Troubled Waters 2018-48

Posted in Contemplation, Religious by

Troubled Waters   2018-48

The troubled waters of life can sometimes be overwhelming. Some person can say, “Bear with it or Deal with it” or any words to, guide us in our misery. 

When a catastrophic event to us happens we might also hear, “I know how you feel!”   That is NUTS! They do NOT have any idea how we feel at that moment. Maybe a little, but not the whole feeling we are experiencing.

If I want to wallow in self-pity, that is up to me and I will own that feeling! I can appreciate concern for my mental wellbeing, and still thank them for their concern, truly.  You MAY have empathy for me and that is great, but my feelings are mine and again, I own them.

I believe I have gotten pretty good at hiding my true feelings. It does not bother me if others are privy to how I feel though.

Due to a past accident event in my life involving a brain injury, I continually have a “buzz like” feeling that could be compared to a tipsy feeling all the time in my head/brain.  It is somewhat controlled, but is something I live with daily. My wife is acutely aware of this, and other factors that make up my daily existence.

Why tell this?  I started by mentioning about “I know how you feel” people make to others about things like this.  I say, “No, you do NOT know!”  So, do not use these words, use some other expression instead. Your compassion, your hopeful love, your empathy is what anyone with the turmoil of troubled waters,  would rather hear.                                                                          

My God, our God, knows how I feel as well as others having feelings of desolation due to an event. I pray to God for the Holy Spirit to be with me, to console me, to comfort me in those times that are troubling. I can feel His presence and with that feeling, the negative becomes the feeling of consolation, and THAT IS GOOD!!

It is difficult to describe an easy way to have God become closer to us in our lives, but it is a process that is possible. It is more than flipping a light switch, but instead is something like taking stepping stones towards getting closer to God, to the one God of the Universe.

I have no doubts that there is a God, for I KNOW there is one, the Triune God that is Alive, Active, Aware, and Present – ALWAYS.

Ever since the event, long ago now, which I call “The Happening”, the “I think” became “I know” regarding my belief in God and with that, a different existence became the norm in my life.

The quest to get closer to God has become my goal and I continue in this journey. May the love of God be with you, to all of you, in your life, regardless of your faith, beliefs, religion, and all those things that make up our lives.

Peace,

Den Betts           bettsden@gmail.com

Promises 2018-47

Posted in Contemplation by

We all make promises with the hope that they will come to fruition, with positive thoughts of anticipation. To do otherwise is NOT the thing to do, even if most of us are guilty of thinking somewhat negative at times.  To not be positive is, perhaps, a sure way of experiencing the negative thoughts to arrive and occur.

Promises  2018-47

A politician saying what he will,

Again, again and once more again,

A bride and groom at the altar,

Making a forever wish

A soldier going off to a war,

With words of the expectation of return

A rainbow in the mist and sun,

Saying no more floods.

A promise, each made with deceit, love

Hope and Faith.

 

Den Betts    bettsden@gmail.com

 

 

State of Mind 2018-46

Posted in Contemplation, Religious by

A unique experience that occurred in the past, but I have not had it lately, which is OK, but somewhat missed. Any other person, might be more than scared, or instead, frightened out of their mind; not me. I COULD go on and explain more, but will keep this understanding to myself, which is only right…….

State of Mind 2018-46

I jumped through the window in my mind,

Into the void of darkness beyond.

Pinpoints of starry far off lights,

Surrounded me on all sides.

I was through, I was there,

Scared, but not turning back.

My body and mind floating in free space,

No veil, no hindrance of feelings

A phenomenon as before, visited once again,

A difference, of total absolute awareness.

An intensity born from desire to know,

Culminating in final release and reality.

Now looking back, not knowing for sure,

The reasons of this wonderful sight.

Knowing that again, I will revisit

To feel the power of the feeling.

I am blessed, I am, what I am, and in the knowing,

I realize that what I am is exactly that.

I am a child of God, a disciple of Jesus Christ.

And, I have seen the light!!!!

Den Betts bettsden@gmail.com

Fire Storm of Thoughts 2018-45

Posted in Contemplation, Religious by

Fire Storm of Thoughts    2018-45

 The inner soul that consoles, gives credence to the eternal

Spirit that resides in the mind of mine.

The holy timbre of the Godly presence speaks with

The knowledge of my thinking.

Thought overcomes spoken words that have no

Rational belief; instead have truths exposed

For myself to hear.

Honest and untethered beliefs are now

Open, as true and exact in my mind.

I am one with God; His presence is

Encompassing, welcoming, plus

Comforting to experience.

His love is overwhelming, enveloping me in a

Cocoon of feelings beyond description.

The Creator is one, one with me, one with all.

My Self, is now simple, not complex as things

Were, are now not.

Simplicity reigns, knowledge is gained,

And beliefs are confirmed again.

The inner sanctum of fears are released, and

Peace is the norm.  No longer do the

Howls of inner turmoil be held captive as the

Tinkling of quiet solutions is heard and enjoyed.

 The moment of realization that peace is

Apparent and is appreciated for what it is.

God has spoken, I have heard, seen and I know

What many do not realize, speak, admit, and believe.

God is ALIVE, He is ACTIVE, He is AWARE, He is PRESENT

                      ALWAYS!!!

Peace,

Den Betts             bettsden@gmail.com

Quotes of Will Rodgers 2018-44

Posted in Contemplation, Current Events, Quotes by

Will Rodgers quotes     2018-44

 

Thought these would be interesting, based on current Washington, D.C. actions or in actions, that prevail in this quagmire we have in this dysfunctional environment of political leadership.

 

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. Will Rogers

I don’t make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts. Will Rogers

If Stupidity got us into this mess, then why can’t it get us out? Will Rogers

Even though you are on the right track – you will get run over it, if you just sit there. Will Rogers
Peace,

Den Betts     bettsden@gmail.com

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow – Living Life 2018-43

Posted in Contemplation, Religious by

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow -Living life    2018-43

Each day of our lives, we wake up and what then follows is YOUR day! Then eventually we hit the sack at night and for a period of time slumber and sleep overtakes us. Then only our dreams keep us company until the morning and another day begins.

Those waking moments are all different, although we could argue, the days are somewhat the same. This is NOT true, there are many, many occasions that make the day unique to itself. The near miss by a car while driving, the bird that crapped on our shoulder as we walked in the park, the flavorful luncheon that was superb, and other varied things that make that day special in itself.

Consider that others around us are experiencing the same moments that make us all realize that what happens is ours alone, but together they make us also the same; going through life, wonderful life at its fullest. We share the same air, see the same clouds, smell the same richness of the earth, and yet we are individuals doing it.

A person in solitary confinement in jail could argue this is not true, but he is incorrect too.  Each of that person’s days have differences that they would see if only they would observe them in the process. A bug crawling across the floor, a fly buzzing around the head, the shadow of the sun making its travel across the room, all make it different to yesterday or tomorrow. I didn’t say it would be an exciting day for that person, just different somewhat.

It is amazing that we have individual minds that analyze, interpret, individually think about so many things, all at the same time, but we are alone in our own compute type, mind, generated thoughts.  We have the ability to think in a different way than others, having opinions that we either share or differ with, and we act on our thoughts in ways that conclude in OUR way and not the way of others.

This is normal and not unusual, but unique to us individually.  Our species has this ability, where we can rationally make decisions whereas animals of other sorts, can think, can act, but not do what we can do, decide on what is right and wrong.

We also have the right to believe or not believe in a higher power.  Some will deny, and that is their right, but many do believe and that is our right also. God, if we believe in Him, sits and takes in our thoughts that we do think and believe.   He knows who does believe and those that do not.  I cannot say that He makes decisions on what he notices. If He does, I would rather believe like I do believe than not believe and find out he looks at the non-believers in a way that does not bode well.   Time will tell!

I believe that God is a loving God and maybe that is all there is about this subject and I will not dwell on it, because, again, time will tell, and we will ALL find out eventually.

Take care, think what you want, and

Peace,

Den Betts        bettsden@gmail.com

For Granted 2018-42

Posted in Contemplation by

As I get older I think about this subject more. I do NOT worry about it, just am aware of what I do and do not do and realize that taking life for granted is not a thing to do. I wrote this when I had a close experience with death and it is still true, just for living!!!

For Granted   2018-42

So much we take for granted,

Existence on this mother Earth.

From the womb to the tomb

In such a whisper of heartbeats

Weighed against the infinity of time

Things we smell, see and feel,

Our senses reel in splendor

To much we take for granted still.

Each day, hour and moment lived

Cherish as it is- in spite

Of turmoil or rewards of bliss.

Things we love to be loved even more,

Too quick in time, the lives become lore.

For granted we take our everyday living,

Instead to be lived to the fullest with giving.

Peace,

Den Betts            bettsden@gmail.com

Travelers Wish 2018-41

Posted in Contemplation by

Looking at this one that I wrote, I can see it is many things.  It is a wish, a prayer, a hope, and is many things that I have for those of other color, faith, roots, locales and such. Like a man of over a decade ago, where he was abused by those in authority, Rodney King said, “Why can’t we all get along”, or something like that at the time.   Too easy to be said, too hard to put into practice in this divided world we live in now.  Sad!!!!

 

Travelers Wish    2018-41

 

If, per chance, our paths may cross,

Our shadows inner mingle, on a summer day

May we both prosper, benefit,

And be truly enlightened by the experience.

And, may we both realize,

That regardless of the hue of external cover,

Spiritual convictions, tribal clan origins,

When we part, may we do so as friends,

Traveling onward, but also leaving in our wake

A part of ourselves behind,

In a kind remembrance to each other.

Den Betts  bettsden@gmail.com

 

Hypocrisy Rules at Times 2018-40

Posted in Religious by

Hypocrisy Rules at Times  2018-40

How many “religious people” have used their faith beliefs as a way to criticize the actions of others?

When you look at what is said by them and compare it with what their faith truly states as a guide, sometimes they conflict. IT comes across as a total different thing and makes that person or group sound very hypocritical.

To me, it makes me wonder if that faith or religious group, in general, is really something to follow or use as a belief system. People or groups that say or even believe one thing and do another, discredit their faith.  Or, they believe in what they say and the faith does too, which is different, but maybe just as bad.

Doing so, turns some people off from that group, rightly so.  It makes an opposite feeling of “how to win friends and influence people” and instead a negative feeling about them occurs.

Being a Centrist (or calling myself one) I try to take a middle ground on what I say at times, and even what I believe in certain subjects.  This is not a good thing to do though.

Hypocrites upset me! They make me think or rethink what I have as an opinion about them. How can a Christian, religious person be so judgmental and unloving towards their fellow man and claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ who touted love for all?

Using Scripture of the Bible and drawing certain phrases from the Bible as weapons in a discussion is an example of hypocrisy; sort of…

I look at the New Testament of the Bible as a guide to the teachings of Jesus, and the Old Testament as stories of the Hebrew people to learn from ln the process. I try not to use any one passage or story to use AGAINST people or their actions, but to use the statement of Jesus as an overall way to make a point in a discussion. I believe there is a difference.

People should NOT throw rocks who themselves live in glass houses, is a great rule to follow. Unless you are perfect in your ways (and nobody is) we should NOT try to come across as better than others and passing judgement on them.

Yet, it is TOO easy to cross the line and come across as a hypocrite.  Too Bad; SAD!!

Peace,

Den Betts                   bettsden@gmail.com    or follow at-  thebettsden.com   

Finding/Getting a church 2018-39

Posted in Introduction to Blog by

Finding a Church 2018-39
Well what a thought! Many people of many faiths go to a religious place to get involved in many things there. They go to pray, learn, congregate, hospitality, serve, and so many other things. This is true for any religion, faith, or location.

First, let me state that I DO go to a Christian church nearby where I live! I do so for many reasons and because of one reason in particular. The fact that I believe in one God of the Universe, the Triune God, that includes Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit is paramount to my going to church.

Because of my belief, I feel I want to know God better, to get closer to God in my relationship with Him and to learn more about His son Jesus Christ. Church is a great place to learn and become closer; simple as that.

What I do know is Jesus was all about love… His teachings show this as His way of life and how He felt we should portray our way of life also. Church is a good way to talk about this love and His love for us.

OK, we are believers in God; let’s say…. The why we could go to church has to be our decision. What will we get out of going? What will we look for by going? Decent questions, that we could look for answers as to the why to go to church!!!!

Let us think we have an idea on why we will go – then what!!??

I suggest we look for a church of any denomination that offers us to get closer to God spiritually and have something to do that will help others in the community. Look for a church that has a goal of what God and Jesus wants us to do and not just to get new members.

I was attending a Sunday School session and asked the question, “What or how do we in this church identify ourselves as to what our church is all about?” Some people stared, some mumbled something, and the Pastor, who was there at the time, said, “Dennis, it is in our Mission Statement, stating “To connect people to people and to connect people to Christ”. That is somewhat easy to understand, comprehend and absorb into my mind.

When I go to church, I feel the presence of God around and within me (like I do outside of church) and that feeling should prevail for anyone going to church. When you go to a church, does it teach the teachings of Jesus by having a study or Bible group to explain what point Jesus was making at the time? That is important also, as an example!

Money you can give to the church is NOT the driving force as to why you join, go to church or what the church is all about. Yes, it is important, just like paying taxes is for a government to be able to give back to the people and to exist.
Also, if you have children, this is not a factor for going, by itself, just to have more bodies to attend, new and in the future. Growth of the church is important also, but bucks and bodies are not the answer. The true, or at least, a great reason is for ALL to get closer to God in the process of going.

Our church made a decision to reduce our mortgage debt down considerably and we did so, and, in the process, we now have a smaller monthly mortgage payment and now have the funds to give back to the community in so many ways. Church is for that reason also, to serve others in some way.

To find a church that offers many things that are important can be a chore or at least be an effort to find one that meets the criteria of what YOU want. You can church hop; go from one to another and see how they operate, what they believe in, what their mission is overall.

I would suggest that a list be made on what you DO NOT want in a church also. If you attend one and go to a service, and you hear things in the sermon you don’t like from the Pastor or Priest, check it off and continue onward, for instance. If nobody greets you and says hello or even asks if you are new or so, that may not be a good recommendation either. Things like that are important.

A church should be inviting, be caring, be accepting, be considerate and not the dreaded word — one of a hypocritical nature. Yes, they are out there, and that is sad to a degree.

The main thing, it may take work on your part. Finding God or getting closer to Him is a goal that you may want to pursue, and I wish you well.

Peace,
Den Betts bettsden@gmail.com