Reaching Out by R.S. Barrett

I was seeking refuge when I reached out to you,

I wonder if you have any idea how difficult that was to do.

Not because it was your voice I sought,

Not because I should not ought,

This enormous flaw I wear like a shield,

Most often to me misery does yield.

Pride! Lift me up and hold me high,

Let not it be revealed that I hold my strength so nigh,

So that others might somehow see,

That I too have yearning, I ache, I need.

And in my quiet desperation, not knowing,

What seed I’d dropped or what it might be sowing,

You gave to me not what I was hoping for,

But instead you reached back with so much more.

R.S. Barrett

 

February 29, 2016 #PrayerRequest

February 29, 2016 #PrayerRequest

My fellow Christians and non-believers alike, I have a special prayer request for all who desire the Lord’s hand in our lives daily, throughout our nation and throughout the world as a whole.

So much is going on in this world today from apathy and corruption to hatred, murder and terrorism.  Many of us state that we’re tired of it and we want someone to do something about it.  I agree but I believe that “someone” is each one and all of us.

I believe that we as a nation of peoples and citizens of the world need to take action and conduct a time of adjoined prayer.

I am asking everyone to set aside 9:00 pm (1800) (where ever you happen to be in this world at your 9:00 pm (1800), where many people will be praying at one time for a 24-hour period) for a few minutes of prayer in which, we start with acknowledgement and praise to the Lord, our sovereign God, creator of everything from just His spoken word; let us give thanks to him for His creation and His sacrifice of His Son, Christ Jesus as payment for the sins of all people; thanks to him for His grace and forgiveness for whoever believes in the sacrifice of Jesus, that he died and was resurrected, conquering even death, and that we accept this gift from Him with a humble heart; let us ask for our own forgiveness and for Him to tenderize our hearts to forgive others that we know or believe have done us wrong; let us pray for a resolution and true unity of our families, communities and nations; let us pray for God’s will to be done by all and that He bring us the return of Christ Jesus, Sovereign Ruler, King of Kings and King of Glory sooner rather than later.  Let us pray that He ends the suffering of our children.

You will not be alone–If you are a single person, your prayers will be adjoined by the Holy Spirit to the families, friends, groups and other peoples throughout the world as part of one voice, one prayer to the One True God.

Matthew 18:19 (NIV)

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.

I will speak to as many people as I can and pray daily over the next 40 days for the Lord to open the hearts and minds of as many people that are willing.  You are welcome to join me in these daily prayers, as well.

1 Kings 8:28 (NIV)

Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.

If you are willing, forward, copy and paste, transfer, speak to your family and friends and ask others to join in a worldwide prayer for the defeat over evil in our individual lives so that we may make a true Spiritual difference in our individual worlds.

For those of you who say that you do not believe, now…get a head start while there is still time for there will come a day when:

Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

I make this request in humility as a son of the Living God, in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

 

All Systems Are Operating Within Normal Parameters…

Your pathology result came back normal – just a benign seborrheic keratosis.

Good news!  All test results are back.  My cholesterol and triglycerides are still a little elevated but nothing that can’t be worked out through eating properly and getting back into my exercise program.  Three polyps found in the colonoscopy — removed.  Next one is 5 years away.  Physical therapy and exercise have made it easier to operate my neck and shoulder with little or no pain.

Being olderly is a double-edged sword.  I’m thankful that I’m relatively wiser than I was in my youth and my decisions are more often than not, much better for a positive outcome with more desirable results.  On the other hand, the body just doesn’t respond like it used to…the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.  Though heavier than I should be, I am ever thankful that I can still get around well.  Arthritis has a way of taking some things away, like working with my hands and my wife’s personal favorite, giving her a neck massage.  However, with a few modifications, I can still do many things around the house and in the yard…it just may take a bit longer.

Taking care of ourselves is more than just eating salads and walking around the neighborhood.  Have I ever mentioned that I don’t really like salads?  I’d rather eat cake; and cookies; and doughnuts; and cereal…  I haven’t been in Gold’s Gym down the street from my house–I’m not sure what I’ll find there but if it’s the same as when I was younger, I wouldn’t care for the aroma.  I’ve been to the YMCA — a nice place to visit but it wasn’t really, you know, me– a bunch of people of varying ages in funny clothes running on treadmills and lifting weights while watching television.  I can do that at home.  Besides, I like doing push ups and crunches where our furry kids can participate by licking my face to encourage me.

(Insert mental note here:)  As an olderly guy, I don’t like someone telling me what I should and should not eat.  I’m a grown man…if I want a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for supper, I’m gonna eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for supper– thanks, Earl.  Apple jelly.

There are a great deal of normal foods that I don’t care for, such as, barbecue ribs, potato salad, macaroni salad to name a few.  Since I left home almost 40 years ago, I have not eaten liver and onions, nor have I eaten okra; and, I don’t like grits.  I shouldn’t have to eat them if I don’t want to.  So, there.

I have the coolest wife.  When anyone asks her, “What’s wrong with him?”  She just smiles and says, “I’m not really sure but I know he doesn’t like mayonnaise.”   Now, she buys smaller pizza.  I still get four slices but they’re not as big.   😉

Yes, we must do more for ourselves than eat, drink, exercise and be merry.  I am truly blessed in everyday life.  I work daily to strengthen the Lord’s Spirit in my life, I have a wonderful wife to spend the remainder of my days; I have a job; sometimes I paint pictures or write stories as a creative outlet; occasionally, I clean in the garage; I help others when I can or am led to by the Spirit; I spend time with family, friends and other people even if it is just a phone call; and when I can, I go fishin’.  Going fishin’ is different than fishing.  Going fishin’ is special time I spend with God.  During that quiet time, He allows me some insight on my feelings, beliefs and the people and events in my life.  I get time to meditate and listen to His Spirit so that I may be better equipped to go through whatever it is I must endure.  Often, I see small things as big things and big things as insignificant.  His Word and Consultation balance me.  The olderly I get, the more balanced I’m becoming regardless of the number on the scales.  Sometimes, I actually catch fish.

Make some personal time with the Lord, our God, our Savior for yourself, as well as for others in your life.  You don’t have to be knee-to-chin deep in you know what to call on Him.  He is always there waiting for us to call His name. Put Him first in your life and let yourself be amazed.  I recommend it.

Jay 🙂

• Psalms 33:18 (NLT)

  But the lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.

• John 6:63 (NLT)

  The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

• Matthew 15:11 (NLT)

  It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”

 

My Sanctuary

There’s no place like home

I enjoy people in the real world; I enjoy the customer service aspect of my job as I also enjoy karaoke.  But when I am home with my wife and the furry kids, I so enjoy my privacy.

Oh how I enjoy my privacy.  Thankfully, soon the leaves on the trees will be full enough to where the neighbors can’t see me and I won’t be able to see them.

The daffodils have departed, the tulips are on their way out; azaleas and dogwoods in bloom as I await the irises and the peonies.  The birds feeding — the blue birds in their houses and soon the return of humming birds and butterflies.

An April rainy day, a cup of coffee and the love of my life…God has blessed me, the sinner, in spite of myself.

My God-given sanctuary in a city neighborhood.

Jay 🙂

 

 

Yes, Brian Has A New Knee…

For the many of you who responded to Brian’s plight and battle with bone cancer, thank you for all your prayers and well wishes.

The surgery was yesterday and lasted several hours.  The doctor told Ashleigh that they believe they were able to remove all of the cancer cells (yea!).  They removed bone and replaced the entire knee.  I’m not sure of everything involved but Brian is up walking right now as I type this update.  He is in quite a bit of pain but I would hope that is small compared to the alternative.

I give thanks to the Lord for this outcome and pray for a complete and quick recovery period.  He’s still a knucklehead but he’s our knucklehead.

Again, thank you all for your concern, compassion, prayers and well wishes.

Jay 🙂

 

Yes, Brian Has Cancer…

What do you say or do when you find out someone in your family, or even a friend, has some form of cancer?

Where to start?…

A little more than a week ago, Brian, my son-in-law, left work and arrived home in the wee hours of the morning.  While taking care of things and securing his vehicle in the Bakersfield, California, tule fog, he noticed something going on at his neighbor’s a few houses down.  Having been burgled recently, Brian decided to check out the scene when he noticed a couple of young lads taking things from his neighbor’s garage.  Brian took out his cell phone and attempted to capture the events on camera when the lads scrambled, jumped into their vehicle and proceeded to run Brian down.  With a broken knee and some bumps and bruises, Brian was still able to call 911, while my daughter, Ashleigh went to his aid.

In the hospital, the doctors confirmed the broken knee but also they noticed a tumor in the area of the break.  They transported Brian to UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica, California.  Doctors there ran their test and told Brian that some surgery would need to be performed to repair his leg but they would wait a while to see what type of cancer they’re dealing with before progressing forward with the procedure.  Surgery is scheduled for this Friday for them to do something to repair his leg, which will probably entail removal of tumor from inside the bone then either repairing with rods and plates or replacing the knee (and surrounding bone), what ever will be most productive.

So far, so good, right?  Well, let’s learn a little bit about Brian.  Brian you see is a bit of an unknown success story already.  Brian was raised in adversity, a not-so-great family environment; and a little bit of trouble along the way.  However, this did not stop Brian from doing something with his life that many would see as good.

Many people (family and friends) call Brian, Bear or Da Bear.  I’ve called him a few things over the years, more endearing terms like knucklehead and Brain and son.  Ashleigh calls him her best friend and her husband; the four grand kids call him Daddy.

Brian hasn’t always had a smooth path but has made the most of life and has done the best he could with what tools he had to work with.  But one thing most people don’t know about Brian is his personal dedication to family and friends.  Ashleigh and Brian met some 15 years ago–I vaguely remember meeting him some time ago but it was a quick event.  I never thought much of any guy my daughter was associated with then or since but I know more of Brian now.  He was there with Ashleigh when her parents went through a very unpleasant divorce; he was there with her when she had growing pains with her mother; he was there with her when her mother died prematurely; he has been there with her and their four children through hard and good financial times and he is there now, with his leg in a brace waiting to be fixed.  Just imagine what would go through your head in the same or similar circumstances.

As most daughter’s fathers, I’m not sure that I really thought that Brian would ever amount to anything but he of course surprised me.  When getting jobs is tough, Brian has been working several part time jobs plus taking care to be with his family ensuring quality time with his children at any opportunity.  I’m not sure when he slept but I’m sure he had to at some point.

Brian works on cars; he dips cars (some type of plastic funtastic coating applied for looks); he is learning and does furniture upholstery; he DJs karaoke at local clubs and also DJs weddings and events from time to time.

So, what do you say to a family member who has some form of cancer? I said goodbye to my mom 25 years ago (I was in the Navy and couldn’t be there)–my brothers, however, gave her physical support and went through her last days with her; and I have given love and moral support to my dad with his cancer battles over the past 20 years–of course, he only lives 1,200 miles away.

What do you do when you know you can’t personally fix it?  I spoke to Brian over the phone all the way from here in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to let him know my wife and I are concerned for him, we love him and we are praying for him and the family.  I let him know that I hope his heart and mind, like never before, are open to Jesus as his Lord and Savior and that his relationship with God grows closer.  I know that I can’t personally do anything to make it well.  I can’t fix the cancer, the bone, the head or the heart.  I can only show love and support.  For this has happened to Brian and indirectly to his family; we’re all affected greatly by these events and hope for the best possible outcome.

You see, Brian is almost 28-years-old and has a lifetime ahead of him.  I am an olderly guy who wants Brian to have that lifetime with his family so, I pray.  I pray first, that God’s Will be done; then I pray for Brian’s comfort and healing; I pray for the learned doctor and his team to have all the right stuff to carry out their duties; I pray for Ashleigh and the kids, for their comfort and strength to deal with this mess in their lives and that the Lord provide them insight into why He is there and how He is there for them first and foremost.  Although I do not know the outcome of all of this, I keep faith in my Lord and God that He is the one that knows the best outcome–for from a bad event, He let it be known there was a tumor in Brian’s bone.

I wanted you to know a little about a young man that much of society would not put much stock in because he hasn’t done things as society dictates, he hasn’t lived a so-called perfect life.  I want you to know that sometimes, as much as it would be nice to gripe about the weather, gas prices, world events, terrorists, congress, and a piss poor president, there is a person who needs the love, if just for a moment, of a few good people to may be able to provide him support during a difficult time in his life — perhaps the most difficult time of his life.  So, if you could take a moment of time and please join me in saying a prayer for Brian Ransom of Bakersfield, California, and his family–I would greatly appreciate it.  And while you’re there, say a prayer for the rest of the people out there going through similar things in life…you know who they are.

Let’s bring something personal to the fight–let’s bring names to those who may be suffering alone and let them know that they are not alone.  Those of us who are affected by their plight are with them in love and spirit.

Love and God’s blessings.

Jay 🙂

 

Oh yes, I’m thankful…even for what I don’t have.

Are you only happy and thankful for the good things you have?  Are you only happy and thankful for those really cool, nice people who make your life better?  Oh, and don’t forget about the feast.

Me too but…

Of course, I am first and foremost thankful to God for the sacrifice of his Son so that I may have everlasting life in His presence.  That His grace and mercy is available to me and all those who accept His Son and believe in him as their Lord and Savior.  People’s opinions don’t change the Truth.  And yes, every day is a day of thanksgiving to me.

I must say, I am truly thankful for my wonderful wife.  After many failed relationships, life is so much better having a wonderful woman to share it with…and she’s very tolerant when it comes to my next “idea” I want to pursue.  Yes, I’m thank for the house that we thought we’d never be able to afford.  I heard the previous owner didn’t fare as well as he hoped he would but when the price came down to my price range of affordability, it only took a few weeks to become the current owner.  Then there is a good working vehicle for each of us, mine 10 years old, hers current model, to drive to the jobs that both of us have when we went so long with one or both of us out of work.  I am thankful for my family and friends who do make my life better just for being a part of it.

I’m in a position at work to converse with people of all walks of life.  Some are well off financially, some not; some are happy, sad, down on their luck, as they say, some are riding the top of the wave; some are old, some young and healthy; and some have physical or medical issues each and every day of their lives.  Not knowing anything about me or my job, it often surprises me that it seems so simple that my life appears to them to be ever so easy because I just sit behind the desk, rent storage units, answer the phone and collect rent.  It is further amazing to me how often we don’t think that others go through the same types of trials we do. I apparently present a face that doesn’t show that I have any issues.  I think that is a testament to my Lord’s influence on me.

You see, I told you about a few things that I have that I am thankful for but they don’t come cheap.  It has taken my wife and I several years of financial struggle to obtain these things in our lives and contrary to what others may think, we do not make a great deal of money.  We pinched and paid off what we could and made ends meet when there was often quite a bit of space between the ends — but in our minds and hearts we believe the Lord provided all for us.

Sure, there were times when I prayed to win the lottery or have a business deal that would benefit us greatly with our finances.  I can attest, sometimes the answer to prayers is no.  And believe it or not, I am thankful for the things I do not have, especially if it would change me in a way that was not good for me or others around me.  Okay, so let’s say I win millions in the lottery, how would that affect my life?  I could have a great deal of material things but what about my life.  We’ve all heard how many “relatives” come to you in hopes that you will share your good fortune.  And, the many people who don’t claim to be your kin but still want you to invest in their lives somehow…finance a new invention, business venture or even pay for their medical treatments.  Even if I had millions of dollars, I still couldn’t pay for everyone…what kind of stress would there be to try to choose.

Although I have some type of pain daily, my doctor said I’m in good health–as good as losing about 15 more pounds wouldn’t take care of…we’ll see the total after tomorrow–maybe 20.  My wife, too, is in good health.  Her olderly mother lives with us and she is doing well.  So, I’m thankful we don’t have bad health.

We live in a very diverse neighborhood and it is nice and quiet even with all the Wake Forest students who rent houses or rooms here.  I’m thankful I don’t live somewhere where my neighbors want to burn down my house or cause me harm.

My job does not pay very well but it is a good job.  I am thankful I am not out of work.

27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?  Matthew 6:27

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.  Matthew 6:34

My faith keeps me straight, daily.  Though I’m often concerned about things in my life, the lives of family and friends, my community, country or the world as a whole, the thing I’m most thankful for is that I do not worry.  Especially, things I have no control over.  I am most often at peace.

I challenge you to be thankful for the things that you do not have…especially the things that you desire that quite possibly are not good for you.

You’re welcome to share the things you are thankful for in your lives–you’re among friends.

 

Jay  🙂