Bible Readers: What About All Those "ites"?

Now that you know how to read you can read the Bible for yourself. That's what my momma said.

Most Bible readers (from my generation and the generations in the centuries before mine) will likely say what struck them when the first read the scriptures was all those "begats". Some people will skip over verses, even whole chapters if they see that word. The word "begat" usually connects a string of names that are very difficult to pronounce.

For me, one of things noted when turning the pages of the Old Testament starting with Genesis and working my way to the Revelation was all those "ites". The names for the inhabitants of different ancient nations.

Hittites, Asherites, Jebusites, Amorites, Amakelites, Girgashites, Moabites, Perizzites, Canaanites, and of course, Israelites.

Then it changed from "ites" to "ans".

Syrians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Romans.

Suffixes in the English language:

*  ite = follower or supporter

*  an = pertaining to

* ian = belonging to

Belonging to? Hmmm?  Like Christians?

Yes. Only Christ is not a nation. Christianity and the gospel message of peace and goodwill is not restricted by man-made boundaries. But it's an observation as to how the suffixes were used by the scholarly translators.

JAT. (Just a thought.) :)

glitter-graphics.com

Histomap: Visualizing the 4,000 Year History of Global Power

If my view were a "theory", the histomap would have thoroughly disproved it.  Alas.  It's not a theory.  It's just a thought.  :)

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Christmas Tradition : The Gifts of the Magi

The presentation of the gifts of the Magi is an integral part of the story of the birth of Jesus.

Every year during the month of December, many people direct their minds to the story about the birth of Jesus, revered by faithful Christians as the Savior of the world. Although the nativity scene always shows the three wise men (also called the three kings) adoring a newborn baby and bearing gifts, the biblical account indicates that their visitation did not occur on the night that Mary gave birth. It was a few years later. 

Yet the erroneous tradition persists. There is also a question or debate as to whether or not there were three men at all. Because three gifts are mentioned, the assumption was made that there was one wise man bringing one gift. 3 gifts must equal 3 gift-bearers. The fact is that the number of men from the East who were led by the Star of Bethlehem was not recorded in the scriptures. Though one can question the total number of men that comprise what we refer to as “The Magi”, everybody accepts that there were 3 gifts and these offerings were gold, frankincense and myrrh.

• Trivia: What were the names of the three kings (wise men or magi)?  The 12 days of Christmas ends with the Feast of the Epiphany.  (Don't check the Bible story.  The answer is not in there.)

Gold: one of the first precious metals known to mankind; a symbol of great wealth; often presented as a donation to a king's treasury in exchange for his goodwill.

Frankincense: a useful gift for a holy man, as it was often used by those who served in a temple or other place designated as a worship center.

Myrrh: an ingredient in anointing oil but also used for embalming to prepare a body for burial. An “anointing” is when a person is set apart to perform a specific task or mission. A mixture of myrrh and aloes was used by those who wrapped the body of Jesus and laid Him to rest in the tomb. Each one of these gifts was very costly. But there is nothing in the gospel accounts to indicate that Jesus or his parents, a humble carpenter and his wife, lived an extravagant lavish lifestyle. Do suppose they took the gold and frankincense and gave it to those in charge of the temple treasury?  After all, they were very devout Jews. Do you ever wonder if Mary, the mother of Jesus, saved the gift of myrrh to be used for her Son's burial?  It seems like something a loving mother would do; especially if she knows, in advance, what will happen to her child.


(Images found at glitter-graphics.com)

 * * * Additional REFERENCES:

• "Why Did the Magi Bring Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh? - Bible History Daily." Biblical Archaeology Society. Ed. Biblical Archaeology Society Staff. N.p., 23 Oct. 2014. Web. 16 Dec. 2014. This Bible History Daily feature was originally published in December 2011. It has been updated.—Ed. ( <https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/jesus-historical-jesus/why-did-the-magi-bring-gold-frankincense-and-myrrh/ ) 

• Myers, Clara. "Bible Herbs - Writedge." Writedge. Harlow-McGaw Media, 13 Apr. 2014. Web. 17 Jan. 2015. (Replacement link:  http://eeschannel.blogspot.com/p/bible-herbs-by-clara-myers.html). 

Original content 1st published at Daily Two Cents, Dec 7, 2016.
That site shut down Aug 2018.

Who is Peter Ackroyd? Biographer, Historian, Poet, Novelist, Etc. Eccentric

Who is Peter Ackroyd?

Hmmm ... let me think.  Is he the guy in the photograph below?

Nope!  But you're close!  

The guy in the photo below is Charles Dickens.  Peter Ackroyd wrote a biography about Dickens.  He also wrote a bio about William Shakespeare, in case the mention about the Charles Dickens bio is not impressive enough.  :)  If that's not impressive enough, then if you like biographies or biographical notes about celebrated, it might interest you to know that he wrote a bunch of books about famous people like Alfred Hitchcock, Charlie Chaplin, Edgar Allan Poe, Sir Isaac Newton, and more.  

His series is called Ackroyd's Brief Lives.

 

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Peter Ackroyd is an author. A word to describe him? Eccentric. There was another word used to describe him but it wasn’t very complimentary (my opinion), and as such, won’t be mentioned by me.  A few synonyms for eccentric are: odd, bizarre, outlandish, peculiar, weird and strange. Sounds like he lives in Austin, Texas. But he currently resides in England.  Eccentric? I’ll say. He writes using a pen and paper in longhand. That’s insane! Nobody does that anymore!

“It’s just the way I work”, he says.

Well fine then, Mr. Ackroyd. You certainly can’t be accused of not working.  Peter Ackroyd’s body of writings include: poetry, bibliographies of notable persons like T.S. Eliot, Charles Dickens, and William Shakespeare, a series of history books for children, a collection of English ghost stories, and several novels. He even retold Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and wrote a libretta for an opera.  His current projects include:  the completion of  six volumes of the History of England, a few more novels, and a biography of Alfred Hitchock.

Where does he find the time?  Uh … that’s all he does, all day and all night.  He says he isn’t much interested in socializing and reserves two Sundays in the month for some interaction with people.  Most of the time, it’s just him and his books.

Has Mr. Ackroyd written so many books you don’t know where to begin?  Start here: The Trial of Elizabeth Cree; a murder mystery, the setting is 1880 Victorian London; a woman is accused of poisoning her husband.

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Reference:
Rosen, Jody. “Man of Many Words: Up Close and Personal with Peter Ackroyd …” T: New York Times Style Magazine 15 Sept. 2013: 110-14. Print. Men’s Fashion Issue, Arts and Letters

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Peter Ackroyd books are available ~ Save up to 90% at BiggerBooks.com

 

The History of Astrology and the Gifts of the Magi

Some people celebrate the Adoration of the Magi every year on January 6.  Read an interesting article about the history of astrology and how it was applied in the beginning. (Reference: Good Heavens! Oldest-Known Astrologer's Board Discovered | Live Science) 

Per Wikipedia "Astrology is a pseudoscience that claims to divine information about human affairs and terrestrial events by studying the movements and relative positions of celestial objects."

• I believe the initial use of the real science of astrology (as opposed to pseudoscience), "in the beginning", i.e. used to predict the weather for agriculture purposes, natural disasters, etc., is the correct use or application of astrology. 

The article goes on to state that people began to say they could apply astrology in human affairs for success. 

• I believe that "beginning" (of when people started saying how astrology could be applied) could possibly be the beginning of when scam and con artists began to leave their indelible marks on the history of mankind, i.e. deceivers started telling people they could predict their future success by the stars and that deception has continued to this day (psychic readings, hotlines, etc.). 

• I believe there is only one exception where, not the stars, but a single star, was applied to human affairs for salvation and its appearance lent itself to the prediction of the rise (success) and fall (failure) of many.

*The star that led the wise men to Jesus.* 

Image credit: Star Of Bethlehem by FullMoonMaster on DeviantArt
♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

The visit of the Magi may be a part of the so-called Christmas tradition but more importantly … it's a true story.  

It's an integral part of the most beautiful story ever told.  

Christmas Tradition: The Gifts of the Magi

Christmas Tradition: The Gifts of the Magi

Every year during the month of December, many people direct their minds to the story about the birth of Jesus, revered by faithful Christians as the Savior of the world. Although the nativity scene always shows the three wise men (also called the three kings) adoring a newborn baby and bearing gifts, the biblical account indicates that their visitation did not occur on the night that Mary gave birth.

Clara's Advice: 10 Amazingly Healthy Uses for Lemons | Wizzley.com

Lemons can be used to treat acne and repel insects. Not only do they have marvelous medicinal value but they add wonderful flavor to numerous recipes.

Clara Myers (@MindMart) is a fellow freelance writer, active blogger, home business entrepreneur and personal friend.  Sharing her article along with several other related links celebrating the health benefits and beauty of lemons.

10 Amazingly Healthy Uses for Lemons

© Photographer: Subbotina | Agency: Dreamstime.com

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https://rx4wellness.tumblr.com/post/169550306518/lemon-water-can-actually-improve-your-health

Insurance Mart and Insurance Smart shares general health info.
For general information purposes. Not to be substituted for medical advice.

#LetsFightCorona

During times where we must take good care of our health
A healthy cure in form of Lemon Tea often published in the media and a recipe to boost your overall vitamine levels naturally Ingedrients
Two lemons
An orange
1 tsp cinnamon powder
A piece of ginger (grated pic.twitter.com/LQzUxTMOjx

— Saleem🇵🇰 (@hamzhani3) March 16, 2020

Health Benefits of lemons pic.twitter.com/feCUv38rsp

— Angela Mavromat (@angela_mavromat) March 9, 2020

Texas is Fascinating - Joie de Vivre Magazine

UPDATE:  My first post at a site called Daily Two Cents was published 2014.  However, for personal reasons, the owners shut down the site in August 2018.  My content was republished at my own blog.


Texas is Fascinating - Joie de Vivre Magazine

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Texas is Fascinating : Agree or Disagree

For those of you who don't know this, when people joke about everything in Texas being big, they're joking and they're telling you the truth. Grew up in South Florida but developed a fascination with the 28 th state admitted to the Union when I watched the movie "Giant" starring Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean.

Why Do We Love Susan Lucci?

Created the poll below using a product furnished by Opinion Stage. Poll was inspired by a short article titled Why Do We Love Soap Operas?

 

Americans and Capital Punishment | You're Either For It OR Against It

Do you read “The Economist”? They publish very worthwhile reading material. Food for thought. On this particular topic, for many, however, there is not too much think about. Most people have drawn their line in the sand and they are either for capital punishment or against it.



My friend Jo Harrington is AGAINST the death penalty and provides more than ample information to support her position.

• Death Penalty: 14 Year Old Executed in USA May Have been Innocent (Related link: YouTube Video)

• Answering Pro Death Penalty Arguments

• Death Row: Waiting to be Killed

In the end, though her arguments are powerful and thought-provoking, my position is FOR and I can not be dissuaded. Not even the pope can persuade me.  (Pope Francis Declares Death Penalty Unacceptable in All Cases - The New York Times) While the guilty criminals sit on death row awaiting execution, it gives them time to reflect on the events which brought them to their soon to be final destination - events in their life and their life or lives of those who are no longer with us because of them - and maybe they can come to grips with the fact they are only receiving their comeuppance.

Poor Eve.  Mother of the first murderer and the first murder victim.  In that particular case, The Judge showed mercy and spared the murderer's life.  The debate continues.

Image credit: By Urban [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons

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How America - Can And Will - Abolish The Death Penalty

New Hampshire has just failed to abolish the death penalty-by one vote. Given that the Granite State has not actually executed anyone since 1939, you might think this doesn't matter much. But, obviously, it matters to the one man on death row in New Hampshire, a cop-killer called Michael Addison.

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The Adoration of the Magi

Thank you for visiting. Apologies. This content has been moved to my partner blog. Patience please. Just one more click.

Book Suggestion: Knight Life by Peter David

The legendary King Arthur emerges from an enchanted cave and returns to reign once again in Camelot. Only it’s 1500 years later and Camelot is now known as New York, New York. Hardly a fairy tale city. “Because New Yorkers are all crazy” and they are not in the habit of calling anybody “Your highness”.

So don’t think you can just show up and take over. You have to run a campaign for a public office and win the votes of the people. Running for Mayor shouldn’t be too hard. Especially since you still have Merlin as your trusted counselor.

• Read more at Knight Life by Peter David - Medium.com (unlisted)

"Knight Life" by Peter David

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Daily Two Cents is Signing On New Writers - Start Immediately!

UPDATE:  August 31st, 2018, Daily Two Cents site shut down.

Are you a freelance writer looking for a work from home opportunity?  No fee to start?  No deadlines or quotas? 

Look no further.

• Daily Two Cents is looking for writers like you.

The site owners are based in Canada, but the community of writers is global. Good writing skills IN ENGLISH is essential. Start publishing your thoughts, opinions, views, perspectives, book or movie reviews, product recommendations, cooking tips, recipes, share music videos, celebrity tidbits, etc. at dailytwocents.com. 

Daily Two Cents is a revenue-sharing platform. Your earnings are earned based on the number of unique views {pay-per-view} per article. 100 words minimum. If you are an affiliate marketer you can also include a referral link in your content. Earnings you make from affiliate advertising are 100% yours.

• Click here to view my DTC author profile. 

The links below are somewhat of a representative sample of the variety of topics people write about. 

The site set up for social networking so you can also meet and make new friends, if you're interested.

Need some extra income? Try it! 
Donate your “two cents” and get it back!

See sampling of short posts below.

• Chili Seasoning in a Jar – Makes a Great Holiday Gift!


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• What is Crocus Sativus?


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• Free keyword research tools


• Thankful That Daily Two Cents Accepts International Writers

Chocolate Links

Thank you for stopping by.  The content you are looking has been republished at our partner blog.  Please click through.  You won't be disappointed.

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One Famous Indonesian Food Item Is Not Historically Indonesian

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TreasurePen is Like Daily Two Cents But NOT!

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Read the contrast and comparison.  You decide for yourself.

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