Update

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 Once upon a time , someone asked me if I would be happy working a job that was not at the university. Since my position at the university closed in 2020, I found myself doing exactly that— working in jobs not at the university. It has been a very difficult transition.  Recently, things shifted quickly and in unexpected ways. The short version is that I am leaving the hotel which I am currently working, having taken a position at another.  The longer version of the story is that I stopped by to see my good friend and former GM at his new hotel. While I was visiting with him, one of the owners came out and introduced himself and we got to talking. After a few minutes, he said he wanted me to meet his brother. Our conversation turned into a job interview and 48 hours later I accepted a new position as front desk, manager and assistant operations manager. After some negotiating, we reached an agreement and I start my new position on April 9. It’s a much nicer hotel and these...

Arba'een of Imam Hussain

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Ok, I had to look this one up, but that’s ok because I learned something today that I did not know yesterday.

Today is an holiday called, “Arbaeen of Imam Hussain.” “Arba’een” means “forty,” marking 40 days after the death of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala. 40 days is the time of mourning in Islam. This time is used to observe the establishment of justice and taking a stand against injustice, though interpretations of these details are disputed. Some observe peacefully, while others protest even with terrorism. Regardless, the Arba’een has been observed for centuries by walking to the tomb of Imam Hussain (with the exception of the 30 year ban of the holiday under the rule of Saddam Hussein, former president of Iraq). Significant eternal promises are attached to this journey:



One may think of this a kind of New Year’s observance, as 40 days is more than enough time to establish a habit, a lifestyle change. This is a day to do something different with the hopes of making an eternal impact.

What does God’s Unchanging Word promise to those who submit to Him? Are you a person of The Book? The Qur’an says: ‘O People of the Book! ye have no ground to stand upon unless ye stand fast by the Law , the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord.’ (Sura 5:71) God spoke to the prophet Jeremiah saying, “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)”

Would you like to study the Holy Books with me?

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