Category Archives: Spiritual Reflections

Reflections

My Yoke is easy and MY Burden Light:

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Yoke first!

If Jesus Yoke is easy and His Burden Light – How come I am surrounded and being persecuted by those who seek to silence my voice! Surely there must be a bridge somewhere! Why is it hidden from my view? I am not kidding, I am in the midst of a mighty struggle and battle. It’s as if a disarming smiling face has embraced my being, yet behind my back a knife has penetrated my ribs.

As I struggle to understand and keep my balance as the voices of failure attack from within. Surely I have committed some kind of sin for which forgiveness is beyond reach! I am without a doubt a sinner, guilty and deserving of punishment.

Yet this persistent voice continues to call deep from within –> “stay the course”, I choose you, I gave you a vision of this battle. My eyes and spirit grow weary as I counter the demons who seek to unsettle my soul. Am I still called to follow? God gave me a vision of a mighty ragging war right where my leaders are unable to muster guidance? The Lord gave me a command speak of what I have shown you to see!?! The cost at moments is difficult as unworthiness hand cuffs my soul. Long have I been looking for a bridge that passes over my hesitation and waiting. I need that bridge to cross over the doubt, the valley of tears to gain access to the mountain side. Yes the destination I long for and the source of the voice I hear calling!

I ask and ask! What is it I am unable to grasp and need to understand?

Perhaps I should explore what is a Yoke? It is a device used in pulling a heavy load. For a Yoke to easy it must fit the wearer like a glove. It is tailored to embraces the wearer in a fashion that unites yoke to the one called. A Yoke is created exactly to fit unique character of the wearer! A easy Yoke is one made for the circumstances of the load to be pulled.

Oh! It is designed specifically for me and my talents! Hum!!! I say again can this be right? Hum!

My Burden is Light:

Well then, can we move on the concept of My burden is light? So what does burden mean? I must have a Yoke on, it’s tailor fit for me and it is going to assist me to pull something along = the burden? So is the “My” what makes the Burden Light? It’s not My Burden but the Burden of the one who called me! Yea, it’s His burden. Did I escape?

Hey – I am still creating and writing as a vision appears! Hang in there!

Cars Can Fly: Life Hanging in Balance Stop Help

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Exodus 17: 8-13 In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel. Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur. As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight. Moses’hands, however, grew tired

I met a man in Home Depot who said have we met before? At an accident. Yes I was at an accident two years ago.

I was driving up a hill when a car coming the opposite direction went airborne perfectly vertical, came back to earth hitting the ground with the rear bumper nose pointed perfectly straight up. Due to the speed the car was traveling it then flipped three times as it crossed the road in front of me into a yard. I knew instantly the driver was in real trouble. I pulled to the side, got out, ran to the vehicle and tried to open the door. It would not open – probably jammed.

Another person ran to the other side and was able to open the river side door. I hurried around to help. It was this man, a retired fir fighter. He knew what we needed to do! The driver was a young woman and she was not breathing. We needed to move her so her breathing passageway would open. He climbed to her side of the car where he was able to have a little leverage to to lift her body so she could be moved. I held her head, in case her neck was injured and so her breathing would not be restricted. Another person climbed into the back seat and together we gradually moved her so her head and shoulders rested on the driver seat. Still she was not breathing.

I did the only thing I knew how. Our Father who art in Heaven, a gurgling sound came from her throat as some blood leaked out. Finally, at least she was breathing very irregularly. I was knelling on the ground and holding her head as the breathing became more and more regular. The fireman called for help and recognized she needed a life flight to a hospital that could handle her injuries.

Soon my arms began to become weary as the position I was in as well as the stress of moving her while managing to keep her head stable was beginning to take a tole.

And then a policeman wanted to arrest the man who saved this woman’s life because he left his vehicle in the road! Which come first? Life or Authority?

The Need for the Unspoken Word:

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I am an Old man on the mend! Took on task of replacing floor boards on 18’ trailer. Lots twisting, pulling, lifting and wiggles to get those boards free. Leaped up on the trailer to find the bolts still holding! Old man twisted left leg – oh oh! Pain overtook the day – kneeling and praying Lord have mercy on this old man who hasn’t bought into = on sneaky aging! Now what am I gonna do???

Can’t put weight on that leg and in the middle of part done mess! Well one advantage an old man has – is go slow – think every movement through – go slow – don’t be in a hurry – got all day – we can do this!

Memory of an Old Man who did What by himself?:

It helped that I remembered my dad move a double garage all by himself and connected it to his house in his sixties! Leverage is an old man’s friend – just need to think how to use it. Lean on stuff to ease the weight – got the lose boards off so I could drive home and begin “RICE”.

Sitting in my chair, watching TV, leg lifted with Ice under knee, blanket on so I don’t freeze haha! Picked up knee compact will put it on after minimum 30 minutes On ice! Was able to almost walk normally late yesterday! Just have to remember I am old and go slow giving my body time to heal! And give thanks for what my dad taught me without ever saying a word! You can move mountains if you open your mind avoiding those who seek to lock you up in doubt and dependence!

What a way to start the New Year!
Ham pulled, PCL strained, aches and pains smothered by hope the Good Lord already gave me what I need to continue this adventure another day and eventually get those new trailer boards installed!

Thanks to my dad who suffered with early Parkinson’s – I have a vision to sustain hope even when I am down!

No politician can do this for me! Yep, thanks dad! I still remember him climbing the steps to St. Joe Church in Mishawaka, Indiana – there was something at the top of those steps worth every single step!

So I ask? – who gave you a treasure without speaking a word?

Happy new Year – Hope is birthed again! May the one and only God Bless You!

We have gone to the Dogs:

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We have had at least 8 dogs that are and were not our dogs! Wolfgang was a black lab puppy my oldest son brought home when he was a freshman in college! Wolfgang would bite your feet (it hurt let me tell you) until you played with him – he did not run out of gas!!! Before we knew it he started running the neighborhood and – he was hit by a car breaking a hip and slowing him down! Nursed him back / he became my traveling pal! Hyper hyper hyper. Hip injury took it’s toll!

Then came Winston – Australian Shepherd – same son – after college! Dog got on the back of someone’s truck and got lost. Winston had our name / number on Veterinarian rabbies tag! Someone called Vet – Bet called my wife. She wouldn’t let our son have the dog back! Winston became my pal too – walk – walk – bounce up walk walk walk – Just like herding sheep – bounce up to look over sheep = me! Winston just got old! Made me cry the day he died!

Well then there was Scarlet – bad habit Russel Terrier – loved chasing cars – found her in the street one morning – sad. With Scarlet came Mick – bull massive – big boy – my wife managed to find Mic a loving home with kids! Both from – you guessed it the same son whose mom set down the law!

Whew! Thought I was finally free! Neighbors sold home and left dog behind – wife fed him – another pal – Brownie was the name we gave her! Unknown to use a hound dog must have been watching – cause little by little he came closer and closer! Brownie’s pal. I called him Little Bit becuase he won’t get close enough to touch! But Inch by inch- day by day, week after week Little Bit moved in. Unfortunately, Little Bit also loved to chase cars – not good!

After a time the Vet discovered found Brownie had had heart worms for a very long time – oh my! A few more tears!

Let your hearts not weary! Bailey, the other neighbors dog had obviously been watching and found an opening – another pal! Bailey was already old and soon began having trouble getting those hind legs to follow! Lots of consulting with the neighbor and the day finally came!

The cold of winter is here – but the signs of new life surround hidden in the wet cold ground around! It’s kinda like some how I managed to learn I can smell nature cooking a brew of nutrients from what appears as all the dead stuff that surrounds!

Took my tractor for a ride in the cold! She fussed a bunch and blew smoke as I started her up! But you know she started to purr as she warmed up to the chore of pulling a harrow in toe! Magic all around if one just open eyes and ears to listen for sounds – new birth mixed into the earths brew! Hills and valleys lie ahead for sure and treasures await for those open to search! Wow! The wonders of the spirit of life – Not for a single second did I think I’ll of anyone – not once did I encounter a trace of ill or hate!

Get it together folks – we are called to be in one spirit = united! The dogs figured it out – just say hi – I wish you a blessed day even when all I can do is only negotiate an inch at a time!

The New Golden Idol with All the Answers – Can’t Live without:

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Taught teen age class two weeks ago Sunday! 1st Reading Exodus – Moses on the mountain getting the Ten Commandments and the Lord said – your people have become depraved – they were worshiping a golden idol! So I had the teens get out their cell phones, we all sat on the floor and held our phones just like you see every where! A praying posture with total focus on a non living thing – Oh Lord my god – you have all the answers, keep me entertained and consume my being, I am totally dependent upon you Oh my cell phone! I can not live without you – you are my world!

Well? Anyone awake? The new golden idol has control of our children! Anyone know where to find the Ten Commandments? Oh yea – the government outlawed them! Good and evil exist in the same place! Where oh where are we to look for the salvation of modern man?

What was that 1st Commandment again?

Nature – Teacher – Teenagers

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Sitting uphill from my Lake – evening 7:15 PM sun shining somewhere behind me – you know the sun is always shinning somewhere! All we have to do is believe! So today I was with teenagers who had all kinds of questions about free Will, determinism, heaven and hell! It’s getting worse folks – the War no one talks about! Yes what we need is sixteen year olds giving us old folks hell – well they have the internet and other bright young friends! Anyone awake? We are losing the battle to teach conscience, sin, consequences, rationalization, and perhaps as importance observation – nature works without man’s help – the sun comes up every day without man’s help! Beauty surrounds us – yes even the treasure each teenager is! This picture is an expression of – Pure beauty – if only we take the moment to let it soak in! Yep God loves you just like you are and least I forget God planted a gift within to give away! So what do you say – let’s teach a teenager the beauty that surrounds!

Image may contain: tree, plant, sky, grass, outdoor and nature

Prison Bars – World in Chaos — Reaching beyond the Bars

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Went to prison today – oh so hot- and – wheres the rain — ready for fall! Got there and sitting waiting patiently for some one to show up – the count is on – no one can come until the count is done! I lay my head in my arms on the table waiting! I go sound asleep! About 20 minutes later I wake up and wonder where am I? Can you believe it – behind bars and asleep. Something about being cradled in the arms of one who loves you! Can you pass that – like your own home?

So one might wonder why the nap of peace? Well the 1st inmate shows. We talk about me sleeping and what’s going on in the world where chaos reins! How anger in the world manifests wounds buried deep in ones soul that can not rest it’s head on a table! How to heal wounds unseen? So he tells me he has one. He talks to his wife every week and she talks about suicide due to the stress generated from the stress of inheriting the head of the family from many many relatives! Wounds hiding behind behavior unfriendly – stress! She has taken the role of head of family – what to do – what to do hiding the unspoken where are you!

The unspoken question – what can I do from prison? The 1st reading Sunday is a cry – how long Oh Lord must I endure this trial – have you abandoned and forgotten me Oh Lord! I am with you always and everywhere – trust in my promise and rest in my arms!

How do we do that? Every time you talk to your wife, pray with her – speak the words of distress, anxiety, uncertainty, frustration and hope overextended! Then thank the Lord for the gift of a willing spirit standing in the midst of chaos, anger, woundedness and ebbing hope with the knowledge that grace comes out of the light darkness seeks to extinguish! Though you can not be where she is when the crises comes your joining prayer reveals and makes present a spirit of unity sealed with blessings one never stands alone when darkness seeks to extinguish the light!

Consistency of prayer provide the building blocks to endure the trials and begin to penetrate the barriers carefully constructed and wrapped around the wounds unseen. Yes – we are one, yes I am with you, yes we will overcome, yes we are never alone, yes we are hope where Hope appears spent, yes I love you, am proud of you and know you are stretching to fill a void for which forgiveness holds the key that opens the door to healing wounds unseen and embracing the healing power hidden in tears joined together to form an unexpected living waters to quench the thirst of voyagers through a lifeless desert! We are one in spirit and life!

An Orphan longs to Discover the Path that Leads Home:

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There was a man who grew old only to discover the God he trusted and the church he dedicated himself had turned him into an orphan. Funny, I know, an old man becoming an orphan? Gosh, the good Lord sure finds strange ways to teach lessons!
Well, when one grows old you would think they would have things figured out! So how come this old man studied Theology of the Body – St. John Paul’s teaching about marriage! The old man was way way past prime time for making babies! We are supposed to know male and female were created to become one flesh and such – the source of new life = a child! The old man wouldn’t trade anything for that privilege! Heck, the old man’s old man told him when he was a young man – if God created anything better He kept it for himself! Did my dad tell me that? Yep!
Now, in God’s design every man has an instinct to protect and care for his family! Wanna find my fighting side attack my wife and kids! It’s the nature and design of a father.
Hmmmm! One flesh! God’s design! So what do you suppose might happen when God’s design for a Father is outlawed? What happens to the one flesh when the father’s design is over ridden and the father In the creation of new life is declared nonexistent. The father has been effectively murdered and the concept of one flesh over ridden by man! Ever wonder what has happened to so many men in the world today?
The old man walked through the bowels of Atlanta in his mid life and wondered why? HIV/Aids and God made me this way! The real threat of death brings out great thirst for answers! But man’s cocktail silenced the questioner!
The old man was a slow learner! So God sent an old man to prison to discover the design of father had been radically removed much like an abortion destroy’s a child. So many Young men full of anger and rage bouncing off walls crying out that something was amiss and having little idea how to articulate the outrage emerging from the cries and no one seems to hear!
How to speak truth to a world in a race pursuing me happiness without a clue where happiness is hidden in the first place! Everybody is happy right? No suicide among the young right? An orphan by nature begins the journey seeking to find the unknown something that lies securely hidden from the me emotions of the moment!
When the orphan finally surrenders to the spirit of one called Father, the designer of nature, one begins to become an orphan on a journey toward home though a soul can seldom see the purpose of the steps taken long long ago or now!
An orphan you see has a hole in his soul and forever longs to fill that hole! The question is what will the orphan choose to fill the hole —> ME?
Every child Long’s for the unity and completeness of the one flesh – three in one! Mom and dad and who?
There was this other man, stripped of every earthly thing, abandoned by all his best friends forever, rejected by those called to be his church, lead to a place of abandonment, cursed, spit upon, crushed with weight, whipped, humiliated with a crown, given sour wine as his body cried out in thirst all because he spoke the truth on how to fill the hole!
But he didn’t stop – He sent the spirit who calls – come follow me, I know the way to the Father who created the one flesh gift you Are in yours mothers womb! No mistake was made in the beginning before the journey began! What lies ahead is finding the key to the doorway hidden within drawing one to search to find the creator of all!

Blood the Connecting Thread!

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Pestering, Ornery Issues and People

Went to prison Friday 1 PM. Needed to get skid steer in for maintenance, spent too much time at church on way where ornery old woman I know was working. Gave her a hug and told her so! Worked up a sweat on a hot day trying to start skid steer! Finally forced to give in and do what I planned to do at start of day! Thought – Oh I could skip – but sensed the spirit was pestering me! Gave in! Took shower – got dressed – presentable – clergy! Went to prison!

Divided – so what do we have that links us?

No one was there! What do you have in mind for me today Lord? No one in prison comes until the “count” is complete and every inmate is accounted for! Then they came! A Georgia Tech grad, a drug runner, a Mexican Father and a boot camp young man. We talked the many issues of our day and the division! So what do we all have in common even those most radical- so what is it? Everyone bleeds the same red blood – without which life ceases to exist! And it is the willingness to shed ones blood for others the secret and mystery of new life lives! The life blood of the water of life changed into the finest wine – the only medicine with the potential to wash away causes of division and bring healing to wounds buried deep in the bones where blood is created!
We changed to Friday in hopes the boot camp juveniles could attend. We got our first one to attend and as we parted he said – please make sure they announce your service so I can come again and some others!

So now I understand the persistence of the voice that spoke to me as I debated all I wanted to get done!

War – Hate – Cost – Blood – Healing:

Our nation is divided and broken by a language of Hate! We are in a war without bullets – a war against God’s design – attack & destroy anyone who disagrees with self declared design – who among us is willing to shed blood to heal the many self inflicted wounds human nature’s willingness to listen to the voice of the one who seeks our ruin ?

Hearing the Unspoken Word:

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Load – Ready Aim Fire – Hold it!

The God Lord sent me on a journey as per the stories in scripture so I might gain eyes to see and ears to hear the unspoken word! Like many, my canon’s were loaded and ready to fire in regard to kneeling during the National Anthem and the burning of the flag. Somehow I managed to hold my fire and cool my jets!
So many people today are being fed the fuel needed to poke wounds long ago suffered often early in life before understanding, knowledge or wisdom in God’s design could penetrate and begin to heal wounds unseen!

Translating Groans with Discipline!

Again and again I have listened to the cries that can only come from the bottom of soul calling for someone to love them. It is the kind of love the world view can not provide. Healing love comes in the form of discipline! Weird right?
The human condition requires stroking (human touch)! Don’t get silly on me! I am not talking about sex! Yet do not underestimate the intensity of the cry and the lack of knowledge or wisdom of the crier who may very well confuse sex as love.
No no no! I am speaking of real love = discipline! Instinctively people, even little children demand disciple tough they haven’t a clue it is the medicine they need to heal deep wounds unseen they can not articulate!


So what was the source of this theory I have arrived at?

Uncomfortable and Powerless:

For ten years I listened to so many young men with HIV/AIDS cry out as they shared their grief through the story of questioning – why me & a secret being reveled they wanted kept hidden. But the stories exploded on me as I listened to parents of adult children speak of the love they had for their child and the anguish unfolding where the “Truth” could not be dismissed! It was a fast forward journey to a most serious mid life crises was thrust upon then and death was starring them in the face! I cried every trip! I wanted to run away – why did you send me here Lord? I am so uncomfortable and I am powerless! All I seem able to do is listen to what I really don’t want hear – groaning and cries without words and helpless! I was unqualified – yet the Lord in his wisdom sent me to teach me what I didn’t want to know!

Oh Man more!

Sorry, but like life this was not enough! Ten years in prison was to follow – again so many young men angry and crying out in upsetting way! A voice crying out from the depths of the soul asking – is there anyone capable of hearing the sound of my cry speaking in unspoken words! Scripture speaks of the groaning’s coming from the earth. The Lord was teaching me to listen with my whole being not just my ears.
Envy and jealousy are so much more powerful than most human can begin to comprehend! These are the sins rooted in the humans to crucify Christ! Ironically Jesus offered them the Truth – the way to freedom – love one another – not sex! Discipline – not individually decided – but the kind of discipline that can only be communicated with unspoken words reveled through the groaning that comes from enduring a cross!
So many in our nation no longer encounter real love, while porn and sex has exploded in every form while live births are dropping at an alarming rate. In some communities 70% of our babies are aborted. God’s design for men as Fathers to protect their children is voided by man’s law which legalizes a second abortion of the Father In God’s design of the one flesh.

Losing Our Soul

The older I get the more I cry for a nation losing it’s soul, while it engages in more and more sex, dismembers babies, consumes porn, is envious and jealous to the point of God’s design and natural law is hate! Propaganda has replaced truth, agendas override human dignity, emotions assassinate logic as the groaning increases and almost no one is willing or able to hear to make the trip and spend some quality time that uncomfortable place where the crying stretches ones soul to look into the mirror of truth where one can not hide!

Enough – Come with me!
And to those who wrote “No more sermons from the Deacon” Come with me and I will introduce you to the Gospel!