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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Art Line Drawing ~ Lion

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Born In The Year Of The ~ Lion, Cow, Snake & Ram (Goat)

Alamak! Wrong lah! WHERE GOT... Year of the Lion... suppose to be... Year of the Tiger... but this 4 look good together. I tried searching for Tiger but what I found cannot match these other pictures of Cow, Snake & Ram (Goat).

Born In The Year Of The ~ Lion, Cow, Snake & Ram

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Happy Birthday! Jessica.

Hi Jessica,

Happy Birthday! 

Here's one straight from the Bible... just for you.

Knock! Knock!
Who's there?
Jessica.
Jessica who?
JUST-SEEK-A... 
little, & ye shall find.
~ Mathew 7:7, Luke 11:9

Now go forth and evangelize from door to door... no excuses... 
and once again... Happy Birthday to you.

PGA

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Joke ~ Friend with letter 'S' speech defect.

I have a friend who knows he has a speech defect... 
and he's learnt to live with it. 
In fact, he makes jokes about it.

One of the problems he has is in pronouncing the 'S' letter. 
Either he drops the 'S' as in NEEK for SNEAK... or... 
he replaces it with a 'T' sound as in TAME for SAME.

Here's a joke only he can tell. He asked me...

"How do you catch a UNIQUE rabbit?"

I shook my head and he followed up quickly with...

"You NEEK up on it."

Then he asked...

"How do you catch a TAME rabbit?"

When I shrugged my shoulders, he answered immediately...
"TAME way"

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Note: 
NEEK = SNEAK
TAME = SAME
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Monday, August 29, 2011

New Roman Missal 3rd Edition ~ Booklet (in PDF format)

View

West District - Sat, 27 Aug - 10am-12pm - Ss Peter and Paul Church (main church)
City & East Districts - Sat, 3 Sep - 10am-12pm - Ss Peter and Paul Church (main church)
Serangoon District - Fri, 9 Sep - 8pm-10pm - St Francis Xavier Church (main church)
North District - Sat, 17 Sep - 10am-12pm - Holy Spirit Church (Upper Room, 4th floor)

Please do attend AT LEAST one of the above sessions!

Cheerios!

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And here it is in JPG format...

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Nurse Jokes Collection ~ 2012 Feb 16, 2119hrs

Dedicated to all the nurses out there.

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Nurse Joke
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Nurses are nice people... so be nice to them. Some... 
people aren't nice to Nurses. If I were a nurse, and if... 
I were to meet these nasty people, I might say to them...
"I'm the Nurse, I'm here to wash your ass, not to kiss it!"
Lucky for them... I'm not a Nurse.
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 ~ by PGA
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This Crinkled Lettuce DIED...

This lettuce DIED just so
you could be a vegetarian; 
Have a heart, eat a rock.




Orange Orang Utan ~ 2011 Aug 29, 0642hrs







Orange Orang Utan ~ 2011 Aug 29, 0642hrs

Sunday, August 28, 2011

SEE HOW EAGLES HUNT FOR FISH ( Family-Safe Video )...

I received this via internet. 
Wow! It's just like Nat Geo or National Geographic Channel... but it's on the internet.


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SEE HOW EAGLES HUNT FOR FISH ( Family-Safe Video )...

BBC's collection
An excellent web-site; Lots of educational and spectacular videos

http://www.arkive.org/osprey/pandion-haliaetus/video-00.html


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Friday, August 26, 2011

Humorous Duet For Two Cats

Lyrics are easy here... just miau or miow.


I saw this on TV. This guy was singing this duet in his countertenor voice together with a soprano. They were good but I don't have that video. I did a search and below are what I could find. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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Cat Duet ~ 
Duet For 2 Cats ~ 
Humorous Duet For Two Cats ~ 
Duetto Buffo Di Due Gatti

Rossini Cat duet
A Duet for Two Cats done by guys

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Duetto buffo di due gatti

The Duetto buffo di due gatti ("humorous duet for two cats") is a popular performance piece for sopranos. It is often performed as a concert encore.

Composition

While the piece is typically attributed to Gioachino Rossini, it was not actually written by him, but is instead a compilation written in 1825 that draws principally on his 1816 operaOtello. The compiler was likely the English composer Robert Lucas de Pearsall, who for this purpose used the pseudonym "G. Berthold".[1]

Music and lyrics

The music consists, in order of appearance, of:

the "Katte-Cavatine" by the Danish composer C.E.F. Weyse[2]
part of the duet for Otello and Iago in Act 2 of Otello
part of the cabaletta to the aria "Ah, come mai non senti", sung by Rodrigo in the same act

The lyrics are uncharacteristic, consisting entirely of the repeated word "miau" ("meow").

Recordings
See also

"Duo miaulé" in L'enfant et les sortilèges

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Here below are some samples...

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Countertenor Voice

Gerard Lesne - Rossini - cats duet

Countertenor in Acappella Male Sextet
Affabre Concinui - Duetto Buffo Di Due Gatti

A Duet for Two Cats...done by guys!!!!

First Song (Duet for Two Cats)

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Male & Female Voices

Cat duet - Duetto buffo di due gatti (Rossini)

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2 Female Voices

Duet for Two Cats by Rossini

Rossini Cat Duet Pauline Tinsley Elizabeth Vaughan

Rosa D'Imperio & Gabriela Garcia: The Cat Duet

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Others:

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Gerard Lesne (Part One)
A french special about the French Countertenor Gerard Lesne. 
*****Please note that the commentary is in French**** 
Personally I don't speak a word of french but enjoyed listening to him singing the various arias from the Baroque era as well as the Rossini Cat duet.
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Thursday, August 25, 2011

Life ~ by The Acappella Company ~ YouTube Video & Lyrics

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01 ~ YouTube Video:
Acappella - Life

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02 ~ YouTube Video:
Acapella-Life

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Life ~ by The Acappella Company ~ Lyrics

(John 10:9-10 [King James Version ~ KJV)

[09] ~ I am the door: 
by me if any man enter in, 
he shall be saved, 
and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

[10] ~ The thief cometh not, but for to steal, 
and to kill, and to destroy: 
I am come that they might have life, 
and that they might have it more abundantly.

Restless folks live restless lives
But the father hears their cries
He can feel the sorrow they feel
Jesus came to empathize
More than you can realize
Offering a life that is real 

Chorus:
Since he came to give us (life)
There's been nothing like this (life)
I'm complete within His life
Such a source of healing (life)
Simple truth revealing (life)
There's no other feeling life 

Repeat Chorus 

Many who have heard His voice
Often fail to make the choice
Giving Him the total control
Burdens He could take today 
They will carry anyway 
Hopelessly to pilot their souls 

Repeat Chorus (x2) 

Giving us life - His life - There's no other life
He's giving us life, oh yes He's giving us life - There's no other life 

There's no need for living down 
When there's happy life around 
Look at what the master has done
Give it time and you will see
You can sing along with me 
This is why the Savior has come 

Repeat Chorus (x2)

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Suggested Labels:
Acappela ~ Rescue, Acappella, Acappella Group, The Acappella Company

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News Article: Anamalia Taufa ~ Story of an Inspiring Woman with a Tragic Ending... BUT she inspired many of those around her... and so... her story will not end so easily as she continue to live in their lives.

News Article:
Anamalia Taufa ~ Story of an Inspiring Woman with a Tragic Ending... BUT she inspired many of those around her... and so... her story will not end so easily as she continue to live in their lives.

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'She has her girls ... she's with her girls'
Marissa Calligeros
August 25, 2011 - 8:32AM

Pix ~ Anamalia Taufa with her daughters La'Haina, 6, and Kahlani, 3. Photo: Facebook

Misi Matauina was celebrating his birthday the night a deadly inferno claimed the lives of his highschool sweetheart and their two young daughters. Tragedy befell the young Matauina family about midnight on Tuesday when the home they shared with his children's grandparents at Slacks Creek was consumed by flames. Mr Matauina's daughters La'Haina, 6, and Kahlani, 3, were the youngest victims of the blaze.

His partner and high school sweetheart, Anamalia Taufa, perished alongside her daughters, her mother Fusikalau, aunt Neti-Teukisia (Jeanette) Lale, Neti's five children Jerry, Paul, Lafoa'i, Selamafi and Richard, and teenage niece Ardelle. Mr Matauina survived after jumping to safety from an upper level window of the wooden house believing his partner and children had already escaped the fierce blaze.

The young couple became parents at the tender age of 17, with Anamalia giving birth to La'Haina. Despite this, the talented Anamalia completed her final year of school at Mabel Park State High School. Three years later, she gave birth to the couple's second daughter, Kahlani. Despite being a young mother-of-two, Anamalia went on to study law and criminology at Griffith University, graduating with a diploma last year with ambitions for a degree.

The "high-achieving all-rounder" was then able to embark on her career in law with the support of her "strong family", high school friend Adelle Fitisemanu said. "She had a really strong, close, supportive family," Ms Fitisemanu said, as she sat on the curb yesterday outside the scarred shell of her friend's home. "She was an all-rounder and really talented. She was a great singer and was athletic too. "She was a high achiever."

As family and friends tried to come to terms with the loss of three generations of two families in the Wagensveldt Street blaze yesterday, police and firefighters continued to search the charred remains of the house for the victims.

Yesterday, four bodies were removed from the ruins to the wails of family and friends. In pairs, the bodies were driven away in hearses, which stopped briefly to allow mourners to kiss the caskets in line with Tongan tradition as a gesture to the deceased they were not alone and not forgotten. Hundreds gathered outside the home, singing together in prayer for those lost throughout the day and night. Some will remain there for the duration of the traditional 10-day wake, in rain or shine, sitting on Tongan 'tapa' mats made of mulberry bark.

Ms Fitisemanu struggled to contain her grief as she spoke of the memories she would now cherish of her dear friend. "We were singers at school," she said. "We entered all the talent quests. Anamalia was the school singer at weekly assembly and other events." Ms Fitisemanu gazed up at the grey skies over Slacks Creek yesterday afternoon as she spoke about her friend's "loving heart". "If she could right now, she would tell her family that she loved them. She would only have messages of love," Ms Fitisemanu said. "But she has her girls ... she's with her girls."

The Taufa and Matauina families often hosted large gatherings at their home, roasting pigs in pits in their backyard in line with Samoan and Tongan tradition. Last weekend, Mr Matauina and his family holidayed on the Gold Coast to celebrate his 22nd birthday. Yesterday his family, and all cause for celebration, was lost, but he was not alone. Standing strong by his side yesterday were hundreds of his extended family in an inspirational display of community strength, resilience and love.

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Yahweh Delicacies ~ tarts, pastries, snacks & deserts

Saw this in my canteen today.

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Click on image to enlarge...

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Info on above Glossy Flyer:

Yahweh Delicacies ~ Creator of Signature's tarts, pastries, snacks & deserts

Address:
{Note: This probably the latest address on the the flyer. The Internet has other addresses... see below}
Yahweh Delicacies
664 Yishun Ave 4, #01-277, Singapore 760664
Tel: 9-390-3132, Fax: 6-755-8618
Website: None

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What's available:

Vegetarian Mooncakes
Singapore Tarts = look like apple crumble but I'm not sure if it actually (apple crumble)
Shou Bing
Tau Sar Piah
Hongkong Tarts
Portuguese Tarts
Mini Tarts
Cheese Tarts
Puffs
Signature Golden Fish Wrap
Chee Cheong Fun

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Below are info I found on the Internet. 
Note that the addresses may wrong.

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YahWeh Delicacies
Tuesday, August 12, 2008

I read about this pastry shop from "The Sunday Times" 3 August 2008 edition and has been wanting to go to the shop to try out the pastries as they have recently opened a new branch nearby in Yishun Cenral. I found out from the article that the chain founded 3 years ago by a group of businessmen, makes its own pastes which makes their pastries refreshing.

I finally went there yesterday with my mum and we tried out some of the pastries like the shaobing, mooncake and Portuguese egg tart. The sales person was very friendly and recommended various types of pastries for us to try. My favourite was the pure lotus paste and double yolks mooncake which was real yummy. The skin is soft and the paste, smooth. And at $9.80 for a box of 2, it was really cheap and well worth it! I ended up buying 2 boxes and also a box of shaobing, Portuguese egg tarts and a pineapple pastry. I found their opening hours odd and asked the sales person why they opens so early at 5am for the Yishun branch and she looks amuse at my question. She explained that they needed to go to other places to sell their pastries although i don't really understand as in the article they only have 2 branches listed. Anyway i was curious if they have customers at such early hours and she was saying that customers still turn up at that timing.

Add:

921 Yishun Central 1, #01-251
Opens : 5am - 8am, 5-pm - 8pm on weekdays except Mondays and Thursdays, when it closes in the afternoon;
10am - 8pm on weekends

275 Bukit Batok East Avenue 4, #01-126
Opens: 7am - 7pm on weekdays;
7am - 4pm on weekends

Comments:

Dora said...
I bought mooncakes from Yahweh Delicacies as well. Like their vegetarian mooncakes.
I am also a fan of TVB dramas. :)
September 14, 2008 11:04 AM

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About YAHWEH DELICACIES

YAHWEH DELICACIES better known to customers by its Chinese name, DA SHAO YE is famous for chinese pastries such as Tau Sar Piah, Hongkong Tart, Portugese Tart, Singapore Tart, Shou Bing etc. We make our own pastes. Our pastries makes a differeent from others.
Yahweh Delicacies also make mooncake and Chines New Year cookies. Yahweh Delicacies SHOU BING is famous thoughout Singapore. However, our latest product : CHEESE FRUIT TART and CHEESE DURIAN TART are quite a big HIT now

YAHWEH DELICACIES
664 YISHUN AVE 4 #01-277 SINGAPORE 760664, Singapore 760664
p: 8187 9322 / 9485 9352  f: 6755 8618
Website - None Supplied

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Yahweh Delicacies
Wong Wei Chen | The New Paper | Fri Jun 4 2010

Be amazed by their Golden Fish Wrap!

Singapore, June 4, 2010- ESTABLISHED as a manufacturer of traditional pastries, this ocmpany has innovated to introduce a range of "new generation" snacks.

Be amazed by their Golden Fish Wrap, prepared using the owner's proprietary mix of ingredients, which includes fish meat and bean curd skin.

Address: 921 Yishun Central 1, #01-251
Tel: 8187 9322

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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

John Michael Talbot ~ The Singing Catholic Monk ~ 2011 Aug 23, 1642hrs

Here's something soothing for your soul.

John Michael Talbot (born May 8, 1954) is an American Roman Catholic singer-songwriter-guitarist who is founder of a monastic community, the Brothers and Sisters of Charity.

Here are some videos on his singing...

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John Michael Talbot - Come Worship the Lord

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Be Not Afraid ... John Michael Talbot

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Read his Biography at this LINK 
and more about his work at these links below...

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Quote ~ 2011 Aug 23, 1509hrs

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The truth is, everybody is going to hurt you; 
you've got to find the ones worth suffering for.
~ Unknown

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Being happy doesn't mean 
that everything is perfect in anyway, 
it just means that you've decided 
to look beyond the imperfections...
~ Unknown

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Father & Dauther ~ 6-year-old Alexa & her father, Jorge Narvaez

This is such a happy video... I hope you enjoy it.

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A Talented Father-Daughter Duo!

After seeing a YouTube video of Jorge Narvaez and his adorable 6-year-old daughter Alexa performing a duet, Ellen invited them to perform on the show -- and they were incredible!

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Butterfly ~ Rajaton (Acappella) ~ Lyrics & YouTube

One of the comments below said...
"this is the stuff that should be getting radio play..."

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Rajaton - Butterfly (ACAPELLA)

Lyrics:

Sweet as the sound of my newformed wings
I stretch them open, I let them dry
I haven't seen this world before
But I'm excused, I'm a butterfly

Sweet as the touch of your newborn wings
We fly in circles, we play with the sun
We haven't seen this world before
So fair, so bright, so blue the sky

Love me, love me on the leaves
Before we say goodbye
Love me, kiss me with the breeze
You will be my lullaby
Tomorrow I'll die
Tomorrow I'll die
Tomorrow I'll die
Tomorrow I'll die
Be my lullaby

Love me, kiss me with your breeze

Love me, love me on the leaves

Love me, love me on the leaves
Before we say goodbye

Sweet as the wind as it gently blows
The day away. And the night time comes
Great are the wonders that silence shows
I fall asleep and I dream of the sun

And my butterfly

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Butterfly Kisses ~ by Bob Carlisle & Raybon Brothers ~ Lyrics & YouTube Video

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Butterfly Kisses ~ by Bob Carlisle & Raybon Brothers ~ Lyrics

There's two things I know for sure
She was sent here from heaven and she's Daddy's little girl
As I drop to my knees by her bad at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes
And I thank God for all the joy in my life
Oh, but most of all... for

Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Stickin little white flowers all up in her hair
Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride
I know the cake looks funny Daddy but I sure tried
Oh, with all that I've done wrong, I must have done something right
To deserve a hug every morning and butterfly kisses at night

Sweet sixteen today
And shes lookin like her mamma a little more every day
One part woman, the other part girl
To perfume and make-up, from ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great big world
But I remember...
Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Stickin little white flowers all up in her hair
You know how much I love you Daddy
But if you don't mind, I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time
Oh, with all that I've done wrong, I must have done something right
To deserve a her love every morning and butterfly kisses at night

(All the precious time) Oh, like the wind the years go by
(Precious butterfly) Spread your wings and fly

She'll change her name today
She'll make a promise and I'll give her away
Standing in the bride room just staring at her
She asked me what I'm thinking I said I'm not sure,
I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl
She leaned over...and gave me...

Butterfly kisses with her mamma there
Stickin little white flowers all up in her hair
Walk me down the aisle, Daddy, its just about time
Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy, Daddy don't cry
Oh, with all that I've done wrong, I must have done something right
To deserve a her love every morning and butterfly kisses...

I couldn't ask God for more... man... this is what love is
I know I've got to let her go... but I'll always remember...
Every hug in the morning... and butterfly kisses...

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What are Butterfly Kisses?

Fluttering one's eyelashes on someone's skin so they just feel the tickling sensation.
Example: Trisha leaned in and gave me butterfly kisses on my cheek.

Plural of Butterfly Kiss... this is how it's done:
1. Get your eyelashes up against some else's bare skin, so close that when you blink, your eyelashes caress the other person's skin. 
2. Open and close your eyes rapidly. Each time your eyelashes brush the other person's skin, it is one Butterfly Kiss.

Question: What is a Butterfly Kiss and how do I do it?
Answer: A Butterfly Kiss is a kiss that does not involve the lips. It is when two people put their eyes close to each other and flutter their eyelashes. Think blinking really fast while pressing your face to another person.

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About The Song...


"Butterfly Kisses" is a 1997 Billboard #1 ballad by Bob Carlisle and Randy Thomas from Carlisle's third studio album Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace).[1] The song was written for his daughter Brooke's 16th birthday.[2] Carlisle also wrote a journal entitled Butterfly Kisses for fathers and their daughters. There have been many cover versions of the song including Raybon Brothers, Jeff Carson, Westlife and Cliff Richard.

Raybon Brothers version
The same year that Carlisle's version was released, two different country music artists recorded covers of the song. These covers would overlap with his version, which was also a minor hit on the country charts. The higher-peaking cover was issued by the Raybon Brothers, a duo composed of Marty Raybon (former lead singer of Shenandoah) and his brother Tim. The Raybon Brothers' version was a #37 country and #22 Hot 100 hit in 1997. One of three singles for the duo, it was also the title track to the Raybon Brothers' 1997 MCA Records debut album. The Raybon Brothers' rendition received RIAA gold certification.

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Here are some variations on YouTube...

Butterfly Kisses (w/ lyrics) by Bob Carlisle

Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle [Lyrics]

Bob Carlisle - Butterfly Kisses (Country Version)

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Raybon Brothers - Butterfly Kisses

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Cliff Richard | Butterfly Kisses |

Cliff Richard | Butterfly Kisses |

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Rec Enthusiast:

Joel Sings Bob Carlisle's "Butterfly Kisses"

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Joel Gonzales sings Butterfly Kisses(cover)

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Not perfect but a lovely Baritone voice
Dad singing Butterfly Kisses to daughter Chelsie

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Guitar Singer ~ not so nice inspirational ideas all the same.

John Rowles sings "Butterfly Kisses"

Butterfly Kisses - A Bob Carlisle Cover

Butterfly Kisses at Amanda's Sweet 16 Party

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Sunday, August 21, 2011

Song Of Ruth

I just learned something very interesting.

This song of Ruth is very popular at weddings, and sometimes it's the Bride who sings to the Groom.

Fact is, when Ruth said these words, she was saying it to her Mother-In-Law and not her Husband-To-Be.

You can read her story HERE.

Anyway, this is what TRUE LOVE is all about and so it does make a Beautiful Wedding Song.

Here are 2 versions I've come across.

Version 1: Song Of Ruth (Father, We Come In Prayer) ~ Anthony Sharpe
Version 2: Song Of Ruth (Wherever You Go) ~ Gregory Norbet

Note that... I sorry because...
while I have the Sheet Music Score for one, I don't have it for the other.
and when I have the YouTube Video Link for one, I don't have it for the other.

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Version 1: Lyrics

Song Of Ruth (Father, We Come In Prayer) ~ Anthony Sharpe (Lyrics)

[V1]
Father, we come in prayer, 
To witness to your love, 
To make two hearts as one.
Father, we give ourselves to you, 
We give our lives a-new, for all time.

[Chorus]
Wherever, you must go,
I'll be always, by your side,
Wherever you live, 
You'll find me there, 
For your God, is mine. 

[V2]
Jesus, we ask your help
To conquer for all time
The darkness of our land
Jesus, where we live you live too
Unite our hearts with you, in your love.

[V3]
Spirit, we feel your pow'r
Your presence in our hearts
Be with us in each day
Spirit, may we be one in you 
Make all we say and do, give you praise.

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Version 2: Lyrics
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Song Of Ruth (Wherever You Go) ~ Gregory Norbet, OSB (Lyrics)

[V1]
Wherever you go, I shall go. 
Wherever you live, so shall I live.
Your people will be my people,
And your God will be my God too.

[V2]
Wherever you die, I shall die.
And there shall I be buried beside you.
We will be together forever;
And our love will be the gift of our lives. 

[V3]
Wherever you go, I shall go. 
Wherever you live, so shall I live.
We will be together forever;
And our love will be the gift of our lives. 

Repeat [V3]

[Ending]
And our love will be the gift of our lives. 

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Version1: Sheet Music Score



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Version 2: Sample YouTube Videos:

WHEREVER YOU GO (also known as SONG OF RUTH)

Song For Ruth Psalm performed by Celtic Rhapsody, Wedding Music Northern Ireland

song of ruth (wherever you go)

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Saturday, August 20, 2011

A Father's Love

I like this Reflection by Cassandra Cheong on the Gospel of Matthew 23:1-12. 

It reminds me of the love my father had for me.

It also, addresses the concerns others may have on us (Catholics) using the title Father to address our Priests. 

In this Gospel, Jesus was tackling the topic of Hypocrisy.

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Reflection on Gospel Matthew 23:1-12 by Cassandra Cheong

Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. (Matthew 23:9)

I'm always struck by the above verse, because it always reminds me of my earthly father. As a child, I didn't always have a lot of time with my dad. Coming from a single-parent home, we lived in separate households and Dad's shiftwork was always a problem. What I do recall however, was the feeling of excitement after school, whenever it was Dad's day. It meant catching a movie, going on an excursion or having a meal at Swensons'. But above all, it just meant time alone with my dad.

I remember one incident, when Dad took me on a little excursion. We went cycling and I was riding a red tricycle. However, one of the wheels was faulty and I ended falling on the gravel ground with a badly bleeding cut. What struck me through my tears, was how my Dad apologised. It was not his fault that I had fallen, yet he felt responsible for my fall. It was then that I realised, in spite of his limitations, how much my Dad desired to protect me.

The love of my earthly father reminds me of the love of my Heavenly one.

In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us of our unique bond with God, our Father. When Jesus died on the cross, he didn't just come to free us from our sins – he came to bring us into relationship with God, his Father.  But not just any relationship: he made us sons and daughters of God.
Just what does that mean? Being a child of God?

It means simply this – having an indestructible relationship with God, our Father, who is ever merciful, loving and kind, a father who protects and keeps us constantly in his sight. He is committed to our happiness and wellbeing (even if it means some gentle disciplining), and yearns to be actively involved in our lives. Our needs are ever before Him and he hears our every cry.

To put it simply, it means having a Father whom we can trust, rely and depend on for the rest of our lives.

Once we understand the significance of being a child of God, our relationship with Him takes on a different significance altogether. It no longer becomes about keeping rules. It's not about gaining brownie points, its not about having a heavy burden placed on our shoulders because of the way we should live our lives just because we're called 'Christians'. No. We'd be missing the point.

If only we saw ourselves through our Father's eyes, how differently might we live?

We are not called to be children of God. We ARE Children of God. Let's ask God to help us take hold of this truth today in our lives.

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Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
"The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people's shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.'
As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.'
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called 'Master';
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
Note:
The Gospel above was taken from the full Mass Readings & Resposorial Psalm below.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
Sat, 2011 Aug 20
Memorial of Saint Bernard, abbot and doctor of the Church
Lectionary: 424

This is just after Fri, 2011 Aug 19 which was...
Friday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 423

~~~.
Reading 1 Ru 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17

Naomi had a prominent kinsman named Boaz,
of the clan of her husband Elimelech.
Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi,
"Let me go and glean ears of grain in the field
of anyone who will allow me that favor."
Naomi said to her, "Go, my daughter," and she went.
The field she entered to glean after the harvesters
happened to be the section belonging to Boaz
of the clan of Elimelech.

Boaz said to Ruth, "Listen, my daughter!
Do not go to glean in anyone else's field;
you are not to leave here.
Stay here with my women servants.
Watch to see which field is to be harvested, and follow them;
I have commanded the young men to do you no harm.
When you are thirsty, you may go and drink from the vessels
the young men have filled."
Casting herself prostrate upon the ground, Ruth said to him,
"Why should I, a foreigner, be favored with your notice?"
Boaz answered her:
"I have had a complete account of what you have done
for your mother-in-law after your husband's death;
you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth,
and have come to a people whom you did not know previously."

Boaz took Ruth.
When they came together as man and wife,
the LORD enabled her to conceive and she bore a son.
Then the women said to Naomi,
"Blessed is the LORD who has not failed
to provide you today with an heir!
May he become famous in Israel!
He will be your comfort and the support of your old age,
for his mother is the daughter-in-law who loves you.
She is worth more to you than seven sons!"
Naomi took the child, placed him on her lap, and became his nurse.
And the neighbor women gave him his name,
at the news that a grandson had been born to Naomi.
They called him Obed.
He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

~~~.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 128:1b-2, 3, 4, 5

R. (4) See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.

Blessed are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
R. See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.

You wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants
around your table.
R. See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.

Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
R. See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.

The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
R. See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.

~~~.
Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
"The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people's shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.'
As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.'
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called 'Master';
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
Suggested Labels:
Father, Dad, A Father's Love, Love, 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.


The Real Cinderella Story

This must be 'The Real Cinderella Story' minus the glass slipper.

I love Ruth's Cinderella like story in the Reflections for the First Readings of Yesterday's & Today's Mass. I now know, for the first time, Ruth's story of a selfless daughter-in-law towards her mother-in-law, Naomi. The story of Ruth has finally made a home in me and I'm going to find some time to read all of its 4 chapters.

I hope you enjoy these Reflections as much as I did on Readings of these 2 Masses.

Ruth Chapter 1
Ru 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22
Friday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time (Year A)
Fri, 2011 Aug 19 ~ First Reading

Ruth Chapter 2
Ru 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17
Memorial of Saint Bernard, abbot and doctor of the Church (Year A)
Sat, 2011 Aug 20 ~ First Reading

~~~.
Ruth Chapter 1 ~ Reflection by 'Word Among Us' (http://wau.org/meditations/current/)

"Wherever you go I will go." (Ruth 1:16)

One of the truths about God that we learn in Scripture is that he is eager to protect the stranger, the orphan, and the widow. He favors those in distress. But how does he do this? He doesn't just reach down from heaven and pluck them out of their problems. He uses people, often people who are struggling themselves or who have experienced past trials, to accomplish his will. For who better to help someone in need than someone who knows what it's like to be alone or downtrodden?

We see this principle at work in the lives of Ruth and Naomi. Naomi is a childless widow, crushed in spirit. She even changes her name to "Mara," which means "bitter" (Ruth 1:20). Her daughter-in-law, Ruth, has also been widowed and has no children of her own. But Ruth's heart goes out to Naomi, and so rather than return to her father's house, she decides to accompany Naomi when she opts to return to Israel. In the process of rescuing Naomi, Ruth ends up marrying Boaz, a wealthy and upright landowner. Not only is Naomi rescued but so is Ruth—and she is brought closer to God!

The story of Ruth tells us that we don't have to be perfect ourselves before we can minister God's love. We simply have to be willing to offer ourselves as best we can. We may feel inadequate because we are facing our own challenges, but that may be just as God wants it. After all, the very word "compassion" means "to suffer with."

When we give of ourselves to help another person, something wonderful happens. We meet God in a powerful way. Not only is Ruth proof of that; she foreshadows Jesus, whose whole life was one of service. Just as he was raised up to the Father's right hand because he emptied himself, we can be, too.

~~~.
Ruth Chapter 2 ~ Reflection by 'Word Among Us' (http://wau.org/meditations/current/)

"I have had a complete account of what you have done." (Ruth 2:11)

Ruth has a lot in common with another famous young woman— Cinderella. How so? Both find themselves in desperate straits after a death in the family—three deaths in Ruth's case. Both exemplify the virtues of generosity and kindness. And both are rescued by a prince of sorts! But while Cinderella is a fairy tale, Ruth is a Spirit-inspired story of how God honored one of the kindest women in the Old Testament.

When tragedy forced Naomi to return to Bethlehem, her daughter- in-law Ruth resolved to leave her own country and follow. Even though Naomi couldn't offer anything in the way of protection, money, or a husband, Ruth stayed by her side in Naomi's time of need. This kindness wasn't lost on the "prince" in this story, Boaz.

Ruth's kindness wasn't lost on the Lord, either. God honored Ruth for her kindness by blessing her with Boaz, giving her a son, and extending grace to her family for generations to come. From Ruth's lineage came David and the King of all kings, Jesus. In a sense, we are still being blessed today because of Ruth's kindness!

God sees everything we do. And if you are sincerely trying to follow him, this can be a very encouraging truth. God sees all the good that you do, not just the bad! He sees every act of kindness and mercy. He sees the warmth in your heart toward someone in need. He sees the smile you share with the person who looks lonely. He sees every single sacrifice, big or small, you are making for his kingdom. And his heart is deeply moved! He actually delights in all of these gestures of kindness, and he is very quick to reward them.

This isn't to say we can earn our salvation. But we must not think that God overlooks the good fruit of our love and kindness—especially toward those who are less fortunate than us. He has promised to fulfill his word: "Let not kindness and fidelity leave you… . Then you will win favor and good esteem before God" (Proverbs 3:3-4).

~~~.
Ruth Chapter 1
Ru 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22
Friday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time (Year A)
Fri, 2011 Aug 19 ~ First Reading

Reading 1 Ru 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22

Once in the time of the judges there was a famine in the land;
so a man from Bethlehem of Judah
departed with his wife and two sons
to reside on the plateau of Moab.
Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died,
and she was left with her two sons, who married Moabite women,
one named Orpah, the other Ruth.
When they had lived there about ten years,
both Mahlon and Chilion died also,
and the woman was left with neither her two sons nor her husband.
She then made ready to go back from the plateau of Moab
because word reached her there
that the LORD had visited his people and given them food.

Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye, but Ruth stayed with her.

Naomi said, "See now!
Your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her god.
Go back after your sister-in-law!"
But Ruth said, "Do not ask me to abandon or forsake you!
For wherever you go, I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge,
your people shall be my people, and your God my God."

Thus it was that Naomi returned
with the Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth,
who accompanied her back from the plateau of Moab.
They arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.

~~~.
Ruth Chapter 2
Ru 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17
Memorial of Saint Bernard, abbot and doctor of the Church (Year A)
Sat, 2011 Aug 20 ~ First Reading

Reading 1 Ru 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17

Naomi had a prominent kinsman named Boaz,
of the clan of her husband Elimelech.
Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi,
"Let me go and glean ears of grain in the field
of anyone who will allow me that favor."
Naomi said to her, "Go, my daughter," and she went.
The field she entered to glean after the harvesters
happened to be the section belonging to Boaz
of the clan of Elimelech.

Boaz said to Ruth, "Listen, my daughter!
Do not go to glean in anyone else's field;
you are not to leave here.
Stay here with my women servants.
Watch to see which field is to be harvested, and follow them;
I have commanded the young men to do you no harm.
When you are thirsty, you may go and drink from the vessels
the young men have filled."
Casting herself prostrate upon the ground, Ruth said to him,
"Why should I, a foreigner, be favored with your notice?"
Boaz answered her:
"I have had a complete account of what you have done
for your mother-in-law after your husband's death;
you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth,
and have come to a people whom you did not know previously."

Boaz took Ruth.
When they came together as man and wife,
the LORD enabled her to conceive and she bore a son.
Then the women said to Naomi,
"Blessed is the LORD who has not failed
to provide you today with an heir!
May he become famous in Israel!
He will be your comfort and the support of your old age,
for his mother is the daughter-in-law who loves you.
She is worth more to you than seven sons!"
Naomi took the child, placed him on her lap, and became his nurse.
And the neighbor women gave him his name,
at the news that a grandson had been born to Naomi.
They called him Obed.
He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

~~~.
Suggested Labels:
Cinderella, Story, Reflection, Ruth, Catholic, Readings,

~~~.