Some More Books to Brag About & A New Picture of Me!! ♥

The past two weeks or so have seen me inundated with an amazing array of great reading material!
In addition to a shit ton of magazines & journals, I've been blessed with some mighty fine books.

Here is a partial list, which also includes some older books I've yet to read fully.
I did get thoroughly into a book I picked up several weeks ago, "Petrus Romanus: the Final Pope is Here"  by T. Horn & C. Putnam.   Despite it's obvious anti-Catholic bigotry, it's very interesting and an exciting read!

A Plethora of New Buddhist Books--

Hot damn on fire!  Yesterday saw the arrival of seven awesome Buddhist books from the monks of the Thai Forest tradition monastery in Redwood, California!!  
I also picked up a few great titles from a used bookstore.  These are mostly of the contemplative & mystical Christian tradition.  My spiritual collection is coming along nicely.  I'm am surely blessed to have a veritable library of knowledge at my fingertips!!  That to a lifetimes' worth of reading material.  I shall not be bored again.  This is love m//r

Book List Book List Book List Book List Book List--

Holy smokes! Dug out three more boxes of books from storage!  Including doubles & triples of a few.  Those will go to my friends Catholic Men's House, "Friends of the Master" in Ypsilanti.  I've already donated around one hundred books to them, with about another hundred waiting to be transported.
I've decided I need to really make a serious inventory of what's here. And it's just as easy to put it on my blog as it is to put it in one of my hand-written journals. Wish me luck! m//r

note: I am NOT including novels & fiction (for the most part)

Some More Reading Material Worth Mentioning--

This week the mailman brought me the new issue of "Sophia: Journal of the Melkite Catholic Church."  I plan on writing more about this real soon, because this issue is full of excellent articles (many of them reprinted from other more obscure & hard to find sources.)  Some great features about the work our new Pope & others in the Roman Catholic & Eastern Catholic Churches are doing to attempt to heal the schism between us & our Orthodox Christian brothers & sisters.

I also received the new issue (a double issue at that!) of "Orthodox Word" published by the St. Herman of Alaska monastery in CA., as well as two other Eastern Orthodox journals from two other monasteries here in America.

New Books Received & Many More on the Way a.k.a. "Why I'm Always Broke"--

Got a shit ton of new reading material to keep me busy! Almost finished with "The Celestine Prophecy" & still balls-deep in "Ishmael." Plus, trying to navigate my way around two dozen other books that I continually revisit. 

New Books That Have Arrived in the Mail--

Let me just say that I STILL LOVE getting mail! Real, physical, tangible mail.  "Snail-mail" so to speak. [I wonder where that term first originated? And by whom?]  In the early to mid 90's I had a post office box (p.o. box), especially useful when I was doing 'Book of Lies' fanzine (which incidentally never actually got finished & printed. In many ways this blog is a continuation of that 'zine) & receiving lots & lots of mail, music for review, letters, and ads for records & labels. Over a fifteen year period or so I had two different p.o. boxes. Nowadays the mail just gets delivered to my house & is more convenient than having to go check the ole' p.o. box everyday or so.  But little else has changed & I still get excited whenever the mail lady comes! I'm blessed to receive so many books, magazines, journals, fanzines, & letters! But in my insatiable thirst, it's still 'never enough.'  This is one of my biggest character defects. And believe me, I'm working on it (kind of).
Here are several books that I've received over the past week. m//r

"The Heritage Of St. Paul In Orthodox Spirituality Pt. 1: A Word from the Holy Fathers"

Here we have a link to a great podcast from Ancient Faith Radio, one of my favorite Eastern Orthodox websites/podcasts/internet radio stations.   "A.F.R." has sooooo many GREAT shows & podcasts! 
Get into it! ♥ m//r

"The Heritage Of St. Paul In Orthodox Spirituality Part 1: A Word from the Holy Fathers" via Ancient Faith Radio--(link)

New Books I'm Digging--

Well, of course we here at m//r love books & love reading in general!
I spend more than I earn, on books. Huh? No, it doesn't make any sense to me either.

Here's what I've got new to dig into:

"Secret Journey to Planet Serpo: A True Story of Interplanetary Travel"
  -by Len Kasten

"On Being Catholic"
  -by Thomas Howard

"The Secret History of Consciousness: Ancient Keys to Our Future Survival"
  -by Meg Blackburn Losey, Ph.D.

"Deep Truth: Igniting the Memory of Our Origin, History, Destiny, and Fate"
  -by Gregg Braden

"Breaking the Mirror of Heaven: The Conspiracy to Suppress the Voice of Ancient Egypt"
  -by Robert Bauval & Ahmed Osman

"Forbidden Science: From Ancient Technologies to Free Energy"
  -edited by J. Douglas Kenyon

"X - Events: Complexity Overload & the Collapse of Everything"
  -by John Casti

"Pope Francis"
  -by Matthew E. Bunson, D.Min.

Got Several New Books In the Mail Today & Learned To Control My Mouth & My Brain--

________________________________________________
It was a good mail day today. After being a shitty day early on, the mail lady came & brightened things up for me a bit.  Other than that my "boss" still didn't pay me today!!! I called him last night to ask him if he could please drop off my check to me this morning, since he DID say he was going to pay me today, and he told me no, he couldn't bring it to me because he wasn't even gonna' be around today!  What?!?  He told me two Friday's ago that he couldn't pay me that day but he would pay me on Tues., after the holiday. Then on Tues. he said we weren't working that day--ostensibly due to rain--but we would be working on Wed. So I assumed he'd pay me Wed. Nope. He told me there wasn't much more work for me, but he'd have a check first thing Mon. morning for me. That's why I called him last night. I tried calling him today but there's no answer. He DID tell me last night that he had another big job & needed me this week, so we'll see. But he already owes me over $300 and I'm not sure I want to work for him anymore. Things could change, and I do need the money. I've got some serious bills that need my attention, not to mention rent that is past due now. Last night he promised me a check this Friday. Hmmm. Seems like he's dodging me. Fortunately for me I made him cut me a check last week for $240, but he asked me not to cash it yet, that he'd pay me my full amount due a.s.a.p. So I've been holding off on putting this check through, but if, by this Fri., he doesn't pay me the full sum of what I'm owed, I'll cash this check and cut me losses. Lesson learned. when dealing with racist, half-assed, inbred, 21 yr old chodes, BE CAREFUL. 
That's my rant on the b.s. of the day. If it's not one thing it's another. I've had some comfort with my Christian meditation lately. Between Eucharistic Adoration & some mystical Christianity (of the Roman Catholic variety) books I've got my nose in, I've been able to sleep a little easier, and calm down when my mind gets to racing. I take comfort in knowing that my Lord, Jesus Christ, is with me all the time, at every step of the way. I try to picture Jesus sitting with me, at the end of my bed, verbally telling me, "it's all right My son."  THAT is a big help. Say what you may about my religious/spiritual leanings, but it works for me. "Restraint of pen & tongue" is about the greatest piece of advice I've ever read.
Use love. ♥ m//r
______________________________________________________________________
Here's a few of the titles the mail lady brought me today:

"The Dynamics of Israeli-Palestinian Relations: Theory, History, and Cases"
  -by Ben Soetendorp

"UFO Religion: Inside Flying Saucer Cults & Culture"
  -by Greg L. Reece

"The Station: Travels to the Holy Mountain of Greece"
  -by Robert Byron

......and a couple of history & religious books.

" Diadochos of Photiki: Philosophical Poems & Quotes " This Is Great!--

A fantastic site I found with extensive quotes & information from Holy Masters. Lots of great quotes from wise Christian hermits, Buddhist monks, and Hindu holy men. This is most certainly not dedicated to any one spiritual tradition, as it encompasses wisdom from all of the world's great traditions!  Loving it! ♥♥♥ m//r


Diadochos of Photiki: Philosophical Poems & Quotes (link)

" Jesus In Kashmir (India) " Documentary by the Indian Government--

Here we have for your consideration, another documentary, this time produced & released by the Indian govt, about Jesus either surviving His crucifixion & travelling to India, China, Asia, etc, OR Jesus Christ going to India et al, between the ages of 12 & 30. I like this narrators voice and the background music. It's really easy to listen to. Soothing, yes....that's the word. So if you have some time, play this video in the background while you do whatever it is you have to do. Or spend some time attentively watching this documentary. But if you're anything like me you're doing five things at one time!
Ahhhh, spread some nice vibes today....show someone you don't like, some love. We don't always like all the people we come in contact with, but we should strive to love them. ♥

Some New Books I'm Currently Reading ( May/June )

"We've Never Been Alone: A History of Extraterrestrial Intervention"

  -by Paul Von Ward

"Mind Programming: From Persuasion & Brainwashing to Self-Help & Practical Metaphysics"

  -by Eldon Taylor

"The Gnostic Mystery"

  -by Randy Davila

"Extraordinary Knowing: Science, Skepticism, & the Inexplicable Powers of the Human Mind"

  -by E.L. Mayer, Ph.D.

"A Thousand Splendid Suns"  (by the guy who wrote "The Kiterunner")

  -by Khaled Hosseini

"Gnosis of the Cosmic Christ: A Gnostic Christian Kabbalah"

  -by Tau Malachi

"Teachings of the Christian Mystics"

  edited by Andrew Harvey
"Orthodoxy & the Religion of the Future"

  -by Fr. Seraphim Rose

"Brave New World"  (a classic I am revisiting!)

  -by Aldous Huxley

"The Alien Abduction Files: The Most Startling Cases of Human-Alien Contact Ever Reported"

  -by Kathleen Marden & Denise Stoner

"Navigating the Out of Body Experience: Radical New Techniques"

  -by Graham Nicholls

"Killing Jesus: The Unknown Conspiracy Behind the World's Most Famous Execution"

  -by Stephen Mansfield

"The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil"

  -by Philip Zimbardo

"Grey Wolf: The Escape of Adolf Hitler"

  -by S. Dunstan & G. Williams

Sunday, May 26, 2013--

Another Sunday. Another end to another weekend. Kind of. Tomorrow is an extra weekend day! No work tomorrow since it's Memorial Day. Get paid on Tues this week instead of Fri. Fine with me.
Woke up early today, prayed & meditated, went to Holy Mass at CTK (had a guest priest from India say the Mass!) and came home to eat leftover Chinese food for lunch. Listening to the 10,000 MANIACS and contemplating a nap. Although I did sleep well last night--and even slept for nine hours--I'm still feeling like a nap is in order!!  m//r

New Books I'm Reading for May 2013! ♥♥♥

"The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth that Could Change Everything"
  -by Brian D. McLaren

"I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist"
  -by Norman L. Geisler & Frank Turek

"The Power of the Parable: How Fiction by Jesus Became Fiction About Jesus"
  -by John Dominic Crossan

"Grey Wolf: The Escape of Adolf Hitler"
  -by Simon Dunstan & Gerrard Williams

"Pope Francis"
  -by Matthew E. Bunson

"Lemuria and Atlantis: Studying the Past to Survive the Future"
  -by Shirley Andrews

"Hitler's Charisma: Leading Millions Into the Abyss"
  -by Laurence Rees

"How Hitler Could Have Won World War II: The Fatal Errors That Led to Nazi Defeat"
  -by Bevin Alexander

Perpetual Depression....

I feel like I am stuck in some kind of "depression bubble."  I don't really know how to 
adequately explain it.  A looong, drawn out, mild-ish perpetual depressed feeling.  Not 
a heavy duty, suicidal type of depression, but a persistent "state of the blues."  Frankly
I'm becoming sick & tired of it.  It also doesn't feel the same as S.A.D. --"Seasonal Affect-
ive Disorder."  I'm all too familiar with that one--it comes to me almost EVERY single 
winter.  This is more of a prolonged loneliness mixed with a long case of the blues one 
gets with opiate withdrawal, if you've ever experienced that.  I can't succinctly explain it
but I think that Wm. S Burroughs does a good job of it in his book "Junky."  And I also can't
remember off the top of my head exactly what he says, I just remember reading that book a 
few times and thinking, "this makes complete sense to me. I understand."  Yeah it sounds
odd that I can't remember what he wrote, yet I CAN remember agreeing with it!  Tho to
me that's one sign of a good writer --you don't remember what he wrote, but you DO
remember sympathizing or agreeing with it!   Back to my depression: what the heck is it
and how do I get rid of it?  I have tried every known anti-depressant under the sign and 
every combination thereof--nothing seems to work for any extended period of time.  Some
work for a few months, then the side effects inevitably force me to stop taking the meds. 
I will say that if it wasn't for my involvement in my church & the fact that I'm Catholic I
firmly believe that I would be much worse off than I am.  Also, I will say that when I have
been more involved in Alcoholics Anonymous I usually feel more pleasant & "upbeat." 
Maybe that's it, maybe that's my solution: getting back to regular AA meetings and trying
to go to mass once or twice during the week.  Yeah, I think that's worth giving a shot.  Heck,
they are both free with no strings attached.  Also, some more time set aside for serious prayer
with the Lord will do me good.  
I've tried & tried & tried. All I can do is keep trying. I miss so many friends & so many lovers. It seems like I'll never get back what I once had. 

ttt♥♥♥

// Melkite Greek Catholic Church // ♥♥♥

Eparchy of Newton // Melkite Catholic Church [external link]

I love the Melkite Catholics!  I have a few books about them. Very beautiful liturgy and forms

of worship.  Good, honest Eastern Catholic's with no Orthodox counterpart, unlike most other

Eastern Catholic churches.

Currently Reading This Week--

Here are a few of the MANY books that I am simultaneously reading at this moment in time. In addition to these books, I also have several magazines & journals that I refer back to, plus about six dozen books on my immediate bookshelf. I always say, one can never read too much! 


"Alien Agenda"
 - by Jim Marrs 

"Ruled By Secrecy" 
- by Jim Marrs 

"Forbidden Science" 
 - by J. Douglas Kenyon 

"The Babylonian Codex" 
- by C.S. Graham 

 "The Monk of Mount Athos" 
 - Trans. by Rosemary Edmonds 

 "Essence of the Upanishads" 
- by Eknath Easwaran 

"Papa Dimitri Gagastathis: The Man of God" 
- Trans. by Dimitrios N. Kagaris

Currently Reading--

"Gnosticism: New Lights on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing"  
   --by Stephen A. Hoeller

"Papa Dimitri Gagastathis, The Man of God (1902-1975)"
   --translated by Dimitrios N. Kagaris

"The Monks of Mount Athos"
   --translated by Rosemary Edmonds

Father Frank Pavone from Priests for Life

Today was an extra special day as we had a guest priest say mass at Christ the King
church in Ann Arbor.  Father Frank Pavone was in town to address a Pro-Life / Culture
of Life conference yesterday.   He is the president of "Priests for Life" a national Pro-Life
organization.  He is an amazing man & I feel blessed being in his presence.  Awesome day!

Father Frank Pavone To Say Mass Next Sunday @ CTK

I am excited about next weekend: Father Frank (Pavone), who runs "Priests for Life", a national Pro-Life organization, will be in town next weekend to host a seminar/workshop/conference at EMU & say mass.  This will be held in the student center on the campus of Eastern Michigan University.  I plan on attending even though finances are tight right now.  This is one of those times when I refuse to let my money-brokeness be a barrier to my spiritual formation.  Reducing abortion---eliminating it if I had the power to--is one of the most important issues in my life currently.  
Truth be told, it has been an important issue for a number of years now, but I chose to surround myself with closed-minded people who dampened my spiritual growth or were zealots for the pro-aborion movement, hiding behind an ostensible "women's health" agenda.  Never mind the FACT that half of all babies murdered worldwide are female--very young 'women' if you will--and snuffing out their lives "on demand" & "without apology" can hardly be classified as healthy for women!  As if I'm somehow opposed to free flu-shots or affordable mammograms for females.  To me, THAT'S a women's health issue.  The "War on Women" being perpetrated by the far left is disgusting, despicable, low-down, & dirty.  One would have to be blind & half retarded to ignore the plethora of data on not only the psychological & emotional turmoil inflicted on women in the form of Post Abortion Stress Disorder (PASD), but the physical harm as well.  But like I said, it's also medically harmful to the slaughtered babies.  Duh.  Treating women as political pawns and commodities to advance the radical "culture of death" is disturbing, to say the least.  Think of the "I vote with my vagina" slogans, signs, and internet memes of this last presidential election.  I'm fond of the conservative women's rebuttal to that campaign: "I vote with more than my vagina, I vote with my brain!"  How succinctly put.  And what about the majority of abortionists being male?  How about some discussion on how they are getting rich off of a painful, confusing, and depressing time for most of the women opting to pursue an abortion?  I am shocked & dismayed every time I hear someone accuse republicans of waging war on women & women's health!  Ugghhh.  I'm equally shocked at this perpetuation of the culture of death!  I'm won't even touch on China's 'one baby policy' or sex selective abortion, which is the NUMBER ONE reason for abortion, worldwide.  Nasty, nasty, nasty.
OK, I'ma step down off my soapbox now. 
Fr. Frank will be the guest priest saying mass at my church, Christ the King, next Sunday!  I'm excited to finally get to meet this dude!  Hopefully I'll be able to have him sign one of his books for me at the conference on Saturday.
Yep, I agree that being excited for a guest priest at church is something I never saw myself experiencing.  The irony...
I will make another post later about Priests for Life and what they do.
I pray my friends who read this (all seven of them) will not be too irate & we can respectfully agree to disagree.