Category Archives: Contemplation

Poems arrrived at by the thought process that makes one think a little – hopefully

BLOG – Going, Going GONE—- 2018-04

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BLOG – Going, Going, GONE  2018-04

 

After thinking about my blog, I have decided it is time to take a hiatus from blogging. I might blog again or might not do so, in the future.

My blogging did accomplish what I wanted, so it was not a waste of my time. If it was a waste of the readers time, so be it.

I learned much, about myself in the process and many things about one commenter of my blog in particular, and that was good.

I will miss blogging, but doubt that my blogs will be missed by many others, and that is ok.

Maybe, I will take up painting on canvas.

The one thing that I will leave with you is something I have said many times:  God is alive, He is active, He is aware and ALWAYS present around and within us.  Thanks be to God!!!!

Peace,
Den Betts                                            bettsden@gmail.com

Heartbeat 2018-02

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In a heartbeat, things change, our lives, our loves, our wishes, all of life, just one beat and we are in a different zone of life.  I wrote this when something happened to me that made me different, made me change my life or, it changed without any effort or inclination of my own. That is the way life is at times, good, bad or indifferent to what we want at times.  Never take life for granted, always realize that who, what and how we are can be changed; in a heartbeat.

Heartbeat  2018-02

They say you never know

a moment in time to see

When you least expect it

it was meant to be

 

It takes an erratic car

an accident with a ladder

A holdup at a market place

or simply wasn’t your day

 

How much we take for granted

this micron time on Earth

Living for tomorrow – not today

Death is but, a heartbeat away.

 

Peace,

Den Betts     bettsden@gmail.com

Coming out of the closet!! 2017-58

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Coming out of the closet 2017-58

 

There are MANY closets to come out of, in life.  Each of us, all of us, have something we hold dear to only ourselves, and do NOT share with any others.  When, and if we do, then we take the chance that we will be highly criticized, held in contempt, or other negative thoughts or actions by those others. It is also, a chance for our being able to finally release ourselves of hidden angst, or a release to freedom of expression.

My very best and dear friend, whom I love so very much, came out of the closet, when he let my wife and I know he was gay.  Actually, we sort of knew, just did not have any confirmation by him.  My son is one of the good people in life, and he and his male spouse are examples of how to be and act in life with others on this planet Earth. To any religious leaders, followers of any religion, good ol boys in life or any of that ilk, you can go F— yourselves IF, you have any prejudicial thoughts regarding this subject. I maintain that Jesus Christ, my ultimate teacher in life, loves my son as he is and, also, any others like him. 

Another closet that some live in and deal with in life are those that keep themselves in denial until they admit their problem.

I know someone who I admire, love and respect, who finally came out and made decisions about being an alcoholic.  He joined the AA group and adheres to the 12-step program of living life.  His wife, at that time, did not do so and had drug addiction issues. He is now remarried to a wonderful lady and enjoying life.  He is a distant blood cousin and I look at him as one of the great people that I am fortunate to know.

Another closet dweller that I know is one that might have been a binge eater, but now is an avid exercise person who changed her life style. She is really looking great and is encouraging others to revamp their lifestyles also. She has a wonderful outgoing personality that is so great.

OK, Now Me!!!    First off, I am not gay, not an alcoholic, maybe a little overweight, but not a binge eater in life.  I say, if you know of someone that is one of these, that you give support to them, accept them as they are, and most of all love them; you do not have to understand the situation.  That could be a tall order to do, I realize.

I am 76 years old and for the past and last 1/3 of my life, I have lived with a situation of life. My dear wife and close family, some of my closest friends and a few others know of what I have lived with in my later years of life.

On April 18, 1991, my life was changed forever. Thirty-five feet from my driveway, I ran over a manhole in the street that collapsed from the weight of the van I was driving. The van went up, I went up, the van came down and I was still going up.   I then,ended up in the hospital with a TBI or Traumatic Brain Injury. I was in the hospital and rehabilitation unit for 8 weeks or so; a long time. I will NOT — now make this a diatribe of this episode of life, but will state this:

I still have problems of dealing with the ramifications of having a TBI.  The “IT” of so, now long ago, affects me in certain ways even now.  I do not try to “hide” in a closet and deny how I feel, how the TBI affects me, somewhat “rules me” in life, etc.

When I say or my wife states, “He is not feeling well” it most likely means I am not up to par in doing something or anything.  That is the way it is; period!!!!!!!!!

While I have not tried to hide in my closet with my disability, I have tried to do what I can on a daily existence, and believe this is being honest with others. I will now tell any, that I feel like crap, if I do, and hope they will believe me, and understand. If not, tough crap on them.  I have NEVER, and NEVER will, use my disability as an excuse on purpose to get out of doing something, or in any way take advantage of a situation because of my TBI.  Also, if I say, “I do not remember”, I mean it; period!!!!

I guess this post is somewhat of a “get it off my chest” type thing, but I hope it is not a “in your face” statement, but it might appear so.

I also say this.  If you see someone with ANY disability, either physical or mental, try to have some compassion for them, try to have some empathy, and realize how much or how fortunate you are not walking in their shoes of life.  Closets come in all shapes, styles and configurations; we all have them to a degree, big or small, and sometimes it is better to let it go, and get a release from them.

Peace,

Den Betts                            bettsden@gmail.com

Completeness 2017-57

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I do NOT expect others to read and understand my thoughts shown below, but instead try to, and in the trying, you will perhaps, understand the processes of the mind of mine. When I first wrote this, my mind was fine, but, my brain was somewhat scrambled, and this is evident in the writing of this blog, now published. There are unspoken or unwritten meanings to this, and it is sort of unique to read those thoughts of now, long ago, and remember WHY I wrote the things I did then. Going round and around, and returning, to realize we are complete in the process is everlasting.

                                                 Completeness 2017-57 

                                    Completeness, emulating from within 

                                    Realized by and from the solitude of thought           

                                    A self-assurance of the whole 

                                    Mind and body melded into one lot.

 

                                    Not vain, nor smug, but instead a feeling of reality 

                                    Knowing things are because — just because! 

                                    No self-doubt or second thoughts of surrealism 

                                    Instead a euphoria of positive alpha waves 

 

                                    At last, peace within oneself, at last, at last, 

                                    The limits, capabilities, strengths and weaknesses 

                                    All known, acknowledged, confronted head on 

                                    Turmoil gone, nothing reigning except completeness 

                                   

                                    A dream, a wish, or an actual way of life 

                                    Everyday living a constant battle to conquer

                                    The thought process known, or not comprehended 

                                    Time, the constant, will tell, will concur, will be!!! 

                                    Peace,                         

                                    Den Betts                     bettsden@gmail.com        

We deserve what we got 2017-56

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We deserve what we got   2017-56

This is not a positive statement of how we have things and others do not in the world.

America is in turmoil and the world is wondering how we got there and where we are and still continue to become what we are now.

We have leadership in the United States, that calls our news outlets as being false newscasting like a dictator trying to control the news by trying to persuade the populace in their way of thinking by denying the facts in a convoluted way.

We are taunting some other world leaders having nuclear capabilities and toward what end is unknown. Many citizens do NOT approve of our leaders, but we have them as they are, and now we have to live with these disgusting people on a daily basis.

The problem, overall, is NOT the leadership, it is the people that believe what the leadership is, and how they are performing, acting and dictating. Some people, did not vote for this leadership, BUT more importantly, they did not vote period. This is truly a sad state of affairs. By NOT voting, this gave the existing leadership a way to become in charge.

People in some countries that have leaders and laws that are geared toward anarchy, would LOVE to be able to vote those leaders out or never allow them to lead in the first place.

When a populace allows an inept, unqualified and doctorial leader to be elected, the people, as a whole suffer. This includes the leaders so called followers that helped elect hem in the first place.

Only time will tell as to how far this is allowed to continue. In the meantime, we deserve what we got, good, bad or indifferent.  So be it.

Peace,
Den Betts                                            bettsden@gmail.com

I am right and you are wrong 2017-52

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I Am Right, You Are Wrong!!!! 2017-52

 

Huh!!!  I could not believe George, said that to me. I know George, who is someone that lives in the northern county from where I live.  The subject of our discussion is not important, but his statement really got to me.

We were having a simple discussion, and he threw this out to me. Maybe, someone has said this to you too and, if so, you know my feelings. What to say back?  Hmmmm..  A shrug of the shoulders and then my asking him, “How COULD you say that.

Well, some things we talk about can be debated, but many statements are definitive in nature.

I could say, “The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.” No argument there!  I could also say, “The world is round”, but a flatlander could come back with “Not so, it is definitely flat!” My chance to say, WRONG!!

Again, back to George.  I made an opinion of something and he said I was wrong and he was right. It is like his saying “vanilla ice cream is the best.” I then say, “No chocolate is”.  WE ARE BOTH RIGHT, because it is our opinion on a non-definitive issue.  Whew!!!!

George thinks he is right about most things anyhow, so I humor him and most often do not comment at all in what he states ln these cases.  He doesn’t like that, but that is the way it goes.

A fellow blogger, and self-avowed atheist, said I was wrong and his thoughts were the correct answer, in my statement that “there is a God.” Hey, he cannot PROVE there is NO God, and I would have a difficult time proving there is in an absolute way.   A stalemate!!!!

For my own reasons, I KNOW there is a God and Jesus is His Son; but that is me and my journey and in this respect, I KNOW I am right and not wrong/incorrect. This subject will be discussed and bantered around until the day when the second coming is a reality, and everyone will KNOW, will truly know…

I don’t care what the atheist thinks about God; that will be his problem to find out someday. Since I know God is alive, active, and aware of my existence, through His presence that is with me, I don’t have an issue with others that do not believe. So be it!!!

Peace,
Den Betts                               denbetts@gmail.com

Respect 2017-50

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                                                 Respect  2017-50

 

Respect is just a word!  BUT, if you are looking for it, the word is again, just a word. The cliché- “Respect is earned – not a given”, or something like that, means a lot to many people.

Respect does NOT respect power, income, stature, position or other self-important ideals. A CEO, a President, or leader of any sorts, still must prove that respect is deserved.

Demanding or expecting respect, or trying to get it, will NOT work, and never will do so. The actions we do, the feelings we have, the results of OUR endeavors, will dictate how much respect we will have by others.

I respect many people that I know and interact with on a regular basis. Some people I do NOT know, and those that are unaware of me do NOT deserve and do not have my respect.

I watch the news daily and observe many people that are in positions of authority and they are NOT to be respected –  PERIOD!!!!

It would not take much to earn my respect, but, it seems, that is not going to happen with some of those in charge of the United States and are influential in the world.

Yes, respect IS earned and not a given in life. Denying any criticism, calling those that do criticize you, as being fake, makes you a phony or bogus leader, and makes those that you lead be ashamed of your actions and leadership. They can only B.S. their followers to a certain point, and they WILL be found out for what they are — pathetic.

Peace,

Den Betts

Rite of Passage 2017-49

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Rite of Passage  2017-49

The change from one aspect of life to another, but it can take a meaning in so many ways of life. When the social standing is affected by the “Rite of Passage”, then we can look at the “Self” in a different way than before it happened.

We all have experienced this ritual of life that changed us so very much in the process. This can occur for others to see and experience with us or it can be of a secluded event for only ourselves to be affected and known.

For me, it is one, which I have been blessed or made more whole, but most definitely it changed me in many ways.

Years now since it began, the Rite slowly evolved, adapted, tweaked, and became what it is today.  A journey of life everlasting. One that is mine to own, accept, attest to, take credit for, in its endeavors.

I have become more introspective, much more caring toward others, less aggressive, having a feeling of humbleness, with less prejudice, and more contentment, and above all having love towards others, all others.

Again, I claim this “Rite of Passage” as my own, mine to ponder, enjoy and live to its fullest. 

I jump up and over from one stone to another in getting closer to God and Jesus Christ. I visit one room of life and continue to the next, opening and closing doors to experience the ramifications of what each has to offer and how I can become closer to the One I love.

There have been setbacks, two steps forward and one behind, but overall, it has been one of getting closer and closer to God in the process. The realization that it is about ME was inspirational when I finally realized it as such. It was, and is, not necessarily about me with others, even though others are part of the equation.

The journey was long in coming, and since it began, it has been more than interesting and wonderful,  and truly enlightening. My journey began March 3, 2010 and the “Rite of Passage” began at that time. Time does fly by for all of us, and it is hard to contemplate that it has taken me so long to realize the things I know now. 

Sometimes the ritual of life does have a long and tenuous experience of time, and I do not regret the time it took, or is taking, but instead relish existence of the Rite in all its glory and consequences.

 Life is good, God is Great, and life goes on.

Peace,

Den Betts

Honesty 2017-48

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Honesty    2017-48

 

 Honesty!  An easy word, but sometimes hard to put into practice!

Sometimes it is just being honest with ourselves, and other times it is with others that we have to, or maybe should, be honest with them, in the scope of things.

OK, I have two things going here, Self and Others. 

Self:  We can try to be as honest with ourselves as much as we can be, but it just doesn’t happen sometimes. We want to believe we are, but are not.  Normal…

We deceive ourselves in thinking we are being upfront with ourselves, but when we look back we can see that we were not. 

Some examples:  Perhaps I am realizing that I MIGHT have Alzheimer Disease early stage. I MIGHT want to ignore this and not be honest with myself. It is a HORRIBLE disease and I might want to NOT be honest with myself in this case.

Another scenario: What if I started to regularly drink alcohol in excess every day. I MIGHT want to NOT think that I am an alcoholic and continue to do so, regardless of the facts, but in reality not be honest with myself.

OK, moving on to others……  Do I want to be honest with someone else that I know, OR do I want them to be totally honest with me? Perhaps not.  Would friendships be ended?  Would feelings be hurt? I would think it is a possibility that this may happen. BUT, by not being honest, many things can be prevented or instead, cured in the process of being honest. 

Some examples:  Letting a friend know that what they are doing is disrupting others, where they do not see the facts of their actions. Maybe the alcoholic in my other Self example would be benefited if it were a friend instead, and were told that they are drinking too much and suggesting they get help.

It could be we would lose a friend, in the process; depends on the friend and how close we are to them.

Honesty is, in a big way, the adherence to the facts, being fair and straightforward in our conduct, being truthful and sincere, and, of course, being frank in our expressions.

If we are believers in God, I would say that He knows the truth, always, and we cannot be dishonest with Him, for He knows all.  He is with us always, He is aware, he is alive and He is Present with us, being active with us, again, always……

Can we be honest with ourselves and with others?  Don’t know!!!!

 

Peace,
Den Betts                                            bettsden@gmail.com

One Chance 2017-47

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ONE CHANCE   2017-47

If we have one chance at life on Earth before we are gone elsewhere:

THEN:

What mark will we make, now, today, or tomorrow?

Is there something we can do that we will be somewhat proud of and be remembered?

OR, are there many things we will do that result in nothing to be recalled, but instead be forgotten as being unworthy to be recollected?

Can our existence of the Self, with the now, the present, be changed in a way that others will comment on our accomplishments, our fulfilled goals, and esteemed actions, which will make a difference to others as well as to ourselves?

We have one chance (our lifetime) to do this something, to go beyond the norm, to create a memorable experience that will make a difference in life, for us, and for others.

Where do we stand on issues, on actions and where do we belong to the elite group of people that have done so many things that make a difference.

Den Betts