Destiny

“Recent Thoughts on Distant Memories”

We create our own legacy
By the use of our God given abilities
To navigate the ever changing paths
Of our own destiny.

(c) Bryan A. Stross May 22, 2008
Jacksonville, Florida USA ...;}...

Think About It

Think about those around you
Those who you bring happiness to

Think about the good things
Those times when your heart would sing

Think about how others would feel
How they would forever regret such an ordeal

Think about a bright future
Of chasing dreams, now someone else’s to capture

Think about puppy dogs and kitty cats
How they would cherish those gentle pats

Think about star filled nights and sandy beaches
Of how nature calls out in subtle reaches

Think about the happiness you gave me
How missing you would cloud my eyes so I couldn’t see

Think about the times we shared
Knowing that I truly cared

Think about a man so alone
Grateful for your kind home

Think about all these things
And how I waited for the phone to ring

Think about how life would be less
Missing your sweet caress

Think about how you really matter
In a world full of idle chatter

Think about anything that will change your mind
To realizing there are those most kind

Think about it, and if you can’t decide
Remember our deal to in me confide

Think about this most of all
And I promise to cherish your every call

Bryan Stross 1996
(c) May 22, 2008 ...;}...

From the Present

The spirit is silent, it speaks though dreams at night but in the day they seem like nightmares

If the blind could see what would they first want to see?
Their own reflection or yours.

God has a plan for all of us; it’s up to you and me to carry out the strategy to perfection.

A blind man once told me he could see me. I asked how. He said; that was for him to know and me to find out. I said; I am not blind, I will never know. He said; pretend you’ve never seen me. Close your eyes and forget about my image. Now, do you still see me? I said; of course I do, my memory will not let me forget. He said; of course not, that’s why even in my blindness I’ve seen you before. And I never forget a face, even though the names have been changed to protect the innocent. You live in my memories, some of this life, some of others, some yet to be. But I’ve heard you, touched you, and tasted you. Why then would I need to ever have to see you? I said; please don’t step on me, for even though you’ve seen me , unless I make noise you’ll never know where I’m standing. He said; don’t be so sure, I don’t need to touch, or to feel you, for your soul puts out more energy than your body ever will. I said; so if I’m dead and my soul is gone, and I can not move or make noise than truly you can’t possibly see me, or know where I lay. He said; don’t be so sure, I can always smell you.

Prayer is the most powerful tool we have. Thru our faith all things are possible. In our despair, we know there are always others who care.
Often times the gentlest smile can turn the harshest frown.

When we speak, speak of the truth you have, lest you deceive yourself.

One mans fortune should not be at the sake of another’s misfortune.

My soul yearns for the day it is free of my tormented mind, broken heart, and wretched body. But, in the meantime, I’ll make due.

The only way you can ever move on, is by conquering the present.

The sins of the past are awash in waters of salvation.
The sins of the future are drowning in a sea of blood.


BAS

Lonely Wolf

The wolf cries long thru the night
Especially loud when the moon is bright
What does he say with those growls?
For a long lost love he surely howls
Hoping she’ll hear his call on the wind
And by some magic her ear will bend
A familiar sound penetrates her soul
She can not ignore it, it is so powerful
It relaxes her mind and rests her heart
And there it will stay, til death do they part
In the meantime the wolf continues to cry
As he looks to the moon and wonders why

© BAS 5/21/08 …;}…

Mountains & Fountains

So what is there to do after you have scaled the mountain?
Looking all around, up and down at life’s fountain.
No one there to hear, no one near to feel,
your darkest fears.
So alone and yet so full of faith.
You have no feelings of love or hate.
Just a passion to do what so many others
Also couldn’t wait.
Your mind all scrambled as you tumble
Thru all the waste.
A burning desire to feel the magic.
Everything must be done post haste.
Sometimes the outcome is tragic.
Thoughts get scattered, it’s laid to
separate reality.
Everything has a special meaning
Even the most insignificant learnings
Standing with your head in the clouds
Then, one day, you hit rock bottom,
You pray for forgiveness.
Because you’ve been misguided.
Taken for a ride on some biological sled.
Your mind now is what is clouded.
Your thoughts and actions shrouded.
Doom and despair are all around.
Once again those fears abound.
You can not see life’s reality.
Because death seems the only peace to be found.
This is the cycle of a mind tormented.
The highs and lows of a genetic flaw.
And once again you are on solid ground
With friends and family to help sort it all out
You look back at what of it you can remember.
Cherish the good, fear the bad and
Be thankful you are still alive.
Standing on the mountain, looking at life’s fountain.
It seems as though it was all a dream.
With no one near and no one to hear.

© BAS …;}…

The Wish

If you had one wish, what would it be?
Mine would be that everyone had one wish
that would come true.
Think about it, if that was your wish,
that everyone else had one wish that would come true,
wouldn’t the world be a better place?
All around would be happy people, a healthy environment,
no poverty, no crime, no sickness and disease, no hate
and eternal love would abound.
As well as all sorts of other things
that was someone else’s wish to come true.
So, my one wish, provided billions more wishes.
And in the end, the world and all its peoples were better for it.
Sort of like wishing for world peace, but with a twist.
Who knows maybe someone would wish a wish for me,
With the wish I wished for them.

© BAS 5/21/08 …;}…

Stay True

When all else fails…put up your biggest sail.

The winds of your desires will fill your sail
And send you across the waters in blinding speed.

When times are tough…remember when they were not.
Remember what was different…remember your blessings.
Try and hold those sweet memories
Concentrate on your misgivings
Pick your self up…dust off the worlds’ dirt.
And get back in there and fight..fight…fight!!!

To have and give is much better than to have and hold.

Ever wonder why we cry?
It is to remind us that our tears will put out any fire.

Ever wonder why there are rainbows?
It is to remind us that no matter how much we cry,
We will never match His tears.
For He has suffered so much for us
His tears flood the sky and leave us His Grace.

If we travel the road most traveled
We will see the same things as everyone else.
If we travel a road less traveled
More riches abound because they are less seen.

Stay true to your first loves
They will always be there to comfort you.
Stay fast in your belief in Him
He will always be there to guide you.

The Lords Blessings to you my friend.

Always:

Bryan Stross 2/1/08
...;}...

Troubles

What troubled you yesterday is in the past
What troubles you today you can act upon
What troubles you tomorrow depends on today

Prioritize your troubles, whatever they are
Do something to impact them in a positive way.

And if you can’t find peace in knowing it’s in Gods Hands
Seek out someone with more troubles than you.

They are easy to find, look in parks, hospitals, shelters
Under bridges, in the woods, at church, your next door neighbor
Look for someone who may just need someone to talk to.

Then listen, and listen some more, and soon you’ll realize
You are not alone in your troubles, most outweigh yours
And when you look at it that way, your troubles will fade

A needy soul was comforted, and you enriched yours as well.
It doesn’t take money, it doesn’t take fame
It just takes a little of your time

Time well spent and time that will not be forgotten.
And many years later when your troubles are few
Remember the day you had so many they crashed around you

Count your blessings and give out a little good cheer
For nothing in this world is more gratifying
Then helping a down trodden soul lift its spirit.

Go in Peace and those that hate will fall on their own swords.

In His Service:
...;}...
© B.A.S. 1/12/08 9:15 AM

Sweet Memories of Jamie Lynn

Never before has one touched me like you do
Your smell, your smile, sweet memories I have of you

I’ve been around, and had many a favor
But your sweet voice added to the flavor

No cares in the World it would seem
Your face in the distance, even a gleam

Seeing you on stage, that arch in your back
That cat like sense, wanting to attack

You said you were leaving soon for good
All the better in trouble with you I could

My fantasies about you will have to be
For my heart belongs to another, unfortunately

Believe me when I say you’re one of a kind
Hold onto your dreams, don’t look behind

Remember your family and friends will always be there
Even when others leave you, they will always care.

I love you in spirit, every once in awhile, be a free spirit
Listen to the wind and maybe a voice you will hear in it.

That little voice will always be there
It is the voice of the one you should most care.

Take a walk on the beach
Kneel down and for your soul reach

And in that special time of spiritual glory
Grab and hold that inner self, that outer harmony

Reach out and try and touch the stars
All will be forgotten, those old battle scars

Maybe in another life, another time
Our bodies could dance and rhyme

But for now I’ll have to settle for one more dance
Touch me as if you care, for that I will chance

Don’t let the darkness blur your sight
Be safe, and always search for the light.

My memories of you are special and sweet
Maybe once in a awhile, your heart will beat

And you’ll remember the crazy guy
Who had such a hard time saying good-bye
(c) BAS 2005

The Touch of a Paw

Never been partial to cats much. Always been a dog kinda of guy.
However, through the years there have been a few cats that were special.

There was my grandparent’s barn cat, Tiger.
He was the ultimate hunting machine.
I spent many an hour as a youngster sharing with him in his outdoor world.
He often would lay his latest catch out in the barn in our sitting area.
Tigers way of pronouncing victory, proving his worth and accomplishment.

There was Red Moon, an Egyptian Siamese, not my cat but a dear friend’s.
Red was domestic and very particular in choosing his friends.
Very few people outside their immediate family even knew he existed.
He would stay away from strangers, and only come out when totally comfortable.
I was fortunate enough to be in Red Moons circle of trust.
When he was comfortable he was a master charmer and cuddler.

Then there was Morris. You can guess, he looked just like his namesake.
Not quite as big, but definitely the color, and markings.
Morris was a stray who wondered into my life a few years ago.
He rubbed along my leg for attention, and meowed in a barely audible way.
He allowed me to turn him over and rub his belly, an immediate sign of trust.
I guess he was about 5 or 6 months old then.

I brought him home and my daughter was in pure joy.
Having a dog, things were difficult at first, but they became good friends too.
Morris had both the qualities of Tiger and Red Moon.
He was a suburban hunter, and a domesticated cuddler.
Morris was a smart cat; he never messed in the house, or clawed anything.
He would sit on my lap, and touch my face with his paw.
Gently prodding for attention like Red Moon, and always getting it in return.
Occasionally bringing a catch to the doorstep like Tiger, but he preferred cat food.

Being in the suburbs there is a bit of a stray cat problem.
Sometimes people take cruel measures to rid their property of them.
Morris was a roamer, spending half his time indoors, the other out.
Unfortunately he roamed into someone’s yard, and they had put out poison.

When he came home that afternoon I knew he was not himself.
Thinking he was maybe a bit sick I didn’t think much of it.
But that evening I could tell he was in real trouble.
I took him to the vet, but the poison had taken its toll.
We put him to sleep, to end his pain and suffering.
Talking to him and holding him, I hoped he understood.

After leaving the vet I was in tears, it was very late at night, and rainy.
Just down the road from the vet there is an eight-way intersection.
It is very confusing with several blind spots, if you don’t glance over your shoulder.
As the light turned green for me, I started to go, and something said wait, stop.
As I looked over my shoulder a large truck ran through the red light at high speed.
Had I continued I am sure I would’ve been visiting Morris in heaven, sooner than expected.

People have their own beliefs on these things, but I know it was Morris who said wait.
If cats do have nine lives, maybe they loan out a few unused ones.

He gave us three good years, and we gave him a loving home.
I will always remember the gentle touch of his paw on my face.
I am sure he is with Tiger and Red Moon now.
Perhaps hunting, and cuddling for the Big Guy.
Reach out and touch His face for me, He won’t be able to resist either.

I am so sorry I couldn’t save your life buddy.
I am so grateful for you saving mine.

(c) BAS 2004 ...;}...

So Cold

Why are some people so cold
As if their souls are already sold?

To hurt and cause misery
Seems their mission in history.

Is it possible to feel good in giving pain
To trample others for selfish gain?

I look around and see at times
A world gone crazy with senseless crimes.

History shows we’ve never been pure
But common place now as if given up on a cure.

It appears that many of these horrible deeds
Are done to satisfy some uncontrollable greed.

To far gone, some may say, they can not change
Safe to say, they are not born with such rage.

Perhaps victims of a world gone cruel
But we all know hate will never for eternity rule.

The good in life will find a way
To one day hold the wicked at bay.

The way the mind goes astray
With thoughts of evil to do and say

Can be used to change the ways of a helpless sinner
And when this happens, they’re not the only winner.

The world will be a better place
Where you can feel free and safe.

When those so cold and hateful realize
To know warmth and love is a much better prize.

(c) Bryan Stross 1996
...;}...

Fishing Fun & Frustrations

Twas the night before the perfect tide, my gear was ready my hopes were high.
I woke up four times thru the night, dreaming of that awesome fight.
Captain Rick and George say this areas best for fishin’.
It was these words of wisdom, kept me wishin.

Morning started out with a fresh dawn, jigged into a flounder got a glimpse of his white belly and he was gone.
Towards lunch I had a hunch to try the flats;
all I could muster was a bunch of rays and cats.
Then a nice trout came my way, course all he left me with was a pout.

At the end of the day I hooked a big red, he started scootin, broke my line sure as shootin.
To make matters worse I got so excited on the casting deck standing, darn tide went out, left me stranded.
Six hours later when we got out of that quagmire, cruised back to the dock and the trailer had a flat tire.

As you can tell the problem with this tale is not my lack of ability.
All the best gear in the world can’t make up for humanity.
What I’m trying to say here is that boat, motor and trailer don’t guarantee a tailer.
My son thinks I’m a phony, can’t even net a poggie.

From Daytona Beach to the North Florida Border I’ve got my line wet.
Only to come home in a cold sweat.
My family laughs, my friends all talk…”Go fishin with him…I’d rather go for a walk.”
So please Captain Rick and George hear my plea for some hands on training, to keep this poor anglers blood pressure from straining.

Heck, I’ll even go if it’s cold and raining.

© B.A.S. May 19th, 2008 …;}…

I Walk Alone Lost

I walk alone lost, not knowing where I’m going, nor how far.
I walk alone lost, not knowing where I’ve been, nor how close.
I walk alone lost, through the mist of ages, past the depths of time.
I walk alone lost, in valleys of shadows, along sorrows of death.
I walk alone lost, above mountains of sunshine, with kingdoms of joy.

I walk alone lost, choosing to do so by the grace of God.
I walk alone lost, yearning to be found, grateful to be chosen.
I walk alone lost, until the day I find salvation in the hands of an angel.
I walk alone lost, with thousands of others, all who have been.
I walk alone lost, because we are the future.
I walk alone lost, no more the empty search.



We walk together found, knowing where we’re going, and how far to travel.
We walk together found, knowing where we’ve been, knowing we were close.
We walk together found, forever through the midst of ages, the depths of time.
We walk together found, through the valley of death, over the mountains of kingdoms.
We walk together found, knowing all the while the search had meaning, learned only over time....

I walk alone lost, so one day...
We can all walk together…found.

Bryan Stross 1990. ...;}...

Ecclesiastes Chapters 3 thru 5 ✨✝️🕊 AMEN

Photo Credit: Mark C.   Smokey Mountains 6/23

Post Edits. June 19th, 2023. 7:10 AM EST

Thoughts Worth Sharing ?

The world is full of talent
From the miserable to the gallant.

Why should I feel anyone would enjoy these thoughts
It is not for in a store to be bought.

However, if enjoyed perhaps I should try
But what if it makes someone cry?

These thoughts are here to ponder
They came to me from somewhere yonder.

With all the writers and singers expressing their feelings
These are but a few more I hope some may be seeing.

Some simple, and stupid
Others deep, and morbid.

Often times it feels not me that is writing
As if some voice in me is hiding.

I can only hope that these words may to some, hold a meaning
Maybe someone else has words that are seething.

I have wrote many things now lost
Maybe someday they’ll come back, my pen will be a grateful host.

New words I hope to soon share
As they come to me, I’ll write with great care.

I do not wish to offend or upset
Only to share in the hope of learning to get.

What is strange is it is myself who often learns
For this feeling of enrichment my soul yearns.

After all, why with these words should I be selfish
All else I have to do is eat, sleep, work and fish.

So please don’t the messenger blame
It is all part of some grander game.

I promise if ever they feel corrupted
The words will be stopped most aborted.

So please enjoy, think twice, and go slow
My true wish, to help make a few hearts glow.

© Bryan Stross …:}…🐝

Post Edit July 16th, 2023. 9:40 AM CST

To My Son

The hardest decision to ever make was leaving
My heart still mourns I’ll never get over the grieving

You are so special to me, my one and only
I feel lost at times, cold and lonely

I know you may never understand
But life is a constant change, like wind and sand

I see and hear you growing up more and more
I wish I could be there it hurts to the core

My love for you is constant and forever
The miles apart this will never sever

My little boy I know will someday be a man
I hope to share those years as much as I can

The times we now share are all the more special
You are my son, and forever I’m grateful

Learn your lessons well, excel in all you do
And always remember my deepest love, is for you.

All My Love:


Dad …:}… Psalm 10 & Proverbs 10

RAIN

The rain drops fall swiftly on the window pane
Are they tears of joy that moisten the plain
Or, are they tears from crying years of pain

Gentle roars and flashing lights in the sky
Gods' way of cleansing all the passers by
And after the rain you’ll know the reason why

The rainbow glistens in multicolors
Holding the promise of forgiven sins
Making all fresh and new forever again

I still hear your gentle voice
My heart gives no other choice
That familiar chitter chat sublime.

Keeps the beat going driving home the rhyme.
On the roof I hear the pitter pat
And then a flash and returning clap

The pictures rattle on the wall
As the rain continues its last fall
And after… the sky remains calm.

No wind bends the trees or leaves blowing
A light dew on the ground is showing
The aftermath of the skies tears falling

The rain speaks a soft dribble drabble call.
But with purpose and a special meaning
Leaving clean and a bright rainbow showing.

7/30/06 4 PM (c) BAS ...:}...

Genesis 9: 12-17. AMEN   🐝

Moon Shadow

Dancing across the sky, clouds hiding the mysteries to pry

Dark side always hidden, the blood drips crimson

We gaze and ponder, what truths we wonder

So far away, no witness to stand and say

Duties far and wide, always seeing the bright side

The pain and glory, seeing the whole story

Symbols of the moon, a worshippers nightmare comes soon

Good will come to pass, vanquish evil save your ass

Dark side awash in blood, bright side innocence once stood

Effecting the ocean tides, polluted waters full of pride

Dwindling earth and darkening sky, devastation enough to cry

Simple to be born and die, in between is how hard you try

Look up once in awhile, we’ll all soon be on trial

Beyond stars see the glory, soon we’ll know the whole story

When that time comes, what will we become?

Of streets of gold, we have all been told

Hold to the faith, patience is full of grace


Copyrighted 8/17/05 Bryan A. Stross

Mystical Cry

I write, but it really isn’t me
I read, but it is much more I see.

Inspired by self motivation
No, it’s much more that puts my hand to motion.

Alone at the most inconsistent of times
Is when the force hits to rhyme.

Often times it makes no sense
Who am I to judge either side of the fence?

I feel as though I must put to prose
Else to make myself its’ greatest foe.

Others have felt this inner voice
Knowing it swells from a greater choice.

Could it be the voices of the past
Yearning to be heard after years of fast?

Always remember to say what you feel
Never forget it may make others reel

The past longs to be free
For the future to truly see.

What once was can again be
Or blown away, selfishness doesn’t heed.

A mystical cry through the people of the present
From the people of the past, as if a gift wrapped present.

Or could it be the souls of the future
Guiding us in a way, the earth to nurture.

Great poets, playwrights, philosophers, and prophets never die
Their voice carries on through others, a mystical cry.

(c) Bryan Stross ...:}...

The Turtle

The turtle sloshes thru the mud, thicker than it should.  He has lesions on his head, all around his eyes.  It still has his bright painted yellow, red, and orange colors. As a crane blasts his baritone trumpet like call he’s searching for a long lost home.  The water and land marks have been misplaced.  

The turtle looks skyward, but his vision is dimmed by the sting.  The sting of years of fertilizers and pesticides staining his fresh waters.  No longer the teaming swarm of fry.  The eggs now gelatos ooze.  The turtle lowers back his head and continues his methodical plod.  One can notice if closely observed, one rear clawed paw he is missing.  Perhaps a skirmish with a feisty gator testimate to his strength and resilience. 

 No care does the turtle have for the stranger,  looking at him in disgust as the tears well up inside.  The turtle looks to be of eight years or so and he shows the scars.  One can only wonder what must be inside him.  His innards are a mass of lesioned bumps and warts.  He is in constant pain, a constant belly ache and confusion at times.

The stranger reaches out as he clicks with his tongue in effort to sooth the gentle one.  No fear does the turtle have, for this stranger is different.  Stroking his shell the stranger shifts and touches his previously injured foot.  The turtle feels a bit of a surge.  His belly and head feel whole and clear again.  Paddling away he doesn’t have a new foot but he feels better than he has in a long, long, time.  The stranger now looks skyward and notices a lone hawk searching for his mate. 5/15/06 Bryan A. Stross

POST EDIT ADD 12/4/2022 SonDay 7AM EST

That post was hand written in 2006 & posted in 2008.  It is in part a factual story & in part fictional, cuz no one really knows how a turtle feels…or do they?

Where my mother lived there are lots of small lakes, creeks & marshy areas to support turtles & all kinds of other creatures.  That is where I had the experience & inspiration to write the Turtle.  But all my life I’ve watched, chased & saved turtles from the simple hazards  of crossing a road, finding water, safety, or just simply being turned upright after a tumble.

Towards the end of the road leading to the clubhouse there is a decent flowing creek when it rains, which June in Florida has plenty of.  I was driving the 15 MPH community road when up by the creek I see a hump in the road.  There’s a few large soft shell turtles  that call that creek area home.  They are very old & large as turtles go… with a shell that stands 2 feet tall & 4 feet around they are gentle marsh giants…this is what was in the road & it was in trouble.

Someone had run her over, her shell was cracked & blood oozed from under her belly forming a 3 foot puddle in the road.  She was still alive, this had just happened, but already two vultures waited in a nearby tree.  I was sad for this creature & mad as to who would do such a thing in the middle of the day when darkness can not be used as an excuse.

My first reaction was to pick her up & get her off the road.  As I sat her down in the woods by the creek, the vultures lifted off their branch & I had a second thought.  She needed the protection of the waters in the  creek now swelling & flowing from the recent rains.  I picked her back up & walked over to the bridge area over the creek, laying on my stomach & as gently as I could, I dropped her the remaining several feet to the flowing creek where she landed with a loud flop & disappeared from view except for a few inches on the top of her shell.   I stayed  there looking down at the marsh grass &  dark water not knowing if she’d make it with half her shell cracked.  I said a soft prayer as a few tears fell into the creek…& they were greeted by air bubbles…bubbles from an injured, but grateful turtle.

The next morning I stopped by the bridge over the creek expecting to see her…but she was gone.  The creek level was bout the same & no remains could I see.  I will never know how she fared, but I did all I felt I could & hoped for the best.

But, stories never really end & this one is no different.  It’s now September & we’ve been getting a lot of rain.  I go outside to the back patio & there’s a painted turtle in the back yard, plodding his way towards the patio.  Now there’s no real water source for a few hundred yards so this guy is either lost or determined to get somewhere.  

As I walked up to him he does a 180 and starts to scoot thru the yard towards the hedge row that has a few inches of standing water in it.  Before he gets there I notice he’s a healthy looking turtle unlike the one from 16 years ago, he’s moving good, his shell & head are shiny & he’s got good size.  And then I see it & know this guys not lost…he’s just come by to say hello.

You see to my amazement…his right rear clawed paw was missing, just like the one I crossed paths with 16 years ago.  A coincidence, perhaps, but a healing experience for me as once again Nature returns her favor.

Spend time with Nature, even in its simplest forms & She will bless you with a healed heart & calm mind.

Bryan A. Stross 12/4/2022. 8AM  EST  SonDay

Isaiah Chp. 5 vs. 1-7. & Isaiah Chapters 11-12 

✨✝️🕊🌻🐝🦉🇺🇸🙏⚖️🦅

The Gildemath Squire

Ah the sweet victory, my lord has vanquished all, this glorious sun shiny day. As I wash and wax the armaments of battle, he rests with his lady awaiting the next shire. I have listened well, and practiced much, I can not wait.... for it is to battle I desire. A simple squire today I am. But my dreams are much grander. "Where is that damn sander?” My lord took a hard blow to his shield, almost shattered, I have punched out the dents and now it must be made smoother. Here it is, now let’s see how we can make you sparkle and anew. “Pass me my cheesecloth you witch of fire, and don’t look at me that way, or I’ll take you and quench my desire”. Oh much better his shield now is, of silver and steel it has served him well. All made whole and shined to the hilt, tend to his steed a bit now I will. Now my lords’ stallion is no ordinary breed. He was chased and captured by my very own hand. And when my lord first seen him, in me he was most pleased. For I had harnessed the white horse of Camelot, near the Forest Bri. No easy task it was that day, as the white stallion was one hell of a quary. But my horse was almost just as fast, I thank God my noose was quicker, and held firm to the horn. A way with most animals I have been told. And as the stallion reared and buckled, my hand to his nose rested. Once touched for the first time, this horse with hooves as big as a 100-year-old tree was now putty in my palm to do as I pleased. But for my master this tamed monster will be, and by this gesture I’ll win favor, a happy squire I’ll be. Now the white steed was munching his feed as I laid back and closed my eyes, but all the while listening. I awoke to a fresh morning dew, the sun making the clouds a mystic hue. No wind I felt, and the birds sang a new song this day. The tournament now over, all being packed, my lord still carried his golden victory challis. Money he did not need, so the challis was more a sentimental honor forever to be cherished. As I walked by the friars’ produce I turned the corner down armament alley. And there to my amazement a poster did display: COME ALL YE SQUIRES FOR ONE LAST CHANCE AT GLORY AND A NEW LIFE COME ALL YE SQUIRES FOR A CHANCE TO JOIN THE KNIGHTHOOD OF DREAMS COME ALL YE SQUIRES TO THE BATTLE FIELD THIS DAY, AND YOUR SKILL DISPLAY COME ALL YE SQUIRES FOR A CHANCE TO ENTER AS A SIMPLE SQUIRE AND WIN VICTORY AS A CROWNED KNIGHT…. IN HER MAJESTIES HONOR Oh how my heart swelled and my mind raced, this was a chance of a lifetime, my true dreams desire. I ran and I ran back to the stable, I must get my lords permission before I can battle. Behind the stable, on a bed of cured hay I found my master and asked humbly. “My good squire” he said, “of course you may compete, use any or all of this armament you desire, and bring back us another sweet victory”. Now my master had done well over the years and many armaments he had on display. The rules of this challenge were simple, take your best shot with weapon of choice. So many to choose, which one to take. There were swords with golden hilts, and bows with string of silk, a hammer with handle of bone, and knives of pearl, ivory, and steel. But nothing hit me until in the back, a darkened corner, I found my masters’ battle-ax. It was the only one he had, and in the world not a better ax could be found. A two-headed gray wolf and a shaft of hardened steel with a handle wrapped in dragon hide. The steel was thick and sharpened to a needles point and a razors edge, this was by far my weapon of choice. When notice me my master did his eyebrows raised and a question he asked, “ Why do you choose the Wolf Dragon Ax? To this I responded that it was one of a kind, no sword could stand its’ fury and no shield could it blurry. Perfectly weighted as well for throwing. “A wise choice my good squire” he said, “with much blood that ax was won. You may wield it for the honor of our home….Gildemath Shire”. With this I was much pleased, and I knelt and bowed thanking my lord for his generous gesture. My head he touched, and wished me well, and off I went to do the axes will. This competition was different for as a squire we were not to damage another mans honor. This was not a knight’s battle, it was a squires display. To choose our best weapon at one chance a knights' victory. This contest was not a normal part of the shire tournament, but rather a gesture from the good knights, and wealthy royalty, to reward the finest squire. There were about twenty of us all nervous and jittery. Some with knife, some with bow, another with hammer, but I was the only one with a battle-ax, and of a fine one it was at that. As we waited, to our surprise, out came from the jury tower all the knights and flag bearers in their homeland colors. Not dressed for battle, but rather their honor on display, it was this sight that most inspired me. They circled the battle realm, and came to a pose of attention each one of about thirty in a direct line under the jury. But I was most troubled not to see my master, and steed, where could they possibly be? When from under the jury tower he came, with trumpets a blaring, introducing him as the reigning champion. Now my heart was welled with joy of pride, and my eyes swelled with the tears of glory. For just as he was champion, I was his squire, and shared in that victory. He circled about and came to a pose in front of the gallery. The white stallion knelt to one knee. And my master spoke these words to the whole colorful and silent scenery. “My ladies and lords of Devon Shire, be it known this day and for all to witness that as knights of battle we have fought for our colors and share a common victory. To this day we owe to our Lord, and to this day we will honor His Word. For as has been passed down through the ages, to the victor goes the spoils, but pray the victor in his glory does not leave others to toil. A victors right, a champions creed, to do as he wishes with the seeds of his destiny. So as champion I choose to have a squire’s display and in this way give back and let yet another join the fray. This match is simple, do your best to win. You have chosen your weapon, the scoring traditional. We have 10 swords, 5 bows, 3 knives, 1 hammer, and 1 ax. These twenty men will display their talent in effort to advance to a knightly realm. They have been chosen with great care, not all are worthy, as you can see there are 30 of us, but only 20 of them. Dispense then with the intros for time is wasting, on with the match, honor your homeland spirit and may God protect your souls.” So there we stood, now totally on display. The swords went first, then the hammer and bows. My turn was next and to God I prayed: Give me strength oh Lord Give me sight oh Lord And give me the Spirit To in Your Name give this hour. My task was simple, throw four times. Touch the heart for 5 points, bonus of 1 for a pierce. Spilt the head for 10 points, bonus of 2 if by double hand. The swords, bows, and hammer had all fallen short in score, except for one, and I had only three more challengers, of knives they be. The wind was now gusty, it had already hampered the archers, so I knew my ax was better suited then the flimsy knives they threw. My first throw, single-handed, looked true as it tumbled, but low it was, although dead on center. At first this troubled me, no points I had won. But by judges decree a closer look was needed. My ax had hit low but center to the heart. The blade firmly stuck, the shaft at a 45 degree. The shaft was touching the lower part of the heart and 5 points for a touch I was awarded. A standard ax replaced mine in its place as my ax was brought back to me for the second throw. Again by single hand I let fly, the gray wolves head pierced the right side of the heart as it brushed by the standard ax handle a subtle clink could be heard. 5 more points, plus 1 bonus, I was already ahead of 10 other challengers. So now the range bearer replaced the second, and returned the Wolf Dragon ax back to me. The target getting smaller with already a shaft and a blade I only had the left side of the heart to aim. So I reared back as steady as could be and launched by one hand the third throw on its way. And swiftly and true it tumbled to lay rest on the left side of the heart piercing the board with a thrusting blow, as off in the distance you could hear thunder starting to roll. Six more points and now the crowd gathered. I had 17 points only one other had 22, but I had one more throw. With only three knife throwers to go and the wind picking up even more a gustly blow, I knew I had victory in the palm of my hand. Well not yet anyway, I was still waiting for my damn ax to be returned. The range bearer being an older chap needed help removing Wolf Dragon from the board. Apparently a soft spot I hit, my ax was buried to the second shiny gray blade. So finally after a long wait he brings me back my ax and I think of what to do. Only six points did I need to win, however the ax throw high score amongst squires was 28. Throw for the head (a much smaller target) and capture both, or be safe and go for a touch and pierce. Since the heart was blocked I really had no choice. I needed to split the head by double hand, thereby gaining 12 points and 29 would be my tally. So I grabbed the ax by the dragon hide handle and with two hands and my eyes wide open I let it fly. Tumbling at a furious pace each rotation I watched in an effort to guide it to my target of choice. And tumble it did and with a thunderous clap pierced the head, the board split in two as my ax went all the way through. The board now split from top to bottom, it balanced for a second, then fell to the ground as lightning lit up the now darkening sky. I stood there in amazement, as my adrenaline settled, I looked over my shoulder at the crowd now gathered. No one said a word, as such a show by a squire they had never seen. And the knife throwers relinquished and didn’t even try. So victory was mine in that moment of time. I stood and looked skyward the tears I could not hide. To my knees I fell, and bowed my head, I knew something had just happened much bigger than me. For I like all others will some day pass away. But my ax score of 29 and the story it told would live on as an inspiration to other squires who in the same dreams hold. As I thanked my homeland spirit, and God above, again a familiar hand touched my head. And as I looked up there my master stood, with a smile so bright, in his pride in me I could feel. For just as I shared his victory, he shared mine, teaching me as his squire over time. And he said in a hushed whisper that only I could hear, “ You have done well my good squire, for this display you have won, and not by any fashion but a truly heroic one. Now take with you all this glory for stake you we have, and win honor and charter for our homelands sake. But always remember and never forget that if true to His Word you are, much higher rewards you will get. Take these gifts, and royal charter, take your horse and parchment of knighthood, and as a final gesture Wolf Dragon is yours for you wield it even better than I”. And I was speechless, as no words could I possibly say. For I had just been released from a squire’s duty to a knight’s honor. From that day forward my name was changed. From the First Squire of Gildemath, to the Second Knight of Gildemath. But the crowd had a different idea as the rain now started to fall, they shouted in one chorus: “Wolf Dragon, Second Knight of Gildemath Shire, go forth and conquer your enemies for in common they are our foes. For with your ax you have pierced our hearts and split us in two. Peace to all your travels, and Gods Speed to you”. So off I rode, another day’s destiny to set, and another knights treasure to get. Bryan A. Stross 🪶🐉🪓.   Copyrighted but shareable May 8th 2006

Book of Job 38-41. Isaiah 13…Book of Malachi

Acts Chapter 19….Revelations 10 🙏✝️✨

Repost with Reflections 4/22/2023 10:48 AM EST 

An Open Heart

An Open Heart

Go forth into your day with an open heart.
Do not wake with lustful desire,
But rather how best to do your part.
In this your glow will be as fire.

People will come into your world,
That will leave you asking why.
When this happens trust in the Word,
And it will be as clear as the sky.

Do not cast off your heartfelt dreams.
They are there to remind you of days gone by
When all else was a peaceful stream
And the last thing known was how to cry.

Be of good cheer and pure heart
And those around you will pay the price
Even at the end you can fashion a fresh start
Just put your faith in Jesus Christ.

Yours thru Him:


© B.A.S. 2-20-2008 7:00 AM EST

Release Me

Luke chapter 10
February 18, 2008 4:30 AM

Release me Lord
From the chains of inequity

Release me Lord
From the sins of inequality

Release me Lord
From the bonds of slavery

Release me Lord
From the ignorance of bigotry

Release me Lord
From the pains of history

Release me Lord
From the darkened mystery

Release me Lord
From the dogs of war

Release me Lord
From the hungry and poor

Release me Lord
From the demons that blind

Release me Lord
From the heathens that hide

Release me Lord
From the frailties of my body

Release me Lord
From my mind often cloudy

Release me Lord
So my spirit can be free

Release me Lord
So it is You I can see

© B.A.S. 2-18-08
Luke chapter 11
b{…:…

The Mound on the Bay

Dear Vyoyon, 7/3/96

I hope everything is going well for you. I heard a few weeks ago your procedure went well. I hope it continues well.
Can’t say I’ve set the world on fire down here, but I’m making some headway and I continue to make steady progress.
I enjoyed our brief conversation in Orlando and it was great you seemed to have a good time. I was looking forward to taking you fishing, perhaps another time when you are in the area.
As I write this I’m watching Dances With Wolves. I’ve seen parts of it and honestly can’t remember how it ends. I hope it has a good ending but somehow I get the feeling it doesn’t.
I dug out the story I told you I wrote, I thought you might enjoy it:

The Mound On The Bay 4/3/91
There was a mound on the bay
A sacred holy place the elders would say.
Over countless years souls were buried there
Their bodies and possessions placed there with great care.
Trinkets and tokens to help with the journey
As if to help, a spiritual gurney.
Centuries past the mound grew higher.
The sacred light burned all the brighter.

The mound on the bay was a peaceful place.
The moon would gleam in just the right space.
The blue-green water would glisten
The wind would call, you had to listen.
The deep blue sky alive with flight
Made it all the more a magical sight.

From hundreds of miles the worshipers came
Never again would their lives be the same.
Their lives a tradition of earthly cultures
They worshipped nature, but hated the vultures.
Raptors of the dead and spirit snatchers
Their nests, evil spirit hatchers.
The vultures, it was believed , would fly on high
Circling and intercepting the sprits rise to the sky.
Once accomplished they would swoop down
And feast upon the remains that could be found.

Few things could keep the vultures away
A buried and scented body, they couldn’t see it that way
Nor would the death be carried on the wind.
These steps however, still did not protect the spirit bend.
The spirit bend was the souls dance through the sky
With little or no protection from vultures on high.
Unless, the burial took place with eagles near by.
This alone would make the vultures scatter
Especially when they heard the eagles cry.

The mound people, deep in tradition,
Believed whatever the elders would say.

And the elders believed in important burials
Of chiefs, holy men, great warriors and hunters
Only when the eagles came to the bay.
Circling the heavens, protecting the good spirits
Occasionally screeching and diving, the elders loved to hear it.
And the vultures were nowhere to be found
Ensuring safe passage of the spirit to the Great Round.

Now as time went on times would change
The mound people, like the buffalo, lost their range.
The great mound stood dormant
No longer heavens door mat.

Not much later the mound was leveled
So new men could build, with machines they shoveled.
All flattened, no longer was the mound on the bay.
The living who knew, would for new spirits pray.
The bay waters now a dark concoction
Stained with the colors of growth and production.
The eagles and other creatures all gone and forgotten
Except for the vultures, all else is rotten.

A convention center now stands
Where once thousands held hands
Strange to think two things remain
And two things are gone, along with the Indians rein.
No longer is the mound, or the eagles cry
Still the gathering of people, still the vultures on high,
Feasting on spirits as they pass by.
So when you see the vultures circling downtown Tampa Bay
Think of what the mound elders would say.

Perhaps they would take solace in knowing
The new men’s spirits in heaven
Will never be showing.
(c) Bryan A. Stross 1991

Well the bad guys have captured the Lieutenant. They’ve killed his horse and his wolf. I hope the Tribe can rescue him. As we talked in Orlando it would’ve been superb to enjoy the good things about those times. Such a simple life turned complex over time. You know it was interesting you mentioning the vultures and the eagles while we were talking. When I wrote this I really didn’t know it had some real meaning. I remember reading a story in the newspaper about the remains of a mound they found near Tampa. I was in a creative writing course in college and the story just kind of rolled off as I wrote it.
The vultures really are there, and so is the convention center. I later learned that many mounds once existed in the area.
Well I don’t think I’ve ever wrote such a long letter (even if most of it was written 5 years ago).
I wish you all the best, continued success, and good health. Write or call me anytime. Thanks for giving me the incentive to remember “The Mound”, I hope you enjoyed it, keep in touch.
Many Eagles.

Your friend: Bryan
3695 Winkler Ave.
Ft. Myers, Fla. 33916

...:}...

Poohs' Bees

Did you know that my buddy Winnie the Pooh has a health problem?
He does and it is a condition unknown to his kind to cure.

Bears as you know love honey. It is an important part of their diet.
They can survive without it, but it is a delicacy they crave that has benefits to them they do not know of. They just know they like it and will do sometimes unbelievable things to get it.

Today we have a problem with our honey bees. This has been well documented on CNN and the nature channels. It is a condition that has been brewing for some time but in the last couple years has really become a serious problem.

You may not think the simple honey bee is of any consequence to you, but you could not be more wrong. Our food supply is dependant on a simple bee to complete the cycle. You can have the best soil, seed and substance but without pollination you have nothing.
Our agricultural industry depends on bees to pollinate the crops and keep the cycle of life continuing thru the seasons.

Whole businesses are set up to breed, mature, rent and deliver 1000’s of bee hives to farmers who depend on them to generate the required pollination to have thriving crops.
If the bees do not pollinate, the crops do not grow. Over the past couple years there has been a dramatic turn in the health of these hives. The bees are sick and the hives abandoned and left barren as the bees die off. Not only is this a problem for the farmers who depend on the bees, but the business of bee hive growing and renting is suffering as well. Many of these businesses have gone out of business or are so deep in debt trying to recover from the losses they see no good way out.

Science believes this may be some sort of parasite or other disease. This is a part of the problem but not the root of the problem. I recently went to Northern Alabama to see the EWTN studios and shrine. I spent a couple days there. The shrine is about 45 minutes from the studios. On one of my trips between the two I took the back roads and ran across a sign that said “Homegrown Honey For Sale”. I turned into this rustic two story farm house and waited as the owner helped another customer. After a few moments she left and the owner who was an elderly man and I sparked up a conversation that lasted at least a half hour.

We spoke about a lot of things, but we spent a good amount of time talking about this bee hive deterioration problem. This man has no such problem with his bees and hives. He knows the life cycle of the bee, its’ patterns, its’ likes and dislikes, it is his business and he knows it very well. What came out of this conversation was a microcosm of our world today. You see the problem with the bees is they are over breed, over transported, over worked and over stressed. This man told me that bees require rest. They rest during the night. Coming home to the hive at dusk and resting until dawn when they start their day.

The bee hive industry like a lot of our industries today is stressed with the want to do more, make more, and earn more. By this creed they often transport these hives in the early evening and mornings. The problem with this is the bees are disturbed from their rest and once delivered are confused and tired and don’t want to do the work nature has granted them with. In addition to this the bee hives are constantly moved to new sites adding to their confusion and interruption of rest. This makes the bee’s weak and more suspect and subject to the disease and parasites science suspects. But the root of the problem is this over stressed life cycle the typical worker bee is suffering from.

Bees are hard and loyal workers. When the workers are stressed the rest of the hive hierarchy suffers as well. When the leaders grow weary the hive goes into a quick and painful demise. One that may seem like a disease or parasite, but is actually borne from our own quest to make more for ourselves regardless of the outcome to the world around us and that in nature that share it with us.

This is a serious problem. If we don’t get the bees healthy we may very well see our domestic food supplies dwindle dramatically. If this happens we will be more dependant on imported food. Less domestic food supplies and imported food means much higher prices at the grocery store which none of us need right now.

Nature works in mysterious ways too. In life’s cycle every little cog forms the gears that turn the wheel. If one cog breaks the gears will still turn but not for long as more cogs will break from the stress of the load and eventually the gears give way and the wheel stops its’ turn.

Let’s not break any more cogs; our gears are stressed to the hilt already. We need to gear down, slow down, look at our actions, analyze or problems and set out on a new course of repair and reconciliation. Study the life of the honey bee and how it relates to our well being as a nation. It is a simple thing that has complex issues related to it.

Hopefully the bee industry can learn from this excess at the sake of the bee and get healthy again. It is critical this happens. The food supplies and diversity we have enjoyed for generations will be gone…just like the honey bee and its’ hive.

In the meantime Winnie sends his love and hopes you hear this message. He really misses his daily batch of honey…even if it upsets a few farmers.

Take care and be wise in your use of nature in your daily businesses. If exploited nature will turn on you and make your world a miserable place to try and live.

By the way, the honey I bought at the farm house in Alabama was the best I have ever had. Thank you sir for sharing your honey, your story and your advice with me.

In His service:
© Bryan A. Stross
March 25, 2008 10:30 am EST

Stampede of Love

Dedicated to a power higher than we as mortals can provide….alone. ✨✝️🕊

"STAMPEDE OF LOVE"

A storm is brewing, a battle cries
Good versus evil, Truth versus lies
Two armies, one Holy 12 of 12
The other beastly 6 of 6 times 6.
Which side you decide, the hour is near
And the outcome some will surely fear.
If you choose unwise, you’ll be trampled

(chorus)
Trampled til you die, yea that’s trampled
Trampled by the power of its’ battle cry
Yea, trampled underfoot by a stampede of love.
That’s trampled, by the power of a dove.
Trampled under foot by a stampede…..of love.

Reflect the past, cherish memory
Remember your heart, your history
Pain and punishment deliver pride
Simple promise holds the most purpose
And all things will be as they should be
Great mystery revealed to see
If you are blinded you’ll be trampled

(chorus)
Trampled til you die, yea that’s trampled
Trampled by the power of its’ battle cry
Yea, trampled underfoot by a stampede of love.
That’s trampled, by the power of a dove.
Trampled under foot by a stampede…..of love.

Death does come, life goes on, wars will rage
But love will conquer in any new age
Vanquishing those who spit in its’ face
Forever putting hate in its’ place
For in battle the loudest cry wins
And loves cry rides on the surf and wind
If you don’t hear it you’ll be trampled

(chorus)
Trampled til you die, yea that’s trampled
Trampled by the power of its’ battle cry
Yea, trampled underfoot by a stampede of love.
That’s trampled, by the power of a dove.
Trampled under foot by a stampede…..of love.

So off we go now, unknown spirits
To do loves will, and bring it all down
Like scattered dust to the heavens
The oceans brought us here again
Hearing loves battle cry loud and long
It will drown out any other song
If you don’t sing it you’ll be trampled

(chorus)
Trampled til you die, yea that’s trampled
Trampled by the power of its’ battle cry
Yea, trampled underfoot by a stampede of love.
That’s trampled, by the power of a dove.
Trampled under foot by a stampede…..of love.

Bryan A. Stross 7/31/05

Repost with edits 4/6/2023 4AM EST

Reflections:

Book of Revelations Chapters 6,14 & 16

Romans Chapter Eight  ❤️‍🩹🌼🐝

A Daily Prayer

Lord, can you please hear my prayer now?  It’s not for me for You to show.

But these earthly souls need to know.  How Your Love makes a heart glow.

Lord my knees are on dirty soil.  For this world is in such turmoil.

That it makes my mind, as if oil.  And in my haste, it starts to boil.

Lord for this world I to you pray.  That thru Your Blessing I can say.

Many others with their soul pay.  To understand the lifelong fray.

Lord, can you hear my prayer now?  It’s not for me I hope to show.

For others a gentle wind blow.  Relax, a peaceful stream to flow.

Lord, I am Yours for the taking.  Guide me, my heart not forsaking.

I see others who are faking.  Their souls one day will be baking.

Lord, hear my prayer in due time.  Cast out all this unwanted crime.

I know this is only a rhyme.  In Your Glory it hopes to shine. 

Lord, can You hear their prayers now?  It’s not for us for You to show.

Your peaceful wind and gentle flow.  To souls who don’t know Your glow.

Lord, why is there such awful pain?  Their hearts cry every time it rains.

Some live life with a weak vein.  Only thru You can their strength gain.

Lord, let us live on Your mountain. Shower us with Your Love Fountain.

These words Your Promise has spoken.  Faith waits, the final seals to be broken.

August 17th & 26th, 2005 …:} May 14th, 2008...October 14th, 2023, 7:00 AM 🐝

Post Edit: Prayer comes in many forms & fashions.  It’s not the ways & means that matter, but rather the sincerity & the faith.  You must stay grounded in your faith.  When all else is down & out it is what will raise you up & bring you back in.  I pray you find peace in all you do, for then Love will surely follow. ✨✝️🕊️

                                            

  Psalm 24. 🙏🇮🇱🙏🇺🇸🙏⛲️🙏🐚✝️

Grey Hawk

I saw a bird the other day.  Long and sleek with wings of an alabaster color.  He flew on high, not a care on his mind.  Sometimes he glided on the wind currents, other times he beat his wings in a flurry.  This bird was not very big, perhaps three feet or so.  With a wing span of a bit more to match.  He was a beautiful creature to see. I wish I could fly in the clouds.  How cool, so long as you don’t get too close to the sun. 

Now as I watched this bird, he continued to circle above me.  And as I noticed, he was getting closer and closer.  So I thought I’d take a seat on a big log & watch some more.  Much to my surprise he circled the heavens & landed at the far end of the fallen tree.  He looked at me, and I at him &  for about a seven second span of time I felt connected to him and he shared his vision of flight with me, although very short it was.

 No I did not fly, but he shared with me the feeling of soaring the heavens and diving thru the clouds.  So I shared with him the feeling like to be a fish under water.  No I am not a fish, but I do scuba dive.  So the bird was grateful, and so was I. 

After our short sharing he left me his name.  His name was Grey Hawk and he was master of his domain.  To this day I look to the heavens and dream I could fly.  My wish has yet to come true.  But to Grey Hawk I will always be grateful, for making my dream a bit closer to reality, a seemingly realistic fantasy.

 …:}… December 2007…First book of John 🦅

HOW ?

Lord and Master:
How can we follow our dreams when we are distracted by nightmares?
How can we be humble when our wrath leaps from our hearts?
How can we walk in Your ways when no path is clear?
How can we speak to those who do not want to hear?
How can we make them see that are blind?
How can we soar the heights when we are brought low by storms?
How can we bless those who do not want Your blessings?
How can we persevere under such persecution?
How Lord? …. How Master?

“It is simple my son….put your faith in Me…
And all else will be delivered.”

Thank you Lord…You always have my faith
And I trust in Your deliverance.

First 2/1/08
Last 5/9/08
© BAS …:}…
12:24 PM EST
Always remember and never forget that Déjà Vu doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve been there before…but rather that you have dreamed it before.

Take Care and All So Easy…..
2nd Epistle of Peter Chapter 3

Too Many ?'s

I’ve searched for the truth and only found the lies of the past.
Why do some people only live to hate?
Why do some people die when it is not their fate?
Why can’t we live to work together?
Why do we die without knowing the answer?
Why can’t we all live as one?
Why do we die so alone?
When will the world be in peace?
Is there peace anywhere in outer space?
Who decided we have to have so many different beliefs?
When will we all have the same truths?
Why do the guilty live in luxury?
Why do the innocent pay with misery?
Why do some people have twisted minds?
Why do some have the ability to expand their dreams into reality?
I’ve searched for the truth and only found the hope of the future.

© BAS …:}…

Selling Your Worth....

Body sore with yesterdays grind
Heart broken with memories left behind
Thoughts scattered, a tormented mind
Soul confident in glory of the simplest kind
Nightmares often show what next to find
Hands scarred from the copper twine
Muscles ache from time in the mine
Burden heavy like a fattened swine
Spirit uplifted by the gifts of time
Dreams tell me what next to rhyme

I was hungry and sold eggs to a chicken farmer

The size of your customer base is not as important,
as the relationships you have with your customers.

I’d rather have five good customers who give me several referrals
Than 15 customers who only call when they need something fixed.

I was thirsty and sold water at the Hoover Dam

What’s better my 5 customers who witnessed for me to 10 others
Or 15 customers who want everything fixed under warranty.

Do good work at a fair price and your reward will be greater
Than if you do shoddy work at an inflated price.

Selling is like magic, it just happens.
I was barefoot and sold shoes to a shoe salesman.
I was walking and sold a new car to a used car salesman.

We walk together lonely thru a life with many turns
Some on worn out dusty roads, others in shiny new Rolls
But we all travel lost…. until we’re found.

What would a fortune teller tell if the future was already here?
What would a prophet prophesize if tomorrows news was yesterdays passage?
What good is a magician when everyone knows your tricks?
Strive to be a little different, something unique, as we all are.
The world is full of normalcy, what we need is more real fantasy.

© BAS …:}… May 9th, 2008

Why Is There Air ?

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, and try again; just learn from your mistakes and don’t make the same ones over and over again.
Two heads are only better than one if they are attached to the same neck. Three heads are better than two, but not as good as a grouping of four. You can only have five of the same head, if there are wild cards in the deck.

The meek shall inherit the earth, and the rich will pay for it.

If I asked you to decide your strategy for a race and said you can go fast in the curves and slow on the straights, or fast on the straights and slow on the curves what would you decide? Logical thinking and gravity would have you go fast on straights and slow on curves. But my illogical mind has chosen the opposite of you….why? I chose to go slow on the straights and fast on the curves because I left you without an important piece of information. If you’re going to race on a track you’ve never seen before, wouldn’t you need to see it first to choose your strategy? Of course you would, you see I’ve seen the track and it does not have straights, it is a constant circle, nothing but curves. So if I go faster than you in the curves, it doesn’t matter that you go faster than me in the straights, because there are none on this track. We just keep going round and round and round and round again til we get dizzy and make a pit stop.

If clouds hold rain, what holds the clouds?

Why is there air? So it can hold up the clouds.

If at first you succeed, pass on what you learned to others.
The world will be a better place with more achieving and less mistaking.

I met a fair haired lady; she spoke of dreams gone by. I asked her for her reason and this she replied. Dear Sir, I have lost hope in my dreams because I have given up my dreams in search of hope. I then realized she had put her hopes ahead of her dreams. I then asked her of what hope could ever outweigh your dreams. She said, at one point in my life they were the same. Then I had children and their dreams became my hopes. I can only share their dreams, they belong to them, and I live now in the hope their dreams will come true. To this I said, Dear Lady, do you not understand that you have not given up on your dreams, you have acquired new ones. Your hopes and your dreams are still one in the same. Your personal dreams may or may not always come true, but by sharing in your children’s dreams you have increased your chances of a good nights sleep. At this point I think she fell asleep. But she must have been having a nice dream…..There was a smile on her face, and her skin had a soft gentle like glow. Her mind must have taken her to that special place, where hope springs eternal, and all our dreams come true.

Sweet Dreams and a Peaceful Nights.

Life is 50% Instinct...the other 50% is having the balls to trust them....even when it hurts.

From the Past...

The questions depend on whether your actions were of soul or spirit.

So how do you plead?
Was it a crime of passion?
Your answer may make you bleed.
Or was it money you fashioned?
Did you feel a mystical vision,
That made you do this deed?
What was your motive for this mission?
Were you answering an ancient creed?
Did you have dreams of a huge mansion?
Was it for love of money and greed
That made this happen?
Was it your stomach you were trying to feed?
Were you looking for a comfortable place to crash in?
Some rumor in your head planted a seed,
That his head you had to smash in.
The guilt you had hidden and you fleed.

The answers depend on whether this crime
Was of heart, or of the mind.

7/24/06 4AM

These eyes have seen many pains, but isn’t that how the heart gains?
Don’t let your mind play tricks on you; I’ve fooled myself oh to many times.
Even if you feel special, stay humble.
It is better to be a lost love, than to have never known love to lose.
Many defeats are forgotten, with one sweet victory.
See yourself as you believe you are, not how others would have you believe you are.
The world is full of clowns, stay away from the ones who always wear a frown.
Don’t let that fleeting magic spoil a mystical moment, instead capture it, cherish it, remember it and tell someone about it.
Even in your darkest moments there is a light to be found, sometimes it’s right in front of you, but often you need to turn and look behind you.
If you could see into the future would you change your actions?
If you could relive the past would you change your reactions?
The road less traveled may end in ruin, but in today’s world that’s not likely to happen because the road least traveled begins with ruin.
Thoughts to ponder from somewhere yonder.
Don’t let your heart sink for it is your soul that will keep you afloat.
When you wake in the middle of the night at 4 AM let your thoughts play out for it is your dreams that are speaking.
Ever have a tune in your head you just couldn’t get out? Then you realize you’ve never heard that song before.
Ever thrown an empty net into a calm body of water? Sometimes you bring in mud and sometimes you bring in treasure, but safe to say your chances are better than fishing in rough waters.
What separates man from beast is the ability to separate the chaff from the wheat.
What separates beast from man is the ability to never give up even when you can.
To know God is to know yourself. To know yourself is the greatest living gift from God.
If you’re hunting and you’re surrounded by your prey, maybe you should relax and enjoy them as they pray. For to hunt the lone trophy is better than to spoil the herd. You may never see such a wonderful sight again. Why spoil it with blood stains of pain. A little meat you may gain, but the moment will be lost forever.
Be thoughtful with your charity, rich and poor are separated by the least amount of parity.
A mans tools are his desires.
To steal another mans desires makes you the greatest of fools.
Be careful what you wish for, if it is selfish it will never ever be cared for.
Don’t let your heart play tricks on you, your soul knows better.
Don’t let your eyes deceive you, your ears have heard the truth already.
Don’t let your sense of touch misguide you, your nose knows stench when it smells it.
Be careful with your wisdom, it may lead to a false kingdom.
Be honest with yourself, you’ll never be able to believe your own lies.
In a lake full of small fish there’s only one worth catching, and it’s the big one.
Law says you can’t keep the small ones, but the big one will feed many.
If we travel the same road do we end up in the same place? Maybe, but it will never be at the same time.

(c) BAS

Cry for Salvation

Where do you go when life casts you out?
What do you do when strife has overwhelmed your days?
Who do you run to when all hell is crashing around you?

When life is good, you feel you don’t need a savior.
When life is bad, you cry out for salvation.

I say when life is good, you should cry all the louder.
For the salvation you don’t need today,
May someday soon… be most needed.

Why not sing Gods' Graces in the good times
So the bad times stay behind you.

For a strong and righteous spirit dispels the wicked,
Heals the sick, comforts the lonely, sorts the confusion
And uplifts souls in and about and all around.

B.A.S.