onewhoponders

Daily Office Readings for June 14, 2019 Year 1

AM Psalm 69:1-23(24-30)31-38; PM Psalm 73 Ecclus. 45:6-16; 2 Cor. 12:11-21; Luke 19:41-48

“Every day he was teaching in the temple. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him; but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were spellbound by what they heard.” (Luke 19:47 – 48)

If ever we find ourselves wanting people who are different than ourselves or, who worship in a different way, to die, we should examine ourselves.  The regular people found Jesus fascinating (spellbound) while the rulers found him to be the competition.

We do not compete for the love of God.  God’s love is not a limited resource.  There is no need to feel like we have to “win- over” people so that they will worship God the way we do.  Sometimes, if we listen to God speak in our hearts, we will hear the truth.  Then when we hear it from the lips of others it will resonate with us in ways that demonstrate that it is from God, not just the people we heard it from.

The vindictive and vicious actions we hear from the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people are what happens when we feel we have a monopoly on God.

We Christians, along with other monotheistic faiths have a bloody trail of sin when it comes to making people worship “our” way.  I heard a very good expression the other night; the speaker was giving a presentation about faith and what we too often expect of others and their faith.  He said,( and I’m paraphrasing here) “it’s either our way or Yahweh!”  I’m going for Yahweh.  I can remember participating in the Liberation of Kuwait in January of 1991.  I was in Saudi Arabia.  We saw on the TV that someone told then President Bush (41) that he hoped God was on our side.  The President responded, “I hope we are on God’s side.” That stuck with me as the way it should be. This is not my way or your way but Yahweh.

We are here at the pleasure of God.  And God is doing a lot for us, all of us. This is the message that Jesus was giving to the people saying things like “love everybody”, and “the Sabbath is made for us, not us for the Sabbath,” and so on.  These are the kind of words that had the people spellbound.  All this is aside from his healing and casting out demons (the Sabbath or not).  

Human religious authorities would lose some of their prestige and power if people knew that they could relate straight to God without them.  Oh, they (we) still need to be in community. Jesus was not trying to end the need for us to come together.  The prophets of scripture calls us together but we must understand, “So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” (2^nd Peter 1:19-21 NRSV)

So according to St Peter, it is not ourselves who know the will of God but God alone speaking through the Holy Spirit.  Any religion that tries to dictate how people worship instead of surrendering to the loving will of God, worships itself and not God. If a religion thinks they know what God wants in every circumstance, that religion is misguided.  St James says, “If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:26-27)

So looking for a way to kill anyone is unreligious and wrong, but more especially if it’s Jesus they are trying to kill.  But as I have said, the history of our own church is marred with hate events for other Christians who differed from us. We are all God’s through a loving Jesus. We are called to love others, be they Christian, or not.  We need to let love rule. It’s the only Way, It’s Yahweh.

Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. John+

Daily Office Readings for Thursday, June 13, 2019 Proper 5

AM Psalm [70], 71; PM Psalm 74 Ecclus. 44:19-45:5; 2 Cor. 12:1-10; Luke 19:28-40

“Therefore the Lord assured him with an oath that the nations would be blessed through his offspring; that he would make him as numerous as the dust of the earth, and exalt his offspring like the stars, and give them an inheritance from sea to sea and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.” (Sirach 44.21)

I have, for a long time now been fascinated with the God – Abraham relationship.  Abram called to leave Ur and go to where God leads him.  Abraham left what is now Iraq.  And from there became the origin of what is now the Hebrew People and more than that, through Jesus, he became the Father of the Hebrew – Christian world. This is a heritage we do not talk about enough.

God told Abram that God will bless him and that Abram or Abraham, will be a blessing.  This truly is the gift that keeps on giving. This blessing makes itself manifests in the way we listen to God and respond to God’s call. Abram/Abraham responded to God also as he was sitting by his tent when he was visited by God. (Gen. 18:1-2)  Abraham was open to God’s call on his life all the time, not just when, and if, it was convenient.

This is more than a story about biology or ethnicity. This is about who God could use.  From this story in Sirach or Ecclesiasticus, we get the summary of the spiritual lineage of Abraham.  There was an emptiness in the bosom of Abraham where God found a place dwell.  God wants more Abrahams.  That’s where we come in.

It really makes no difference where we come from.  It matters not who our parents were.  If we sit at the door of our tent with patience God will come visiting.  Sometimes I think we over indulge ourselves with mind numbing sounds and activities so as to keep God at bay. We stay distracted so that God can’t enter in.  But that’s not who we are brought forth to be.  We are children to Abraham.

As I write this journal entry I am at peace this morning.  I don’t know what lies in store for me as this day moves on.  I do pray that God “Leads me and guides me.”  God picked a person who had the unique characteristic of maintaining a soul-space where God was able to dwell.  From there God continues to this very day to work wonders within Abraham’s offspring like the stars, and give them an inheritance from sea to sea and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.”

“O God, whose wonderful deeds of old shine forth even to our own day, you once delivered by the power of your mighty arm your chosen people from slavery under Pharaoh, to be a sign for us of the salvation of all nations by the water of Baptism: Grant that all the peoples of the earth may be numbered among the offspring of Abraham, and rejoice in the inheritance of Israel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (BCP 289)

Let us ponder anew what the Almighty can do. John+

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday, June 12, 2019 Proper 5

AM Psalm 72; PM Psalm 119:73-96 Deut. 31:30-32:14; 2 Cor. 11:21b-33; Luke 19:11-27

 “He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, “Do business with these until I come back.”  (Luke 19:13)

Luke’s version of giving money to people who were left in charge differs greatly from other Gospel sources of the same kind.  It also seems somewhat disjointed because there are still seven slaves unaccounted for.  Never – the –less, the point of being responsible for whatever gifts we are given is still the main teaching point.

Our job here on earth is to bear fruit.  We are to make known the presence of the heavenly kingdom all around us.  Part of the point is to be patient.  Fruit does not grow in a day.  It takes time to develop.  What we bring about may not be 10 fold or even 5 fold.  But whatever it brings, if it bears any fruit in the way of people being reconciled to God, then God is well pleased.

 Therefore, we should be compassionate with people and take care of the needy and give voice to those who have no voice.  It seems that if we use our gifts wisely we will be re-gifted again.  But if we do not, even what we have, we will lose. The message here is an old one: Do the good you can with the good you have. Amen.

Today, June 12, we also remember Enmegahbowh,  Priest and Missionary 1902

Enmegahbowh (“The One who Stands Before his People”) is the first recognized Native American priest in The Episcopal Church. (Great Cloud of Witnesses: June 12)

“Unwelcome for a time among some Ojibway groups because he warned the community at Fort Ripley about the 1862 uprising, Enmegahbowh was consistent as a man of peace, inspiring the Waubanaquot (Chief White Cloud) mission, which obtained a lasting peace between the Ojibway and the Dakota peoples.”  (Great Cloud of Witnesses: June 12) 

Enmegahbowh was led by his faith to intercede in preventing deaths among European Americans and Native Americans alike. He was not appreciated by his fellow tribesmen because of his egalitarian approach.  But Enmegahbowh was more concerned with how God would see him.  He perhaps recalled from Luke’s Gospel where it says, “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man.  Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.” (Luke 6: 22-23)

And so, he put little things like skin color, language, and who was here first, aside.  He realized that God is everybody’s color, spoke all languages and is present everywhere.

“The Rev. John Johnson Enmegahbowh was born in Canada and died at White Earth on the 12th of June, 1902, at the age of 95 years.”  (Great Cloud of Witnesses: June 12)  Thank You Jesus.

Ponder anew what the Almighty can do. John+

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday, June 11, 2019 (Proper 5)

AM Psalm 61, 62; PM Psalm 68:1-20(21-23)24-36 Deut. 30:11-20; 2 Cor. 11:1-21a; Luke 19:1-10

“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham.”  ( Luke 19:9)

This is one of my favorite stories.  The language is laden with metaphor and innuendo and special meaning for me.   Apparently Zacchaeus had heard about Jesus and wanted to see what he looked like.  The big moment arrives when Jesus’ parade comes marching through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem.  The crowds are all around Jesus such that Zacchaeus, who is short, cannot see above the crowd.  I have, for a long time now, thought that Danny DeVito could play Zacchaeus if a movie of this story was made. I thought this not only because of his short height but Zacchaeus also seems to be one who was a bit of a shyster. DeVito has played these kinds of roles before.

Zacchaeus climbs a sycamore tree which places him above the fray.  He is in a place where he can see Jesus.  This is what church is supposed to be for us, a place where we can see Jesus. Frankly I’ve never heard of a church or a movement called Sycamore.  Its Mission Statement would be to assist people in seeing Jesus (Just a pondering thought).  My barber gave me a small sycamore tree that has now grown to over 15 feet in a few short years.  I don’t think its sturdy enough to climb yet.  But if Jesus ever walks through my back yard in a few years, I’ll be ready.

In this Gospel of Luke Zacchaeus is a “chief” tax collector.  In those days, just being a tax collector was bad enough from the Hebrew perspective. A chief tax collector meant that such a person was even further removed from the community of the Temple and the Israelite community of God, the Children of Abraham. Perhaps this is one reason Zacchaeus wants to see Jesus. Jesus had a reputation for being inclusive, something Zacchaeus may have already heard about.  This might be his one chance to belong to some kind of faith community.  I would have loved to have been in that sycamore tree next to Zacchaeus the moment Jesus comes close to the trunk and suddenly looks up directly into the eyes of Zacchaeus and says, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19:5)

I can see Zacchaeus almost falling in disbelief!  But never the less, he comes down and while in the presence of Jesus, repents, turns a new page in his life and promises to correct any misdoings he has done according to the Law of Moses. Jesus proclaims a blessing on his household by saying, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham.”  Jesus has placed Zacchaeus beyond the Temple and back into the fold.  Which, do you think is the blessing or salvation, – the repenting of Zacchaeus, or the presence of Jesus, or both? This is the inclusive Jesus Christians have come to know and love.  We just need to remember to place ourselves where we can see him above the fray. When we do this, Jesus invites himself into our hearts and we become new creatures and children to Abraham.  I will now close with a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer:

“O God, whose wonderful deeds of old shine forth even to our own day, you once delivered by the power of your mighty arm your chosen people from slavery under Pharaoh, to be a sign for us of the salvation of all nations by the water of Baptism: Grant that all the peoples of the earth may be numbered among the offspring of Abraham, and rejoice in the inheritance of Israel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (BCP 289)

Ponder anew what the Almighty can do. John+

Daily Office Readings for Monday, June 10, 2019 (Proper 5)

AM Psalm 56, 57, [58]; PM Psalm 64, 65 Deut. 30:1-10; 2 Cor. 10:1-18; Luke 18:31-43

Note from John Frazier: One Who Ponders

I am evolving.  As such, I am again changing my format a little.  I am continuing with my fitness and music but have decided to move them below the surface of water. So what you will see of this iceberg is my faith or spiritual sharing. I find it a better way to faith- focus.  Blessings, John

“My heart is firmly fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and make melody.  Wake up, my spirit; awake, lute and harp; I myself will waken the dawn. (Psalm 57: 7 – 8)

Now after having said all of that about putting music and fitness below the surface, The Psalmist puts forth some words I can’t resist. “I will sing and make melody.” And also, “Wake up, my spirit; awake, lute and harp.”  The music maker in me can’t let this not be reflected.  There are many occasions of writings in the Bible where music is favorably mentioned. This is all I need to see to keep me going. I have heard it said before that, “singing is praying twice.”  I like that.

“What do you want me to do for you?”  (Luke 18:41)

This blind man risks the rebuke of the people around him to get the attention of Jesus.  He prevails. And in his case, he must have at one time had sight because “He said, ‘Lord, let me see again.” 

There are three lessons displayed here. First, faith compels us to defy the hush of those who attempt to deprive us of what God wants to do for us.  But we must persevere in our pursuit of getting our opportunity to be heard by God (prayer).

Second, the same people who oppose you will often be used by God to bring you closer to God. So, while we will not be stifled by them we should welcome their assistance when it is helpful to be brought closer to Christ.

Third, I have to mention that it was the inherent faith already in the blind man that Jesus used to give him back his sight. “Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.’” (Luke 18:42)  We all have this faith.  Some of us try to deny we have it but we all do.  This faith that God has placed in us is used by God to help us in order that we might help in carrying out the Gospel, the Good News that the Kingdom of God has come near.

Ponder anew what the Almighty can do. 

Blessings, John

My Faith Pondering

Eucharistic Readings for Sunday the Day of Pentecost

Acts 2:1-21 or Genesis 11:1-9Romans 8:14-17 or Acts 2:1-21 John 14:8-17, (25-27)Psalm 104:25-35, 37

“And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2: 21)

Once again we have New Testament people recalling Old Testament prophecy.  What we have this time is a repeat of the Prophet Joel, Chapter 2, verse 28 to 32.  The verse of Joel2: 28 says “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”  Then of course it ends with what I have selected for us now, “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2: 32) and Acts 2:21.

Whether it’s Acts or Joel, the point is that God will pour out The Spirit of God on all humanity but only those who accept it and call on God will be saved. Saved in this sense is different from cured.  This “saved” refers to life after death, eternal life.

 This message is so inclusive that it is spoken by people who did not know the language of the Gentiles to whom the message went out to but was heard clearly and understood by those Gentiles who never knew Jesus.  It makes no difference.  If they too call on Jesus, they will be saved.

We have to use what God has so lovingly placed in us. God put The Spirit of God in us to save us from ourselves.  But we have to believe it’s there and use it to call upon God.  In this way we will be saved; we will have eternal life.  I believe we all can do this much better than we are doing. Help us Jesus.

My Fitness Pondering

Fitness and health sometimes comes from sources of unconventional origin.  I went to an ordination yesterday.  I saw an old friend from my former parish who now studies rocks.  After we talked a little bit he showed me some small stones in his hand.  They were all about the same size but varied in color.  Some were poka dotted or speckled, some were various colors.  He invited me to pick one. The one I was drawn to is an olive green and there were two of these stones.  So I picked one of them.  He let me have the stone and told me that that particular stone was for happiness and good health.  I am grateful for this gift.  Thanks Larry.

My Music Pondering

I’m still playing scales.  It’s helping me quickly recognize key signatures.  Adjusting quickly enables me to quickly pick up new music.  It literally lets me know which keys come into play and which do not. I may never be a great pianist but I love the journey. 

My Faith Pondering

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of the 7^th Week of Easter – Year 1

AM Psalm 107:33-43, 108:1-6(7-13) Ezek. 43:1-12; Heb. 9:1-14; Luke 11:14-23

“Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.” (Psalm 107:43)

While we have Psalm 107 verses 33 to 43 for today, I reviewed all of this Psalm.  I notice that verses 8, 15, 21 and 31 say the same thing and that is, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind” The NRSV replaces mankind with children.  But the greater point is that in only two verses before each of these verses, it is said that the people “cry” to the Lord and like I always say, God’s ears hears tears.  I like this Psalm also because it does not specifically lock down a particular time in Biblical history. It basically reflects the continuing relationship between God and us.  So verse 43 has much meaning for the wise among us. “Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.” Let us ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  Ponder, I like that word.

Today we also remember Roland Allen. “Roland Allen was an English missionary, supported by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (SPG) who served briefly in North China and for many years in East Africa. Allen believed that the mission work of the western churches was paternalistic and deeply rooted in colonialist values that were incompatible with the gospel.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses for June 8)

In many situations, “Allen favored clergy who were “tentmakers”—engaged in secular employment while serving their congregations—after the example of St. Paul.” (Great Cloud of Witnesses for June 8) “Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.” (Acts 18:2 – 3)  This is personal for me.  From the beginning I wanted to be a “working” priest.  But it was not to be.  However, as I approach mandatory retirement, many possibilities are opening for me. Thank You Jesus.

My Fitness Pondering

Even though I’m in a rush today, I did my Daily Seven.  Now, no matter what happens, I won’t go through the rest of the day upset because I didn’t do them.  The good news is, whatever else in the way of physical exercise I do, just adds to what I’ve already done.  It’s cumulative. That’s good.

My Music Pondering

I went back to the scales.  Scales are the fundamentals to playing music.  So, I am trying the blinded scale playing.  It’s working out pretty good so far.  I am really getting the feel of where my fingers are on the keyboard.  I have my standard tunes I like to play and that list is growing.  The more I learn to play new stuff, the easier it is to learn even more new stuff.  That’s Great!!

My Faith Pondering

Daily Office Readings for Friday in Week 7 of Easter – Year 1

AM Psalm 102; PM Psalm 107:1-32Ezek. 34:17-31; Heb. 8:1-13; Luke 10:38-42

“The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.”  (Hebrews 8:8)

Jeremiah 31: 31 -34 is one of my favorite quotes in the Bible.  I recognize the words from our Hebrews reading today to be the same words.  I like it when other writers like the same readings that I do, more especially the ancient ones. It somehow affirms me. So thank you, writer of Hebrews.

I have looked at the Jeremiah reading through my Christian lens. In this reading I saw the coming of Jesus and the New Covenant, an unbreakable covenant.  But like all covenants that God makes with us this covenant too requires us to believe it and live accordingly.  I really like the part where it says “I will put my laws in their minds, and write them on their hearts.”  Even so, God still does not make us use this divine resource to guide our lives.  We must choose to do so. The wiring is in us, the program is set.  We just need to choose God back.  God has already chosen us.

I spoke with a man last night about warring sides where both sides say that God is on their side.  He asked me what I thought.  I guess the Holy Spirit gave me the response because I had really not put words together like this before. I told him God is really with those who are advocating for the oppressed.  It was that way with Moses freeing the Israelites out of Egypt; it was that way in our own Civil War for oppressed slaves; and it was that way when Nazis began to dominate Europe.  No country owns God or can claim God as being on their side.  God is on the side of the oppressed. That not only goes at national or human dominions but it makes itself manifest right down to the family level. God stands with the oppressed. This is the New Covenant written on our hearts.

My Fitness Pondering

I did my Daily Seven today.  There was no big thrill or excitement.  I just did them.  I guess that’s the way it has to be sometimes.  But I will tell you this; there is always the satisfaction that I did not let myself down.  I respected me! It would be easy to just say “I’ll just skip today and get back into it tomorrow.”  For me, it would also be shameful.  I have put myself in “automatic” mode.  No thinking, just doing.  I start my thinking and praying with my coffee now as I am typing the closing to today’s journal.  Lead Me, Guide Me, Along the Way.  Thank You Jesus.

My Music Pondering

I played the piano last night with blinders on to prevent me from looking at the keys.  I had to adjust by sound.  I had to strike keys based on how they sounded to get back on track.  In doing so, I am trying to comprehend how blind musicians make it work and how so many of them are so gifted. And I realize gifts are not achieved.  They are gifts.  But me trying is a way of praying for a musical gift.

My Faith Pondering

Daily Office Readings for Thursday of Week 7 of Easter – Year 1

AM Psalm 105:1-22; PM Psalm 105:23-45  Ezek. 18:1-4,19-32; Heb. 7:18-28; Luke 10:25-37

But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” (Luke 10:29)

This is the lead-in to the story of the Good Samaritan.  It concludes with a foreigner (a Samaritan) being a better neighbor than the so-called righteous Levite and priest. However, the question itself suggests that perhaps not all people are a neighbor. I think that in the eyes of Jesus, all peoples are neighbors.

We live on a round ball (Earth). We have more in common than we are different.  We all strive to take care of ourselves and our families.  We all communicate with an audible language although different languages for different regions of this earth.  At some deep level, we are aware of a power greater than ourselves.  What we must learn is that we are not greater than one another. We need one another.  This round ball is it for us.  As it takes care of us, we need to take care of it and we need to take care of one another.  We truly are neighbors, all of us.  Thank You Jesus.

Today is June 6 and the remembrance of the 75th year after the Invasion at Normandy in France (D-Day).  We talk about the victory there and our brave military and that’s ok.  However, I pray we remember our German brothers and sisters as well.  Today’s Germans are not the followers of Adolf Hitler.  I am reminded of all the great theologians from Germany, among them Dietrich Bonheoffer who resisted the Nazis to his own death and the compassion of today’s Prime Minister, Angela Merkel. Yes, an important battle was won but we also need to put as much or more energy into being inclusive of today’s Germany. Who is our neighbor? All on the planet, including Germany.

My Fitness Pondering

In my everyday movements and occurrences of bending over to pick up a piece of paper or something that someone dropped, I move so much easier now. I marvel at how I enjoy stooping or bending in the course of the day.  It all stems from my early morning workout.  Strength, endurance, and flexibility are all part of a cross-fit workout plan.  It doesn’t require great intensity only regular commitment.  It builds as it is done EVERY morning.  It all adds up over time.

My Music Pondering

I played a lot on the piano yesterday at church.  I also sang more country yesterday. I think the piano will help me lock down the melody of some of my country tunes while chords on the guitar just help me keep the beat.  Music is so wonderful.  Singing, or playing or both are gifts from God for which we should be eternally thankfully. Thank You Jesus.

My Faith Pondering

The Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Week Seven of Easter – Year 1

AM Psalm 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30; PM Psalm 119:121-144  Ezek. 11:14-25; Heb. 7:1-17; Luke 10:17-24

“For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.’”  (Luke 10: 24)

The seventy came back “mission accomplished.”  Jesus tells them that as the results of their work, he says, evil began to fall.  It’s still falling although sometimes hard to see given all the violence we see on the news.  But some of this bad stuff has been happening all the time. We are just getting better at reporting it. There is much more good stuff going on but unfortunately it doesn’t sell the cars, insurance, soap and other stuff sponsors are trying to sell.  People tune in to what’s wrong. 

Perhaps changing our appetites for what we want is our biggest challenge.  Maybe as the seventy returned excited by what they saw, what they saw was people change what they thought was worth while.  Maybe they saw a people athirst for a better way.  Maybe the people welcomed the seventy as an alternative to tyranny and oppression and everything that was wrong in their world. The secret to being okay is to just be welcoming to others.  It is not so much about being happy, but just being ok.  Being okay is also about wanting what is good for family as well as community.  And don’t worry, that’s good. If family and community are okay, so you will be too.  I think this is what Jesus meant when he said, “For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.’”  Yes, Thank You Jesus. Lets make family and community okay, and we will be okay too. Okay?

My Fitness Pondering

I’m feeling better and better every day.  I still need to lose weight but I will get there and when I do I will share my numbers in this blog.  Fitness-wise I am doing better and better.  I really believe sharing this journal with the public keeps me on task.  It seems not letting you down makes me not let me down.  Does that make sense?  Whatever it is, it’s working.  It’s making me faithful to my Daily Seven.  The need for daily physical exercise is one of many teachings I learned in the Marines.  So much good has happened to me in my life.  Thank You Jesus.

My Music Pondering

Country, country, country!  I got all wrapped up in old country classics last night.  I played and sang with, Garth Brooks, Travis Tritt, Johnny Lee, Randy Travis, Charlie Pride, and even Tennessee Ernie Ford and his “Sixteen Tons.”  Thank God for You Tube.  I think what draws me to Country Music, besides being born in Nashville, Tennessee, is that I can clearly understand what is being said. And in most cases, I appreciate or, on many levels, agree with what is being said or sung.  I think Country has clarity and consensus as qualities also found in church hymns. It is poetry set to melody.