oh oh oh just one more thing

http://morrisseau.blogspot.com/2009/04/morrisseau-through-eyes-of-child.html
Check this out. I sent a picture of Debbies Thunderbird to a Morrisseau fan and blogmaster. Its a nice little write up.....cheers

Emerald Lake Swan - Technologies Finest Moment

I was sitting at my desk when this arrived by email. It's a picture of a swan up at my camp at Emerald Lake. Its a beauty. Unfortunately its alone. Swans arrive at various lakes and ponds at ice out on their way up to the Arctic. This beauty will stay for a couple of weeks and then move on.

I call this technologies finest moment because the picture was shot by digital camera, downloaded to P.C., uploaded via sattelite to my email in Mississauga. You gotta love technology! I experienced this picture only moments after it occurred. Its a small and beautiful world.

I found this little info on the Star.com website....

THEY'RE THE ONES WITH BLACK BEAKS ... AND YELLOW TAGS
Appearance: Trumpeter swans have snowy white feathers and black beaks.
Lifespan: In captivity, up to 24 years; in the wild, 17 years
Wingspan: 2 metres
Weight: 10 to 12 kilograms
Eggs: About 11 centimetres long
Love life: Trumpeters tend to mate for life but may separate and mate with others.
Hardiness: Trumpeter swans adapt well to cold temperatures – their down can be 5 cm thick. They are able to tolerate extreme cold, even —30 C, as long as they have adequate food and open water in which to feed and bathe.
Nests: Trumpeter nesting season is about to begin. Built in wetlands, their nests are more than 1.5 metres in width and are often well hidden.
Tags: Scientists rely on public sightings of swans for their studies. If you see a trumpeter swan – many have bright yellow tags – email: theholtentwo@rogers.com

The Pain Behind the Face

As you know, my brother and family are missionaries to Kyrgyzstan. My brother John is there right now, while his family is at home. That must be difficult being seperated from wife and family for long periods of time. Nonetheless, its a labour of love. I would encourage you to follow his blog at http://actofkindness.blogspot.com

Here is his last post for you below or catch it on his site http://actofkindness.blogspot.com/2009/04/pain-behind-face.html

I found this post particularly touching...

The Pain Behind the Face

This is a land of contrast... the beauty all around contrasted with the post soviet concrete.. The kindness and hospitality of the people in contrast to the poverty that they live in . But what is the most striking contrast to me is much deeper then that.
Daily I come across stories and situations that are truly heart breaking .. Yesterday one of our Sponsored kids stopped by for a visit while she was in town looking at schools.. she had a friend with her.... This young girl looked like she had it all together..... she was dressed well, and looked healthy, and was very bright ... As I served Tea, she causally started eating everything on the table... It was like the commercial we have in Canada... when the lady asks for another cookie, and she is told ..."help yourself" so she puts the whole bag in her purse... I started putting more and more out and as fast as I made it she ate it... I started enquiring about her.. in the last three years, she has lost her mother father, her sister, and her grandmother... all that is left is her and her 75 year old grandfather... they don't have much.. they live on his pension from being a police officer which is a little more then most... $35 a month..... Now she was not asking for help and she did not seem to be expecting help... that was just the way life is for her.... she had not eaten for three days, and that did not seem to be anything horrible for her... that's just the way it is....

This morning Dr Tatyana arrived with a friend .. Again the friend looked like life was good.. she was dressed well. ( which I have learned can mean nothing here ) Dr Tatyana began to share... This Ladies husband has just died leaving her with 3 young children. The custom is that the wife is to go to the mountains for 30 days to morn.... this was just enough time for the husbands family to raid the house and take everything... including the family car... what is worse is that they have some how managed to steel the deed for the house as well and are now selling it too... she was left with 3 kids and nothing... Dr Tatyana was able to intervene and got most of her things back, but does not think she will be able to keep the house... she has until fall then the house will be sold.... In my mind I was imagining all the things she might be preparing to ask for... But no they just stopped bye to let me know that they had just run into my Babushka neighbour, and she has just knit a dozen pair of slippers for the kids at the orphanage, and wanted me to stop around to pick them up....

One thing that I have spoken about is that HOPE is not always possible ... it may even be a western concept.... Many of the people we run into here in Kyrgyzstan don't HOPE for better, because they do not know that anything better is obtainable..... just about every person you run into in a day here has a storey that we would make a movie about in the West...
In the last month I have not used a translator very much, so it has forced me to start learning the language, I always said that I wanted to be able to sit down and talk to some of the caractors in this play, and now that I am starting to understand better, it is exposing me to the pain behind the face....

Ishpatina Ridge Dream Lives On!

My buddy Mike and I have been dreaming of making the trek out to Ishpatina Ridge. It is Ontario's highest point. To the north, water flows to the Arctic and to the south it flows to The Sturgeon River, Lake Nippissing, French River, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, St Lawrence River and finally to the Atlantic ocean.

Nearby Maple Mountain is a sacred Indian location and these are the headwaters of my favourite river...the Sturgeon River. Pretty much the entire upper reaches of this river are protected lands and been turned into a wilderness park.

Not only have we been dreaming about a trek out to Ishpatina, but also a canoe trip on the Upper Sturgeon river all the way to a place called River Valley. Its funny because we will be floating within a few miles of my camp, yet the only good car access to the river is a day downstream.

Mike had the great idea of having a float plane drop us off with our canoes and all our gear at a place called scarecrow lake. We would hike and spend the night on the ridge, and then paddle our way home down the Sturgeon. We figure it would take approximately 4-5 days.

We were thinking it would be best if we took two canoes. We would each paddle our own just in case we had trouble with one, we would still have another. PLus, the upper reaches are shallow and we would displace less water going solo.

There is a certain beauty of floating downstream in a canoe. We will not be idiots like the last time when we destroyed my buddies canoe in the rapids. By the way, that little episode cost $1200.00 damages! I know we will be far more cautious as it is a LONG walk out!

http://www.summitsofcanada.ca/canatrek/summits/ontario.html

Any way, our dreams slowly make themselves into plans, which make themselves into reality which turn themselves into our memory and there they lie, to bless us again and again.

dw

Patti Rainbow

"friendship turtles" © copyright 2009 Patti Rainbow

"rainbow trout"© copyright 2007 Patti Rainbow

"big red in the tub" © copyright 2005 Patti Rainbow

Patti Rainbow is my favourite artist, even though I suppose one would have to characterize her work as "craft" I find it funny, that when I think of art, I am refering to paintings, yet when I consider my favourite artist, her work is craft. I suppose its because of her constant postive creativity that I love her work so much...but it goes deeper.

Patti Rainbow was born in USA and came to Canada along with a number of other peace lovers. She settled here and began local arts and crafts. She has relied solely on her hands and great imagination and spirit to make a living all her life. She has taught and continues to teach others her various forms of art. She helped put my wife through school by employing her at the store. Through her, so many more crafters and artists were touched and given venue and creedance. She knows so many cool people. People of love and peace and positive creativity.

I am constantly amazed at her talent to turn stuff into beauty. When I first met Patti, she was a stained glass artisan. Prior to that she was a beads person. She ventured into water colour painting with her own "smiley" brand of positive caracture style painting.

Patti moved away to bless Southern California where there again she taught and encouraged so many young artists. Some have moved on to do great things. Patti returned to us a few years ago and she brought with her a whole new fresh batch of loving creativity.

Patti began to make whimsical wire art and those wonderful Freindship turtles. She is an absolute artist at heart and has served as both friend and mentor, teacher and guide. As I mentioned before, Patti reinforced in me the fact that there are very powerful spiritual forces at work. The battle between good and evil, positive and negative, all play out in this world. She showed by action and deed, and told me clearly that we must walk in the light of truth and peace and love. Patti made me a hippi. Not the hippi of the 60's, but a new generation of "hippis at heart"

So now I honour my great freind and kindred spirit Patti Rainbow

I love you sister

dw

Favourite Artists

So I got to thinking about my favourite artists. If I made a list, who would be on it and in what numerical order. Why is everything a competition? Why would it be important for me to even think about artists in this way? I think its natural for me to have favourite artists and I think its kinda fun and challenging to try to rank them. Not so much for their work, because all artists are deserving of first place. Perhaps I am judging the appeal that the artist has to me, or perhaps its subject matter. Is my favourite artist the most skilled? The most approachable? The most creative? I am asking myself....Who are my favourite artists? I will attempt to answer that question for myself and my three friends on upcoming blogs.

OK fine, the suspense is killing me! My favourite artist hands down is none other than Patti Rainbow and on an upcoming post I will tell you why.

Funny Turtle Story

"friendship turtles" © copyright 2009 Patti Rainbow

Hey I just remembered a turtle story. One of my friends dropped a turtle off for me. They had found it on the side of the road near another turtle that had been run over by a car. They thought that since I had a garden pond, that the turtle would be safer with me. So I introduced the turtle to my pond. Within 30 minutes, headless fish started floating around my pond. I was upset because I had been raising these goldfish for several seasons. I dont know what I was thinking. So, I dropped the water level and moved Mr Turtle over to the other pond that did not contain my fish. I figured I could go and get feeder goldfish and feed him one a day. Well, several hours later I was asked to go to the corner store. Who should I see, stomping down the side of the road was Mr. Turtle. At this point he was a good 1/4 to half mile from my house. He looked angry and gave me a sneer. The creek was just up ahead so I decided to let him be. We shouldnt have messed with him in the first place!

Turtle Island Commandments

Sacred Instructions Given By The Creator

To Native People At The Time Of Creation

Treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect.

Remain close to the Great Spirit.

Show great respect for your fellow beings.

Work together for the benefit of all Mankind.

Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.

Do what you know to be right.

Look after the well being of mind and body.

Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good.

Be truthful and honest at all times.

Take full responsibility for your actions.

http://home.earthlink.net/~tessia/Native.html

I found this Native American list of Sacred Instruction. I decided to rename it "The Turtle Island Commandments". Turtle Island is thought by some to be the entire planet, while to others it is North America, while yet another it is a small turtle shaped island in the Great Lakes. I beleive through study that Turtle Island must be North America. I now view myself as living on Turtle Island. Sure, I am Canadian, and proud of it, but one can not escape the fact that there are many culture groups inhabitting this island. In many ways we have a shared destiny.

respect

Severe Weather Watch

My wife had I decided to go for a Saturday afternoon nap.

Suddenly we heard great gust of wind and then the smashing of glass. We jumped out of bed to see a dark sky and heavy winds. As we looked out to see what smashed the glass, one of our 100 year old Maples came crashing to the ground. It was a site to behold! When she fell, I started to worry that others may fall as well. Since our house is surrounded by these trees we had reason for concern. concern???? Actually I was scared shitless!

I am sad for the loss of the tree. It was big and beautiful. It provied us shade in the summer, protection in the winter. It was home to birds and squirrels and even Cicaeda's.

I am amazed at the power of the wind and how nature can be uncontainable.

I am thankful that we didnt lose much more. The lawn is a mess, there are branches and items scattered all over the place. I had to remove many branches from the road as cars were hitting them. We lost our power for several hours and watched a number of emergency response vehicles out doing their thing.

The power is back. I had a nice bath. I'm posting this post and then going to bed. We will deal with it all after church tomorrow.

peace

Native American Code of Ethics

There is a great site I have been reading called Kinagegoo. It is written by a Mississauga Ojibwa. He appears to be a teacher or elder and the web site seams to be for his students. I have become one of his internet students although he hasnt responed to my attempt at communications. Thats OK..sometimes students just need to shut up and listen.

Anyway, this is a Native American Code of Ethics. I have decided that I too must follow these ways..............

Native American Code of Ethics
from m. karl king
http://kinagegoo.blogspot.com/2009/02/native-american-code-of-ethics.html

1. Rise with the sun to pray. Pray alone, pray often.
2.Be tolerant of those who are lost on their path. Ignorance, anger, jealousy and greed stem from a lost soul. Pray that they will find guidance.
3.Search for yourself, by yourself. Do not let others make your path for you. It is your road...others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.
4. Treat the guests in your home with much consideration. Serve them the best food, treat them with respect and honor.
5. Do not take what is not yours whether from a person, a community, the wilderness or from a culture.
6. Respect all things that are placed upon this Earth - whether it be people, plant, animal.
7. Honour other people's thoughts, wishes and words. Never interrupt another nor mock them. Allow each person the right to personal expression.
8. Never speak of others in a bad way.
9.All persons make mistakes. And all mistakes can be forgiven.
10. Bad thoughts cause illness of the mind, body and spirit. Practice optimism.
11.Nature is not for us ...it is part of us.
12. Children are the seeds of our future. Plant love in their hearts and water them with life lessons and wisdom. When they grow, give them space.
13. Avoid hurting the hearts of others. The poison of your pain will return to you.
14. Be truthful at all times. Honesty is the test of ones will within this universe.
15. Keep yourself balanced. Your mind, emotion and physical self all need to be strong and healthy.

Whats the Differance?

Whats the difference between Beer Nuts and Deer Nuts?

BeerNuts are $3.29 a pound and DeerNuts are under a buck!

Putting the Pieces Together

Here is a picture I took (with permission) of religious ceremony items. While I was mesmerized as the Elder explained the significance of these objects, I completely forgot the significance or stories behind each item. I am only now really starting to put the pieces together.

Here are some things I remember. It was explained that the Anishinabek did not actually have a flag, but that the 7 colours on the left like their flag. Each color has significance which were explained to us. Now that I have studyed a bit, I think that the flags on the left are the "seven grandfathers" Each colour representing each virtue. He also told us that these flags were Like our 10 commandments. I also learned that these flags will be placed at certain sacred or spiritually significant locations or sites. Once I learned that, I have kept my eyes peeled and seen much evidence of past cermonies in other spots. This is important for me to be aware of so that I may respect that which was before me.

He told us that the rock was his grandfather. I didnt quite understand that then. I think I do now. Grandfather is a much bigger, deeper word than just my dads dad or my moms dad. Grandfather I beleive is the collective wisdom and love of the forfathers or ancestors. When one honours the grandfather rock, one in a sense honors ones history and wisdom and past culture and past unity. It is a very important symbol of respect for ancestoral past.

Of course we see tobacco in the picture. He told us that we needed to leave a pinch of tobacco at spiritually or personally significant locations. For example, he said as we hike through the wilderness, there are places that give us peace, or joy, or have historical cultural significance. For example he told us that when we behold the beauty of creation, we must honour the creator. A gift of tobacco is a cultural gift of thanksgiving. It is very important for us to always be thankful and gracious. Leaving a pinch of tobacco on a rock or log, or giving a pinch of tobacco to a friend or acquaintance signifies ones own thankfulness. As I read old legends of Nanabush, I noticed that whenever people pass by particular locations, they leave a pinch for Nanabush. At first I was afraid of following anothers tradition for fear of my own relationship with the God that I know from childhood. Yet as I came to realize that this is the same God, I suddenly felt a whole lot better. I do have a ceremonial tobacco pouch now and I intend to use it in the manner in which it was explained and perscribed. I am fully confident that God will accept my gift, not because it is tobacco, or because I am following a ritual or custom, but because it is a gift from my heart in an expression of thanksgiving. My God does not demand of me gifts like this. He demands my heart. He does not demand of me tributes like this, but I do believe He is pleased with a thankful and joyous heart who understands His magnificance and glory.

If you can help me understand or know more about these things, I invite and request your help. Also, If you know the siginifance of some of the other items in the picture I would love to hear.

dw

Lord God, help me to maintain a clean heart and a clean love for You. Lord God help me not fall into the trappings of ritual, yet allow me to use my and my brothers culture and tradition to honor You. Help me to understand clearly Your Word to me and help me Lord God live that life. All honour and praise and glory are Yours alone magnificent creator. With much love and respect I say Meegwetch Gitchi Manito for You are above all.

Emerald Lake Update

My buddy drove up to the bus in Temagami today and posted these pics. Lots of snow still out in the bush. The lakes are still froze over and the road is almost unpassable. He says things look great. Oh and he saw a white moose! Thats a rarity!

The Outhouse

The Atv at camp

The Bus

I think i'll head up first of May....as long as I finish the renovation's on the bathroom first! my wife adds.

peace

Reminder to Self

wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility and truth.

Nibwaakaawin—
To cherish knowledge is to know Wisdom.Wisdom is given by the Creator to be used for the good of the people.

Zaagi'idiwin—
To know Love is to know peace.Love must be unconditional. When people are weak they need love the most.

Minaadendamowin—
Respect is to honor all creation.

Aakode'ewin—
Bravery is to face the foe with integrity.

Gwayakwaadiziwin—
Honesty in facing a situation is to be brave.Always be honest in word and action.

Dabaadendiziwin—
Humility is to know yourself as a sacred part of Creation.In the Anishinaabe language, this word can also mean "compassion."

Debwewin—
Truth is to know all of these things. Speak the truth. Do not deceive yourself or others.

RR Turtle Adventure

So I snuck up to the side door, and I placed the turtle in a sealed white envelope, looked both directions, propped it up against the door and slinked back into my car. There were no cars in the driveway, but if dogs could talk, that beautiful retriever would snitch me out. Now I just sit back and wait and see if I got the right place.

Copyright Protection

Here is a JOHN PRINE tune called Grampa Was a Carpenter. My band, Wanker Deluxe has done this favourite for years. Despite that, I still forgot the words...go figure.

Oh, Oh...

check out this story about John Prine and how he "copyrights" his music. This a story of what John did when he found someone had stolen lyrics from his song and claimed them as their own...great story here.

http://morrisseau.blogspot.com/2009/03/copyright-protection.html

Easter Service - Amazing Love

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken.

I’m accepted. You were condemned.

I’m alive and well, Your Spirit is within me

Because You died and rose again.

Amazing love, how can it be

That you, my King would die for me?

Amazing love, I know it’s true:

It’s my joy to honor you.

In all I do I honor You.

You are my King.

You are my King.

Jesus, You are my King.

Jesus, You are my King.

Amazing LoveWords & Music by Billy James Foote©1997 worshiptogether.com Songs / Administered by EMI Christian Music Publishing

used without permission but our church does subcribe and pay CCLI for song usage AND, I doubt anyone is ever gonna pay me any money for this video, nor do very many people even look at this blogspot. I scared most people off a long time ago!

peace

Good Friday

We went to the Roxy for Good Friday service.

It was solumn.

I took the opportunity to

kneel and pray

at the foot of the cross and

I was reminded of this song by Kathryn Scott.

I went home and recorded it on my camera.

Now I'm at Ronnie's place uploading it to so I could share it with you.

Note the 7 days scruff.

I think I'll get cleaned up for easter service.

I'm leading music and the pastor asked for lots!

I think we will sing this song....In fact I know we will......

Blessings to you all.

My Bro

Here is a picture of my brother in Kyrgyzstan with some of the little kids. I posted this because I really liked the picture. You rock John, I love you brother.

Blind Faith?

Honey, do you want to go to bible study?
No!
Why not? dont you want to know Gods Word?
I dont need to know.
I beleive and have faith in Him.
But, Dont you want to know if you are doing something wrong?
No, Thats why I married you.
How can you put your faith in me?
I dont, I put my faith in God, that you would lead me. Thats just the way it is.
Since when is it my responsibility?
Read your bible.

While I wrestle with scripture, she just accepts it.
Accepts what?
She says God made her, directs her path, she loves Him, she accepts Christ. She wants to serve Him by serving others, and she delights in His return. She has confessed her faith before others, been baptised by submersion. She prays and trusts...what the heck else do I want from her?

She doesnt care or want to know about all the nuance of scripture. It causes a certain unknown uneasiness. Its easy to simply accept a traditional point of view and chalk it up to peace, love and obedience. In many ways it can be liberating because one can then go about their way with a certian freedom that comes with "definition" and rules.

I cant really argue with her. She doesnt want a complicated faith. She wants to know what the rules are so she can live properly. When Jesus said "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbour as yourself", she said thanks and proceeded to live a Godly life. Whats with that? How does she know? She just seems to know. How can it be that easy?

I lived a great deal of my life beleiving this way. Having faith in the structures and the interpretations and the creeds and the values of the evangelical christian faith and church. I trusted that those before me were learned and inciteful and inspired. Accepting this unity, again is liberating and allows one to follow a united mission.

Yet in the back of my mind, in ever growing dimensions, is a nagging thought that the pieces are not fitting. I begin to question my definition of "church" and my definition of "faith".

Through this I have a very big resonsibility. I have a wife who relies on my leadership. Am I to take her to unknown grounds? Am I to shake her foundations? In our relationship and in our home, it is my responsibility to lead her in these matters. It would be better for me to tie a millstone around my neck and jump into Guelph Lake than to lead her a stray. So which path leads us astray and which path leads us closer? Do I travel a path and come back and get her, or do I simply take the path that many have taken before me.

Stay tuned fpr part 34685473762610 of the story....

Questions

What does it mean?

Where do I go?

How do I feel?

What do I know?

What do I sense?

in the quietest place.

And what do I say

to my neighbours face?

Do I shout?

Do I cry?

Tell the truth?

Construct a lie?

Lie to myself?

Lie to you?

Lie to God?

and humanity too?

So whats the truth?

Where is it found?

Is it flat?

Is it round?

Is it big?

Is it small?

Is it short?

Is it tall?

Sometimes it hurts

Sometimes it stings

Sometimes it feels good

Sometimes it sings

Like a praise up to heaven

or a cry here on earth

The first will be last

The last will be first

In a beleivers chant,

A natives beat,

A warriors cry,

A mothers weep.

A firm handshake

A brotherly hug

A trading of thoughts

A trading of love

A meeting place

A place of peace

A peaceful place

Where love exists

Is it now?

Is it later?

Am I a lover?

Am I a hater?

What do I know?

Or what do i say?

Who do I love?

At the end of the day.

When I walk the earth

Does the wind blow kind?

In my heart?

In my mind?

In His love?

In His grace?

By my feet?

or by my face?

How will they know?

What would I say?

And who do I love?

at the end of the day.

And who do I love?

at the end of the day.

The Mystery and the Sign

"friendship turtles" © copyright 2009 Patti Rainbow

-

I think I have solved the mystery. Let this be a sign. If I am correct, you will know. If I am not, then someone I know will be quite puzzled.

Also....Brenda...I want to send you one of these turtles. I have been trying to figure out how I can send you something while still protecting your right to privacy and safety. I am trying to remember the name of the place where you sent your freind to pickup the gift bible. I am pretty sure it is in the town you were in when we first met. When I remember, I am going to send it there. I will let you know.

Oh ya and Patti..........

I need more turtles!!!!!

peace

Unpopular Views

I can think of many instances where I hold an unpopular belief or contrary belief to my fellow christians. I usually just bite the side of my cheek and remain silent. Sometimes its just not the time and the place to argue or debate some things. Sometimes the "scandal" that arises is worse than if we just shut our mouths and quietly disagreed. Sometimes I just give an uncomfortable smile. There has to be a place or a time, somewhere, some time, when we can ask and seek and consider the hard questions. Somehow we need to have the freedom to work through our salvation, free from chastisement, or judgement or prejudice.

There is a part of the Apostles Creed where I stop talking.
I do not take part in the recital of these words

"He decended into hell"

Here is the Creed that we are expected to say in unison with full unity

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.

(I love You Lord)
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.

Amen.

I asked my OT prof at Bible College to show me where it says that in scripture. I have asked a number of people where that is written. No one has shown me where. Until I see it I refuse to say it. Do I refuse to say the whole creed because it has been stained by one line? Does the entire creed come into question? Was there a hidden motive or agenda? Was that added by man or a group for a particular reason.? Of course, I would be happy if someone could simply direct me to where it is written. This isnt necessarily a challenge, but an invitation.

I have chosen to simply say in my head...."I love You Lord" while the others talk about Him descending into hell. It makes me feel like I am a rebel when I refuse to take part in that which I dont beleive. Yet, in the interest of peace, I say " I love you Lord" in my head, rather than shouting and drowning out the others while they rebuild history.

I have been debating with another freind of mine for the last several years regarding a few faith issues. These are VERY unpopular beleifs. We debate this ONLY in private as each of us is afraid or uncomfortable with the thought of incorrectly influencing others. In fact, I have never mentioned some of my deep thoughts that run contrary to Christian popular beleif. I dont dare write about it because my mom and brother and family and freinds all read my blog. oh oh...now I just made for a small family scandal...teehee

My freind Ron and I have a freindship that allows us to share and work through our beleifs, free from judgement or scorn. The result of our debates is that we have each comfortably adopted some of each others positions. As I began to work through the reconcilliation process, weighing it against the Word and what I feel, I have actually found that his position gave me a better reconciliation success rate. Though we remain opposite on some issues, I am amazed where this has led. He makes me so angry sometimes I could scream, yet he has brought me to such greater heights of understanding that I could hug him.

It has taken me 5 years, (or should I say 30 years) to alter some of my beleifs. 5 years of thought. 5 years of debate. 5 years of us working through each angle and implication. You go so far and then you hit a road block. You back up and try a slightly differant path and maybe make it further until the next hurdle..the next raod block. Some might say...what does it really matter? Why not just accept what we have been told?

Double R,...how long have you gently steered me to this place of new understanding? You never thumped or hit me over the head. You simply placed the hints, showed the reference and gave me time....lots of time. You knew the truth would reveal itself to me, because the truth is the truth.



You are always welcome here regardless of your opinion. The reason that is, is because you are always very respectful of me and my guests and our opinions. Just as you appreciate the opportunity to express yourself in anonimity, I appreciate your gentle guidance and point of view.

Shift in Basic Understanding

"You may not fully appreciate it yet but this is a huge shift in basic understanding."

What shift? What understanding?

Let me back up a bit. I have lived my Christian life being told, believing and understanding that if one did not believe in Christ, then one is going to Hell. I have always, and still do believe that there is no way to heaven without Christ. BUT, that does not mean that if you do not believe in Christ right NOW then you are going to Hell. Sounds strange? Let me explain…

My studies of the Word and inner whispering tell me there will be a final judgment day or judgment time in which all people will have the opportunity to accept or reject. I no longer believe that the judgment time is now.

To my sister in Christ, I say, though your mother has not accepted Christ right now, there will be a time in which she “stands” before Him. Who do you think she will choose? I know her. You know her better. We both know the choice she will make.

To me, who’s son is confused about many religious things, and chooses instead to seek his own way, I say….There will come a time where he will have to reconcile this with God. The time is not necessarily now. The time will be when God decides. My son will have an opportunity to make an informed choice. I know in my heart what choice he will make.

So I now have to say….what about the “here and the now”. I need to tell you that my faith in God and Jesus Christ has helped me immensely here and now. It has filled me with purpose and mission. I have defined myself today, by who or what I believe God wants me to be. It just so happens that I, like others, have then mixed in a whole bunch of humanity cultural stuff that must make God “shake His head”. There will be a time when I, me, don will have to account before God. On that day, I hope and pray and believe with a blessed assurance that I will know Him and He will know me. I will accept Him just as I do today, except at that time I will be free from my humanity and culture.

So what about those who do not believe Now, even though they have been told. Is that not rejection? It may seem like rejection NOW, but NOW is not judgment time.
What they miss right now is the wonderful relationship that they can have with Christ.

I have read where my relationship and knowledge of God was “pre-ordained”. What about those who were not “pre-ordained”? Shall they go to Hell? Does God not love them too? As Christ said “ If I chose to have him wait until I return…Whats that to you?...You follow me.”

The significance to me is that I can rejoice in and with all my brothers and sisters around the world from all religions and cultures. As I mentioned, I have met Godly people from ALL religions.

Some of my Christian friends say they are going to hell because they reject Christ NOW. I see rather, an individual who has devoted him or herself to seeking the creator and has not yet come to know Christ. Their culture, their friends and family, and their “religion” take over and tell them the framework in which to believe. They find themselves believing different things than I. Since my understanding is that no one goes to heaven without Christ, I then might fall into the trap of believing that because they don’t believe in Christ NOW, they are going to Hell.

When I stop and consider the prophesy regarding the New Covenant I now believe it is yet to be fulfilled.

"Behold, days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them," declares the LORD. "But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days," declares the LORD, "I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. "They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them," declares the LORD, "for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more." Thus says the LORD”

Is this a fulfilled prophesy? I think not. I think this prophesy is yet to be fulfilled. What do you think? Is this a fulfilled prophesy?...read carefully.

I realize that for many, this is all quite head trippy. I think that if you stop and ask yourself about the fulfillment of this prophesy, you too may end up at the place I am….. Completely reliant on Gods grace. Stop and ponder this and tell me if you agree with this comment and interpretation. Stop and ponder..what does this mean to me and my understanding?

"You may not fully appreciate it yet but this is a huge shift in basic understanding."

Cracked the Spine

So I just ran myself a bath and crawled in with some good reading material. WOW! What a great book so far. I read the preface and the first chapter introduction....But quite frankly, I'm gonna read them again. Its late and and the wording is a little tricky......so of to bed I go.

Tee hee...imagine finding such joy in reading a book called "Judahs Scepter and Josephs Birthright: An Analysis of the Prophesies of the Scripture in Regard to The Royal Family of Judah and the Many Nations of Israel"

What have I become???? teehee I dont know yet.

WOW! What a surprise!

I know how people say that the internet is a scary place. Some people are paranoid about their privacy. I might say they are probably correct in many cases. Yet I have seen and experienced the other side of internet. I have some really neat friends and acquaintances that I met on the internet.

So here is a case in point. This book arrived in my mail. When I opened the book, there was a note. This was sent to me by an internet friend. I am really grateful! In fact I'm tickled pink.

It is a little creepy because I dont remember ever giving my address out. Yet, I know that we live in a world of information and I also know that we can pretty much find out anything we want these days. It feels creepy a bit BUT, I must also say "hats off"! to the inginuity and purposefulness of this gift.

So here is a person that that felt that this book would make a pretty nifty gift by helping me to understand Bible prophesy a little better. They then used the resources at their disposal to find me. I guess it wasnt really hard as I have certainly given enough clues on my blog.

I suppose I decided a long time ago that anonimity was not a concern for me. I have been free and open with many things I say and descriptions I make. I have had freinds call me and chew me out for mentioning their names or posting a picture where they can be seen. While I suppose I need to honor peoples privacy, I also dont see what the fuss is all about. Now granted, I am not a 20 year old gorgeuos female...I'm a 47 year old fat guy. Who would want to harrass me?

Anyway, I wrote this post because I am flattered and grateful.

There was an interesting note which also contained this scripture.

"Behold, days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them," declares the LORD. "But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days," declares the LORD, "I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. "They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them," declares the LORD, "for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more." Thus says the LORD, Who gives the sun for light by day And the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The LORD of hosts is His name: "If this fixed order departs From before Me," declares the LORD, "Then the offspring of Israel also will cease From being a nation before Me forever."
(Jeremiah 31:31-36)

I always considered this passage as a"foreshadow" or "fortelling" of the coming of Christ. I always thought that when Christ came, that he became this "new covenant". That would mean that I beleived this prophesy was fulfilled.....Yet somehow there are some loose ends. The prophesy seems incomplete. While I beleive I am correct in understanding that Jesus is the "New Covenant", I now beleive that this passage is referring to His final return.

I am not a very good reader. I have a short attention span. I have a desire for knowledge, yet lack the discipline it takes to truly dig in deep. I find myself often accepting a convenient "truth" perhaps out of laziness, or Perhaps out of fear that I may reject that which I have been taught. Maybe I'm just lazy or maybe I'm just slow to learn. It might sound like I'm beating myself up here and I guess I am......a bit.

I find it astounding how we can all interpret the Bible in differant ways and yet each claim to know the truth. Its quit a challenge to understand the word of God. I will NEVER say that this word of GOD is wrong, or incorrect, or inacurate or falable, or incorrectly documented. NEVER! I beleive that the word of God is 100% accurate. I beleive that it is my understanding that is falable and often incorrect. I am nevertheless excited about this journey of understanding. The concept of progressive revelation not only holds true for me individually, but more importantly, holds true for all of humanity. There will come a time......in the fullness of time.....when all of this will make sense.

Thankyou Double R

dw