Monthly Archives: January 2015

The Moon 2015-15

Posted in Nature by

The Moon           2015-15

The moon, hanging quietly in the darkened sky,

Eerie and scary as it looks down at all.

Peeking in and out of gray wispy clouds,

Sending its faint cool light to those that see.

Shadows, causing strange shapes to appear,

Making them look like things that are not there.

Mighty forces, causing rising tides up and then down,

Changing the depth of the shore line, once more.

Silhouettes of animals howling in the wind,

Telling the world of their existence; stand clear.

Lovers holding hands, cheek to cheek,

Thinking of ways the future will bring.

The moon, majestic, big and so bold,

Affecting us all with its power to behold.

Den Betts

Conquest of Earth 2015-14

Posted in Humor by

How scary to think of aliens coming down to earth and taking over.  I think of any “being” conquering earth and its inhabitants is beyond imagination and belongs in a movie. Movies like “War of the Worlds” from H.G.Wells or “Independence Day” of not so long ago. So, sometimes I am not so truthful, as you will see………

Conquest of Earth      2015-14

The airwaves crackled with dire warnings

While the Earthlings scattered to and fro

“It” descended down from the heavens

Looking, aiming for a point on Earth

It was the first, with many to follow,

And, it was proud to be the very first

They would envelop the land below them,

Letting nothing escape their grasp

It hovered in an airpocket, then went down,

Looking, aiming for a place to claim

Ah, ahead, and Earthboy, five or six,

Standing innocently, looking up

Does he know, was he told, forewarned,

Of the conquest to occur this day

A spiral, then an uprise for just a moment,

To align its sights and head below

Now, Yes, NOW, make the move

While the childs eyes are elsewhere

With points read to impale, to entangle,

To snarl and to catch and hold

“Follow me!” it said, to the millions of others,

As the first snowflake landed on the woolen cap

Den Betts

Religion Issues 2015-13

Posted in Religious by

Many theories about spirituality and religion are stated, with those that feel that spirituality is different than religion, and is a much better way of having closeness with God. This is a separate issue that I will address in the future, but in the below discourse, I am staying with the word religion, and hit on a few items regarding this word.

Religion Issues     2015-13

“Most Americans – roughly four out of five – consider themselves to be Christians. For that majority, the past two decades have been a time of substantial religious change. Just as American society itself is in a state of substantial upheaval, so are those who declare themselves to be Christian redefining the core practices and beliefs of Christianity in America.” Barna Group (2011) See at end

I was told one time that “Religion is the problem with society today!” I did not argue with this person, because I somewhat felt that he was personally, one of the problems, because of his beliefs (or non-beliefs) and attitudes with others around him. I believe he is somewhat of a believer, but one that believes in a different way than others.

I do not feel that I am judgmental about him, but instead, just stating a fact that even he admits is true. He is what he is, and according to him is not going to change to make someone happy or have them look at him in a different way. So be it.

I think many people of various religions look at their religion as “the true religion” and exclude those of other religions as not being correct. I know of one individual who thinks this way and will not change his belief in this thought. I am an outsider to him, and as such, am not adhering to the religion he follows, therefore am not following the true thoughts that he adheres to daily. This man is a believer in Jesus Christ, but since I do not do what he thinks I should do, I am wrong and will probably go to Hell in the process; in his mind.

Instead of a meaningful relationship with each other, there is a bridge, a chasm, or divide between us that is unspoken, but there. We continue to exist with one another, but rather than discussing our differences of belief, we ignore the subject and continue as outsiders. I would love to have a talk with him and discuss things, but we cannot be part of a larger whole and remain apart. We are like tribal, clannish people that exist, but with distrust and without a feeling of true friendship.

When I think of the Christian beliefs and various denominations, I think of man-made rules, dogma and ways of following Jesus that make us Christians in name, but not true followers in a way that Jesus would want us to be. Think of any two Christian religions and you will find differences that make them unique from each other. A person is a Methodist because of the beliefs that religion follows, and a Catholic or Lutheran, or others, that have the same type of believers in their midst. I cannot say any is wrong, just stating that they believe in differences. Of course, I also believe that some people in the religion I follow do not believe all the rules and dictates of this religion, including me.  Quoting someone that I respect, “On the other hand, a commitment to rules to the detriment of a person’s relationship with Christ is also not helpful.”

The religion I follow has begun to have contact with other religions to form ecumenical agreements with them. This states that, even though we have differences, we can still get along and be true to the religion we follow. The Pastor/Priest can perform services at their church and vice-versus with the others.  Both Pastors/Priests can give communion at either church when we can all partake of the bread and wine of remembrance. We can look at ourselves as friends and not as enemies of the other religion, not that we would do so anyhow. The other church is an Episcopalian one and does have a Priest.

When did it happen that differences began to occur in religions? Over time, people began to see their religion the way they liked it and a trend began. The various sacred writings decreed some of the beliefs that go back in time to when they were written. God Himself was written as sanctifying slavery, warfare, and those that wanted an excuse or a reason, had what they needed for their religion, as they read in the written word. They did not have to change or make up anything, because it was written down and part of their belief. Men abused their women and children because it was told that they were their possessions, and therefore the men could do anything they wanted. Man could have slaves, because it said so in their holy book. They could kill others, because it was shown to them that God was on their side. The list goes on and on as to how God can be used as an excuse to do things that are against common decency. The holy scriptures of many religions are used as weapons for man’s desires.

What was written so very, very long ago does not mean that what was believed then, is now.

We, in a civilized society, do not condone having slaves today, but it was a normal process in the past. To use religion as an excuse for doing things that are looked at as barbaric today, is in itself barbaric. Even today, some religious leaders, evangelists, preachers, etc., use the writings in the Bible to give credence to their way of thinking, or at least, their way of sharing the message in scripture. Many use the Bible and recite passages from the Old Testament to expand on their thought processes. They don’t really stress the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus Christ and His way of expounding on the way that love is the answer.

  • The notion that the Bible is completely accurate in all of the principles it teaches is less popular among Protestants today (2011) . In 1991, 61% strongly believed that notion; today, 56% hold that belief. Barna Group (2011), see Sources at end

How many times have people of religious eminence or rank, stated that believing in God is a moral excellence or virtue of high importance? Of course it sounds great and coming from a person of importance it is considered, at times, just so. Having faith and believing that God works in mysterious ways and we should accept dire happenings as coming from God, does not sit too well with some. Crap happens and sometimes we have to just accept that which does, even though we do not like it. Saying that Aunt so in so, who died, is in a better place does not make sense when the common thought is she was doing well, where she was before she died. We should try not to deceive ourselves into believing that those religious leaders or any people, who state things like that, know what they are talking about. It would be very much better to pray to God and tell Him you do not understand why something happened, but still believe He is with us, and allow Him to comfort us in our despair.

Give till it hurts?

Another issue is where some religions want you to give $$$$ till it hurts. OK, not quite, but the feeling of some churches that we should give to the church and it will help the church maintain itself in all ITS glory. Then, try to find out where it goes! My church does not do this, but it is seen on TV with some churches and is perpetuated by their leaders. The church NEEDS money to exist, but the church does not need their parishioners to give, just to increase the coffers of the church or leaders of the church.

The church I attend had a fund rising to pay down the mortgage. It was very successful and we are in the middle of doing so. But, the main reason for doing this is to get out from under the payments to the mortgage holder and have money to spend on places and things that need it. One example is where we pay for a delivery of food each month to give to the needy and that is money worth spending. What is really exacting is the fact that the parishioners are continuing to pay their weekly amounts to support the church, per the budget forecast. Even though it would be terrific to see everyone, tithing 10%, I would think that is NOT going to happen. I would love to see the people give just a little more than they have been and that would be outstanding. We try to go out of our way to show just where their money ends up and I believe it is a positive way of showing generosity towards our fellow mankind.

Religions are man-made as well as those denominations that make up many of the religions today. As such, they have to survive and in the trying, come the failings at times. What was, in the past, is not how it is today. The founder of a religion had good intentions on how he wanted his way to be. Over time, things happen and his way is not THE way now. I would think that certain religions are prone to change, because of this fact. Who would have thought that a certain religion has morphed into what it is today and its beliefs are so different now. How a man thought way back when, is not how the church today thinks. Maybe, somewhat, but not exactly.

I have read, possibly from a Barna Report, an article about the Catholic religion regarding some members as becoming unchurched or as de-churched members. Many are leaving the religion for good, going to a Protestant one that does not have the rules and regulations, which upset those that leave. I am not picking on the Catholics, but do wonder how much their core ways will keep members. All religions must be aware of how they think and act, which will decide on their membership. The one problem is where members of any religion leave and do not go to another one, but instead just don’t worship at a church anymore. They become un-churched by default for the reasons they believe are correct for them to not involve themselves in any religion.

After all that I have said, I believe that there is NOT really a problem with religion itself, but instead, a problem with the people that follow the various religions that have their beliefs foremost and the religion they follow as a far distant second.

Source for some of the facts presented.

Barna Group –

About Barna Group Barna Group (which includes its research division, the Barna Research Group) is a private, non-partisan, for-profit organization under the umbrella of the Issachar Companies. It conducts primary research, produces media resources pertaining to spiritual development, and facilitates the healthy spiritual growth of leaders, children, families and Christian ministries. Data based on an August 4, 2011 report

Den Betts

Sacrifice 2015-11

Posted in Religious type by

I thought I better post this before it becomes February. Since we just celebrated Christmas and Easter will be upon us soon, this might be good to read now – DB

 

Sacrifice   2015-11

It is January,2015 as I write this about- sacrifice. The Christian world will be celebrating Easter on April 5, 2015 and, of course, Good Friday on the 3rd. The way my life is going, it will be here in no time, so I thought I would get a head start on the subject.

What is Good Friday and Easter?  When I was a kid Easter meant chocolate and yellow colored marshmallow chicks that we ate, but it meant nothing else.  Christmas was something about getting toys and having a big meal, but in both cases, nothing about church, Jesus Christ or what those days really meant. I found that was my loss and I did not know it at the time.

So, what is sacrifice? I heard something stated about Christmas in that it was the prelude to Easter! Wow, never thought about it in any way. But when you do think about it, the birth of Jesus Christ was for us  as people on Earth, and it was in the Sacrifice at Good Friday that led up to Easter that was why there are Christians today.

What is sacrifice again?    Food for thought:   Romans 3:22-25 “This righteousness from God comes through faith is Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of  His blood.”

Another verse would be from Hebrews, Chapter 10: 8-10   “ 8.First, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. 9 Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

I believe I am adding the above two Chapters in defense of my using the word sacrifice in conjunction with speaking about Jesus Christ.  I was told, at one time, that it, the crucifixion, should not be looked at as a sacrifice by the man-God Jesus, but I really cannot remember the exact WHY I should not do so. I ignore that request anyhow, and when I pray, part of my prayers say, “and thank you Jesus for your sacrifice, so that I have the chance of eternal life”. I have been told many things during my lifetime that I take with a grain of salt and discount them for one reason or another.

I can remember recently (in the last couple of years) whereas I “projected myself, in my mind, to be at the foot of the cross and watching Jesus die, so that my sins, and all other peoples, can be forgiven, because of this selfless act. It was eerie, scary, and life like to me at the time.  You can read in the Bible the things that happened to Jesus on Good Friday, but I felt His presence, felt his pain and suffering all at the same time.

Jesus Christ SUFFERED, so that we may live again. I fear not death, because I will have the chance to be with Him in what people call Heaven or Paradise.  Those that do not believe, I can only hope the best for them and do pray they will join me through the grace of God.

So, Christmas is more than toys, and Easter is more than good things to eat. There is meaning in the holidays more than what many of us acknowledge. Nobody knows the exact day of the birth of Jesus, but we do celebrate it on Dec 25th or the Orthodox do on Jan 6th. They are joyous days for the Christian faith, and I am so glad I have seen the light, of knowing what they mean now.

Den Betts

Beware – Be Aware 2015-10

Posted in Statement by

This could be a sister poem of the one I wrote titled “Apathy”; to a degree. This would be a challenge to those that feel they are in control, whereas WE are really, or should be, involved in things that occur.

Beware – Be Aware    2015-10

“Beware! Beware! The end of time is near”

So says the man with placard pointed to the sky.

A pessimist to the nth degree is he,

to give up on the hope of man today.

 

But, it should be realized that things aren’t right

Or even close to the ways the world should be.

The leaders and power players of each composite group,

Show that “they know” what is good for us all.

 

In Belfast of past, the Middle East now, South America,

Perhaps here in the U.S. too; they all think alike.

Take away their power and they will be one of us,

So no peace they say, cause a stir and unrest.

 

In the name of religion, the wars are fought, and,

In the name of heritage or culture, people die.

But, it’s also in the name of power and greed,

And continued dissent for its own sake, indeed!

 

An answer to all the troubles would leave them,

With nothing to do, no longer in charge.

If the people were to be more involved,

With the underlings helping out too.

 

Then a man could be on a street corner,

With a sign telling a different tune.

One that challenged the leaders by saying,

“Be Aware! Be Aware!, change is coming soon!”

Den Betts

Apathy 2015-09

Posted in Statement by

I was at a meeting and a person said, “Why don’t they do something about – – – – “. I thought about it and realized, that person was the one that COULD do something. How many things do we look at and say the same thing or just shake our heads and wonder?

We see things and they register in our mind, but the act of doing is missing. Most of us are guilty of this “apathy” of thought over the course of our lives, perhaps NOT daily though, but at times. Some things are beyond our immediate way of doing, but some are capable of us getting involved. Such is life!!!!

            Apathy  2015-09

The lack of feelings or emotions

I am told is the meaning, but not all

Is meant by so few of words.

It is the seeing a beggar on a street

Or a dying neighbor you will never again meet

The scoundrel of a politician elected on and on

Or drug busts downtown, not here you state, relief

The high school terrors in the halls, care less now

Your kids are through and gone, thank God you say.

A drunkard lying in the gutter, in his filth,

disgusting, why don’t they do something about it.

An unwed mother, out of school, only 16, when

will they learn, should have known better, right?

Don’t give a damn you say, not for you to take

care of their problems, enough of your own, let

alone take care of the world  besides.

The things you see now could be your own someday

and the one who cares less then, could be like you now

Care at least, do something besides exist for yourself

without any emotion of others and their plights.

There, but for grace of God goes I – – could be a fact

of life in a blink of an eye

Den Betts

Human-Animal 2015-08

Posted in Statement by

I originally wrote this poem right after the horror in NYC at the World Trade Center and thought then, WHAT kind or type of human could do things like they do, to each other. We, as humans, are so inhuman to each other at times. Indeed, lower animals that are looked down on, could, if they were able to, call US the true animalistic specie on Earth. They basically kill for food, in most cases, and not for the reasons we do as humans. I post this today, due to the terror killing in France of journalists.

Human-Animal      2015-08

The human with the high developed brain,

Supposed to be the most intelligent animal.

Doing things to self and others in many ways

That go beyond belief and understanding

Newscasts describe the horrors that happen,

Graphic in ways that boggle the mind.

Lower species struggle for survival,

Not killing for power, greed or envy.

They if with thought, would think with dismay,

Why they are classified for their sub-human actions.

We as humans should be ashamed in a way

For thinking of ourselves as the most supreme.

There is no excuse for this treating of each other.

NONE WHATSOEVER

Den Betts

Blast of Cold 2015-07

Posted in Nature by

BRRRRrrrrrr!  To read this poem makes me shiver and wish I lived in Florida! Not a long poem, but one that lets you know what weather is like in winter. “Icy breath” and “blue blasts” makes one feel the coldness of winter and wants the season of Spring to hurry up and get here. There is MUCH to look forward to winter, but the storms, the heavy snowfalls and raging winds are the downside to the pretty and all so charming aspects of the season…….. I posted this on the coldest day of 2015, so far.

Blast of Cold      2015-07

A winter wind whispering in my ear,

Forewarning of days with icy breath.

Hark, hark, the autumn’s done

This one, never to return.

Promise of Spring so far away,

Distant as swirls fly about,

Bundle up against the cold,

The blue blasts of blowing wind,

Another season has arrived,

To take its turn with life.

Den Betts

Faith 2015-06

Posted in Religious by

 

Faith     2015-06

A simple word about a complex subject!!  I have used this word in the context of explaining things like Spirituality and the Holy Spirit.  BUT, what is it and how easy is it to explain?

Webster defines it in many ways, but the easy one is— where there is a belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion. This could be in reference to any religion of course, so I will go where he expounds on it further—- the trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved. The second one is under the title of Christian Theology, which makes sense to state it that way.

I could stop right there and say it is that easy. I will stick with the doctrines or teachings pertaining to Christian religions for now. As a point of interest, not all religions use the concept of faith in their practices, but let me stay with Christianity for now.

Because the word itself includes Christ faith is based on His workings in His lifetime and His teachings. I would think that Christians are not distinguished by the word faith itself, but instead by what Christians look as the examples of His life as written in the scriptures. If someone does not have faith, I would think that person does not have the basic confidence as of what is written in the Bible.

That is not hard to understand. If that person of non-faith does not have the trust in believing in what is written, or thinks that the Bible is not reliable, then the faith may not be there. I wrote a history of the Bible a few years ago for Sunday school. To read the history and to know how it morphed into what is seen today is so very interesting.

I will not go into that now, but needless to say, it, the Bible, had its slow progression to what it is now. The King James Version is what most other versions take from and what was used before then was difficult to read and understand.

So, the Bible is where I said the trust begins.  I think that you would have to trust that what is written was inspired by God, even though it was not written by Him. I know some religions look at it as the absolute word of God, and they can do so, but I will use “inspired by God” instead for now.

It takes believers, scripture, traditions, personal experiences, a community foundation of belief to be assured about God and Jesus Christ. There is more written about the man names Jesus, than any other historical figure from the past. There are more manuscripts telling about His life than any other person from history, so that is part of it.

All well and good, but what is faith again? It still comes down to a feeling!!!  I wasn’t at the crucifixion, I did not see the miracles occur or hear Jesus pray and teach. So, I have to trust in the work or stimulation of the Holy Spirit where He endorses the Scripture writings, which comes about by the divine inspiration of Him. The finality of these dealings is what faith is all about.

I remember when someone I know had problems believing in God, and was basically a doubter and not really an unbeliever. I told him so, and he did not agree, saying he did not have doubts, just not enough hard facts to support his believing.  I understand that thought process. There are some things that are difficult to believe in, and without concrete, absolute, engineered, scientific evidences, it is not easy to come to terms with in life.

The Sun comes up from the East and sets in the West. The planet Earth is round, not square or flat. The word –faith comes up when the desire to substitute emotion for evidence is pronounced. If there are emotions by many people, faith cannot be rationally made into fact and friction can occur in the process.  So, faith is— believing without evidence. So, by my saying I have faith, I am saying to you, I think I know something or believe something that some may say I really do not know for sure. That is my faith, believing in the Father, the man God Jesus ,and the Holy Spirit of God, that has no physical proof laying around. Except, I know there is a God, and perhaps I will tell you why some day.

Peace,

Den Betts