Thoughts from this Sunday.
During one of the worship songs in church Sunday I closed my eyes and imagined myself standing in a very large field with a road running a little lower through the middle. Each side of the road was packed with thousands of people as far back as I could see. Jesus was in front of us walking on the road and all the people were joyfully singing about the wonder and power of God. There was such a depth and deep vibration to the sound.
Reflecting on this later I thought how the Church rightly talks about the glorious grace that God gives each of us through Jesus, even as we so often fall short. But I also thought that He is still God of the universe, perfect and holy beyond my comprehension. If I was really there could I actually stand, singing with my arms up, or would I instead fall down trembling in awe at His majesty?
Checking Face Book today I saw a share from a friend of mine of an article which gave some statistics suggesting that there may be some data tampering by scientists in an effort to make climate statistics more alarming. His only comment was that he found that article interesting.
My friend is outspoken in his Christian beliefs and perhaps because so his share elicited several other comments which stated things like (1) He should concentrate on his business instead of using the Bible to make scientific conclusions, and (2) DO THESE PEOPLE ALSO BELIEVE THAT THE EARTH IS FLAT!
Sadly very rude negative responses when sharing Christian and conservative views (or in this case scientific views) on line has been commonplace these last two years. It seems there are many with a certain view of religion and politics who not only do not want to have a civil and rational discussion of our differences but actually seem personally offended when hearing any and feel compelled to lash out with name calling.
I posted a supporting comment and received a personal message back from my friend saying that because of this type of reaction he normally does not share such articles. He also said that the reaction really doesn't bother him because he knows who he is in Christ Jesus.
I fell the same way. All of this after all is really part of a spiritual battle for the souls and hearts of man. I am caught between the tension of presenting truth in the darkness and not wanting to offend because we are called to be all things to all men for the purpose of winning them over to the good news that Jesus is the Christ, the perfect and only way to salvation.
The mother of the husband of one of my cousins recently died at 89 and Sunday afternoon Jackie and I went over to the funeral home to pay our respects. The lady had eleven children, her husband previously passed away at 40 and my cousin told us that afternoon that when mom breathed her last, even though she had been sick and feeble for a long time, it was very difficult for some of the kids.
I have seen that a lot over the years. When someone, even if they are church going, doesn't have a personal relationship with Jesus, death of a loved one seems not like a wonderful graduation to the glory fields above, but rather like an awful separation. Once again I was reminded that in knowing who I am in Jesus there has for me been joy, peace and hope, even in the midst of the grief of losing a family member.
Finally I had a reflection on what I have been reading in the Book of Numbers. The Jewish nation had been brought out of bondage and slavery from the nation of Egypt. Caught at the shore of the Red Sea the waters parted, walled up on both sides, and all the people walked through, after which the seas crashed in on the Egyptian army, The people had seen the fire and the glory cloud of God, experienced the miracle of the daily manna, and many other things, and despite those awesome miracles the people grumbled, and many of the grumblers died because of God's anger.
They get to the promised land and send in 12 spies who give a report that indeed it is a land flowing with milk and honey but the cities are fortified and there are giants in the land. 10 of the spies convince the people that they will not be able to take possession of the land. For not trusting that God would be with them to overcome those obstacles, despite seeing first hand miracle after miracle, God kills the 10 and promises that none of the other over 600,000 military aged men except for Caleb and Joshua would live to enter the land.
Even after that the people keep grumbling a very large group from the tribe of Levi (who are in charge of setting up and tearing down the tabernacle and receive in turn a tithe from the rest of the nation) grow jealous of the position and authority of Moses, Aaron and Aaron's two surviving sons who will preform the priestly functions. Here you have Moses, daily hearing directly from God, and everything he says or judgment he pronounces from God happens just as he says, and these people are jealous, desiring the status of the priesthood for themselves so they can then lord it over the others. A whole group of them won't even come to a meeting Moses calls. In response God causes the ground to open up which swallows every man, woman and child of that group.
What surprises me in all of this was not the severity of God's judgment of His own people. The world was created by Him and for Him and rebellion from His will leads to all the woes and ills of the world.
His purpose and calling for the Jewish nation was part and parcel to what His ultimate intention still is for today.
One of the reasons we are created is to declare from our lips and by our lives the glory, the greatness and the wonder of God. The chosen people should have been a reflection of that and thus lead to the eventual redemption of mankind. I think God was looking for much more than just a righteous line from which the Savior would eventually appear.
But here were a people whose ancestors had received both a promise from and a covenant with God. Yet they were born and raised in a pagan land surrounded by the pagan gods of Egypt. They had their beliefs and traditions but most did not have a relationship with Almighty God. The promises of God, if not sunk deep in the heart, could easily be shaken by harsh conditions, multiple fears and carnal urges. The desires for the onions and leeks of Egypt and the false comfort of Egyptian deities were still strong.
We find ourselves today living in a land which is progressively becoming more secular and hostile to both Christian and socially conservative views. For many there is a comfort that comes from religious traditions that can only take one so far when a great shaking comes. I believe we are in the beginning of a great shaking that will take all of us out of our comfort zones and will require us to trust in the true Lord of all.
As the darkness grows more dark may His brightness shine brighter. May each heart that does not actually know Jesus surrender to Him as Lord and Savior. May we experience both the grace of God and the fear of the Lord which leads to wisdom. And may we all truly know who we are in Christ.
Monday, March 4, 2019
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Declaration For Our Nation
From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these thing ought not be this way. James 3:10
What we speak and confess is very powerful. It can affect us and others physically as well as spiritually. Those with positive attitudes often accomplish much because what the say can effect them internally as well as the atmosphere around them. Likewise those who always complain, even if justified in their complaints, can actually be working against their own best interests. Scripture is clear that often times it is better to bridle the tongue than to say negative things about others.
On a national scale that is not easy. Everyday we observe injustice and the acting out of hate, slander and violence. But what is happening is much more than a contest between one group of men and women against another group. The overriding conflict is between what is God's will for us and our nation and what is the ancient enemy's will.
In that regard there is not one side that is holy and another side that is evil. There are good people on each as well as bad people. But there definitely are some things said and some actions done or advocated that are clearly not in the will of God. I would say that the taking of an innocent life by abortion is one of those. And I would say that how people stand on abortion is a pretty good indicator as to how accurate that person's spiritual radar is in knowing what God's will is for our land.
I would also say that outward displays of hate, knowingly twisting or altering the truth to put someone else in a bad light and acting or inciting violence toward others or another group are signs that those who do so may be being influenced by evil spirits. And I would also throw in the ever advancing attacks on the family, traditional moral values and the Christian faith.
Mike Thompson is a pastor/prophet I follow. He is a white haired guy about my age whom I find to be both insightful and encouraging. About two weeks ago he said he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to call for Christians to begin to verbally speak out some specific things into the atmosphere. That means when we are in our prayer time we verbally declare, by the authority given us in Jesus name, the following things listed below. By the way, these are things that believers on any side of the political spectrum should be able to declare.
Note on what binding, releasing and rebuking do. When we declare into the atmosphere (the air around us) for something not in the will of God to be bound, we, as representatives of Christ on this Earth, help release the activity of angels to engage in spiritual warfare against principalities and powers in the high places as well as against evil spirits on our level. So we bind the activity of evil spirits, we release angelic activity and godly truth, and we rebuke or silence other evil spiritual activities or forces.
There are three spiritual forces that Pastor Thompson calls the "dogs of war".
In Jesus name
We bind the Spirit of False Witness.
We bind the Spirit of Hate.
We bind the Spirit of Murder (character assignation).
(Now we need to release a spiritual counter balance to those)
In Jesus name we release Truth and Justice into the atmosphere.
Next we rebuke three other major evil spirits.
In Jesus name
We rebuke the Spirit of Self-Righteousness
We rebuke the Spirit of Judgmentalism
We rebuke the Spirit of Ungodly Control
(Again we release a spiritual counter balance)
In Jesus name we release Truth and Justice into the atmosphere.
Finally Pastor Thompson suggests we say the Our Father but replace the words "on earth" with "the USA.
This really resonated with me. For a couple of days before I heard his message I had been waited down with concern about the floodgates for the above that seemed to open up two years ago. My dear friends, we are in a spiritual battle and this is something that we all can do to help bring about what God desires in our country.
Time to start using the spiritual authority that God has blessed you with in Jesus name!
What we speak and confess is very powerful. It can affect us and others physically as well as spiritually. Those with positive attitudes often accomplish much because what the say can effect them internally as well as the atmosphere around them. Likewise those who always complain, even if justified in their complaints, can actually be working against their own best interests. Scripture is clear that often times it is better to bridle the tongue than to say negative things about others.
On a national scale that is not easy. Everyday we observe injustice and the acting out of hate, slander and violence. But what is happening is much more than a contest between one group of men and women against another group. The overriding conflict is between what is God's will for us and our nation and what is the ancient enemy's will.
In that regard there is not one side that is holy and another side that is evil. There are good people on each as well as bad people. But there definitely are some things said and some actions done or advocated that are clearly not in the will of God. I would say that the taking of an innocent life by abortion is one of those. And I would say that how people stand on abortion is a pretty good indicator as to how accurate that person's spiritual radar is in knowing what God's will is for our land.
I would also say that outward displays of hate, knowingly twisting or altering the truth to put someone else in a bad light and acting or inciting violence toward others or another group are signs that those who do so may be being influenced by evil spirits. And I would also throw in the ever advancing attacks on the family, traditional moral values and the Christian faith.
Mike Thompson is a pastor/prophet I follow. He is a white haired guy about my age whom I find to be both insightful and encouraging. About two weeks ago he said he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to call for Christians to begin to verbally speak out some specific things into the atmosphere. That means when we are in our prayer time we verbally declare, by the authority given us in Jesus name, the following things listed below. By the way, these are things that believers on any side of the political spectrum should be able to declare.
Note on what binding, releasing and rebuking do. When we declare into the atmosphere (the air around us) for something not in the will of God to be bound, we, as representatives of Christ on this Earth, help release the activity of angels to engage in spiritual warfare against principalities and powers in the high places as well as against evil spirits on our level. So we bind the activity of evil spirits, we release angelic activity and godly truth, and we rebuke or silence other evil spiritual activities or forces.
There are three spiritual forces that Pastor Thompson calls the "dogs of war".
In Jesus name
We bind the Spirit of False Witness.
We bind the Spirit of Hate.
We bind the Spirit of Murder (character assignation).
(Now we need to release a spiritual counter balance to those)
In Jesus name we release Truth and Justice into the atmosphere.
Next we rebuke three other major evil spirits.
In Jesus name
We rebuke the Spirit of Self-Righteousness
We rebuke the Spirit of Judgmentalism
We rebuke the Spirit of Ungodly Control
(Again we release a spiritual counter balance)
In Jesus name we release Truth and Justice into the atmosphere.
Finally Pastor Thompson suggests we say the Our Father but replace the words "on earth" with "the USA.
This really resonated with me. For a couple of days before I heard his message I had been waited down with concern about the floodgates for the above that seemed to open up two years ago. My dear friends, we are in a spiritual battle and this is something that we all can do to help bring about what God desires in our country.
Time to start using the spiritual authority that God has blessed you with in Jesus name!
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Blood Sacrifice
Sacrifices
day after day
hour after hour
minute after minute
heartbeat after stopping heartbeat
flesh and blood to feed our nation's strong man
lusting for the lives of the unborn
innocent blood to empower
to send out his minions
to blind and deceive
to blaspheme
to corrupt
to kill
Who will weep for the children?
ripped, torn and flushed from their mother's womb
some to be tossed aside into the garbage
some to have their little parts harvested
some to be chopped up or burned
none to be held in love
or buried by family
or cherished
There is a sound rising from the earth
blood crying out to the Perfect One
When will the strong man be cast out
his strongholds tron down
his lies brought to light?
Who will mourn for the little innocents
offer compassion to the grieving
demand that the killing stops
stand strong in the gap
and tremble at the
presence of a
Holy God?
day after day
hour after hour
minute after minute
heartbeat after stopping heartbeat
flesh and blood to feed our nation's strong man
lusting for the lives of the unborn
innocent blood to empower
to send out his minions
to blind and deceive
to blaspheme
to corrupt
to kill
Who will weep for the children?
ripped, torn and flushed from their mother's womb
some to be tossed aside into the garbage
some to have their little parts harvested
some to be chopped up or burned
none to be held in love
or buried by family
or cherished
There is a sound rising from the earth
blood crying out to the Perfect One
When will the strong man be cast out
his strongholds tron down
his lies brought to light?
Who will mourn for the little innocents
offer compassion to the grieving
demand that the killing stops
stand strong in the gap
and tremble at the
presence of a
Holy God?
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Killing England And Other Fun Stuff
I happen to be a bit of a history geek. Although while in college I majored in political science, history was my minor. Even today when I'm looking for reading material, my choice after spiritual and current events (with a slice of humor and poetry of course!) is always history. And many times history is my first choice.
As evidence of that I offer you the events of last week. On Friday I worked my last day at our Wyoming location. Needing to take a bathroom break I walked over to the nearby Goodwill store which has their bookshelf just outside the restrooms. I found two wonderful selections. The first was - The Works of Josephus: Complete and Unabridged - New Updated Edition, translated by William Whiston. What a find! I am giddy beyond belief. Nine hundred and thirty pages in small print.
Josephus was a Jewish historian who was born in Jerusalem about the time of Jesus death and was present as an observer on the Roman side during Titus's siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. His writings include a history of the Jewish nation and a history of their wars beginning with the Maccabees around 165 BC and extending to the last Jewish stand at Masada. I have seen him cited often but most recently in some articles I've read which speculate about four possible locations of the Jewish Temple.
His mention of Jesus Christ is important because the stories about Him would still have been recent history and it's possible that Josephus could have even talked to eye witnesses. Here is a quote taken from his Antiquites of the Jews:
Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works - a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was (the) Christ, and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principle men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those who loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared alive to them the third day as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct to this day.
My second selection from Goodwill was the Oxford - Atlas of World History: From the Origins of Man to the Year 2000. Oh my gosh! Three hundred sixty-eight glorious 10" x 13" pages of photos, colored maps and coordinated historical timelines plus articles showing step by step the world's empires, migration of peoples and such as they relate from one region to another and progress through time.
Goodwill sells their books for 99 cents and after my senior discount I carried over ten pounds of joy for way less than two dollars.
Not knowing that things could possibly get better, when I got home there was a present waiting for me on our dinning table. A week before I had pulled out from our bookshelf one of the series of history books authored by Bill O'Reilly, called Killing Patton. Jackie noticed that and when I opened my present it was another one of his books, Killing England (history of the Revolutionary War) that one of my daughters brought over. Then Jackie presented me with 3 more of O'Reilly's NY times best sellers; Killing Lincoln, Killing the SS and Killing Jesus. Oh the joy!
Now you might be thinking that Jackie, whose eyes glaze over when I talk about history, is like the best wife ever. And she is, although I did notice that when our little grand kids came over with my daughter, Jackie found the thick Josephus book with it's small print and no pictures, handed it to one of them and said with a glint in her eye - "Here, you want to have some fun? Read this."
As evidence of that I offer you the events of last week. On Friday I worked my last day at our Wyoming location. Needing to take a bathroom break I walked over to the nearby Goodwill store which has their bookshelf just outside the restrooms. I found two wonderful selections. The first was - The Works of Josephus: Complete and Unabridged - New Updated Edition, translated by William Whiston. What a find! I am giddy beyond belief. Nine hundred and thirty pages in small print.
Josephus was a Jewish historian who was born in Jerusalem about the time of Jesus death and was present as an observer on the Roman side during Titus's siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. His writings include a history of the Jewish nation and a history of their wars beginning with the Maccabees around 165 BC and extending to the last Jewish stand at Masada. I have seen him cited often but most recently in some articles I've read which speculate about four possible locations of the Jewish Temple.
His mention of Jesus Christ is important because the stories about Him would still have been recent history and it's possible that Josephus could have even talked to eye witnesses. Here is a quote taken from his Antiquites of the Jews:
Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works - a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was (the) Christ, and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principle men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those who loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared alive to them the third day as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct to this day.
My second selection from Goodwill was the Oxford - Atlas of World History: From the Origins of Man to the Year 2000. Oh my gosh! Three hundred sixty-eight glorious 10" x 13" pages of photos, colored maps and coordinated historical timelines plus articles showing step by step the world's empires, migration of peoples and such as they relate from one region to another and progress through time.
Goodwill sells their books for 99 cents and after my senior discount I carried over ten pounds of joy for way less than two dollars.
Not knowing that things could possibly get better, when I got home there was a present waiting for me on our dinning table. A week before I had pulled out from our bookshelf one of the series of history books authored by Bill O'Reilly, called Killing Patton. Jackie noticed that and when I opened my present it was another one of his books, Killing England (history of the Revolutionary War) that one of my daughters brought over. Then Jackie presented me with 3 more of O'Reilly's NY times best sellers; Killing Lincoln, Killing the SS and Killing Jesus. Oh the joy!
Now you might be thinking that Jackie, whose eyes glaze over when I talk about history, is like the best wife ever. And she is, although I did notice that when our little grand kids came over with my daughter, Jackie found the thick Josephus book with it's small print and no pictures, handed it to one of them and said with a glint in her eye - "Here, you want to have some fun? Read this."
Sunday, January 13, 2019
How To Pass Your Driving Test (without scaring the crap out of the examiner)
The above is a working title for a book I will be writing about my 20 years experience as a examiner for people taking their driving test. I can see it being sold at the offices of organizations that conduct driving tests. Someone comes in to sign up, are a bit nervous about being able to pass, see the book and think, oh yeah, I could use any help I can get. And if that doesn't get them then maybe the implied humor of the title will. Which is good because, although I will provide a list of driving test do's and don'ts, the book will be a lot more about humor than about driving.
If it sells then maybe I'll get it translated into Spanish. That would be a big market although I'm not sure how the humor will come across. Unfortunately for me there is not only one African or one Asian language. I could incorporated hand gestures - but it wouldn't be the same.
The title came into my head in the middle of last night after having a dream about beginning to work on a project I knew nothing about and a guy says to me; "Why don't you just start on something you already know?" I woke up and realized that doing writing and driving tests is what I know and now is probably a good as time as any to get started on that book. Beginning this year I've already cut back to testing only 3 days a week so I might as well take advantage of the available time.
Which brings to mind a person that came in for a test yesterday. The only English he seemed to know was a smile and a nodding of his head, which was about the extent of his translator's English as well. He drives in, I walk up to his car and motion for him to roll down his window, introduce myself and ask to see his permit.
Middle age Kami smiles, nods his head yes and does nothing. "I need to see your permit" I repeat slowly and a look of understanding crosses his face and he presents me with the information sheet that our office hands out when a person makes an appointment. I shake my head no, give the sheet back to him and repeat "DRIVING PERMIT" while putting my hands on an imaginary steering wheel and turning it right and left.
"Ah!" exclaims Kami. He gets out his wallet, looks through every part of it, handing me in turn his state ID, his voter registration card, a picture of some nice lady and finally a tightly folded white paper out of one of the inside pockets which is indeed his driving permit.
That settled I ask to see his vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Kami does not understand what I am asking for until I again turn the imaginary steering wheel and point to his glove box. He and the "translator" scour through it and they first hand me a pink sheet of paper which is the application for vehicle title and registration that one gets when they buy a car, Next I'm handed the vehicle title, followed by a utility bill and on and on. At last out of nowhere they do produce first the insurance and a bit later the registration, both of which are actually up to date.
When I do the vehicle inspection Kami and the translator figure out I mean horn when I push my hand on an imaginary one and say "beep", do not catch on to the turn signals until I reach through the car window to move the signal rod up and I don't have to worry about Kami understanding "put your foot on the brake" because the entire time it has never left the brake.
When I am reading the instructions for how the parking lot portion of the test works Kami puts the car into drive and begins to go forward. He evidently knows what he thinks I am going to tell him and would like to now demonstrate his ability to master it. At this point I stop him and try to see if perhaps there is another person coming who can translate. It would be one thing for me in the parking lot to point with my finger which section to do but a totally different thing to get out on the road with someone and not be able to have them understand when I want them to safely lane change or do an urgent STOP if the need arises.
The test ends there. As the title suggests, I really would like them to pass the test, just not at my expense. Perhaps advice number 7 in my new book will be - If you can't read this you must bring a translator who can.
If it sells then maybe I'll get it translated into Spanish. That would be a big market although I'm not sure how the humor will come across. Unfortunately for me there is not only one African or one Asian language. I could incorporated hand gestures - but it wouldn't be the same.
The title came into my head in the middle of last night after having a dream about beginning to work on a project I knew nothing about and a guy says to me; "Why don't you just start on something you already know?" I woke up and realized that doing writing and driving tests is what I know and now is probably a good as time as any to get started on that book. Beginning this year I've already cut back to testing only 3 days a week so I might as well take advantage of the available time.
Which brings to mind a person that came in for a test yesterday. The only English he seemed to know was a smile and a nodding of his head, which was about the extent of his translator's English as well. He drives in, I walk up to his car and motion for him to roll down his window, introduce myself and ask to see his permit.
Middle age Kami smiles, nods his head yes and does nothing. "I need to see your permit" I repeat slowly and a look of understanding crosses his face and he presents me with the information sheet that our office hands out when a person makes an appointment. I shake my head no, give the sheet back to him and repeat "DRIVING PERMIT" while putting my hands on an imaginary steering wheel and turning it right and left.
"Ah!" exclaims Kami. He gets out his wallet, looks through every part of it, handing me in turn his state ID, his voter registration card, a picture of some nice lady and finally a tightly folded white paper out of one of the inside pockets which is indeed his driving permit.
That settled I ask to see his vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Kami does not understand what I am asking for until I again turn the imaginary steering wheel and point to his glove box. He and the "translator" scour through it and they first hand me a pink sheet of paper which is the application for vehicle title and registration that one gets when they buy a car, Next I'm handed the vehicle title, followed by a utility bill and on and on. At last out of nowhere they do produce first the insurance and a bit later the registration, both of which are actually up to date.
When I do the vehicle inspection Kami and the translator figure out I mean horn when I push my hand on an imaginary one and say "beep", do not catch on to the turn signals until I reach through the car window to move the signal rod up and I don't have to worry about Kami understanding "put your foot on the brake" because the entire time it has never left the brake.
When I am reading the instructions for how the parking lot portion of the test works Kami puts the car into drive and begins to go forward. He evidently knows what he thinks I am going to tell him and would like to now demonstrate his ability to master it. At this point I stop him and try to see if perhaps there is another person coming who can translate. It would be one thing for me in the parking lot to point with my finger which section to do but a totally different thing to get out on the road with someone and not be able to have them understand when I want them to safely lane change or do an urgent STOP if the need arises.
The test ends there. As the title suggests, I really would like them to pass the test, just not at my expense. Perhaps advice number 7 in my new book will be - If you can't read this you must bring a translator who can.
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Quiet On A Christmas Night
Looking out to the woods across
when all is silent and the daylight lost
is this low brick house and a Christmas cross
They must be tired just like we
no other lights near their home do I see
except for the moon through the canopy
These busy days have flown by fast
with brighter lights and no long shadows cast
but now shall I rest, and ponder, and fast
when all is silent and the daylight lost
is this low brick house and a Christmas cross
They must be tired just like we
no other lights near their home do I see
except for the moon through the canopy
These busy days have flown by fast
with brighter lights and no long shadows cast
but now shall I rest, and ponder, and fast
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Measure Once, Read Twice: 2018 Collection
I am so excited to let everyone know that my latest compilation of poetry is now available HERE on Amazon.
Measure Once, Read Twice: 2018 Collection is a selection of poetry sharing my thoughts and emotions throughout the year. This collection includes a wide variety of poetic styles, including free verse, rhyme, haiku, brevity and prose. I've made an effort to create writes that are very accessible to the average reader.
Many of the works are spiritually focused, such as the spoken word piece - When I Worship as well as She Sees The Angels, If You Knew My Jesus and Great Lakes Revival.
A lot of them exhibit my odd ball sense of humor - Of Course The World Is Flat, The Plowman Cometh and Ode To My Big Toe.
Some are a bit political - Triple Trump Triumphs, Au Contrarier.
Some are recollections of family and the past - Grandpa Van, The Class of 68, Across The Mediterranean.
And then there are those pieces that reflect the beauty of living in West Michigan - Sleeping Bear, Dune Buggy Ride and Father's Day Picnic.
All in all there is a lot here for everyone.
This book will regularly list on Amazon for $14.98 but for now I am listing it for an introductory price of only $10.00.
As a preview, below is one of the poems mentioned above.
The Plowman Cometh
Cleared a piece of real estate
after a heavy snow
then put away my hat and gloves
to watch an evening show
Twas while reclining on my chair
there came a rumbling sound
up sprang I to a window ledge
feet on the shaking ground
Saw there were waves of churning froth
white as that angry whale
bright sparks from blades reminding me
of Dante's frozen hell
And hell it was when it came clear
our drive was blocked by ice
arraigned a jumbled tumbled mess
foot high - some places twice
So being one whose fought before
those battles avalanche
put on my boots and headed out
to leave nothing to chance
An hour later stood with pride
admired towering mounds
but walking back exhausted heard
some most disturbing sounds
It seems our street had only got
a solitary pass
they've come again to humble me
but I've run out of gas
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