He 2018-38

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Sounds like a prayer or a psalm of some sorts.  I believe this was something I wrote as a plea to God and to let Him know I was aware of Him also.

He – 2018-38

He shall be my light and salvation

To hide me, shelter me from my worst fears

Allow me to sing, to dance and be merry,

With joy and happiness of a knowing protection

Be gracious to me, when lonely and afflicted

Forgive me, when I have gone astray

Create in me a clean, pure heart,

Protect me from my own transgressions

Become my strength, a shield against adversity,

Gird me with gladness of living and life

Comfort me in my worse times of grieving and despair

Deliver me from the evils of the world

Cleanse my mind of wrongful thoughts, words and deeds

Save me from those that would do me wrong

Praise be to God, for He is the one, the only one

To have the power to be, to do, for life everlasting.

Peace,

Den Betts          bettsden@gmail.com

Life is a Dime 2018-37

Posted in Contemplation by

Life and a Dime  2018-37

Life is like a dime!  There are two sides to it

And many of us are predisposed to one side.

 

Some think this way and others the other way.

And not many in the middle; the edge.

 

Our beliefs are what they are, or

What they became, through life experiences.

 

What we hold dear to our hearts is not

What others have in their minds and actions

 

Both of us could be correct, in a strange

Sort of way; or wrong as it may be.

 

Regardless, we feel as we do and do

As we feel, at times, right or wrong.

 

It WOULD be great if we COULD talk

Rationally with one another; no discord

 

We MIGHT be able to solve many

Problems of the world; together

 

Do I think this is possible; NO!

We are scorpions; we are what we are

 

That is too bad; that is sad; what then

Are we faced with in life?

 

Peace,
Den Betts        bettsden@gmail.com

Getting Closer to God 2018-36

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Getting Closer to God  2018-36

To get closer to God involves taking a step, or many steps, in the overall process. The first “step” is to decide that you WANT to get closer and could involve saying first, that you believe in God.

Saying this and believing it are two things. Maybe having some doubts would be in order and this, I think, is ok.  For instance, I KNOW there is a God, the one God of the Universe, BUT sometimes the evil one puts doubting roadblocks in my mind and that is to be expected. 

OK, let us say we are sure, in our minds, that there is a God, or at least, are trying to believe it. The first sure step is done now, so moving onward…

Anyone can say they believe in God, but to take the plunge and continue toward getting closer to God, has barriers to getting closer to Him, and if anything, we do that ourselves with our own volition.

Another thing, we cannot have a time driven goal to achieve getting closer to God, it does not work that way. Setting a date to accomplish this goal is not the answer, doesn’t work that way.

Earlier, I mentioned an overall process involving many steps. Any steps taken in getting closer, are not numbered 1 – 2 —  3 or anything like that type of system. There is NO SET ORDER or DIRECTIONS to be taken in getting closer; simple as that.

I have written before, that in the process, I have taken 2 steps forward and 1 backward in my quest to get closer to God.  I remember reading a book by St. Teresa of Avilla, a 15-century psychic, and she described her journey in the book “Seven Mansions” which was likened to moving through rooms with doors and when she went through rooms with doors and was going from room to room, she found that there was, at times, another door that had to be reckoned with in her journey, which was unexpected. Another 2 forward and 1 back type of journey.

Sometimes we MUST do this in our quest —- visit the past room before continuing onward. This can be frustrating, upsetting, and demoralizing. We want instant gratification and sometimes do not want to wait or be sidetracked in what we are doing. 

A good start on our journey is to begin with the Spiritual Disciplines as outlined in Richard J. Foster’s book, “Celebration of Discipline”. In it, he has us study the 12 tools for spiritual growth, which will also guide us in getting closer to God. It is an easy read and organized well for any to understand and follow.

One book to use on our journey is Josh McDowell’s book “More Than a Carpenter”, which gives an overall lead into believing in God. Another, is C.S. Lewis book “Mere Christianity”, which gives an overview of being a Christian.  I believe all are at Amazon.com for purchase.

The very best book to read is the Bible and to use the Scriptures as a guide to God’s way of life.   The Old Testament tells stories of the Hebrew living from the time of Abraham, and this is a great way to hear the history of God.  The New Testament is about the man-God, Jesus Christ, whose life, as written, is the mainstay of the Christian faith.

This post is NOT a detailed plan of getting closer to God, but instead, a guide to begin the journey. There are various practices I could, and maybe will in the future, mention to give insight as to how to make the journey better or at least be on the right track to continue.

I welcome any questions, suggestions or insight about this posting.

Peace,

Den Betts          bettsden@gmail.com

To Prioritize 2018-35

Posted in Introduction to Blog by

To do or not to do, that is the question or is it? How many times have I planned on doing something, but gee, it doesn’t get done?  Or, are we all, or most of us guilty of this lack of prioritizing things?  Oh, well, let me do something now, or later, or not at all; will see!!!!

To Prioritize  2018-35

A list made in order for things to be done today,

But which to do first or last or not – I can’t say

To do or not to do is not the question, but

More important, which to do first – Perhaps

The hard ones up front, easy ones last – I guess

OR, the important ones now, the least later – I digress

 

A list can be made in random order to

Accomplish or succeed before things get worse

The key is not the way I put them down on paper

A real test of my list is how I do them proper

To prioritize, to put in order, logically and

 

With the best timing and expenditure of effort

But, what good is a list, if I don’t get them done

And, say to myself, at best, I would rather read the list

Than do the list, and make an excuse to others

 

Why I don’t prioritize, if you get the gist…..

Den Betts                                bettsden@gmail.com

ALWAYS 2018-34

Posted in Contemplation by

We went to the Amish Kitchen this week at Mary Yoder’s Restaurant, in Middlefield and while I was sitting there waiting for the server, I looked at the wall where a wooden sign was hanging. It had a saying on it and I now share it with you.

 

ALWAYS STAND FOR WHAT IS RIGHT, EVEN IF YOU STAND ALONE!!!!!

 

I thought it was very appropriate in todays world.

Peace,
Den Betts

Lonely Heart 2018-33

Posted in Contemplation by

This MIGHT be about someone with a mind-altering problem having thoughts. I looked at my father who had Alzheimer’s and this might have come to mind then. OR, it could have been me long ago, suffering from a TBI and knowing that something was wrong, but not understanding what, at the time.  The mind is unique and sometimes not easy to fathom..

Lonely Heart  2018-33

The lonely heart beats;  outside,

A songbird sings his song, nearby

The quarter hour chime of an old

Grandfather clock sounds loudly.

A sigh, a sob, as tears roll down

Cheeks in salty twin rivulets.

Perhaps a reason for emotion shown,

But only quiet sadness expressed.

Filtered light through paned

Glass reaching, touching,

A dusty smell lingers, competing

With a favorite pet odor.

Hands silently twist a lace kerchief,

Into a single strand,

Trying to relieve the tension

Held deep inside the bosom.

An overstuffed chair squeaks,

With well-worn discord, while,

Nearby a purring sound quietly

Lends its rhythmic cadence.

A word suddenly escapes, “Why?”

No answer expected, only asked, as

The lonely heart tries to keep pace,

With the tick tock, tick tock……

Den Betts         bettsden@gmail.com

Values 2018-32

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Values  2018-32

What are values in life as far as ethics goes, for instance? What do we put on them as far as importance, in relation to our actions and how we live? Do values determine our correct conduct and lifestyle, such as being “good” or if we see a way of life with low value, is that “bad”?  I would think that whatever action is done, its value would be raised or lowered or at least changed.

I think of today’s turmoil in life in the United States, as an indicator of our values. We can do “right” or “wrong” or decide what “ought to be” and these actions will determine our values in life. 

Certain actions by some today, show for others, their “values” in life.  The decisions made and the repercussions that occur also determine how we see ourselves in the mirror.  If we accept an action or decree by a person in charge, we are part of that determination of values that go along with the decision.

This is too broad of a subject to easily put a clear definition on what our values are today.  But, we can speculate as to the “good and bad” of some of things that transpire on a regular basis now. 

Treating people in a certain way and accepting the results of such treatment can be viewed as good and bad, but by different people with different backgrounds and cultures.

Immigration, health, taxes, etc. are examples of what can be right or wrong where mandates, laws, and dictates affect SO many people of many types. It is TOO easy to make a decision that changes the lives of others, without thinking of the changes made, just the results. This is where we must decide on what our values are, when we see the new rules that apply.

Health care that takes away the care of people, immigration dictates that forego past laws and create discord for many, taxes that give back just a little, to the low end of financial statues people, are examples of where we must again, decide what our values are in life. 

To, in essence, say the hell with the aged, the unhealthy, the poor, because we should take care of ourselves and forget those people, is WRONG.  Our values are skewed, if we think this is right and correct.

We have become inhuman, we can now state we are sub-human to others, and in such a life, we are therefore not worthy of being called a populace of any thing that is worthy ourselves. We cannot say we are acting in a business-like way, without realizing the human way of life.  If we still proclaim ourselves as occupants of a nation based on Christian values, we are deceiving ourselves, and any that listen, by saying we are Christians.

I have not stated any names, because the mirror of life is there for all of us to look at and ponder our beliefs and those of others. We in the U.S. have much to consider now and in the future.  Where do we draw the line as to what we accept or reject in life, whereas, in those areas where others are affected, we will, in turn, be affected.

Peace,
Den Betts                            bettsden@gmail.com

Life Aura 2018-31

Posted in Contemplation by

The joys of life, of living and experiencing existence as an adventure. Enjoy life, as it is, when it is and how it is, and know that life is everlasting – REALLY!!!!

Life Aura  2018-31

So grand! So wonderful to behold,

The existence of life, of living

To experience, to have, and continue

Good and bad times, laughter and

Sorrow, accomplishments and failures

All intertwined together as one

Not to be taken for granted,

Nor wasted by acts of self-admonishment

A gift to explode with adventure

In daily trips or encounters with self.

Each second a now, of yesterday,

Today and tomorrow of energy,

A smile, a tear, a giggle, a sneer,

All a part of its totality of composition.

No guarantees of goodness,

Of comfort or times free of pain,

Only a chance to make whatever

With the cards played.

Each being, a life-aura

To spend eternity of living…

Den Betts   bettsden@gmail.com

Spring 2018-30

Posted in Contemplation, Nature by

Oh, how I look forward to Spring!  A change in temps, seeing things in a different light, a promise of newness of living, so many things to experience anew.  Cold gone, and white changed to green.  Winter has it’s positives (somewhere I guess), but Spring is eternal as far as I am concerned……

Spring  2018-30

A rebirth of the dormant world

With its rekindling of growth

Smells once forgotten, now back.

Creatures gone before, now returned.

 

Puffy and white now replacing

Grey and foreboding, welcomed

Amidst the gentle rains feeding

Plants awakened, stretching upward.

 

Lively steps in tired old men

Walking up the street with a bounce.

Children playing in puddles and mud

Grins, with sparkles in the eye.

 

Spring, a time of joy, a time of

Hope, a period of the rebirth

Once again of the world, the

Promise of continued life unfolds.

 

Den Betts    bettsden@gmail.com

Anger and Hatred 2018-29

Posted in Contemplation, Religious by

Hatred and Anger   2018-29

Why do “some” have so much bitterness and perhaps anger and hatred for those of other faiths, skin color, or ethnic origins?

Where is the love of all in their lives? And, do they claim any sort of religious beliefs like being a Christian? If so, do they not realize that the god-man, Jesus, touted nothing but love for all? Even, if not a Christian or any other faith, is not love a much better attitude towards people of the world?

It is hard to understand the thinking of those that have these feelings of hatred. What story do they have to share that could explain how they feel?  How can they be proud of having Anti-Semite,  racial prejudice, or abhorrence for others in their thoughts or actions?

There is NO answer to these questions that make any sense. I can only pray that time will resolve the issues for them, and in their place, understanding, love and caring for fellow mankind will result.

Hatred towards others is like a slow festering boil that keeps hurting and hurting until expunged and removed. This can happen, but a decision to take action must be made and then acted on, which is hard to do at times.

Many have removed God from their lives or have never had Him there as a guiding light, such as Jesus Christ is for those that believe. He IS the light of the world and coming to this conclusion takes time and perseverance, and simply belief.  Reading Scripture and learning about the man-God that taught love instead of hate is a start, but only a beginning.

The time where we learn from the teachings of Jesus and then mirror the things it takes, will be the finalization of the journey of life with God, or at least a continuation.

Peace,

Den Betts                       bettsden@gmail.com