You Do What You Want To Do

"It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or his foe, that lures him to evil ways."-Siddharta Buddha

I like to watch crime dramas.  CSI, Chicago Code, Criminal Minds, and Detroit 187 are but a few of my favorites. These type shows not only cause me to exercise the right side of my brain, but they also make me aware as to how close a person is to crossing the line between good and evil.  The prophet Isaiah said "You (God) will keep him in perfect peace whose mind stays on your ways". Jesus, himself, warned us not be be concerned about whether we shall have food or drink because our heavenly Father already knows that we have need of these things; but rather we should first seek God's kingdom and its righteous attributes and by doing this all our other needs will be given to us. (Matthew 12:29-31)  And momma simply said, "Boy, you had better behave while I'm gone".   It's inherent within all of us to misbehave, but just as it takes more facial muscles to form a frown and less muscles to make a smile it takes less effort to be kind than it does to be unkind.  Some religious folk would disagree and quote such scriptures as "Behold, I was shapen (created) in iniquity (wickedness) and in sin (a deliberate violation of a religious moral) did my mother conceive me."  Psalms 51:5  Oh, but how I tire of men's excuses to be mean and evil towards others; especially if that person claims to know God and to be associated with Him.  Let's face it; some people actually enjoy being evil.  They set their minds to it.  They plan evil attacks.  They are unhappy and they want everyone else to be just as miserable as they are.  I feel sorry for them, don't you?  My intention is not to be preachy in my writing.  I am just man enough to know that it is outright better to love my neighbor rather than to hurt or slander him.  This is what I have learned: Not to be conformed to this world, (in harmony with the prevailing nature of the world we live in), but be transformed, (to have a change in your nature or character), by having a renewed mind and a better way of thinking.  Are people going to magically jump on board with your loving attitude?  Heck no!  Some will even attempt to take advantage of your goodness; to exploit it for their greedy gain.  But in those instances we are to be wise enough not to cast our blessings towards swine, or those who are truly unappreciative of our gifts, and separate ourselves from wicked and unruly people.  It took me too long to realize that there are some things in this life that I simply do not have to tolerate.  This is not a hard attitude to formulate if you value your peace of mind, like less stress, and are not a people pleaser.  I call this "The ability to have church all by yourself". 
If you love yourself it matters not what others may think.  We can even learn from bad examples, such as how not to be.
Have a good day.
Dennis 

Looking Forward

The day is past.  David is safe in his bed and I am attempting to follow suit.  I have not actually come down from the events of the day but I am getting there.  I hope to get some decent sleep tonight.  Earlier I was thinking of how focused I had become on the funeral and the family's loss.  I realized that I had not allowed any "nonproductive" issues to enter into my thought life.  I will strive to be like that more often.  Yes, no doubt someone wished evil upon me during these last few days.  The enemy sought to steal my joy and cause me depression and stress but I was too focused to give a care to those type of things because of the tasks that lay before me.  I'm reminded of a story.  There once was a church who cried out to God.  "Lord, we need you to send a person to us who can drive the church bus so that we can bring people to our services". "I sent you such a person over a year ago", the Lord replied.  "How can that be Lord?", they cried.  "Surely we would have recognized him if you sent him to us a year ago.  Where is he, Lord?"  He's sitting in your pulpit preaching", God replied.    The message here is that we should always strive to be where God needs us to be and not where we feel we should be.  I, like you, have aspirations for my life.  I have learned that when my aspirations do not pan out as I believe they should I am not to become angry and frustrated, but I am to trust and believe that He knows what is best for me.  In addition, it becomes much easier to accept when I know that I have consulted God through prayer before embarking upon any desire.  I have been at fault for one thing, if I must be honest.  I have allowed my mind to look towards tomorrow as opposed to dealing with the day at hand exclusively.  Oh, I can still plan but I must close out my plans by stating "Lord, if it be your will".  He knows my most secret desires.  He knows what will truly make his son happy, just as I do concerning my own son.  So I will trust in him.
Have a great day, and good night.
Dennis

The Wake

I was in bed by 10:00 PM but I couldn't sleep.  I should have known better.  Sleep doesn't come to me too easily these days; especially when there is an important event about to occur in my life.  Sometimes it is my dreams that cause me restlessness, other times it is the mere thought of nearly everything else.  I sometimes take a natural sleep aid to get a good 8 hours or more, but that does not happen too often.  I can't stop thinking about the day.  You see, I went to the wake of my dear friend's son this evening.  I listened to my music in the car all the way there but I honestly did not hear any of the songs. I arrived at the funeral home and noticed that my breathing become shallow as I parked my car.  I did not know what to expect as I walked towards the entrance.  I immediately spotted a woman from the VA hospital where I once worked walking towards the same door I was entering and we smiled at each other, spoke greetings and hugged.  Once inside, she spoke to her daughter who accompanied her and stated that she needed to first visit the restroom.  That was not odd to me because I had to do the same.  Besides, I needed a little more time to pray.  The hall was crowded with people.  Some were standing around in groups talking, some were sitting in sofas.  All were trying to be strong.  I wondered what many of them, including myself,  would have given to not be gathered for such a sad and solemn occasion. No one wanted to be at a wake but everyone believed in paying their respect to the departed and showing their sincere love and support to the family. I greeted some of the people from the hospital that I used to work with and then I entered the processional that was lined up nearly to the rear of the room.  The mother of the young man was seated at the foot of the casket in which her son lay. "She had been here since it began at 1:00 pm", a young woman said.  A girlfriend of hers from work had made it her duty to routinely take her a soft drink at specific periods of the evening.  The mother, my dear friend, had a serene look about her.  She looked at you but looked through you.  She greeted each well-wisher with a smile and a hug.  She was strength enough for all of us who came to see her baby.  And he looked so good.  He looked as if he were merely sleeping and could awaken at any moment.  I hugged the young man's step-father at the head of the casket and we shared a moment that was cordial, but painful, at the same time.  "Remember, "Farther Along " at the service tomorrow", he said.  "I have everything ready", I smiled, and left his side.  At this very moment my chest hurts.  Actually there is a heaviness inside of it.  I want to cry but I am afraid I won't be able to stop myself.  I will sing for their son tomorrow.  I will sing and imagine the gates of Heaven opening up to usher him in; this young man, this poor young man who knew too much pain too soon in his life.  
"And may the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus".
I'm going to try to get some sleep now. If not, there is always tomorrow night.
Love your family now. God bless.
Dennis
    

While I am On My Way

It's early and I am alone.  The wife has gone to work and my son has ridden off on his school bus.  "Today is Tuesday", he remarked as he exited the door.  Yes, it is Tuesday, I thought, and I have a busy week ahead.  I would be openly telling a lie if I said that I missed getting up at 5:30 am, (sometimes much earlier), to get ready for work.  This morning I have thoughts; many thoughts, and I can't go back to sleep just yet.  I am listening to my CD play in the background.  Listening to it is a constant reminder of how God has blessed me beyond what I could ever have imagined.  I pray that others find my music comforting as they listen to it.  I will be getting dressed tomorrow.  It is no longer a standard to see me dressed to the hilt on a daily basis since I have retired. I was asked to render a few music selections at the funeral of our friend's son who recently passed.  I consider it an honor whenever asked to express my gift at an event, however; funerals are particularly special.  Yes, I know that we shall all see death at some time but no one likes to say goodbye to a loved one; especially when the death was not readily anticipated.  I am glad that death is not the end; "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed with so great a cloud of witnesses", and that with each person's death we are to be renewed with a desire to live life to the fullest, to love unconditionally, to trust in impossible things in our lives and in the lives of others, and to persevere beyond the expectations of others who may doubt in our abilities to do so. And yes, even doubt from our own selves. "Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us". Hebrews 12:1. 
The word for today is Symbiont.  This is when two organisms which are distinctly different exist together.  The symbiont organism is always the smaller of the two and usually derives its benefit from the larger organism.  This is the relationship that we, (the symbiotic), have with God.  We exist with Him and in Him and it is by His life that we benefit in our own lives.  But the relationship goes far beyond just being connected to God.  We are also connected to one another.  It is a sad man or woman who never learns that we are all one; regardless of race, occupation, gender, socioeconomic status or beliefs.  Everybody wants to go to heaven but we must realize that not one person has the "key" to getting in.  So much of what we perceive to be "good works" will be left at Heaven's gates and not allowed in because these perceptions are only acts of formalism and tradition and hammered down religiosities which served their purpose on earth but were never designed for God's plan.  And so it is true of some of the ideals we have grown to reject as we journey in this life.  We should therefore keep it simple;  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as you would love yourself.
Have a great day.  I love you all.
Dennis

A Loss In The Family

You never know which way your day will lead you.  All the more reason the proverb instructs us to "Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He shall direct your path".  We do well to simply wake up each morning with the full use of our minds and bodies; let alone have sufficient food, clothing, and shelter at our disposal.  The weather has recently made a drastic change from sunny skies to snow and chilling winds. The family and I had decided to retire to the comfort of our home and enjoy a movie together.  We had even gone as far as to put on our pajamas.  My cell phone rang about 30 minutes into the feature and when I answered it the familiar voice of my dear friend whom I had met while working at the Veterans Hospital.  The strain in her voice alerted me that there was something that was amiss.  "Dennis, my son is dead. My son is dead". I quickly collected their address and the family and I proceeded to get dressed.  Getting ready to leave was another story.  Tears freely fell from my wife's eyes as she ironed a blouse.  I numbly selected a tie from my closet to accompany my black shirt and trousers I had chosen.  My friend had just lost a 24 year old son; her husband, a step-son.  Without elaborating too much, I will merely say that the wounds of the loss of our own 25 year old son, my step-son, four years ago were all to familiar to us.  I read a verse from 2 Corinthians, prayed with Eddrenna and David, and we were on our way. Did my wife and I intend on going to our friend's home to tell them that they will be alright or that we are living examples of "How I got over"? Far from it.  We were prepared to do nothing but cry alongside of them.  Whatever words were to be spoken  would have to come from the Lord.  Later that evening our gathering was mixed with tears, andl aughter, (their pastor was there and it is always amusing to hear of the strange foods he likes to consume such as alligator and guinea pig). We ate KFC and listened to each other's conversations, reviewed photographs, and sang songs and prayed.  Love covers a multitude of faults.  There were no accusations being made in their home; no angry words being yelled out towards God or any person.  Only a tender quietness that those who love God and each other can manifest in a single room of such a diverse group of individuals. 
I believe that our friends will get better as each day passes; but the days will noticeably pass by much slower than before.  So many questions, so many hopes, so many prayers and yet....

Farther along we'll know all about it, farther along we'll understand why. Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine. We'll understand it all by and by.

Love one another extra hard today, and forgive.
Dennis 









 

A Message From Tyler Perry

I wanted to share this email from Tyler Perry.  It speaks strongly of so many things I believe.

Thanks for the congrats on the 2011 NAACP Image Awards! It was a fun night. What made me feel so great about 19 nominations is that 16 of the 19 were for actors or actresses that have worked or are working on something produced by my studio. What a blessing that is! Thank you for allowing me to be able to put so many people to work. I also gotta say that I'm so happy for David Mann (Mr. Brown). He won his first image award! He is so talented and so funny. Congratulations sir!
After the show, I threw a party and called it the "Rise Above It" celebration and I dedicated it to all the folks who are trying to keep their dreams alive.
This party was for everyone who has to go on 1,000 auditions just to get what a lot of others can get in one or two. This party was for the people who have to knock on 1,000 doors to get a break when others seem to be able to make one phone call and get things done. This party was for the people who felt like their dreams were fading to black and white. I spoke to the crowd about all of this, and then I went on to encourage them just as I'd like to encourage you. Don't let your dreams lose their color.
I called the party "Rise Above It" because that's what we have to do sometimes. I could sit thinking about a million things that are wrong, but instead I choose to think on what is right. So "as a man thinketh so is he". In order to see any kind of good success you've got to think positively so that positive things can start to happen in your life. This I know for a fact--IT WORKS! Your thoughts are so powerful. You've got to rise above negativity. Not all of it, but most of it. I say that because even the smallest battery has a positive and negative charge and they both are needed in order for it to work. If you get criticism that is vitriolic and full of venom, don't let that in. Venom kills the spirit. If you get criticism that is constructive and full of love, take it under consideration and learn. It takes a little wisdom to be able to know the difference.
My mother, God rest her soul, when I was a kid in New Orleans, taught me something about higher ground. Every time a hurricane would threaten the city she would gather us up and take us across the lake to higher ground. New Orleans is 6 feet below sea level and she would always tell us that we would be safe if we were up higher. No matter what the forecast called for, even if the storm was just coming close to the city, she would take us to my grandfather's house. He lived 80 miles away in a town that was much higher than New Orleans.
Now, as a man, I recount that. When I deal with negative things in this life, in this business, I "rise above it". I stay on higher ground. I don't come down from the safety of a higher place to deal with the foolishness or danger of what is beneath me. I tell you it works. It frees your soul to be free. If you haven't tried it you should. It will mess your enemies up. If I can leave you with anything, I will leave you with this--in this life there will be a lot of things thrown at you. Take them as they come. Some things you fight, but most you don't. Rise above it! Nothing can hurt you when you stay in the high place. It's safe there. And don't worry about your enemies. The 23rd Psalm says, "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies", which means, in order for you to eat, then your enemies have to be present! (smile)

For Your Benefit

"So it is with life.  Everyday has its worthwhile rewards for work well done.  Everyday offers its chance for happiness. But those rewards seem so small, those chances so petty, compared with the big things we see ahead. So we pass them by, never recognizing that the great position we look forward to, the shining prize we see in the distance, is just the sum of all the little tasks, the heaped up result of all the little prizes that we must win as we go along."

Robert Collier, author of "The Secret Of The Ages,  The Master Code To Abundance And Achievement"

My friends, I wish that you all may prosper and be in good health.
Have a great day.
Dennis

Being Alone

Today it took an extra amount of effort to get started with my day.  I believe that it was largely due to my being awake until 4a.m. I had so many thoughts to decipher.  I believe that it is wrong to worry so I try to remain cognizant as to whether I am falling into that mode of thinking.  I sometimes get these feelings that something extraordinary is looming just above my head.  The anticipation and wonder I feel inside is concerning it is awesome.  I have seen God do so much this year in just a short amount of time and I have become accustomed to asking and receiving like I never have before in all of my life.  
This morning as I was standing on the front porch waiting for David's school bus to arrive I had a moment of sadness pass over me concerning a few friends and associates who had gone on before me.  I think of them every now and then and I wonder if they left this earth feeling as if they had lived a fulfilling life or if they were just getting started.  I am very active in my retirement.  No one day is mundane or uneventful and I have learned that we are in control of our lives, our spirit, our happiness and our attitudes.  My family and I have already vowed to do some things differently this year and beyond.  We are no longer slaves to time, other people's issues, or finances.  I can't say that I am "Livin' the Vida Loca" (Crazy life) but I am having a good time and it is getting better everyday.  Why?  Because I call for it.  Do you?
Life is too precious not to enjoy.
Dennis  

Lando

I once had a son named Illando.  We called him Lando; his friends called him "Ill". He was about 14 years old when I began dating his mother.  By having to be the ""man of the house" since his mother's divorce he was very resistant to my coming into his his mother's life but I was in love with her and I was not going to back off easily. Once he realized that my intentions towards his mother and he and his sister were sincere Lando and I eventually became good friends.  As with all teenagers, Lando and I had our problems but his mother and I were able to see him through his most troubleding times and he graduated from high school and joined the Air Force.  One day while we were riding in my car he and I got into a conversation about a young lady he was dating and desired to marry.  I will not get into the details concerning the conversation but I will simply say that I openly voiced my objection to his proposed union to the young lady, (largely based on my experience with certain females in my past), and Lando angrily rejected it.  We were able to remain cordial after that conversation but it was evident that our relationship had forever changed.  Lando experienced some physical problems while enlisted and was forced to leave the Air Force for  medical reasons.  He never married the young lady we had the disagreement over but went to join up with Haliburton and go to the middle east to work as a computer specialist.  Our communication became non existent after that and he only spoke with his mother from that moment on.  I always loved him and I was hurt that we were not close anymore, but I had to guard my feelings.  I was tired of being hurt.  Lando was very god at his job and he flourished.  He traveled the world, learned to play golf, had a beautiful girlfriend, and bought a fast motorcycle.
 One day while at work at the Tuscaloosa VA Hospital I received a call in my office that my wife needed me in her office upstairs.  I immediately left my desk to find out that she had received a call that Lando had been killed in Bahrain while riding his motorcycle.  He died almost instantly.  It would be futile to tell you that we have been alright since his death.  There is not a day that passes that he is not felt or seen.  His mother and I are fortunate to still be together throughout all of the heartache we have experienced.  I know that Lando and I had a special relationship.  He is still with me when I watch our NBA teams or when I go to see the latest movies.  I wish I could have hugged him and told him how proud I was of all that he had accomplished.
I wish he was still here as my son.
    

The Chase

It was about noon and it was raining fairly hard that day.  I noticed the minivan in front of me had a dangerously low left rear tire.  There was a middle age blond-haired woman driving the vehicle.  I was on my way to an appointment but I decided that it was much more needful to warn the driver of the condition of her tire.  I sped up and pulled alongside of the driver's side so as to get her attention.  I blew my horn and she looked in my direction.  I began to point towards the rear of her vehicle.  She immediately sped up.  I decided that she must be mistaken as to my intentions so I followed her.  Up ahead was a red traffic light.  "Good," I thought. Now I'll get her attention.  I pulled along side her passenger side at the red light, rolled down my window and blew my horn to get her attention.  The young lady stared straight ahead as if in a trance.  I blew my horn again and finally she she turned her head slightly in my direction as if expecting a lewd remark from me.  I motioned for her to roll her window down which she did slightly.  "Miss, your left rear tire is very low and you really need to put some air in it", I said.  Immediately she let out a noticeable sigh and the terror left her face for the first time since I attempted to get her attention.  "Oh, thank you so much", she said.  I nodded and drove off to go to my appointment.
All the way down the road I wondered "Do I really look that intimidating?" 
Dennis 

It Depends On Where You Look

"A cheerful heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones". - Proverbs 17:22

And lo, another Friday has come full circle once again.  What did this week hold for you?  Can you say that it was filled with adventure, conflict resolution, successful accomplishment of the tasks that lay before you, good friendships, new victories, budding relationships, the breaking of a bad habit, good fellowship or perhaps an unexpected delight?  Would you believe me if I told you that my week was filled with all of the above?  These things I  mentioned beforehand encompass each of us every day and all day and whether you experience them in your life depends on where you look.  We are are familiar with the old adage "If you look for trouble you will find it".  Well, what if we looked for joy or laughter or smiles?  Will we find them, as well?  I have learned that there is good to be found in every situation.  We will not always know what that good is at the moment or maybe not in our lifetime but nonetheless; there is good.  We can see it much better if we would allow ourselves to slow down and take a break from the stress that is ever before us.  (Or are you one of those people who believes that your organization cannot afford for you to take a "time out" from the craziness)?  Well, good luck with that.  Believing you can always find good doesn't necessarily involve a great amount of faith; but it does call for you to trust in yourself to overcome more than you my have been doing.  How can one see the good in being laid off from a job or the death of a loved one or an illness which comes upon them or someone dear to them?  How can we cause a smile to surface in times such as these when overnight a Tsunami has run through Japan in a manner only depicted in a motion picture movie.  Libya is at war with itself, gasoline prices are rising as we speak, school bus drivers are being attacked by angry parents, meth labs are becoming commonplace and this is but a tip of the news.  So where exactly do we look to find solace?  In which direction can we see hope?  I admit, it is not easy; darn near impossible, at times.  But hope is there.  Joy is a reality.  laughter is commonplace.  I know this because I found it today.  I found it when I went to the VA hospital on a errand.  It did not fall into my lap as some mysterious offering from above.  I had to consciously seek it out.  And there it was in abundance.  It was in the smiles and hugs and laughter of so many people I consider "friend".  There company, however brief, was as a healing balm that coated my very soul.  It was then that I was able to say that in spite of all that is wrong in the world there is much that is right with it.  And I do love my life even more.  Never underestimate the power of true friendship. 
Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Dennis  

In Humility I Speak

I believe in letting good deeds you do for others be known of only by that person and God.  Therefore I am very hesitant in telling my story today because this is one of those instances.  I have been testing the waters more than usual concerning the law of reciprocity and doing unto others as you would unto the Lord.  The incidents that I were involved in today are merely further proof that what you do for others will come back to you...multiplied.  Without going into the actual events let me just say that it is true.  As people we fight the urge to give and expect nothing in return.  When it comes to working for the government or some large institution we often encounter supervisors who are reluctant to give their employees the maximum bonus, even though it is well within their power to do so.  When we encounter this type of attitude we usually say something like "They act as if it's their money".   Now what we must recognize is that this stingy and selfish attitude displayed by that supervisor is not any different from our own attitudes when it comes to whether someone can be blessed, (helped, relieved, comforted), by our own hands.  After all, we have what little we do possess by the grace of God and it is His to do as He pleases.  When our fists become clenched tight around our money and possessions our blessings become nonexistent and do not materialize.   That is all I will say on the matter.  You can do as you like but as for me.....
Have a good day.
Dennis

Rain and Dreams

It has been raining quite a bit since last night. Normally I love the rain but last night I dreamed and it was an uncomfortable dream.  I often have dreams that I am still in the military.  It is such a great relief when I awaken to find myself in my own bed, at home in my own house, and my wife beside me.  I am so relieved that I audibly say "Thank you, Jesus". The feeling of being back in the Army or in war or training troops is so realistic that I am totally unaware that I am dreaming at the time.  I can see, hear and smell everything so vividly.  My last job at the Veterans Hospital was talking to my fellow Veterans on the phone concerning things such as this.  I loved that job and I felt that it was the most rewarding job I had ever held at the VA.  There are still several great Veteran employees who are doing that job (or they have a spouse who was a Veteran) and I can attest to the fact that they are a comfort to many Veterans, like myself, who still have dreams.  I remember that sometimes several Veterans were just glad to know that they were not the only one subjected to their dreams and that they were not going crazy.  It is always so good to have someone to hold your hands at times.  Sometimes my dreams cause me to consider certain things, sometimes they cause me to be still and observe my surroundings; as if I am waiting for some answer.  This morning's dream caused me to draw closer to my wife after I awoke.  I suddenly felt that I loved her more than I ever have and I did not want her out of my sight.  So much so that I drove her to work this morning just so I would know she arrived alright. 
 One month turns into two months and before you know it you're taking the Christmas tree out again.  Yes, life is short but love is everlasting.  Show much love today.
Thanks for listening.
Dennis

Old Scars

Alex called me the other night.  Alex is a friend from my childhood who got my current number from an associate who I had spoken to a little while ago.  I have not heard from Alex in quite some time.  I recognized his voice immediately when I heard it.  Alex was my closest friend when I was between the ages of 14 and 16 years old.  We had an interest in comic books and music.  I remember how I would go to his home and we would spend hours drawing comics from our imaginations.  We both were fairly good artists and our vivid imaginations helped us to create comics that were filled with action and the most powerful, yet compassionate, heroes.  We would get lost in our world for hours.  Those were fun times.  Alex's father was a large, burly military man.  Although his father always treated me with kindness and greeted me with a smile, it was different for Alex.  Alex was terrified of his father voice and at the time I could never understand why.  Alex's mother was a timid, sweet woman who always made sure that Alex and I had something to eat and drink while we we conquering the universe through our comic books.  I also remember that this was the time when I lost my virginity to a girl who was visiting her cousin during the summer.  I was sixteen and had never so much as ground on a girl through my pants.  However; this girl was fast.  She wanted me and before I knew what was happening I was having sex.  But enough about that. I will perhaps save that for a later date.  
It wasn't until years later that I had learned that Alex had experienced  a mental breakdown.  Since then, his father has died from prostrate cancer but Alex is not totally well. He is 53 years old and cannot drive.  Altough he teaches music to school age children, he is unfamiliar with the use of a computer, and although currently married, he is remains relegated to our past hobby of drawing comic books. He is not trusting of too manypeople, including me.  I need to go and see Alex.  I want to hug him and reaffirm our friendship.  I know what it is like to have wounds that are invisible to others.  Like many of you, I have lived through loss, ridicule, embarrassment and fear from years gone by.  I have learned to come to peace with many of my past demons; especially the ones I initiated, and I am better for it.  Hearing from Alex reminded me that it is necessary to keep in touch our old wounds.  Our old wounds keep us from forgetting where we came from.  They help us stay in touch with who we were before all of the success and money and cars and pantries filled with food. 
Love one another today and remember where you came from.
Dennis

Being Content

I try to be content in all things.  Whenever I look at what I am blessed to have, (both materialistically and spiritually), I come away from the thought with a smile.  This morning a friend called and somehow our idle chatter centered on where each of us were looking forward to being in terms of success.  My friend remarked "I just want to have a nice home, take care of my family, and enjoy what I am doing."  "That is good", I remarked, "but I want to go as high as I can go in whatever I choose to do."  I wonder if some think that such aspirations are futile, selfish, or unproductive?  In defense of myself I would say "certainly not".  But I am known, by some, as Gadget Man; the man who likes to have the latest new product.  In some ways, this is true and in more ways, not true. I just like good, neat things and have graduated to believing that one does not have to develop an anti-people attitude simply because he/she is a fan of nice things.  I do not subscribe to being "content" with poverty nor do I reason that it is "The lot that fate has dealt to me."  If I am professing to be the child of one who owns the very earth and the heavens, why must I be content with being destitute?  My Father is so rich!  Many years ago I was blessed to fulfill a certain position within the church.  It was perhaps the most demanding, rewarding and important position I had ever held.  I will not ramble but I will tell you that many great and miraculous things occurred during that time.  Our church actually learned that we did not need to burden God's people by demanding fund raisers like bake/dinner sales, yard sales, and repetitious offerings 3 times a week.  We trusted God for what was within the church; and we learned that we had plenty. 
Life is the same way.  Scripture literally tells us to "ask and it shall be given." I do believe that the purpose in which one asks is important, as well.  For example, do we ask in hopes of being able to do a good thing for Gods purpose and others as well as ourselves?  And more importantly, we must consider if it is ordained for us to do, or have, what we desire?  It is possible to do a good thing and it is the wrong thing to do.  (Ponder on that for a minute).  For every man/woman is dealt (given) a measure of faith (spiritual gifts).  In this "body" some are arms, some legs, some a pinkie toe.  But regardless as to what member we are, all are important to the proper functioning of the body.  So I do not condemn one for being content in their state (role).  It is for God to decide which part of the body we are to be.  All He asks is that whether we be an arm, leg, neck, hand or toe; be the best member you can.  I am content that I have the  yearning that I possess for my yearning often pairs me with other "parts of the body" and we are awesome when we get together.  Absolutely unstoppable!  My heart rate increases when I sit back and imagine the good I will be able to do for others when I increase.  For in my increasings, so shall the blessings of others through my hands.  
Tomorrow I have more to share.  Have a great day.
Be blessed.
Dennis    

Today Is Going To Be A Day

I was awakened by anticipation early this morning.  This happens quite often to me. Sometimes it is in anticipation of a particular event, other times it is simply because there is a new day dawning and I am eager to be a part of it.  I love my life more and more each day.  I have not always felt this way.  I have shadows in my mind of horrible events from the war, of a tragic first marriage, of loneliness as a teen, of losing my mother to death at age nine, of being raised in poverty, of having no Christmas to celebrate in my home as a child, of always being broke, of losing my children out of my life, and many, many more.  I used to dote on these dark times.  I used to relive them in my mind on a daily basis.  These thoughts caused me depression, angry thoughts and physical problems. I felt that death would be easier than life.  I was a wreck waiting to happen.  But it would surprise many who know me now to think I was ever in such a state because of my current demeanor.  And it is not a facade.  I am truly happier than I have ever been in my entire life.  I feel as if the veil of guilt and shame from my own past has been lifted, burned and buried.  It is great to have people in my life who love me unconditionally, in spite of my imperfections.  These people, you people, inspire me to be my best, to change my attitude for the better, to give as I receive.  Because of the sincere love that is given to me from my wife, my family and so many friends I truly look forward to life.  If you ever see someone who is in the dark do your best to shine light into their lives.  You just may save them as you helped saved me.
Love you all.
Dennis