ICEMANforChrist: Saturday, January 9, 2021

This blog is based on references in the Bible to fear. God wills that we “BE NOT AFRAID”. Many theologians state that the eighth deadly sin is fear. It is fear and its natural animal reaction to fight or flight that is the root cause of our failings to create a Kingdom of God on earth. By “the power of the Holy Spirit” we can be witnesses and “communicators” of a new and redeemed humanity “even to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:7 8). This blog is dedicated to Mary the Mother of God.

Friday, January 8, 2021

Saturday, January 9, 2021

Saturday after Epiphany

Genesis, Chapter 20, Verse 8

Early the next morning Abimelech called all his servants and informed them of everything that had happened, and the men were filled with FEAR.

Abimelech was a pagan King warned in a dream not to take Sarah, who by accounts in the scripture was a most beautiful and alluring woman, into his Harem because she was the wife of Abram (Abraham) a visitor to his kingdom. Abimelech even though a pagan was a righteous man; so, he was warned in a dream from God about Sarah. Abimelech and his servants and men demonstrated holy fear when they realized how close the King came to culminating a grievous sin that surely would have caused the ruin of the entire kingdom. Being honest men they may have listen to that small still voice of God’s spirit that calls men to right actions knowing instinctively the words God spoke on mount Sinai to Moses “I, the LORD, your God, am a jealous God, inflicting punishment for their fathers’ wickedness on the children of those who hate me, down to the third and fourth generation; but bestowing mercy down to the thousandth generation on the children of those who love me and keep my commandments.”(Exodus, 20:5-6)

I would like to share something of why Sarah was one of the most beautiful women of all times.

The apparent implication is that Sarah was beautiful inside and out—and what’s more, that the inside and outside were interdependent. Her face was a transparent canvas from which emanated her inner radiance. Chassidic philosophy demonstrates three ways in which the body and soul can interact:

· The soul can try and mitigate the urges of the body. Things that look good, taste good and feel good are stimulating and addictive. Most of us live life with our body in the driver’s seat. The soul just can’t compete. And so the soul tries to negotiate reasonably, and encourages moderation.

· Or, the soul can choose to reject the body and abhor anything associated with materialism. The soul-driven person would then rebel against society’s shallow and false veneers. Simplicity and ascetism become the ultimate goals of the soul.

· The third scenario is not a compromise between the first two. It is an entirely new approach, where the body and soul learn to work together. The soul neither leans towards the body nor rejects it. It does not react; it pro-acts. In a proactive position, the soul directs and channels the body’s inclination in a constructive way. In this last approach, instead of repressing the body’s needs, the soul views them as an opportunity to serve God in a whole new way.^{^[1]}

Now is the time to plan to attain a religious retreat or conference before Easter. This book was conceived after attending a Marian conference.^{^[2]}

Christmas Weekday - Day Sixteen[3]

St. Francis initiated the beautiful practice of displaying a Christmas crib or creche. He built it in a cave on a bleak mountain near the village of Greccio. News of what he was doing spread all over the countryside and a steady stream of men, women and children came by night carrying torches and candles to light their way. "It seemed like midday," wrote someone who was there, "during that midnight filled with gladness for man and beast, and the crowds drawing near, so happy to be present for the renewal of the eternal mystery." Francis himself sang the Gospel story in a voice which was "strong and sweet and clear," says the observer. "Then he preached to the people, most movingly, about the birth of the poor King in little Bethlehem." — Excerpted from Christmas

· Day Sixteen activity (St. Francis and the Creche)

· Day Sixteen recipe (Double Chocolate Mocha Biscotti)

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day[4]

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was created to celebrate police officers. It's a day to thank them for the public service they provide and to show support. It is also a time to commemorate the officers that have died in the line of duty.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Facts

As of 2018, there are over 900,000 sworn police officers serving in the United States. Approximately 12% are female.
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), for the ten-year period of 2008-2017, the main cause of death of police officers was gunshots. The second one was auto crashes. 1511 police officers died in the line of duty during said period.
The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor is the highest honor that can be awarded to a public safety officer in the United States. The awardees are posted here.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Top Events and Things to Do

In 1989, during the holiday season, Dolly Craig put two blue candles in her living room window. The purpose was to commemorate her son-in-law, Daniel Gleason, who died in the line of duty, and her daughter, Daniel's wife, who died in a car accident in 1989. The idea was adopted by C.O.P.S (Concerns of Police Survivors) under the name Project Blue Light. You can take part by placing a blue light on your window during the holiday season to commemorate fallen officers.
Watch a police movie. From infiltration films like Donnie Brasco (1997) and The Departed (2006), to detective films like Se7en (1995) and comedies like Hot Fuzz (2007).
Wear blue.
If you see a law enforcement officer, thank them for their service.
If you have a positive story involving law enforcement, share it on social media.

Geek Out at the Consumer Electronics Show[5]

CES 2021 in Las Vegas Canceled Over COVID-19, Consumer Electronics Show Moves to Online Format

You don’t have to be a tech geek or even be in the tech business to go to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). For four days in January, Las Vegas becomes the gathering place for all thing’s consumer technology. It often serves as the proving ground and the place to unveil the latest and greatest breakthroughs in high tech.

Daily Devotions

· Saturday Litany of the Hours Invoking the Aid of Mother Mary

· Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

· Make reparations to the Holy Face

· Drops of Christ’s Blood

· Iceman’s 40 devotion

· Universal Man Plan

· Rosary