Monday, 17 August 2026
Jesus and Miracles - Theology notes cont....
Jesus - story telling miracles. Historical memories. Parables - stories of miracles.
- no eye witness
-evangelistic retelling of miracles.
- Miracles come to us in scripture. Meant to open our eyes, not to be proven or disproved, but mark of God moving.
Demons name Jesus
* Jesus asks - What is your name?
Solomon asks demons his name. Once demons name is known, then has power.
Responsible - when she knows name, she has the power. The name here is Legion. The Roman Legion - First century Legion is unmistakeable (green beret of American Army). Military Language is in 5:11, company of pigs. Army does plunge into the sea. Exodus 15 - I will sing to the Lord, throw to the sea. In Mark, we're treated to this Roman Army being cast into the sea and drowning. Legion is bowing down to Jesus. Begs Jesus not to be thrown out of what they just got control of. Like the armies of the Pharaohs. No one has been strong enough for the demon except by Jesus. In casting out Legion, Jesus anticipates the casting of Roman repression. In Mark 5 - tried to opperate Legion. Comic ok, but also with a potential system. Mark in either case, sets against demons. Jesus is stronger - casts out Satan. Here he confronts Imperial. How the claim becomes an explicit claim. Politics and Religion - two sides of the same coin. Miracles are broader than the individual.
Thursday, 13 August 2026
Navigating Substack
https://silvaredigonda.substack.com/subscribe?params=%5Bobject%20Object%5D
Well, I finally went on Substack and quickly navigated how it works. I think I have enough knowledge to function but not thrive. This is experimental for me as I decide what I will keep here and there. I have decided that all Theology notes will continue here. I have already posted an introduction on substack. I also posted about my trip (cruise) which I had posted here. I shall continue on substack with a continuing post about the cruise but thoroughly for subscribers, starting next week. I would like to post once weekly there and figure out what I can give paid subscribers. This is a transition and learning curve for me. I want to establish my media more efficiently. I want to attend at least one of two webinars today. One will begin at 3pm and another at about 7pm. This will be about marketing. The other about using resources. I may just attend both. It is best that I gain as much knowledge as possible. So here is the plan. I intend to learn more and take advantage of my Associations. I want to maximize my time better. I still want to have fun, socialize and become more organized through this transition. I want to continuing studying the realestate market and leave Toronto when it becomes practical. This is a city people want to live in and I do love my home, but I would like to move and travel. How will I fit all in? I'll manage and I am in no rush. I want to find another house to live in for the rest of my life. What do you think? Do you want to subscribe?
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Would you like to subscribe in my transition from here?
https://silvaredigonda.substack.com/subscribe?params=%5Bobject%20Object%5D
What I have to figure out is what will people be paying for that they cannot get here. I am slowly in transition as I try to work out what is best for me as well as my readers.
Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Writer's Corner - Notes and What's Up?
I have attended a few webinars with the American Guild and Sister's of Crime World Wide, States and Toronto. Toronto has one on Thursday night which I would like to attend if available. I am going to continue with my last notes with Sisters of Crime (probably American) due to more availability with my schedule. It's regarding Roads to Publishing. "Long Road" I'll be dead before success (I am giggling as I type this). Apparently the speaker received 72 rejections looking for an agent. With agents at Conferences - got rejected hundreds of times.
Raguel v. Reyes- Speaker - liked cozy but no one looked or talked like him - kept - always a Latino, Character. 20 years ago joined Sisters in Crime in Miami. Sleuth first (no longer exists). Met all kinds of people. One of them was an editor - took her advice which made it better. When you have a contract, you will get an agent (went to one that wanted to help minorities). Movie - had no control over that. Won't get help getting books published. Rarely any requirements. Publishers now do not pay for book tours. If bidding war, may get a small budget - never will cover costs. Do your research. Everyone has an opinion so learn to discern. Look at budget - start with local. How do you become sellable? If Indy, you have to do it all. If family, don't listen but an author you admire - listen. Allied may have pathway. A couple of awards out there.
Ok, let me discern. What is my budget? Nadda. I am in transition since retiring. I am being prudent. I am not considered a minority so I never fit anywhere for a free be. I am white, straight and looking at me may lift your heart but not any charity. When I sent my manuscript to the only publisher in Niagara Falls, Ontario, I never even got a I hate your book and I am planning to move there. Not nice. Does Stephen King want to talk to me about my book? I hardly think so. Of course I can drop it down his chimney and perhaps get a fire burning, but that's about it. I am a realist. I don't chase people. However, when I go to shows, people normally come to see me or at least stop by and that is nice. I am not computer savy but I am still better than most I know. I do not have patience so that is probably not a good thing as a writer. I am in transition so I am still exploring my options. Do I want to be a professional writer and no longer have it as a hobby? I really don't know. There is so much more I can do than why am I not doing it? I like writing but do I lose my passion if it becomes my work? Do I care what people think? There are all kinds of people out there and everyone does have an opinion. I am not a business person. I have never taken one business course. I have spent a life time helping people from being a life guard, serving my country policing here and over seas and helping people as a therapist. I still to this day remember the Life Saving Motto - " Whom ever you see in distress, recognize in him a fellow man." I write because it is part of me. I enjoy it. In the last Sister's in Crime I attended (American - I do like them) they talked about plotting. It is structured. However, I am like a home cook (I don't cook) I just sprinkle a bit of this and that and create via the crevices of my brain. The story takes over my brain and I just go with it. What has stopped me through this transition is as I am exploring, I am making fun a priority. I have been reading for fun a lot and watching movies. I have been socializing and just chilling and finding my niche. I have been thinking what is next for me? I have been watching Global warming striking away and people still not understanding or recognizing it. Leadership in some countries are strongly lacking logic and common knowledge. People are more divided than ever. And where do I stand? I love life. I love it today that I can turn off the air conditioner and breathe in fresh air. I love it that I do not have food insecurity. I love it that I have a room of my own and can write. I believe in and love God and I am not ashamed about it. I surrender to it. I love nature and relish in the joy of watching a squirrel eat. I enjoy watching a raccoon holding a ball in its mouth as a child would enjoy a ball. I even enjoy watching children play as I ride my stationary bike in between pausing from reading for a few minutes. I am watching the real estate market very carefully to decide the right time to move to Niagara Falls and travel. What is your niche? What moves you? What do you think?