2018...Winds of Change

As we move in to 2018 I have one resolution.  It is simply to help find a way to bring our country together as a nation.  Wow, that’s a big goal, but I cannot think of a better one given the state of our country today.  The divisiveness we are experiencing, if left to continue, will only serve to weaken us and strengthen those who would tear us down. 

As a first step in a complicated plan I offer this:  Let’s all agree that as a nation we have flaws and weaknesses, but let’s also agree we do a lot of things well and have many strengths.  If you constantly dwell on the negative and cannot acknowledge the good in something than you are destined to be a miserable and negative person.

I am not so naïve that I cannot see the negativity in this country, but at the same time I feel our strengths can overcome anything and if we take off the blinders of our own biased opinions we can be a better nation for it. 

Left, right, black, white, rich, poor all blend together as God’s children.  The 2016 Gallop poll showed that over 80% of the people in our great nation had a belief in God.  Let’s start there with this commonality of belief and treat each other with respect, because even though we may be divided on politics, immigration, taxes, etc., etc. we are common in our belief of God.  So let’s not dwell on the inequalities and failures of the past but rather realize we are more equal now than ever and move forward to champion our success as a nation.  

 
All the best to you and yours in 2018….God Bless and God Inspire.

The Mound On The Bay

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 destructive man’s spirit in heaven…
Will never be showing.

(c) Bryan A. Stross 1991

Post Edit & Pics 1/15/2024 12:17 PM EST

The Covenant

Among all the distractions and barriers to accomplishing my vision of the American dream, I can always return to the Word.  Of all my possessions the Bible I received at a homeless shelter thirty-five years ago is my most cherished.  It is a medium sized imitation leather King James Version with His words in red.  It has a dictionary concordance, maps and is held together on the outside with two strips of grey duct tape.  Given to me free by the Highway 80 Rescue Mission in Texas, it is priceless to me.  I have several other Bibles, but this one represents a time in my life when I was struggling, searching, exploring, learning and trying to find my way in the world.  It also represents one of the very possessions I have that fill a void in my past, and make the memories come alive.      

Throughout the years I have often puzzled over the mysteries contained in the Bible.  To me the challenge of trying to understand the truth in the Word is much more important to my life search than being bogged down by the day to day distractions thrown at us.  To me this is one more ploy used by satan to place barriers in front of us, preventing true understanding of what the Word holds for all of us.  I may not know a whole lot, but I know this much, with the Word of God to comfort, console and guide me, I will flourish in His Grace.  Struggles will be mere challenges, searching and exploring will have more meaning, and learning will become a part of truly understanding what you can make of yourself and the world around you.

So in that vain why not explore one of the biggest mysteries in the Bible that has important meaning in today's world, the Arc of the Covenant. I have researched this in the past and continue to this day. My gut tells me it is not where common thinking leads us to, specifically the sites in Africa. It may be there but my sense is that it isn’t. I think I know the general area where it is. I will continue my studies and prayers for understanding on this, but I will share this much with you. The Levites were the most trusted tribe by God. They were generally thought of as priests with an undeniable understanding of His Word. What most of us do not know is that the Levites are also great warriors and defenders. They were taught to be masters of the strategy of defense, offense, and guardianship. Any one or any thing that tried to break their ranks were met with an often gruesome outcome. The Levites were masters of weaponry and the forging of metals. It was common for a small group of Levites to lay waste to thousands of their enemies with the quickness of a fading sun set. So now that we know a little about who was in charge of carrying it and protecting it where would you suppose it is?

Well let’s apply some logic. Let’s suppose you have a priceless heirloom. You need to stash it because you are about to go on a long journey. Put yourself in that time in history where there were not safety-deposit boxes etc. Well number one you would probably hide it in an area very familiar to you, but few others. You would hide it somewhere that you felt would not be disturbed for generations. You would hide it in a place surrounded with people who would appreciate it should it be discovered, And last but not least you would hide it in a place perhaps so obvious it would be overlooked even if glanced upon by the unknowing.

That being said I do not feel it is anywhere on the African continent, unless traditional history is different than expected, which is possible. I will say that if traditional history was not disturbed it is perhaps half a world away from there and that is all I can say on this issue right now. Remember…they were warrior priests…this is a clue.

I have my personal covenant that I protect and cherish.  It is the meager possessions that I have that remind me of struggle, encourage me to achieve, and teach me to be humble but fierce in the Ways of the Lord.  I protect this covenant because it protects me and I know that when all else fails it will guide me to exactly the right place at the right time to accomplish my vision of the American dream. A vision that hopefully will be shared by many others as we struggle to put aside the distractions, tear down the barriers, and flourish in the Grace of the Word.  

Thought for the day:
When you sleep your mind is open for the Lord to work His magic. It is also a time for the dark side to influence your subconscious. Go to sleep with good thoughts and your dreams may very well one day come true.

In His Service:

May 20th, 2008 7:00 AM EST
Revised December 18, 2017
BAS …;}…
Second Book of Samuel Chapter 24
Revelations Chapters 21 & 22
Matthew Chapter 10 

11/9/2022  8:20 PM EST  Wedding Day

Post Edit:

After further research, prayer & effort….it is possible the Arc’s location is so obvious….it’s almost painful.

Bus Fare

Over the years I still sit and stare wondering how to pay the bus fare.
On a journey thru time, stories to share
With people who care, but I just can’t seem to get there.

Over countless tragedies and wonders galore
I can’t hold back the feeling to explore
The news of the day, just a bore
Same old, same old, some people are such whores.

Where does this magic carpet ride end
Who the hell knows, a signal I’ll send
What will be, will be around the next bend
When will I see you again my friend?

A tear to my eye does come, why do I feel so lonesome?
All I want is to go back where I came from
And enjoy my days in peace at home.

So can you help this haggard traveler?
For bus fare I will a mystery unravel
As if on display, a carnie at a carnival
Take me from this hi-way, to a road less traveled.

And there I will walk on a grass covered patch
With tress and flowers instead of the thick thatch
Birds in the air and fish in the river beginning to hatch
As I stand proud with my love on our duties watch.
And wait for the journey to again meet its’ match.
© BAS …:}….
September 15, 2008 8:00 AM EST
Revisited:  December 13, 2017
In His Majesties Service:
Psalm 19 and Psalm 23 & Proverbs 15 and Proverbs 19
Have A Blessed Day and a Prosperous Work Week

Sharia Farce

In the late 1970’s I was on the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy.  During that time Jimmy Carter was President and there were multiple American hostages in Iran.  Our ship was on patrol in the area.  We had numerous live general quarter alarms that occurred when Iranian or Libyan war planes came within 300 miles of our carrier.  It was at that time the peak of Christian/Islamic tensions grew and also had impacts at home with the discrimination of Islamic residents and immigrants.

We see this same thing today with the ISIS terrorists, our battle against them worldwide, and the impact it has on Islamic followers in our country.  This is a very difficult time for our society in regards to Islamic relations.  I believe at its core Islam is a religion founded on Peace.  However, there are those, just like in the Christian faith, that have twisted the meanings of their faith to suit their own agenda and ideals.  I believe in freedom of religious choice, but not when it is a bastardization of that religion’s foundations. 

Sharia law is an oppressive, brutal, and twisted aspect of some Islamic followers that should never ever be allowed to practice in any form in our country.  Freedom of religion does not over shadow basic human rights.  Any religion that degrades human life and dignity is not a religion it is a cult and cults do not deserve the respect and benefits of organized peace and love driven religions.

In the late 1970’s under Jimmy Carter our country was weak and Iran took advantage of it.  The day President Reagan took office the hostages were released.  That’s American power, that’s the Christian faith, and that’s what will be the ultimate demise of ISIS and anyone else who tries to impose their twisted agendas on God’s chosen country.  Have a safe and prosperous week.  BAS 12/6/2017  1 AM EST      ✨✝️🕊. ⛲️🐝🇺🇸

Reflections:  Psalm 77, Daniel 4 & Revelations 12  

Post Edit & Pics 6/21/2023 6PM EST 

A Psalm

This psalm was originally posted in 2005, when I was going thru a very difficult time in my life.  

This is the first writing I put to music. It is the words that play the song. Many people have heard the music but only a handful have heard the words and music (chords and notes) together to capture the message of the writer.  This message is clear & I hope you find meaning in its melody….which is the harmony of life.

A Psalm:

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 can make 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 those 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 seals to be broken

In His Everlasting Service:

© Bryan Stross  …:}…

8/17/05 & 8/26/05 Revised 12/1/2017

Ephesians 6, Luke 24, Revelations 5-7

The pursuit of happiness has deteriorated with a lack of justice which has impacted the very liberties we stand for. The Pursuit of Freedom and Happiness does not mean the ignorance to trample another’s freedom of their own pursuit.  This includes corrupting another’s mind and health with your own distorted beliefs that stray from the truest of truths.  You know who you are.  Do not enrich yourself at the expense of another man’s freedom or your body will end up a pile of ash and your name & memories will be stricken & live no more.  Faith, Family, Friends & Freedom is what built this country & it’s what will save it too.  God has blessed the US of A, now it’s up to you…blessed or cursed, you decide….but choose wisely cause what you see & hear around you in the devils physical world, is nothing compared to the feelings of spiritual freedom, confidence & calmness of the Enlightened world.  Go forth & prosper, just remember how you got there & leave a trail for others to follow.