Monthly Archives: March 2015

Finality Explored 2015-59

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A little heavy, not for the light hearted- LOL… This I wrote when I was thinking- again!  I have to stop doing that process…..      We all have our existence that can be measured and counted on and perhaps I infer this in this poem…..

Finality Explored   2015-59

 

So much, so much – yet nothing of consequence

in the final way and things of the world

 

It happens as the sun comes up in the morning

and sets at night, to begin yet another day on the morrow

 

It goes on regardless, of the joys and sadness that

may occur on a daily basis, passing all in its wake

 

 

Too much, too much – yet so very important

in a down to earth everyday existence

 

It lessens the spirit, stops the flow of creativity

but, remains as a reminder of our vulnerability

 

It stays the course of the free spirit, of one,

and becomes a manifestation of victory

 

 

So little, so little – yet the essence of all,

in a way that transcends the whole

 

It becomes the very heart of the transfiguration

of Him,  the final lasting pleasure

 

It is the way, the only way, to begin once again

to know of the purity of wonder – forever….

 

Den Betts

Confusion with Reality 2015-58

Posted in Religious by

              Confusion with Reality    2015-58

Let me say this. I am sometimes confused about what I believe in regarding something of faith. I KNOW what I say to others and I actually believe in what I expound. I KNOW what I have experienced in life regarding God so I don’t have a problem with my faith in Him, which I identify as the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

What I do have issues with are those things that I hear and read that cloud the overall feelings that I profess too.  I do NOT think that this is unusual, but is not openly said or expressed by many Christian believers.

I was NOT a Christian believer or a “good” Christian (in my mind) until relatively recently (4 years ago). I have openly stated that I was “going through the motions by rote before then. I am not overly proud of this fact or ashamed, but just stating a fact as I see it now. I said things then, did things and probably believed things as they should have been said or done as a Christian.

No easy answers

OK, where am I going with this?  I feel that God is NOT going to lay it all out for me in a secret way, but it would be terrific if He did so. I am NOT going to get a set of golden tablets telling me all, to share with the world (sort of like Joseph Smith claimed, of the Mormon faith).  Those things and others I do not expect to see or happen.

I have done, what I feel, is extensive (somewhat) research about the Bible. This makes you also get involved in history of the past and what was happening at the time certain people were alive. It also brings forth the temperature of the moment in history as to what was going on, when someone was alive and affecting the Christian religion. An example would be St. Jerome writing The Vulgate in the fourth century.

This makes me admit that I have some reservations about certain, or many, aspects of belief of how things transpired and how it is perceived today. I honestly believe that religious leaders of various time periods did not transcribe accurate or truthful statements or writings of their time period.

How can I prove this; I cannot, simple as that. But do have questions that cannot be answered wholly or accurately without fail and I believe this is normal to have these thoughts. The thing is, I am stating them aloud for others to see and this makes me a little uncomfortable.

I state another thought that I have made before. I believe in God and have a profound and personal experience that gives me an unbreakable and absolute belief in Him, which NOBODY can change my mind or opinion on this subject of faith. So faith is not in question here, but something else.

We do NOT have time travel that would allow us to go back and witness certain things and happenings of the past relating to faith issues.  It would be great (in a way) to have seen and experienced the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for one.  I don’t know if I could handle that though, emotionally. It would be terrific to question His Apostles and follow them close by as they spread the word of the Teacher, Jesus. Knowing me, I could not keep my big mouth shut and I would be forced  to yell out something that I thought was different than what I have been taught, read,  or think I know.

The questions I have without insight or of knowing what I read are many.  Many theologians have ideas of the –who, the what, where, etc., but they give theories, which cannot be accurately proven.  Other, know it all’s, or those that think they know all things, do the same thing, giving their spin on how it was in the distant past.

Normal questions!

What were the names, actual names and credentials of those that made the canons of what is today’s scripture? What did they leave out and why? Did they add something that was thought to enhance a segment of the Scripture for the sake of knowledge (on their part)? Does the Catholic Church have a list of things that would prove or disprove something written in Scripture?

There was NO paper to write on until it was discovered and brought to Europe about the 11th century. Before that, many products were used, such as wood, metal, papyrus (plant used before paper in Egypt and elsewhere).  So, what was written on, how were the writings of the Gospels (for instance) recorded in a correct and complete manner? Word of mouth was one way things were passed on, but did those doing the mouthing of the words add this or that to their sayings?

I AM, repeat, AM a believer of the Triune God!  I know that He, in the form of the Father, and/or the son Jesus Christ, and/or the Holy Spirit has His Presence with me always. That I believe without any doubt, because I know this is true.  I am still allowed to question various things that bother me though.  I have that right and feel that it would be not a good idea to take ALL things I am told or what I read as absolute facts. I believe the Bible is inspired by God, but written by man and that leaves a lot of leeway for crap to happen. I realize this, but still maintain a Christian faith in God, regardless.

I started this by titling this “Confusion with Reality”. I will keep it that way, because I have some doubts and as my Pastor once said, “that is not unnatural, but a way of life”, or words to that effect. The Pastor may never read this, so it is close enough.

It is NOT wrong or incorrect to think thoughts that go contrary to decree by the church. The church, any church, does not have a direct line to God, so it cannot absolutely contradict any thoughts you may have. I am NOT, repeat, NOT in a hurry to die and see God and ask Jesus some neat questions in person, but I relish the thought of having the opportunity to do so.  If He wishes to whisper in my ear, certain things now, that is ok with me. Until then, confusion with reality will reign and I will wait and wonder.

 

Den Betts

Travel of Time 2015-56

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We should cherish EACH day that we are here on Earth, living, existing and co-mingling with each other. To try to appreciate what we have, what we experience, what and who we are to each other. Far too soon, comes the final judgment day whereas we have lived our lives as we did, but did not do so in many other ways.

Travel of Time   2015-56

Too soon does set the fiery orb

Across the spacious sky.

So soon comes night – upon us bright

moonlight shining high.

One solitary day gone by

a minus from our life

Closer to eternity of living

without strife

A beggar, poet, leader of man,

or those of other means

All of one with sameness in

the final scope of things

Closer still the judgment day,

escape — the soul is gone

Remains –  behind to witness

the totality of our being

What is to say of all belief

the true and wondrous way

Each and every one that travels

the journey of one day.

 

Den Betts

Execution 2015-57

Posted in Statement by

I can still remember when I heard the news about a man who went through a newspaper business killing fellow workers then putting the gun in his mouth and committing suicide. I feel sorrow for the innocents that were killed and maimed, but not for the person who did the killing.  If he did not kill himself and was caught, sent to trial, convicted and sentenced to death and was put to death, would I feel much compassion or sympathy for him, perhaps no. But, do I think that his execution would be correct? No – period! No…..

 

One problem that I have is, if someone who is truly innocent is put to death – where is the justice there?  I heard that a prison guard who was leading someone to the gas chamber and the question of whether the soon to be disposed of prisoner was innocent, the guard said, “Let God sort it out!”, but that is not the humane, Christian or civilized way of doing things.  A life in prison without parole in an isolated jail cell in solitaire could be worse than death for some people and could be the better sentence in the mind of the one in jail, perhaps.

 

This poem is somewhat dated by the way the execution is performed. Instead of “The Chair” we now have imperfect chemicals to do the job. One state is bringing back the firing squad, I heard, but the way is not the question, the reasoning behind the executions is the question.

 

Execution   2015-57

The man finished his steak, eggs and potatoes,

Agreeing that his last meal was – just right.

Years spent on appeals were at an end,

Today was final judgment day for him.

They shaved his head, wrists and ankles,

For the contact points attached to “The Chair.”

 

He stood while manacles were clapped to limbs,

A Priest started to read from a well thumbed Bible.

The walk toward “The Room” was short; too short,

As at the door, he stopped, took a breath and entered.

Inside, starkness, the white walls, dark chair, contrasted,

He was seated, manacles off and straps attached.

 

Thoughts of the trial, the appeals, the actual facts,

Surged through his brain, like time and time again.

Accusations, evidence, verdict and sentence; now history,

Came to mind as if they occurred only yesterday.

That fateful night, so long ago; police at the door,

No alibi, no defense, no knowledge of the act.

 

So logical, but circumstantial, at best,

Hints of a look alike cousin being there.

His cousins death from an accident soon after,

A pleading of further investigation for naught.

All past, no more recourse, no more appeal,

Dark musty leather hood, over his head.

 

Reality sets in, the waiting, torment, anxiety, over,

Final words spoken to him, so far away.

Its going to happen, “No God; please no! It wasn’t me,

I really didn’t do \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/- – – – – – – – – – –

Peace.

 

How sad, scary and terrible of a thought that a person can be executed that was truly innocent.   It HAS happened in the past and will in the future when there is a death sentence in force. but does that mean that we should not have the death penalty?  Not for me to decide thankfully.  What should be done with a human that commits the worst sin of all, the taking of a human life on purpose?  A ward of the state for life seems like an inappropriate sentence, especially when the victim is not able to enjoy life. A complex issue……

 

I think of this especially during Lent and the thoughts of Jesus Christ and His crucifixion come up. I will not go into His trial and the ramifications of it now, but reflect on it in general. I just think how horrible it was for His mother, brother, Disciples, friends and people who loved and knew Him and how they thought of this action. Reacting now, I can truly say, “I am more than glad it happened and/or that He knew it was to be.  Why? The trial and the execution on the Cross were one thing, but the Resurrection is the reason I feel this way.

The chance of eternal life of the soul, once we die here on Earth, because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross, is beyond understanding and appreciation.  This act by a dying and rising god as a deity, that gives us ALL this chance of eternal life is a gift that goes beyond belief.

The fact that the murderer today, who truly repents, has this chance is such a wonderful thing to contemplate. It gives all of us a time to ponder our lives and beliefs and to realize the ramifications of the act by Jesus Christ………………’

Den Betts

According to the Apostle Paul, the entire Christian faith hinges upon the centrality of the resurrection of Jesus and the hope for a life after death. The Apostle Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians:

“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

1 Corinthians 15:19-20

God Loves ALL 2015-55

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God Loves ALL   2015-55

God is a lover of mankind! That being said, let me explain.

God loves His children that he helped create so long ago. Perhaps man evolved, it is a perhaps, and no more. Theories abound as to when and how and why. The Biblical story of Adam and Eve is a story. A story told down through the ages and finally written and tweaked, canonized, and translated into what it is today. It is actually a neat story to read….

The thing is, something is forgotten. He loves ALL of mankind!

There are those that truly believe that He loves only them, their sect, or religion or denomination. It is so far from the actual, and has created so many turmoil’s in life, in the past and present. I think of those that claim they are unbelievers and point at the religious people for so many injustices, killings, and other atrocities in the name of religion, but remember, it is not the religion, it is the people!

I guess, or would say, it may be so, the ranting’s of faith. The thing is, it is not God that is doing the things, it is, again, the people themselves. It is sometimes, if not always, in support of their own personal beliefs. That is sad.  It would not have to be the case if people would let loose of their primitive feelings about God.

God, I said, loves ALL. That includes the atheists, the radical extremists, and the God believers that feel they have a hold on God as being only their own. I know someone that feels that way and it is impossible to talk with him about it, because he gets highly pissed off when you try.

How God can look at His children and put up with us is beyond me. Over and over and over He sees the people acting and performing the way they do, contrary to what He would like. I look at God in the form of Jesus Christ (since I consider myself a Christian), and see so many, including myself, conduct themselves in difference to His teachings and just wonder what His thoughts are constantly.

The word LOVE, comes to mind. God in the form of the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, LOVES ALL of us, is what I believe. The word ALL means ALL, no exceptions, no exclusions, no differences, no nothing. He, God, loves those that deny Him and He looks at them as his children.  How can He do that!!!!???? Because, He loves ALL of us, without putting up man-made rules as a block, as a hindrance, or blinders or whatever words you want to use here. I would like to add — this is unconditional love on God’s part.

We use our feelings learned from childhood to put a slot in life as to who God is and what He believes and that is the way it is. Who started to write the rules down, to hobble our thinking? Who was it that thinks they have an inside track with God and how He thinks?

Ten Thousand years ago, there was only ONE God, the god of the Universe, as there is today. We as humans got around to putting names and faces to Him. We created what we thought how He is and how He performs. The ancient traveler, prayed to this God and he called him names. Names like Moon God, Cow God, Harvest God, and the list goes on. We gave Him a face with a flowing beard and chiseled features showing strength and wisdom, as shown on a chapel ceiling in Rome. We tried to make Him as human as we could at times. We show God as Jesus Christ, as a handsome man with flowing locks and grandeur stature (looking like the ideal movie star portraying Him). Why, because we are human and want to do so, to make us feel good.

I do NOT know how God thinks about this, but can only imagine. We are innocent human children of His and we act it out daily. We act out the need to do so. We use God as an excuse for our actions at times and He does not condone what we do, only observes. I wonder, are we so really stupid or think we are so highly intelligent that we know what God thinks? Reading Scripture of the Holy Bible, I see passages (especially in the Old Testament) whereas they are written down as God’s thoughts and decrees. But are they just stories handed down over time? Perhaps!

I have other thoughts, but will leave you with these to contemplate, ponder, and if you wish reply and give me your thoughts about what I have written. Remember this though, God loves you, ALL of us, without reservation, regardless of what we think or say, or do !!!!!

Den Betts

Eared Feelings 2015-54

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Who knows, I don’t, as to when and why I wrote this is, unclear, for sure. It had to do with something I was thinking of at the time. Do I truly understand it; the answer is yes, but the exact, why and when, no………..

Eared Feelings     2015-54

Words with feelings spoken unclear;

inner meanings vague,

I hear

Eyes off center, not focused true;

mine do bore thy soul,

I fear

Forever wanting, close and sure;

for the moment, your heart

I near

A sound, a tinkling in the wind

Promise of the here after

So clear

Truth be known between us two;

knowledge heard, with wetness

I tear

Den Betts

Two Robins 2015-53

Posted in Nature by

Hope springs eternal as Alexander Pope said in an “Essay on Man”, in 1732!!! I DO hope Spring itself, will be here soon and the advent of birds will show that the hope is not a foolish thought. The geese that are looking for open water are finding it scarce; just frozen tundra as their welcoming mat.  This WILL change and life will go on as it is decreed by nature. Or at least one hopes………………     

                   Two Robins  2015-53

Hooray, hooray, two robins

Sighted this very day ( lost??)

The first time this year

In the March blowing cold

 

A sign of Spring, so sure,

So sure; the beginning

Restart, of growth once again

About time I say, I say

 

Using past experiences in a

Remembrance of thought

No more grey skies and white

blanketed ground, instead

 

Blue skies and green

Carpeted lawn; Ah Spring

May it last forever, and may

Robins arrive each and every dawn

Den Betts

Natures Beauty 2015-52

Posted in Nature by

Thoughts of nature in minor ways, but giving an idea of what is out there to consider, appreciate and wonder about as we exist in this land of nature. It is so easy to ignore what goes on around us every day and not appreciate those things that abound.  What do we miss by not looking, not seeing, and letting our everyday lives just meander by without knowing the beauty of God’s glory.

Natures Beauty    2015-52     

The wings of an eagle

flying so high, soaring so

majestic on the currents

in the sky

 

The eyes of a she wolf

staring cross the plain

A sheen on her coat

glistening from the rain

 

A twelve point stag

king of a herd

sniffing in the air before moving,

giving the word

 

Denizens of nature

regal and proud

all and more so of

beauty of the wild

 

Den Betts

 

The Doubter 2015-51

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The Doubter  2015-51

The doubter, Henry,  said to me, “it is difficult for me to believe!” That bothered me and I told him that I would try to help him. It did not work.

For over a year, we went back and forth, via email, to give and take our thoughts about belief. I found later that it is dang near impossible to make a valid point via email. When I sent the doubter an email with about four points in it, he came back to me with a thought about just one of them.  I asked Henry about the other ones and he made no comment.

Such is life.  It taught me something though about how to communicate and make points to another person; not via email for sure…..

What is a doubter? The easy answer is “one who is in doubt or uncertain of the truth, perhaps. The Spiritual doubter is one who is probably skeptical in his/her mind regarding belief in the deity or religion in general; again—–perhaps…….

The mostly known story of “Doubting Thomas” in the Bible gives us an idea of how someone can doubt. Thomas spent about three years getting to know Jesus and watching Him do his miracles and hearing the various prophecies about the Lord’s coming death and resurrection. He still had to ask to see proof that Jesus was on the cross and that He had risen. Then, and only then did he state and say, “My Lord and my God” in John 20:28. Jesus told him or commended him for his faith, even though it was based on sight. What a doubter he was……

I do not blame (cannot do so and would not) those that doubt about God. There is NO certain proof that God exists. I wish God would let those that doubt know, that He is around, His presence is there, He can hear us, He will answer us when we ask a question, and all the other ways that it would take to realize that God is a factor. That is NOT going to happen on a regular basis for all of us to fathom. Just is not going to happen; He does not work that way. Although we have the Spirit within us, we can still experience doubt. This, however, does not affect our eternal standing with God. He has known since Adam what humans are like and takes this knowledge into consideration.

This week, something occurred that made me pray to God, asking for advice and help. I made it a point to specifically ask for guidance on a subject that I had at the time. I was in turmoil in my mind and it was making me consider doing something that I did not want to do. To clarify, it was a decision I was thinking over that would affect my relationship with others in a way that would have been noticeable and would have affected those around me. I prayed to God and asked for an answer. I wanted the answer almost right then and not later.

Well, it did not occur when I wanted it to do so and the answer was different (in a way) from what I expected. I called my Pastor beforehand and we talked about it and I hinted as to the decision I was considering. She advised me to also consider the St Ignatius statements that I had learned over a period of time (another story), and I said I would do so. I did and in the process, I prayed to God and asked for His help.

Here is where the doubting came in. I admit I doubted if God would help me and I would have to or would then make a decision that I did not really want to make. I prayed and prayed and eventually meditated about the situation. It was a process to a degree. Then, God intersected by thoughts and a period of peace and tranquility came. The answer was there, with His help.

I emailed my Pastor, and in the email I only had three words that I put in it. “The Devil LOST!!!!” An email came back, stating, “YAY, Go Jesus Go!!” It was like a football game where I was a Cleveland Browns fan and I said ‘The Steelers LOST” and the reply was “Go Brownies Go” (Sorry Steelers fans, but had to use a team as an example).

I was going to church that night for a Lenten Soup Supper affair, and when I arrived, the Pastor was across the Narthex talking with someone and saw me. A hand went up and a smile was shown to me. Without a word, we both knew what we had said and what we meant in the emails.

The point is, I KNEW that God was involved and in His way and His time; he gave me my answer to my predicament. In effect He answered my prayer and with the answer. I defeated the desolation that was in my mind, that was bothering me. Could I have done it without Him? Perhaps, but not in the way that it occurred, and the outcome that transpired. By the way, St. Ignatius uses the word desolation in conjunction with the Evil one (Devil) that preys on us mortals on a daily basis.

I really would advise those that read this to consider getting a copy of the book “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis. It is a Christian apologetic novel written by Lewis. It is written in a satirical, epistolary style and while it is fictional in format, the plot and characters are used to address Christian theological issues, primarily those to do with temptation and resistance to it.

Back to doubters!  There will ALWAYS be doubters about God, myself included.  Whereas I do not do so regularly, there are, at times, periods where I am unsure if God is listening to my prayers and I admit it. I think He knows this and forgives me and realizes that I am human.

I wish I had a magic wand that would help those that doubt, like I sometimes do.  Alas, I do not!  I can only pray that those that continually do have these doubts will find a way to get around this.  The one key is to pray, pray and pray again. It may not work right away, but it, I believe wholeheartedly, will work eventually. Or, at least I believe so.

Peace,

Den Betts

MILESTONE 2015-50

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I was going to title  a poem Milestone, to celebrate the writing of my 300th poem, but, instead, decided  to commemorate the anniversary of the wedding of my wife and I. Fifty years of living togethter IS a milestone and more fitting to mention at this junction in life. Like any marriage, there are ups and downs but we are happy for the positive aspects of our lives together. That March 6th was a snowy one and glad we are decent this year.

MILESTONE     2015-50

A goal reached

A pinnacle climbed

A moment to remember

For all time.

 

Recorded in history

Talked about for sure

Pride to be taken

As a thing that endured

 

Over 18,000  days of love for each other

A total 50 years of exciting times together

A milestone reached perhaps, BUT,

Time now for the succeeding laps.

Den Betts