Movie Night And More

If you don't get lost, there's a chance you may never be found.
~ Unknown author

 

  I had a good night Thursday because for me it was Movie Night.  It has been awhile since I stayed up late, snacked, and watched movies from my collection; some old, some new.  After viewing several features and raiding the refrigerator of left-overs, I finally called it a night at around 3 a.m.

  Friday morning I attended my PTSD group at the VA hospital. It's always refreshing to sit  around with a group of men and women who mean no harm to anybody; just desiring to talk about everyday experiences in which we all communicate on ways we have overcome them in our own lives. There's always a bunch of laughter and true fellowship there. Laughter is truly the best medicine one could ever prescribe.

  While the family is visiting in Charlotte, N.C. I have taken full advantage of my "Me time" here at the house.  I am always concerned about the welfare of my loved ones and it is a daily ritual for me to release my excessive worry and to allow God to order the universe. Yes, I realize that some say to worry is sin, but I never said I was perfect. Partially due to the overcast skies and my own need to seclude myself, I retreated to the quiet serenity of my home and felt no pressure to be anything to anybody. As I alternated from watching television to reading to operating my computer I simultaneously reflected on so much that has occurred in 2012; both locally and nationally.

  Which of us can truthfully predict who will see the end of the coming year of 2013? Greater minds than my own have written and published vast discussions on life and how it will one day end for us all. I have concluded that having consistent thoughts of such things can elicit fear and paranoia in a person's mind;thus rendering them ineffective to the present realness which surrounds them. 

"  And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry. 



But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?'  -Luke 12: 19-20 (NIV)


   I am in a good place in my life where I do not regret who I am and what the trials in my life have forged me to be. As it occurs with change, I have been several people throughout my life; whatever the situation or circumstances dictated. I had the option to either remain in that specific mindset or evolve into an individual who has learned to assimilate each of his phases into one acceptable and congruent person. I live for today only but my life is prepared for heaven tomorrow. 

  Yes, at the end of one's solstice it should be for them as in the words of Charles Dickens;

"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known".

- A Tale of Two Cities

I love you all.
See you in 2013
Dennis
 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Christmas In Connecticut

"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."-Albert Einstein

  I'm not even going to try to explain the school shooting tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut which occurred on Friday, December 14, 2012.  I'm not ashamed to admit that I am absolutely clueless as to what would motivate an individual to illegally enter an elementary school with automatic and semi-automatic weapons, kill six adults and 20 first grade children. After hearing of this, I waited with baited breath for my son to come home from school in a few hours. I just wanted to hold him.

  The television coverage of the shooting is painful to watch and listen to and I find myself switching the channel to find something less painful to watch; but the thoughts won't go away.

  I put up our Christmas tree last Tuesday. In Connecticut I can imagine many families taking their trees down. Anything to help assuage the unthinkable pain of having your precious child ripped from your life by an unconscionable act of evil.  For me and my house, it further emphasises what is important in life. 

Throughout all of this, some have asked "Where is God"? 
Newspaper columnist and lawyer Michael Johnson once stated "Taking God out of school leaves a vacuum something will replace".  The well-known saying is much more than a fact of science which states that "Two things cannot occupy the same space at the same time."  When something is taken out, something else will take its place.

  I pray for this poor and mean old world in which we live. I pray that those who are concerned enough, capable enough, brave enough, convicted enough and fed up enough will take part in conversations, community actions, exercising neighborhood vigilance, and deterring acts of evil whenever possible.  I am going to David's school on Monday to discuss security measures with his principal.

"Be of sober {in spirit,} be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour".
- New American Standard Version (1995)

  God Bless Us All.
  Dennis

     

 

 

The End Of The World

"When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it's always twenty years behind the times." -Mark Twain

  The ancient Mayan calendar has predicted the world will end on December 21, 2012. Already there is talk of a global panic, some people are purchasing expensive "Dooms Day" shelters located deep underground, others have decided to spend all they have, sell their homes, and not pay any bills because they say "What would be the purpose?". And without a doubt the overly eccentric and fanatically religious will compel their sheep to give their all to the church and/or perhaps enter into a suicide pact. (Remember Jim Jones, David Koresch and cult leader Marshall Applewhite of the Heaven's Gate UFO cult?)

  Here are a few quotes from some of your fellow Americans:

• If the world ends in 2012 I have wasted my whole life in school.
• Before you marry someone ask yourself, 'Will they be a good killing partner during the zombie Apocalypse?'.
• A lot of people think 'the end of the world is coming; let's go party', but God commanded us to warn people and I would rather be safe.
• Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's always tomorrow in Australia.
• (Harold) Camping of Family Radio has predicted the world will end May 21, 2011, but this reporter has learned he first predicted the world will end September 6, 1994.
• An extreme optimist is a man who believes that humanity will probably survive even if it doesn't take his advice. - John McCarthy
• This is the way the world ends. Not with a bang but with a whimper. -T.S. Eliot

  Of course I could ambush you with a cavalcade of Nostradamus references to the end times, a plethora of prolific preacher's predictions, and mathematical computations from some of the world's brightest minds but how would that be of any benefit to you?  My sincere desire is that people everywhere will remain civil from day-to-day and live peaceably within your own heart by striving to please only God alone. 

  Please do not do anything rash or impulsive as December 21, 2012 nears. Enjoy your loved ones today, seek out only those things that are truly important, don't allow your blessing(s) to be taken from your life because everyone but you can recognize what you have. Go into the New Year with a renewed outlook on your life. Also, it may be time to scrutinize your list of friends; some of them have been holding you back because they are jealous of you or they may simply be beneath you so latch on to people who will inspire your dreams and who have far-reaching goals.  (I say this because some of your relationships do not have the drive to have anything beyond their noses).

  Have a great Christmas and a wonderful 2013. 
  Dennis  

 
 

Cardboard Boxes For Christmas

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”― Confucius

 

 

  Christmas is right around the corner and the spending frenzy has been outrageous since Thanksgiving day. I was browsing through the toy department at Toys R Us the other day with my son, David. As I looked at the wide array of super hero action figures, game systems, bicycles, electronics and more, I recall thinking to myself; "Oh, that I were a child again".  

 

  As with all things pertaining to progress, nothing today is the same as it was 'yesterday', so actually it is unfair for me to go off on a tirade about how when I was a child my super hero costume consisted of a bath towel tied around my neck. (Even though that is the truth).  But I will say that in our day we, (those of us over the age of 50, give or take a few years) did have to employ a bit more imagination when it came to our playtime. I can remember how even a rainy day couldn't interfere with our having fun. It was then we would get Popsicle sticks and race them along the curbside as they were carried by the rushing rainwater. Other than trying to be the winner, the real trick was to catch your stick before it went down the sewer drain.  My good friend, Alex, and I would spend countless hours every week drawing comics and inventing story after story. Watching my sisters and the other neighborhood girls jump rope and do Double-Dutch was always so amazing to me and sometimes we boys would try to get in on the act but the girls were always superior at jump rope. Other familiar sounds which resounded throughout the neighborhood  were football games and baseball games easily played in the streets or an open field, girls playing Hop Scotch and Jacks on the sidewalks and the quick hand-slapping of younger girls while singing "Oh, Mary Mack, Mack, Mack all dressed in black, black, black".  And I believe that my older brothers loved collecting marbles more than actually playing the game.

 

  Recently in Ohio a preschool teacher named Pete Kaser removed all of the toys and learning materials from his classroom and replaced them with raw materials, such as boxes and egg cartons. To his surprise the kids did not ask for their toys back or even inquired as to where they were, but instead, immediately began exploring the materials and working together to build a variety of creations they dreamed up on their own; an igloo, a pirate ship, a rocket ship, a hotel and houses with makeshift kitchens.  
"I just spent so many years looking at all my teaching materials and thinking that so much of them have a preassigned value to them," Kaser said. "I wasn’t getting the imagination out of the children that I wanted."

 

A toy phone, for example, is going to look like a toy phone and function as a toy phone to most children, Kaser explained. The same goes for a cash register, or a train. But if you ask a child what he or she sees with a cardboard box, you might get 10 different answers and thus, more creativity, he argued.
Kaser said he plans to continue with the box experiment until the children no longer show interest, but so far, he said, the students are still engaged. In addition, several of the shyer children have come out of their shells and taken to leading some of the projects.

   

  So what is the moral of this story? I gently urge you to remember that after Christmas life will still go on so spend wisely; you have all year to get the things you want. I shy away from instructing others on how to run their own homes, but I never hesitate to compel others to remember the less fortunate. Do you always have to give gifts of hand-me-downs? I dare you to bless someone outside of your home in a manner unheard of. And above all, remember the lesson of the cardboard boxes. Sometimes simple really is better.

 

  I love you all,

  Dennis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Holding On To Family

"There is no such thing as the perfect family. Every family is unique with its own combination of strengths and weaknesses." -Unknown

"Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” -Matthew 12:49-50

  Another Thanksgiving has passed and we all now move into the next phase of holiday; Christmas. It's always about this time that many choose to display acts of kindness, charity, and goodwill to their fellow man which has, for the most part, been absent throughout the year. I always say that it will be a terrible thing if Jesus returns in June. By this I simply am inferring that the time of the year or season should not be what compels one to love their neighbor without boundaries. I am cognizant of the many charitable deeds that have been, and still are being, performed for the families in New York who have suffered such a devastating loss as a result of hurricane Sandy, but in truth, there were many in New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Seattle, (and wherever you now live), who have been in need of a helping hand long before any monumental tragedy occured.

  It's something how we see children wearing ragged clothes or shoes that are noticeably too small for their feet and all we do is shake our heads in pity. Some justify the withholding of a gift because the parents of those needy children may be smokers or drinkers and they say " If they don't care, why should I?"; but if they would realize that a person's addiction usually takes precedence over their common sense then they would believe that the children should not suffer.  And then there are those who needed our help last month and now it appears that they still need a helping hand this month. I ask you, is it in your power to do it?  I also ask you, have you ever been in a valley, and if so, how long did it take for you to reach your horizon or to see daylight?

  I believe the attitude of selfishness largely comes from the fact that people have forgotten just who family is. Too often we see family as only those who have been born from the same womb you came from, or who, in some way, share your bloodline. When in truth many of us can say that we have encountered people who have been closer than our family of origin in so many ways. 

  Some will beg to differ, but I believe that God blesses others through those who have. Yes, it is easier to say "I will keep you and your situation in prayer" rather than reach into your wallet or purse and give something more substantial than coffee change. I know I have spoken on this subject before and I know it will not be the last time because the hardest thing for people to do is to loosen their grip to help someone else, when in reality this is how we receive our blessings. 

  It would be nice if the Spirit of Christmas began in January and continued through December and on again, but sadly, this is not always true for so many. So I will continue to pray and do what I can to help those who are in need, knowing that there is always someone worse off than me.  I've had friends in my life who were so dear to me that if I had $5.00 I would give them half, if needed, and they did the same for me. 
How long will this message be preached? How long will it continue to be easier for a camel to pass through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter into heaven?
The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind.
 
May the true meaning of life and love be endowed upon us all.
I love you all,
Dennis

The Journey Through

 

"Will it ever end"?
   Have you asked yourself this question lately?  It could have been in regards to a number of things; Relationships, finances, health issues, family issues, car trouble, situations on the job, situations in the home. Perhaps, for some, it's all of these things and we wonder will we ever get any peace?   "People are born for trouble as readily as sparks fly up from a fire."  (Job 5:7) Knowing this is reason to always keep a positive tune in our heart and a mindful thought of the good things occurring in our lives, as opposed to always thinking on the negative. 
 
  How do we do this? By remembering that last month we had to borrow money from a friend in order to make it to payday but not this month. We recall how we complained about the high price of gasoline but we forgot how we were able to fill up our tank and still have money left over to do other things. Some were asked to usher up prayers for someone who had fallen ill to cancer and if they would have done a follow-up they would have learned that their prayers did indeed work for the person is miraculously healed and living well.  There was a time in my young life when I was having extreme financial problems due to bad stewardship of my money. I remember how I would stress out so badly on pay day because it was time to run about town and figure out a way to pay Peter while robbing Paul. (Some of you know exactly what I'm talking about while some have become too proud to admit where they have come from). i would become so depressed by the end of the day because of the little money I had left in my pockets. My stress did not stop until one day I slowed down enough to realize a very clear truth; At least I had the money to pay my bills! There were others I knew who were not able to do even that. I soon began to examine what else was better in my life than I may have overlooked.  You would be surprised at the long list of things I was able to draft up. My life, health and strength were but the beginning of my blessings.

  So when troubles fly up as sparks from a fire will naturally do, I will remember that my light afflictions have not caused me to shed one drop of blood. Being forever mindful of the One who gave all for me...the world, am I not able to bear my trials brought upon me by the sin of my father, Adam?

  You cannot bring everyone into this mode of thinking but you can be an example of thankfulness to those around you.

  Love your life today.
  Dennis

My Band Of Brothers

 

"There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother."

Proverbs 18:24 (New Living Translation)

 

  Concerning the posted photo of the sharp Army soldier; we call him Q-Dawg but his real name is Hector. He was my driver during my tour of duty in Operation Desert Storm; an unforgettable war in the Middle East which kicked into full gear in January, 1991. I will write more of him at a later time but it is because of Q-Dawg, (and many other soldiers in my past), that I am now awake.

 

  It is presently November 13, 2012. The hour is 2:24 A.M. and I am very much awake. I anticipated such but, as usual, I strove to overcome it this time.  Yesterday was Veteran's Day; one of several military observances which always provokes memories within my subconscious which are normally dormant during my waking hours or not readily re-visited aside from my dreams and certain triggers. I have lain awake since going to bed at 9:40 P.M. thinking about my soldiers, our journeys and adventures together, and how much I love them all even today.  

 

 My wife had long drifted off into a deep sleep and I convinced myself that I, too, was exhausted. Earlier, she had made the holiday a very special day for me from the moment I had awakened. After years of living with a career soldier she has learned much about being a military wife and subsequently earned her own stripes which she wears with strength and honour.  As I reflect back on the events of the day; going out to breakfast, shopping, a new wrist watch for me, a seafood lunch and later how she sat in my "man cave" with me for hours watching television, (even a bit of Monday Night Football), until she was ready for bed, I now believe she purposely saw to it that my day was peaceful and without incident. On these particular holidays she has seen me somberly travel back to certain military times; especially the war, and has learned of my disdain for that war and any war, and has come to understand my frequent insomnia. She knows of my love for my own "Band of Brothers" from my Army life. I still remain in contact with several of my Desert Storm troops and my pre-war soldiers through Facebook. Hector, Michael, Frank, Smitty, Roger, Donald, William, Nestor, Adrian, Greg and Edward; to name a few.  We do not talk much but we check in on one another frequently. And should the need arise for either of us to express a thought and a distant memory or to share an incident which suddenly came alive in our hearts, or perhaps to simply say, "Hey, man. I remember the time...and I just want to let you know how much you meant to me both then and now", it will be expressed openly and without shame or fear of being considered unmanly for we all came through the same fire and we know who we have become. 

 

  I will always love my soldiers; both from peace-time and war-time. Serving alongside of them was not like going to work at a grocery store or some factory; where once you clock-out you do not think of your co-workers until the next working day.  We were, and still are, a family. We knew more about each other than our own families of origin and we proved, more than once, that we would do anything for the other.  As for me, my soldiers were my friends, my peers, my support group and my most dear and trusted allies.  I feel sorry for anyone who has never known such friends during their lifetime.

 

  I bid each of them, alive and dead, a Happy Veteran's Day and a sincere "Thank you" for being my friend and brother.

 

Sleep good, soldiers. I'm up on perimeter.

I love you all.

Dennis   

 

 

 

 

Veteran's Day, 2012

 

  Someone once said the older you get, the faster time seems to go by. I find this to be very true. Appointments on my calendar come almost before I can prepare for them and a month appears to be only two or three weeks long.  I have done so much over the past few weeks including driving to Cincinnati to bury my wife's sister, Vanessa, as well as her aunt, Ruth.  In spite of his having autism, our son, David, continues to advance both mentally and physically; which makes us so very thankful and proud.  And I still find it painful to see New York, a city that has seen so much heartbreak in such a short time, still reeling from the devastation caused by Super storm Sandy.  The presidential election is over and our country remains divided. I pray for better days ahead. Today is Veteran's Day and the wife has taken David out for some activities around town and has lovingly left me to lounge in bed or watch all of the NFL I desire.  So why am I showered, dressed and ready to get out and about?  Probably because it's nice and sunny outside and the Mustang is calling my name. Maybe it's because the Carolina Panthers are not faring too well against the Broncos and it's the third quarter, or perhaps I am just restless and want to do it all.  Whatever I decide to do it will be a good thing.  I am happy to be alive today. I leave you with this inspiring poem:

“Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you.”
― Christian D. Larson, Your Forces and How to Use Them

  I pray you all enjoy each other, your weekend, and your holiday.   
  I love you all.
  Dennis

The Morning After

 The election is over. Barack Obama has been re-elected and obviously there are tears of joy and elation in favor of the outcome and tears of disappointment from the supporters of his opponent. As much as I or many others may say that this election was not about color this statement continues to be tested on a daily basis. It doesn't help when congressional senators openly express their disdain for our President in words that should be considered downright illegal. Recently the government has taken swift action against active duty uniformed soldiers for attacking, (whether verbally or in writing),  our Commander-in-Chief. And there remains those  political bobble-heads, such as Bill O'Reilly and Rush Limbaugh, (to name a few), who daily disperse the fuel of hate, racism, and separatism on the eyes and ears of millions of Americans from their self-fabricated thrones.

  I suppose the only valid question which remains is "Where do we go from here"? For both Democrat and Republican I say "It is time to stop crying over spilt milk". Do we continue to haggle over differences which are not worthy of the walls they have built between us and our neighbor or do we call a truce and recognize that we are all Americans and are in this soup together. Will we ever accept the truth that we need each other to regain our footing from tragedies such as the Oklahoma City bombing, the recent wars and 9/11?We must bind together as one if we are to obliterate such dire issues as poverty, homelessness, crime, sub-standard education, and other impacting topics.  I do not gloat in President Obama's win and I shy away from others who do so; but for many reasons, both personal and public, I am extremely glad about it.  But now I am very ready to get on with "Nation Building"; healing our internal wounds, helping the Veterans and soldiers re-connect with their lives, and seeking to be a right example to the world.  As a people we must cease to view ourselves as just The United States and start viewing ourselves as Planet Earth. After all, climate change, natural disasters, genocide, disease and environmental concerns have no political affiliation.

  I love you all.
  Dennis

Remembering Our First Lessons

"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing".

Deuteronomy 10:18

 

  There's something about the political season that brings about a certain tension among people; particularly the last two elections. I believe this is primarily because our nation has successfully elected the first African American to the nation's highest office in the person of Barack Obama. While this was an unprecedented and historical event, four years later the idea of a black man being the leader of the free world does not sit well with many people. I can sincerely say that I always vote my conscience and not according to what is popular among others. In truth, if the ideals of Barack Obama and Mitt Romney were completely reversed I would vote for Mr. Romney without hesitation. But that is not the case.

  When I was in the military I strove to attain the highest rank because I believed that I would be more successful in initiating changes that would better my soldiers and the entire unit as a whole; however, I soon learned that the higher one may go in position the more ugly the view becomes at the top. I discovered that decisions were not always made fairly or for the betterment of a particular person(s), but rather, for purely political reasons.  I did not always fare well with my counterparts because I had a knack for standing up for my soldiers and against what I perceived to be acts of prejudice, racism, favoritism, or just outright evil to a certain caste. Nevertheless, I fought to maintain my learned morals and would do so again, if necessary.

  When I study the actions of both President Obama and Governor Romney I can clearly see the contrast in their views and aspirations for America. Undoubtedly, President Obama is at a huge advantage due to having served a term in office and has heard, seen, and dealt with issues that Governor Romney can't begin to imagine. What I do find remarkable is how in the face of the the many blatant attacks Barack Obama has suffered regarding his race, education, place of birth and every other negative distraction directed at him, he has steadfastly argued for quality education for all Americans, the proper distribution of wealth, the discontinuation of horrendous wars which have robbed so many of their loved ones, aiding corporations, (i.e. banks, auto industries, housing markets), so that our American way of life would not need to be farmed out to other nations, health care which favors the needy over large conglomerates, and a stimulus plan which many states have benefited from.  

  Our president is not popular among some because of some of the things I have mentioned beforehand, but I believe that his adherence to solid Christian values such as charity, truth, the command to live peaceably with all men, caring for the poor, the disenfranchised and the powerless is what truly causes so many to attack his person and his presidency. How easy it can be for the rich to get richer and for those who do not fight to advocate war.  I am proud to have a leader who empathizes so openly and sincerely with the common man; a leader who has not forgotten his own humble beginnings.

  I can only pray that whatever the outcome of the next presidential election, that we, as a people, will not allow our hearts to become cold towards our fellow man and that all men will keep God at the forefront of all their actions and decisions with the sincere belief that after this life there will be another.  

Love thy neighbor.
Dennis

Staying In The Fight To Do Right

 

 

"For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want."

-Romans 7:19

  War is inevitable. Somewhere somebody is fighting over something. It could be a matter as small as a parking space at a crowded mall or something as monumental as one culture desiring to dominate another. Wars have even been "justified" over religious ideals. Blood has been shed over the desire to possess a specific woman or lord over large herds of livestock, persons, or riches. And just when we think we have extinguished one fire another emerges from the embers.  But these wars are usually fought outside of the body; sometimes not even touching our own being. They may have been fought before our time or may be occurring in a faraway land. However; there is one battle; one conflict; one dreadful war that pierces every man and woman from deep within where scars are not seen with the natural eye. That is the war to do what is morally right.

  When I was first introduced to "religion" it was all about following the rules of conduct.  You know them; don't drink, don't smoke, do not engage in the use of profanity and partying and late night carousing and sex before marriage.  Yes, sir. I practiced those rules and soon I was able to easily point out the sinners from the saints as easy as pie. Never mind that I had a temper or that I did not like certain people or I had no patience for things that did not go my way. (It's easier to talk about myself because if I tend to point out a flaw of another I will only be attacked or worse; so this is better. Let every person examine their own heart). As a young minister I did not recognize that a person's actions were nothing more than human nature. Oh, how often I quoted King David as he lamented " Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me". Psalm 51:5 , but was oblivious to the fact that there was no one, save Jesus Christ, who could and would ever walk free of sin. Yes, even on my best day my good deeds were no more than filthy rags. I began to change as God would have me to be when I traded my religious garb for a spiritual cloak. I clearly was able to see the faults in myself and others; but now I had a genuine love for everyone and a desire to see us all make it in to God's Heaven.

 I also discovered that I was able to practice doing what was right even though I had to borrow a page from the Apostle Paul and "die daily". Yes, I made many mistakes; some more than once.  I am a man who is not unlike many a man. I have desires and appetites but I can either accept the age-old adage that "All men are dogs" or I can attempt to walk as righteously as I am able through Christ who is within me; regardless of what others may say about me. Women, this pertains to you, as well.

  In my youth I believed in "an eye for an eye". You kill my dog I will slay your cat. You hurt me and I will repay the pain. This sort of attitude nearly caused me to lose myself and more importantly; my relationship with my God.  Years of living has shown me this very truth: "...that  the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God". Micah 6:8

  Let us strive harder and be more diligent to make the devil a liar. Stop allowing your past mistakes to give you an occasion to stumble and utterly fail in your quest to live a blameless life. Just remember that you can do all things through Christ who gives you the strength.
 I Love you all.
 Dennis

 
 

Real Treasure

"Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods". Luke 12:18

  “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”  This was true when the late poet Ralph Waldo Emerson said it and it certainly remains true today.   In our modern high tech world one can barely resist the snare of the latest gadget, the flashiest screen, the sleekest model or the most eye-appealing product. If we can't purchase it new we will readily buy it second hand. And it's not as if we actually need the coveted contrivance, fashion, or edible entree; sometimes we just want to be able to say "I had it".  

  But surprisingly, I am not about to rain on any one's parade concerning getting your latest gadget groove. (At least not today). I do believe that one should enjoy their life to the fullest extent and that there are no rules save to do no one else harm.  No, today I am in a different mindset and it primarily deals with benevolence; the desire to do good for others; charitableness; good will.  Like many of you, I watch television and movies. I watch programs about the life styles of the rich and famous. Through these mediums I have learned about the luxury of a Bentley and the sexiness of a Maybach without ever having laid my hands on them. The Housewives of Atlanta have shown all of us how to get a house on the hill and furnish it with things you can't even pronounce. And, of course, Kim and the rest of the Kardashians have given most of America that "I want to be so filthy rich that I can do anything and it will be right" attitude.  But when it's time for bed because you have three kids to get off to school in the morning and you are a single parent or you have 4 hours of sleep before getting to your second job or you are 31 years old and you still live with your parents or you are doing all that you honestly know how to do and you simply cannot get ahead; you know you have to return to reality. 

  I guess the simple fact is this; stop trying to get your million dollars here on earth and be more concerned with storing up treasures in Heaven by practicing compassion and unselfishness to others. Truth be told; if I had it to give a thousand times a day I most likely would. I wish the world would sing the same song of LOVE.

 Have a great week.
 Dennis

Wrestling With My Mind

 

  I've been at a stand-still lately concerning blogging. Notwithstanding, the past month has accelerated with activity and the Winter months are also upon us. I mention this because I am not a great fan of cool and cold weather. Because of my medical condition(s) I take my flu shots regularly but that does not keep me from contracting the occasional sore throat and/or head cold. since I'm complaining, let me also tell you how the cold makes my joints and my bones ache. I don't like being ill at all.
  I heard from a very good friend today and I was, once again, reminded of how some relationships will remain with me for my entire life; and in a very positive way.

  I did sing in North Carolina at a good friend's church for his morning and evening service. I don't relish travel as much as I used to, but the attendance of several family members and friends made the occasion very sweet.

  There is something on my mind which I am not sure how to properly dispel in words. It is concerning some repetitive dreams and thoughts. When I was a church pastor my format for conveying "A Word from the Lord" was easily recognized and accepted more willingly. Although I recognize that "God's gifts and his call can never be withdrawn" (Romans 11:29) , I no longer operate from a pulpit and therefore am less forward about offering someone advice or warnings. My situation is this in a nutshell; I see the need to convey a warning to someone I know very well concerning their behavior, but I have been hesitant. However, we must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29). It won't be the first time I was disliked for telling the truth.

  Pray my strength in God,
Dennis



 

Diverting Your Passions

  

"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?"

-James 4:1

 

 

  I slept in this morning. By the time I had awakened David had boarded his school bus and the wife was also getting ready to leave for work. The past few weeks have been extremely busy and I was appreciative of the extra hour of sleep. As I bid the wife farewell, I decided it was a good time to get back into my walking regimen. I donned my shorts, T-shirt, my reflective vest and shoes. As I was about to apply my leg weights I became cognizant of the sound of running water. I opened the front door and was greeted by a heavy downpour of rain that was not present just seconds ago.  I was more surprised than disappointed; perhaps because the television forecast had predicted rain and they actually got it right.  "Oh, well", I thought, "I may as well use the morning productively."

 

  Walking in the Spirit has taught me to be aware of my surroundings at all times. I am quick to hear, slow to speak on things I do not readily understand, and I am much better at preventing myself from getting angry at life's many situations.  This attitude not only helps me to be less stressful throughout my days, but it also helps me to be the man I need to be in my home for my family.

 

   Have you ever wanted to have your cake and eat it too? Did you ever try to convince yourself that you could handle all that was on your plate and more?

Men do not like growing up. When life calls us to the unavoidable responsibilities of work, parenthood, husbandry, and sober thinking we often do not respond to it as we should. Besides, who said I can't play before I pay bills? And who was it that started the rumour that I had to sometimes miss my football games to spend time doing adult things like ensuring my bills were paid and gas was in the car and groceries were bought and time was spent with the children and the wife?     



 

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me." - 1 Corinthians 13:11

 



   I have learned that the hardest thing about living a sincere and wholesome life, (you know, the kind of life that will reward you to spend eternity with Jesus), is learning to tell myself "No". Although it is a fact that the Spirit is willing but our fleshly nature is very weak, it does not negate the fact that we must bring our flesh under subjection lest we become double-minded and unstable in every decision we have to make. (See James 1:8). 

 

  Today I strive to continue to seek a balance in my life; knowing that some of my decisions will not sit well with some others but my concern is that my decisions do sit well with God and my family.  Besides, haven't we learned by now that living your life to please someone else is profoundly impossible and exorbitantly overrated?  Sometimes our biggest battles are fought within our own bodies.

 

Do what you know is right.

I love you all.

Dennis

 

 

 

Go Get Your Blessing

  I'm back after a long break from my page. The past few weeks have been very busy, and even life-changing, for me. I will not go into detail as to what all I have been involved but I can say that it has been nothing illegal, immoral, nor ungodly. Knowing this, some of you will probably skip the rest of my blog. We all know people love a good gossip. Life; who can anticipate it from day to day? No one but God. Who will agree with me that prayer is essential to keeping oneself grounded, sober, courageous and in their right mind? Our everyday lives are surrounded by mountains but that should not deter us from trying to live victorious at every turn. Remember when the disciples of Jesus needed money and He told them to go fishing? They did and by doing so they found money in the mouth of a fish they caught. "... so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us." Matthew 17:27.

  I don't intend to hold you hostage with a sermon today. I suppose I only want to encourage you with the same encouragement I give myself. I went walking today after so many weeks off. I fought the notion to sleep in because I awoke at 2 a.m. for an hour and I pushed myself out of my warm bed, donned my gear and took off. On my return home as I was nearing my driveway I noticed a glimmer on the street before me. It was a perfectly shiny dime which I secured and gave thanks. In this little act I realized that if I had not persevered I would not have received my "blessing". Who are we to measure our blessings as if we own anything? Get up, fight through the depression and drudgery of the new day and  push on through the heartache, physical pain and unnecessary worry which stands before you. The bark of this world is worse than its bite!

  I pray for you today as I know you pray for me.
God bless,
Dennis

When I Dance

"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens::...a time to mourn and a time to dance..."

Ecclesiastes 3:1,4
   

    For as long as I can remember I have always loved to dance.  If my mother were alive she would no doubt have stories of when I first began to bounce up and down to the beat of music while still in diapers. There is something that happens when I dance. It's as if I become infused with the music I am listening to. I can clearly distinguish between music and lyrics and to me the two are distinctly different. Lyrics engage my mind but music commands my body.  When I was younger and sang in a local R & B band in Fayetteville, N.C. I remember how I would dance all night. As long as the music moved me I knew nothing of tiredness.  Here are some of the things dancing did for me:

• Dancing kept me in shape physically
• Dancing made me feel free and alive
• Dancing made me happy
• My dancing often made others happy

  I don't dance too often these days. It's not that my love for music has diminished, but I do believe that it's primarily because I do not have a dance partner.  My wife is not a dancer but she likes to see me move, (you figure that one out). I stopped going to clubs years ago because of the unwholesome atmosphere found inside and among some of the patrons and also because I greatly altered my lifestyle.  Every now and then I may hear an old funky song from years gone by or simply get a thought and then I am off to a few seconds of spinning, strutting, and feeling downright.....awesome. (That's the safest word I could find at the moment). 

 I have been encumbered about much these past few weeks.  There have been the passing of friends, loss of relationships/friendships, senseless killings throughout our nation, racial issues, family and friends who have recently been hospitalized and much more.  I have to sometimes turn off my car stereo and television because of the constant stream of depressing news. Yes, I understand the need to stay informed concerning current events, but enough is enough and sometimes we just need to hear the deafening sound of silence.  Because I keep in contact with so many of you I know you have been burdened by a seemingly ceaseless turn of events so I will make this short and to the point:

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.." Proverbs 17:22 

Today, or sometime this weekend, I want you to turn off the drama, turn on the music and shake off your burdens.
See you on the dance floor.
Dennis  

     

Too Small To Be Loved

"But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people." -Psalm 22:6

"The more you think that way, the more people will feel the negative vibes from you and your body language. I never trusted anyone even family members, they all got tired of my depressive mood and did not enjoy being around Mr Misery. I looked pained most of the time, until I came to the realization that I had almost no one to confide in. It was very lonely and sad to see others with so much family and friends to enjoy company with.

It took a total stranger to make me realize what it was I was doing to my self. I will never forget being told.

(You have to love yourself and be your own best friend first before you can expect others to like you and be friends with you.)

When I started seeing the good in me and what I had to offer others, I felt I had a good chance at surviving the life that I felt caused me so much misery. I began selling the good of myself to others and some have bought into my friendship. From those friendships I have connected with others and has been growing like a pyramid scheme."
-Anonymous 

  I came across the above article this morning and was reminded as to how often we all are subject to falling into self pity and/or utter hopelessness; especially when things are not going smoothly with some personal aspect of our life. It could be our health, our children, our marriage or significant other. Perhaps it is that seemingly never-ending negative situation on the job or you are just tired of living from paycheck to paycheck.  I know just how insignificant we can seem in such a big and busy world; not to mention this vast universe.  Sometimes I have felt as if God was watching me go through my tests and trials I wondered why He didn't just step in and fix it for me. I'm going to be real with you; sometimes I get tired  of trying to be "Mr. Right Kinda Guy" and I don't beat myself up when I do. Not anymore. Only a fool will describe himself as perfect. I'm glad that there are times when I do get angry. I don't even go to church every Sunday. Sometimes I want nothing but peace around me and no madness. God, the years I have wasted trying to be someone that I wasn't because someone wanted me to be like someone they felt they wanted me to be. But guess what? That was all for nothing because people don't always know what they want their own darn selves.

  It's time to rejoice in the God within us. We have been created with a uniqueness which makes us more valuable than any Rembrandt or Picasso painting. To those who love us, the mere sound of our voices are more melodious than a Beethoven symphony.  

"What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?" Psalm 8:4

  So, please, go on being you today and always. Not that mean, depressed, isolated person that the world has forced you to become, but be that full-of-love person that you desire to be daily. Be real and I guarantee you will make it to the other side.
  Love yourself today,
  Dennis