...it's not necessarily a staple of our lives, yet it occurs more often than we'd like. As I was reading the USA Today about the account of the Connecticut shooting it was, as I'm sure with most, a heart wrenching thing. Especially when I was able to see all the little faces, brief character traits, and their likes associated with names in what amounts to an attempt to paint gentleness where we already knew it existed, rambunctious youngsters and quiet ones, dancing and running the gamut of childhood dreams in playgrounds now so ethereal to the parents of slain tots. I grieve as do many other men here.Our prayer request box from which I get a third of to pray over weekly, were filled with almost exclusive petitions for those families affected. Although we reside with the brutal terror of prison life, some things are even unacceptable to us. We wouldn't mind spending time with the ilk that we do, but men who hurt children we've no stomach for. Still the CHRIST card will get pulled on me in my prayers and I am compelled to pray from places I don't yearn to see reconciliation take its honor upon. And then I ask as the song from Cast Casting Crowns tells me "Who Am I?"
A strong irony took up residency when I received a CHRISTmas card from Tara and her husband Paul with all their youngsters' vibrancy splayed across it so real and touching. As I was able to read what Honor, Conner, Arianna, and Samuel were up to as of late, it drove home how fragile this little family is. Because right next to me were the names of those other children...close to the exact age as these guys I was looking at....one in a ballet tutu and giving it her all...one holding a kitten...one a little chick...and Samuel was just smiling away as if their were no tomorrow....for those others there wasn't. A solemnity that reassures me the import of training our children well.(Proverbs 22:6) I can't thank Tara and Paul enough for helping me from the abysmal of sorrow that tanks me almost daily anyway after realizing double digits spent in CRISTmas prisons.
I was telling my cellie the other day that prison was really kicking my...you know the rest. I am thankful today for the grandchildren I've yet to see. My son wrote more of a compelling email the other day expressing his anger toward me not being in his life as well the lives of his endearing new family. He even went as far to say he has not been a good son to me because he forgot that I, too, have pain. Yet I could not for the life in me understand how he finds fault with himself. I own the onus of the bereftness there. Once again as he began letting me know that he is having a reawakening of CHRIST, then it began to clear up some what...only GOD can make that which is crooked straight...i.e...me..his dad...his children's granddada...his Mom's husband...(she says ex I say next...).I'm grateful today, a few days from CHRISTmas to be able to reach out to you guys. I was telling my son in response to his email that over the years I have wanted many folks to reach out to me...letters...phone calls...visits...emails...skywriting...smoke signals...yet when I got his message, the veracity of it was more welcomed than all the folks I could ever want to hear from. Especially the part of his reawakening to JESUS...I pray for all who read this to consider the same for yours and yours'.
I love you all with that agape from which as David, my son tells me, could not have written the words he did to me. Please pass on the TRUTH about JESUS to others while there is still breath upon, and in each of us. For it is GOD who deals us these measures of time. We know not when it may abruptly end.
...later...dougie boy...
Luke 2 for you...for me
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Hi Guys...
From jump street I need to say that we have had our share of troubles in prison recently. A few "mini-riots" that could only be called thus if you were no where near the violence. Lockdowns galore! But still I'm not deterred to spread the WORD of the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST.
In Brandon Heath's song "Give Me Your Eyes", he sings how he wants GOD'S eyes to see, feel, and have similar compassion as HE on the brokenhearted...arms to reach those who are out of his reach. A compelling telling of what the true "great commission" incurs upon us who do desire this. I sat at chow the other day with a man who had all his teeth knocked out with a lock in a sock..a preferred weapon amongst those wishing to inflict such damage as to permanently afflict. I want to buddy up to him so he can see my truth as a CHRISTian doesn't include those wanting to avoid him because he now looks bad. Since this guy was a co-worker of mine a few years ago it isn't hard to actually have an interest in his troubles. I'm no Dietrich Bonhoeffer who within the tyranny of the Nazi rule gave up his life to go back to his fellow peoples to spread the "WORD". "When CHRIST calls a man, he bids him come and die". Garnered from his awesome book "The Cost of Discipleship".
As we start to communicate (remember he just recently lost all his teeth....not two or three..all of them. So he can't quite form certain sounds due to this newly found speech impediment.), frustration set in early for him...then me. In the back of my mind I made a mental note to make sure I either: 1)Come up with conversations that won't include him having to form these particular tough words....2)Avoid him....cuz how on earth can I figure out what sounds may or may not be needed for him to express himself!
Of course there comes the third and very unpopular idea to just endure...mmm. WWJD? Would it be sin to capitulate to my proclivity of having those around me that are like me...viz..communicate with a robust mouthful? The grand mischief that sin does to man is this: It wars against the soul; it destroys the moral liberty of the soul; it weakens and debilitates the soul by impairing its faculties; it robs the soul of its comfort and peace; it debases and destroys the dignity of the soul, hinders its present prosperity, and plunges it into everlasting misery. "But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty"(Corinthians 4:2) Renounce it as soon as it springs up; renounce the whole thing until there is no hidden thing of dishonesty or craftiness about you. "Not walking in craftiness", that is, resorting to what will carry your point.
This a great snare. Others are doing things which to you would be walking in craftiness, but it may not be so with them: GOD has given you another standpoint. Many have gone back because they are afraid of looking at things from GOD'S standpoint. The great crisis comes spiritually when a man has to emerge a bit farther on than the creed he has accepted. In his book "Radical," David Platt professes how America is missing the true GOSPEL by settling into a type of complacency that doesn't really preach JESUS. "The gospel demands and enables us to turn from our sin, and to take up our cross, to die to ourselves, and to follow JESUS. These are the terms and phrases we see in the BIBLE. And salvation now consists of a deep wrestling in our souls with the sinfulness of our hearts, the depth of our depravity, and the desperation of our need for HIS GRACE. JESUS is no longer one to be accepted or invited in but one who is infinitely worthy of our immediate and total surrender". That ought to sum up what most of us are missing...total surrender is not something we Americans are geared up for.
Better discover this now than later though. Because many who are religious with only their Sunday quota fill will find themselves cast out..that insufferable weeping and all that gnashing. I implore you whom call yourselves CHRISTians..search now and truly believe in what is the calling in your life. Then act on it as if there is no tomorrow...because there may not be for this earth as we know it.
I love you all with prayers in an intensity that HE knows is from my heart ...
later...
dougie boy
In Brandon Heath's song "Give Me Your Eyes", he sings how he wants GOD'S eyes to see, feel, and have similar compassion as HE on the brokenhearted...arms to reach those who are out of his reach. A compelling telling of what the true "great commission" incurs upon us who do desire this. I sat at chow the other day with a man who had all his teeth knocked out with a lock in a sock..a preferred weapon amongst those wishing to inflict such damage as to permanently afflict. I want to buddy up to him so he can see my truth as a CHRISTian doesn't include those wanting to avoid him because he now looks bad. Since this guy was a co-worker of mine a few years ago it isn't hard to actually have an interest in his troubles. I'm no Dietrich Bonhoeffer who within the tyranny of the Nazi rule gave up his life to go back to his fellow peoples to spread the "WORD". "When CHRIST calls a man, he bids him come and die". Garnered from his awesome book "The Cost of Discipleship".
As we start to communicate (remember he just recently lost all his teeth....not two or three..all of them. So he can't quite form certain sounds due to this newly found speech impediment.), frustration set in early for him...then me. In the back of my mind I made a mental note to make sure I either: 1)Come up with conversations that won't include him having to form these particular tough words....2)Avoid him....cuz how on earth can I figure out what sounds may or may not be needed for him to express himself!
Of course there comes the third and very unpopular idea to just endure...mmm. WWJD? Would it be sin to capitulate to my proclivity of having those around me that are like me...viz..communicate with a robust mouthful? The grand mischief that sin does to man is this: It wars against the soul; it destroys the moral liberty of the soul; it weakens and debilitates the soul by impairing its faculties; it robs the soul of its comfort and peace; it debases and destroys the dignity of the soul, hinders its present prosperity, and plunges it into everlasting misery. "But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty"(Corinthians 4:2) Renounce it as soon as it springs up; renounce the whole thing until there is no hidden thing of dishonesty or craftiness about you. "Not walking in craftiness", that is, resorting to what will carry your point.
This a great snare. Others are doing things which to you would be walking in craftiness, but it may not be so with them: GOD has given you another standpoint. Many have gone back because they are afraid of looking at things from GOD'S standpoint. The great crisis comes spiritually when a man has to emerge a bit farther on than the creed he has accepted. In his book "Radical," David Platt professes how America is missing the true GOSPEL by settling into a type of complacency that doesn't really preach JESUS. "The gospel demands and enables us to turn from our sin, and to take up our cross, to die to ourselves, and to follow JESUS. These are the terms and phrases we see in the BIBLE. And salvation now consists of a deep wrestling in our souls with the sinfulness of our hearts, the depth of our depravity, and the desperation of our need for HIS GRACE. JESUS is no longer one to be accepted or invited in but one who is infinitely worthy of our immediate and total surrender". That ought to sum up what most of us are missing...total surrender is not something we Americans are geared up for.
Better discover this now than later though. Because many who are religious with only their Sunday quota fill will find themselves cast out..that insufferable weeping and all that gnashing. I implore you whom call yourselves CHRISTians..search now and truly believe in what is the calling in your life. Then act on it as if there is no tomorrow...because there may not be for this earth as we know it.
I love you all with prayers in an intensity that HE knows is from my heart ...
later...
dougie boy
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Hi my friends...
..on Hebrews 9:23-28
CHRIST'S sacrifice, though offered upon earth, was by HIMSELF carried up into heaven, and is there presented in a way (THE WAY) of daily intercession-for HE appears in the presence of GOD for us. HE has gone to heaven not only to enjoy HIS first estate and receive the honor due HIM, but to appear in the presence of GOD for us, to present our persons and our performances, to answer and rebuke our adversary and accuser, to secure our interests...an indemnity if you will...acting as such because our sins with the sacrifices of bulls and rams were always inexpiable(I'm studying "i" words today) to the full extent or opposite that for which CHRIST, the TRUE oblation by virtue of the hypostatical union...the blood of GOD...carried our burden in such infinite value.
Working into this fact that we all must die once, or at least undergo a change equivalent to death. It is an awful thing to die we must confess..to have the vital knot loosed or cut asunder, all relations dropped at once, an end if you will to our probation and preparation state..and we should get ready for it. For it is an indomitable (told you about the"i"s) fact the we are going to enter another world once leaving this. You all know this...deep inside where secular reason can't match GOD'S innateness that HE'S given us all.
It is appointed to men that after death they shall all come to judgment. It is the distinguishing character of true believers that they are looking for CHRIST...THE CAPTAIN of my soul..me dougie boy....we look to HIM in every duty, in every ordinance, in every providence now not later when we think we have time. We expect HIS SECOND COMING and are(I hope and pray) preparing for it...the parable of the ten virgins are good examples. And though it will be sudden destruction to the rest of the world, who scoff at the report of it...(i.e. this is one) it will be eternal salvation to those who look for it.
I love you all in ways from which my prayers are ordered. I know most I write to are saved..those who are not I implore with as much is in me in this reaching out to seek JESUS while HE may be found...PSALM 27...
later...dougie boy
CHRIST'S sacrifice, though offered upon earth, was by HIMSELF carried up into heaven, and is there presented in a way (THE WAY) of daily intercession-for HE appears in the presence of GOD for us. HE has gone to heaven not only to enjoy HIS first estate and receive the honor due HIM, but to appear in the presence of GOD for us, to present our persons and our performances, to answer and rebuke our adversary and accuser, to secure our interests...an indemnity if you will...acting as such because our sins with the sacrifices of bulls and rams were always inexpiable(I'm studying "i" words today) to the full extent or opposite that for which CHRIST, the TRUE oblation by virtue of the hypostatical union...the blood of GOD...carried our burden in such infinite value.
Working into this fact that we all must die once, or at least undergo a change equivalent to death. It is an awful thing to die we must confess..to have the vital knot loosed or cut asunder, all relations dropped at once, an end if you will to our probation and preparation state..and we should get ready for it. For it is an indomitable (told you about the"i"s) fact the we are going to enter another world once leaving this. You all know this...deep inside where secular reason can't match GOD'S innateness that HE'S given us all.
It is appointed to men that after death they shall all come to judgment. It is the distinguishing character of true believers that they are looking for CHRIST...THE CAPTAIN of my soul..me dougie boy....we look to HIM in every duty, in every ordinance, in every providence now not later when we think we have time. We expect HIS SECOND COMING and are(I hope and pray) preparing for it...the parable of the ten virgins are good examples. And though it will be sudden destruction to the rest of the world, who scoff at the report of it...(i.e. this is one) it will be eternal salvation to those who look for it.
I love you all in ways from which my prayers are ordered. I know most I write to are saved..those who are not I implore with as much is in me in this reaching out to seek JESUS while HE may be found...PSALM 27...
later...dougie boy
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Prayers From Prison...
Hello my friends-
I'm sitting in my prison cell thinking and praying for you guys-not to sound sanctimonious-mainly because sin can accompany me frequently most days. As a matter of fact thanks to my lovely sister (Pattie Sue) I do get some magazines: Golf Digest/Sports Illustrated/ESPN: The Magazine/Nate Geo/TIME and thank to my little bro (Denniski) I was able to procure a running special on the USA today. Needless to say the advert of the zines coming my way makes me popular to men whom believe me to be an anathema because I ain't got no gang affiliations, tattoos, drinks hooch or engage in the sex porno slave trade market going on in the this camp. Which can easily enrapture one's thoughts, actions and daily rituals.
Yesterday I got ESPN'S the Magazine's "THE BODY ISSUE." As soon as I had it in my grubby hands-Out Damn Spot! I couldn't wait to see all the naked women athletes-especially under the guise: "Well I certainly can look and "appreciate" how these women take care of them fine, trim, curvaceous, sexy, beautiful...about 42 seconds into the first gaze, (Job 31: "I have made a covenant with my eyes: why then should I look upon a young woman?") I wanted to hide in my cell and join the crowd of those involved with the perversion of masturbation. Now of course you may think: How disgusting! Yeah, me too. After witnessing for a decade now against dastardly acts such as this, it still can rise up (not punny) and encroach on my walk-mostly because Jesus taught that "the eyes are the windows to the soul," and again as Proverbs instructs me in the matriculation of my Christianity that the "...eyes of man are never satisfied," so it is when I fully engage pornography-which although arguments of such a "beautiful display" of athleticism will lend full assurance to how duped secular society has become inured to the gelid fact that we've like sheep have gone astray within the freezing cold that warms us none.
You know I belong to a small group of men -(there are 4 of us)- we gather each Sunday after church to go through the prayer box which sits out in full access to all prisoners. I want to share with you all some of these incredibly heart wrenching and sometimes selfish, selfless petitions; which further aids me to know that help is needed via strong Christ-like men here-out there-everywhere. I'll keep them anonymous-most of them are-God knows because for most of these guys God calls them his own-"and I trade treasure, I trade fame, just to hear you call my name-I've been touched by you and I will never be the same." Here are some of them:
"Father I pray for your help-I don't want to go on without seeing my kids."
"Jesus please keep my from hurting people"
"A hedge of protection over the judge and jury that sentenced me to life-I forgive them."
"Help me escape."
"Save my cellie, whose Muslim but a good dude."
"I pray for salvation for my parents who are Pagan."
"Teach my hands to war Lord if there is another riot-I don't want to get raped again."
"When I get out, keep me from vengeance on those who snitched on me."
"Give me a way to sneak tobacco in here through visitation-I'm dying for a smoke!"
"For my two children that I've not seen or heard from in 15 years."
"Keep my anger from killing again."
"I pray that the FBI doesn't find out about those "other" things."
"I hope the Steelers win the Super Bowl."
"I want my bother safe over in Afghanistan."
"For early release-like today."
"I'm tired Father- 27 years in here-can You help me?"
"All my family has deserted me-who else but You? Thank you Lord."
"My boy was shot and killed by a man who snitched on me to stay on the streets-how do I cope Lord?"
And even more compelling:
"Father, the man who raped my wife just came to this compound. I'm planning bad things-forgive me.
Okay my fried this outta fill some prayer time for you if inclined to stand in the gap as Ezekiel 22:30 asks of us. The Rolling Stones have a song: "Beast of Burden" it laments that..."I'll never be your beast of burden." Yet that's what we're called to do. That prayer list aforementioned in some of it's wicked intent I am capable of carrying out-from the worst of it to the praise form it. And so I put away my measuring rod that I have for many that are not of my ilk...of my religiosity...of my "churchianity"...and offer up the petitions of the prisoner. I need help here for it all- so I ask you to pray that the Lord of the Harvest give the heart away to seek God's favor, mercy, and above all forgiveness and love for each of us.
I love you guys....thanks...later...dougie boy
I'm sitting in my prison cell thinking and praying for you guys-not to sound sanctimonious-mainly because sin can accompany me frequently most days. As a matter of fact thanks to my lovely sister (Pattie Sue) I do get some magazines: Golf Digest/Sports Illustrated/ESPN: The Magazine/Nate Geo/TIME and thank to my little bro (Denniski) I was able to procure a running special on the USA today. Needless to say the advert of the zines coming my way makes me popular to men whom believe me to be an anathema because I ain't got no gang affiliations, tattoos, drinks hooch or engage in the sex porno slave trade market going on in the this camp. Which can easily enrapture one's thoughts, actions and daily rituals.
Yesterday I got ESPN'S the Magazine's "THE BODY ISSUE." As soon as I had it in my grubby hands-Out Damn Spot! I couldn't wait to see all the naked women athletes-especially under the guise: "Well I certainly can look and "appreciate" how these women take care of them fine, trim, curvaceous, sexy, beautiful...about 42 seconds into the first gaze, (Job 31: "I have made a covenant with my eyes: why then should I look upon a young woman?") I wanted to hide in my cell and join the crowd of those involved with the perversion of masturbation. Now of course you may think: How disgusting! Yeah, me too. After witnessing for a decade now against dastardly acts such as this, it still can rise up (not punny) and encroach on my walk-mostly because Jesus taught that "the eyes are the windows to the soul," and again as Proverbs instructs me in the matriculation of my Christianity that the "...eyes of man are never satisfied," so it is when I fully engage pornography-which although arguments of such a "beautiful display" of athleticism will lend full assurance to how duped secular society has become inured to the gelid fact that we've like sheep have gone astray within the freezing cold that warms us none.
You know I belong to a small group of men -(there are 4 of us)- we gather each Sunday after church to go through the prayer box which sits out in full access to all prisoners. I want to share with you all some of these incredibly heart wrenching and sometimes selfish, selfless petitions; which further aids me to know that help is needed via strong Christ-like men here-out there-everywhere. I'll keep them anonymous-most of them are-God knows because for most of these guys God calls them his own-"and I trade treasure, I trade fame, just to hear you call my name-I've been touched by you and I will never be the same." Here are some of them:
"Father I pray for your help-I don't want to go on without seeing my kids."
"Jesus please keep my from hurting people"
"A hedge of protection over the judge and jury that sentenced me to life-I forgive them."
"Help me escape."
"Save my cellie, whose Muslim but a good dude."
"I pray for salvation for my parents who are Pagan."
"Teach my hands to war Lord if there is another riot-I don't want to get raped again."
"When I get out, keep me from vengeance on those who snitched on me."
"Give me a way to sneak tobacco in here through visitation-I'm dying for a smoke!"
"For my two children that I've not seen or heard from in 15 years."
"Keep my anger from killing again."
"I pray that the FBI doesn't find out about those "other" things."
"I hope the Steelers win the Super Bowl."
"I want my bother safe over in Afghanistan."
"For early release-like today."
"I'm tired Father- 27 years in here-can You help me?"
"All my family has deserted me-who else but You? Thank you Lord."
"My boy was shot and killed by a man who snitched on me to stay on the streets-how do I cope Lord?"
And even more compelling:
"Father, the man who raped my wife just came to this compound. I'm planning bad things-forgive me.
Okay my fried this outta fill some prayer time for you if inclined to stand in the gap as Ezekiel 22:30 asks of us. The Rolling Stones have a song: "Beast of Burden" it laments that..."I'll never be your beast of burden." Yet that's what we're called to do. That prayer list aforementioned in some of it's wicked intent I am capable of carrying out-from the worst of it to the praise form it. And so I put away my measuring rod that I have for many that are not of my ilk...of my religiosity...of my "churchianity"...and offer up the petitions of the prisoner. I need help here for it all- so I ask you to pray that the Lord of the Harvest give the heart away to seek God's favor, mercy, and above all forgiveness and love for each of us.
I love you guys....thanks...later...dougie boy
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Hello there my friends...
...again I must say that it's been a while for real this time.
Many things have transpired since I last blogged out to you all. A friend died in his cell...a horrible way to go. Alone fighting for breath as the machinations of prison took its toll by a life's ransom. But I did share JESUS with him as frequently as I could, yet maybe not as much as was possible.
It got me thinking on the crucifixion of my LORD and SAVIOR....and since Easter was coming at the time, clearing out the horizon of death's exacting revenge, I had to ponder on life eternal offered to all. Attendance upon WHOM was cast all our sins. It's funny in a strange way how what is deemed a work of time in our society at large, that JESUS was brought before the chief priests at the break of day (Luke 22:66), after that to Pilate, then to Herod, then to Pilate again; and here there seems to have been a long struggle between Pilate and the people about HIM. Are you too in that area, or domain of preponderance? HE was scourged, and crowned with thorns and contumeliously used, and all this was done in 4 or 5 hours..six at the most for HE was crucified between 9 and 12. Never anyone was chased out of the world as CHRIST. No stays in a due process carried forth with such vehemence and alacrity that it puts to port all embattled ships of justice that harbor ill will towards the cry of look how wrongly I've been treated.
In the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 15 verse 19 it speaks to me of the validity behind when HE walked, what HE did, and how HE still lives...."If in this life only we have hope in CHRIST, we are of all men the most pitiable (miserable in some texts). So please, you must understand that even though imprisoned for quite sometime now I am not miserable, but joyful even to the point of my sister's profession that I am a goober...a happy goober for I possess what all can: life eternal because of JESUS' enduring love for us...for me...for you.
Hopefully I will embark on keeping better updates with you guys. Softball season has kicked off and the amount of material to write about is prolific to say the least. I was hit by a line drive the other day...it black and blued about 2 square feet on my lower torso. I had a glove, but I was pitching batting practice and I had three balls in it..dorky me...but I play on! Okay my friends..I love you all tremendously from afar with prayers and fastings for you and your families...oh gosh I almost sound like Paul...I can think of worse things to be...
Check out Amos 4:12 and Hebrews 9:27
...later...dougie boy
Many things have transpired since I last blogged out to you all. A friend died in his cell...a horrible way to go. Alone fighting for breath as the machinations of prison took its toll by a life's ransom. But I did share JESUS with him as frequently as I could, yet maybe not as much as was possible.
It got me thinking on the crucifixion of my LORD and SAVIOR....and since Easter was coming at the time, clearing out the horizon of death's exacting revenge, I had to ponder on life eternal offered to all. Attendance upon WHOM was cast all our sins. It's funny in a strange way how what is deemed a work of time in our society at large, that JESUS was brought before the chief priests at the break of day (Luke 22:66), after that to Pilate, then to Herod, then to Pilate again; and here there seems to have been a long struggle between Pilate and the people about HIM. Are you too in that area, or domain of preponderance? HE was scourged, and crowned with thorns and contumeliously used, and all this was done in 4 or 5 hours..six at the most for HE was crucified between 9 and 12. Never anyone was chased out of the world as CHRIST. No stays in a due process carried forth with such vehemence and alacrity that it puts to port all embattled ships of justice that harbor ill will towards the cry of look how wrongly I've been treated.
In the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 15 verse 19 it speaks to me of the validity behind when HE walked, what HE did, and how HE still lives...."If in this life only we have hope in CHRIST, we are of all men the most pitiable (miserable in some texts). So please, you must understand that even though imprisoned for quite sometime now I am not miserable, but joyful even to the point of my sister's profession that I am a goober...a happy goober for I possess what all can: life eternal because of JESUS' enduring love for us...for me...for you.
Hopefully I will embark on keeping better updates with you guys. Softball season has kicked off and the amount of material to write about is prolific to say the least. I was hit by a line drive the other day...it black and blued about 2 square feet on my lower torso. I had a glove, but I was pitching batting practice and I had three balls in it..dorky me...but I play on! Okay my friends..I love you all tremendously from afar with prayers and fastings for you and your families...oh gosh I almost sound like Paul...I can think of worse things to be...
Check out Amos 4:12 and Hebrews 9:27
...later...dougie boy
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Good day to you guys...
...just wanted to let everyone know that JESUS loves you and so do I and there's nothing you all can do about it!
I know things are extremely tight out there with the economy..I pray that since GOD always provides a WAY, that reaching for it becomes our priority. Sometimes I've discovered a lack of provision is a provision in and of itself.
I woke in my cell late (or should I say early morn, at 2:45...so yeah, let's say early morn...the amount of education in here!)....anyway I stared out from my bunk almost 10 years deep in my contrition looking at my cell block number. I was reminded of a time (although constrained now within 80 or so square feet and another man three feet from me) of when I was out there running and gunning on the mean streets. Shot and bee lining it to the emergency room hoping to GOD that I don't bleed to death, homeless and cold seeking any form of warmth...even the cardboard in the woods and under the bridges to stave off the cold...jumped by a gang of well..gangsters...a gaggle of them that's gotta be the new catch phrase...and the worst feeling of it all...nay I say (who talks like this?) the granddaddy of emotional distraught, loneliness...a darkness that could be felt.
So I must concur with some who profess that they weren't arrested, but rescued. As a tear leaked out and I brazenly sucked it up to brave my punishment for my sins, I had the stark understanding that GOD truly loves me. And it's as tough a call to make late in the life of myself yearning to hold my newly birthed yet not seen nor held grandchildren, as it is for those of you not recognizing the very real providence of GOD as HE places some life upon the POTTER'S WHEEL shaping and fashioning it according to HIS PURPOSE.
I so dearly miss my little boy...Dojo..who in spite of his old man is revering a lifestyle replete with the chivalry that has yet to die in a man's challenge for goodness in a world fraught with despair of epic proportions. And my wife...Rosemary whom I've refused to call that accursed "ex" word so flippantly strewn about for common causes from which struggle was too much to endure. It is through better or worse that I've drug her through, yet now in the precipice of the autumnal...so they say (whoever that estranged group of folk are) part of my life, she's come full circle to banter with me over the cyber lines of a tethered and tenuous umbilical commonality, to offer up solace from whence (there I go again) she'll not realize, gains chuckles and smiles in a place bereft of this all important character bounty that reigns in the hearts of those who never give up. I'm grateful to a GOD who can do all that I can not...
Praise HIS HOLY NAME!
...later...
dougie boy
I know things are extremely tight out there with the economy..I pray that since GOD always provides a WAY, that reaching for it becomes our priority. Sometimes I've discovered a lack of provision is a provision in and of itself.
I woke in my cell late (or should I say early morn, at 2:45...so yeah, let's say early morn...the amount of education in here!)....anyway I stared out from my bunk almost 10 years deep in my contrition looking at my cell block number. I was reminded of a time (although constrained now within 80 or so square feet and another man three feet from me) of when I was out there running and gunning on the mean streets. Shot and bee lining it to the emergency room hoping to GOD that I don't bleed to death, homeless and cold seeking any form of warmth...even the cardboard in the woods and under the bridges to stave off the cold...jumped by a gang of well..gangsters...a gaggle of them that's gotta be the new catch phrase...and the worst feeling of it all...nay I say (who talks like this?) the granddaddy of emotional distraught, loneliness...a darkness that could be felt.
So I must concur with some who profess that they weren't arrested, but rescued. As a tear leaked out and I brazenly sucked it up to brave my punishment for my sins, I had the stark understanding that GOD truly loves me. And it's as tough a call to make late in the life of myself yearning to hold my newly birthed yet not seen nor held grandchildren, as it is for those of you not recognizing the very real providence of GOD as HE places some life upon the POTTER'S WHEEL shaping and fashioning it according to HIS PURPOSE.
I so dearly miss my little boy...Dojo..who in spite of his old man is revering a lifestyle replete with the chivalry that has yet to die in a man's challenge for goodness in a world fraught with despair of epic proportions. And my wife...Rosemary whom I've refused to call that accursed "ex" word so flippantly strewn about for common causes from which struggle was too much to endure. It is through better or worse that I've drug her through, yet now in the precipice of the autumnal...so they say (whoever that estranged group of folk are) part of my life, she's come full circle to banter with me over the cyber lines of a tethered and tenuous umbilical commonality, to offer up solace from whence (there I go again) she'll not realize, gains chuckles and smiles in a place bereft of this all important character bounty that reigns in the hearts of those who never give up. I'm grateful to a GOD who can do all that I can not...
Praise HIS HOLY NAME!
...later...
dougie boy
Hello my friends...
..it has been a while as you may know how that song goes. But I've been thinking always on you all. Last night was an unusual night for me and my cellie...of course a few of you know that I speak of the man residing three feet from me. The term familiarity breeds contempt flourishes in such dire circumstances as these imprisoned walls and cells can wrought upon a man seeking a different way...or THE WAY.
It started out as a normal lock the cell doors at 10 pm kinda night, but quickly regressed into an argument about whether one of the two of us turned off the radio, moved the radio, had any relation with the radio from which we enjoy comfort and solace through the advent of NPR and an eclectic taste ranging from oldies...(don't ask...) to some hip hop...opera....talk shows..Los Lobos last night. Anyway I swore that I got up at 4:30 am to turn it off (batteries don't you know) and Sam says that he did something to it (moved it...turned it off...etc.) well I wasn't going to give one inch up there because this is a REALLY important issue! And being the older man by 25 years, I had to be right. During the course of our heated discussion (on my part anyway...he has this excruciating habit of remaining calm--ever since I've known him as a matter of fact--how irritating is that!?! I mean throw out some form of engagement other than this quietness!) But I knew I could show him how to get the props I deserved. As I tried to search my mind of the previous evening's activities (did I get up to turn the radio off? Or like he insinuated was he defense- that he must've been hallucinating..said with a placidness that shames the lake's namesake...okay you want to play it rough then huh?) So I went way back into my worldly self and dropped the one argumentative ploy that would rile his feathers for real. I mean once he threw at me that he was just being logical--that was the hay...the straw if you will--and out it came: The "F" bomb. I said with the true vehemence wrought from years of actual arguing within the ranks of military folk, "you can stuff your f------ logic!" Yeah! Take that mister serenity. And of course I need to add that rarely has anyone heard me use profanity of such acquired ilk as to belong to the prison populace at large, so I knew I had him then. And then he looks at me--all the while he's been calmly (go figure) folding his laundry, and laughs--not uproarishly...rarely has that ever happened, but almost as a chuckle...and this had an effect on me that I can't quite explain. After all I'm a CHRISTian dammit!
So today I wanted to share some of this lesson plan that GOD brought to me via this altercation...albeit one-sided thanks to Sam, but still friendships are so rare on earth. It means identity in thought and heart and spirit.
There is a great deal of sin devised and designed that is never executed. As bad as things are in the world they are not so bad as the devil and wicked men would have them. The FBI just changed the law defining rape to include a broader use that brings men with men into the picture (see Romans 1)..shoot... we of such long time prison lore know all about this. It is GOD that restrains men from doing the ill (such a nice word don't you think?) that they would do (see Genesis 20:6). It is not from HIM that there is sin but is from HIM that there is not more sin, either by HIS influence upon men's minds, or by HIS providence taking away the opportunity to sin...hence some incarceration. In Romans 12:2 there is a stark reminder of how we ought to be..."be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind". See to it that there be a saving change wrought in you, and that it be carried on. "Be not conformed to this world..." me syschematizesthe"..do not fashion yourselves as it means. Those are best able to prove what is the good, and acceptable and perfect will of GOD, who are transformed by the renewing of their mind. The sweet smelling savor- serving the LORD...that is, improving your opportunities and making the best of them..(see my recent example)..complying with the present seasons of grace. Worship is giving GOD the best that HE has given you. If you hoard a thing for yourself it will turn to a type of spiritual rot, as the manna did when it was hoarded. Some of us receive HIS blessings and know HIS WORD, but do we really know HIM? Genesis 18:3...my LORD if I have now found favor in your sight, do not pass on by your servant. Like the song..."Pass me not oh GENTLE SAVIOR...hear my humble cry....while on others THOU art calling...do not pass me.....by....
with all my love to all that is yours...
...later
dougie boy
It started out as a normal lock the cell doors at 10 pm kinda night, but quickly regressed into an argument about whether one of the two of us turned off the radio, moved the radio, had any relation with the radio from which we enjoy comfort and solace through the advent of NPR and an eclectic taste ranging from oldies...(don't ask...) to some hip hop...opera....talk shows..Los Lobos last night. Anyway I swore that I got up at 4:30 am to turn it off (batteries don't you know) and Sam says that he did something to it (moved it...turned it off...etc.) well I wasn't going to give one inch up there because this is a REALLY important issue! And being the older man by 25 years, I had to be right. During the course of our heated discussion (on my part anyway...he has this excruciating habit of remaining calm--ever since I've known him as a matter of fact--how irritating is that!?! I mean throw out some form of engagement other than this quietness!) But I knew I could show him how to get the props I deserved. As I tried to search my mind of the previous evening's activities (did I get up to turn the radio off? Or like he insinuated was he defense- that he must've been hallucinating..said with a placidness that shames the lake's namesake...okay you want to play it rough then huh?) So I went way back into my worldly self and dropped the one argumentative ploy that would rile his feathers for real. I mean once he threw at me that he was just being logical--that was the hay...the straw if you will--and out it came: The "F" bomb. I said with the true vehemence wrought from years of actual arguing within the ranks of military folk, "you can stuff your f------ logic!" Yeah! Take that mister serenity. And of course I need to add that rarely has anyone heard me use profanity of such acquired ilk as to belong to the prison populace at large, so I knew I had him then. And then he looks at me--all the while he's been calmly (go figure) folding his laundry, and laughs--not uproarishly...rarely has that ever happened, but almost as a chuckle...and this had an effect on me that I can't quite explain. After all I'm a CHRISTian dammit!
So today I wanted to share some of this lesson plan that GOD brought to me via this altercation...albeit one-sided thanks to Sam, but still friendships are so rare on earth. It means identity in thought and heart and spirit.
There is a great deal of sin devised and designed that is never executed. As bad as things are in the world they are not so bad as the devil and wicked men would have them. The FBI just changed the law defining rape to include a broader use that brings men with men into the picture (see Romans 1)..shoot... we of such long time prison lore know all about this. It is GOD that restrains men from doing the ill (such a nice word don't you think?) that they would do (see Genesis 20:6). It is not from HIM that there is sin but is from HIM that there is not more sin, either by HIS influence upon men's minds, or by HIS providence taking away the opportunity to sin...hence some incarceration. In Romans 12:2 there is a stark reminder of how we ought to be..."be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind". See to it that there be a saving change wrought in you, and that it be carried on. "Be not conformed to this world..." me syschematizesthe"..do not fashion yourselves as it means. Those are best able to prove what is the good, and acceptable and perfect will of GOD, who are transformed by the renewing of their mind. The sweet smelling savor- serving the LORD...that is, improving your opportunities and making the best of them..(see my recent example)..complying with the present seasons of grace. Worship is giving GOD the best that HE has given you. If you hoard a thing for yourself it will turn to a type of spiritual rot, as the manna did when it was hoarded. Some of us receive HIS blessings and know HIS WORD, but do we really know HIM? Genesis 18:3...my LORD if I have now found favor in your sight, do not pass on by your servant. Like the song..."Pass me not oh GENTLE SAVIOR...hear my humble cry....while on others THOU art calling...do not pass me.....by....
with all my love to all that is yours...
...later
dougie boy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)