WAYSIDES ALONG THE JOURNEY 2: WHITE NOISE AND STIRRING RHETORIC (Free Version)
Waysides Along the Way #2
WAYSIDES
ALONG THE JOURNEY 2:
WHITE NOISE
AND STIRRING RHETORIC
Waysides Along the Journey 2:
white noise and stirring rhetoric
Published by Wayne O’Conner, WAYNO’S WAYSIDE PUBLISHING
Printing History
First Printing by Wayne O’Conner 2011
All rights reserved by Wayne O’Conner
Copyright 2011 Wayne O’Conner
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by information storage system,
or system retrieval, without permission in writing from the publisher. Personal, non-commercial reproduction of any portion of this book is hereby allowed.
ISBN: 978-1466434493
(C) 2011 Wayne O’Conner
ABOUT THE BOOK
Waysides Along the Journey: White Noise & Stirring Rhetoric, is a collection of poetry, both mundane and religious, written by Wayne O’Conner.
AUTHOR’S INVITATION
Life is like a series of waysides along a journey. Each wayside may be an adventure or merely a contemplative place of rest. All of the waysides in tandem form a series of exhibits in the museum displays of our life.
Perhaps they may bring back a faded memory from the snap shots of your own life.
Certain exhibits may help you come to grips with challenges of life like forgiveness, fear of rejection, unrequited love, romance, unconditional love, maturity, loneliness, and anger or answer spiritual questions. Others may allow you to escape, for a short while, from the sadness or boredom, that is common place, from time to time, in everyone’s life.
Without further ado, let the wayside adventures begin.
A MAN NAMED BILL
WHILE I DON’T OWN A TV
WHENEVER I AM ABLE
I ENJOY WATCHING BILL’S NEWS SHOW.
IN MY OPINION,
THERE IS NO DOUBT
THAT HE HAS
A SUPERLATIVE VOCABULARY
AND THAT HE IS
A VERBAL SWORDSMAN OF ELITE RANK.
BILL IS,
IN MY ESTIMATION,
ONLY A PINHEAD
APPROXIMATELY TWO PERCENT OF THE TIME.
THAT MEANS HE IS A PATRIOT AT LEAST 98% OF THE TIME!
HIS NO SPIN AND DRY HUMOR
MAKES HIS NEWS FAIR, BALANCED AND ALSO ENTERTAINING.
I ADMIRE HIS HABIT
OF SELECTING EMAILS FROM VIEWERS –
BOTH THOSE THAT SALUTE HIM
AND THOSE THAT SLAM HIS VIEWS.
I WISH THAT OCCASIONALLY HE WOULD PULL A COOL GREY STETSON FROM UNDER HIS DESK
AND WEAR IT
WITH HIS SHARPLY CONSERVATIVE
BUSINESS SUIT,
THEN QUIP, “BE PREPARED!
TODAY I AM RIDING MY HOBBY HORSE!”
BILL, IT SEEMS TO ME, OFTEN SAYS,
“I AM GIVING YOU THE LAST WORD.”
YET,
IN MY ASSESSMENT, HE FINDS IT
VERY CHALLENGING TO DO SO.
HOWEVER,
BEING THE CONSUMATE WORDSMITH,
REPORTER AND DEBATER THAT HE IS, IN MY VIEW, WE FIND IT
EASILY SUFFERABLE TO ENDURE
HIS ONE WEAKNESS.
WTO 9.23.11
AUTUMN’S SONG
SUMMER’S THICK GREENERY IS RECEDING.
AUTUMN HAS NOT ARRIVED BUT I SEE HER PEEKING
THROUGH THE TINY DOOR WINDOW.
FADED GREEN AND DULL YELLOW FOLIAGE CLUSTERS AMONG THE TREES.
HIDDEN ARE THE LEAVES
KISSED IN FLAMING REDS AND FIERY ORANGES.
DAMP AND CHILL IS THE BREEZE THAT CHUGS UP FROM THE HOLLOWS
AND LIGHTLY STIRS THE TUMBLING LEAVES
AS THEY DROP TO DANCE BUT ONLY LIGHTLY.
DISTANTLY I HEAR THE RUMBLING DRONE OF A RIDING LAWN MOWER.
I SIT IN MY GAZEBO SOAKING IN THE DYING RAYS OF A PALE SUN
WATCHING THE SLOW
BUT STEADY MARCH
OF THE SEASONS,
LAMENTING THE LOSS OF WARMTH
THAT ONLY A MONTH AGO WAS MY COMPLAINT.
I SEE IN MYSELF A PARALLEL. NOW I UNDERSTAND
THE SAD HUSHED WHISPERS OF THE LEAVES AND TREES.
JUST AS THEY ARE NOT AT
THE END OF THE CYCLE
BUT FEEL ITS STEALTHY APPROACH, SO TOO, DO I THINK UPON THE COMING
OF MY OWN AUTUMNAL DAYS AND THE NEARING OF WINTER.
MY FIFTH DECADE
ON THIS BLUE AND GREEN BALL
THAT HANGS ON NOTHING
AT THE CENTER OF STARS
THAT DIFFER FROM GLORY TO GLORY
IS SHIMMERING
ALONG THE EVENT HORIZON OF MY OWN LIFE.
LIKE A WARY ASSASSIN
IT CREEPS EVER FORWARD CONCEALLED IN THE SHADOWS.
WHO KNOWS WHEN HE WILL ARRIVE
OR HOW LONG THE WATCHERS WILL DETER HIM?
WILL TWO OR THREE DECADES MORE BE GRANTED OR ONLY A FEW SHORT BREATHS?
FIERY PASSION OF YOUTH HAS EBBED FROM MY BONES.
YET LIFE STILL SMOULDERS SOFTLY
LIKE SCANT ROSIE HANDFULLS OF COALS
THAT REMAIN FROM A ONCE ROARING,
CRACKLING, SNAPPING OAK AND PINE CAMPFIRE.
UNLIKE MOST PEOPLE MY AGE, AS IN MANY WAYS I’VE LED A SHELTERED LIFE, NUMEROUS ARE THE EXPERIENCES THAT I HAVE NOT SNIFFED, TOUCHED
OR TASTED.
MY ADVENTURER’S GEAR IS OLD AND WORN, BUT THE LEATHER IS STILL SERVICABLE,
EVEN THOUGH IT CREAKS IN A WAY DIFFERENT
FROM WHEN IT WAS NEW.
I HAVE CAMPED
IN THE FOOTHILLS LONG ENOUGH.
I HAVE ENJOYED MY STAY
AT THIS FINE WAYSIDE.
OFF I GO TO THE FAR BLUE MOUNTAINS, TO SLOWLY, GENTLY BREATHE IN THE SCENT OF WAYWARD PINES AND TASTE
THE COLD CLEAR WATER OF SHOOTING CREEK.
AND I GO NOW, FOR IF I AWAIT THE DAWN, I’LL FIND REASONS TO PUT OFF MY JOURNEY
UNTIL I HAVE FORGOTTEN MY DECISION TO GO.
WTO 9.24.2011
FAR AWAY PLACES OFT IMAGINED
I HAVE OFTEN DREAMED OF FARAWAY PLACES: EXOTIC ISLANDS,
WHITE BEACHES AND MAJESTIC PALMS.
SOOTHING NATURAL RHYTHMS OF AZURE WAVES
LICK THE MOSAIC OF SAND AND DRIFTWOOD.
PARROTS AND MACAWS TRILL HAPPILY
WHILE MONKEYS CHATTER AMIDST THE ISLAND CANOPY.
VIBRATING SWATHS OF BRIGHT PASTEL BLOSSOMS,
HOSTING A TRAVELING CARAVANSARY
OF DELIGHTFUL FLORAL SCENTS,
FRECKLED FAR AND WIDE,
TICKLE THE WINDS ABOVE THE TALL, JADE-SKINNED, SOFTLY UNDULATING ISLAND GRASS.
FOAM CRESTED WATER FALLS, SPILLING ICILY
DOWN THE MOUNTAINSIDE, THUNDER LIKE PERPETUAL
21 GUN SALUTES.
PLUMMETING INTO A MOSS ENCIRCLED POND, THE SCINTILLATING WATERS SPRAY A FINE WET MIST
WHICH RAINS GENTLY
ON AN EMERALD LILY PAD FLOTILLA,
EACH WITH ITS OWN WHITE PETAL SAILS
THAT WINK AND BOW
AT THE BECK OF THE BREEZES.
RAINBOW SONATAS OF FROGS, FLYING INSECTS AND FLOWERS SING AND DANCE
IN THE DAZZLING SUN ATOP THE ENCHANTED POOL.
I HAVE DREAMED
AS WELL OF ALTERNATE DIMENSIONS
WHERE I WOULD HAVE MY OWN PRIVATE MALL OF AMERICA
AND A FEW BLADE RUNNER ANDROIDS TO MAINTAIN IT LIKE A PALACE.
A PLACE SO SECRET THAT POSSIBLY I WOULD HAVE BUT ONE HUMAN FRIEND,
OF THE OPPOSITE GENDER, WITH WHOM TO SHARE MY KINGDOM.
I HAVE DREAMED OF HAVING MY OWN HOLODECK WHERE I COULD ADVENTURE
JUST LIKE THE CREWS OF STAR TREK
AND HOBNOB WITH X-MEN, TARZAN AND SHERLOCK HOLMES
OR TRAVEL THE STAR GATES WITH SG-1.
NEXT I’D CHAT WITH ADAM AND EVE OR NOAH ON THE ARK AND ASK THE LORD HIMSELF WHAT HE MEANT
ABOUT A FEW THINGS HE SAID.
WHETHER THE DREAMS OCCUR IN THE LAND OF NOD OR MERELY AS DAYDREAMS, WHILE I’M AWAKE,
THEY SOUND THE ADVENTURER’S HORN.
YET, I FIND IT BEST IF I VISIT THERE INFREQUENTLY
AND SHUT THEM AWAY IN MY OWN PANDORA’S BOX.
I’D ENJOY MY VISITS AND THEN RETURN TO REALITY.
AS MUCH AS I WISH THAT I COULD VISIT
THE LAND OF MAKE-BELIEVE,
I KNOW FULL WELL
THAT I AM BETTER OFF HERE IN MY OWN WORLD.
WHY DO I SAY THAT?
IF I HAD ACCESS TO MY OWN PRIVATE COSMOS LIKE JADAWIN OF THE WORLD OF TIERS, COMPLEMENTS OF THE LATE PHILIP JOSÉ FARMER,
I COULD BECOME SO ABSORBED IN THAT FANTASY THAT MY REALITY
MIGHT DIMINISH FROM NEGLECT.
I MIGHT FIND AS WELL
THAT MY FANTASY WORLD IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN MY OWN.
JUICY SUCCULENT EYE-CANDY FRUIT FROM ALTERNATE REALITY TREES
OR AN ALIEN BUFFET LINE MIGHT LOOK DELECTABLE BUT COLOR MY SKIN IN SMURF BLUE TONES
LIKE AN OVERDOSE OF COLLOIDAL SILVER, KILL ME
OR TRANSFORM ME INTO AN EBONY STATUE.
THE AIR MIGHT SEEM PLEASANT BUT BURN MY LUNGS OR CAUSE ME TO THINK I CAN SAVE THE WORLD FROM IMMINENT DESTRUCTION
BY TRAINING 7 PINK FLAMINGO LAWN ORNAMENTS TO FEED BOYSENBERRY FLAP-JACKS
TO PILLSBURY DOUGHBOY PARKING METERS.
HORRIFIC CREATURES THAT ARE EASILY BATTLED BY MY FAVORITE BOOK AND MOVIE HEROES
WOULD PROBABLY BE MORE THAN A MATCH FOR ME.
OR I MIGHT KILL ONE AND FIND THAT IT ONLY LOOKED UGLY, BUT WAS CORDIAL, ATE ONLY ROTTEN FRUIT,
ANTS, WASPS AND MOSQUITOS, THEN DEFECATED GOLD COINS.
TEMPTATIONS THAT I ELUDE
WHILE WANDERING MY OWN WORLD WOULD PROBABLY OVERTAKE ME IN THAT REALM.
SO I WILL CONTINUE TO DREAM AND BE THANKFUL
THAT I ONLY HAVE VIRTUAL ACCESS TO THOSE OFT DREAMED FARAWAY PLACES.
9.12.11
FIRESIDE CONTEMPLATION
ONCE I WENT TO SCHOOL
WITH A BRILLIANT MAN
WHO CONSIDERED
ACIDIC DRIPPING SARCASM A FINE ART.
WHENEVER HE HAD THE CHANCE HE REMARKED, “AMAZING HOW LITTLE IT TAKES TO OCCUPY THE SIMPLE MIND!”
THIRTY YEARS HAVE PASSED
SINCE I HAVE HEARD HIM SAY THAT
OR ANYTHING ELSE FOR THAT MATTER.
I WOULD MUCH RATHER BE SIMPLE AND SOFT THAN BRILLIANT AND BITTER.
I FEEL LIKE THAT NOW,
ALTHOUGH NOT IN THE SAME NEGATIVE SENSE OF THE QUOTE.
MY MIND IS NOT SIMPLE ALTHOUGH I HAVE MY MOMENTS.
MINE IS THE PEACE THAT COMES
WITH QUIET SLIPPER-FOOTED WALKS ACROSS COLD WOODEN FLOORS.
ALONE IN MY CHAIR
STARING AT THE YELLOW FLAMES
OF MY FIREPLACE
I LISTEN TO THE SNAPS AND POPS OF LIQUID PINE.
MY HANDS NEEDING SOMETHING TO OCCUPY THE TIME TOY WITH A HARD,
BLACK WALNUT FRUIT THAT FEELS LIKE A STONE
BUT LOOKS LIKE AN UNRIPENED LIME.
APPEARANCES MAY BE DECEIVING.
IT’S DIMPLED GREEN SKIN
LEAVES A FRUITY SOAPY SCENT LIKE LADIES’ BATH PEARLS OR PERFUMED TALCUM.
FINDING MY THOUGHTS, I HAVE DROPPED THE POD BACK INTO A FINE CRYSTAL DISH
THAT SITS WAITING AT ONE END OF MY MAPLE WRITING DESK.
WHILE I ENJOY BEING WITH PEOPLE
I ALSO ENJOY SOLITUDE AND QUIET CONTEMPLATION.
TONIGHT
I WILL SOAK IN THE COMFORT OF MY ROOM BY THE FIRE.
TOMORROW
I WILL PLAY THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY.
FOR NOW, I AM CONTENT.
WTO 9.24.2011
FRIENDSHIP
FRIENDSHIP IS A WONDROUS GIFT,
BUT MUCH DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT.
EVEN THE GREATEST GIFTS MAY BRING DARK SORROW AND THE LEAST OF GIFTS MIGHT PRODUCE JOY
THAT NEVER WANES FROM TIME OR USE.
FRIENDSHIP CANNOT BE PURCHASED.
SUCH COMPANIONS MAY FLEE
LIKE A HIRELING SHEPHERD
AS SOON AS THE WOLVES OF LIFE
CHARGE SNARLING INTO THE MIDST OF THE FLOCK.
OR LIKE VILE PIRATES, SHANGHAI YOU, WORK YOU TO TATTERS AND BONY FLESH,
THEN LEAVE YOU STRANDED ON THE DESERT ISLAND
OF YOUR WORST NIGHTMARES
SOILED,
SHAMED AND LONELY.
TRUE FRIENDSHIP
MUST BE EARNED
AND THEN YOU MUST NEVER FORGET THAT YOU DO NOT OWN THAT FRIEND.
HE OR SHE MERELY SHARES THE JOURNEY.
AND WHO BUT GOD KNOWS FOR HOW LONG?
‘TILL DEATH DO US PART OR HITHER AND YON, HERE A SEASON THEN GONE A SEASON.
UNTIL SOMEONE CLOSES YOUR EYES FOR YOUR FINAL JOURNEY.
FRIENDS COME IN MANY SHAPES, SIZES,
COLORS AND LEVELS OF INTENSITY.
YOU NEVER KNOW
HOW LONG THEY’LL STAY.
TIME, TRIALS AND CIRCUMSTANCE
WILL PROVE THEIR METTLE.
MANY START OUT SWEET
AND LATER BECOME STALE OR SOUR.
THEN THERE ARE THOSE
WHO START OUT
TART AND CRISP,
BUT MELLOW
LIKE A FINE MERLOT IN AN APPLE WOOD KEG.
OTHERS HAVE UNIQUE FRAGRANCES
OF PERSONALITY THAT BOND YOU
TO THEIR HEARTS
EVEN WHEN THE TIDES OF LIFE
BEAR THEM AWAY
TO DISTANT SHORES.
RARE LIKE APPLES OF SILVER,
A FEW BECOME TRIED IN THE CRUCIBLE OF LIFE
TO STAND THE TEST OF THE REFINERS FIRE,
OTHERS BECOME
MERE MEMORIES, FLASHY 3 X 5 PHOTOS
IN YOUR SCRAPBOOK ALBUM
OF THE GOOD, BAD
AND INDIFFERENT.
WTO 7.5.11
GARDEN STROLL
STROLLING ALONG
THE SAND
AND PEBBLE COLORED
COBBLESTONE PATH
THAT WINDS
IN FLOWING CURVES
THROUGH CAT LADY’S GARDEN
I LISTEN
FEELING BOTH COMFORT
AND JOY
AT THE TREASURED MEMORIES
THAT SUDDENLY FLOOD MY SOUL
AT THE CLICKING
OF HER GREY AND TAN
SADDLE SHOES
AGAINST THE UNYIELDING STONE.
FRESH IS THE SUN-DRENCHED AIR FOLLOWING A LATE MAY RAIN
AND WARM THE DRAFT
THAT CARRIES TO MY NOSE
THE GENTLE BREEZE
LADEN – YET EVER SO FAINTLY,
WITH THE LIGHT,
PLEASANT, ALMOST CINNOMONY SCENT OF THE SNAP DRAGONS
WHICH HOVERS ONLY WITHIN THEIR CLOSE PROXIMITY.
INDEED, A GARDENER’S DELIGHT
I ADMIRE THE ALTERNATING COLUMNS OF A CHERRY AND FLAMING YELLOW FLORAL ARMY
THAT RIDES HIGH INTO THE GLOWING CERULEAN SKY LIKE AN ADVANCING BATTALION OF PIKEMEN.
HERE AND THERE IN THE PARADE
ARE A FEW BRIGHT WHITE, PINK OR ROYAL BLUE SNAPS THAT ARE REMINISCENT OF BOLD FLAG BEARERS
HOISTING THEIR COMPANY STANDARDS.
CAT LADY
PRUNES THE FADING BLOSSOMS
OF HER SHOWY DRAGON MILITIA
ENHANCING THE LENGTH
OF THEIR VIBRANT COLORFUL MARCH LATE INTO THE SUMMER SEASON.
WHILE FAR FROM THEIR NATIVE MEDITERRANEAN LANDS
THEY STAND TALL AND MAJESTIC FEARING ONLY THE SHADE.
NESTLED AT THEIR FEET IS A ROW OF CLUMPY BLACK BERRY BUSHES, NOT YET RIPE,
RAISING THEIR LEAFY DEFENSES LIKE A PHALANX OF DWARVEN SHIELD-BEARERS.
BRIGHT AND BLUE, FAIR AND INVITING
IS THE GREAT HEAVENLY VAULTED DOME
THAT RIDES TALL ABOVE ME GIVING ME THE FEELING
THAT I AM WALKING INSIDE AN IMMENSE TERRARIUM.
MIST RISES FROM A CONCEALED SPRINKLER THAT LEAPS LIKE GHOSTLY CHARGERS
ACROSS THE FLORAL BACKDROP OF THE GARDEN
AND SOFTLY TICKLES OUR CHEEKS AS WE STRIDE PASSED.
I ENJOY THE RHYTHMIC FIERY FLARES OF BOTH RICH AND PASTEL COLORS
DAUBED IN THE BOLD BROAD LASHES
OF A PASSIONATE
WATERCOLOR GENIUS.
SUNNY YELLOWS, FIRESIDE APPLE REDS AND ENCHANTING ORANGES
ANNOUNCE THE PRESENCE OF THE ADVANCED LIGHT INFANTRY.
MIXED IN GENEROUSLY ARE CLUSTERS
OF WHITE LILY BUNCHES, THAT BOB SOFTLY
LIKE ROLLING CONESTOGAS TRAVELING WESTWARD HO!
YELLOW AND BLACK BANDED BEES AND A VARIETY OF INSECTS,
SOUNDING LIKE MINIATURE HELICOPTERS,
ARE DRAWN LIKE MOTHS TO FLAMES
AS THEY DART AND DANCE WILDLY,
SEEKING THE LUSCIOUS JUCINESS
OF EACH RICH FRAGRANT BLOSSOM.
IN THE DISTANCE I SEE THE SHIMMERING LAKE.
INCANDESCENT SPOTS OF VIBRATING YELLOW FLASH
LIKE PLAYFUL ENERGETIC SPRITES ALONGS ITS SKY MIRRORED SURFACE.
GENTLE SWELLS OF ITS LIQUID COOLNESS
TAP AGAINST THE SHORE,
STIRRING THE CAVALCADE OF BROWN VELVETY CAT TAILS
MAKING THEM RATTLE STEM TO STEM AS IF THEY ARE WHISPERING
TO EACH OF OTHER IN HUSHED ANTICIPATION
OF OUR LEISURELY APPROACH.
WTO 9.27.11
REMINISCING
SKIPPING ROUND FLAT ROCKS HOP ACROSS THE PLACID LAKE.
SKIP-SPLASH- SKIP-SPLASH-PLUNK.
SINKING AT LAST, LEAVING ONLY A SERIES
OF EVER WIDENING CIRCLES THAT QUIETLY FADE AWAY.
MANY MOMENTS IN MY LIFE,
THE GOOD, BAD, UGLY AND INDIFFERENT, OVER TIME HAVE DISAPPEARED MUCH IN THE SAME WAY.
LONG BRUTAL DAYS AND NIGHTS TINGED WITH PAIN AND REGRET THAT I THOUGHT I’D NEVER FORGET
HAVE SLIPPED GENTLY INTO TIME’S MURKY, BOTTOMLESS ABYSS.
IF THE DARKER THOUGHTS LIKE OLD GHOSTS DO RETURN
IT HAS BECOME EASIER TO BANNISH THEM.
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER PEOPLE, MY AGE SEEMED SO OLD THAT I THOUGHT
IT WOULD TAKE CENTURIES TO CATCH UP.
MY EYES DO NOT SEE THE SAME AS THEY ONCE DID AND HAVE DIMMED WITH AGE,
BUT THANKS TO THE LENSES OF MY EXPERIENCE
NOW I SEE WITH A GREAT CLARITY THAT I ONLY THOUGHT I ONCE POSSESSED.
HAPPY MEMORIES
FLOATING LIKE PALE BLUE BUTTERFLIES ARISE FROM THAT SAME ABYSS.
I NEVER KNOW
WHEN THEY’LL APPEAR OR THE DURATION OF THEIR VISIT.
OVER THE SEASONS OF MY LIFE,
I HAVE LEARNED TO ENJOY THE SIMPLE PLEASURE OF THEIR PLEASANT COMPANY
WHEREVER I AM
OR WHATEVER THE TIME HAPPENS TO BE
WHEN THEY DROP OVER.
WTO 9.24.11
STINKIN’ THINKIN’ WHILE I’M SINKIN’
STINKIN’ THINKIN’ WHILE I’M SINKIN’. LIVING LIKE HARRY POTTER UNDER THE STAIRS.
THEN FRETTING ABOUT MY CIRCUMSTANCES
RATHER THAN MAKING THE BEST OF THOSE CONDITIONS.
I JUST NEED A NAP.
THINGS WILL GET BETTER. OR AT LEAST I WILL BE ABLE TO COPE.
I’M A TWO-SIDES OF THE COIN KIND OF GENT.
YEAH, THE GRASS MAY BE GREENER
ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE,
BUT MAYBE IT JUST LOOKS GREENER BECAUSE I’M ON THIS SIDE OF THE ENCLOSURE.
THE “RENT’S TOO DAMN HIGH” GUY
HAD A GOOD RANT AND SOME SOLID POINTS
BUT HE HAD LITTLE CHANCE TO BEAT THE SYSTEM.
IF HE HAD, WE’D PROBABLY HAVE FOUND A REASON TO COMPLAIN
ABOUT CHOICES WE HAD MADE.
KIND OF GOES
WITH THE TERRITORY OF BEING HUMAN.
MATURE ON THE OUTSIDE –
WRINKLING SKIN AND THINNING, FADING HAIR.
IMMATURE INSIDE – CHILDISH,
STUBBORN AND SELFISH PEOPLE TRYING TO GET THEIR NEEDS MET.
MOST OF US, UNLESS WE HAVE BEEN CHANGED INTERNALLY BY OUR MAKER
TEND TO CATER TO OUR FLESH
AND GNAW AT THOSE CLOSEST TO US WHEN THINGS GET FRUSTRATING.
FOR BETTER OR WORSE WE WILL OFTEN BE WORSE THE WORSE OUR SURROUNDINGS TEND TO BE.
O’ FOR THE DIVINE SPARK
THAT STARTS A POSITIVE CHANGE IN MY INWARD PARTS!
FALLING ROWS OF DOMINOES
OR A RUBE GOLDBERG MACHINE
THAT CAUSES MY SURROUNDINGS TO CHANGE.
NOT BECAUSE I’VE WRESTLED THE BEAR,
BUT BECAUSE I’VE HORSE-WHISPERED THE HORSE.
NOT BECAUSE
I’VE GRABBED THE BULL BY THE HORNS
AND PUNCHED ITS MUZZLE.
BECAUSE I’VE NOT KICKED AGAINST THE GOAD.
BECAUSE
I’VE WORKED WITH THE YOKE AND NOT AGAINST IT.
O’ FOR THE TRANSFORMATION
THAT COMES AS A NATURAL BYPRODUCT OF THE CHANGE THAT HAS BEEN WROUGHT FIRST IN ME!
WTO 8.17.11
SURF THE CHOCOLATE WAVES
CHOCOLATE, CHOCOLATE, YUMMY, YUMMY CHOCOLATE.
MILKSHAKES, CANDY BARS, CAKES AND COOKIES, TOO.
YUMMY YUMMY CHOCOLATE
EAT IT, DRINK IT,
YUM, YUM, YUM.
DARK IS THE HEALTHIEST.
FULL OF ANTIOXIDANTS.
FOO ON DEATH BY CHOCOLATE!
I’M ALL FOR CHOCOLATE ALCHEMY.
THAT’S MY CHOSEN THERAPY!
YUMMY YUMMY CHOCOLATE
EAT IT, DRINK IT,
YUM, YUM, YUM.
WHITE CHOCOLATE,
MILK CHOCOLATE,
HOT CHOCOLATE,
COLD CHOCOLATE ANY KIND OF CHOCOLATE.
YUMMY YUMMY CHOCOLATE
EAT IT, DRINK IT,
YUM, YUM, YUM.
CHOCOLATE, CHOCOLATE HOLIDAY DELIGHT.
EASTER BUNNIES, EASTER EGGS,
HANUKKAH COINS,
HEART SHAPED BOXES,
SWEET LITTLE SANTAS.
POUR ME A DOUBLE
OF BAILEY’S IRISH CREAM.
SURF THEM,
SURF THEM,
SURF THOSE CHOCOLATE WAVES!
CREAMY SPRAYS OF CHOCOLATE GUSHING DOWN A SILVER FOUNTAIN.
QUICKLY!
QUICKLY!
BUILD YOURSELF A FRUIT KABOB!
DUNK IT.
DRIBBLE IT.
NIBBLE, NIBBLE NIBBLE IT.
YUMMY YUMMY CHOCOLATE
SKEWER IT, DUNK IT, YUM, YUM, YUM.
CHOCOLATE, CHOCOLATE, YUMMY YUMMY CHOCOLATE.
EAT IT, DRINK IT,
YUM, YUM, YUM.
WTO 9.20.11
VICARIOUS GAME ADVENTURES ON F*CEB**K
WHEN I FIRST STARTED MY F*CEB**K ADVENTURES I WAS LIKE
THE PROVERBIAL KID IN A CANDY SHOP.
WHILE NOT A GRANDMASTER OF F*CEB**K GAMING
NOW THAT I HAVE JOINED
THE RANK OF EXPERT GAMERS
I HAVE WAVED GOODBYE TO MAF*A W*RS, C*FE W*RLD, TIKI F*RM, C*STLE AGE
AND COUNTLESS ADVENTURE GAMES.
NOW I CLEAR BRUSH, RAISE ANIMALS,
TRAVEL THE PI*NEER TR*IL, SEND ITEMS OR VISIT THE HOMESTEADS OF MY FELLOW PLAYERS.
I ALSO PLAY F*RMVILLE, BUT FOR THE MOST PART I JUST DROP IN FOR A FEW MINUTES
CLICK ON GIFT REQUESTS AND FEED A FEW ANIMALS
ON MY ENGL*SH CO*NTRYS*DE FARM.
I HAVE BEEN ZYNGAFIED
MORE THAN ONCE, BUT ALAS
I STILL FEEL A PULL
LIKE A SIREN’S CALL
AS I HEAR PEPPY MIDI MUSIC LIKE SLOT MACHINES IN A CASINO.
DEMENTEDLY I CLICK AWAY, HARVESTING EVERYTHING IN SIGHT,
RANGING FROM BRIGHT ORANGE PUMPKINS TO DARK BLUE OXEN.
I AM GREETED
BY NOW COMFORTABLY FAMILIAR SOUND EFFECTS:
DUCK QUACKS, BEAR GROWLS, BLEATING SHEEP, COW BELLOWING, AX CHOPPING,
BARKS FROM MY YELLOW LABS SPOOKY & TID BITTY.
MY CHARACTERS, WHEN CLICKED ON, YELL, “HOWDY!”
LET US NOT FORGET THE WHACK, WHACK, WHACK OF HAMMERS
POUNDING NAILS INTO NEW BUILDINGS
OR THE HULLABALOO OF CHICKENS,
FRENZIEDLY BEATING THEIR WINGS, AS FOXES AND COYOTES SNAP THEM UP!
WHERE
HAS THE TIME GONE?
TOMORROW I’LL BE BACK TO SOCIALIZE
FROM THE SAFETY OF INVISIBLE INTERNET WALLS.
ONCE, NOT SEVERAL TIMES A DAY, AS I DID FOR A SHORT WHILE
BEFORE THE NOVELTY WORE AWAY.
IF I STAY AWAY TOO LONG
I WILL RETURN TO WITHERED PLANTS, AND A TOWN
FILLED WITH BRISTLING LIME GREEN CACTI,
THORNY BROWN TUMBLE WEEDS, ROCK PILES
AND BONE WHITE CATTLE SKULLS FILLED WITH SNAKES
THAT WILL NEED CLOBBERING.
SO, ANOTHER GAMING DAY OR NIGHT OR AFTERNOON WILL DAWN
AND I WILL BE SERENADED BY FUNKY FIDDLE MUSIC, PROBABLY SEVERAL TIMES IN LESS THAN THIRTY MINUTES,
WHILE MAD JACK’S CARTOON FACE APPEARS AGAIN TO QUIP, “BLASTED INTERNET!”
AS MY HOMESTEAD SLOWLY, LIKE CHARGING GARDEN SNAILS, MATERIALIZES ONE ITEM AT A TIME,
FOR THE UMPTEENTH TIME.
WTO 9/2011
A SERVANT’S TEST
TIME HEALS ALL WOUNDS SO GOES THE OLD CLICHÉ.
FORGOTTEN WOUNDS ARE NOT ALWAYS HEALED WOUNDS.
IN TRUTH FORGIVENESS, GOD AND TIME HEALS WOUNDS.
HE MADE IT TO WORK THAT WAY.
WHILE THIS IS SO, AT THE TIME WHEN THE PAIN IS DEEPEST
BEING REMINDED OF THIS FACT, EVEN IF YOU ARE A BELIEVER, IS NOT VERY COMFORTING.
MORE THAN THIS, WITH SOME SERVANTS,
THEIR CHALLENGE IN THIS ISSUE IS AKIN TO THE TIME OF DAVID’S PRE-KING TESTING.
BEFORE DAVID WAS KING AND HE WAS HIDING IN THE WILDERNESS FROM KING SAUL,
FEELING BETRAYED AND WRESTLING WITH DEATH OF A VISION,
GOD CALLED HIM TO FORGET ABOUT HIS NEEDS AND TEND THE NEEDS OF OTHERS.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN A SERVANT FOR A TIME
AND THEN SOMETHING HAPPENS IN YOUR LIFE
AND YOU CANNOT SEEM TO SHAKE YOUR DEPRESSION,
SEEK THE LORD
AND SEE IF HE IS CALLING YOU, TOO, TO FORGET YOUR NEEDS
AND TEND THE NEEDS OF OTHERS.
IF AT ONE TIME IN YOUR LIFE OF SERVICE IT SEEMED THAT YOUR MINISTRY WAS A GREAT SUCCESS
AND NOW EVERYTHING YOU TRY TO DO FOR THE KINGDOM SEEMS TO MEET WITH FAILURE
SHAKE OFF YOUR DEPRESSION AND SEEK GOD’S FACE.
IF IT IS SIN DEAL WITH IT.
BUT IF IT IS NOT SIN, THEN THANK GOD THAT HE IS LEVELING THE PLAINS
AND TAKING DOWN THE MOUNTAINS
IN YOUR LIFE.
SUBMIT TO HIS TRAINING AND PRUNING
AS HE DELIVERS YOU
FROM THE PRIDE OF YOUR NATURAL
SOULISH STRENGTH
AND BRINGS YOU TO THE PLACE
WHERE YOUR STRONG
NATURAL GIFTS
DO NOT GET IN THE WAY OF HIS WISH
TO BE EXPRESSED THROUGH YOU.
THEN YOU WILL COME TO THE PLACE
LIKE PAUL THE APOSTLE
WHERE YOU CAN SAY,
“WHEN I AM WEAK I AM STRONG.”
RATHER THAN RELYING
ON YOUR OWN
HUMAN STRENGTH
YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS WHO EMPOWERS YOU.
WHEN YOU ARE A BABY CHRISTIAN THERE ARE MANY THINGS THAT YOU CAN DO TO PLEASE GOD,
BUT IF YOU ARE TO MATURE SPIRITUALLY, THE DAY MUST COME WHEN YOU DO THINGS AS YOU ARE ASKED,
AND DO THOSE THINGS NOT WITH INTELLECT AND SOUL POWER,
BUT THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
WORKING THROUGH YOU.
9.15.11 WTO
A TALE OF TWO GIFTS
THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGO
GOD GAVE THE GIFT OF CANAAN LAND
TO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL.
HE THEN SHOWED THEM THE LENGTH AND WIDTH AND BREADTH OF THE LAND
WITH WHICH HE HAD GIFTED THEM.
ONLY ONE CONDITION STOOD BETWEEN THEM
AND GOD’S PRECIOUS GIFT.
DAILY, STEP BY STEP,
THEY HAD TO WALK WITH GOD!
NOT JUST KNOWING ABOUT HIM,
BUT WALKING IN FAITH AND OBEDIENCE, YIELDING TO AND SERVING HIM.
THEY COULD NOT JUST STAY
ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE RIVER AND PROCLAIM THE JOY OF THEIR GREAT GIFT.
TO GENUINELY POSSESS THE GIFT
THAT HAD BEEN SO GRACIOUSLY GIVEN THEY HAD TO ACCEPT IT AND THEN GO IN TO POSSESS IT!
SADLY, WE READ THAT THROUGH FEAR, DISOBEDIENCE, AND LACK OF FAITH, FOR 4O YEARS
THEY DID NOT POSSESS THEIR GIFT.
MOST OF THAT GENERATION DIED
AND DID NOT WALK IN THE PROMISED LAND.
WHEN THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL
FINALLY ENTERED CANAAN LAND, THEIR PROGRESS WAS MIXED.
AT THE END OF THEIR LIFE-TIME
MOST HAD NOT COMPLETED THEIR TASKS
AND MANY HAD COMPLETED ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THEIR WORK.
TODAY ALL PEOPLES
HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY FOR ANOTHER PRECIOUS GIFT:
ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST.
YES,
WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE GIFT, IF WE ACCEPT IT AND REPENT.
BUT THAT IS THE FIRST STEP OF A WONDROUS JOURNEY.
BUT TO COMPLETE THE TASK
WE MUST ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT
TO CHANGE US INWARDLY TO BE MORE AND MORE LIKE CHRIST.
LIKE THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL
WE MUST WALK IN FAITH
AND OBEDIENCE
NOT JUST LEARNING ABOUT GOD,
BUT DAILY CONFRONTING
THE GIANTS IN OUR LIVES
WHILE ACTUALLY WALKING WITH GOD.
TO THE EXTENT
THAT WE DO NOT SUBMIT
TO OUR HEAVENLY KING
AND YIELD TO HIS PURIFICATIONS
WE MAY END UP SAVED AS IF THROUGH FIRE BUT WE WILL NOT MATURE
SO AS TO BE MUCH USE TO GOD HERE OR LATER ENJOY HIS PRESENCE WHEN JESUS RETURNS.
THE EXTENT THAT
WE GROW SPIRITUALLY DURING LIFE
TO FINALLY BECOME
BABES, YOUNG CHILDREN, PRE-TEEN ADULTS, YOUNG ADULTS OR SPIRITUAL PARENTS
THAT WILL BE THE LEVEL OF OUR “STARSHINE” AFTER THIS LIFE.
WHILE OUR BODIES
MAY BE CHANGED IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE,
THE SALVATION OF OUR SOULS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS HERE AND NOW.
AS ONE STAR DIFFERS FROM ANOTHER IN BRIGHTNESS,
SO TOO, IS THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD.
LIKE DIFFERENT MEMBERS OF A FAMILY MAY ENJOY
A HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAME
IN DIFFERENT WAYS
OUR CHOICES HERE AND NOW
WILL AFFECT OUR HEAVENLY DESTINY.
INFANTS GURGLE AND COO OR FUSS AND WHINE
FROM THE PROTECTION OF THEIR BASSINETS THAT SIT ATOP THE BLEACHER SEATS.
YOUNG CHILDREN CRAWLING UNDER THE BLEACHERS MAY HAVE FUN FINDING TREASURES FROM SHINY COINS TO BOTTLE CAPS
AMONGST THE CRUMPLED STRAW SLEEVES AND CRINCKLED CANDY WRAPPERS.
PRE-TEEN CHILDREN MAY ENTERTAIN EACH OTHER, WHISPERING IN THEIR SEATS
OR AS THEY DASH TO AND FRO NEAR THE FOOD STANDS.
TEENS AND ADULTS’ MAY ACTUALLY ENJOY
WATCHING THE FOOTBALL GAME.
MUCH IN THE SAME WAY, TO THE EXTENT
THAT WE ALLOW THE LORD TO MATURE US DURING OUR LIFE,
AND TO THE EXTENT THAT WE PERFORM THE WORKS HE PREORDAINED, RATHER THAN OUR OWN,
THAT WILL DICTATE OUR ABILITY TO ENJOY
OUR GREAT AND FUTURE REWARD: HIM.
YES, WE MAY RECEIVE CROWNS,
BUT ONLY TO THROW THEM AT HIS FEET!
JUST AS JEHOVAH TOLD ABRAHAM, “I AM YOUR SHIELD AND GREAT REWARD,”
SO TOO, TODAY HE IS OUR SHIELD
AND GREAT REWARD!
WTO 9/12/11
BOUNDARIES
I HAVE COINED A PHRASE
THAT I CALL SELF-LIMITED WILL.
WHY?
IF I READ ALL OF SCRIPTURE RATHER THAN PICK OR CHOOSE AMONG ALL OF ITS VERSES,
ACCORDING TO MY DOCRINE OF PREFERENCE, I CANNOT BE 100 PERCENT CALVINIST OR 100 PERCENT ARMINIAN.
WHILE I BELIEVE GOD IS SOVEREIGN,
I ALSO BELIEVE THAT HE DESIGNED ALL THINGS
AND BY HIS SOVEREIGN WILL
GAVE US OUR FREE WILL.
SOME WILL SAY THIS IS A MATTER OF ELECTION.
OTHERS WILL SAY IT IS A MATTER OF MERIT.
I THINK BOTH ELECTION AND MERIT ARE INVOLVED.
A FRIEND, JOHN JOHNSON, HAS THIS TO SAY ABOUT ELECTION
VERSES FREE WILL,
“THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION IS THIS…
GOD HAS GIVEN US A CHOICE
ACCORDING TO HIS WAYS, HIS RULES,
AND HIS GOOD PLEASURE.”
LET ME ILLUSTRATE.
A MAN BUYS A FARM, FENCES OFF A PORTION OF PASTURE AND PLACES THERE
A BULL CHRISTENED MAC,
JACK THE STEER,
TWO CALVES – ONE NAMED BILLY AND THE OTHER SUSIE –
PLUS, TWO MILK COWS CALLED PANSY AND DAISY.
THOSE CATTLE ARE FREE
TO WANDER ANYWHERE IN THAT PASTURE.
TO MUNCH CLOVER IN THE MIDDLE
OR CHOMP TIMOTHY GRASS ALONG THE FENCE.
AS LONG AS THEY STAY
WITHIN THEIR BOUNDARY
THEY ARE FREE TO ROAM.
MAC, JACK, BILLIE, SUSIE PANSY AND DAISY WILL NOT GET INTO TROUBLE
UNLESS THEY FORCE THEIR WAY UNDER OR OVER THE FENCE.
HERE’S ANOTHER ILLUSTRATION.
WE’LL SAY WE GO TO TOWN AND PARK IN THE NEW PARKING LOT.
IT IS A FREE PARKING LOT
SO, WE DON’T HAVE TO PAY TO ENTER.
A SIGN WARNS THAT IF YOU STAY MORE THAN 24 HOURS
YOUR CAR WILL BE TOWED AT YOUR EXPENSE.
SIX SPACES HAVE HANDICAP SIGNS,
SO, IF YOU ARE PARKED THERE AND DO NOT OWN THE APPROPRIATE STICKER, YOU ARE LIABLE FOR A $100 FINE.
WE ARE FREE TO PARK OUR CARS AS LONG AS WE STAY INSIDE
THE BOUNDARIES OF THE PARKING LOT.
HERE’S THE MORAL
OF THIS LITTLE STORY.
JESUS IS LIKE THE FARMER.
WE ARE LIKE MAC, JACK, BILLIE, SUSIE PANSY AND DAISY.
FARMER JESUS
DOESN’T GIVE EACH COW
HIS OR HER OWN
CLUMP OF CLOVER TO MUNCH.
JESUS GIVES US ALL PASTURES LIKE PARKING LOTS.
EACH PARKING LOT REPRESENTS DECISIONS
BOTH LARGE AND SMALL
THAT WE MAKE EVERY DAY
FROM CHOOSING A MATE
TO WHAT WE EAT FOR LUNCH
OR WHAT WE’LL WEAR AT THE START OF OUR DAY.
JESUS SAYS THAT OUR PARKING LOT IS FULL OF SPACES
AND WE ARE FREE TO CHOOSE
THE SPACE WE WANT-
WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THAT PARKING LOT.
CHRISTIANS HAVE BEEN GIVEN A GREAT DEAL OF LATITUDE, TO MAKE BOTH MAJOR AND MINOR DECISIONS,
AS LONG AS THEY STAY WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THEIR “PASTURE” OR “PARKING LOT.”
SO, FOR SOME CHRISTIANS, THAT BIG EMPTY PARKING SPACE MAY HAVE A FEW HANDICAP SPACES OR RESERVED SECTIONS,
BUT AS A GENERAL RULE, KEEPING IN MIND WHAT IS WRITTEN IN THE WORD
AND THE LEADING OF THE SPIRIT, WE ARE FREE TO CHOOSE.
WTO 9.20.11
While I have tweaked the concept quite a bit for the purpose of writing this poem, I believe the general idea for pastures and parking lots as a word-picture for explaining our free will, as it relates to God’s sovereignty, was originally opined by Christian author-speaker Frank Viola.
Deliverance Issues
SOME CHRISTIANS BELIEVE IN DEMONS.
OTHER CHRISTIANS,
MAY SAY THAT THEY DO, BUT REALLY DO NOT.
MANY CHRISTIANS BELIEVE
THAT EVIL SPIRITS AND FALLEN ANGELS
ARE THE SAME BUT THAT IS NOT THE CASE.
EVIL SPIRITS ARE REAL AND SO ARE FALLEN ANGELS.
BOTH ARE SUBJECT
TO THE BLOOD AND POWER OF JESUS CHRIST.
THAT SAID, BE CAREFUL!
WHILE IT IS TRUE THAT THE LORD JESUS
AND OTHER BELIEVERS
ARE SHOWN IN SCRIPTURE
CASTING OUT EVIL SPIRITS
THEY DID NOT DO SO,
MULTIPLE DAYS PER WEEK,
EVERY WEEK, YEAR UPON YEAR,
TO COUNTLESS PEOPLE.
IT IS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF JUDE
THAT THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL
WHILE CONTENDING
OVER THE BODY OF MOSES DID NOT RAIL AGAINST THE DEVIL
BUT SIMPLY SAID,
“MAY THE LORD REBUKE YOU!”
KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS WARNING IS FOUND IN THE NEW TESTAMENT!
MANY DELIVERANCE MINISTERS
TRAVEL FROM CHURCH TO CHURCH
CASTING OUT DEMONS
IN GREAT NUMBERS FROM INDIVIDUALS AND CROWDS.
MANY DEMONS
ENJOY THIS
EVEN IF ANGRY AT THE POSSIBILITY OF LOSING “THEIR TERRITORY.”
TRULY THEY ADORE THE ATTENTION!
WHY DO YOU THINK JESUS ALWAYS DEMANDED
THAT THEY COME OUT QUIETLY?
WHY IS IT SO OFTEN THE CASE
THAT THOSE WHO HAVE SPIRITS CAST OUT
SHOW SO LITTLE CHANGE OR REVERT QUICKLY, OFTEN BECOMING WORSE?
WE NEED TO REMEMBER
THE SEVEN SONS OF SCEVA
AND KNOW WHEN THE LORD
IS TELLING US TO CAST OUT,
WHEN TO PRAY, AND WHEN TO FAST AND PRAY, NOT JUST PLAY “CHRISTIAN” WITCH DOCTOR!
UNDERSTAND THAT THE PHYSICAL ATTACK
USED AGAINST HIGH PRIEST SCEVA’S SONS
WAS ONLY ONE TYPE OF ATTACK THAT MAY BE USED IN THEIR SKIRMISHES.
WE NEED TO KEEP IN MIND
THAT NOT ALL PEOPLE
WHO “SHOW THE SIGNS” ARE POSSESSED.
SOME ARE JUST INFLUENCED OR CONTROLLED.
BECAUSE OF PAST HURTS OR FOOLISH TOYING
WITH OCCULT OBJECTS
THEY HAVE HAD BEACHHEADS ESTABLISHED IN THEIR MINDS.
IF THOSE BEACHHEADS
ARE NOT TAKEN CARE OF FIRST
THE DOOR IS STILL OPEN
AND THAT EVIL SPIRIT
WILL QUICKLY RETURN,
POSSIBLY BRINGING SEVERAL MORE
DARK KINGDOM BEINGS WITH IT
MAKING THAT PERSON’S SITUATION WORSE THAN BEFORE!
PRAYING OVER THOSE BEACHHEADS IS JUST THE START
AND HEALING MAY NOT BE INSTANTANEOUS.
GOD IS A GENTLEMAN AND HE MAY HAVE OTHER REASONS, LIKE TESTING, SPIRITUAL MATURATION, SPIRITUAL TRAINING,
OR TO BRING FULL HEALING AND TRUE DELIVERANCE IN HIS OWN TIME,
AT HIS OWN PACE.
WE ALSO NEED TO REMEMBER
THAT ENTERTAINING CERTAIN MIND SETS
OR THAT INDULGING MENTALLY, PHYSICALLY, OR BOTH,
IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES,
OPENS DOORWAYS
THAT GIVES THE DARK KINGDOM ENEMIES
“GROUND”
ALLOWING THEM TO ATTACH TO US OR INFLUENCE US.
WHEN WE GIVE THEM THIS GROUND
WE REINVITE THEM “IN.”
WHETHER THAT MEANS
THEY ARE ACTUALLY IN
OR JUST INFLUENCING US
WE NEED TO REPENT
AND SEEK THE LORD AGAIN!
EACH AND EVERY TIME!
DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THE DARK KINGDOM MINIONS.
THAT SAID, WALK CAREFULLY, TRUST GOD, HAVE FAITH IN JESUS’ POWER AND HIS BLOOD,
BUT DO NOT MISTAKE HOLY BOLDNESS FOR AUDACIOUSNESS.
LEARN TO DISCERN
AND LEARN TO FOLLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT.
DON’T LET AMBITION,
IGNORANT EXPECTATIONS,
OR A RELIGIOUS SPIRIT
SEND YOU INTO BATTLES
AGAINST THE DARK ONES
OR THEIR SERVANTS
WHEN YOUR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF,
JESUS CHRIST, IS NOT LEADING.
DO NOT OBSESS ON THE DARK KINGDOM AGENTS
SO THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO TAKE YOUR ATTENTION AS WORSHIP
OR DIVERT YOUR FOCUS OFF FROM JESUS CHRIST.
MAJOR INSTEAD
ON WALKING HUMBLY
AND UPRIGHTLY,
FILLED WITH AGAPE LOVE
AND DIVINE WISDOM,
AS A TRUE AND FAITHFUL SERVANT
TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
WTO 9.14.11
MID LIFE CRISIS IN GOD’S ECONOMY
MID LIFE CRISIS
IS NOT AN UNKNOWN TERM AND OFTEN BRINGS GREAT DESPAIR
TO MANY INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES.
I HAVE A THEORY ABOUT MID LIFE CRISIS.
GOD GIVES EVERYONE
SAVED OR NOT A CONSCIENCE.
YOU THEN HAVE A CHOICE
TO FOLLOW THAT INTUITION OR IGNORE IT.
FIGHTING YOUR CONSCIENCE EVENTUALLY LEADS
TO THAT FACULTY BEING SEARED.
GOD GIVES EVERYONE SAVED OR UNSAVED
A GOD SHAPED HOLE THAT CRAVES HIS PRESENCE.
IF YOU DO NOT FOLLOW AFTER GOD THEN YOU MUST FILL THAT VOID WITH SOMETHING
WHICH OFTEN BECOMES AN IDOL OR OBSSESSION.
MY THEORY IS THAT MUCH IN THE SAME WAY
GOD HAS PLACED
IN EVERY MAN AND WOMAN
A NEED TO PERIODICALLY TAKE TIME,
WITH OR WITHOUT HIM,
TO TAKE STOCK OF THEIR LIFE.
THIS IS A TIME TO CONSIDER
HIS OR HER WAYS, PAST AND PRESENT,
AND THEN TO RESTRUCTURE,
PRIORITIZE AND ENHANCE THEIR LIVES.
IF WE DO NOT SERVE HIM THIS TIME OF LIFE
MAY BRING US TO REPENTANCE OR BREAK US.
IF WE DO SERVE HIM, THEN THIS TIME SHOULD BE A PHASE
OF HOLY REFLECTION AND ASSESSMENT.
IF WE HAVE NOT REPENTED
AND ACCEPTED SALVATION
OUR MOST IMORTANT NEED
IS TO TAKE CARE OF THAT ISSUE.
EVEN IF YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN
THERE ARE MANY THINGS THE LORD MAY BE ASKING YOU TO CHANGE.
SADLY, MANY CHRISTIANS EITHER DO NOT HEAR
OR RATIONALIZE AWAY THIS CALL OF GOD TO GET AWAY AND SEEK HIS FACE.
I BELIEVE
THAT MUCH LIKE THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL
IGNORED THE SABBATH AND THEN SERVED SEVENTY YEARS IN BABYLON,
WE AS MODERN CHRISTIANS
MAY IGNORE HIS CALLS
TO MATURITY AND RESTRUCTURING
AND EVENTUALLY COME
TO OUR OWN
CONTEMPORARY BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY —
BE IT ENSLAVEMENT BY OUR OBSESSIONS OR SERVITUDE,
PHYSICALLY, FINANCIALLY OR POLITICALLY TO A HARSH COLD RULER FOREIGN OR DOMESTIC.
BE WARNED!
FOR THOSE OF US
WHO ARE CALLED BY JEHOVAH’S NAME WE MAY BE TRICKED BY THE ADVERSARY.
THAT ENEMY OF OUR SOULS
KNOWS WHICH HOT BUTTONS TO PUSH, AND WHEN,
SO THAT INSTEAD OF RUNNING TO GOD
WE SOAK IN THE VENOM OF SATAN’S TOXIC DARTS THEN FALL
INTO DEPRESSION AND FEAR.
WTO 10.05.11
MODERN MIGHTY MEN
I KNOW A MAN NAMED DARREN.
I HAVE WONDERED FROM TIME TO TIME
IF HE IS A DESCENDANT OF ONE OF DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN.
WHEN EVERYONE ELSE WALKED UP AND DOWN A FLIGHT OF STAIRS, HE RAN UP AND DOWN
CARRYING TWO OR THREE HEAVY TOTES AT A TIME.
ANOTHER DAY
I WATCHED HIM RUN LIKE THE WIND
PUSHING A LARGE TILLER,
CHURNING THICK BROWN LOAM WHILE LANDCAPING NEAR HIS HOME.
I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS HIS CUSTOM.
DON’T TRY THIS YOURSELF.
REMEMBERING HIS TILLING STYLE
REMINDS ME OF THE PHRASE
“IMPROPER USE OF THIS EQUIPMENT MAY LEAD TO SEVERE INJURY
OR LOSS OF SIGNIFICANT PARTS OF YOUR ANATOMY.”
RECENTLY I HAVE TILLED A GARDEN AND THE IMPLEMENT I USED WAS A CHILD’S TOY
COMPARED TO THE GREAT WHITE MONSTER THAT DARREN USES.
WHEN I TILL, I TEND TO CREEP FORWARD
ALLOWING THE TILLER
TO PULL ITSELF ALONG
SLOWLY, GREEDILY, MUNCHING
AND CHUGGING THE BROWN SOD,
THEN TUG IT, WHILE WALKING BACKWARDS,
ONLY FRACTIONALLY FASTER ALONG THE ROW I’VE JUST MIXED.
ALSO I TILL WITHOUT THE WHEELS
USING THEM ONLY FOR THE SHORT JAUNT
‘TWEEN SHED AND GARDEN.
DARREN IS MIDDLE AGED, YET LIKE MOSES OR CALEB OF OLD
HE SEEMS TO POSSESS THE VIGOR OF YOUTH.
SAMSON IS OFTEN DEPICTED IN CHILDRENS BIBLES AS A TALL MAN
OF GREAT STATURE LIKE CONAN THE BARBARIAN
OR A CHAMPION BODY BUILDER.
WHAT IF SAMSON’S STRENGTH OR THAT OF THE MIGHTY MEN
WAS NOT BY PHYSICAL PROWESS BUT THE WILL AND SPIRIT OF GOD?
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES THAT SAMSON
OR MOST MIGHTY MEN
WERE OF COMPACT MEDIUM BUILD,
DARK HAIRED, DEEPLY TANNED
AND LOOKED LIKE DARREN OF FOSTER LANE?
LAST NIGHT I DREAMED THAT DARREN WAS STANDING
ON BIG STONE POINT WATCHING
FOR DUCKS AND GEESE.
TO HIS SURPRISE AND MINE AS I WATCHED IN THE DREAM,
A FLOCK OF TURKEYS GOBBLE GOBBLE GOBBLED AS THEY RAN
DOWN THE GENTLE SLOPING HILL
JUST ABOVE THE BOAT LANDING RIGHT PASSED HIM,
THEN SWAM TO SOUTH DAKOTA.
I COULD TELL BY HIS EXPRESSION
IN THE DREAM THAT I WAS NOT
THE ONLY ONE WHO WAS PUZZLED.
THEN I AWOKE, PONDERED THE DREAM
AND WONDERED AGAIN IF THE BLOOD
OF DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN STIRS
WITHIN HIS VEINS.
WTO 9.26.11
MY VERSE TRUMPS YOUR VERSE
ONE OF THE TRAITS I DO NOT WANT
IS TO BE DOGMATIC ABOUT SCRIPTURE.
ON THE OTHER HAND, I DO NOT WANT
TO CONSTANTLY VASCILLATE BETWEEN OPINIONS.
IT IS WRITTEN,
“COME LET US REASON TOGETHER.”
EVEN IF WE HAVE THE CORRECT
UNDERSTANDING OF A GIVEN SCRIPTURE, AND WE THROW A TANTRUM
OR HOLD A GRUDGE BECAUSE
OF OUR DIFFERENCE OF OPINION, WE MAY HAVE WON THE BATTLE ONLY TO HAVE LOST THE WAR.
WHAT IF WE WERE RIGHT
AS FAR AS OUR OPINION BUT MODELED
FLESHLY IMMATURITY OR LORDED IT OVER
OUR BRETHERN TO MAKE OUR POINT?
MY DESIRE
IS TO FOLLOW THE ROAD IN THE MIDDLE AND AVOID BOTH DITCHES.
GRANTED
SOME VERSES ARE QUITE PLAIN AND OTHERS ARE NOT.
THAT SAID, WE OFTEN TEND TO CHOOSE THE VERSE OR VERSES WE LIKE
AND DO NOT SQUARE THEM
WITH THE CONTEXT OF THE CHAPTER, BOOK
AND THE BIBLE AS A WHOLE.
I AM AMAZED
AT HOW MANY PEOPLE SAY
IN THEIR OWN UNIQUE FASHION
“MY VERSE TRUMPS YOUR VERSE.”
FOR YEARS
I THOUGHT THAT NOTHING TOPPED THAT.
NOW I FIND THAT SOME SELF-PROCLAIMED SCHOLARS
WILL SAY WHEN SOMEONE’S VERSE OR VERSES
PLAINLY SAY SOMETHING DIFFERENT,
“MY INTERPRETATION OF THIS VERSE CLEARLY CANCELS OUT YOUR VERSE.
I AGREE THAT IT IS PLAINLY DIFFERENT BUT THAT IS BECAUSE WHAT IT SEEMS TO SAY IS SIMPLY INCORRECT.”
WTO 9.21.11
.
My thanks to Dale Severude for giving me a few ideas for writing this poem.
SEASONS IN LIFE
Jesus is the reason For the season.
So, I have heard
And so, I have said.
But Jesus was not born
During the winter solstice Or on December 25th.
Often the message
Gets lost in the clutter
Of pagan rituals
And holiday spending sprees.
Yesterday I had an epiphany.
Earth shattering it was not.
That does not mean to say It was not profound.
Jesus should be
The reason for all seasons!
Seasons are plenteous In the Christians life.
Winter, spring, summer and autumn are not the only seasons.
Christmas,
I you are able to circumnavigate
The pagan and worldly influences,
Is not the only holiday In the year.
Life is full of seasons:
Dry times.
Times of refreshing.
Times to plant and times to reap.
Times to retreat and times to entreat.
Times of joy and times of sorrow.
Times where you wonder
If there will be no tomorrow.
So too, there is a season
That foreshows and follows
The end of life
For each man, woman or child.
Prophetic and dark,
There is also
A season of global calamity,
Some say it is here.
Some say it is yet to come.
That season heralds
The return of the King,
Just as the darkness
Comes before the dawn,
So too, this time of sorrows
Will presage the return Of the Lord of Lords & King of Kings.
While I dread the darkness
In between
I long for that time
When I shall drink new wine
With those who celebrate the triumphant feast
Of the King and His Bride.
WTO 5.02.11
WALKING WITH THE LORD
IS LIKE TAKING
A COLLEGE CLASS WITH LABS
WALKING WITH THE LORD
IS LIKE TAKING
A COLLEGE CLASS WITH LABS.
TO MATURE
YOU MUST NOT ONLY LEARN
WITH YOUR MIND
IN THE LECTURE HALL
BUT BE EXERCISED
IN YOUR SPIRIT IN THE LABORATORY OF LIFE.
STUDY IS IMPORTANT
BUT IF YOU GAIN KNOWLEDGE
WITHOUT DEVELOPING
A RELATIONSHIP
WITH THE LORD
PUFFING UP
AND BECOMING
A WHITEWASHED SEPULCHER WILL BE THE END RESULT.
ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS,
YOU RECEIVE YOUR SYLLABUS.
JUST AS A STUDENT WOULD FOLLOW THAT OUTLINE
AND TAKE THE LABS
STUDENTS OF CHRIST MUST READ THE WORD
AND NOT JUST TO LEARN ABOUT GOD
BUT SEEK TO FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM.
THEY MUST ALSO TAKE THE LABS
THAT THE LORD ORCHESTRATES AROUND THEM
IN THEIR LIVES.
FAST FOOD CHRISTIANITY
AND SLICK MAN-MADE PROGRAMS MAY SEEM TO SUCCEED.
THEY PRODUCE NURSERYS
FILLED WITH PERPETUAL BABIES THAT NEVER GET PASSED
THEIR NEED FOR WARM BOTTLES
BUT EVENTUALLY LOSE THE BATTLE WITH WRINKLES AND GRAY HAIR.
WALKING WITH GOD IS A JOURNEY.
MANY SIGN UP FOR CLASS
AND LOOK AT THE TITLE OF THE SYLLUBUS,
THEN TUCK IT AWAY
IN THEIR FOLDER AND FORGET ABOUT IT.
YES, THEY GET EXCITED,
BUT RATHER THAN FOCUSING ON JESUS
AND ALLOWING THEMSELVES TO BE TRANSFORMED INTO HIS IMAGE,
THEY EXCLAIM, “PRAISE JESUS! GLORY TO GOD!
I HAVE ARRIVED!”
RATHER THAN COMING TO CLASS
THEY SET UP A TAPE RECORDER
OR ARRANGE TO BORROW
A CLASSMATE’S NOTES, SKIP IT
THEN MAKE THEIR MAJOR OF STUDY LIVING THE GOOD LIFE.
SOME ACTUALLY ATTEND THE CLASSES OR LABS
BUT LET THEIR THOUGHTS WANDER
OR MERELY REMEMBER BY ROTE
SO THAT THEIR MINDS GET FILLED WITH FACTS
WHILE THEIR INNER MAN DRIFTS INTO SLUMBER.
IF ONE HAS THE MOTIVATION AND THE ABILITY
TO BE A ROCKET SCIENTIST THAT IS A GOOD THING.
HOWEVER,
EVEN IF THEY TAKE THE CLASS
AND EXCELL IN THE LABS,
THAT IS JUST THE BEGINNING.
ONE STILL NEEDS TO TAKE
THE GRADUATE COURSES
AND THEN APPLY THAT WISDOM OUT IN THE WORLD.
KNOWLEDGE IS GREAT,
BUT EXPERIENCE TESTS
AND HONES THAT KNOWLEDGE.
LEARNING IN THE CLASSROOM OF LIFE
STARTS WITH KNOWLEDGE, BUT WISDOM
AND DAILY EXPERIENCES, AND LEARNING TO ADJUST IN VARIOUS SITUATIONS
HELPS ONE IMPROVE HIS OR HER SERVE
WHILE COMPLETING THE TRIALS OF THE COURSE.
SO YES, STUDY TO SHOW YOURSELF APPROVED,
BUT REMEMBER
WHEN THE LORD GIVES YOU INSIGHT,
STAY HUMBLE,
LOVE YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS,
AND KEEP IN MIND
THAT GOD HAS ONLY GIVEN YOU A COURSE OUTLINE.
SEEK THE LORD FIRST BECAUSE YOU LOVE HIM
NOT FOR WHAT YOU CAN LEARN OR HE CAN GIVE YOU.
REMEMBER THAT EACH DAY
IS BUT ONE STEP
OF A LONG JOURNEY.
DON’T LEARN FOR THE SAKE OF LEARNING.
SEEK GOD
NOT JUST KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HIM.
SEEK JESUS
TO LOVE AND EXPERIENCE HIM.
REMEMBER THAT THE LORD MAY USE MEN TO TEACH YOU,
OR ARRANGE LAB TESTING AROUND YOU BUT THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS YOUR TEACHER.
ALLOW THE LORD TO USE HIS METHODS AND TIMING
AND THEN YOU WILL LEARN AND MATURE.
DO IT YOURSELF AND YOU MAY BECOME AN EXPERT ON THE SUBJECT,
BUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP
WITH GOD WILL BE SHALLOW,
YOUR KNOWLEDGE
WILL LACK TRUE WISDOM
AND YOU WILL REMAIN A SPIRITUAL CHILD.
LEARN AS YOU WALK WITH GOD.
GAIN EXPERIENCE
AND WISDOM UNDER HIS TEACHING
RATHER THAN INDEPENDANTLY OF HIM
AND YOU WILL GROW HEARTILY
IN WISDOM AND STATURE.
WTO 9.13.11
WAYSIDE DREAM
TWENTY YEARS
HAVE PASSED SINCE I DREAMED ABOUT A GROUP OF CHRISTIANS.
ONE OF THOSE CHRISTIANS WAS ME.
WE HAD BEEN SENT
BY GOD ON A JOURNEY TO CLIMB A MOUNTAIN.
WE HAD BEEN TOLD THAT NOT ALL OF US
WOULD REACH THE GOAL,
BUT THAT THOSE WHO DID
WOULD RID THEMSELVES OF EXCESS RELIGIOUS BAGGAGE,
LEARN HOW TO WALK WITH HIM
RATHER THAN JUST KNOW ABOUT HIM AND GAIN CLARITY OF VISION.
GOING WAS DIFFICULT EVEN IN THE FOOTHILLS.
WE WERE PROMISED A SWEET WAYSIDE OF REST
ABOUT TWO THIRDS OF THE WAY UP THE MOUNTAIN.
TRUE TO HIS WORD THE WAYSIDE
WAS JUST WHERE HE’D SAID IT WOULD BE FOUND.
NOT ONLY DID IT HAVE A FINE PAVILION,
WITH TABLES AND A PUMP JACK WELL OF COOL SWEET WATER,
BUT EVEN SEVERAL LEAN TO
HALF BUILDINGS
THAT MADE GREAT PLACES FOR REST.
VIBRANT ROSES AND LILYS OF EVERY HUE
SURROUNDED OUR PAVILION
AND FILLED THE AIR WITH THE LOVLIEST SCENTS.
FOUNTAINS OF MOSSY PEARL
THAT GLINTED IN THE SUN CHUCKLED AND SPLASHED.
COOING SNOWY DOVES,
JOINED THE SURROUNDING
NATURAL SYMPHONY,
SOOTHING OUR TENSION WITH ITS ENCHANTING MUSIC.
WHAT WAS OUR RESPONSE TO THIS WONDROUS BLESSING?
WHEN IT CAME TIME TO GO NO ONE WANTED TO LEAVE.
FIRST, I TRIED TO ENCOURAGE EVERYONE
TO GO ON
AND THEN AN OLD MAN
CAME FROM OUT OF THE WILDERNESS
AND WARNED US THAT WE HAD TO GO.
I PACKED MY THINGS BUT NO ONE WANTED TO LEAVE.
FINALLY, I STEPPED OUT OF THE CAMP,
WITH ONLY A FEW FOLLOWING ME.
I TURNED BACK
JUST AS WE TOPPED THE FIRST HILL.
WIND RUSHED THUNDER CLOUDS
POURED A DELUGE ONTO THE WAYSIDE.
WHEN THE STORM
HAD PASSED THE WAYSIDE WAS GONE.
THE PAVILION, THE TABLES,
THE PUMP JACK AND LEAN TO HUTS
WERE NO WHERE TO BE FOUND.
WET AND BEDRAGGLED
OUR COMPANIONS RAN TO CATCH US.
LIKE THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL WE TRUDGED ONWARD.
OUR LORD DRIED OUR TEARS
AS WE STARTED OFF ONCE MORE ON OUR JOURNEY
TO CROSS THE MOUNTAIN
AND REACH THE VALLEY
OF THE END TIMES ON THE OTHER SIDE.
WTO 9.26.11
THANK YOU FOR READING WAYSIDES ALONG THE JOURNEY 2: white noise & stirring rhetoric.
VISIT MY WEBSITE: waysidesalongthejourney.com
Contact data: waysidesalongthejourneyinfo@gmail.com
AFTERWARD
Wayne O’Conner, although writing a few doggerel pieces in grade school, actually started writing poetry with greater depth and frequency while attending the University Wisconsin At Eau Claire after graduating from Chetek High School in 1980.
Wayne won a few honorable mentions while at college for poetry writing. He self-published a book of poetry in 1989 called “THE FORGOTTEN PROPHET’S BOOK OF DREAMS.” During the fall of 1990 the author was selected by THE AMERICAN ARTS ASSOCIATION: SPREADING THE WORD OF GOD THROUGH RHYME, of Gulf Port, Mississippi, for inclusion of his poem “Parable of Two Temples” in the book Warm Thoughts: Words of Encouragement . Wayne also had an article published in Searching Together Magazine in the spring of 1996.
During 2010 the author was invited to speak and share some of his materials at conventions in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Finally, in 2011, friends of the author suggested that his collected poetry, short fiction and articles, including both Christian and secular works, be printed in a book. One friend in particular knew a potential publisher of long acquaintance. That introduction produced the work, Waysides Along the Journey: Spiritual Wisdom & Adventures in Literature. Other works like this one, WAYSIDES 2, followed.
Other writings and songs may be found on the Internet at Scrib-d and also at the website heraldthefather.info. “There you will find the secret of my talents. While I may not have always used my gifts wisely, the source of my gifting is the creator of heaven and earth, who sent his Son, YeShua HaMashiach, the great redeemer.”
The author is self-employed as a micro publisher and produces audio books. He is a resident of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.