Covetousness

 Covetousness

 

 

My brother and I jointly own certain acquired good previously owned by my deceased mother's.  However, there is this speculation about their ultimate fate.

Well, if you are truly a Christian, or rather you are a Christian,  then I suppose 

we would not "want" or "covet" anything, notwithstanding it's convenience or value.  It's often not love interests or romantic interests, they merely physical needs at times and not things we covet, unless we have some rather extreme problem!  

 

Further, I am a bowler of some ability and I suppose being really good can be an "idol" or motive, if it is attributable to some personal success or achievement.   I suppose it all depends on the person and particular situation.

 

 

Have a good day and God Bless,

 

d

The 1987 Indy 500

 The 1987 Indy 500

Al Unser, Sr. was a very successful Indy Car driver who had won the famed race twice in succession in the early 1970s.  Well, in 1987 he crashed his well positioned qualified initial entry and was forced to take a lesser advantageous grid position with his backup car, as per the rules.   Ostensibly, Al had little chance of winning.  But with patience and proper use of caution flags and a little screening help from his son, a co-participant in the race, Al Sr. won the race.

Al Unser, Sr.'s journey that year is a lot like many of our lives.  Unfortunate things happen.  But if we are patient to bear our misfortunes and persevere, we can win th victory.

Have a good evening,

luv d

Mr. Boscov

 Mr. Boscov

I always enjoy my visits to Boscov's department store.  They always have what you need and more and all in a pleasantly organized fashion.  Often, their advertised sales and special offers are unequaled anywhere else.  However, Mr. Boscov, the department store chain's founder, tried many times to succeed with his unique retail concept but failed.  Well, you know the old adage: never give up!  "Blessed is the man/woman who perseveres under trial, for he/ she will receive the Crown of Glory which God intended for him/ her".

have a good day,

d

Carol Cleveland

 Carol Cleveland

 

I went through a bad period of life for several reasons.  At this time I had a friend from church, a lady named Carol Cleveland.  We would meet for coffee and she would pass me notes.  She did this long after I had left town.  One particular note had the phrase " I needed the peace and quiet".  When bad times come in my life, often I remember that message from Carol.  It is good advice.  Do it often.

have a good day

d

The Bible

 The Bible

You know, many people including myself I suppose feel that the bible was written for people living in the Middle Ages, anyway, that's when the Book was commissioned in the first place or for people in ancient or "Biblical" times.  This could possibly be true!  However, my personal experience is that it is still relevant in a Spiritual and behavioral way.  Often in life patience and selflessness as purported in the epistles of Paul are vital for human well-being and attempts at success in life in any form.  So on this basis I would conclude that it definitely is relevant today!

I hope you had a good Easter,

d

My Bicycle

 My Bicycle

I have a bicycle which I store in the cellar of my apartment duplex.  It has a problem which I attribute to worn ball bearings in the pedal case where it locks up after peddling a certain distance.  Well, one day I found that if you pedal in the reverse rotation the problem solves itself.  My bicycle is a lot like life.  If  when moving forward you encounter a problem sometimes going back a bit in the reverse direction can get you back moving forward again.

have a good evening and God bless.

d

You've Got to Read Between the Lines

 One of my dad's favorite albums which he enjoyed sharing with us was "Sports Car Songs" by folk legend Oscar Brand.  One of the songs is titled "You've Got to Read Between the Lines" referring to ads for available "wheels" so to speak to purchase or acquire.   Well, I was walking today and reading my pocket bible in my favorite street spot in my town, and I was studying this verse:

John 15: 3-4

" you are already clean because of the Word which I have spoken to you.
Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me."

 

So, I was thinking.   You are already clean because of the word.  I think many people try to reinvent the wheel, so to speak.  It has already been done for you.  You cannot do it again!  By trying to do what God has already done, at times we fall into error in a "works" type of effort.   People will say, "oh, so you're saying that prostitutes are better!"  Well, ironically, the bible say, "yes" , at times!  Let God do it.  He has already.  Avoid an uncircumcised heart.   When we are weak, then He is strong.

 

God bless, 

 

d

2 rook up

 white has to be careful here.   moving R b6 continues the fateful "roll" of rooks, and ultimately foils the stranded black King.

d

Deuteronomy 31:6

 Deuteronomy 31:6

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them: for the Lord your God, He is the one who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."

Well, we all I suppose, have conceptions of who are enemies actually are, manufactured or totally apparent.   They may be some character or personality flaws you may perceive in yourself for that matter.  You may think you are a proud person and you need to kill your demons or something to that measure!   

 

The thing is most people I imagine, and I've done no census or survey, mind you, do not totally recognize who their enemies actually are.  You think some people hate you, whence at the same time you are not sure they like you even perhaps! I do.

 

I am anxious most of the time, I think that this weakness  is my adversary, yet the bible says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, so alternatively, lack of self confidence and self - acceptance may be the problem.

 

I think that prayer and faith are the answer.   You cannot totally know these things. The more you leave it to God, the more peace I suppose you will experience.

 

Have a good day.

luv 

d

Complaining

 Complaining

 

You know we as believers think when things go wrong it is due to some bad thing we did so we try to succumb to the wagging "no, no!" fingers of our earthly accusers.  The Israelite wondered and wondered about for 40 years mostly with a guilt trip about why they were having such a bad time.   

We need to pray and know that "my God shall supply all of my needs, according to His riches and Glory.  He shall give His angels charge over me.  Jehovah Jireh cares for me."

I don't know the verse I'm not very good at that.   But my point I suppose is trust Him.   He cares for you, albeit it may not seem so.  That is where faith comes in.

Have a good day.

luv d

white's move

 I got it right!  How about you?  

White can do no better than to move his bishop to square e5, threatening therefore the attacking piece.

d

chess answer

 capturing the bishop or the knight would surrender both attacking pieces. the book suggestscentering the rook  Re5, but I think that threatening the bishop with b7b6 via the available pawn is better.

d

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