I write for silly thoughts can be expressive

When the world, at least this portion, spins silent darkness I hearken to the soft ringing of relaxing cilia and supercilia, to the gentle relaxing beat of an eardrum. I can hear a quiet symphony build, mostly strings, light woodwinds, and a brass that is ever-sentenced to play rhythm and undertones, rarely featured, and never above D (frankly speaking I find it atrocious that my mind would confine such a beautiful sound). But, inevitably the cello builds and the violin takes over, perhaps a nicely paired piano can weave a tonal pattern accepted by the night. It is always in question which mood is being played, either one I need, or one in which I lay, as though they were drinks or tonics or puddles to cure or kill the day and leave blank space (I rarely dream well) for the next day, a blank page to begin, apparently I may be in need of a dedication (and I will apologize for run-ons) or title page, what good is a story without at least a working title upon which to build, what man went to build a road and dug a river? how absurd. I.eye.aye.I.
Some days, when it is gray, or the sun has a gentle hand, or is mitigated by mist..or, at least when it can feel like rain, but it has yet to divulge its location, or be brought to light (funny, I think, this pairing of light with rain), or after it has stopped or moved on to water other peoples' gardens, I can see it rain before my eyes, upon the streets and the passersby. Unusual how someone drenched by such heavenly downpours can walk with such a valiant carelessness as to neglect the state of precipitation, or their need for an umbrella, or towel. Perhaps I should be so easy to acquiesce. But I prefer my precipation consolidated, in streams or puddles, lakes or oceans. I do like it to rain. I like my shower (though a good bath is hard to beat). I like to stand in the rain and look up and watch it fall, holding my dry hands out for help and feel it splash upon my fingers and then squeeze it in my hands, holding a place foreign and unkown to me (the world is at your fingertips).
Somedays, when the time is just right and I slow myself down from the bustle of car horns and wheels on pavement, when I can find the right breath and look between the distance that leads away from this moment (I simply cannot find the right wording to describe how a moment is stolen by the object ahead of you), I can see the sunshine. It dances, in a congealed motion (like jello jiggles) with all the other sparkling, dancing pieces of sunlight. It doesn't flow like a river, it sparkles like the sun upon it (or perhaps it flows and I can just see the sun sparkle on the air). Oh, and it does love to dance. Just for your eyes and your amusement, joy, wonder, awe, and attention it loves to dance (though it dances whether you watch or not). I call it sparkles, but you can call it what you like, I'm sure you'd name it something wonderful and more creative than sparkles, or give it some technical name, like, "solar refraction of scattered hydrogen dioxide from a fixed, or nearly fixed, point."
I am not deep. The world is. The more look through both concave and convex lenses, the more you will see- the more you will realize how much is out there, either way out there, or just right there, or over there, or down there, or up there. The puddle reflects the sky to unimaginable depths so long as it is still and quiet.
I have a wish, before I post this ridiculous prose of a post of what I see and hear (I do, actually, see and hear these things on occassion), and my wish is to be what is needed and wanted by others... I have no need for me (and if I said no want, they might lock me up, so I'll leave it at need).. what good is a hammer to itself? or a cup to itself? I was put here, as you were, to serve others and enjoy the music, rain, light. Oh, my stars.. my wishes.

Sky Blue

Apparently this is my 100th blog... Happy Anniversary? whatever the appropriate salutation may be, I had a thought a few days ago which tucked itself into the side of my mind. Consequently, it is not as fluid or eloquent as the first time it rang in my head, but such are the words which become damaged by days of pondering.

While walking down a lane lined by trees and curling into the same trees, I noticed a magnificently blue sky, and began to wonder upon its blue-ness. I declined the scientific explanation in hopes of finding a child-like answer to the question, "why is the sky blue?" Well, it is blue for many reasons.

First, it is blue because blue so perfectly complements the greeen of the earth (even when the trees turn yellow, red, and then brown, it is still a perfect match).

Then it is blue to block the stars during the day so that you may realize that life is what occurs everywhere around you; that it is here, on earth, and so that you may focus on those things around you.

The only star to be seen during the day is the sun. This is so that you may come to understand, daily, that life is dependant on something other than yourself. And the moon also, which guides the tides, can be seen. This is so you may understand that not everything is in your control- there is a greater force which guides us.

Then this perfectly matched blue sky, which by day conceals the depths of the universe, dissolves as the sun sets so that you may wonder upon the stars before you go to bed. And the blue sky remains hidden until morning so that your dreams my have no limits, that you may be without bounds before it gently reminds, with the help of the sun, that there are things here that need to be done.

A Great Canyon

Echoing in fading rhythmic tides: a shout dissipates into a quiet space. This is my canyon. I hold it in my back pocket. Someone will read it (maybe) someday. But being read isn't the point. Being heard isn't either. The point is to release the word like a jumper into a great canyon. And when the echoes have faded, and the vibrations of the words have dissipated. And when your words can only be found in the law of conservation of information (or the internet), then the canyon has served a purpose.

It is true. I make myself naseous on the things I see that I have done. It is no wonder to me that I make others naseous also.

I am a weak individual, unaware of what lies in the depths of me; afraid to go exploring- for those things near the surface can only pale in comparison the ugliness of the things that lie beneath (right?) There is a great depth that is the soul, it is unsearchable and unknowable (even the oceans of earth aren't completely known, and a soul is far more vast than the oceans)

I do love, but not as I should.

I am deserving of love, but don't really think so. I confound myself in this.

I don't know. Of the few things I do know, this is what I know best.

I find it easy to forgive. Certainly a sign that I am need of so much of it. They say a minister preaches what he needs most. If I were a preacher, this would be my message every sunday.

What I love is who you are.(what you have shown yourself to be)
What I love is the amount of you I have yet to know.
What I love is waking up next to you, even when I've failed and you're mad.
I could holler in this canyon a million things I love about you, and I just might, knowing that through the law of conservation of information it will be kept and held by the universe, until it ends, and known throughout the stars that I love you.

The Final Transmission

I have been eager to make a pointed transmission, ending the ragged run of sporratic excerpts and lessons from my life. I am happy to say I have discovered my final point. It is the one thing I truly wish to pass on. It is the legacy I wish to leave behind, and the work I wish for us to do.
In my mind, I always seek out efficiency of action, not because I am lazy, but because I ascribe to the motto: "work smarter, not harder." But, truly, smarter work has higher, and more effective, gains. So let me begin.
Proverbs 11:30 "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise."
Be wise and win souls.. and I shall tell you how. As it requires the most simple of regurgitated questions.
Ask those you meet, "Who do you say Jesus of Nazareth was?"
In this way, you allow them the opportunity to accept and profess that he is the son of the living God, avoid it in shame (and thus the Lord will be ashamed of him), or deny it.
it is in Matthew 16:15-19(Peter's confession of Christ) that the revelation of Christ as the Son of God, comes from the Father himself, and on the rock of this confession is safety from hell, and thus a person has been saved.
So go, save lives, be fruitful and wise.

until you know

Until you know, understanding is as inconsequential, and far less frequented upon, as a two dollar bill. Simon had a ball that bounced well, multiplying the force which he induced. It was a solid ball, but not so hard that it hurt if he pelted you with it, as he enjoyed doing on occassion- not because he was mean, but, as he put it, he "liked to keep you on your toes." Neither the ground, nor the sky, could grasp that shaded sphere the way he did, nor did they enjoy its beautiful sophistication and grandeur the way he did, however, they were capable of giving it demensions his hands could not, and this is why I say he bounced it on its way. Giving it every chance to see the ground, the grass, the sky, the tree, the sun, the rain, and a passerby's temporary pain. That ball caught glances, and peers, frowns, and tears once when he had to take it back from a small child. Until you know, understanding is a left handed turn into a brick wall that doesn't move or acknowledge your existence. Simon also had a bucket he tended to leave at home, in a dark corner of his closet behind a bag and next to some shoes he had outgrown. He kept it empty always, thus not having to debate the merits of it being half full or half empty. When he brought it out he would hold it for a moment, staring into its slightly narowing space and into the bottom. It had finality and he seemed to take comfort in that notion, and in filling it up with water from the tap so that he could dump it back out again and place it in the same spot behind the bag and next to the shoes. until you know, understanding is an effort in futility. Simon, had a ball and a bucket, they were his two favorite things.

Same as it ever was.

I come here less frequently than I should like, but I suppose that I can attribute that to the static nature of my life. Same as it ever was. The only thing that changes from one day to the next seems to be the date, the different lines and farthering distance we travel. I keep few friends, some acquaintances, but rarely indulge in trusting another person, though it seems to be becoming fashionable again- to trust.
It could be said that if you wish to further your life, to take another step and dig yourself out of mire, you should let me befriend you, for as I have learned I maintain a magical quality that allows people to become greater than this city, to find what they love or what makes them happy, and then seek it elsewhere. Make no mistake, I do not begrudge these people for leaving. I suppose I could leave, but what in this world could make a man, so discontent, fly past contentment in a yellow ray happiness? or waggle in pale blue and dark green to grow thick roots and leaves and bask simply under a burning sun... caring not about the heat of summer or the snows of winter?
I should look to the positive, but alas I have no will, no desire, to seek out such things on a warm, thick night when even the stars have trouble seeing; have trouble communicating the cold solitude and endless ocean of black choking eternal night where each must be its own light, its own day, its own ray of hope- for who runs to them for hugs and kisses? no, no, it is only wishes they are asked to grant, like a genie confined to a lamp but with less, more distant contact. (sigh)

Just so you know

Faltering and flailing, through screams and harsh whispers, it all remains in a constant flux of poorness of spirit, of hope, of light that anything should end and leave a better beginning.
I write occassionally now (being daily), but the words, as the days, are insufficient and yield fewer results than a field baked in drought, left thirsty for water that doesn't exist. It doesn't exist as it once was thought, or was hoped to be. I'm tired and if I had the strength... if I had the strength.

How many times, how many ways
can the days, be counted and numbered-
ravaged, torn-through, plundered and razed
to the ground and be left buried deep
within its own walls, below its own ash:
the haze of a memory that slowly fades?

Why can the light be measured, not saved,
like the remnants of a well-prepared meal
wrapped neatly in celaphane, tucked away
for good use tomorow, or the day after?
....

The mountain was mine from dry brush to green pine
to the snow capped peak blurred by the breeze
and seldom reached, rarely touched, but by the careful hand
stretched out from a calm blue sky, and water
like a floating river or poind. Always seen a challenge,
a goal, for one to aspire to climb, to conquer,
never to hold or carry, for certainly a mountain is too heavy,
too wide, too big for a pocket, or wallet, or purse-
unless, of course, a silky sleek snapshot in perfect light, a perfect memory
lacking the wholeness of even a moment
and certainly the fullness of a day, ayear,
or the ages required to form the shear-faced cliff
of dangling men and loose rocks- the face of a thousand years
formed of ages and wearing and purpose; for a moment in each moment
of motion, of growing, of sowing, saving, spending, shining glory,
shining in day or night, under the milky stars.

oh what cruel futility lies
in the utility of this world
that started,
that ends,
that bends with each season
for the single reason:
to start
to end
to render a page, a book,
the words of the world you speak
easy and without care: like the leaf
in the air that begins the end:
the turning of leaves to a burning fire of smoldering
envy; into dry brown ashes covering the ground that crunch
beneath each step of useless wandering you take,
as the cigarette smolders teh world burns,
and turns,
and yearns for the meaning of destiny,
of fate,
of a life lacking the hate
clutched in your cruel, dull, beating heart
and you ponder upon the light
of water-the cool cleansing rinse;
or shower
to rid you of the grime of the day.

All these miles.

I am quite certain that nobody reads the words I put forth here. But hesitation remains. So I will try to write fluidly. May the possibility of your eyes not be a hindrance to the opening of my heart, or the purity of my words.

I have travelled all these miles to pose you a question. I shall first comment on my current condition: ever declining and empty of motivation and full of ideas- stagnant, stinging ideas singing melancholy and steel. I have not written in a while as complacency has befriended me yet again. Not that I am happy with the current state of affairs- either worldly or personal; but, then, don't all personal issues have a worldly weight? My life is not what I would want for anyone. They would tell me the Lord would not give you more than you take.. well, I suppose limits are meant to be tested. And even with my life not being what I would want it to be, I must consider the notion: Perhaps I wrote my life before the world began, and chose this path purposefully. To me, that would make sense. I am increasingly falling out of love with this world... I continue to loathe my dependance on the world, and become ever more aware of exactly how deep this dependance runs. So, when we finally reach the question I travelled all these miles to ask, forgive me if I seem... well, to favor one side. I do not like the way I look, but constantly look with admiration at my reflection. Ugh, even the music I once to consolation in only seems to pertube me. It has come down to a few songs that touch a fervent chord inside of me.. I close my eyes, sitting outside in the heavy night air of Indiana, the sky is clear and the stars are faint through the haze, and as I listen, I feel my heart shake my body with every forceful beat and pause. Then I feel the delay, my heart beats in jazz rhythms. My chest swells, and as I relax to breathe a face peaks through the curtain, "come with me," she says. Anyways, the question. That idea I wish you to consider. The one all my years have led me to bring to your doorstep. That is why I am here, or perhaps I am here to answer it. Dilemmas abound like mosquitos in a rain-heavy season: buzzing and biting, nagging and annoying.
Why do we work for money when the Lord is certainly capable of providing, willing to provide for your needs?
This is yours to consider. Know that you are not alone if this causes you worry or concern, I am mired in its web. entangled never to return. The spider awaits, savors its prey, but alas, I clipped my wings by my words, and can fly no more.

How the story begins

I don't know why my brain is given direction at random times, perhaps it just grabs the oddest things it hears and makes fantastical stories. Anyways, I was sitting on the ledge of a window at work, smoking, when two men walked by, certainly no older than 25, both maintaining heights of 6 feet or greater-it was hard to tell from my lowly angle- when the thinner of the two, built not much bigger than a distance runner, pointed to his arm and said, "this is the biggest I've ever been." Now some people might laugh, he wasn't that big, and surely he was talking about his muscles, but my mind raced with the idea that he had stumbled upon some secret formula that temporarily increased his height, and perhaps age. So, my theory, is that they were two 12 year olds (immature as males usually are) who were in some temporary transition brought on by chemical transformations caused by some secret scientific discovery that will allow all 12 year olds to appear old enough to enter bars and drink until the people around them are sure that they really are twelve.

A thought for today

I know that I lack straightforwardness, and often think myself clever or witty, but I speak (write) in vagueness not to hide the details of my life, but so that the ideas that inhabit me may be shared in their most basic forms. It is how I connect. It is how I wish to be connected. It is how I wish to affect change, by allowing others to think out from the basic idea into their own life and circumstances.
It is a motto of mine, "Cause and Affect" exhibiting my desire to cause and affect change in the world, not by my own will, and not by forcing change upon others, but to show them that there is more, perhaps more than they have dreamed, or possibilities that were otherwise hidden from their view, and that the more is readily available to catch their every step.

A verse I frequently become enamoured and frustrated with is, "a man cannot serve two masters." I have found that the next paragraph is enlightening in that it begins, "therefore," or better to say, "because I have asked this of you" do not worry. because if you seek His Kingdom and His Righteousness first, all the things you need would be given to you.

I have spoken plainly only to a few about the possible implications of this passage. I refuse to believe that I am of greater faith than others. In fact, I believe it to be quite the contrary. But still, as I voiced what I believed to be true and right, as supported by the above passage and still others, my belief was dismissed, each time, with no delay. It would seem to me that basic constructs of this world are well intact and above questioning, perhaps it is for the best. I suppose that nothing questioned can ever be thought wrong.... and if you don't know its wrong, the blows will be few, but those who know the master's will and do not do it will be beaten with many blows.

Whiskey Singalong

My friend sent me an email the other day, complaining of odd dreams of writing songs. One of those songs was titled, "Whiskey Singalong". I was asked if I wanted to help writing it. Of course I understand the facetiousness of his request, but I should comply when twilight hours bring words to my mind.
so here it is...

-dry, stripped down, more spoken than sung.

1. Well I gave up my wings
somewhere east of downtown
Now I guess I'll be bound
To these shackles and chains
Its a shame
At least in my eyes

Singing Hey, Hey, Hey
the whiskey says, "don't forget about me"
Hey, Hey, Hey, don't forget about me.

2. In the eyes of the moon
with my toes in the grass
the glimmer has faded
but the stars stay the same
Its a shame
At least in my eyes

Singing Hey, Hey, Hey
the whiskey says, "don't forget about me"
Hey, Hey, Hey, don't forget about me.

Blind man at Behsaida

Okay, I know it has been a while since I have posted. My failings are not unknown to me... as Jackson Browne put it, "Don't confront me with my failures, I have not forgotten them." I am currently working on a paper-ish sort of thing, forcing myself to do quite a bit of research and thought on the subject I am currently titling: The Action of Faith. So in due time, I expect to publish what I write here on this blog.

I noted something in my studies that I wished to share, and please pardon the convolutedness...by now I'm sure you know that it happens.

In Mark 8, Christ heals a blind man in Bethsaida. Now, understanding that Christ had healed many people, by His word, and by their faith, and knowing that he had also healed the blind without a hitch, I noted it as odd, or peculiar, that in this instance it required to efforts by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Then it struck me... as I read my dictionary word of the day: Fructuous.

When Christ asked the man if he saw anything the first time he spat on his eyes, the man replied "I see people; they look like trees walking around."
This is the point I wish to emphasize. We can all be seen as trees, and we are called upon by the Lord to be fructious. we are as trees and every tree that does not bear fruit will be cut down... insert convolutedness (we are a part of the vine... connectivity between scriptures, the withering fig tree (maybe)..)

So.. I just wanted to share, as I felt this to be an important point. Please do not confuse our fructuousness with salvation. Christ died once for all sin, but it is those things that we are called to do, to serve the Lord, the fruits of our labor which are pleasing to him: spread the word of Christ, pray, partake in the breaking of bread, be charitous, and do all these things not of a whim, or in passing, but consciously and with planning, and consistently.

May He rain his rich graces upon you in the days ahead, and may your hearts be filled with the joy of salvation, even the fullness of joy that Christ spoke of of.
Amen.

A Most Excellent Way

Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany
Old Testament: Jeremiah 1:4-10(17-19)
Epistle: 1 Cor 12:31b-13:13
Gospel: Luke 4:31-44

Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom was exemplified the love the One and Only.

As I learned, or perhaps relearned, while sitting in with the confirmation group last Sunday after church, this is a time of year when we are focused on the ministry of Christ, or the growth of his ministry on earth, growth represented by the color green, but,also, Epiphany is the revelation of who Jesus was- the Son of God, being sent from Him who is.

Now, in the Gospel lesson for today, we hear of Jesus driving a demon out of a man. The point I wish to emphasize relates to the revelation of Jesus. That it was with power and authority that he drove the demon out. The people standing around, the witnesses to the event, couldn't help but be amazed. Here was this man, possessed by all accounts, and with words- not a touch, not a prayer- with a command, the demon came out of the man. I am sure that part of what caused word to spread was that this had occurred on the Sabbath, a time when work was not to be done. But, this is addressed later in the scripture, when we are told that Sabbath was created for man, and not man for the Sabbath.

But the ministry of Christ on earth, the shining of the light of life to men in darkness, was just beginning. It was in its infancy. But from the moment it began, from the moment he was born, it was love- the love of God. This was the only command that our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, gave us: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (Mat 13:34).

Love. In Love. With Love. By Love.

Love each other. Love your enemies. Love those in need. When I read this passage from Paul, I am reminded, as we all should be, of what qualities and behaviours comprise love- are exhibited when you love; and what becomes of us when we are without it, when we do things without the love of Christ in us. For even with the greatest gifts the Holy Spirit has to offer, without love we are nothing, and our actions gain nothing. But, in love... by using our gifts in love, we can reach others, we can spread the word of the Lord, and let His love be known. If we do everything with love, then you will seed the earth and be fruitful. I am reminded of the greatest commandment from Matthew 22, when Jesus was tested by the Pharisees, being asked which is the greatest commandment in the Law. "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." It is by loving your neighbor as yourself that we fulfill the first. For it is like the first, it is similar, the same as. Through our belief in Christ, knowing his love, and God's love for us, by loving each other, by loving our neighbors as ourselves, we fulfill the Law. This is why Romans 13:10 says, "Therefore love is fulfillment of the Law."

I have come to understand that love is certainly all the things that Paul describes: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." And so when we read this beautiful passage, remember to exemplify these things, but remember also that God exemplifies these things, and they were exemplified to us through Christ. Love never fails. Christ never fails. God never fails. You're salvation never fails.

Love each other. Clothe each other. Feed each other. Shelter each other. With Love. In Love. By Love.

May you be blessed by Him Who Is; May you revel and glory in the forgiveness and eternal life afforded us by His Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Perhaps, just maybe, later this week or early next I will continue by expounding some more on love. Not just forgiving others, earnestly, but by testifying of Christ and sharing him with them.

Say It Once

I will only say this once.
The world is bound by fear. Overcome all fear- overcome the world- and you will find everything, exactly where you stand, even in your hand. But first you must ask, "why?" of everything you know, to the very foundation, so that you may understand the baseless reasons supporting the fear. Or, perhaps more simply, you can act on faith, but, still, understanding is needed.
This is all I wish to say.

Epiphany

Grace, Peace and Mercy to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Epiphany. The 6th of January. Every year. To recognize, believe, that Christ came into the world, he must first have come into this world. Thanks be to God for His grace and mercy. I had recently come to the conclusion, and managed to put into words, that sense is the proper use of logic. for if logic is used improperly, no sense is made, and there is no reason. So i will try to logic properly for this wonderful Christian festival.

I thouroughly enjoyed reading all three of the scripture lessons for this week and, as usual, have struggled delineating a line of logic. Perhaps I should start using outlines. But there is so much to say; so many things to be imparted. But I will start with the word "epiphany," and a short story.
Epiphany
Epiphany: from the greek epiphaneia, to show forth, manifest; a moment of sudden intuitive understanding; flash of insight b a scene, experience, etc. that occasions such a moment (these being only 2 definitions)
also: Manifest Clearly apparent to the sight or understanding; obvious.
1. To show or demonstrate plainly; reveal: 2. To be evidence of; prove.
Continuing On
We celebrate this day as a day of revelation, when the Gentiles, in the form of the Magi, had Christ the savior revealed to them. Now, as such an historic day, being the entrance of prophesied Savior and King of the Jews into the world, I am pretty sure that it was a day that the Magi remembered throughout their lives. But I am pretty sure that not many of us remember when Christ was revealed to us, through the Holy Spirit, by our Father in Heaven, for the first time. It seems that we may only recognize that every time we profess Christ as the son of the Living God, that it can only be done by the power of the Holy Spirit, rather than remembering the first time Christ was revealed to us as the Son of Living God.
There is a man, a Gentile, who has heard the voice of Lord, praise be to God, and who has seen the Sun of Righteousness rise with healing in its wings. It is safe to say that this man has been blessed with a rather extraordinary epiphany of the Lord. But to him it was apparent to his sight, and understanding, that there was One true God, and his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and that in Christ he had the forgiveness of his sins, and was made to be righteous and holy before the Lord; a son entitled to his inheritance.
It was the hidden mystery of the Father that the Gentiles should come to be heirs to the Kingdom of God, which had formerly been preserved for the Jews. We are together heirs, we are now members of one body, the Lord Jesus Christ, who brings us together. We gentiles are adopted through Christ. When a person was adopted in Roman times, they were considered new peoples. Their past was forgotten, all their debts, their former lives disappear as if they had never breathed before the day they were adopted. And so it is with us in Christ: rightful heirs. holy. blameless. it is our right in Christ to be Sons of the Father. We can rest assured that our inheritance will not fail. It is the mystery that, in Christ, all things should be brought together (as talked about in the last entry).
So in this knowledge, "Arise, shine, for your light has come" come into being (a new being); originate (a new beginning)--- glow, be bright with the reflected light of the Savior who came to provide information and clarification. "the glory of the Lord rises upon you."
Give thanks to God for our Salvation and the knowlede of it. Reflect upon it on this celebrated day, and continue to remember all the things that Christ came to give us. I wish for you to have a daily epiphany, a daily revelation that Christ Jesus is the Son of the Living God; and to remember all that your belief entitles you to.
May your faith be strong and light your lamp, so that others may come to it, and come to believe in Christ,in whom, by the counsel of the Father's plan, we have life; in whome we are all heirs to the promised Kingdom.

The Riches of His Grace

2nd Sunday after Christmas
Readings:
Old Testament 1 Kings 3:4-15
Epistle: Ephesians 1:3-14
Gospel Luke 2:40-52

Grace, Mercy, and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

My friends, I wasn't sure what to write about this week, but a theme is emerging so I am going to let the rhythm of my fingers on the keyboard takeover. So let me apologize now for any broken thoughts, sentences, or convoluted statements.

It is always important to recognize the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross. It is important to remember the body and blood of Christ; the words he spoke in all wisdom and truth, pleasing to the Father, and the atonement he made for us on our behalf, being sent by the Father in all wisdom and truth.

I read a daily devotional this week that seemed to harbor animosity towards atheists and the battle the world (being said to be led by atheists) wages against the Christ and Christmas. It did eventually find its way to making a prayer for the souls of the atheists, that they may be saved, but it was certainly lacking the love we Christians should practice. And upon this and other events I ponder, "what meaning is there in this? what purpose has God here?" And I believe that other people ask these very same questions, variations on the question, "why?" But the world tends to cast a negative light on things, asking, "if God is so loving, why does he allow these things to happen?" But it is in accordance with the will of God that these things should take place. If you as Christians ever wonder this, you need only to remember Christ your Salvation. Your sins have been forgiven, by the shedding of his blood, done in all wisdom and understanding, according to the riches of God's grace. This was done with intent and purpose, it fits into God's plan for the world, which is simply that everything should come together, heaven and earth, and to reconcile the two, us being in darkness and sin, Christ was sent to bridge the gap.
We have been chosen. He chose us to be blameless and holy in his sight, before the creation of the world. Who are we to understand the will of the Father, or how exactly it will play out? His thoughts are above ours. Who can comprehend his will? But praise be to God! We have our Salvation, and a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance, the Holy Spirit. We have been marked, by the Lord as His own. Christ is our shepherd, in him we have been granted every spiritual blessing.

I often hear people speak of prophecies as warnings to change your ways. They tout them as changeable occurences in history meant to steer us one way or another. They are meant as warnings. They are meant to steer us one way or another. But I tell you that God knows we are a rebellious and sinful people, and He gave us prophecies to tell us what to expect so that we believers can be ready. And when these things happen, do not ask why... know that these things had to happen. If a prophecy revealed from God through the Holy Spirit doesn't happen, then what power does God have? But these things must happen, that others may see and repent; that they may return to God.

We may not understand everything that happens to us, or in the world, but we, as believers, can rely on Christ, and his Salvation, knowing that we are loved, forgiven, to the praise of His glory, that when the times will have reached their fulfillment, we will have our redemption, and heaven and earth will be brought together under one head- Christ.

May God lavish his blessings upon you. May you be reminded of His love when you are in doubt, and may you always remember and rejoice in your Salvation, which is in Christ Jesus. Amen.


afterthought: I suppose I could've have written more on the riches of his grace; relating the OT lesson of a thousand and one sacrifices, to Christ's; and the epistle expounding on God's grace and plan, our unknowing, to the Gospel lesson of Mary and Joseph not understanding what Christ meant, yet treasuring those things up in their hearts... but maybe I'll write a second entry this week before Epiphany (Jan 6), which should be fun!

Wrapped in Love

1st Sunday after Christmas
Readings:
Old Testament: Exodus 13:1-3a, 11-15
Epistle: Colossians 3:12-17
Gospel Luke 2:22-40

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I had lunch with a friend the other day, and we were talking about watching the wonders of God's plan unfolding before our eyes. It is truly amazing to see God's will at work, and to be able to recognize those times when He is using you as an instrument of His love is an experience like no other. My friends, we are all capable of being these instruments so often, and probably even more often than we are. So we should always be ready for service. We should live as though at any moment the Holy Spirit, sent from God, will work in us to help another.

And so to be ready at any moment, we should live every moment in His love, and as shining examples and beacons of His light and love. The Epistle lesson this week from Colossians says, "As God's cheson people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as teh Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

It is the way we should live. Displaying all these qualities at all times, doing each one in the love that Christ gave us. And we should be these things not only to each other, as brothers and sisters in Christ, but also to everyone else you meet.
Do not begrudge each other. As I know this occurs, I implore you to give up the grudge and cling to love, and forgiveness, for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the will of God the Father. If you do not forgive, why, then, should God forgive you? But forgive, and you will be forgiven. "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." If a body wars against itself, what good can it be accomplished? But remember Christ, your light, and the directions he gave us, so that we may move forward confidently, with love, until that day when He returns.

In this New Year I wish for you all to make it your resolution to strive to exemplify these virtues; to always be at the ready; to live in the Spirit. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom... with gratitude in your hearts to God." And to do all this, wrapped in love.

As you enter this new year, may the Lord God, creator of all things, bless you richly, keep you in His love, and grant you His peace.

Christmas

Christmas
Readings:
Old Testament: Isaiah 52:7-10
Epistle: Hebrews 1:1-6 (7-12)
Gospel: John 1:1-14(15-18)

Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1st: Merry Christmas!

2nd: I debated this week on what to write, as I usually do. I wrote a few lines, and that didn't seem to work for me, so I approached it from a different angle, which also didn't work. And then a third, and the same. But a thought came to me as I was standing outside on a cold night, which I felt made the most sense in terms of what I'm trying to accomplish with these writings. So this will be a more freestyle post, writing as the thoughts move along.

I really do enjoy the gospel lesson for the week, but find that it lacks in the traditional Christmas story as told in other areas. When I think of Christmas I get a picture in my head of Linus from the Peanuts comic strip, standing on stage with the spotlight shining, reading the Christmas story from Luke chapter 2. But today I am going to write you concerning the light that is the life contained in Christ, the Word who was sent from the Father, who is with the Father, and through whom all things were made.

My thoughts run as this:
Many things can be said concerning the arrival of Christ on that spectacular starlit night; about the shepherds who received the angels words; about the angels singing their praises; or about the wisemen who followed the star to bring gifts to the King of the Jews.

"In him was life, and that life was the light of men." The light that is life is what came down to men when Christ arrived. His purpose was to illuminate the darkness, "The light shines in the darkness," The life contained within him- through whom all things were made- is the light of men. It is that thing that guides us from the other side, and testifies within each of us that there is more to this life, more to this world, than the time we spend between sunrises. There was a separation between heaven and earth when Christ came, when he left the curtain between those two worlds was torn- this being why he preached, "the Kingdom of Heaven is near." It is nearer than a day would display to those living in darkness. When Christ gathered up flesh and came to this world, he came to testify, and teach us, about the life beyond this life, about the world beyond this world, about the Father's Kingdom, and the life eternal. He was a light to the Gentiles, to us, and praise be to God for his mercy and compassion.

"But the darkness has not understood it. " Those living in darkness cannot see the light. Those of the world only perceive the world. It is all they know. It is that in which all their hopes and dreams are contained. It is one of our Christian duties to reveal this light to those living in darkness. But the world did not recognize the light from which they came, they did not receive him. But we, as believers in Christ, the only son of the Living God, the One and Only, we are granted the right to be His children. Not an earthly birth, not of blood, but "born of God."

I keep repeating, "He is the light" in my head. It is a phrase that I can not explain, other than to say, "He is the light.'But the darkness has not understood.'" So I suppose what I am trying to say this Christmas is that we should keep in our minds the light that Christ brought with him to illuminate the world, to illuminate the darkness. He was not put under a table, but out in the open, so that his light, his life, could illuminate the darkness.
May the Father of all things be gracious to you this Christmas, and may the Peace of the Lord, which surpasses all understanding, be with you.

Money and Power (an Anomoly)

In this anomaly to the weekly writings, I cover a subject of my choosing. I often, as you know, experience random thoughts that can often turn over my mind for days. This was one those, and apart of a broader subject that I often debate with myself.

Money and Power. Power and Money. I guess it is a matter of understanding.

It is a well know phrse: money is power. But to those who are not rich in earthly wealth, this prase may seem innocuous or irrelevant to their condition, save they understand that it is those above them, rich in earthly wealth, who have the power and use it to rule over them.

Certainly, I believe, that men will acquiesce to those above them if only because they do not posess the means, or numbers, to rebel or refuse enacted laws or those nations' officials. And no man enjoys the rule of law, or the rule of another man, with which he disagrees. But, money is power, and power is money.

power comes from the latin posse, which means, "to be able." so to have money is to be able. The question is, and the point I wish to emphasize here is, "what abilities can be afforded?" And this is the true matter of understanding. For those with little money, looking nearly always at those who have more, their abilities seem trivial and are so greatly overshadowed that their perception of powerlessness becomes the reality in which they live. It leads us to look for more, to always want more, and leaves contentment and happiness on the wayside.

In these days, in this nation, simplicity has been overrun by ever-growing appetites. And perception leads us to believe that our ability becomes ever smaller. But even in the smallest amounts, money is power. Not power to rule over men, such power should not be sought. But it is the ability to clothe, and feed, and shelter. Through our daily jobs we acquire the ability to provide for our basic needs, and this should be power enough. Yet we are consumed with having more; wanting more: a car; newer, more expensive clothes; a stereo; a television; computer; cable; internet. And in the plethera of wants we lose sight of the power we have, of our ability to take control of our life and see the power we have, and find contentment. Whoever loves money never has money enough (Ecc 5:10)

So when you feel powerless, look at your situation without regard to the situation you aspire, and ask yourself how much, money or power, you truly need, and weigh that against how much you currently have. I would guess you will find yourself surprised. And if you dwell too long on the subject, then I suppose you will find yourself in my shoes, tracing my thoughts, reading scripture and wondering.

May God bless you in this time of year with the knowledge that you who believe are rightfully His children, and heirs to the life eternal.

Christ, our peace.

I apologize for posting this after the 4th Sunday in Advent, but I have been battling computer problems, which now seem to be fixed. yay!

Readings:
Old Testament: Micah 5:2-5a
Epistle: Hebrews 10:5-10
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45(46-56)

Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Welcome to the final Sunday in Advent. This is the last Sunday before Christmas, so I hope you all have prepared yourselves accordingly. I know that I am a last minute shopper- always looking for the perfect gifts. It seems I face a similar problem in these writingts. Always looking for the perfect words, the perfect complements in explanations, and in being able to relate the readings- a nice little bow. But then I look at the Old Testament reading and realize that its not the wrappin, or where a gift comes from; it isn't how much it costs, but it is the purpose and manner (intent) in which it is given.
Even though Bethlehem was small among the clans of Judah, it was here that our Heavenly Father said Christ should be born. A ruler whose origins were from of old, from ancient times. Christ wasn't a new or shiny gift. He wasn't wrapped in pretty packaging or topped with a bow. No, like those things that are blessed by God, they seem lowly and unassuming to the world. It is their purpose and intent that matter.

Christ came to shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord God. Christ came to do this for us! Christ was born, lived, and died so that we, his flock, could live securely. And he will be our peace. (I am fond of definitions) And he will be our freedom from distress. he will be our harmony. Christ will be our tranquility. Yes, Christ is certainly all of these things. Peace comes from the indo european base "pak," which means, "to fasten". and the latin pasisci which means, "to confirm an agreement". Christ is our glue. the binding agreement between us and the Father, the creator of all things. It is our belief in him, sealed in His blood, by which we are blessed, and can rest, free from distress, in harmony and tranquility,in the knowledge that our sins are forgiven and a greater life awaits us.

I read the Gospel lesson and the one thing that jumps out at, the idea that says, "hey, look here... i relate to the foundation" is the line, "Blessed are you who has believed that what the Lord has said will be accomplished." When you believe in Christ, the son of the living God, our Heavenly Father, who created all things, you believe in that very same Father, from whom all things eminate, who has given us forgiveness and sealed it with the blood of His only son. We are fastened to Christ through our belief. And Christ will be our peace.

And when you testify about Christ you prophecy about the future, for the testimony of Christ is prophecy. And he will come again. Blessed are you who believe that the things the Lord has said will be accomplished. He set aside sacrifices and offering to do the will of God, that we may be saved. For God was not pleased with sacrifices and burnt offerings for they could not make us perfect- those who draw near for worship. If they could have made us perfect, then they would not have stopped. But Christ was perfect for us. He is our strength. The confidence of our peace. Christ died once for all mankind. By the will of the Father have we been made holy through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus, the son of the living God. Our shepherd, our peace.... the Lord is my shepherd.

By his blood we have been forgiven and by our belief have we been fastened to that forgiveness, and we can rest easy, in the knowledge the our future is secure. The Lord is our peace.