Mark 9:37

It's The Network

There's only one network that really matters. It is the oldest, most powerful network ever established. No signal is ever lost. It is the only one that will survive recessions, depressions, storms and wars. Being connected is literally, a matter of life and death. Who's in your network?

Go Now!

"I want it now!" cries a generation. History books, if you can find one, gather dust on the shelves. On the new plasma screen, not a speck of dust can be found. To push a button is easier than to turn a page, to passively recieve, than to cogitate. Tell me what I need, lest I discern it from what I read. The news that I see is nothing new, just a different spin on the same stories recycled again. Look beneath the surface of the glitter and glam. Go to the place where principles withstand. Go to the book that was not authored by man. Go to the source for Good News and renewal. Go to His Word. Go to His Word and you will understand.

Books

Book and books, so many books abound

On every topic imaginable - I have found.

I have yet to find one trustworthy and sound,

Except for one, penned by the author

Of everything Good, all around.

Leaves

Leaves departing from the branches,

Falling to earth, asphalt and kind.
You'd think they would stay put

And lay there motionless, dying.

But from out of nowhere

A unseen force appears.

It summons them back to life

One hear, one there, then

Entire sections arise.

A symphony of sight and sound
Whirlwinds on the ground
And the leaves are dancing

All around

Don't Try to Redefine

Those who call evil good and good evil are as good as dead,
who turn darkness into light and light into darkness,
who turn bitter into sweet and sweet into bitter.
Those who think they are wise are as good as dead,
those who think they possess understanding.
Those who are champions at drinking wine are as good as dead,
who display great courage when mixing strong drinks.
They pronounce the guilty innocent for a payoff,
they ignore the just cause of the innocent.
Therefore, as flaming fire devours straw,
and dry grass disintegrates in the flames,
so their root will rot,
and their flower will blow away like dust.
For they have rejected the law of the Lord who commands armies,
they have spurned the commands of the Holy One of Israel

-- Isaiah 5:20-24 NET

Paucity

The paucity of intelligent discourse regarding the ban of same sex marriages in California is sadly, no surprise. Just as many in the media have found that sound bites and slogans are more effective means of marketing than in-depth reporting, many people have succumbed to the same type of arguments when they posit their beliefs.

_______

The following has been deemed newsworthy by Yahoo News:

"Don't spread H8"

"We need equal rights"

"Gay is the new black"

"Catholic Fascists Stay Out of Politics"

"I just found out that my state doesn't really think I'm a person"

_______

What was severely lacking and not deemed newsworthy - any reporting about what the supporters of Proposition 8 had to say and why.

_______

For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. And they will turn away from hearing the truth...

- 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Hebel

A puff of smoke that vanishes, the brevity of life. I will leave this world physically just as I arrived. Better that I think beyond my situation, beyond me and towards Him.

Reverence

What I know about myself, and what I know about Him, directs my posture when we communicate. No need for small talk, if the place permits - on bended knees; if not, still I get straight to the point.

Quiet Time

Romans 15, Psalms 69, Titus 3:2. I've awakened early, surely I will have some quiet time with His word. A child awakens, crawls into my bed then falls back asleep. My wife wakes up, strikes up a conversation about employees and work to be done for this week. Leaving the bedroom I go to the kitchen with my laptop, bible, Purpose Driven Live Daily Inspiration book, and lacking one book written by a friend about Seventh Day Adventists. One child follows me, I give her a banana and she is content for the moment. Another child, not from my seed, but taken in for a while comes downstairs playing his GameBoy. My wife comes into the kitchen, more talking, more children, less quiet. I go back to my bedroom, realizing my time is short, and I must prepare for church. She wants to go to this church, I want to go to that church - I said, "then lets go to both!" So what is God saying to me. This event repeats itself, only the details are changed. Perhaps, while not knowing all that I desire, He see that I know what I need for today. He will feed me. But that nourishment is for me to act. To everthing there is a time. Quiet Time is over.

Rods and Cones

A sound bite on rods and cones, the retina and the fovea centralis. An ensuing analogy on the perception of color, leading into to our perception of God. Should I venture into the deep waters and loose some along the way, or remain safe in the shallow waters since some have not yet learned how to swim. I see the visible spectrum, but so much more exists.

I imagine the day my physical eyes have closed, and am given the ability to see the full spectrum if God so allows it. To share in how much He greives over sin, and how He rejoices in His children.

- Hallelujah!

Friends

I've heard it said that a best friend is somebody who knows things about you that you don't want anybody else to know about. Then, truly, what a friend we have in Jesus!

Though crooked, bent and beaten down, I draw from the Living Water, and am given strength to continue.

(I have the strong desire to edit this blog for a smoother transition from the first paragraph to the second. I guess that's what makes this blog lifelike. Often in life there is no smooth transition. But I'll save that for another blog.)

Ready for Business?

"The devil knows the bible like the back of his hand."
-- Tom Waits

“I am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."

-- Mat 10:16

Dance Me To The End Of Love

Playlist:

Dance Me To The End Of Love - Madeleine Peyroux

Hanging On A Star - Nick Drake

Ne Me Quitte Pas - Nina Simone

Praises

If ever I'm having a spiritual 'dry spell', I have to look no further than my children. Then praises abound. Thank you! Thank you!

Timeless Truths

No further seek the wisdom of today. Seek His face, and the truths that do not pass with the setting sun, but persist 'till the end of our days.

Temple Etiquette

Walking into the presence of God. His Holy place. The local church. I must check my heart. I am not stepping into a classroom or entering some ordinary social gathering. I am entering into his Holy presence, and only worthy to do so by the sacrifice he made. I'm listening.

Be careful what you do when you go to the temple of God;
draw near to listen rather than to offer a sacrifice like fools,
for they do not realize that they are doing wrong.
Do not be rash with your mouth or hasty in your heart to bring up a matter before God,
for God is in heaven and you are on earth!
Therefore, let your words be few.

-- Ecclesiates 5:1-2

Picture: St. Enodoc Church, U.K.

Accountability

...keeping loyal love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. But he by no means leaves the guilty unpunished, responding to the transgression of fathers by dealing with children and children’s children, to the third and fourth generation.
- Exodus 34:7

Fathers shall not be put to death for sons, nor sons be put to death for fathers, but each shall be put to death for his own sin.
- 2 Chronicles 25:4

Playlist
Life for Rent - Dido
I Want You - Rachael Yamagata
Voices - Nick Drake

Life after Death

Continue the transformation, daily.

Give it up!

Give up what you can't keep, to gain what you can't lose.

Today's Playlist

Sparrow - Simon & Garfunkle
Let's Think About Living - Teddy Thompson
Belle - Jack Johnson
Please Read The Letter -Robert Plant
Papa Was A Rascal - James Booker
Blue Spanish Sky - Chris Isaak
Road Yo Peace - Tom Waits
Anne Boleyn - Rick Wakeman
La Vie En Rose - Madelaeine Peyroux
Dust In The Wind - Kansas
What Do You Want Me To Do? - Mike Scott
Even So - Rachael Yamagata
Hanging On A Star - Nick Drake
Redemption Song - Bob Marley & The Wailers
Cobalt - Oystein Sevag

Soaring

Like the wind that fills the sail, fill me with your Spirit.

Don't Go Cherry Picking with Spiritual Matters

Sufficiency, infallable, revelation, inspiration, authority.

He Knew

He ran out into the summer rain, full of joy and laughter. A puddle was not something to avoid, but sought after for its capacity to make a large splash. Launching himself to land in the puddle's center was done without regard to how well his clothes would absorb the water.

More than the grass or the trees, I needed that rain, at that time. And HE knew that.

The Reverse "Rorschach" Test

Psalms 19:1

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the sky displays his handiwork.

Looking Upward, Not Inward

Hang In There

When your world is turned upside down, hang in there. Hold fast to what you know is true. My scuba diving instructor used to tell me, if you ever get knocked silly by some waves, don't panic. Follow the bubbles, because they always lead to the surface. Otherwise you might swim to the ocean floor. Flight instructors will say something similar - trust your instruments, not your own senses. But my life needs more than bubbles and instruments to guide me in times of peril.

For guidance in these times of peril, it is best to go to the one that designed me.

Non-Negotiable

What are your non-negotiables? I knew a man who once said, "Everything I have is for sale, except my wife and kids."

Don't sell out! I left the rat race many years ago. But through ignorance and good intentions, I was drawn back in, denying that I was being drawn in all the way.

I've been granted passage to the kingdom and told to leave my baggage behind. An alliance has been forged and I must hold fast to Truth which is eternal. But my ally will not allow any encumberances. When hinderances are stripped away, the pain is not in the loss of those things that hinder me. The pain arises from those persons closest to me that do not understand why these things are happening. The blame game starts, the words "sin" and "lack of faith" get tossed about, questions of intergrity, responsibility, and caring get asked.

Again, what are your non-negotiables? What are you willing to lose - to gain?

Reverse Order

I've tried to do things my own way
and I've tried to do what people say
and I'm going nowhere fast
and I'm turning to you at last

- excerpt from
What Do You Want Me To Do? by Mike Scott

Refuge

Only one will do. If you venture beyond, beware of decoys!

...

Reductio ad Absurdum

Leave out "the way, the truth, and the life," and we are left with what?

Service

"You have so many problems and here you are, you want to serve God? Why don't you ask him what He wants you to change first!"
-- anonymous

2 a.m. - Complete

Her hair smells soft and light with a hint sweetness, more desirable than the finest perfume. Her body is soft and warm. Beside you tonight, I praise God. I can rest and have peace.

Which Way Are You Going?

You will be on a team. You have a choice. If you choose not to decide, then you have made a choice. You will still be on a team. You still have a choice.

Cat's In The Cradle

Only one Father that never lets you down. Only one Father to set an example. I pray my children see through my flaws and frailties, and cast their eyes upon their true Father in heaven.

Editing

I've changed this post three times now. Can I edit my actions as closely as I edit my words? I am reminded not to focus so much on the ship, but pay very close attention to the rudder.

Photo - Tulips On Paper: By Ray Bidegain

Go with the flow

...and you might end up in the sewer.

Quicken WillMaker Plus 2007

I keep reminding myself that I need to get my affairs in order - for the inevitable 'what if' that we will all succumb to. Recently, I purchased Quicken WillMaker Plus 2007, just in case I leave earlier than expected. It sits beside my bed. But life is still calling me, and I'm too busy living. I've already struck the deal of a lifetime, the rest are minor details. Praise Him who has already made eternal plans for me.

I'm so tired. I've lost my voice. Posting platitudes instead of praise. At a loss for something to say. Sometimes things are better left unsaid.. there I go again, truth's profundity obscured by cliche. The sun is rising, or as I tell my son, not really, we're all just spinning. And now I crawl into bed, God's gift is beside me, 3 year old, transparent, and there's no shame in that. Until he grows up. He doesn't want the limits imposed on him, he doesn't understand why. At 41 years of age, I too resist, and often don't understand why. Other than there is a Father that also loves me. And someday too, I'll understand why.

The Paradoxical Commandments (6)

The biggest men and women with
the biggest ideas can be shot down
by the smallest men and women
with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

The Paradoxical Commandments (5)

Honesty and frankness
may you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The Paradoxical Commandments (4)

The good you do today
will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

The Paradoxical Commandments (3)

If you are successful, you will win
false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The Paradoxical Commandments (2)

If you do good,
people will accuse you
of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

The Paradoxical Commandments (1)

People are illogical,
unreasonable, and
self-centered.
Love them anyway.

Object Permanence

If my children are awake in the morning and they cannot see me, they cry out. They are still developing a sense of object permanence.

Sometimes I cry out to God. But He is here, whether I see Him or not.

Intimacy

?Is it physical - Is it emotional - Is it cerebral - Is it commutative - Is it spiritual?

Isolation doesn't require an island or a cell.
Intimacy isn't created by close proximity to a person.
Verbiage doesn't suffice.

"It is not good for man to be alone."

People come and go.

But Christ...

rowm muwcar

“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts.”
-- Heb. 12:16

All those I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent!
-- Rev. 3:19

My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord, and do not loathe his rebuke.
-- Prov. 3:11

Blind Faith

Isaiah 45:18-22; 46:5-10

Is there room for blind faith in the Christian? It flies in the face of what I've read from scripture. But I have heard it said from some people that blind faith is all that Christians have. Or, some would agree with what The DaVinci Code suggests - we've been duped! A careful examination of the facts is not only beneficial, it is commanded.

So, why do you believe what you do?

"Jesus said to him, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'"
- Matthew 22:37

Revelation 22:21

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Sticks and Stones

I remember being physically and verbally intimidated by someone in my high school. It was uncalled for. After his attempts to humiliate me in front of the entire class, I resorted to a very low verbal blow. He follow me, threatening physical harm until I stopped and turned to look at him. All that I saw was a fist about 4 inches from my nose. The next thing that I remember, he was on top of me, yelling, telling me to let go. Apparently, he broke his hand on my face and I refused let go of that broken hand. I came out of it with a weekend in detention and a black eye. He got a broken hand and no detention.

“Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9 (NET)

I neither condone nor condemn what Zidane did that evening. I'm saddened because I can imagine myself in his place. I've played soccer with grown men who would insult me. After the game, they would shake my hand and say, "it's only a game, right?"

Verbal abuse, disrespect, character attacks can all wear a person down. How do you pursue peace with someone who is mistreating you? Defending your dignity will only solicit accusations of pride.

Galatians 5:16-26

"Love........endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13:7

__________

A text from a friend
A welcome interruption
Earth beneath my feet

--T.Dalton(2008)

575

Five, seven and five
A skeleton's not alive
The Law fulfilled

--T.Dalton(2008)

Nocturne Op 27 No.2

A cursory look, and a sound bite to boot - feigned analysis and some cute retort. Listen, don't speak, listen. What's behind this facade? Patterns and clues. Listen, are you listening? I hear you. Do you hear me too?

SOS 8:6-7

Not Waving but Drowning
Richard Cory
Elegy Written in a Country Courtyard.

plácání

Green, red, orange yellow and blue. Tannins and Hilton and associations to boot. Free to commit and the next day remiss. Surface rhyme submits to the cerebral ideation deepening abyss. Dang that button I didn't mean to hit. Crimson Prometheus, oh, I forget like a simile to euphemize the gist. High dollar I sound in the colloquial diss. On a ra t (n) I never meant to publish it's this. So, away, disappear, but it won't, gear's engage. Take it or leave it, profundity or banal. It is what it is, or isn't it, or is it aint.

Contemplate and Excogitate

Thought and actions. Faith and Works.

3 a.m.

I have some of the best fellowship at 3 a.m. No shame or boasting about weaknesses and strengths, successes and failures. Just quiet understanding in the presence of the 'I Am.'

Vociferate

The Lord is near all who cry out to him, all who cry out to him sincerely.
- Psalm 145:18

Can I

Can I be open, defenses down? Will you prescribe some medication and send me away? Or will you chastise me for what I've neglected, before you shoot me down? If you see the truth, will you understand? Or will you remember it later, to gain the upper hand? Tell me it's because of sin, tell me that prayer is the place to begin. Then walk away, again. (Isn't that the standard prescription?)

I cry out to God, but he's already spoken. Can I pay the price, for 100% devotion. Will I lose my wife, will I lose my life? - fears of mine, rarely uttered, rarely opened.

The Tuft of Flowers

Sentiments revealed, I'm open for attack. But the warrior who's weapon fires by the stroke of black and white keys, and his pen purposefully poised to write the will of his Master, fired not a single blow.

"What are you reading?
Not Peter, not Paul?"
I've been done with Revelations
for over a month now.

Responding to my blog on blogs
I've been reading,
The Tuft of Flowers, by Robert Frost

(excerpt)
...And dreaming, as it were, held brotherly speech
With one whose thought I had not hoped to reach.

‘Men work together,’ I told him from the heart,
‘Whether they work together or apart.’

-- Robert Frost

Temptation

Matthew 4:4
Temptation

Deuteronomy 8:3

Desires

Genesis 3:4-5

Matthew 4:4

Status Check

The Gardener is gone,
And IggyPops stopped.
Cross-Connects remains quiet,
While Dew and Poster blog on.

Blog

What am I blogging for? To grant the request of a friend? To satisfy a commitment to a group of men? To be accountable -yet what are the repercussions? I enjoy reading the thoughts of some bloggers. Others, I am distanced by either a lack of commonalities or perhaps a lack of fluency and proficiency in the medium of words. I take some time to share some of my thoughts. War and Peace by Tolstoy would seem like a short story if I truly divulged what lingers in the darkest recesses of my inner psyche. And for what purpose, so that others may pray and call to say, "I hear you brother." There is no contact. Monks on a mountain, praying throughout the day, tending their gardens. Maybe some Mendel will emerge and change the course of our knowledge. Some blogs are purposeful in their intent. They have a strict agenda. Other blogs are snapshots of relationships. And others journal a journey. But it is cold out there in cyberspace. If a connection is made, something is lost. While you carefully edit your words, I cannot see that tear running down your cheek, or the smile forming from the corner of your mouth. I cannot hear the trembling in your voice, or fully share a joyful moment.

Disclaimer - If this blog has offended anyone, I apologize. I wrestle with issues and my perspective may not give due recognition to all of the facts and information that is before me. Again, that is the nature of the blog.

Firing Neurons

Music, poetry, prose, finishing a good book or article, the sound of "Daddy!" when I get home, being able to help someone in need, a good soccer game, bike ride or workout. To teach someone something new, and to encourage one who's downcast, and rejoice in anothers success. An early morning walk as the sun rises, the dew still in the grass, birds singing praises, the smell of freshness in the air, and the breeze rustling the leaves in the trees.

Alive

What makes you feel alive?

Mind-Body Experience

Everything necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge, washing by the word, bodies as a living sacrifice, renew your mind, deny himself, I have called you, follow me, be transformed, follow me, test and approve, by faith, follow me.

Better than a Crystal Ball

I have a crystal ball of sorts, written by the Alpha and the Omega. It tells me of the past, and foretells the future. But my sin fogs the glass, and I carelessly let it gather dust. I see it in the corner, while I'm on my way. I'm on my way again. How foolish am I, to go on with sleep still in my eyes, and dust settling on the gift given from the one on most high!

“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” - Isaiah 46:10

Z's

When she sleeps, no more worries ursurp the day

When she sleeps, interpretations are held at bay

When she sleeps, peace

But during the day, what can I say,
I could say much, but He wouldn't want it that way,

Where it not for Grace, I'd be going insane

Walk in my shoes, hold my hand

Think you can understand!

My logic is loosing to the emotion that's profusing

And I struggle just to maintain.

The Hope I cling to, what can I say?

There's a greater Love to be in,

Than the one next to me, on this cold winter day.