Natural Relationships

Natural Relationships

As a believer you want to avoid these "get to know you as a person" type of thinking.  Don't just want to "be" with someone.  It is O.K. and healthy to have sexual goals and desires.  These are not stifling things, but they make life exciting, they are not "evil" or "dirty".  People often gravitate toward "I want a real relationship with someone who cares" and this is fine, but often we are not honest about what really enthralls us and we settle for wanting "ordinary and situations, which we might conjure up in our minds, but might not actually exist!  Being a good person is of course essential.  I'm not telling you to go out and sell your body for profit, mind you!  Try to be a little more honest however about what your real needs are as a person.  

Have a good day.

d

George Foster

 George Foster

My friend John Epp, knowing I was a die-hard Met's fan, gave me a book about the 1986 Championship Mets team entitled, "When the Bad Boys Won".  Well, George Foster, the once great Cinncinati Red's slugger and triple-crown contender, had been on the club early in the season when an altercation occurred on the field one day.  In routine fashion, every team member cleared the bench to support their teammates in the fracas.  However George, apparently the pacifist of some sort, would not engage himself in the controversy.  Well, I have great respect for George and Ray Knight his friend on the Reds who was also traded to the club often would vouch for George and his good character.   But even if you team is wrong in life, you must support them and stand by their side.  Of course, it may in George's case have been a wiser choice to abstain in his behavior from a concern for his personal edification in some fashion.   However, you have to stick up for your teammate, co-workers, or such.  The greater cause or purpose is mostly important than your personal goals or desires.

God Bless,

d

p.s.  George, do you reside in New York or it's proximity? lol  take care

Jim Lovell

 Jim Lovell

You know one of my favorite films is "Apollo 13" which recounts the Apollo 13 predicament, a NASA space mission in the early 1970s which went defunct due to a mechanical failure pertaining the the structure of the spacecraft.   Tom Hanks, the actor who portrayed Lovell in the film, relates Jim's observation that they the astronauts aboard the craft were not the true heroes in getting the disparaged crew home safely.   It actually people down on earth mainly at the Houston based Johnson Space Center who capitulated an devised a plan to save the lives of he and the crew.  Isn't that true for everyone.  At times, when I'm writing songs or playing my music, I think of so many people who offered in an indirect way wisdom which added to my person without which the manifestation of any talent which I might possess would never have occurred.  Quite honestly , I'd still be in a mental vacuum no any doubt!  

Remember not your achievements but the blockers who moved your obstacles from the path.

God Bless and have a good day,

d

Your Girlfriend

 Your Girlfriend

I use this title to address fellows because it is a transiently pleasant phrase which most of them use to describe the social phenomenon, if you will.  You know, even if your romantic interest resembles Jennifer Garner in some "Scarborough Fair", "Wuthering Heights" fashion, remember, the bottom line is you must respect her person in an entire way.  This probably sounds like Masters and Johnson more so than the Bible for the believing man, but it is my inference from a healthful and wisdom based viewpoint that it is a thought not good to betray!   Proverbs talks about the respectfulness and gentility and furthermore spiritual pleasure in respecting the woman in every way.  We don't generally need the verse reference I suppose.   OK , sexual gratification, there is no other, guys!   But women notwithstanding (my favorite legal word)  are people just the same.   Unequivocably true.   My father taught me a large vocabulary, but bear with me I am attempting to use it to my and your spiritual advantage!

God Bless and Happy Holiday,

d

Perfection

 Perfection

 

You know I was sitting in my apartment today thinking, "how am I going to conquer my problems in life?"  Not being specific about them, mind you!   Well, we all have to remember I was thinking as I was exiting the bathroom that we are covered by Christ.  It does not matter how imperfect we are.  Do not put pressure upon yourself to be perfect.  It will never happen. Although you may seem and feel pretty bad about your problems and shortcomings,  God loves you more than you know!   He will always forgive you number one and He is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance.  1 Peter 3:9  So it sounds cliche, but hang in there and most of all relax. You engender more hope and furthermore, you have more clarity and strength in this. 

 

God Bless,

 

d

Oh My Gracious

 Oh My Gracious

You know, my current situation tests my faith.  My apartment in the city of Cohoes, NY is in jeopardy.   Furthermore, I like to bowl and perform my music here, but that is in jeopardy, also.   I may at this time have to return to the DePaul Residence in Albany, which I do not wish to do.  Of course, I have the pastor praying for me!   It occurs to me that we think when bad things happen that we have offended the Lord or the current public authorities if you will and that is the reason for our plight.  But  the Lord assured me in my Spirit that this is not true.   The Lord (it seems!) always looks after us in a unique way.  This may seem hard for comfort, but try resting in Him when you feel so uniquely challenged in your faith walk.  Who knows, things may not be as bad as they seem or your prayers might be answered.  Try to remember and do not forget or rather ruminate that the Lord He is always good.  I'll try, too!

 

God Bless, 

d

Joel Osteen

 Joel Osteen

You know I was watching Joel's ministry this night. People generally have a misconception of successful people. They get intimidated by this positive talk, if you will.   But these people and their message and attempt to aid people are often mus-perceived.   Joel is not asking you to be Cain with your affairs, nor to totally negate your bad qualities.  In an attempt to motivate people, perhaps they seem excessively and intimidatingly positive, and you feel you can not measure up in your efforts.   But he is really saying for you to work with yourself in a realistic fashion, which is true positivity.  Do not go around thinking that embracing positivity is going to place you in the Lakewood Temple!   Being positive within the reality of your true situation is more what Joel is getting at with the message.  And remember, reinforce you efforts with prayer.

God Bless,

d

Aspects

 Aspects

 

People have so many aspects as believers.   There is faith.  There is sin.  There is integrity.   There is conflict.  Nobody is all of them all of the time.  You want certain goals in your life, but you are not always true to them.  You wish not to sin and have everyone think you're so sincere, but you are not.  The bible says, "but a faithful man, who can I find?"   It true in the real life experience sense.  It is one thing to have people tell you, reassure you, and comfort you in this, but it is better to experience it yourself in a way which relates to your actual life experience.  Too many times and I've seen it all too often that  people revel in this finding things that are better about them than others.   This is hard to realize and navigate, at least for me.    So many times I find fault with others.  I do it all the time.  It takes time to set your priorities, your talents, your personality, and your fulfillment in life in being a son or daughter of Christ, if you will, in perspective, or at least in greater, more peaceful , assuring, graceful living .   I sound rather like Jim Daly lol.  I am not! 

p.s. I had a boss once a woman named Pat.  She noticed by my mannerism in whatever I was doing at the time at work that I was trying to act out some biblical virtue.  She sarcastically commented, "he read it, and he did it, yes sir!" or something to that effect.  But I learned a great deal from this small incident.  We often think we are going to be these great, balanced, cogently wise Christians in less than a fortnight!  It never happens!   Mother always said life is a process, and don't worry about anyone finding you out. It is everyone.

 

God Bless,

 

d

Jennifer Aniston

 Have you ever had Church's Fried Chicken?  Well, if you haven't, you don't know what you're missing, boy!  Look, after witnessing to Jennifer Aniston, and I have let me tell you, you do not want to hit on her.  That is preaching to the choir and has got to do with some kind of humanistic perspective, as my good friend and colleague Dr. James Dobson would say.     Seriously, keep in the Lord.  You can  joke around and humor is good salve, but keep it real, as my real friend Ernest at McDonald's used to say, capisce?

God Bless,

d

The Rich Man

 The Rich Man

A lot is said pertaining to the faith concerning people of wealth.  Well, the Lord certainly says that it is especially hard for a numismatic ally blessed person to enter His eternal favor.  However, I imagine in my own interpretation, if you will, that it concerns not how he or she parts with their belongings, yet how they disburse their heart in the matter.   It seems more concerning each person the affairs of their heart, not the  transactions in their ledgers.

God Bless,

d

Bill Jacobs

 Bill Jacobs

Bill Jacobs was a member of a Baptist Church where I got saved in Clear Lake, Texas back in the late 80's with his lovely wife Donna.   They were in the Single's Outreach group before they got married.   He helped me move with his pick-up truck into my one bedroom apartment in the Braeswood section of Houston when my mother passed away.  We had gone on in the Single's but one day Bill said to us off-the-cuff, "watching a lot of movies, huh?"  Well, I perceived this as an accute observation.  Although there was nothing wrong with partaking and enjoying the "baby boomer" movies of the period,  he was pointing out that perhaps our focus was more on the films than our relationship to the Lord.    I always remember Bill and his admonishment.   I hope that this Thanksgiving Bill and Donna are well wherever they might be.

God Bless, and Happy Thanksgiving,

d

The nice clothes you wear

 The nice clothes you wear

A lot of believers put an emphasis on their appearance of Godliness.   It seems there is an emphasis on "looking good" these days.  I suppose this is not new.   I've seen some pretty dainty pictures of men and women in "rugged" past Christian times!  Of course, Savannah Guthrie can't come on the today show dressed like a rock star.  But if your emphasis is that by virtue of how you "appear" to people rather than who you really are in a heart-soul way then there could be a problem in your faith walk.  Jesus talked about the pharisees who had an outward appearance of Godliness, but were not cleansed of their filth.   Of course we all sin, mainly many people enjoy their sexuality, and for some this capitulation may not be a stumbling block to another.  There are men and women who enjoy sexual attention.   But you have to discern in a gift sense I suppose.  There are no set rules when it comes to people. Paul often addressed churches in a fashion which addressed a certain particular problem which may have not pertained to all people in other churches of his day.  People sin and it's a fact.   Certain situations are more harmful to some situations than others.  Single people may choose to engage in sexual activity, but this does not mean they are bad people.   It happens and it's silly Pollyanna thinking to pretend that it does not.   Single people have a lot of problems, too.  Mainly the majority of them wish to be "on the other side"  and may have a lot of anxiety in certain areas.  The bible says mercy is better than judgement.   Let's walk closer to the Lord in this way, if I may suggest.

God Bless,

d

In your anger do not sin

 In your anger do not sin

 

 

There are always, regardless of the virtue we purport to possess, things and events in our lives which make us angry.   Well, they come up sometimes, quite unexpectedly.   I once read a story from a Bible tract or such about a woman whose husband did something that made her so hopping mad that she did this very mean and irrational thing to him!   I do not recall, save myself, what it was!     The point of the related biblical passage I suppose is that you have to find some way to redeem yourself, regardless of the point of day of the occurrence because it is very bad albeit  it doesn't seem so to leave it "hanging", as they say.    So if your brother or sister offends you or perchance you offend yourself,  please make the proper amends for the good of your soul, which really is all that matters.

 

p.s.  I do not always do these things myself!

 

God Bless,

 

d

David Simmons

 David Simmons

When I first started in formal music, I had a Christian friend named David Simmons.  Now, I was in a Southern Baptist congregation.  First thing is, David was a southern guy who did not judge me "easterness". Actually, he found most of my New Yorkish reference and anecdotes and miens quite amusing and refreshing.  This made me feel quite at home in an atmosphere of which I was not accustomed.  I am humbled and ashamed to say that I did not reciprocate this respect at the time.  I had all sorts of things to say about "backwards" southern people and their ways and their faith!   David certainly showed me something.  What a true guy!  I miss him.  I miss them all.

d

Pastor Marty

 Pastor Marty

Marty is a pastor at Victory Church in Rotterdam, NY.   He said an interesting thing tonight on his message podcast.   You have to be in it in the love sense.  And this comes by obedience and reading the Word, known as the Bible to us laymen. Now, I certainly make mistakes, ask anyone who knows me.  But the Bible will explain that to you.   Paul, a converted apostle,  said that we all seek to do good.  But it is bad namely in us that makes us do bad.   The good we want to do, we  cannot, because of this evil which lurks within us.   But be of good cheer, He, namely Jesus, has overcome the world.   Now I have a couple of friends who need this Jesus, like we all do! Anonymously, please pray for them.    say this:

Lord, I am a sinner.

I am sorry for my sin.

I here and now repent of my sins.

I come to you now,  knowing that I can't do it on my own.

I need you in my heart.

Please come in me and dwell.

that's all you do

God Bless,

d

The First Thing

 The First Thing

The first thing is, as comes to my mind, is that to be a Christian, namely a follower of Christ, you have to stop and form obedience.  Now you are saying, " easier said than done."  Well, Christ wants to bless you so bad!  So, in order to receive this blessing, regardless of what it is, you have to play by His rules!   Sin has many forms.   Some seem quite obvious, but this actually is not true. You may be generally a good person in some ways, but perhaps you bad- mouth a former lover or have a gripe for some political figure.  Christ commands us, and I know this sounds harsh, but commands us to love people, all people, from the heart.   Now pride gets in the way, because our dreams and goals make us often proud and boisterous an so forth. This leads to error almost in all cases.  A mature Christian must learn to trust Christ even when bad things happen.    This is not playing hopscotch, for sure.   So hang in there, and walk in His blessings.

 

God Bless You,

d

Cell Phone Killers

 It is not everyday that we as songwriters become social commentators.  But this day was my day!  I do not know where exactly I picked up this strange chord sequence, but a African American fellow came by my street performance in Cohoes one day and challenged me to come up with something soulfull in conjunction with what was emanating from his boombox, so I came up with this.  The song which I adapted to it was an idea about something in society pertaining to behavioral phenomena which I observed.   It that I surmised that an underground had formed of cell phone users who were attempting to manifest a cause of which I was not certain. I wrote this song about it entitled "Cell Phone Killers."  I hope you like it.    d

7-10-8-7     4 string bar

went to church one day

talked to a girl showed me the way

told me to be

a cell phone killer

Holy Spirit had its day

big sharp objects and some frays

today is gonna be the day

cell phone killers

God became a WU telegraph

searchin' for these epitaphs

fakin' all the charts and graphs

cell phone killers

reason was a friend of mine

now I sin and do my time

groupies and a pantomime

cell phone killers

ref:    17-9-7    four string bar

hadn't any church after that

got a great big brain attack

Turner and the great big facts

cell phone killers