Fire in the Sky

Fire in the Sky, originally uploaded by Snakelover61.

Friday's sunset made me gasp! I ran for my camera and took this photo. This was taken from my backyard looking west toward Lake Ray Hubbard. Wasn't it beautiful? Honestly, my photo doesn't do it justice.

The best part...

I know the artist personally.

"Someone"

First of all, the picture has nothing to do with this post; I just hate posting a blog without including a picture. I got to talking to someone online tonight about paranormal experiences. I told them the following true story. Having already typed it all up, I decided to share it with you as well.

I will warn you that what I'm about to tell you might seem strange to some. Heck, it's strange to me too! You may draw different conclusions than I do and that's ok. You may just say to yourself, "Then David got weird for a while." I promise to return to normal.

About 23 years ago, I experienced something that I can't fully understand, but was very real to me. It was at a time when my first marriage was on the rocks. I was very distraught. One night I lied awake for a long time thinking about all this before I finally started to fall asleep.

As I entered that semi-sleep state, I became aware that "someone" had sat down on the edge of the bed right next to me. I wanted to open my eyes, but I couldn't. Nor could I move. But I could feel the mattress slowly sink in on that side and I was very much aware that someone had begun sitting there. So close that I could feel them against me. I'm not sure, but I think they placed a hand on my arm. But they did not touch my skin directly, as there was a sheet and blanket over me.

I was simultaneously aware that my wife was still lying on the other side of me and I knew that we had been alone in the house with the doors locked. I was very aware of time and place and that I was in a semi-sleep state. The strange thing is I was not at all frightened. In fact, I instinctively knew that this "someone" was there to comfort me. No words were spoken. I did not see them; my eyes were closed the whole time.

Try as I might, I could not fully awaken myself. But I remained in this semi-sleep state and aware of the presence for what seemed like a long time. A peace gradually came over me and I eventually fell into full sleep.

When I woke up in the morning, I could remember it distinctly as happening several hours prior. Which is very unlike dreams for me. I usually have a very hard time piecing together dreams once I awaken, even when I was having them immediately before awakening. This was very different than any dream I've ever had.

I can't explain why, but I knew it was someone of the male gender. I feel that this was either a relative that had died, an angel or Jesus himself. In any event, I'm grateful to this "someone." They helped me through a very difficult time.

OK, that's the story. I'll get right back to normal now.

First Amendment, The Original Version

Do you know what The First Amendment really means? If you've formed your opinion from what you've heard from the media, you most likely think The First Amendment has something to do with keeping God and all things spiritual out of the government and all public institutions. But that's simply not true.

This video makes it very clear that our founding fathers intended for The First Amendment to mean something very different from the self-serving, twisted interpretation most commonly presented by the media and our current government leaders.



Please pray that our leaders will return to God and the freedoms and beliefs that made this country great in the first place.

Running My Race

I am 49 years old. On May 3rd, 2011, I plan to turn 50. I say “plan to” because I could be run over by a bus or Jesus could come back. But barring any unforeseen or unusual circumstances, I will be a half-century old in less than a year. Five-0. That, my friends, is a milestone birthday if there ever was one! And cause for celebration!



How should I commemorate such an event? Well, I may mark it in many ways and I reserve the right to add to the list as I go along. But I have been giving this some thought and have decided on at least one fitting element of the celebration... good physical health.

After all, I have much to live for and a lot of great living ahead! Have you met my girlfriend, Mindy? Yep, she will keep me busy enough! And then there are my kids! And perhaps… one day… grandkids! So, going forward, I see my life filled with a lot of fun, youthful activity. There’s just no way around it.

To put it simply, I’ve got things to do. I am quite certain there are many tall mountains left to climb and all that mountain climbing could make me tired and out of breath if I don’t take good care of my body. I will. It's important.

And so I have decided that, among other things, I would like to celebrate my 50th year with a physical challenge. Something that makes a statement about the life that still lies before me and what it will require of me in order to enjoy it to its fullest potential. I want to do something that quite literally propels me into the next season of my life.


My Goal: Run a half-marathon. 21 kilometers. 13.1 miles. Uh huh.

Being that I have never been a runner in my life, I do not feel qualified to even consider a full marathon. Of course, the word “marathon” has that romantic ring to it. I can almost hear the soundtrack from “Chariots of Fire,” can't you? But as someone who has not yet run his first race, I must learn what it is I am even asking of myself. I feel a half-marathon is a realistic goal. I can envision it. It “feels” attainable. A half-marathon. Goal set. Check.

But one does not just get up off the couch one day, walk outside and run 13.1 miles. You have to work toward it. At least that’s what I have been told. Remember, I am not a runner... yet. On the other hand, I am not a couch potato either. I work out. I lead a relatively active lifestyle. And I believe I am in reasonably good physical condition. So how do I start the process? I jump in with both feet. (Pun intended.) I commit. That’s all I know to do at this point. So here goes nothin’...

I am now registered to run the “Hottest 10K” on August 15th at White Rock Lake in Dallas. A 10K run is 6.2 miles. I might have been inclined to start with a 5K, but one doesn’t happen to be offered at this event. So 10K it is.

I’d better get to runnin’!

The Light of a Clear Blue Morning

It's been a long dark night,
And I've been a waitin' for the morning.
It's been a long hard fight,
But I see a brand new day a dawning.
I've been looking for the sunshine,
Cause I aint seen it in so long.
But everything's gonna work out just fine.
Everything's gonna be all right,
That's been all wrong.

Cause I can see the light of a clear blue morning.
I can see the light of a brand new day.
I can see the light of a clear blue morning.
And everything's gonna be all right,
It's gonna be okay.

It's been a long, long time,
Since Ive known the taste of freedom.
And those clinging vines,
That had me bound, well I don't need'em.

Cause I am strong and I can prove it,
And I got my dreams to see me through.
It's just a mountain, I can move it,
And with faith enough there's nothing I can't do.

And I can see the light of a clear blue morning.
And I can see the light of brand new day.
I can see the light of a clear blue morning.
And everything's gonna be all right,
It's gonna be okay.

-- lyrics by Dolly Parton, "Light of a Clear Blue Morning"



Folks, I'm actually beginning to believe everything's going to be all right, it's going to be okay. Yes, it's been a long dark night. But, if you look closely, you can just begin to see the light of a clear blue morning. It dawned yesterday in (of all places) Massachusetts. And on November 2nd, I believe it will shine brightly across our nation. A change is coming. And this time it's for the better. Finally, there is genuine hope.

Congratulations, Senator Scott Brown.
Congratulations, Massachusetts.
Congratulations, America!

There's a brand new day a dawning!

f-stop Friday - Old Glory Alaska Style

We will never forget.

Bittersweet Daddy Moments

Mindy and I attended a wedding on Saturday. Here is a picture of the beautiful bride dancing with her daddy...



They played "Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman. As a dad, this kind of hits me on a visceral level. I don't know that there is any way to fully prepare your heart for the rollercoaster of emotions that must come on a day like this.

Watching his little girl ride away with the man of her dreams...



I guess it's kind of unusual that I didn't include a picture of the groom. They do look so happy together! It was an absolutely beautiful, joyous and wonderful wedding and reception! For more pictures, go HERE.

But this post is for the member of the wedding party that I identify most with...

the daddy.

Here's to you, Tim. Well done, my friend!

Wacky Wednesday - Love Your Job

ALWAYS FINISH
Anonymous

If a task is once begun,
Never leave it till it's done.
Be the labor great or small,
Do it well or not at all.

I hope today's post helps you to greater appreciate your job! I borrowed the idea for the cartoon, but created it myself. Incidentally, this is my 50th post! As Mindy says, "Yee haw!"

:-)

Happy Wednesday!

The Campfire

Around the Campfire, originally uploaded by Snakelover61.

It had been warm for February, but the night brought with it a chill that seemed perfectly suited for a cozy campfire. The sky was clear of clouds and we were far enough from the city with all its extraneous light to be able to see not only the constellations, but also all the tiny little stars that so often go unnoticed. I am not well versed on the constellations, but I do have my favorites. There was the Big Dipper near the horizon. And almost overhead was Orion's Belt. I have always thought his bow looks more like the tail of a scorpion and his belt, the scorpion's body. But I am not the namer of constellations and I accept my place in the galaxy.

As I looked to the sky, I marveled at the vastness of the universe and at the magnificence of its (and my) Creator. I suddenly felt very, very small. And my troubles felt even smaller. This was good for my soul and it had been a long time in coming. I needed this more than I had realized.

The fire ring was simply stones gathered and arranged in a circle. It had seen many fires before this one. Earlier I had carefully shoveled out the old ashes, which had been compacted by past rains. I had gathered the wood, mostly fallen cedar and mesquite, but also a few pieces of live oak. The pieces were stacked neatly a short distance from the fire.

I had arranged the starting pieces. First kindling that surrounded a large clump of "fire starter" that I had collected from the lint trap of my clothes drier. Over top of that, I had placed progressively larger pieces. When I lit the lint, it burned quickly and I remember wondering if I would need to find the charcoal starter fluid. But I was in luck and the kindling caught. The flames slowly engulfed the rest of the wood. Yes, this campfire was well planned and executed. And now here I sat in the fire's glow, enjoying the fruits of my labor of love.

The night was quiet except for the popping and crackling of the campfire and the occasional yapping of coyotes. It was a good campfire and now it had been burning long enough to produce the beautiful glowing coals in its center. My eyes were focused on them. I watched the colors and shapes slowly changing, mesmerized in an almost trance-like meditation. My thoughts wondered freely from one thing to another. But mostly I thought of nothing at all. Beautiful peace.

The fire's glow lit up the faces of friends gathered around. Occasionally, we would talk about the events of the day or share stories from long ago. And at times the cool night air would be filled with laughter. At other times, we would just sit silently, sharing the moment and enjoying the magic. Yes, there is something very special about a campfire. And it's even better when shared.

Just then a figure stepped out of the darkness. Was it another friend coming to join us perhaps? That would be wonderful. The more, the merrier. But this new person did not take a seat. Instead, they just stood there on the edge of the darkness. My eyes strained to see if I could recognize a familiar face. Who was this new arrival?

And then I heard it. There was no mistaking the distinctive sound of a stream of water landing on the hot coals below. The coals sizzled and sputtered and a small cloud of steam rose up. In my shock and disbelief, it took me a moment to realize what was happening. Could it be? Yes! Someone was peeing on my campfire!

But why would someone do such a thing? Have I offended you in some way? Have you never known the joy of a campfire of your own? Or shared in the warmth of another's fire? Has life been cruel or love unkind? Was your campfire of hope extinguished by another? The questions raced through my mind. But then, just as quickly as they arrived, they were gone.

I picked up another stick of wood from the stack and used it to stir the coals. Then I threw it on the fire and watched it blaze up. And I knew that all was well. For mere urine is no match for a well built campfire.

Wordless Wednesday - A Story Without Words

Her Shoes

Her Shoes, originally uploaded by Snakelover61.

On a weekend at Lake Texoma, my love took me to the place where she and her family used to camp when she was a little girl. I was very touched that she wanted to share this with me. She took her shoes off and waded to the other side of a little cove. It was sweet. When she was a little girl, this was quite a swim for her and her sister, as the water was much higher then.

I saw her shoes there on the sand and something just compelled me to take this picture. I always kid her about how ugly these shoes are, but they're starting to grow on me. She's growing on me too! They say you shouldn't judge someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes. This photo reminds me that sometimes I need to take the time to pause and just try to see things from her point of view.

God, thank You for all the things You've taught me and continue to teach me about love and relationship. And thank You especially for putting this wonderful woman in my life to love and be loved by.