over 3 weeks since I slept on a bed. “Soft bed ya say huh? Hmm, Do I have to sleep alone?” Now here comes the secret way of finding out something. “Oh I am sure we can work something out.” And she smiled from ear to ear. “.. And I make some fantastic steaks.” Well, there not bad looking, soft bed, steaks, “Lead the way to Missoula darlin, I’ll follow you. They both jumped in the car and off we headed north again deeper into Montana.

Missoula, Montana

On the morning of the 4th day in Missoula I was finishing up loading the pony to head south and I see both of them standing there teary eyed. I looked at both of them and I got this lump in my throat. I walked over to them and we all hugged. I gave them both a kiss and walked back to the pony. I fired up the engine and got in the saddle and looked at them again. “Ashogee’ shik'isns” (thank you my sisters), “Candy, will we ever see you again? Will you ever come back?” I thought for a second, “”I hope so” I took a breath, “I have to come back this way again. You two are the greatest.” I smiled and wanted to cry but I held it.
I pulled out of the driveway and yelled at both as I rode away, “Ka dish deh, Shik’isns, Shidanoshoni” (until we meet again my sisters, I love you).

I found the main highway easily and had the pony up to 65pmh. As I rode through Idaho south heading to Northern Nevada I can’t help think how some people had giving me dirty looks like I was scum and then to meet others who treated me like family and invite me into their home. The girls gave me more than enough to make up for the loss in miles and time going to Missoula. I had some of the greatest meals there. I never slept alone (another story) and the bed was soft for my aching body. I had a great time with them and look forward to seeing them again. The Powwow and the family I stayed there with were some fantastic people. I had a new view of the Shoshone’ people that me as an Apache’ wouldn’t ever think of seeing. They treated me with respect and like family. They opened their doors and their hearts to me.

The roads now have no turns in them and are straight as an arrow from one valley into the next. I look back at Beartooth Highway and remember having tears run down my face as I stood at the summit. I looked at the sky above and said, “Great Father, can you cook or can you cook.” I was so humbled standing at the top of the world. The crags, the views, the glaciers and the thousands of small lakes. What a sight. Now here I am heading back into the Northern desert and the Yellowstone, Red Lodge are days behind me.

I crank up the speed to 70mph, the roads are so straight and I seem to be all alone out here. I can see the entire valley from the top. I am closing in on a small little stop called, Denial, Nevada. But that is still like 100 miles away. Just then I hear this rumble. It can’t be my bike, it is already purring at 70mph. No, this is way louder and getting louder. I look in the mirrors and see nothing. Where in the hell is that rumble sound coming from? My eye catches something to my left just behind me, Son of a B.. There is a Military jet slowly passing me up. This is not some little one either, it is a Fighter jet, I can see him in the cock pit, then he zooms off and makes another round and comes up beside me again, I was picking up speed. The engine purred a bit louder now as I hit the 100pmh mark. Again I hear the rumble and now I see the F-whatever type jet with its nose up and he is trying to keep the jet in the air with my low speed of 100mph. Now I can see him more clearly, he is not more than 25 feet above the desert floor. I give him a thumb’s up and he waves back at me and does the same with his thumb. He stayed with me for like 30 seconds and then he kicks the jet into high gear and starts to climb. I can see him waving goodbye. Within a few seconds, he was gone and I slowed the pony back to 70mph.
I saw a pull over spot and slowed my pony to stop. There wasn’t a car for miles. All I can hear is the life that lives out here in the desert. I smoked a cig and had a drink of water from my plastic water bottle (canteen). I saw a fence of 2 line barb wire behind me. There was a sign, “Bureau of Land Management – Keep out.” I grabbed the wire and shook it as I yelled, “You Cannot Own the Land and It is Not Yours to Own! You can protect it, but you can NEVER OWN IT!” All the little critters that were making noise got quiet for a sec and then slowly went back to their chatter. I think they agreed with me. I sat on the parked pony and reflected for the longest time. I shook my head and was ready for the next 50 miles before I reached Denial… I left 5 weeks ago with $500 and when I finally returned home, I still had $150. 5 weeks, 4,000 miles of traveling on $500, hmm, not bad. But I made it back safe and sound with a little help of my friends. This was a ride that I would cherish for the rest of my life.

Candy

http://www.galerevilla.com/

A Tequila Sunrise

2008-09-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I normally ride alone all over the USA. But I had a few native brothers who wanted to go to Hussongs Cantina in Ensenada, B.C (Mexico). That was a very wild Cantina that had a mixture of Bikers and Yuppies all piled into one place. Yeah, a Mexican Cantina south of the border filled to the brim with Americans. That makes sense.

They has asked me over and over until I finally said okay. Friday mid-afternoon and I had packed the bike for my usual road trip. The brothers and sisters rolled up to my place and I started up the pony and we were off to Tijuana and then deeper into Baja California, Mexico.
The ride was easy and fun and I was taking in the scenery with my native brothers and sisters.

We stopped just outside the city of Ensenada, and everyone decided on camping on the beach tonight.
We grabbed a bunch of food and beer and a guy with his donkey and a cart was walking around selling wood. Yeah, Bon fire wood.
We had partied kinda easy since we had some riding to do on Saturday. We were headed to La Paz which is right on the tip of Baja California, Mexico.

We had some basic breakfast the next morning at a local food Cantina which was great. DON'T Drink the water. Yeah, yeah we all know. So we just drank sodas from bottles and cans imported from the USA.
We got to La Paz which is a port city. They have an attraction called, "La Bufadora" or in English, "The Blow Hole." Water from the ocean runs under the cliff and runs through a natural made tube and shoots water into the air. Almost like a Whale snout blow hole to breath. It is fun to watch.

La Bufadora (The Blow Hole)

We had spent the day there and had a great time. But now, it was time to head back to camp and get ready for a party at good old Hussongs Cantina in Ensenada.

We made sure we rode closely and work our way into the small city. We had found Hussongs and worked our bikes to park in front of the Cantina. It took awhile, but we manage to finally put all 5 bikes in a row.

Hussongs was a mad house and there was a line outside to get in. I watched caerefully at the entrance to see any patterns that were going on from the bike. Guys were tipping large to the door man and women were letting the security cop a feel and a kiss entry. Hmmm! Wonder if this biker chick here can get away with it. I mean, I am not wearing some mini skirt and heels. I got leather chaps, jacket on and gloves if ya know what I mean.

I looked the the others and smiled, walked to the front of the line and asked for entry. He looks me over and smiles. I can see he is about ready to say no. So I pushed up against him and I grabbed his ass, pushed my breast into his chest and slowly licked his face cheek and said, "I want in Now!" His eyes open up and he looked at me with shock and said, - Yes of course Senorita, Entrada (enter) and welcome to Hussongs. - I smiled at him and said, thanx, find me later. - He smiled from ear to ear. - okay - he said. - I might even give you extra if you watch my bike while I am inside. - I will watch your bike and no one will touch it, I promise. - I kissed him on the cheek - Thank you - I look back at the brothers and sister by the bikes watching me walk into Hussongs. The last thing I saw was blank stares on their faces as I went inside.

People started buy me drinks and I had lost count. Shooters, Tequila, Whiskey, Beer all mixed together and I could only see blur. I was leaning on people to hold me up. Hours had past and I was getting worse. Finally one of the biker sister taps me and said they were heading back to camp. It was almost 2:00am. OMG I have been drinking heavy for 5 hours straight.
I stumbled outside and saw the brothers and sister mingling around the bikes. - OMG Candy, you can't ride like that - I looked myself over - Like wut? - You're totally wasted girl - I smiled, - That's okay, see I have my Avans Serficate - One of the brother says, - A what? - I have my Avance Serficate. - What the hell is that? - Oh umm, that is where some asshole teacher, teaches you how to ride with just your fingers and no hands. - Another brother pops in, - Oh you mean, Advance Certificate - That's what I frucken said, my Avans serfiticate. - Oh in that case you can ride Candy - Both brothers shake their heads and turn away from me. - Ahh, your just jealous cuz I have my Serfiticate and you dont. - They ignored me. I managed to get on the bike and start it. OMG, I forgot how to ride one of these things. I could ride it if only the ground would stop moving.

Wobbling in all directions, I was actually able to follow them all back to our beach camp. OMG I made it and didn't crash and I am not in jail. Yay!
Now the brothers and sister brought out the heavy booze. Bottles of Whiskey and Tequila. We drank up the beer first and then it was a Lemon and Tequila. Well, I had so much sand on my lemon that I decided that I was going to just drink the Tequila straight out of the bottle.
I started dancing around the fire splashing Tequila into the fire and raising the flame. I was singing and just drunk circle dances. Then I felt a pointy object in my back side. I stopped dancing and slowly looked over my shoulder. It was a Federale (The military) who patrol the beach area and he had this machine gun pointed at my belly. I can hear him say something, "Cuchio" Huh? Oh, he wanted my blade I had on my side. So, very slowly I gave him my knife and he said that I can pick it up Monday at the military station on the other side of town. Some of the brothers had their hands over their heads and the Mexican military were frisking them for weapons or something.

La Paz at Sunset
After tripping about 4 times on grains of sand, I got to my bike and pulled out the sleeping bag and my Mexican blanket that I use for a pillow. I threw it all out next to the camp fire and plopped on it. The 5th of Tequila bottle was empty and I was spinning in my head like a top. I could not focus on anything. I closed my eyes. OMG I am going to die right here I know it. Everythng faded out.

When I opened my eyes and saw seagulls flying about. The fire was out, and I realized it was mid-morning. I had a bunch of sand in my mouth and sand was plastered to the side of my face and hair. I saw my pants down to my knees and I had my boots off. I must look stupid with just panties on with my pants draped at the knee. Well, I wasn't violated which was good. But I was still blurry eyed and drunk.

I slowly sat up and saw mexican families picnicing around me at a distance. Ah, a day at the beach with their families. I started gathering my bearings and saw my Pony quietly parked. But, no other bikes were around. WTF? They left me here alone in Mexico? Maybe they went to breakfast and will be back to get me.

I managed to get my pants up and looked at my boots. Sand nuggets in my boots? OMG Someone pooped in my boot. I cannot believe this. Who would be that low or what animal would poop in my freakin boot? MY BOOTS! Thank Gawd for the sand, because it made them into nuggets and easy to get out of my boot.

I walked a ways down to the water fountain and washed my sand mouth out and washed my face. Yuk! Sand all over my face and in my undies. OH my head hurts!
I had noticed that my knife was gone from my sheath. I vaguely remember a Federale' pointing a machine gun at me. OMG that was real!

I sat by the bike and kinda dozed off for a bit. A couple hours had past and I realized that I had been abandoned. They were not coming back for me. Now it is fend for myself time. I am so hungry, but I am still drunk. Naw, I can't ride yet and make it back to the US/Mexican border safe.

I start looking at the trash that was still by our camp site. Yeah, they didn't pick up a thing and just left it all.
Oh look a half bottle of Jose' ... No, no.. Then I saw two cans. One was Pork n' Beans and the other was Canned Corn. - Yes - I am saying to myself and now I have to think for a sec on how to open it. I'll use my bottle opener, it also had a can opener on the other end. So, I now have the beans open but no spoon. This would be a good time to have a Swiss Army knife ya know. If you don't carry one, Do it!

I saw a Mexican family eating and I saw some plastic Utensils. I wobbled over to them and asked for a plastic spoon. They had one, Yay! They also gave me a plastic cup. Now I can have some water with my Can Bean Special. I ate the whole can of Pork n' Beans and was on to the canned corn now.
I sat at a beach in Ensenda for a few more hours. It was mid-afternoon now and I was feeling good enough to ride, even with this massive brain hemmorage of a hang over. I cleaned up the area (yeah women do those kinds of things) and started the bike. It was time to get back to the USA.

They asked me at the border if I was bringing anything into the USA. I just said, ONLY a HANG OVER. The border cop laughed and let me through into the USA.

I rolled into a gas station and wouldnt you know it, Look who I see there. The brothers and sister who abandoned me. I saw of the the girls and said, - Damn I thought you would have been home by now. - She looks at me - Henry crashed his bike, we have to get ahead and catch him when he stops. Looks like his leg is broken. -
None of them said a word about leaving me. So as I filled up the tank I kept eyeing them and sizing them up. Which one was stupid enough to drop their pants and poop in my boot? One of them is a Boot-Pooper! I now hate Boot-Poopers. They all looked at me but none smirked or looked at my boots. Hmmm!
I started the bike up ahead of them, and slowly rolled by Henry. I see his leg bandaged up and his bike looked scraped up too. - Heya Candy, you going with us? - Nope - I rolled on to the highway again headed for home and left them behind at the station. Damn Native Biker Boot-Poopers!

It was dark and I was almost home. I rolled into a Denny's. Found myself a booth and sat there. The waitress walked up to me and saw my blood-shot eyes. - Coffee? - I looke at her and said, - Oh yeah, and lots of it please - Coming right up she said and walked away.
The Special was Food from South of the Border. OMG no more south of the border food. No more Mexican Pork n' Beans. I need some white man's food.
The waitress came with my coffee and I was ready to order - I would like, Eggs, bacon and some toast please, and can you bring me a big/Large glass of milk? - sure thing - she said and walked away. Yes, yes just what I need, a large glass of Moo-cow juice....

I saw Henry a few weeks later in a cast. As for the others? I never rode with them again. I didn't like their ethics in leaving a sister behind.

I never returned to Hussongs and I never picked up another bottle of Jose' and drank it straight ever again. As for the Boot-Pooper? He or she is still at large. But I'm patient, I'll find out who the Boot-Pooper is....

Candy

http://www.galerevilla.com/

The Clothes Basket

2008-09-25T23:58:00.000-07:00

I walked into my room with a basket full of clothes after doing the laundry. So I sit on the bed and fold clothes. It is getting late so I am too lazy to put the clothes basket back in the laundry room and I leave it by the side of the bed.

I put my shorts and a tank top on and turn out the lights, time to call it a night. Well, some time in the middle of the night I decide to turn in my sleep a way that I normally don't. I fall off the bed backwards with my ass leading the way and I go slamming into my night stand which keeps me from continuing this body roll I seem to be on. My arm is like swinging in all direction and hits a PC tower on the other side of the night stand. OUCH! My ribs slamming into the corner of the night stand and I am headed for the floor. All of this while I am still half alseep.
I wake up in pain and realize I am sitting in the clothes basket with my feet hanging out. I can't see a thing because it is pitch black in the room.

About that time my daughter comes running into the room to see if I am okay. I must have made a lot of noise crashing into everything.
She turns on the light and sees me sitting in the clothes basket next to the bed looking up at her. She says, - Mom, what are you doing in the clothes basket in the dark? - Now I am thinking to myself, why do people ask stupid questions at 3:00am? Doesn't she know anything about Row boats? Yes, this is my little boat that I play with it the dark when no-one is looking. - What does it look like I am doing girl? I fell in the stupid basket - You fell off the bed - No, I would never fall into a clothes basket at 3:00am silly girl, I just Swan Dived from the Bed and belly flopped into it. - She gives me this blank stare - Can you get up? - No, I am stuck in this basket, help me out. -
Now I am sitting on the bed with my arm, ribs and other parts of my body hurting. I am thinking to myself, I could see if I had an ole man and he accidently kicked me off. But I was alone and this was just plain stupid.

So today I am like hurting every which way I turn. Too many bruises to count.
Ya know, I don't even remember the last time I fell off a bed. Maybe when I was a kid.

Tonight, I am putting a large empty coffee can next to my bed. I'll let ya know how I end up.

Candy
www.galerevilla.com

The Long Haul

2008-09-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

So, I am laying naked in bed and legs are apart and this hunk of a man slowly climbs on top of me and he says he is going to make love to me all night long. I am so, so excited and looking forward to this. Oh yes, yes and the Door bell rings! I open my eyes and realize that I was never going to finish this erotic dream. GOSH DAMNIT!

I wobble half asleep to the door and open it. I see my girlfriend standing there and it is like, 3am and this woman is in tears. She is a sister and I quickly get her in the house and grab her some tissues. I am wondering where “Jose” is at (Her ole’ man). – What’s the matter? What Happen? Where is Jose? Is he down? – No, she says through her tears, He left me on the side of the road. – WHAT? He left you on the side of the road? Why? – We got in an argument and he just left me there. – Umm, where is there? – He left me by the border in Tijuana. Now I am thinking how she got here. – How did you get 300 miles to here from Tijuana? – I hitched hike and got a ride from a trucker she says through her tears. I am thinking and getting angrier by the minute. – You’re too much of a wuss girl to be hitching a ride. – I know, I was so scared – she says, - but I had to do it. – My Gawd I am thinking. She lives like 900 miles away from here and I am shocked that Jose’ did that. WTF was he thinking leaving her at the US / Mexican border!

She calms down a bit and I ask her if she had eaten, and she said yeah. The trucker bought her a cheeseburger. So I get up and go into the closet and grab a pillow and blanket. – Here, use this on the couch and get some rest. We’ll talk about this shit in the morning. You gonna be alright? – Jesse (short for Jessica) smiles through her blood shot crying eyes. – Yeah I’ll be alright, Thank you Candy. – Well alright Jesse, g’nite. -

Jesse sits up from her slumber and sees me staring at her from the small kitchen table with a cup of coffee I have in my hand. – G’morning Sunshine! – I smile at her. She gives me a tired smile and says, - Good morning. – She slowly gets up and walks over to the coffee machine and pours herself a cup of coffee. Then she sits opposite of me at the table and starts to tell me what happened. I quickly stop her in mid sentence, - No, no I don’t want to know what happen. You know I am old school when it comes to that! I don’t fuckin want to know! – She looks at me and says, - Sorry – I smile, - No prob sweets, now as you know I am always one broke bitch and my phone works but there is no long distance. So, call the Operator and get a collect call going to your house. She tries to call and there is no answer. – Try your mother – She calls her mom and she starts telling her what happened. I exit the room so not to hear what is being said and got dressed. – Candy, my mom wants to talk to you please. – I walk back into the kitchen area and she hands me the phone. I start chastting away on the phone, I frowned and said okay to her mother and handed back the phone to Jesse and again, left the room and started to re-get dressed into the leathers. I walked back into the living room – You have any money on you? – She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a $20 bill. – That’s all I have. – Where is your purse? – On the bike in the saddle bags with Jose’. Now I am wondering, - How did you get that money you have? – The trucker gave it to me. – He what? Gave you $20? Hmmm what did ya do to earn that $20? – Umm, nothing, I didn’t do anything. – I looked into her eyes and can see she is lying to me. – All I want to know if you did something, I don’t care what it is, I just want to know if ya did something for the $20 bill? – She frowns, - Yeah, I did something. – I cut her off and said, - okay, gimme the $20 because we are going to need that to get you home. – She has this concerned look on her face – How am I getting home? – I am your ride home gurl! – You don’t have the money to ride all the way there and all the way back do you? – I shake my head, - No, I really don’t have the money to get home. We’ll worry about that when we cross that bridge. – What about your work? – I pause for a sec and think; - I might have to look for another job by the time I get back. - Oh Candy, I’m so sorry, maybe we can find another way. – No, I promised your mom I get you home personally and that is what I am going to do. Grab your jacket and let’s get going. We have a long day ahead of us. – She smiles and turns to the door and trips on the throw rug on the floor. Kaboom and she slowly roll’s over. I shake my head and reach out my hand and help her back to her feet. I shut down the house and grab the extra helmet for her. – Let go sweets. –

It was about 170 miles and my rear was going numb. It had been awhile since I was in conditioned for a road trip of 900 miles. So I saw that I needed gas and it was a good enough excuse for me to stop and give my ass a rest.

I pulled up to the pump and told Jesse to get off the bike. She stepped up and stepped off and I watch her lose her balance. Plop right on her ass next to my bike. I put the kick stand down and got off the bike, reached out and helped her back up. She looked at me, - Not use to your bike - I smiled but didn't say anything. She dusted herself off and went to the restroom. I got the gas and pulled the bike over to a park bench and had my soda and a cig. We didn't talk much, I knew she had a lot on her mind and I can respect that. I don't know why Jose' keeps her in the so called closet when it comes to the biker Lifestyle. Their relationship started okay a few years ago. I feel kinda partly to blame cuz I introduced them to each other. I can see it was a mistake and it was getting worse by the day. Now I am in the middle of it.

We got on the bike and headed down the road. Hours had passed, fill ups had come and gone and I was getting hungry. I half looked behind me, - You getting hungry back there? - She lean up to my ear, - Yeah, I was hungry hours ago. - What? Well shit lady why didnt you say sumthang? - I didn't want to bother you. - Bother me? BOTHER ME? She comes banging on my door at 3am, I was making love to this hunk of a man and now she is concerned about bothering me? I lean back, - I'll find us a place to eat - Great - She said.

I found this burger stand and we ate outside on the tables they had provided. Too many Yuppies inside the joint staring at us like we came from the freakin circus. I looked at her and she was in deep thought, - You okay? - Yeah I guess I'm okay, just don't know why he left me there stranded and no money, no nothing. - I shook my head, - I don't wanna know why you two were at the Mexican Border in the first place 1,200 miles from home. I know Jose' and thats why I don't wanna know. - She started to talk, - Well - No, no I said I don't wanna know. - We finished up the burgers, fries and soda and we needed to go again. Jesse stands up to drop the burger bag in the trash and she stumbles. I catch her and hold her up. Now I am thinking, this woman is either awfully tired or a total clutz! - You okay? - Yeah, thanx Candy -

8 hours later and plenty of gas stops, we were starting our run over the Golden Gate Bridge and I love riding over that bridge. Kinda romantic/cool thingy and I get a charge out of it. I can see for miles and miles in both directions! Damn we are way up here and that water seems like miles away down below.

The weather was great and we are coming into Sausalito which is on the other side of the Golden Gate. I noticed that there are a lot of Seagulls flying around overhead on the freeway. Hmmm.

One bird caught my attention and as I was following the road I was also watching this bird. We saw eye to eye and I had this weird feeling about this. Just then the damn bird takes a poop right in mid flight. OMG That stuff is coming right for me, I tried to speed up and yell behind me, - INCOMING - Jesse leans up, - What? What did you say? - You know over the years I have seen our military fighting over seas in Iraq and other places and they talk about these Smart Bombs and how they can get within a few feet of their target. Well, I have found that Seagull Smart Poop is even more accurate than a high tech smart bombs. That bird took into the calculations of my speed, wind speed, wind direction, drop rate and one un-suspecting victim. Smat Poop has no errors and this bird brain did it without a calculator. Smart Poop is deadly and extremely accurate. I think the Pentagon needs to look into Seagull Smart Poop. Anway, I hear behind me, - EWWW! - Maybe I shouldnt have ducked when it came whistling down at me. I slowly look behind me and I see this very white gooey face. OMG, That wasn't only a very Smart Poop, but a Helmet Buster Smart Poop Bomb! I saw a Off ramp and headed for it. Around the corner and we were in a gas station. I pull up to a wall and she gets off and stumbles and falls. This time though she didn't try getting up. I killed the engine and put the kick stand down. I get off the bike and looked at her. By now she was throwing up. I patted her on the back lightly and went into the mini mart and grabbed a bunch of napkins and a couple sodas. I watched her throw up the burgers we had about an hour before. Damn, she is gonna be hungry again soon. She gave me the white splattered helmet and she went into the the station restroom.

Would you look at this. Massive Collateral Splat patterns. Yeah, the Pentagon should look into this Seagull Smart Poop bombs thingy.

I got the helmet cleaned and she walked back out. - Hey gurl, you okay? - Yeah, I just got sick from it being in my mouth. - OMG, she actually had that in her mouth. I hand her a soda to wash any after taste down. This poor gurl is not having a good day.

She looked pale but was ready to continue our ride. We had another 4oo miles to go. This was going to be a 12 hour day of riding.

It was starting to get dark and I just finished getting another tank of gas. When I felt a slam into my helmet from behind. I look behind me and could see she was asleep. Her head was just bobbing around and smacking my helmet. I'll let this go for the time being. She had to be exhausted and what an adveture she had from the border.

We kept rolling on the miles into the dark hours we went. Finally hour 13 and 950 miles later we arrived at her mom's home in Crescent City, CA. Well actually just outside the city limits where her mom and dad had a small working farm.

Her parents were really happy to see her home. I smiled and lit a cig on the front porch. Her dad came out to greet me and smoke his pipe. - How ya doin Ms. Candy? - I smiled at him and said, - Imma a bit tired, but doin good I think. How about you? - We continued to talk for a while and he threw me a cold beer. Mom was fixin some late night supper for us. We didn't stop for dinner and she lost her lunch at the gas station.

Jesse walked up from coming from the barn, - I got the blankets out on the hay and I rolled your bike into the barn. - Good I said, after dinner I think the sand man will be calling me pretty quick like. Too many hours on the road and not enough sleep. - She looked at me with grateful eyes, - We'll make sure you have enough money to get home and cover your round trip. - I smiled at her, - Imma not worried sister, Life is too damn short to worry about tomorrow right now. -

After dinner and another beer, I decided it was time to call it a night. I didnt want to sleep on the couch, so they made a bed for me in the Barn. I walked in there and turned the light on. Threw the bed roll out and played with their dog that runs loose around the farm.

I said my prayers to the great father for getting us here safe and sound and I had my last sip of beer from the empty bottle and I turned off the light.

I laid on the bed and used the mexican blanket as my pillow. I started to slowly fade off and was going to sleep. What a day. In my dazed mode I could see myself naked on the bed with my legs slightly apart and this hunk of a man climbing on top of me and saying, that he was going to make love to me all night long. I am so excited and looking forward to this. Yay! No door bells. His lips start to kiss my neck .....

The Bat Woman

2008-09-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful summer afternoon and I had already put 450 miles on the bike as was thinking about an early stop for the night. I knew of a place in mid Washington State that had some real nice campsites and a river running along it. Ah yes, I can get wet and go skinny dipping.
I was headed for the Calgary Stampede Run in Canada. Been a while since I been in Canada and the ride was like 3 days to get there from Southern Nevada. I am not one to ride like a bat out of hell and I always take my time. That is the joy of riding for me. Kick back and enjoy the scenery.

As my usual treat when I grab a campsite, I gotta have my beer, salami and some crackers. Yes, yes, food made for the biker gods. So, I get my needed supplies and I have my campsite. Hey this area is kinda empty. So I decide to take off the clothes and go skinny dipping. It was time to get the days dust and dirt off me. The river water was a bit cold but I got in waist deep and dunked myself a few times.
About that time I see a couple on a bike rolling in and pulling into the campsite next to me. Oh well these are bikers and they don’t care if I am nude or not. No kids around so no harm no foul.
I’m using a bar of soap (yes it is eco safe soap) and was washing my hair and then I hear this woman on the embankment. – OMG she is naked! – I look in her direction and smile – Hi – Her husband follows up to her and waves hello. She quickly B-lines it back to their campsite and he is still standing there looking around.
Now I am thinking, this woman has never seen another woman naked and she must think that he hasn’t either by the way she reacted. Okay I say to myself, lets spice up her life a bit.
I stand up after rinsing my hair and start my way slowly back to shore. Now I can’t remember his name for the life of me, but I do remember her calling him over and over to come back to the campsite. Naw, that wasn’t gonna happen yet sweetheart. He wasn’t done looking at me yet. She was like 5’4” with heels and I just keep coming out of the water. That is when he realized I was 5’11” inches and as I kept coming out of the water he was just smiling from ear to ear.
I smiled at him as I grabbed my towel, - And how are you doing this eve? – He looks at me acting cool and says – Okay and you? – I just got the days dust off me and Imma doing real good. – The guy didn’t look bad at all, but he was just too clean shaven and his hair was around his ears on a bike that looks like it hasn’t been broken in yet.
He turned away from me as I dried myself off and I can see his wifey scolding him to no end for not coming back right away at the campsite. Hehehehe. Ahhh I see that she is one of those chicken ladies that sound off to their man – Buck-buck-buck-buck, yada, yada, yada.
I get back to my campsite and put my clothes on. Threw my bed roll out and plop my ass on it. Popped open a beer and grabbed my knife that I use to peel grapes with (at least that is what I tell the cops I use it for) and start slicing up salami. Ahh yeah, chewing beer and drinking salami. Made no difference how it is said, both are in my mouth at the same time.

I then hear a voice off to my left and it is this woman standing there looking at me. She was that biker chick in the next campsite over, – Hi my name is Laura and I just wanted to meet you. – I am looking her over and I smile back at her – Name is Gale but everyone calls me Candy, nice to meet you. – She asks me if I had been riding long – About 450 miles today. – No no, she says, - I mean how long have you been riding a motorcycle? – Oh, umm, - now she has me counting and using my fingers, 1-2-3-4-5-15-20 , - umm about 20 years (at the time), now and still counting and you? – Oh, about a year now, we ride a lot with a group we belong to, and we put a lot of miles over the last year. We like the biker world – I am thinking, Biker World? Everything she is wearing looks like it just came off the rack. She says, - This is our real first road trip together. He does a lot of road trips by himself and with his friends, but this is my first time. – Oh I see – I said. I then offered her a slice of hard Salami and a cracker, - No thank you; I have a salad in the saddle bag. – Salad? Did she say Salad? She noticed that I didn’t have a tent up – Are you sleeping in a tent tonight? – Nope – How can you sleep out here with all these bugs flying around? – They leave me alone and I leave them alone. – Then I think a moment, - Except for the snakes and giant poison beetles that can slip in your sleeping bag while your asleep – As I say this to her I can see her eyes about the size of an owl now. – But ya don’t have to worry about the Jackalope out here. They are usually not in this area, SOMETMES, depends on the time of year. – Wha, wha, what is a Jackalope? – Well they are like very large rabbits with a mean attitude and they have like these antlers and big teeth and they jump on you when you’re sleeping and they only hunt at night. They have been know to eat through tents too. But I wouldn’t worry about those, I would be more worried about the Bats getting into your hair in about an hour from now. The bats come out at dusk. Wear a scarf on your hair and you’ll be fine – I said to her. – Oh, okay, I’ll do that for sure. – She said with her serious owl eyed look. – The woman quickly went back to her husband who was working on putting the tent up. I can see her hands flopping in all directions. He looks in my direction and gives me this frown. I can see him now tryin to calm her down and tell her everything I said was a total lie. Heheheheh.

It was about 9pm and I was on my 4th beer and still nibbling on my hard salami and crackers next to an open fire I had going. The couple next to me was already in their tent for the night it looked like. I am wondering, if he is going to like give her a camping fuck in their tent? Do I gotta hear this shit?
About 15 minutes had gone by and I was feeling a bit tilted on my 5th beer now. The fire was my only light I was using. My flash light was on the campsite picnic table. I hear this Blood curdling scream come from the tent. WTF? What’s going on in there I am wondering. I then see her in her panties and a tank top running around like a raving lunatic outside the tent. I grab my flash light and focus it on her. She is like grabbing her hair and then she starts running down the campsite road with her husband telling her to wait. She is screaming that there are bats in her hair. I had a mouth full of beer and I ended up spitting it in all directions when I heard what she said. OMG, Bats in her hair and she was in a closed up tent? Hmmm, I wonder if I had anything to do with that? There he goes chasing her, - Laura, Laura Come here, STOP! – I am laughing so hard to the point I have tears in my eyes and my side hurts.
After a few minutes I see a flash light coming back this way and I put my light on them. She is like sobbing and he is trying to comfort her. She kept saying, - I want to go home, I want to leave, I want to go home. – He has his arm around her, - Honey, calm down, calm down, everything is fine. – She crawls back into the tent and is getting dressed.
I am flashing my light on him, - Is she alright? – He looks at me with contempt, - This is your fault – I look at him confused for a sec – My fault? How is it my fault? – He says, BATS, SNAKES, JACKALOPES SHIT! – I look down at the ground and I start having these seizures, convulsions and I start shaking and shaking and trying not to laugh. Please laughing gods, don’t let me laugh, he is like so serious he might hit me. I looked at him with a twisted face with tears in my eyes and trying to be serious, – Well, didn’t you set her straight? – Did no good after talking with you. – Oops!

After about 40 minutes, the campsite next to me was all put away and he starts the bike engine up. It was like 11pm and they were going to leave and go find a motel. I laid there on my bed roll and wonder how some of these people survive out here. After they left, I thought to myself, maybe I should have told her to sleep with her mouth closed in wilderness motels. Bugs like to crawl in the mouth when one is asleep in wilderness motel. Ah yes Laura, welcome to the Biker World and outdoor camping on a motorcycle.

Night of the Giant Tongue Monster

2008-09-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

I had spent most of the day riding through Yellowstone National Park on my way to the 50th Annual Sturgis Bike Rallye (1990). Although I was alone, there were so many bikers that I felt as if I was riding with them. I stopped a lot and looked at Old Faithful and many of the Geyers that were spewing earths steamed water into the air. This was day 3 and I had another 2 days before I got to Sturgis.

With the Bear problem that the Park Ranger told me about when I entered the West gate of yellowstone, I thought it be best to make sure I was out of the park before nightfall.

I found a state park just as the sun was going down and paid my $3 to spend the night there. I found the last campsite and was told to make sure food was put away. Put away? Where does one put away food on a motorycle to make it Bear proof.

I had a 6 pack of beer I picked up before coming into the camp area and some junk food too. About that time 2 bikers came rolling in and kept circling the campsites looking for an empty slot. I waved to them on their second time around and told them I had room if they didn't mind sharing a campsite. Both of them were from Portland Oregon. I gave them each a beer and one of the bikers left real quick like and came back a few minutes later with a 12 pack. Ahh yeah, a night of kicking back and drinking beer and eating salami in the middle of Wyoming.

It was around midnight and the fire was going out and I was just too damn tired to get my pup tent out. The other to guys were sleeping under the stars as well. We were laughing at the so called biker across the way who had this huge motorhome and was trailering 2 Harley's. We both had a problem with that. Bikes are for riding and not trailering.

Anyway, it was getting late and I was getting more tired by the moment after about 4 beers I couldnt keep my eyes open. I had a great day going through Yellowstone and dodging Buffalo and moose.

It was about 3:30am or there about. I had snuggled myself in my sleeping bag and used my mexican blanket as a pillow. I love sleeping under the stars. The beer made me even sleep more sound until I started smelling something awful. I was breathing in the smell of something that died or so I thought. I slowly open my eyes and I can't see one single star in the sky. WTF? Then I realize that there was this giant nose within 1 inch of my face! OMG, what the hell is this standing over me? I didnt want to move and startled it because it was so close to my face.

Momma save my ass! I said to myself. I had my knife which is about 8 inches in length inside the sleeping bag. I was slowly trying to get it out of the sheath. This giant of a animal or Monster was within eating distance of my entire face. OMG the breath was awful and now I am wondering what the hell did it eat before it starts to eat me?

I see it pull away from me for a second and I see what looks like horns on it's head. Damn! I can't see this creature or monster in the dark. OMG I think it has these pointy horns! Then it looks at me again and has it's nose within less than an inch from my face. Oh MOMMA Save me!

I got the knife out of the sheath and was slowly trying to bring it up to the top part of the sleeping bag. When this Giant Monster Licks me! Ewwww! OMG It is tasting me! I am so scared that I will not see morning and there will be just a lifeless body with no face on it. I can see the local Wyoming News - Woman Biker gets face eaten by giant monster at State Park. -

Now I have this oogey lick saliva on my face and it wreaks like death. NO, no it licks me again! I gotta find a way to scare this monster off! I can't see the stars, all I see is this giant face and horns and bad breath, and, and OMG. Steady Candy, don't cry! Think of Killing not crying! No, no, don't make crying noises. OMG I am shaking like a leaf. Almost, Almost got the knife to the top of the sleeping bag. Ewww, it licked me again! This Monster is gonna eat me or try it, I know it, I just know it. Imma gonna have no face or part of a face at day break.

There, I got the knife to the top of the sleeping bag! Imma gonna kill this monster if it is the last thing I do on this earth with my have eaten away face.

Just then a flash light flashes all over this Monster and I hear - Rufus, get over here - The Monster takes off running towards the man's voice. I sit up, grab my own flash light and look at this Doberman Pincher. A Fuckin Dog? Thats not a Monster! The guy sees me sitting up with a knife in my hand and a flash light and says, - Sorry lady - I sat there trying to un-shake myself, and thinking, - SORRY LADY? -

I got out of my sleeping bag and was now standing in the dark with my shorts and tank top still shaking like a freakin leaf. I grab a cig and a warm beer and sat at the table bench. Looking around to what just happen. The dog owner was the one who had the huge Motorhome and trailering the two Harley's.

About that time I heard one of the the other bikers at our campsite ask me, -Hey Candy, you okay? - I look over in his direction, - Yeah, Imma okay, just sitting here - I got up and walked to the bathroom and when I got back I finally was able to wipe my face and once again snuggle into the sleeping back with my knife. I am thinking, Those pointy ears on that dog look like horns in the middle of the night.

I didnt sleep very well after that. When morning came. I loaded up the bike and told both bikers goodbye as I headed to go find a roadside cafe' and get myself a cup of hot java before I continue east towards Sturgis. All I could think in the morning was - A Damn Dog!

The Chicken Dance

2008-09-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

The damn bike doesnt want to start. I kick it and kick and then I kick it! Finally it coughs, hacks hisses and looks at me with contempt. I warm her up and pull out of the drivewayheading down the road. I stop at a fillin station that has those mini marts in there. Get my gas and see about a cup of hot java. The coffee pours out like tar. WTF? This has gotta be lasts weeks coffee I swear.

I pay for the gas and leave the tar behind. As I walk out the door, I am getting dirty looks from the cashier because I didn't pay for the coffee. Well, if I am not going to drink it, why should I pay for it.

Now I am kicking the bike over to start, I kick and kick and then I kick the bike. Cough, hack hiss she goes, still showing me contempt. I need a new bike cuz these AMF Harleys sux big time. Ahh shit, I need some oil and my saddle bag is empty. I turn off the bike and walk back into the mart. The guy is looking at me with his evil eye now. I grab a quart of oil, pay for it and walk back out to the bike. I use a screw driver to open the can (This was before plastic oil containers) and start pouring the oil into the bike. The cashier runs out of the store, - Hey, hey, you cant do that right here - I look at him with a blank stare. He says, - Look, look your pouring oil all over the floor. I look at the bottom of the bike and look back at him, - Thats my bike taking a piss and I am not pouring oil on the ground dude. - Okay, but you cannot do that right here. I look at him and said nothing as I finished up with the oil. I throw the can away and look at him, - Okay, dont have a cow, I am leaving now. So I kick and kick and then kick the bike. Cough, hack, hiss she goes and starts up.

Now I am feeling a bit better and heading down the highway and then something hits me in the chest. I have a vest on that is buttoned up and now I am wondering what the hell hit me. About 5 seconds later I feel something moving and walking around on the inside of my vest. Now I am looking down and riding like I am on drugs wobbling all over my lane. WTF is on the inside of my vest. Son-of-a -OUCH! I feel this pain near my breast. Now I am like grabbing the vest and yanking all the buttons open - OUCH, Ouch! Again, I feel another Sharp pain but a bit further down. NO! I said, whatever it is, is no long between the vest and my clothes now it worked it's way between my clothes and my skin. OUCH! I feel another sharp pain. I am all over the highway and trying to slow down as fast as I can. Ouch! Another sharp pain. Cars are behind me slowing down and giving me plenty of room because I have to got be one of the worst drunkin riders they have ever seen. The road I was on is a two lane highway and no has dared to pass me up in fear of me side swiping them.

Finally I get the bike to come to a screeching stop. I jump off the bike (there was no shoulder on the road) and I am almost in the middle of the damn lane and holding up traffic now. I jumped off my bike and I am like jumping all around and lifting my shirt (thank god I had a bra on). Damn it was a Hornet! I slammed the hornet with my glove and it fell to the ground dazed. I proceeded to stomp the living shit out of it. I was way to angry and in pain to just stomp on it once. No, no, I circled the dead bug and stomped it over and over. Finally I couldn't see the bug anymore and thats when I stopped. While doing this I had my shirt over my bra and just baring all in my circle stomping dance. Now mind you, the poor people who are in about 2 cars behind me watching me do this chicken dance in the middle of the road. I must have looked like a raving lunatic. Finally I calm down and realized that my shirt was still above my bra. I had my hands on my hips and was looking at the people in the vehicles behind me.

There are probably 5 cars now at a stop and some are tring to see what the hell I am doing and why I am doing this Secret Ritual that only Bikers know called the Biker Chicken Dance in the middle of the road. I pull my shirt down, gather myself, pick up my sun glasses that were on the pavement and I kick, and kick and kick the bike, Cough, hack hiss she starts up again. I kick it into gear and ride on. Now I am like feeling this pain all over my stomach area and where the hornet stung me is like swelling up into knots. I was stung like 4-5 times before I killed it with my stomping chicken dance.

I looped my way back home and I wasn't feeling good by now. Got the medicine and put it on my stomach. This was a bad day and it was still morning.

I wonder what those people thought who were behind me and they see the wobble bike dance and then me finially jumping off the bike doing the midle of the highway Chicken Dance. I mean I must have looked funny because even vehicles going to other way slowed down and watch my dance go on.

By mid afternoon I had a fever and was in bad shape. I was going to go riding that day, I had the tank filled, the oil was filled and I was ready for the open road. Now I am laying on the couch in pain and with a fever, Damn! I got a couple of calls of some people wondering why I didnt show up at the meeting place.

There will be more days of riding ahead. Just no more chicken dances please!

Slammin into a Monsoon on a Bike

2008-08-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

Looking out the Sheild of a Helmet in the Rain!

Okay, like it is "Taco Tuesday" and my girlfriend is making tacos. Well, I live about 80 miles away and said I will leave the house around 6:15pm and be there in 90 minutes or so.

I walked out the door and it is like 105 degrees and starting to rain. I look off to the southeast to see how it looks. Looks cloudy but my daughter and I should be okay. We'll take the longer route and know that flash floods dont happen on those roads.

About 10 miles out, the rain turned into a major down pour. Now I cant see 5 feet in front of me and I am under a Thunder Cell just crackling and flashing all around me. Not a building for miles and no place to hide under, I pushed on. My leathers were soaked through, my daughter was shivering from the cold as I traveled at a high rate of speed - 20 mph. 5 miles finally went by and I found some shelter under a canopy (closed gas station). It helped a little because the rain was coming in at an angle. Finally after 15 mins, it let up and we were going down the highway again. Wow! I only traveled 35 miles and it's like 7:30pm. Well, I was on roads that didn't have flash floods but then I noticed that the roads were filling up. OMG, I am going so slow and the rain picked up again. I can hear my exhaust pipes gurggling under water. My floor boards on my bike were also under water. WFT, All I wanted was a taco at my girlfriends house because it was Taco Tuesday!

Now my bike is swimming down roads and I am getting concerned. My daughter has never been in a storm like this before and she was crying by now. I was in one close to this on my way to Sturgis, South Dakota back in 1990. But my daughter and me are getting pounded hard by torrential rains.

Bikers waiting out a Storm
I found another closed gas station and parked the bike under it. My daughter and I ran to where the door to the station was at and huddled there. There was a canopy and we can dry out a little bit. Everything I had in my leathers was soaked. I noticed we when stopped, the weather was like 90 degrees yet we are shivering from the wind and rain on the bike. Tacos was still like, 40 miles away and I am not going back through all of those storm cells to go home. We are commited to pushing on.

The Monsoon let up a bit and we got on the bike and headed out. I had to ride slow because the roads were flooded out and I didn't want to hydroplane the bike and lose control. The bike was actually making a wake across the road. I tried to ride in the center of the highway which is the highest point but, my pipes and floor boards were still under water. Gurgle, gurgle, putt, putt we went.

When I finally got to the major highway (40) out of Needles, CA. The rain let up completely, Now was my time to get out of the area and make up some major lost time. The temps were back to 105 degrees and we were soaking wet.

Okay, I told my daughter lets get it on down the road. I cranked up the speed to 70 mph and was watching the water fall off the bike. We're gonna dry off now at 105 degrees and at 70 mph.

It was dark already as we rolled into Lake Havasu City. In my mirror I can see lightning way behind me and fairly clear skies in front of me. Damn, even with the 105 degrees we were still cold. We got wet to the bone. Thats the worst kind of wet one can have.

By 9:30pm we rolled up to her house. We took off our clothes and had them washed and dried. Put the leather out in the back yard hanging to dry. Told my girlfriend that we are staying the night because of what happened and we'll leave for home in the morning. She said, Great! Want a Taco? Hell yeah!

Ride Safe!

hugz,

Gale

Brasso that Vehicle!

2008-07-24T15:18:00.001-07:00

Okay, I told you about the "Pledge" and what that can do to your bike. Yet, you gave me no tip and just moved on with some valuable information from me.

So, I have some more info for those of you who need it. Yeah, this Biker chick who does music is gonna tell you how to bring back a luster to an old paint job and not spend a fortune in massive amounts of buffing and having it detailed. This should be worth at least another CD album purchase.

A long time ago, I had a brother who had this paint job that was totally oxidized. He needed to have the paint on his bike detailed badly or get a new paint job. But to get that much off the bike was not going to be cheap. I think it was like $75-$100.

I was hurting and needed the money and told him I could do it for him for $20. To leave the bike with me and come back in 30-45 mins and it will look like new. The front fender, tank and back fender would look brand new.

He said he would walk down the street to the corner store and buy a beer and slowly work his way back to my place. I said okay buy me a beer too and I can have it after I am done.

I went to work on the bike and in less than 30 mins, his bike was looking good and the paint job looked brand new. 35 minutes had passed and he returned and was floored at how his bike looked. "How in the Hell did you take off all that tarnish and oxidation off the bike so quickly?" I smiled at him and said, $20 first please. He gave me the $20 and a beer and now wanted to know what I used.

I reached into my little tool kit from the garage and showed him this.

"BRASSO MY ASS" he said! You used Brass Polish on my paint job? Yeppers I sure did. He looked over the bike paint with a fine tooth comb and was amazed. See, I saved ya a paint job! "Hell yeah you did" he said. If you noticed that it only took the oxidation off the paint and didn't dig any deeper to hurt the paint. "Damn you saved me all kinds of money, Thanks" he said. Your welcome. "Oh, why does it smell lemony?" Hehehehe. Never mind.

Now, you can try this too on your tired paint job. You don't have to believe me. Go try it on a small piece of paint on your old car. watch what it does. If the bike paint has big cracks in the paint, forget it. It will not work. It just has to be oxidized and tarnished. Brasso is awesome on tired paint jobs, whether it be a bike or your oxidized car or truck. But on a vehicle, it can look lop sided because the Brasso will make one area look new and the rest of the vehicle look old. So, try the stuff on a small corner or your bike paint. Have plenty of rags because it is going to turn black from the oxidation coming off. You can use it on old chrome, just be careful cuz, after it is clean, you will be able to see pits in the chrome. That means the chrome is on it's way to peeling.

Do not use buffer wheels on your paint with Brasso. Do it by hand! It is slower but you wont make it un-even and it can be done right. A buffer wheel can go too deep and hurt the paint job. Just use some good ole' fashion elbow grease and keep turning that rag. One rag to wipe to a shine and the other to use with Brasso. When I am done, I use Pledge to coat the new looking paint.

Now you owe me, since I saved ya big bucks. Go grab an album.

www.galerevilla.com/albums

hugz,

- Gale

Pledge Your Bike

2008-07-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

THIS IS FOR ALL YOU FAIRLY NEW RIDERS OUT THERE!

About 30 years ago I decided to ride to a Car and Bike Show. It wasn't far from where I lived and I have never been to a Bike Show before. It was summer time so I was like wearing this skimpy outfit. Even the other biker chicks were like gasping because I was surely showing too much skin. Oh well!
Anyway, I walked into the auditorium and saw some of the most beautiful bikes on this planet, (I havent checked out the other planets so I don't know). Several of the Harleys that I saw had all their chrome engraved and I was like, OMG how did they do that? The owner was standing off to the side and I was just drooling over his bike. Then I saw him walk over to the bike and used a soft cloth to wipe a piece of chrome that must have had a smudge mark on it. He walked back over to me and smiled. I was a bit puzzled and I asked him how he kept his chrome clean besides a rag. I am talking about polish.

Oh that is easy he says and reaches into his little tool box and brings out "Lemon Pledge". YOU USE FURNITURE POLISH? He smiled and said, Yeah, the Pledge has a protective clear, non build up wax on it. It protects the chrome and the paint on the bike. But, it doesn't last more than a week because it is not like a turtle wax. Your chrome will last longer and so will the paint. It also keeps the engraving clean and clear.

I have had about 7 bikes over a 30 year period and ever since that bike show I have never used any other cleaner other than, "Lemon Pledge" I have tried other brands and they just don't do what good ole' Pledge can do to chrome and your paint job. What I like about it too is that you can wipe off dust and not worry about scratching your chrome or paint. I also use it on my bike seat and back rest. I like it better than Amor-all. It does a fantastic job on leather as well. I use mink oil on my leather and when needed, to clean the leather, I use Pledge.

I remember getting ragged about rolling up and my bike smelling lemony. I had chrome on my engine and I use the pledge on that and when it heats up, the scent of lemon comes off the engine. I had bikers ask me what the hell was I using to clean the bike. I told them I use Pledge. Their eyes go crossed and they look at me like I know nothing. I would get comments like, what's the matter, don't have enough money for some real wax? No one cleans their motorcycle with Furniture Polish! Get Real! I just shrugged my shoulders and didn't say anything else. Yeah, your bike will smell lemony if there is any chrome on the engine. But my chrome glistened in the sun light and their chrome couldn't match it. Those who took the time to actually talk TO me and not AT me would find out what that guy did to keep his bike clean at the bike show. How he kept all that engraved chrome sparkling.

Now keep in mind peeps, I didn't invent this. I bet some of you old War-Horse riders out there use it and some of you are hearing this for the very first time. I look at it like this, if a guy who has a bike that is fully engraved from top to bottom on his Harley can use it and have people just stare at the bike for hours on end, then I can use it on my two wheel street machine. At the time (30 years ago) it was a little known secret that these bike builders were using on their bikes.

Yeah, the polish doesn't last for more than a week the most. Hell, I clean and dust my bike down now about every 4 days as it is. I pledge my bike once per week and dust it down as needed the rest of the week. Been doing that for 30 plus years now. It cleans Vynl, Leather, Chrome, Paint jobs and some plastic without hurting any of it, (that includes custom paint jobs like mine). It will NOT clean rubber. You still gotta use Amor-all for that. Some people didn't believe me and I told them to go try it on their car chrome or on their car paint. You will be amazed!

Good luck and keep the rubber down and the shiny side up and remember, "Pledge Your Bike."

- Gale

http://www.galerevilla.com/

Lost in Arizona

2008-04-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

Its late at night and I am trying to get home from Phoenix, AZ. Southern Nevada is like only 4 1/2 hours away. But if you miss one sign for the turn off, then that 4 hour trip starts getting longer. I was on, Go-Fast" energy drink to stay awake and stay focused on the highway. Some how I missed the turn off in the dark and the traffic. After about 90 minutes I started thinking that this part of the highway doesnt look familiar. Not one sign that pointed to Nevada.

Where am I? I finally get off the highway and start asking where I am and directions to where I am going. OMG.. I am like 90 miles going in the wrong direction. Well, Hells, Bells and Taco Shells! (I did say something a bit more crude and it wasn't like - Golly Gee Darn).

So now I have to add more gas ($3.70 per gallon) and double back 90 miles. This once 4 hour trip is now turning into a 7 hour tour of Arizona. Now I am looking for Ginger, Marianne, the Skipper and Gilligan.

I was already tired from the Live Performance earlier in the day at the Phoenix Pride Festival. It was 100 degrees and on stage with the lights can crank it up to 150 degrees real quick.

Finally I am on the right highway headed west towards Nevada again. Hey, this looks weird, why is the highway more narrow than before when I came through here. It feels like my rig has gotten wider or the highway has gotten more narrow. OMG I am tired. It is now like midnight and I am still 2 hours away from the Nevada border and home.

I have been driving for 37 years and can drive the hell out of a vehicle pulling a trailer. But I see a scary spot coming up. The highway narrows on both directions going over a ravine of some sorts. No! Coming in the other direction is an 18 wheeler and we are both going to be on the narrow part of this mini bridge at the same time traveling 65 mph in two different directions.

That truck flew by be and it's wind currents pushed me over, NO! I look in the mirror and I am within inches of scraping the side railing with my trailer. There is enough lights on the trailer to see the guard rail. MOMMA! Whoa, that was close!

I now have a massive headache and I find a lighted Gas Station that is closed. I'll go in there for a few minutes and stop to catch my breath. I look in my purse for an Aleve. What? No Aleve? Just then a Sheriff's car pulls in. I walk over to this officer and ask if he had an aspirin or something for a headache. I then got a speech about how aspirin are not good for me. OMG, how do I shut this cop up.

Okay, okay.. I finally find a good excuse to stop the aspirin speech. I said I have to go potty. The Deputy says there is a gas station open about 5 miles up the road.

I thank him and drive away. I find the gas station and it has a mini mart inside, Yay! I grab a couple travel packets of Advil. Now I am recognized and I quickly sign a couple autographs and scurry back to my vehicle. I dont want to sign any more autographs. It's after midnight and I am getting short with people by this time. I have a headache that wont stop, My make up melted away on stage hours ago and I dont want to spray perfume on me.

2 hours later I finally crossed the Arizona/Nevada border. Yay, I am home now. What a long day it was. I started at 6:00am on Sunday morning and went to Phoenix for a Live Concert. Now it is 2:00am Monday morning and I am finally back at home exhausted. The SUT (Sport Utility Truck) and the trailer will be emptied out after I get a good night's sleep. I cant see straight and my eyes are about to shut on me.

I look at my bed and I am thinking I need a shower and then put on my nitey. Ahh, the hell with that. I fall on the bed and slept for about 7 hours, clothes and all.

I woke up wearing yesterday's clothes (Yuk) and I was zoning for the remainder of the day. Not even a good shower and a full pot of coffee seem to get me out of my vegetable state of mind.

I think I will be a black haired blonde today. Hmm, I wonder why?

hugz,

Gale

On the Road to Phoenix

2008-03-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

It was Saturday morning and the alarm sounded at 6:30am. Gale had worked the into the wee hours in the morning and only having 5 hours sleep was not enough. But, she rolled out of bed and had a full day ahead of her. The big Country event was going to start in a few hours again over the weekend in Phoenix, AZ. There was no time to sit and have a cup of coffee to wake herself up. Instead she reached into the fridge and brought out an energy drink to get her motor running. Gale got her daughter up and they both readied for the 5 hour drive to the Festival. By 7:30am they were on the road. It has been awhile since the last time she traveled across Arizona with its massive canyons and beautiful scenery. By 1:00pm she arrived at the festival. Show time was 3:00pm. She looked around and realized she was back stage but parked what seemed like a half mile away from the back stage gate. So, both started the long walk to the back gate entrance. After telling them who she was and which stage she needed to be on. The long wait started for the Utility cart to arrived and take her back to the trailer with her equipment.
By the time she finally arrived back stage at the, “Chuck Wagon” Stage, it was 2:30pm. Stage hands as well as her started setting up the Keyboard and sound system. Wait! No Sound engineer? Where in the hell was the Engineer Gale was asking. They said there weren’t any. Now Gale had to figure out the sound board to get some sound going. By 3:00pm she started her first song! She drew a crowd quickly with her native music blaring across a country fest.. People were not use to hearing that at an all cowboy event. She captured people and hundreds gathered around to listen. He music was well received by the people. By 3:30pm,Gale was done and putting her equipment off stage. She had signed autographs and shook many hands after the show. She also sold a lot of CD’s and was feeling pretty good in spite of no sound engineer and the long wait to get her equipment to the stage area.
Now Gale and her daughter were hungry. Food was to be provided in the VIP tent. With the equipment secure, Gale and her daughter trek off to find the VIP tent. Both had not eaten since 8:00am and were hungry.

When they got to the tent and showed ID. Gale quickly was signing Programs that had her photo in it. She scurried into the tent expecting to see all kinds of food. She saw a large container of cold beans on the table. Chips on a plate and a half cut of piece of chocolate pie. Nothing else was on the serving tables. The tables were barren.
Gale asked the food attendant about a meal and he said the food was all gone. There wasn’t really anything left. There was some coffee and she quickly got herself a cup of coffee. The food attendant found some cold Shredded beef in the refrigerator and made them cold sandwiches. And here you thought all these Entertainers ate like kings and queens back stage. After the Cold Sandwich and a warm cup of coffee, both headed back to the stage to where the equipment was at. It was time to go home. But the Logistics of where the stage was at and her vehicle was a nightmare in itself. Gale could not get a Utility Cart for over 2 hours. She also didn’t drink enough water and her legs were starting to cramp up. Gale was getting upset! Finally at hour 2, the cart arrived and was loaded up. By the time the trailer was loaded, it was almost 8:00pm. Both, Gale and her daughter were still hungry. That cold tasteless sandwich wasn’t enough. So, she found a McDonalds in, “ Goodyear”, Arizona and stopped there. She wondered if the name of the small city had anything to do with the tire people. By 8:30pm she was on the road back to Laughlin Nevada, and another 5 hours on the road. By 1:45am, Gale and her daughter finally arrived home. Both dragged themselves into the house and both plopped on their beds. This day is done! Many people get the impression that Entertainers get all the royal treatment. The best food, red carpets, and everything were being provided for them. Not always the case.
On the road in the middle of the night exhausted and Gale having to take breaks because she was seeing blur. Not a store for hundreds of miles, no gas stations and the ones that she found were all closed. All of this in the middle of the desert in Arizona. She also knew she had to get home because there was a big storm brewing and being in the middle of the desert at night in a big storm is a no, no and very dangerous. When she rolled into home, the rains started to fall from the night sky.
Gale started at 6:30am Saturday morning and it was now 2:00am Sunday morning. All in all, the Music was great, Gale got new fans, and CD’s were sold, Food sucked, 10 hours of driving for a 90 minute show. No hotels available anywhere due to the festival. Logistics at the fest was a nightmare and white line fever was setting in. On the side of the road in the dark was scary and the weather by now was very cold and cloudy and beginning to pour rain. But, the show must go on!
Narrated to Carol Wainwright by Gale for the Newsletter.

If you would like to see the photos, go to her Newsletter Webpage for the story and photos combined.
www.galerevilla.com/newsletter.htm

Musical hugz,

Gale