Perhaps you can take a moment and contemplate exactly what is going on in your life! Are you doing things that are inspired or are you merely just going about the day, looking at the clock waiting for it to be over?
I have been a clock watcher a lot in my life, waiting for the bell in class, waiting for the shift to end at work, and as a union musician, watching that union clock for the next break. I think of all the things I have missed in being so anxious about time, and how I spend it, whether it is of value or if I am just filling in the blanks with some busy work.
Spiritually, if I don't look at these "times" as sharing opportunities, I feel I am missing the whole point of even existing. At this point, I wonder how many of us just take up space on this earth and how many are waiting for something fantastic to happen in their day, life, or even their suppossed meger existence.
Wow, I could of had a V8 instead of being here...hehehehe (my off the wall sense of humor comes into play a lot).
Anyway, back to the topic at hand....I am studying the life of Gideon as well as David. Both of these biblical characters grew to be an army of 1 and defeated many odds that in today's world are seeming unsurmountable. Gideon reminds me of the soul that is seeking to lead people that have gone astray, back into the fold and David, with a mere rock, defeated the Philistine Army with one blow to the giant Goliath. These actions are unheard of in today's world, it takes massive armies to even perform a police action around the world.
Interesting concept, sounds pretty mundane to me, a lot of lives put on the line for some greedy people who wish to control the world in a massive ploy of control issues. Maybe, if their mothers and fathers had gone the extra mile (responsibly) and taught values to their children, the world would not be in the mess it has been for millenia.
Mediocrity comes into play in value judgements that are just not in sync with wholeness and wellness. Lack of care, concern and the willingness to take the easy road (go with the flow) concept overtakes legititamite reasoning and deduction processes and replaces these ideals with knee jerk reactions. Envy,Greed, Longing seem to come into play, not only for physical posessions of others, but also the inner strength that is shown by people who truly recognize God as the leader of their life and pay homage to Him instead of themselves. To show humility in today's world usually leads to some form of human humiliation and becomes circumspect in our realities.
There are some traits and some questions that are having an impact on my life right now that I would like to share with everyone who is interested and is not feeling the need to watch the clock.
From "Living Above The Level of Mediocrity" By Charles R. Swindoll....
1. Openly acknowledge what caused our present condition.
2. Focus Directly on the Lord and not the odds against you.
3. Declare your allegiance publicly.
4. Remeber that God pefers to work through a remnant.
5. Do not accept the glory after God uses your life!
I am taking off now for some serious contemplation on the inner workings of a swiss watch, and admiring the craftmanship of each individual part and the people that developed and worked on the craftmanship and the integrity in it and in them, people I will never meet and will probably never know, and give thanks to God for their intricate work on the timepiece that keeps time for me right now.....
Friday, August 28, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
My Ultimate Autobiography...
Chapter 1: I Am Born
Chapter 2: I Live (see attached)
Chapter 3: To Be Continued Indefinitely, Check Back for Updates....
Chapter 2: I Live (see attached)
Chapter 3: To Be Continued Indefinitely, Check Back for Updates....
What is Love?
Love to me is, (fill in the blank), and there you have it. Love is a very personal thing, with many so called "definers" in today's world. In the biblical text, it is mentioned and discussed with definitions that seem to define an unselfish sharing and caring type of love Romans and Corinthians for example). But around these descriptors are many other events and serializations that can seemingly disprove the basic concepts and spirit of faith and understanding.
How do we as individuals, define love in our life? A very sincere question for anyone to contemplate. Aa a person in what I percieve as life recovery, love has taken on many different meanings, such as, Control, Opression, Loss of self worth and self esteem, People Pleasing, Acceptance Issues (I'll love you if....), and various statements of the amount of love given and taken.
In treatment many decades ago, one of the counselors had us put on one piece of paper what we perceived God to be in our lives from everything we had learned and what had led us to the path of self destruction. On another piece of paper, he had us write what we wanted God to be in our lives, and the definers were very different. I will follow through on this later in the week, hopefully, but just be aware, that was a defining day in my life and the beginning of a wonderful spiritual awakening!
Perhaps a reading of Romans and Corinthians would be in order, not only about love, but it's responsibility as well as the gifts we are given and how they can be used.
(This is a work in Progress, not yet completed...)
How do we as individuals, define love in our life? A very sincere question for anyone to contemplate. Aa a person in what I percieve as life recovery, love has taken on many different meanings, such as, Control, Opression, Loss of self worth and self esteem, People Pleasing, Acceptance Issues (I'll love you if....), and various statements of the amount of love given and taken.
In treatment many decades ago, one of the counselors had us put on one piece of paper what we perceived God to be in our lives from everything we had learned and what had led us to the path of self destruction. On another piece of paper, he had us write what we wanted God to be in our lives, and the definers were very different. I will follow through on this later in the week, hopefully, but just be aware, that was a defining day in my life and the beginning of a wonderful spiritual awakening!
Perhaps a reading of Romans and Corinthians would be in order, not only about love, but it's responsibility as well as the gifts we are given and how they can be used.
(This is a work in Progress, not yet completed...)
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Valueless Life
I keep reading, with utter dismay, of all the conflicts in the world that seem to drive up the price of essential commodities that promote human life.
In Russia and the Ukraine, people are freezing to death, and there is a fight. In the Middle East, there are wars on top of wars that seem to regulate the price of Oil.
Around the world, people are freezing, unable to afford the very thing that could prevent that, meanwhile the price of Oil keeps going up so the Oil Barons can get richer. To what end do these riches yield? “What value does a man have, if he gains all the possessions in the world and loses his soul? Praise the Dollar as God Himself!”
I question the bailouts in the US, for bailing out the ones that spend money foolishly and care nothing about the common man, I question the Oil Barons, who speculate on the price of a necessary commodity in this day and time, as if they were shooting craps at the casino. Guess what folks, there is an eventual crap out, where the house takes all the table stakes and your left with just a little bit in reserve, perhaps to speculate some more a push for more wealth, no matter what the personal cost is.
In Houston, Texas, as a disabled vet on limited income, the energy companies here don’t hesitate in the heat of summer or the dead of winter to cut the necessities of life for not paying the entire extravagant bills they send. There is no heart and soul in these actions, only dollar signs, and human life is not even worth a penny to them if it’s not in their pockets.
What’s happened to the world? I really don’t know, and I question all humanity on this issue. What happened to the days when people actually cared about other people, and would belly up and provide for each other, no matter what the cost. Have we become that selfish and self centered as a society? How about just sitting with someone, perhaps that person on the street, laughing with them, giving them your smile…..it doesn’t cost you a penny, but it does take about 5 seconds of your precious time. Sounds pretty cheap to me, except….time is the most precious commodity we have to give each other. To bad, in this hectic world, we take that for granted and spend the time we have chasing the almighty dollar that sharing God’s Love with each other.
Who knows, in an ideal society, there would be no hunger, no greediness, no lack of self worth, no suffering, no loneliness……perhaps we would be one people, together, with full lives and no worries about today.
“But of these, three remain faith, hope and love…but…the greatest of these is Love!”
In Russia and the Ukraine, people are freezing to death, and there is a fight. In the Middle East, there are wars on top of wars that seem to regulate the price of Oil.
Around the world, people are freezing, unable to afford the very thing that could prevent that, meanwhile the price of Oil keeps going up so the Oil Barons can get richer. To what end do these riches yield? “What value does a man have, if he gains all the possessions in the world and loses his soul? Praise the Dollar as God Himself!”
I question the bailouts in the US, for bailing out the ones that spend money foolishly and care nothing about the common man, I question the Oil Barons, who speculate on the price of a necessary commodity in this day and time, as if they were shooting craps at the casino. Guess what folks, there is an eventual crap out, where the house takes all the table stakes and your left with just a little bit in reserve, perhaps to speculate some more a push for more wealth, no matter what the personal cost is.
In Houston, Texas, as a disabled vet on limited income, the energy companies here don’t hesitate in the heat of summer or the dead of winter to cut the necessities of life for not paying the entire extravagant bills they send. There is no heart and soul in these actions, only dollar signs, and human life is not even worth a penny to them if it’s not in their pockets.
What’s happened to the world? I really don’t know, and I question all humanity on this issue. What happened to the days when people actually cared about other people, and would belly up and provide for each other, no matter what the cost. Have we become that selfish and self centered as a society? How about just sitting with someone, perhaps that person on the street, laughing with them, giving them your smile…..it doesn’t cost you a penny, but it does take about 5 seconds of your precious time. Sounds pretty cheap to me, except….time is the most precious commodity we have to give each other. To bad, in this hectic world, we take that for granted and spend the time we have chasing the almighty dollar that sharing God’s Love with each other.
Who knows, in an ideal society, there would be no hunger, no greediness, no lack of self worth, no suffering, no loneliness……perhaps we would be one people, together, with full lives and no worries about today.
“But of these, three remain faith, hope and love…but…the greatest of these is Love!”
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Xenophobia, Megalomania, And all kinds of ruts!
To begin with, the topic of the sermon for Sunday, July 19, 2009 was extremely thought provoking. One of my prayer partners had a wonderful conversation with me about the meaning of the word itself and how it is applicable to church. Well, hang on heathcliffe, what an awareness of not only our attitudes as Christians, but also our attitudes and perceptions of others that we feel are different from ourselves.
In doing research on the topic itself before church, I came across many cultural and societal differentiations as well as spiritual. The most comprehensive statement was found on the MOST website and is as follows: “An attitudinal orientation of hostility against non-natives in a given population.” After much thought, meditation and prayer, I have reached a conclusion in my life that perhaps I need to work on better understanding various cultures even within Houston itself.
The feelings that I am having are of a migrant worker status, very transitory here in Houston, and not to be taken seriously. In other words, I to shall pass on to the next job, the next adventure, the next whatever, and will no footprint here in Houston, because it is not the way things have been done. I hear the demeaning way people talk about each other, IE: Wetback, Spic, Kike, Tennessean, Californian, Northerner, among others, and here I have concluded that being an outsider with different ideals, norms, situations, that I am not allowed to express these ideas, because of some preconceived notion that I and people like me will take over and change things. A great fear here in Houston, perhaps founded or perhaps unfounded, this remains to be seen.
In my feelings, growth does not mean destruction, knowledge leads to wisdom, communication with understanding leads to a melding and appreciation of various cultures and societal norms. Perhaps we are all afraid of the realities that surround us, varying ideologies, varying ways of doing things, each one not superior, but just a way of doing things. In my way of thinking and feeling, there is not a right way or a wrong way, there are just many ways to do anything and everything.
Without creating alarm, perhaps the question could be “What Would Jesus Do?”. We tend to leave that question as a stand alone question, however, I do see things a bit differently, and follow up with the question, “How Would Jesus Do It?” Just another way of looking at a very popular question in our Christian way of life. Are we Acting as a Christian should Act (by perception), or are we putting our Christian way of live into Action itself? Acting a part is exhilarating, to say the least, but actually living the life is a whole different concept perhaps, that many are not familiar with. Acceptance and understanding are majors parts of feeling and sharing love. Going on the premise that we are all sinners and are save by grace, are we not all equal in the eyes and sight of God? The bible speaks in Romans as well as throughout the New Testament of the differences that already existed in the Christian Faith, and the acceptance/understanding issues of the day. Perhaps we have not learned yet that in our cultural diverseness, there is a great strength and power for learning other ways, and while we may not adhere to them personally, they are all valid ways of expressions of faith, hope and love.
I believe for now, these are enough questions to approach a situation in all our lives and carry forward from here…
A great website for me! In Touch Ministries..
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Houston, Texas
In doing research on the topic itself before church, I came across many cultural and societal differentiations as well as spiritual. The most comprehensive statement was found on the MOST website and is as follows: “An attitudinal orientation of hostility against non-natives in a given population.” After much thought, meditation and prayer, I have reached a conclusion in my life that perhaps I need to work on better understanding various cultures even within Houston itself.
The feelings that I am having are of a migrant worker status, very transitory here in Houston, and not to be taken seriously. In other words, I to shall pass on to the next job, the next adventure, the next whatever, and will no footprint here in Houston, because it is not the way things have been done. I hear the demeaning way people talk about each other, IE: Wetback, Spic, Kike, Tennessean, Californian, Northerner, among others, and here I have concluded that being an outsider with different ideals, norms, situations, that I am not allowed to express these ideas, because of some preconceived notion that I and people like me will take over and change things. A great fear here in Houston, perhaps founded or perhaps unfounded, this remains to be seen.
In my feelings, growth does not mean destruction, knowledge leads to wisdom, communication with understanding leads to a melding and appreciation of various cultures and societal norms. Perhaps we are all afraid of the realities that surround us, varying ideologies, varying ways of doing things, each one not superior, but just a way of doing things. In my way of thinking and feeling, there is not a right way or a wrong way, there are just many ways to do anything and everything.
Without creating alarm, perhaps the question could be “What Would Jesus Do?”. We tend to leave that question as a stand alone question, however, I do see things a bit differently, and follow up with the question, “How Would Jesus Do It?” Just another way of looking at a very popular question in our Christian way of life. Are we Acting as a Christian should Act (by perception), or are we putting our Christian way of live into Action itself? Acting a part is exhilarating, to say the least, but actually living the life is a whole different concept perhaps, that many are not familiar with. Acceptance and understanding are majors parts of feeling and sharing love. Going on the premise that we are all sinners and are save by grace, are we not all equal in the eyes and sight of God? The bible speaks in Romans as well as throughout the New Testament of the differences that already existed in the Christian Faith, and the acceptance/understanding issues of the day. Perhaps we have not learned yet that in our cultural diverseness, there is a great strength and power for learning other ways, and while we may not adhere to them personally, they are all valid ways of expressions of faith, hope and love.
I believe for now, these are enough questions to approach a situation in all our lives and carry forward from here…
A great website for me! In Touch Ministries..
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Houston, Texas
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Ulitimate Equipose
“If they say, Come Along with us, let’s lie in wait for someone’s blood, let’s waylay some harmless soul; lets swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; throw in you lot with us, and we will share a common purse!”. (By the way, there is more to this statement than just this, but, taken out of context, perceptions can change and be manipulated for the ultimate control factor)
In the prophetic words of a man named Solomon, true values that hold through the ages, have been pushed aside throughout history. Why, you may ask, are things like this done? Perhaps it’s that special gift that God has given us, free will, the ability to make choices in our lives that lead us to life, or to destruction/death per say.
What are some of the realities of today, seemingly no respect for elders, the have and have not, the social strata that envelopes all of us, the mass consumerism that rules our lives all leading to various complexities of personality disorders. Some call these disorders Sin, others call them just a fad or phase and then again, who’s to say? Gossip and innuendo seem to be more powerful in our society and world than truth and integrity. Looking at the magazines, the news on tv and in the paper, there seems to be a proliferation not only of porn, but false statements and misconceptions pushed just to get ratings and sell advertisement. Humm very destructive things for all of us, and yet we bite into it on a daily basis.
Trust, wow, what a term! Trust implies honesty, integrity and other very wonderful heartfelt values to maintain between even two people (much less trusting yourself to make appropriate decisions). Trust in relationships is waylaid by undercurrents of accusatory statements, criticizing others without looking at your self first. In actuality, most of us, as human beings, are hypercritical of ourselves and take for granted that we have the right to judge others on our own metrics of life, instead of attempting to understand the other persons’ metrics.
Perhaps an exceptional evaluation of personal metrics and what criteria we base this on is in order. The metrics of my life are probably not the same as anyone else, but they may be close in a comparative sense. Definitions and values, even though they have the same wordings, still vary in perception of what is real and what is not, and can be twisted and used against people at will, or, the opposite of this coin could be the ability to accept and understand the other persons perception, and not take it as a criticism of your personal perceptions.
Perhaps it’s time for a personal introspection and going through that 4th step in the 12 step program, a fearless and personal moral inventory and see just what our individual metrics are, and whether they fit our perceptions of various values or not……
In the prophetic words of a man named Solomon, true values that hold through the ages, have been pushed aside throughout history. Why, you may ask, are things like this done? Perhaps it’s that special gift that God has given us, free will, the ability to make choices in our lives that lead us to life, or to destruction/death per say.
What are some of the realities of today, seemingly no respect for elders, the have and have not, the social strata that envelopes all of us, the mass consumerism that rules our lives all leading to various complexities of personality disorders. Some call these disorders Sin, others call them just a fad or phase and then again, who’s to say? Gossip and innuendo seem to be more powerful in our society and world than truth and integrity. Looking at the magazines, the news on tv and in the paper, there seems to be a proliferation not only of porn, but false statements and misconceptions pushed just to get ratings and sell advertisement. Humm very destructive things for all of us, and yet we bite into it on a daily basis.
Trust, wow, what a term! Trust implies honesty, integrity and other very wonderful heartfelt values to maintain between even two people (much less trusting yourself to make appropriate decisions). Trust in relationships is waylaid by undercurrents of accusatory statements, criticizing others without looking at your self first. In actuality, most of us, as human beings, are hypercritical of ourselves and take for granted that we have the right to judge others on our own metrics of life, instead of attempting to understand the other persons’ metrics.
Perhaps an exceptional evaluation of personal metrics and what criteria we base this on is in order. The metrics of my life are probably not the same as anyone else, but they may be close in a comparative sense. Definitions and values, even though they have the same wordings, still vary in perception of what is real and what is not, and can be twisted and used against people at will, or, the opposite of this coin could be the ability to accept and understand the other persons perception, and not take it as a criticism of your personal perceptions.
Perhaps it’s time for a personal introspection and going through that 4th step in the 12 step program, a fearless and personal moral inventory and see just what our individual metrics are, and whether they fit our perceptions of various values or not……
Monday, July 13, 2009
Tis the gift to be simple tis the gift to be free!
'Tis the gift to be simple,'tis the gift to be free,'tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,And when we find ourselves in the place just right,It will be in the valley of love and delight.
Refrain:
When true simplicity is gained,To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.To turn, turn will be our delight,'Til by turning, turning we come round right
'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say,
Refrain:
'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",And when we hear what others really think and really feel,Then we'll all live together with a love that is real.
Labels: Copland, Hymnology, simplicity, spirit
Refrain:
When true simplicity is gained,To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.To turn, turn will be our delight,'Til by turning, turning we come round right
'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say,
Refrain:
'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",And when we hear what others really think and really feel,Then we'll all live together with a love that is real.
Labels: Copland, Hymnology, simplicity, spirit
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