Author Archives: bettsden

Lost in Space 2018-17

Posted in Contemplation by

When the mind is affected, and the thought processes are involved, we comprehend things in a different way than normal.  That is to be expected, but to experience it is somewhat of a different thing.  Actually, it is interesting to go through this, because, in some ways I was changed, I was different, and with this change I have a perspective in life that is, to me, unique and mine to own.

Lost in Space 2018-17

I look, but do not see

Try to listen, but do not hear

To speak, but cannot talk

 

I am alone with my senses

My mind overflowing

With random thoughts

 

The world spins so fast

Leaving me in a

Whirlwind of wonder

 

How does one follow

Is so common place.

We are, because we are……

 

Den Betts   bettsden@gmail.com

 

MARTIN LUTHER Quotes 2018-16

Posted in Quotes, Religious by

MARTIN LUTHER    2018-16     Posted 2-13-18

 

Martin Luther was a German monk, priest, composer, theologist, and professor of the 15th Century and was a seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation. The Lutheran religion of today is named after Martin Luther.   He made many statements and is quoted herein as just part of the thoughts that he had.

The below quotes are taken at random and are offered now:

 

To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.  
 

To gather with God’s people in united adoration of the Father is as necessary to the Christian life as prayer. 
 

Anyone who is to find Christ must first find the church. How could anyone know where Christ is and what faith is in him unless he knew where his believers are.
 

I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen. 
 

Pray, and let God worry.  

 

The fewer the words, the better the prayer. 

 

You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.

 

Martin Luther

Robert F. Kennedy quote 2018-15

Posted in Quotes by

 ROBERT F. KENNEDY     2018-15

The glory of justice and the majesty of law are created not just by the Constitution – nor by the courts – nor by the officers of the law – nor by the lawyers – but by the men and women who constitute our society – who are the protectors of the law as they are themselves protected by the law. 
  ALSO:

 No one needs to tell me about the importance of the free press in a democratic society or about the essential role a newspaper can play in its community.
 and ALSO AGAIN:

It is the right of government to protect the weak; it is the right of the weak to find in their courts fair treatment before the law. 

Robert F. Kennedy

Spirits 2018-14

Posted in Contemplation, Poems, Religious type by

We have so many kinds of thingees out there to contemplate, which are of a “spirit” nature, and we can be glad or sad that we experience them.  I wrote this when I was, in fact, getting to know all of them on a personal level. Not bad, just a fact; well, maybe not the ghostly one.

 

Spirits 2018

 

The drinking kind can drive

you out of your mind

or make you sublime

 

The internal mind kind can lift

you to the heights of joy

or dump you on your behind

 

The ghostly kind can create

a kind of terror of the

time or night

 

The religious kind can make you

sing in rhyme, if you’re that

kind or, of that type

 

So tip a few, think good too, say boo

or hoo, and pray the kind of

spirit is the kind you have in mind.

 

Den Betts     bettsden@gmail.com

Pray, Listen, Talk with God 2018-10

Posted in Religious by

Pray, Listen, Talk with God  2018-10

 

Talking with God is Praying – How many of us pray with forethought and in the correct way?

Hearing from God is Listening – How many of us do this, really listen for Him to speak?

Conversing with God is Praying, Hearing/Listening and Talking – How many of us hear and listen?

Therefore:

God is there and waiting for us to pray, hear, listen and converse with Him!

His plan is known if we read of it in the Scriptures of the Bible.

The Word is His word in the Bible and gospels, which allow us to know what we should do.

For today, it takes each of us to pray with forethought, to listen for His word and in the listening, to hear Him speak to us.

Not easy, but possible to do so, and it takes some effort. It also takes trust.  Trust after knowledge that it is possible. 

Then understanding.  Understanding that what you hear is what you hear – your God speaking to YOU!

Then compliance.  To comply with what you hear and now understand as being His Word.

And, this takes time and Work, or, at least, effort!!!

It takes time to reach the point where you believe what you hear is the God of the Universe and not a made-up fiction of inside your mind. It takes work to prepare yourself for the experience of hearing and excluding fabrications of non-God thoughts.

And, that takes Faith.  Faith in the Creator, that He hears your prayers.  Faith that He, after hearing from you, has spoken to YOU!

Then, after listening and knowing you have heard from Him:

The Knowledge that you can converse with your maker on a One on One relationship with Him. Wow, what an experience to have with God!

Glory be to God in the Highest and Peace on Earth and you.

Peace,

Den Betts               bettsden@gmail.com

Spiritual Growth 2018-09

Posted in Religious, Spiritual by

Spiritual Growth    2018-

Ever wonder what it would take, or more importantly, what you could do to achieve anything like Spiritual Growth in your life? No, well, consider this anyhow. Yes, then also, read on!

Maybe you are wondering what action you could do, to enhance any one thing, to achieve more of a closer relationship with God.

There are things like doing meditation with prayer, that could or could not help. Finding a church that suits you is another thought, but it may not work for you either.  Seeking someone to council you is another, but then again, it just may not work.

What would work? There are varied things to consider, but I might make this suggestion, which is a simple (not much of a cost either) thing to consider.  It COULD, no WILL, involve something from you, namely — YOUR TIME!  And, not that much of it, I might add, and even that will be up to you to control. You can put as much time into this as you desire.

So, what is it!  Taking a Bible (any version) and reflecting on the meaning of Scriptures therein, and therefore, it will be like using the Word of God as a mirror to reflect back the truth of Scripture on our actions, decisions and events of our daily lives.  Hmmm, interesting to state…..

Just like exercise is somewhat of a pain and takes up our valuable time, the reading of Scripture requires us to contemplate, and meditate on the Words written. There ARE guides to help us untangle the mysteries and power of God’s inspired Words, such as study guides, Bible primers, devotional books and others, that will enable us to understand the uncertain aspects that are written.

Reflection on Scripture might, just might, raise awareness of the Spiritual benefits and motivate us to adjust our daily routines to continue to do this reflection.  In the process, Spiritual Growth can be the ultimate benefit.

I feel there is NOTHING matters more to us, than time spent on God’s Word for achieving Spiritual Growth. The going to church, service activities, small group meetings, etc, ARE important overall, but, reading Scripture beats all.

We can say we are not religious, but instead, Spiritual!  As a statement that sounds neat or good. It also sounds terrific maybe, but just saying it does not mean anything.  Actions speak louder than words.

A simple action, that has minimal cost other than our time, is the main way of expressing our commitment to God. Starting to read just a verse daily from the Bible and contemplating its meaning, is a large, very large, beginning to Spiritual Growth.

I invite you to begin anew with your thoughts about God and His son, Jesus Christ. Allow them into your life, absorb what is said and become one that God looks at with favor.

Take the time and quit using time involvement as an excuse not to increase your Spiritual Growth with God.

Peace,
Den Betts                            bettsden@gmail.com

Religious NUT !? 2018-08

Posted in Religious by

Religious NUT   !?    2018-08 

I recently met a friend, that saw me and said, without any hesitation, “Are you a religious nut now?” This was out of the blue after I had just met him again, after a longish period of time. I was totally surprised, at that moment of time, by his question.

I looked at him and blurted out, “cashew or almond?” My reply was an off the cuff retort and somewhat of a smart-ass answer to him.

He was not expecting this and just stood there and blinked a couple of times.  I regrouped and asked, “WHY do you ask?” This wasn’t going well for him I guess, and he was noticeably embarrassed, perhaps for asking and doing so as an introductory hello statement.

I left him off the hook and offered “Is this because of the cross that I wear?” being the only thing that came to mind right away. I started wearing a cross, that I made, after an incident, which changed my life forever; another story later, perhaps…..

He looked down at it, at my chest, and said, “Eh, no! It is actually because of your posts online that you make and that I follow. You seem to post a lot of religious things now!”

I paused and thought a moment, and then said, “Yes, I have begun or continue to post my thoughts on what I believe!”

He asked if I was trying to preach to people, including himself. I told him no, and that I am just telling my story on how I feel towards God and Jesus Christ. I continued and stated, “I believe in what I believe and feel that I, as a fledging disciple of Christ, want to let others know how I feel, in relation to where I am in my journey.”

He asked, “What journey?”  I looked at him and could see he was serious and I said, “My journey in getting closer to God!”  His comeback was, “Oh!   OK!”

I guess that satisfied him and we went on with what I would call normal conversation. Later I thought about what we first discussed.

He was more used to my OLD self and not the NEW me.  I get that! I appreciate his honesty in asking me though.  We were friendly in the past and I did or do not want to jeopardize our relationship. I let him know that I am still the person I was before, but have a different look at life now.

It is unknown, how many people think his way and it does not matter. If any have problems with what I post, move on, and don’t read them; easy as that. I do hope that you read them, and in the reading, get something out of them.  I am always open to questions of any sorts about my new life now.

As I have expressed before, I will still love you, respect you and Yes, still like you too.

Thanks be to God,

Peace,
Den Betts                            bettsden@gmail.com

God’s Gift 2018-07

Posted in Contemplation, Religious type by

How many of us get a second chance in life? How many of us, don’t realize it, when it happens? I would think many of us, but I am not going to include myself in asking this, since I did get a second chance and do appreciate what I received. I was born, I then had two experiences, one physical and the other involving my brain, and in a way, then, was born again, in my mind.

 

God’s Gift  2018-07

 

God’s gift to me was life,

The beginning followed by rebirth

The many past years of living,

Plus, a second chance on earth

From year one, till now, an experience,

Thought of, as one to succeed.

This period to reflect on past times

In ways of thought, words and deed.

For now, my life is renewed with joy

But this time with insight, from today

It’s hard to change to a new lifestyle

From the old archaic way

But with this chance He has given me

I’ll be a better me, than was

Time will tell if I succeed in this

But God’s gift to me is thus.

To start over, renew, and rejoice

To give, to share, and enjoy this life

To look at living as a thing to treasure

And live each day as one with pleasure.

 

Peace,

Den Betts                 bettsden@gmail.com

There MIGHT be a hidden message in the above. It could be about life in general or maybe, about living a Christian life, as a disciple of Jesus Christ.  I like to say, either way, but think both ways are/were great……