Writing and Reading

Significant and relevant writing is a greater challenge today because of all the new technological advances that are available. All our transcripts must be read to be critiqued. The critique should reflect an in-depth understanding the position of the author. This of course is a complicated position to put oneself in. It is easy to take something out of context as is often done.

The subject of your writing must appeal to the audience you are targeting. To attract an audience there must be a hook to draw them in. This is a difficult task to accomplish but if you are directed by God to put forth the work then it is a matter of their decision whether to read and assess the document or not. No one forced against their will can be receptive to words on paper.

As I have grown older my selection or reading material has narrowed considerably. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy deviating from my norm occasionally, but it definitely has to be the right time and subject. The hook for me is often stimulated by other tasks I’ve been assigned or directed towards by expressions of family and friends. My mind is stimulated by different things at different times. This is a pattern of maturity or narrowing of interests due to life’s progress. We may often be influenced by events surrounding us or effecting us. Opinions can often be persuasive to becoming a determent of our own development.

Our futures have been shaped by our life experiences. Every event of life presents challenges to expand knowledge and compassion.

The writings vary with fictional to nonfictional subject matter. At times the fictional can be analogous to real life situations.  This is often a challenge to the mind to sort through fantasy and truth. Fiction may be the course some pursue to escape the real world they feel is pressing in on them. Nonfiction may have to be fact checked to be certain of its veracity.

What is the measure for truth? Sometimes truth is structured from our past experiences and personal family life, other times it is often influenced by peers and social connections we make in our journey through life. Ultimately the truth must come from a source beyond human expectations— I believe truth is the Word of God [Bible] as affirmed by Jesus who is Truth. With this statement I will doubtlessly lose many readers. In effect that is what my opening declared.r

WHAT ABOUT THOSE RELATIONSHIPS?

Putting on a show of pseudo love and honor to be recognized by others only, is inadequate for establishing a true and pure relationship. If one does so for the sake of praise and accolades these will soon turn into ashes of a failed relationship. As a child I remember this type of action being called: “showing off”. When the heart is right, showing off will not be a factor of true love.

According to the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 13, true love goes beyond the measures often set by humanity. You can be an angel and talk “holy talk” and perform “holy deeds” to impress, but it must go beyond those evaluations. Impressing peers and strangers should not be the primary purpose of maintaining a solid relationship. It’s what happens behind closed doors that becomes truth.

The trials that couples face today are no different than in the past. Society has made it convenient to abandon relationships with the stroke of a judge’s pen. Irreconcilable differences is the culprit in too many cases. A desire to do things your way generally means the vows of matrimony and commitment “for better or worse” is devalued by society and the rule of law.

It is common knowledge that complete agreement 100% of the time between two people will never be lasting. The agreement to wed and site vows of commitment are cast aside when one member or both lose sight of those essential elements. A binding force stronger than each ones will must be in place. This is God in each life influencing by His Spirit the strong development of character.

Now what about the children conceived in this relationship? We cannot afford to abandon the offspring of relationships. These are the promised children the two have desired to bring into an uncertain world. Again, the binding source must be instruction by both parents of God’s role for their lives. There may be twists and turns in the roads taken but leading them in His paths will certainly do no ill will.

In summary, be true to your commitment and oath before God. He is the rewarder of those who seek Him wholeheartedly.

CLARIFICATION?????

Failure plagues my thought process more than I would like. The humanity in me surges to attempt conquering my transformed spirit. Yes, I realize the desire to be perfect slips through my mind easily as the temptations arise before me on every side. My visual acuity spiritually seems to have weakened or lessened with factors of dramatic/traumatic events. I need to purpose that my age should not have any effect on the Divine call. 

The missing element in may life recently has been the Word of God for personal consumption. Oh, I have heard it spoken and followed along quoting the familiar from memory. But my personal adaption and reception was brief to say the least. I have purposefully purchased a new Bible with a renewed vigor to read it through and highlight portions that speak to me.

The skill of expressing myself in written format has also declined, but my desire is to have it return with spiritual impact for self and others. The blog I started was inspired by hurtful events that happened to me with my placement of blame on others. I allowed the root of bitterness to express itself and grow, trying to bring self-justification. I believe it served as a cry out to God, however, I probably didn’t really listen for His guidance to move past the obstacles thrown my way. There was so much negativity as an underlying current of those postings. I will allow them to remain posted just to serve as a reminder of the path that one should not walk down. I believe therein lies many expressions of truth that may hurt but ultimately set the captive soul free. Perhaps this would be a disclaimer of sorts.

This does not mean there will always be wrongs used as fuel for conversation. In fact my intention is that I focus on those positive things that build up rather than tear down. We learn from the bad as well as the good.

There are so many things (idols) that compete for our time. They could be listed here but you know what they are. Our perspective must be reverted back to our God-given call out of darkness (I Peter 2;9). The light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ must be declared.

A Tribute To My Prominent Mentor

This blog was originally posted on June 9, 2009. I repost it because my beloved mentor has now passed to his eternal home at age 97.

A Tribute to My Mentor

I had reached a point in my life where I believed I was mature. After serving almost four years in the U.S. Air Force I thought my future would unfold to my personal desires and goals. For fifteen months I had found an inner strength to be pure while most of my peers caroused and practiced sinful ways in the Philippines. It was a struggle. But even in that place God planted a seed in my heart to study His Word. Through my mother's prayers I maintained my faith in God, becoming a student of the Bible.

God brought me safely home and I floundered in continuing education and working. I needed to find my God given destiny. It was early in 1973. Less than four years after coming home, my faith-strong Mother passed away. What was I to do? She was a spiritual tower for me. Shortly after her death my things were packed and I moved to a new city, Santa Cruz, California. It was not my comfort zone at first. However, God eventually fixed my heart to settle in for a season. He intervened with an excellent job with benefits.

But more than that, God placed a spiritual mentor in my path, Pastor James H. Salters. This man took confidence in me and loved me as only a spiritual father can. When I met him I did not sense my own hunger for counsel and acceptance. His was not a smothering love or forceful discipline. Yet he was not wishy-washy in his own convictions. He was firm but gentle with me. It is difficult to explain the influence he had on my future because it is so vast from the inward place. He was not pushy, just faithful. Perhaps he did not know that he was mentoring me. I know I was not a perfect recipient. He gave me opportunity to serve in ministry, valuing my God given gift of teaching. His confidence in my ability became my confidence to walk in obedience to my call.

Time would bring me to applying for ministerial credentials because of his guidance. No, he never as much as mentioned that process to me, but when I walked into his office that particular evening and asked for a ministerial application, you could sense an awesome spiritual victory in his eyes. His full support followed me throughout the process.

Soon after this I came to his office with Carolyn, who was soon to be my wife. Together we listened to his counsel, again given with gentleness and confidence. Months later he joined us together in Holy matrimony and we began life together, loving God and working together for the Kingdom.

After a time we had to part the physical presence of my mentor, but his spirit always was before us. Several years and events passed, we saw him less frequently, but continued to value his counsel whenever we saw him. We always anticipated seeing him at a district meeting. He occasionally sent timely handwritten words by letter, arriving in our mail box just in the nick of time for our edification and encouragement.

As God would have it, we came full circle to reconnect with him eye to eye for over two years. We came to pastor a church near his place of residence. We got to visit him regularly. Our conversations were of many varying spiritual things and of mutual acquaintances we had come to know along the way. It was a time to converse positively of God's greatness and faithfulness, and then petition through prayer for our needs.

As our reconnecting advanced, his conversation turned to his going home. He felt the tug of heaven. The love he had was not faded; it was merely seen in light of his soon to be manifested faith. He longed to be with Jesus and reunite with those who had gone before him. He spoke of it during every visit. It wasn’t spoken with sadness but with expectancy.

There is not a large accumulation of material goods that he leaves for his heirs. But I sense something far greater. Look at the ministry he cultivated in the multitude of family and friends. His investment is eternal. A tremendous wealth of eternal offerings that will only multiply by the same spirit now imparted to us. This is perpetual, incorruptible and immeasurable wealth.
James Salters is special in my family's life. We are all richer in the grace and mercy of God because of his influence, respect, and demeanor. I know my mentor and I will enjoy a permanent connection soon.

Thank you, James Salters, for being the obedient servant of the Most High and mentoring me. You are a Patriarch worthy of honor. I applaud you.

Addendum:

Now Heaven is sweeter and resounds with "Ain't No Grave Gonna Hold Me Down". I told you so!

Time Lapse Pondering Post

It appears that time does not heal some wounds as quickly as we like. As I compose this blog today I am aware of recent and past events that have molded me into the person I am today. Not every part of me is great, but I believe I have taken steps and been guided by the Spirit of Christ to develop into the person God wants me to be. I am still subject to authorities that are above me, but I do remain in charge of my faculties to make decisions and formulate opinions that may conflict with them. These are just matters I have to assess and determine if they will alter my course of life or just be forgotten and inconsiderate treatment.

The journals I maintained a few years back contain information that expressed my feelings the day of the writing---- not necessarily right or wrong. But in context I feel justified in describing those emotions at that moment in my life. I may have placed too much emphasis on the negative at the time instead of focusing on the positive. This action can always result in delays in reaching goals or milestones.

As I approach the age of three score and ten I am more aware of what should matter. I must take care of what I have contracted to do within as much as possible. I must fix my eyes on the prize of the high calling set forth in Scripture.

No-- I am not perfect nor have I all the answers, but I do place my trust in God and the positive people he has put in my path. If my feelings get hurt, I've probably got them sticking out too far. There are great resources in my friends.

My prayer is that God will take all the hurt I've experienced and all the hurt I have put on others and do as He promised: "work it for good to those who are called according to His purpose".

Tribute to My Mother-in-law

On January 28, 2015 my mother-in-law, Margie Lorene Folkner breathed her first breath of heavenly air as she left this earth for a home prepared for her by her Jesus. No, I do not claim to know all about the eternity that awaits us at our passing, but I do know of the faith that sustains in times of trouble. Mom was a woman who adhered to the biblical teachings about a place prepared for her.

As we laid her to rest on February 3, 2015 here are my words I shared:

I met this gentle and soft-spoken godly woman about 32 years ago. I was interested in her daughter, Carolyn.

She was a woman of few words but I knew she sorta liked me. At least I sensed that. Now I am her favorite son-in-law. (married her only daughter)

As I spent time with her and Carolyn, it was at church where I learned of her “power” voice. It resonated with authority. I remember being in her adult Sunday school class that one Sunday, and her godly power was truly there. Her voice resounded with the truth of the Scriptures. This was evident as time went on and I was in other services with her and she was asked to testify — She knew the Word of God and declared it with authority and believed it.

She reflected the true character of Christianity. Any man would be pleased to have such a mother-in-law. Carolyn often said she loved me more than her. I felt the confidence she had in me and respected her.

I never heard her raise her voice in anger or lash out at anyone. If you needed godly intervention, you called on her. Through the events in Carolyn and my lives she was often the go-to source for intercession.

I am thankful for her wise frugality that has passed down to her daughter, my wife—- it means survival in a difficult and cruel world. We appreciated the coupons and tokens of her excess soaps, shampoos, and other products.

I will say — she was a serious game player! She could literally skunk me in the scrabble games, or any word game for that matter. A true strategist. 

Eventually I got to the point of being able to tease her about boyfriends and she would put on that blushing smile, chuckle a bit and always say “no”. 

When the terrible event of dementia attacked her, our visits always included my question about her fictitious boy friend I called "Henry". At each visit I would ask her about "Henry" and she would smile in brief recognition of what I was doing. It brought a smile to my face too. Sometimes she would even chuckle a bit.

It was difficult to visit her the past two years in the rest home and for me to know where she was. It hurt to see her begin to rapidly deteriorate and become less conversant.

I look forward to seeing her in her wholeness and I think maybe we will sit down by the River of Life and join the rest of the family in a game of heavenly scrabble. And we will forget about "Henry".

Thank you, Mom, for bringing Carolyn into this world for me. I am forever grateful and blessed. You have impacted my life with your love and faith.

Tough Times

It has been difficult these past few weeks for my wife and me. We have suffered a loss of her precious mother on January 28, 2015. This was bitter sweet experience since she has suffered from severe dementia since February 2013. Memorial service was held on February 3, 2015 which I was honored to moderate. Many wonderful memories of her 84 years of her life were shared. Our faith tells us that she is in a far better place now. The event of placing her body to rest had its many challenges. My wife conducted herself as a brave soul through all the process in spite of the observations or opinions of others. I am proud of the strength God has given her. Yes, she misses her mother, but knows that God has a way of filling the vacancy. With our parents all passed we have become the elders . . . and with that said:

I have had my anger riled over other various events. It seems as though not many value my opinion or show consideration for it. Relationships are frayed over matters of disrespect. My hope is that the younger generation will get the picture and do the right thing. You need to listen with your heart and not just your head. Just because you have a high-paying job or higher education does not mean you excel in the things of life that will matter in eternity. Be truthful with me and do not jump to conclusions as you expect of me. Listen to my opinion as you expect me to listen to yours. Above all, honor all your elders, even if in disagreement. Because there will come a day that you will face the hard cold facts of reaping what you sow.

I have been a soft spoken person most of my life and kept many things to myself. I have learned through my open ears much more than through the opening of my mouth. I will continue to hear what God has to say and follow Him as closely as I possibly can; and if I experience failure, I will repent, receive His forgiveness and keep going on the path to His righteousness. There are advices that I can give to the younger ones if they will but give ear and heart. It is my desire to save them from the griefs that I have born in my short life-span.

There is no desire on my behalf to make this a rebuke, but rather, a lesson to make life better. Yes, it does give me opportunity to vent my frustrations but to review and revise if necessary to avoid further unnecessary conflict.

You see, it doesn't matter to me what your opinion of me happens to be. It is God's judgment of my life that will count in all things in the end. And I ask God to continue to give me compassion for people  that cross my path. For if we do not have compassion we most likely lack the right passion. I am reminded of the concise vision for our church is PASSION FOR GOD AND COMPASSION FOR PEOPLE. To pursue this vision we must have (a God's heart) AGAPE LOVE. I've got to "Love You With The Love Of The Lord."