My Tuesday Morning Dream

  

  It is now 4:30 a.m. and I am wide awake; largely due to a very vivid dream I had earlier.  I have not been able to get a very good night's sleep since I returned from Operation Desert Storm while in the Army. When I do sleep it is usually inundated by dreams of the war or some type of activity involving my being back in the Army. The dreams are so real that when I awake I almost immediately thank God that I am actually in my bed and in my home and far from anything military. 

  Although serving nearly 24 years in the Army has afforded me and my family security my recurring dreams often remind me that success is not free, but rather comes at a cost. 

  This morning my dream was not of a military nature at all, but in a church setting. (I suppose sometimes dealing with "church folk" can be considered a battlefield, but that is another story).  I will give a brief synopsis of my dream so as not to bore you:

  In my dream I seemed to have held some sort of a position in the church. I recall walking into a large room where the men of the church were gathered for some sort of service or meeting. I did not see any of the women of the church.  As I entered the room I immediately noticed a man; a stranger, standing at the head of the room addressing the men of the church.  After listening to him for a brief time I noticed that he was spewing some sort of new doctrine which he attributed to a great "woman of God".  Although he spoke of worshiping and traditions and activities that were totally contrary to biblical teachings he was very compelling and the silence within the room was evidence that he had captured the attention of the men in attendance.  

  I approached the stranger and asked him if he had actually seen any of the "miracles" he described. He said that he had not. I asked him by what authority did he come before this group of men and to lecture them. He said it was by his own authority that he addressed the group. I then told him to cease his questionable oration and to have a seat.  He did so.

  Later, the Bishop of our church came into the facility and sat down in his seat in the center of the pulpit. Before the Bishop could utter a word to the group of men and women, (at this time the room was filled with the women of the church as well), the stranger stood up from where he was seated and walked towards the front of the church to where the bishop was seated;  spewing out the same ungodly message he had been speaking earlier to the group of men with every step he took.  The stranger got down on both knees before the Bishop and said, "Bishop, my sword had been taken away from me earlier, (referring to my sitting him down), but that's okay because I decided to bring my own sword".  He stood up, faced the congregation and without permission proceeded, once again, to speak his "doctrine" to the church. The Bishop was noticeably very patient but soon politely smiled and gently motioned for the church security to remove the man from the building.

  Later, it was learned that the man was making his rounds among the single women of the church; living off of them until he could no longer drain them and then moved on to another woman. He was even able to seduce the Bishop's daughter.  Attendance of the younger church women  became noticeably scarce but the church remained calm and continued on with its duties.  By next Sunday all of the single women who had previously left the church under the stranger's influence had returned to the church. No condemnation was spoken to them by the Bishop or the other members of the church. The stranger was never seen again.

  Note: I will not attempt to convey my thoughts on this dream. Instead, I will allow you to formulate your own understanding if, indeed, it means anything to you.  

  I also do not apologize for being so candid concerning myself.  In the past some have stated that I am too transparent. I believe God still speaks to His people in visions and dreams; however, in this day and age we fear being ridiculed and labeled as crazy by friends, family and strangers. And you are right to feel this way because that is exactly what they said about all of the prophets and preachers of old, but you shouldn't let that stop you.  

 Am I the last man who does not fear being considered a fool for Christ? I don't think so. If we were more willing to share our visions and dreams with others we would soon learn that God is still speaking to His people and that He has never ceased to do so. A dear friend of mine, Colon Jones, recently shared this:

 "God's blessings are not to end with you but, instead, they are to flow through you".  

"And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death". 
-Revelation 12:11

I love you all.
Dennis

My Special Gift

"I Love my son and am proud of my son"

Robert H. Schuller

  On Sunday mornings I usually tune-in to a television program called Sunday Morning hosted by Charles Osgood.  This particular morning there was a segment about autistic children and how Disney movies have helped many autistic children to better communicate and socialize with the "outside world".  The program featured a young autistic man who was diagnosed at age three and who is now attending college. He, (and many other autistic students), each have a certain proclivity for Walt Disney movies and they have even formed a Disney Club where they come together and watch their favorite Disney movies. It was amazing and touching to see them discus the movies, sing the songs in unison and display characteristics which society has determined autistic people are incapable of ever being able to show. 

  My dear son, David, (whom many of you know has autism), is displaying many of these same traits at home because of his love of Disney programs. He and I can sing Doctor Seuss songs at anytime of the day or night and he never tires of it. I enjoy seeing his eyes light up as we both act out certain parts of the songs.  He routinely asks me to take him to certain stores because he has amazing intuition as to where to find certain plush characters. Our hit list consists of Target, Goodwill, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Kmart and The Disney store in the mall. It's as if he has received a personal message that the character he is wanting is here or there.  I believe each autistic child has their own "gift". 

  David is now 16 years old and will be graduating to the 11th grade next year. He has an excellent teacher who is masterful at combining the basic elements of education with life skills that he and his peers will use in their adult life to enable them to be more self sufficient. The classes that were once mandatory for us when we were in grade school; home economics, typing/computer use, jobs, art, physical education, personal hygiene, doing laundry, baking and learning how to do laundry, (to name a few), are artfully incorporated in his daily regimen.  When school is over David is eager to come home and relax with his computer, DVDs and television programs.  When people tell me that I should take away his characters and his collection of movies and toys so that he can "grow up", I am secure in my stance that David has learned to associate and communicate through these items and I see no harm in allowing my son to be himself. Besides, what do people feel I should replace these things with? A toy gun? Or perhaps I should force him to sit down and learn to watch The Real Housewives of Atlanta or some sexually explicit program?  I think not.

  When all is said and done, No one truly has the answer to raising an autistic child. It hurts me when some people fear my son but those who encounter David daily or even for the first time in a store, the mall, or on the street will attest that he is one of the most polite and lovable people they have ever met.

  He has caused me to broaden my perspective and not to sweat the small stuff because it is all small stuff. Because David is not able or willing to communicate pain I am in continual vigilance of his behavior. In other words, he has been my main source for obtaining patience, introspection and gentleness towards others.

  Thank you for listening.

  I love you all,

  Dennis     

  

Not Always Happy, But Always Forgiven.

Change is unavoidable. Sometimes it's a change from within, sometimes it's an external change. Whatever the means, it is still change.   When one feels that they are where they are going to be for the remainder of their life, another plan sometimes emerges from places never conceived. As adults we pride ourselves on planning our lives through education, family planning, whether to marry or remain single, or where to live. I suppose that is why it is difficult when a situation arises that may send you North instead of South; East as opposed to West. 

  You desire to work in a particular job forever and retire but there comes a sudden change. You marry and have certain expectations and that dream falls short. You desire that your children excel in school and attend a college where they blossom and attain a standard of living that exceeds anything you have ever acquired, but they go in a totally different direction.  The list goes on and on.

 This morning my thoughts are of King David, (in the Bible). David was a man called by God at a very young age. Even he believed that his older brothers were "better fitted" for the tasks that God had called him to do but he was obedient and followed God. But I don't want to relegate this writing to a sermon. I want to fast-forward through King David's life of accomplishments and focus on him during his trying times; such as when King Saul was out to kill him out of sheer jealously, his adultery with the married Bathsheba and his order to have her husband killed. The death of his child and feeling alone and abandoned, (even by his God), on several occasions.  

  If we were to only focus on King David's achievements we would conclude that he was totally blessed and above reproach. But as for me, I find more of a kinship with him when I read of his faults and mistakes and of his falling short of the mark. Why? Because that is what life actually brings to us. Disappointments in ourselves, in other people, in the organization we work in and in our government. 

 Just this morning I read a post from a good friend which stated that we should never say we are sick of church; but rather say that we are sick of organized religion. I understood this immediately. Church is of God whereby organized religion is of man.  When I learned the difference between the two many yeas ago I was able to keep a smile on my face and a song in my heart even when my character, my feelings, my accomplishments and my manhood was being grievously attacked from the outside; even when I was the one who was in error. 

  Yes, I have made many mistakes. I have fallen short during my life and will most likely fall short again several times before I die. I believe one of the greatest lessons I have learned this year is not to beat yourself up when you fall short or do not fulfill a commitment. 

  My dear friends, we all have sinned and fall short of God's expectations of us. So smile. Smile that no other is in control of your soul but God. Smile because you have lived another day to be a better person than you were yesterday. Smile because you are making a difference in someone's life by simply posting a thought or an encouraging word on Facebook.  And believe me when I say that God notices every seemingly insignificant act you do towards others; especially strangers.  

 I'm going out to do some things around town and I will reflect and meditate on good things and good people as I do.  Don't stay down!
I love you all,
Dennis

Sunday Morning Thoughts

"Life is really simple but we insist on making it complicated". 

-Confucious

   You would not believe the week I've had. It was certainly a great one; one of the best weeks I have experienced in a long time.  Oh, sure. There were many occasions for breakdowns, tears, worry, anger and hatred but I am learning new methods of bypassing these negative joy-kills everyday.  If you want any idea of how I do this I will share it with you. If not, you can stop reading now.

  I believe in living a "good" life.  This simply means that I attempt to have a character that is not abusive, judgmental, prejudiced, angry nor high-minded.  No, I do not agree with every one's lifestyle, methodology, or opinions. I was bred a military man therefore order, consistency, precision and obedience to authority is within me.  One of hardest things I ever had to do was make the transition from the military life to civilian life.  (Even today I do not think I have successfully accomplished this).  In many ways civilian life was the antithesis of all I had learned from my own upbringing and through 20 plus years of serving my country.  I found it most stressful and difficult when I would let all the unfairness that went on around me affect me to my core. I would reason within myself, "If this were the Army and that person was my soldier...". You know the rest.  Eventually I had to learn to care for my own little corner of the world and only then did I begin to feel the pressure release.

  The same applies to life, in general.  I used to spend long hours worrying about family and friend's predicaments. I would become so entrenched in their situations that I would lose sleep, become stressed and depressed and even spend money I should not have spent.  But life has taught me to let go and let God. I learned that you can temporarily relieve a person's situation but if that person does not change within their own heart than you will continually find yourself attending to the same situation over and over again.  My wife has a saying that they recite in her home town of Cincinnati, Ohio, which is, "If you like it, then I love it". In other words, if being as you are is fine with you then it's doubly fine with me. 

  Now comes a bit of my learned method. Each morning before my feet hit the floor I stretch and  I call forth things into my life. I call forth good health, I call forth wealth, I call forth favor, I call forth wisdom; and the list does not end there. One may call forth into their life any and all positive attributes they may feel lacking or are in dire need of.  I find a smile before I am attacked with depression or worry. I become thankful because I have been able to awaken to a new day.  I watch and observe all things using my spirit man's eyes.

  To do these things may seem odd to some or benign to others; but it is far better than waking up unguarded and being at the mercy of the spiritual wickedness with surrounds us all.  My friend, it is time to lose the chains. It is time to walk in true victory and not in that quiet, timid attitude that you have been taught is victory.  It's long overdue that you stand your ground against all that seeks to bury you in a life of complacency, repetition and no hope for better.  I don't know about you but I am going to drain this life of all my rewards. Children of royalty should not be in the hog pen. Shake off your arrogance and pride and unforgiving hearts and come back home to your Father who openly awaits your return.

I've said too much but know that I love you all.
Dennis

Having Music In It All

  Today was what some may consider as uneventful, but I look deeply at every moment of my day. I have perused the Facebook pages of some of my friends, gone out to take care of my daily business, stopped by Popeye's while out and picked up David's favorite lunch and now I am home in my man cave listening to Al Green's greatest hits. I've officially labeled this as a chill day and I feel no guilt about it whatsoever. There is much truth in the old adage "All work and no play makes one a dull boy". Twenty three years spent making my nation a priority and I am finally learning to make myself a priority.  

"Let me say, before I forget, that loving you, baby, is where it's at", croons Al Green in the background. 
So many good memories does this music bring to me. Where I was, what I was doing, who I knew and what I knew is flooding my heart and mind like a tsunami and I love it.  I have learned, for my own peace of mind, to reject teachings that good old R&B music is of the devil; for through it I am reminded of what I have come from and what dire situations I have been able to overcome. 
"Let's Get Married Today.
  Those who truly know me will attest that music is, indeed, in my DNA and nothing can change that. As a young boy I remember my older siblings bringing home the latest music and teaching us the latest dances. My mother and father were also great lovers of music. Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Shirley Caesar, Andre Crouch, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Brooke Benton; to name a few, are intertwined with my upbringing. Yes, they were there when we moved to Germany as a family and lived on the economy.  They were there when my brother, Alfred was a soccer champion. They were there when mom got ill and later died. They were with us when we would sit around and pray for better days. That same music is there for us as we live our own lives and do our uttermost to be the best for our own individual families. 

"I'm so tired of being alone, won't you help me, girl".

  I am thankful that through it all God has been the meeting place in all of our lives.  It was ingrained in us that He is our present help and today He continues to make all of our ends meet. 
"It's all in a day's work, call me".

  Enjoy your music. Enjoy and never let go of your memories.
  I love you all.
  Dennis

Saying Good-bye To Pat West

 

 

 

To live in hearts we leave behind
Is not to die.
~Thomas Campbell

 

 

  I was on the phone Thursday night talking to a friend in North Carolina when on a whim I happened to ask about the status of an old friend, Pat West, who we grew up with in Fayetteville. "Pat West recently died", was the reply. I was speechless for a second or two before I was able to enquire further. I learned that the funeral would be the coming Saturday at 1:00 PM. I immediately had to say good-bye on the phone so that I could think things through.

 

  Pat West was much more than someone I casually knew; she was family. She and my older sister, Joyce, were good friends and when we moved to the "White House" at the back end of Hollywood Heights Pat West just so happened to live a few houses away on the same street. Our mother had passed away many years ago and we had become accustomed to frequent moves from Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, and Spring Lake. The white house was an American style home which had at least three bedrooms, white siding, and a silver 250 gallon propane gas tank in the back yard which I was always in fear of it exploding. All of our previous homes had been brick ones, (with the exception of a trailer home we resided in while living in Spring lake).  I think I can safely speak on behalf of my siblings when I say that the thought of moving into the white house was embarrassing and humiliating. Had our family's socioeconomic status deteriorated to such a level? 

 

  My disdain was short-lived. What seemed to be a decrepit old house turned out to be a meeting place for so many warm and loving friends. Other than us, people in the neighborhood did not see our home as "that old white house", but rather as "the home of the Spain's". It was a place where me and my brothers and sisters would often sit around and vow to have complete and prosperous lives for our own children. (What thoughts for children to be having; but that's where we were). Our photo albums contain more pictures in the white house than any other home we lived in.

 

 Today the white house has been long torn down. Ironically, that house where Pat West spent many days inside with us; helping me and the twins rehearse our music and helping to choreograph our dance moves, hanging out with our sister, Joyce, and much more; now in its place stands a youth center/church which the repast for Pat West was held. Pat gathered in our home with us one final time.  

 

 

 "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.

 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord".
-------------Romans 8:37-39

 

Rest In Peace, Pat.

I love you all,

Dennis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of Ducks And Such

 

 

“Some old wounds never truly heal, and bleed again at the slightest word.”
― George R.R. Martin    

 

 

 Every so often a situation occurs that literally divides our nation. The issue can be so volatile that it breaches races, political affiliation, and even long term friendships. If anyone has watched television over the last several days I think we will all agree that the "Duck Dynasty's" Phil Robertson has accomplished such a division because of his inflammatory comments in a recent GQ magazine interview. In the interview Robertson, (who claims to be an evangelical preacher), expressed his beliefs against homosexuality and a host of other carnal acts. Of course, he backed his words up by semi-quoting from the Bible. And as if that wasn't enough, Mr. Robertson went on to say how blacks were "happier" working in the cotton fields and singing and that they were better off before the Civil Rights movement. (Even now as I type this I can't believe this was actually said in this day and age). 

 

  Update: It has been nearly 30 minutes since I began this blog but I was interrupted, (in a good way), by a telephone call from a dear friend in Kentucky. She is a middle-age white woman with whom I worked with while employed with the VA in Louisville. She is, and has always been, a unique woman and friend and she has visited our home and kept in touch via birthday and Christmas cards.

 

  I say the interruption was a good one because I was so livid; no, I was incensed with all the Duck Dynasty controversy and I was prepared to rant on about it. However; I am so glad God knows what we need and when we need it. She and I talked about our families, retirement life and of course, the Duck mess. She said that she simply turns the channel when that controversy comes on because all it does is bring you down.  "Besides", she continued, "they are just a bunch of rednecks." My anger was immediately diffused.

 

  It is well known and documented that America has a horrible problem with racism. I really learned this to be true when I joined the military. But I do not attempt to go on a crusade to convert the haters into "lovers of all men." I had to learn that this was not  even possible from the pulpit. Today I just take my own small piece of the world and do the best I can with the few relationships I have.

 

  I pray for a swift end to this Duck Dynasty mess and even more so that true friendships will not become a casualty of this war.

 

  God bless,

   Dennis