Category Archives: Religious type

These have a religious side to them and are separate from the main Religious Category because of being poems

The Light

Posted in Religious, Religious type, Spiritual by

We are ALL on a ride to a destination! The journey is a short one in comparison to the existence of time itself for how long we exist, here on Earth.

The trip is loaded with experiences, both good and bad. How we handle the bad gives credence to how good things are appreciated and enjoyed to a degree.

In essence, we allow all the various episodes we have in life to somewhat control our actions and feelings, and that is probably normal.

We also allow our lives to go on, move forward to the next levels of life that occur to have feelings of positive consolation and desolation, which is a negative event.

Since we are creators of our very daily lives, we could demand of ourselves the ability to dispose of the bad and resolve to make the good things prosper. That is sometimes a hard task to follow.

The light of the light can help us overcome the darkness that tries to bring us down. This darkness could be a black pit of despair that overcomes us. 

As John said in Chapter 1:5 in Scripture, “The light shines, in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” And sometimes, neither do we when the darkness invades our minds. I could also quote from John 8:12, when Jesus stated “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

I do not believe he meant that we will always be free of the anguish of bad things happening, or bad negative experiences in general, which could be looked at as periods of darkness. I do believe if we follow Jesus, we will have a positive light that will persevere and the outcome of our journey, although a short one on Earth, will be a very long one in eternity.

Jesus is the spiritual illumination and light of the world then in His time, now in our time and will forever be the hope for humanity and all creation.

So be it!!!!

Wind Spirit 2019-014

Posted in Contemplation, Religious type by

When something happens, at times we might just accept and not question. So many things have occurred in my life, that make me think, wow!!!! Not to give thought, but just to know, we are NOT alone, His Presence is always there.

 

Wind Spirit     2019-014

 

A spirit in the wind

caresses my cheek softly,

Then whispers in my ear

Shivers travel up my spine

Then down my arms: I close up.

 

My eyes travel up – then over,

narrowing, trying to ascertain

the feeling, wanting reality.

Primeval fears escape once more,

the unknown factors of life have

arrived; I quake then swallow

 

What is this: something there

near me, surrounding me, touching?

My mind rebels, nothing!  Imagination

rules, I am convinced – I think!

 

What unknown forces, unseen ones,

past life personifications are there

incarnating the aura of my being?

Gone.  My mind playing tricks on itself

I agree; figments of self-fears coming

to the forefront – foolishness felt.

 

A look in the mirror to refresh, mouth

open as I stare at the form of a kiss on

cheek, made with dust, borne by the wind.

 

Peace,

Den Betts       bettsden@gmail.com  Email

thebettsden.com          Blog Site

Jesus is the Light 2018-93

Posted in Contemplation, Religious, Religious type, Spiritual by

Jesus is the Light   2018-93

I have heard this expression before, but never gave it much thought, through ignorance of either not caring or not knowing.  Anyhow, something lit up in my mind and this thought that Jesus is the Light is something that triggered my brain to contemplate what it meant.

First off, I looked up “Light” in the Bible references and the three passages listed at the end of this discourse, came up to give me illumination of the question, why is Jesus the Light of the world.  

Well, at that time, for Him to declare himself the Light of the World meant that He was the exclusive source of spiritual life and no other source was available to mankind then, or even now.

In His time, he was saying that the light of His TRUTH, the light of His WORD, the actual eternal LIFE was what He declared of Himself, the very light of the world and anyone that perceives the true light, will NEVER walk in spiritual darkness.  

Of course, we will walk in darkness if it is dark outside.  A fact! BUT, we, with Jesus being the one we will follow, we will have the light, the truth and most importantly, eternal life.  Yes, eternal life will be the opposite of darkness, the light of eternal life…  Simple as that.

That means something about us too.  Just like the moon reflects the light of the sun, we as followers of Jesus Christ, will reflect the light of Jesus so that all can see it in us as believers. Through the Holy Spirit, we do things, we do deeds based on faith, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, the light of Jesus shines through us to others.

This is somewhat of a burden for us in a way. To be witnesses to the world ourselves, we must be people of faith, honor God, be trusting, honest in all that we do and say. We want or should want the light we have, that is given to us, be there for all to see and enable others to also leave the darkness and come into the light of love, through Jesus Christ, the savior of mankind.  We WILL become sons and daughters of light, if we try to do so.

I had some help from the Scriptures in writing this, based on various passages, which I admit.

 

JESUS IS THE LIGHT!!!!!

John  8:12   “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life”.

John  12:36 “Put your trust in the light, while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.”

John  12:46 “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in the darkness.”  

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

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……

Baptism of Jesus Experienced 2017-07

Posted in Religious, Religious type by

Baptism of Jesus Experienced  2017-07

I attended a retreat last night that was sponsored by the Jesuit House of Parma, OH. This retreat will be an ongoing weekly thing during Lent at Celebration Church where I attend The overall title of the retreat is Living Prayer: My Life In God.

The theme last night was about “Gospel Contemplation”. This is where a Scripture passage is used to seek an openness to the Holy Spirit for guidance in life. A passage from the Bible was read, relating to the baptism of Jesus. We were asked to allow our imaginations to read into the passage and see what transpired.

This passage was where John baptized Jesus and is described in Mark 1 Verse 9-11.  In this it reads: “At the time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descended on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven. “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

We were then allowed time to think about this passage and project ourselves into contemplating this passage from the Gospel. The following is what I experienced:

“I was aware of myself. I was in the water in the Jordon River. Many people were being baptized by John. The people were speaking, but I could not understand them; I presume it was Aramaic, which I could not follow.

The water was warm, it was flowing around me and came up to my stomach. I was “the watcher”, in case people were swept downstream from where John was standing in waist high water.

One person came into the water and John led him to the spot he was using to immerse people for baptism.  This person was Jesus, as it fit the scenario, in my mind.

John took him by the hand, and then wrapped his arm around Jesus holding his back. He was talking to Him and then lowered Jesus backward into the water. John held him under the water for a short period and then lifted him upward with his arm.

Jesus was radiant and smiling as he came up to the surface.  Then, an extremely bright light filled the sky. The clouds were blown away and the sky was a vibrant blue, with the sun shining, bathing all that the rays hit around us.  A quivering halo effect enveloped both men as Jesus was highlighted by the intense rays shining down. A voice boomed from above and shook the earth and made the water of the Jordon dance.

“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” The people on shore were scared. They backed away from the water looking upward. John stood with open mouth as he held onto Jesus. He looked awe inspired with open eyes, first looking at Jesus then upwards, then back to Jesus.

At that moment Jesus looked at me. I stood in the water, sort of dazed.  He stared at me, cocked his head to the side then nodded up and down.  I looked at Him and said, “I know who you are and what you are.” He chuckled a bit and said “Peace be with you for I know who you are too.”

About that time a gong rang and the time for contemplation was over.  I sat and thought about what I experienced and recalled when I had another time with Jesus, which I will relate later this month.

Peace,

Den Betts

Jesus Came 2017-05

Posted in Religious type by

                                                                                    Jesus Came 2017-05

Jesus came – NOT just to prepare us for living for eternity, but to teach us how to live daily. The early Christian church life was originally called” The Way”. The way of life that was so different than the rest of the world at that time. Jesus was a teacher; a teacher of life and He still is as such. His words from before, written in the Scriptures are His words for us today, and we have just to listen and learn. He came for those then and for us now and His words are not stale, ancient or void of meaning. The “Way” is here today for us to find redemption and understanding. Listen to the words, Listen………

Den Betts

Breath of God 2016-69

Posted in Contemplation, Religious type by

The Breath of God  2016-69

God breathed on me and touched me in the process. I don’t think this was/is a normal everyday occurrence and is NOT an easy thing to contemplate.

Actually,  it was a somewhat scary thing to occur, which I called “The Happening” at the time. I since then thought “Why doesn’t He do this more often and to more people? I would guess He does, but it goes unnoticed by us mortals, at the time, or ignored.

What was days, weeks, months and a year, is now years ago, when this happened. I am still wondering “why me?” Why in the world me? Was it to give me an affirmation of belief in God? I have to say “Of course.”  Was it a gift? Without a doubt!

There were no directions or any explanations that came with this “touch” and I realize I am on my own to find out why, at this time, as I was when it happened.

Was I changed? Absolutely!!!!! Did I change others in some way? Don’t know!!!!

Have I accepted all this?  I think so, but still have questions, but am dealing with them…

It makes me believe that GOD   is   Alive, He    is  Active in our lives,  He  is   Aware, and His  Presence  is with us always……

I feel I am ONE of the most fortunate people alive and feel so, so, so blessed.

Thanks be to God.

 

Dennis Betts

Earth Brother-Sister 2016-05

Posted in Contemplation, Poems, Religious type by

I think of all the conflict, hatred, bad blood, and religious turmoil on Earth that we see on the news regularly. Do not people of all faiths, heritage, race and ethnicity realize that we are ALL brothers on this planet? We do not HAVE to exist in perfect harmony, but there is NO reason for the horrible relationships that occur on a daily basis.

I don’t care what God, or even if people believe in God, but, common sense should rule. Each of us has to share what we have and exist together, in a better way than what we do. The God I believe in said, “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34). And that should NOT be that difficult. It takes an effort, leadership, desire, etc., but it should NOT be that hard of a thing to do.

 

Earth Brother-Sister   2016-05

 

Be my brother/sister

 

ye of another race

 

Hold my hand

 

as we both say grace.

 

Be my brother/sister

 

ye of another faith

 

Let us both believe and live

 

in eternity, when we leave.

 

Be my brother/sister

 

ye of another heritage,

 

Down  through time

 

may be greet as friends.

 

Be my brother/sister,

 

ye of this planet Earth

 

Not of blood,

 

but one of worth.

 

Den Betts

President’s Message 2015-153

Posted in Poems, Religious type by

I decided to post something that I wrote this week for the Church Council of the church where I belong, and where I am the presiding President. I did so, because it is about a time whereas many celebrate this time of year in their own way. I cannot deny that I am religious, but I look at myself in a more spiritual way. Regardless of your beliefs or nature, you hopefully will get something out of this post in my perspective.

President’s Message 2015-153

It is THAT time of year again!  What time!???  The time that we all celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ if we belong to a Christian faith.  How wonderful and the word wonderful is just not enough.

Yes; we are involved in the merriment of the moment and yes we are doing the things we do now.   And yes, things are different now than when they were in the past, or at least I think so….

But, it would be easy to forget just why we look at this time of year the way we do. The things that have happened in the world and in the U.S. can be unnerving, but we must NOT let those things control our emotions or control us.

The Father, the son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are STILL with us. Their Presence is always with us; always.

I went to the bank to make a deposit to next year’s Christmas club and on the way out toward the door, I looked back at the two tellers and said, “Oh, by the way, Happy Holidays!” Then I stopped and restated, “NO, Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.!” They both looked surprised, smiled and said, “You too, Mr. Betts.”  (It was a slow day and we were the only ones in this small bank in Newbury)

The only thing I have against the Christmas time period occurs on Dec 26. It is like a veil is dropped and we are back to the grind of daily living, looking forward to the New Year and what it brings.  I do not celebrate the 12 days of Christmas, and on the 26th things change. All the Christmas music is off the air it seems; all the advertisements and deals are over, and we have plenty of time to play with our toys and look at what we got the day before, or consider returning or exchanging the gifts we received. But, Christmas has come and gone and that is sort of sad in a way.

I had a mirror (probably still do somewhere) showing Scrooge and written on it is “Bah Humbug” It was put out by my children years ago because I had, more than likely, an attitude that was not the best. We have not displayed this for quite a while now and I am happy about that fact. I look at my blessings of life and my feelings are now different. I get, I receive, I am blessed with a gift from God each and every day.

These gifts are reinforced each Sunday I go to church. Each sunrise allows me to sense the gifts from God that He presents to me. Every day, I am reminded that Jesus Christ’s time on the cross, allows me the chance to have eternal life with Him and my departed loved ones. Wow, what a gift Jesus gave us, that started on the day He was born and continues each and every day for us.

I do not have to return it or exchange it but I do cherish it and it is not just mine, but ours to know and enjoy. What a time of year it is; one to remember and continue with, always….. It is wonderful!!!!!!!

Peace,

Den Betts