Answered Prayers

 Prayers...what do you pray for, or do you even pray & if so, what & who do you pray to?

My prayers are generally not for myself or others independent needs...I tend to pray for the entirety of mankind & this planet...knowing if I do so...the rest will all fall into place... as it is destined to.

However, there are times when we all reach out for guidance, for help, for Devine intervention, for some force to make things better.  As prayers go mine are most often for others, but I've had my moments as we all have.  When you feel cornered, when you feel weak & sick or know someone who is...you say your prayers & if you walk in Faith, you know it is now in the hands of God.

So, have any of your prayers ever been answered?  Think carefully & do not take a manipulated outcome as not being an answered prayer.  Look back, how did this situation play out in the long run?  Yes, you may not have had an immediate answer...but how did it play out over the years?

Have you ever had a prayer answered immediately?  Like within minutes of saying the prayer & reaching for that hand of guidance & well-being.  I know people who have...& I am one of many who have, more than once.

Here is just one very recent example of an answered prayer:

In December of 2022 I was in the process of trying to relocate after my mother's passing.  I had a cat, Roxy, that I had had for some seven years.  He was my only pet, and we were of course very attached.  I found myself without a home, I was living at hotels & such, and he was with me.  My sister offered to put me up until I got things sorted out with employment & an apartment...but Roxy was a problem.  For various reasons, which I fully understood, Roxy had to find a new home while my life got sorted out.

I remember this like this morning...I had my belongings in storage, Roxy & I were in my vehicle...he didn't like to travel much & I think he sensed something was up as I was obviously torn with this decision.  My sister had called various shelters & none were taking cats.  She also put a message on Next-Door with a picture of him.  It was around 10 AM & I was leaving the storage area with Roxy in his carrier next to me on the passenger side.

My sister calls and tells me the Humane Society called and they had a spot for Roxy.  I was in tears.  I could not let my buddy go to a shelter not knowing his eventual outcome.  But I also needed to start my life over & staying at my sisters seemed the best for me.  

Needless to say, I was even more torn now.  I pulled over in a secluded spot & Roxy & I had a talk...then I talked to God.

My prayer was simple...Lord don't let this be...don't let this end this way.

I dried my tears...sucked up my emotions...& sat there pretty much deciding I would live in my car before I would turn Roxy over to a shelter.  I started the vehicle and started to drive off pretty much in a daze...then the phone rang again.

It was my sister...she was very excited & happiness was in her voice.  She said she just got a call from her Next-Door message...someone wanted to adopt Roxy & he lived just a few miles from my sister.  I had to pull over again...& thank the Lord for answering my simple prayer...in less than five minutes.

We took Roxy over to Richard's house a couple hours later.  Richard had just had his cat pass on & he said when he seen Roxy's picture on Next-Door, he had to make the call...& I am so glad he did.

It took several weeks for Roxy to take to Richard, that's just a shy cat being a shy cat & now they are best buddies & Roxy takes to him like he did me for those years we were together.  Thank you, Richard, for being there in Roxy's & my time of need.

And thank God for answering prayers.  AMEN.

Book of James 1: 5-7 & Matthew 6: 5-13

A Mother’s Memory

My mother passed on this past November, on Veterans Day, 2022.  She had ALS and as a family we were prepared for the eventual.  But we were not prepared for the amount of family history my mother had maintained in various filing cabinets & boxes stored in a couple closets.

My mother was not a hoarder, she was an organized heirloom & records keeper, there's a difference.  We found checks dating back to 1937 from my grandfather's various businesses.  She had every one of her cancelled check books dating back to the 1970's, in date & number order.  My mother was obsessed with record keeping and organization, but from an accountant's perspective, before there were computers.  So again, it was a bit of a surprise to see all this after her passing, but it was a find of another kind that I was most humbled by & it led to a special moment I had with her...the week of her passing.

My mother lived in the same house for the past 42 years.  It was a nice ranch style house on an oversized lot.  Much of 2022 I was her nighttime caretaker, staying in the guest bedroom.  We had lots of time to share & I read some of my poems & stories to her.  I would bring my blue tooth speaker in her room sometimes and play some classic rock & yes of course I played a bit of harmonica for her.

In the 1960's while many around my mother's age enjoyed a social revolution, she was raising two children as a single mom.  She often worked two or more jobs to afford my sister & I a stable suburban life.  Without a father, I lacked the direction & discipline I needed to keep me straight. Gradually, as I became more undisciplined, I think she seen the writing on the wall...that her son would end up suffering thru life, unless she did something.  

She married a border line working alcoholic, an executive, a rich man, an ex-marine, a golden gloves boxer, a Catholic on Sunday & not so much the rest of the week...but he brought the discipline she felt I needed. 

From a young age my mother knew I liked rock & roll.  In the early 70's when she remarried & we relocated, she made sure my new keyboard instructor had a rock & roll flair.  Yeah, he had long hair & smoked cigarettes and played in a band.  My stepfather at the time couldn't stand him, but my mother adored him.  Pictured is the song book I used in those days that I found in the closet the week she passed.  It certainly has memories, but not the kind I cherished & that she salvaged for me.

From those early days living outside Milwaukee in my early teens my joy for music was first kindled.  Yes, I was not a model kid...but I wasn't totally unprincipled.  I was reserved & observed the busy world around me with memories of my grandparents' peaceful & unhurried farm.  I was introduced to rock & roll and had a friend whose older brother would take us to concerts.  I had a paper route & my mom would kick in a bit to allow me to afford tickets.  It was these memories I cherished most as concerts brought me to a world...I could immerse myself in & dream about.  The amplified sound & pulsing lights encouraged a shy & lonely boy to come out of his shell...if only for short times.

My spirit knew what I needed in my early teens & it wasn't a less than caring stepfather.  My rebellious decline continued & at age 14 or so, I spent a year at Rawhide Boys Ranch in New London, Wisconsin.  It was the best thing ever for me at that time of my life. 

I guess it was around 1974-1976 when many of the classic rock bands of the 70's & 80's were starting to come onto the music scene.  I saved most of my concert ticket stubs.  I had them in a little plastic case in my dresser.  My stint at the boy's home over, I was 15 now and we lived in the Tampa, Florida area, my stepfather having been demoted & transferred for his own transgressions.  I of course started back at high school and for over a year made a go at starting over, but something was missing.  I found myself again associating with the wrong crowd.  I did go to a couple more concerts, but eventually left home at 16...hitting the open road with a small suitcase, less than $50 & a boat load of frustration of the present, but dreams of a better future...it was 1977.

Obviously I couldn't take all my meager possessions, I took some clothes & such, but memories had to stay...& that included my cherished concert ticket stub case.  I left it in the top drawer of my dresser with other items, as I started my life's journey...a journey that came full circle forty six years later, November 9th, 2022, a couple days before my mother passed on...to be with her own special memories.

The week my mother passed we saw a drastic decline in her health.  The ALS was affecting her ability to breath now and we knew that was not good.  In the room I stayed half the closet had boxes covered with quilts my mother had made.  I never looked thru them, they were neatly in that back side area of the closet, but in that couple days before she passed, I got curious & instincts kicked in, or maybe it was something else.  Two nights before she passed I went thru that closet...& one of the most emotional moments ever in my life unfolded, at the top of an old card board box, in a dark & lonely closet.

There in the far back, the last box & it was labeled music.  I pulled it out, opened it up and there it was...my concert ticket stub case from forty six years ago.  I can't justly explain my emotions in words...but yes tears were definitely involved.  You see not only were the ticket stubs there, but also memories from my stay at Rawhide Boy's Ranch where I first heard about the life of Jesus and accepted Him in my life & spirit.  

My mother had saved some of the most important memories of my childhood, the concert stubs.  But she saved a much more important part of me that was missing for most of my early life....Faith & Salvation in the Words & Ways of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.  I was baptized a nondenominational Christian while I was at Rawhide, in the offsite Church proper by a pastor who was an ex-gang member.  A few months later we had a retreat to the Wisconsin Dells where I partook in witnessing to others...a true rapturing of your life & spirit.  

This picture is the cases contents...the concerts include:

Stephen Stills, Robin Trower, Jeff Beck, Queen, Uriah Heep, Blue Oyster Cult, Styx, Doobie Brothers, Barry McGuire, Dave Major, Yes, Bob Seger, Marshall Tucker, Rolling Stones, Eagles & of course REO Speedwagon.  I remember seeing Kansas, Supertramp & Jethro Tull during this time, probably as secondary bands to the head liners back then.  A pretty well-rounded mix of classic rock & roll now, & having these old stubs from many of these bands early beginnings is pretty cool, tangible proof I was there when classic rock was in its infancy and to help the memories.

There is also a picture of my grand parents, my mother at 36 years old, my old retainer & money clip as well as a picture of Jesus with "Footprints in the Sand" on the back, Campus Crusades 40 page pamphlet "Journey into the Known" by Anre Kole (where he sheds light on 27 signs of Christ's Second Coming) a Crucifix and a fragile glass double heart necklace & earring set that must have had some significance to be in my concert stub box.

The night I found this box my mother was still awake.  I went into her room with tears in my eyes & showed it to her.  She knew what it was, never told me she had it & now after all these years she knew it was special to me.  My mother also knew that if I found this...I had found her other "mementos" she had stashed in the back bedroom closet as well.  I sensed a calming come over her as she looked at me and shared words only meant for me...she passed less than two days later, knowing her treasures were safe.  

Memories...we all have them...kinda nice when they come back for a visit.  Thanks Mom. 

Love You Always. 🐝

 

The Force of Music

 Noise...perhaps the biggest distraction to our minds, besides our sight, but even then, we close our eyes in pain when the noise is too loud.  Noise however can be harmonized to add to our mind set.  Percussion alone is often just that...noise.  However, when blended together with added musical instruments a distraction properly balanced...becomes soothing to our soul.  When noise is harmonized & rhythmic, we call it music, add in a lyrical message & your musical choices today are endless.

But this wasn't always the case.  The myriad of acoustic & electric instruments we have today was limited generations ago.  Instruments were string, wind or percussion without electric enhancement.  Even further back simple things like hollow logs, seashells, & of course our own hands & mouths were the first noise makers we harnessed in harmonies that soothed our minds and stirred our spirits.

None of us were there to know, but basic logic tells us how music got its start.  A clap of hands, a whistle from our mouths, a succession of grunts or just banging two rocks together.  Picture yourself in the wilderness.   Thru your years you have heard the birds sing & the eagles call, so it is only natural to think at some point, the first whistling sound was made by pursing our lips or rolling our tongues.  

From there mankind embarked on a musical journey that includes not only basic & complex sounds…but our own thoughts & words to enhance our beliefs, send a message & impact lives around us.  In Biblical context music has its roots all the way back to Genesis Chapter 4:21 where Lamech & Adah's son Jubal is referenced as the first musician, inventor of the harp & flute.    

 

The force of music in our world cannot be denied.  We see it today in the head banging metal noise & the words of hate in some songs.  Music can be compromised & corrupted just as anything in our lives can be.  But a natural force that was created first from love & harmony has roots too deep for death & destruction.  The devil infiltrates all aspects and walks of this life...music is no different.

But the true force of music does not reside in the deceitful world of the damned...no, it resides on the whispers of the wind, whispers that are often so loud...they cause forts to crumble to the ground.  Such was the case generations ago & it is documented in numerous accounts, even though the devil's deceptions would have you believe otherwise.    

Jericho, a spring fed paradise surrounded by desert, one of the first cities in the world historically established over 10,000 years ago, with fortified walls dating back over 8,000 years.  These walls and early architecture provided a foundation for future development.  Around 1400 B.C. the Israelite's, led by Joshua, marched around the city walls for seven days, carrying the Arc of the Covenant & blaring traditional musical ram horns (Joshua Chapter 6).  On the seventh day they circled the old city seven times blaring those ram horns and then...then they shouted in one accord & the walls collapsed.  This directive was given to Joshua by the "Commander of the Lord's Army" (Joshua 5: 13-15) which appears to actually be God Himself.  Today, dating archeological remains verify the cities destruction around 1400 B.C.  So, what does this have to do with music you may be asking.

Well, we all know sound can have destructive physical powers.  Sound frequencies can shatter glass, move objects across a table, hurt our ears & yes, crumble weak foundations.  Certainly, there was Devine intervention involved here, but I think the "Commander of the Lord's Army" knew a thing or two about the destructive force of noise at the right frequencies.  

That's an old school example on the force of music.  And in the last few days we've seen a much more relatable example of this force.  Jason Aldean's song "Try That in a Small Town" has brought the force of music front & center to American society.  Never mind the fact that some rap, hip hop & grunge rock songs over the years glorified severe anti-social behavior, that I'm not even going to repeat.  These verbal abuses have shifted American culture & not in a good way.  So, Mr. Aldean writes a song that visually depicts the results of this mind set.  His lyrics speak to faith, family & freedom...but the visuals have unhinged those that choose to ignore the violence depicted in the videos that captured just a small portion of the 560 plus riots that were inspired by commentary & in lyrics that remains on radio stations as well as on social & mass media today.  

The force of music...it's come full circle and the hypocrisy shown once again by certain folks in this country to bolster their own agenda (& by that I mean wallets) is on full display.  Look no further than the marxist group BLM...who raked in millions & did what with it...bought mansions for themselves. 

Rolling Stone commented that Jason’s song is somehow anti-American because it shows the divide between city & rural life.  Well, the geniuses at the Rolling Stone (which used to be a pretty good magazine years ago, now it's just a liberal rag) need look no further than the 2020 election returns to see the apparent divide that has existed for decades in the country and was exasperated in 2008.  

In my own personal life, I have many stories about the forces of music, but I'll share this with you.  Music has been a part of my life for over 50 years.  The music choices that started me on my life's journey were songs like "Golden Country" by REO Speedwagon, and "School" & "Crime of the Century" by Supertramp...these among many others is what I listened to in my early teens.  Listen to the lyrics to "Golden Country" they are prophetic as so much of the music of the 60's-80's is. 

I went to an REO concert when I was around 14 years old, mainly to hear that song.  I believe it was their encore & it was performed to perfection.  I won't spoil the song, but there's a line that goes, "you better stop your hiding, or your country will burn."  Truer words cannot be said then & now over 50 years later & threatening to cancel an artist that is bringing patriotism & truth to America, while ignoring those spouting hate & lies, is a type of hiding demonic forces deploy very well. 

The Force of Music resides all around us.  You choose what to listen to but remember the old saying...."Garbage in, equals garbage out."  That holds true in your life choices...music included.

When all else fails me in this world, I know I can always retreat to the sweet sounds of the force of music found not just on electronic airwaves...but in the airwaves blowing in the silence of the wind.

"...I will not fail you or abandon you...Be Strong and Courageous"  Joshua 1: 5-6

" I will sing a new song to you, O God!..."  Psalm of David 144: 9

May your days be filled with the essence of music that inspires your Spirit & your night's sleep comforted by the soothing harmonies of your Guardian Angels. 🪶

Bryan Stross July 21, 2023  10:10 PM  EST     

 

   

The Path

 

Where do we go from here?
So much to see, so much to do
So many issues, so many priorities

Who do you trust to share the journey?
So much to share, so much to learn
So many stories, so many works

What do you say to the deaf?
So many sounds, so many signals
What do you show the blind?
So many sights, so many wonders

We all choose our own path of destiny.
Our fate is left to choice.
Sure, there is a path
But you must clear the thatch to reveal
The boulders that stand in your way

Do not let a concealed path
Set you astray of your dreams
For if you follow your heart
Listen to your soul
Your spirit will find that path again.

And chances are this time
The path will not be so cluttered and hidden

Enjoy the journey; it’s the path you’re meant to take.

Have a safe and happy day.

In His Service:

BAS ...:}...
Proverbs Chapter 13

Handwritten: 1/16/2008 10:20 PM EST

Digital Post:  5/4/2008. 6:30 AM EST

Post Edit & Pics 6/22/2023 8AM EST 🐝

✨✝️🕊. ⌛️⚖️🇺🇸. 🦬🦅🦌. 🙏📡🏹

Framing Success

 It amazes me the money some folks spend on things today.  We’ve trended into a throw away, wasteful society that doesn’t appreciate quality materials, craftsmanship & value.

These younger folks would rather buy unassembled pressboard dressers from a big box store for $400, or an inflated priced dresser for $2000 from a designer store  instead of going to a thrift store & getting that $2000 dresser, slightly used, for $200….1/2 the price of pressboard junk & it will last for years.  It makes no sense to me.

Why buy newfangled junk you got to put together yourself, or fancy my dresser is better than your dresser dressers, instead of quality products at a reasonable or even give away price.

I can tell you why…our society has been sold on convenience & flash.  How many big box or designer store advertisements you see in a week…100’s.  How many thrift store ads you see…1 maybe.  You’re a victim of subtle mind control that you’ll never free yourself of, unless you venture out of the mass media bubble, which is really more like a narrow-barred cell.

You see in a Capitalist country you have that choice, to be controlled…or not.  In a socialist or even worse Marxist regime you will have little or no choice.

I guess that’s why those that criticize the old school Entrepreneurial Spirit of the United States do it so aggressively.  They are mad at freedom, they won’t admit it, but they want either a handout or to take everything you’ve worked so hard for. That’s socialism & Marxism in a nutshell.  I don’t need to write a book on this ridiculous argument…let history teach the ignorant, that includes you Kap.  Maybe they’ll see the light, maybe not.

So, in an effort to help the faithful & educate those on the fence I offer the following example of capitalism at work in my own personal life.

I have some unframed prints my mother had in her possession when she passed.  They are rather unique & she obviously saved them for a reason, so I went out just today on a quest for picture frames.  A web search revealed a custom frame shop, family run, within 3 miles of where I live.  Based on my budget, they suggested I try the Life Ministries Thrift shop…about 5 miles away. Going there I got these five frames PLUS the pictures for $40…that’s not a typo $40.  The fountain pic & frame was worth that to me.  They are all wood, matted & glassed. Frame quest complete.

But I just moved into a new place four months ago & am always looking for a bargain.  I have been to the mall a dozen times to get coffee at a locally owned shop there.  I like to watch people & their interactions, so the mall is a good place to see all walks of this life.  I also see all kinds of ridiculously priced items…a $600 pair of Crocs gets the prize for biggest losing investment someone could make.

It is no secret if you read parts of this blog that I was diagnosed bi-polar years ago.  Most of my “episodes” involved heightened activity levels…including buying sprees of illogical intent.  So, I offer to my doubters, (which at times includes family) if I was on a “manic” high, I would’ve surely bought something during all those recent mall visits besides just coffee.  Nope, nada, ain’t gonna do it…it’s my choice not to, there’s nothing there I can’t get for less somewhere else.  Yes, you pay for the convenience of all those stores under one roof.  I’ve spent $1000’s on frivolous unneeded items, that felt good & right at the time, but left me empty & broke at the end.  I’ve also spent $100’s of dollars where I could have spent $10.

This picture is $20 worth of items I got at the thrift store as well.  Look closely that’s two Norman Rockwell mini plates with wall hangers, an owl figurine by Andrea, a Hallmark hummingbird ornament, a painted lighthouse plate (my bathroom is a lighthouse theme), a genuine German beer mug with a pewter lid (to add to my collection) & a honeybee cutting board.  I saw a similar Andrea owl at the mall for $50 by itself.  My guess, I got about $300 at retail for $20 at the thrift store.  Capitalism.

And there’s two things I left out…by buying at the thrift store I support a local Christian effort & I bring new life into items others may discard.  

I spent $60 at the thrift store, got receipts & found my frames.  I think I’ll leave the pics as they are for now…after all the prints I took to the frame shop are rolled paper prints, hard to flatten & frame & really nothing special.

Be smart, shop smart, get out of your convenience zone, you never know what you might find.  Like this picture of one of my favorite finds of the day.  It is a Zena hand painted plate of a harbor & boy waiting to go fishing...it even has raised acrylics in a few places.  It’s worth the $60 I spent on all this by itself, it was with the items I got for $20…I just didn’t have it in the picture frame.

The Lord works in mysterious ways it is said…but it’s only a mystery to those that have a lack of Faith.  The devil, no matter what form, fashion or folly he pretends, works in mischievous ways to deceive you.  To have you spend money needlessly; to satisfy your wants at the expense of your true needs…the result…a society living beyond its means, a plastic fasad.  With its own dire consequence of interest-bearing debt.

I’ve gone into thrift stores before with $3 in my pocket just to see what I could score.  As I was getting the frames, I knew I had about a $40 purchase.  With my Veterans discount I figured I’d have a few dollars change out of my 2-twenties.  So, I walked over to the book section as several on site witnesses will tell you…I walked straight to the book pictured below, as if I knew it was there.

I didn’t know it was there, but I was guided there.  Out of the $60 & change I spent, all the materialistic things are a great value & nice to look at…but this $2 book, that records Spiritual history will provide good reading & knowledge beyond what physical treasures hold.  

I carry a Billy Graham prayer card in my slim wallet.  I got it in Charlotte years ago when I visited his library & museum.  It is a prayer card of Salvation.  It is the same prayer at the end of this book that has 101 personal stories from just some of the people Billy knew.  There is an account on page 104 from Charlie Daniels…it is a great testimonial to Billy where he says “…I cannot name a public figure I respect more than Mr. Graham.” 

That is a role model to follow & even though we come from different worlds & have a different approach in delivering the Lord’s message…the message is consistent.  A message to frame your life in Faith & bring Salvation to searching souls. ✨✝️🕊. 🐝🇺🇸

6/21/2023 10:10 PM EST (the longest day) 🙏⛲️

A Strong Foundation

This picture is of some of my reference books & some display art. But it is more than that, it represents untold hours of casual reading & study.  I have documented on this blog & witnessed to others in person, how I often read my Bibles.  I generally pick it up, ask the Lord for direction, guidance & understanding…shut my eyes, thumb the sides, open it & start reading.  I often do the same with these reference books…& it goes without saying…but I will…I learn something every time.

Now that the festivities of Father's Day & Juneteenth are over, I thought I’d share some thoughts on a real National Holiday…& one that was made up to appease a loud & delusional crowd & needs to just go away.  What??? Does that offend you??? Well before passing guilty judgements on an innocent man…hear me & many others out.

Father's Day, a minor holiday falling on a Sunday.  A day of family, fun, forgetting the rough times & remembering fond memories of the good times.  A three-day weekend not needed…but having a father in the house would be nice.

Juneteenth, a recently created holiday falling around the same time.  A day of remembering bad times, that nobody alive today experienced.  Although some may “celebrate” this day & try to have positive thoughts, the root core of this festivity is supplanted in our subconscious & it is one that should be remembered, but not relived.  Because of the negative memories, memories now passed on by word, print or video, we learn from…or some are continually outraged over.  Memories of slavery that are no different than 100’s of other enslaved nationalities past & present in this world.  Why are you so special you need a day off?

Slavery is a horrific tragedy in our current right now today world.  I’m willing to bet there’s large municipalities in this country that spent more on “celebrating” their current “pride” & past prejudices, than combatting sex trafficking in their own streets.

Celebrating your immoralities & sexual perversions is no different than continuing to remind us of your struggling past, to meet your current agenda.  An agenda that includes “reparations” …for what?  Struggling with rape, whips & blood like millions & millions of other slaves of many colors in world history.  

Furthermore, first in line in this country for any reparations is the Native American Indian.  Until that populous is made whole for the genocide & slavery brought on them…I don’t want to hear a peep from you & that sentiment is shared with the vast majority of folks, black, white, brown & red I talk to.

Speaking of majorities & minorities...study societies just a bit thru any time in history.  You will see a consistent pattern...majorities rule & minorities bitch about it...some more than others.  Anytime...anytime there is a clear majority populus & one or numerous lesser in number groups feel short changed...drama & deceit unfolds.  It is natural for rules & regulations to seem or be favorable to the majority & it is human nature to feel slighted as any minority of any kind, it’s how that society reacts to it…that determines its fate. 

The sad truth is, it is not the average seemingly disadvantaged angry minority out there that is the problem.  It is the leadership of certain big metro areas & the demoncratic administration in D.C. not to mention the current state of our media that stokes the fires of falsehoods.  These are the only hoods I see lately, but there are those out there that would have you believe anyone not your color…is your enemy.

This is the devil's deceitful way of dividing our Nation...but we have the power & ability to stop it.

I propose the following: Since holidays & days off…even if unwarranted, make us feel better & since we all LOVE 3-day weekends, let's start a new one.  We'll call it Fatherless Festive Day (or something like that).  It will be the same day that Juneteenth falls on, which combined with a day for responsible fathers...will make a fun weekend.

Think about it....who have we left out....

We got those with a father…We got those who never knew their father...& we got those who want to constantly dredge up and relive the past...I don't think we left anyone out...Oh Wait....

Those that think they are fathers but are actually more equipped to be mothers...or fathers that want to be mothers...I guess you don't count because you can't make up your delusional & derailed mind to begin with. 

Instead of trying to feel good about the miseries of the past…how bout genuinely feeling good about a brighter future.  Compare the racial minorities in this country to those around the world & you will find many enjoy a better lifestyle socially & economically here as a minority, than being in the majority in their home or ancestral country.  The majority class in this country whether you define that as white, or wealthy has in large part treated well & gave exceptions to the minority classes in this country.  No society is perfect, because none of us are perfect.  So, once you admit that to yourself, you realize man’s “system” is flawed.  But we have the choice & the will to make it as good as possible & sustain it as it evolves.  The United States of America stands as the best system of governance in the world.  It’s just been polluted by the greed's & lusts of men & women so bold in themselves…they laugh.

There’s no denying racism is a part of our Nation's past & is in the present, but to what degree?  I was in the Mediterranean Sea on the USS John F Kennedy attached to VF -14 the oldest Navy Squadron & we flew F-14’s…well I didn’t, I just helped maintain them.  The incident pictured above happened shortly after I was there on station with JFK’s carrier task force.  There was no time for race or gender, no time for remembrances…unless it was on your training.  We were a team, a team of individuals with a common goal.

 In the early 2000’s we seemed so close to turning the corner on race in our society.  Then something changed.  Promises of togetherness turned to devisive rhetoric & it’s been a downhill slide with an uphill fight ever since.

A Nation is built on a strong foundation.  This country was founded on Faith in God Almighty & His Son Jesus Christ.  In God We Trust, In Faith We Prevail.  A strong family foundation includes a supportive father & caring mother, this is what translates to National Pride.

It wasn’t long ago Title 9 was bringing more fairness in revenue sharing & other protections to female college athletics, another step that seemed to eliminate bias & misogyny, now these ladies don’t know what they might have to compete against…years of effort wasted. 

The same has happened with racial dynamics today.  And the timing of all this nonsense cannot be ignored.  Evil is as evil does…& though there is abundant good in this country…there’s still a boat load of evil out there.  Not just your everyday crime…but horrific scenes of murder & perversions the general population doesn’t hear about because many can’t handle the truth.  Also, it is often covered up for family & privacy issues.  There are elite individuals & organizations that rescue these victims...& the evidence they see & stories they hear are horrific.  We live in a very, very dangerous world.  The very dangers the evil in this world seeks to spread, snares & captures the weak & unknowing.  It’s all deceitful distractions to keep you doubting or even having faith, this is evil's ultimate goal.

I was witness to evil this past Saturday night.  Fortunately, I didn’t have to do anything…the Police were already there when I turned the corner, in pursuit of evil.  They handled the situation very professionally as they are trained & sworn to do.  But I was there & I was ready to do my part in combatting evil in this world.  I took no pics, others did…it was in Ybor City, Florida Saturday night, just before dark.  There are dozens of witnesses, video footage, may have even been in the news, I don't know.  I gave a nice police-lady my business & blog card & told her to contact me if the department needs anything.  It was quite exciting, chasing evil & watching it lose, but I’ve seen it before.

Yes, I’m rambling, but I’m NOT sorry.  No one in media says these things because they’re afraid of reprisal…I’m not.  What I have cannot be taken from me & what I need is provided for…but like all of us, I want more.

The difference between me & most folks…I want what’s best for them, for all of us…even if I hurt some feelings along the way.  Feelings are emotion, they shift like the wind…but reality hits hard when it’s the truth.  It doesn’t shift, it plows forward, like a tidal wave.

Here’s to next year's Happy Fatherless Festive Day…I for one will be celebrating.  Even though I never knew my physical father in this life, I have a Spiritual Father, that is with me at every turn & that’s worth celebrating.

Maybe in the future our society will mend itself & we won’t need frivolous & forgetful festivities like Juneteenth & Fatherless Festive Day…both of which are based on negative thought, rather than positive progress.  

Let’s put our time, money & morals into eliminating human trafficking, fatherless families & the myriad of other evils in our world.  It will certainly result in a less divided country with a strong, rejuvenated foundation.

✨✝️🕊. ⛲️⚖️⌛️. 🪶😎🇺🇸. 🌻🐝🙏. 🕊✝️✨

A Recent Dream

 

I had a dream last night.  It was of the future, many had questions, but few had answers.

We were all standing in line...with the clothes we had on, when we last walked below.

It was like my mind was blank, empty, but in awe of my surroundings.

I had no thought because I didn't need to do anything...but remember.

As I watched there was a Brilliant White Light with people like me around, just staring.

We all waited our turn for what we weren't sure, but our Faith told some of us.

Now I was closer almost my turn, about ten folks in front of me.

From the Throne of the Light, I started to see a shape, but brightness blinded.

A man stood before the throne and was asked a question, then he disappeared.

Another, this time a woman was asked the same & then she was nowhere to be seen.

Now with only a few in front of me, the question I couldn't hear.

But it was there and this time the person in front fell to his knees & he grew wings.

I couldn't believe what I was seeing...but I remembered every detail.

The next person stood, trembling with faith & conviction, but no doubts.  

Again, she fell to her knees and a beautiful set of wings appeared.

The next person stood & before the question was asked, was gone.

Now it was my turn & I didn't need to hear the question; on my knees I already was.

I felt a strange sensation in my back, stood up & turned around.

And in my sight was all the faithful dreams I had ever had.

I couldn't comprehend it all, it was so overwhelming, for now I could think.

Before, I was just an empty shell waiting in line, clinging to the last vine.

Now, I was complete, no more an empty shell, but a living spirit.

As I stood there & took it all in, my head began to spin & I grew weak.

I fell from the dizziness and curdled up in a ball.  But...I remembered.

As I lay there too weak & dizzy to stand, I remembered that vine.

The Vine that was always there to save me...& save me it did.

I opened my eyes and there on the ground at my side was a very old & thick vine.

I grabbed that vine and hung on with all the remaining strength I had left.

And the next thing I remember is...I stood up...& woke up.

It was not the first time I had a dream similar to this, but the Vine was new.

And I am grateful it was there, or I may have never been able, for this to share.

Have a Faith Filled Friday.  🐝

Book of John Chapter 15 Versus 1 thru 17   AMEN.

✨✝️👑 ⌛⛲🙏