Part 1 & 2

When the events around me begin to become unmanageable & confusing, at that EXCACT moment, the knowledge that God has given me exactly I wanted. Control over every second, every person and everything I desire, beams as a light through my soul. That's how much He loves us. ( Pt.1)

However, I have a natural way of creating great chaos in about ten minutes. It is only when I surrender All to Him, that peace and comfort swell within my spirit. Faithful is His Supernatural Love and Kindness for his children. ( Pt.2)

JD 07, 06-2010

14, 06-2010

To live by moral standards to do right by thy neighbor and not lessen them by doing harm, is our ever vigilant cause. To work, not steal food, money, hope, lives. Humble when false glory honors self. Honest when lying would expose fallibility. Seek forgiveness when others we hurt by word or deed. Forgive when vengeance burns within. Love unconditional as our Lord so loves. Let the morrow bring light to your path.

JD 14, 06-2010

15, 06-2010

In a world of fury and sound, where all about chaos surrounds
We run in circles of endless chase, our lives we spend in perpetual haste.
The road to no where is littered with dreams, each a broken heart and left to bleed.
Walk along this journey with care, for every step finds a fallen brother there.

6/17/10 Random Thoughts

Everything make so much sense now! I think I have 3-D-HD-Double-D-ADHA. My attention span is rather short, and I wander a bit in the mind. But, when I do focus, Everything is crystal clear, very large, and staring me in the face. Is there a pill for this?

Open Letter! (Hidden Message)

Ever have one of those days when you just want to stop the world, get off, and walk to your friends house and play for a while?? Only to look around and find out you’re not in Kansas any more? And where the hell is Toto? He was just here five minutes ago. You’re sure because you can still smell the poop on your shoes. Oops, that ain’t Toto!! 

If you’ll entertain the thought of hanging on with me for a short trip, I give my word that this essay won’t slip into something to sappy, overly poetic, or flowery. It may however, run the risk of chasing down the rabbit hole of occasional weirdness.

We’ve established we’re not in Kansas any more. So.. The question begs, where the *%@$ are we?? Well, you are there, and I am here. Clear enough!?!? Not for me. Somewhere along the way we have come to the place in our society where we have replaced good-old-in-your-face conversations with the dreaded inter-face-IM-email. The phone still works, but that’s become to personal. This means that one cannot just go and see that friend, look into their eyes, feel that warmth, or touch one who may need the softness of a human hand. Everyone needs to remember what a touch feels like. When we deny society of that, we are responsible for the monster’s we create. I’m not going to get into the spitting match about technology. It’s here. It’s great. We use it. That’s a discussion for another time. 

Yet you may see how one can ponder just how easy it is to get disconnected, and then stay that way. What is easier, to write upon this screen, or drive 30 miles and hug a friend? To tap out a note in our sweat pants, or call someone from the dark ages who may need to hear they are loved, forgiven, not forgotten, needed, or at least validated as a person whom you knew for so many years??? There is no blame, no guilt. No fingers being pointed. If so, then it is I who assumes that burden, for this is my chosen profession. I use words to connect and convey. It’s just the way it is. This is the world our generation has shaped and built. (Well, not I, I just play guitar really loud.) 

There comes a point in every persons life when this, is just not enough. Where you are in this process is unknown. Perhaps today, perhaps next year. You will know that point when you have to have what’s behind the screen. What’s beyond the keyboard.

Yes, all have grown and moved away. All have families, jobs, responsibilities.
Responsibilities. That’s a funny word. Coming from a guy who was dared to wear nothing under his graduation gown but a smile and socks. From a guy who went to Meijer’s in nothing more then a purple bath robe, black army boots, and a smile. (You gotta see the video.)

Where was I?
Sometimes I just want to be around real, breathing, living, drinking, smelly (yes), and laughing people. Although I can see photos and read thoughts, the internet just cannot replace the soul I once knew. I am missing something most humans desire, contact with intelligent life. (It’s a sin to lie. I’d like contact with anyone I could understand. Intelligence would just get in the way)

Recently I have received a lot of notes from people replying to some of my postings. I am grateful, and deeply humbled by your comments. First, that you would actually read them, ( as this is why a writer writes). Second, that you would actually remember me or care enough to comment. I was not part of any big group in my school. Not a stand out guy. Just one among many trying to find my way. Yet now it is almost a Half Century Later. And collectively we stand atop the mount of midlife, with our days numbered greater behind us then before us. 


Suddenly voices from the past come and offer words so kind. People whom I barely knew, some whom I looked up to, others who took my heart, and some who surly didn’t know I even lived, have taken time to read and report upon my work. 
That one person has read one line of anything I have written, I consider my gift to have been given. As everyone of you have given so freely of the gifts you have received.( I knew I’d find my way back eventually, Told ya’ we weren’t in Kalkaska any more.) This essay is about you. 

An editor gave me great advise, once. Write to YOUR audience. Well kids, that’s you. See, You and I are not that much different. I’m a forty-seven y/o, hair thinning, mustache and beard, gold earring and lamb skin hat wearing, guitar playing man. Today I want to speak to all my friends from K.H.S., FMB, FB, Internet,. And, any family members that may stop by. 

From each of you I have received more then I can possibly express, and you have my lasting gratitude. I ponder the wonder of life’s mysteries, and the mystical journey we have taken to get where here today. Names, Faces, Voices, Places, Sights, Sounds, and Textures create a vision of time never ending. In this vision I see my friends, my family, all doing exactly what they were meant to do. For Jesus said “ To whom much is given, much is expected.” And I see how greatly you have been blessed. Each of you speak of your family. Your friends. Your work.
Hobbies. You post photos of children smiling. Spouses Loving. Life happening. Life living to it’s fullest. Each of you have a received a gift, perhaps multitude of gifts, and by display, before God, you’ve shown how these gifts have impacted the world in such a way that it has changed the very face of the planet we inhabit. ( to bring one smile to one face, wipe away one tear, pleases God.)

I could write for days. Words upon words. We both know that would serve no end, and no meaning would come. It’s true that a nasty disease is taking my days, If I talk of it I’m a whiner, complainer. If not, then I am just stuck up. I choose to remain silent because this is for me and my wife and God and I to talk about. Cool??? Perhaps down this rabbit hole of ripened memories and aged thoughts, I found away to convey a message of hope. Of desire to reach out and touch someone.
Because I believe that each and everyone of you are extremely important, indispensable, irreplaceable, unique, created by God to be who, and what, you are. Maybe you’ll never believe that I’m a writer, or musician, but my brother, my sister, I believe that you are the Greatest, Best, Most wonderful and talented, and may I add, Loving, Persons I have had the pleasure of knowing.
This is not the end. But the beginning of our lives. From here we choose whether to interface, or spend a moment and get in-their-face. 


JD 17, 03-2010

Top Ten: For the most important top 10

A Northwest wind spills over the Lake at just over Six Knots‘.
Cooling the air that sails within to just above Forty- Five degrees Fahrenheit.
The waves roll formlessly upon one another, each assuming the identity of the one before.
A reflection peers back questionably, as if it’s identity is folded in with and washed away with the waves.
A gust suddenly arises, twisting the unseen forces in divergent directions.

Waves begin to rise and swell, individual identity is gone, as the undulation of the surf
Becomes one with the wind. No longer apart, each wave surges into the other, and cascades 
Onto the shore with a thundering roar. Foam and spray fill the morning air, chilling everything it touches.
The reflection once viewed lay now along the shore, shattered into a thousands places among the
Stones and driftwood. As our vision of ourselves constantly changing, so do the perceptions of others 
When they look on from without.

Who are we today? Right now? Would a friend from long ago, recognize the creation we’ve become?
Are we still that of God’s design, or one created of another’s own vision, one that shifts as a morning shadow across an early spring valley?
Like the waves that surge and sway at my feet, the ripples that continue within each of us as we adapt to whatever or whoever is near, will forever alter our true form.
The waves will return to a place of stillness, and be not harmed winds affect. Yet as we constantly shift and
Change to fit every occasion, bits and pieces of ourselves are left upon the rocky shores, and damaged coastline that is our soul.

Be not afraid, for thou art perfectly, and wonderfully made, So it was in the beginning, now until 
The end. Every step we took along this road, has brought us toward this glittered edged. 
Oceans swell and Eagles soar, life echo’s from our souls constant roar.
Be the one you know you are, whom you always wanted to be.
Be the friend you need from me, and love will come when you seek,
This my word, you have of me.

I do not depart the water yet, with the sun beginning to set.
I’ll take my time and count the waves, till darkness fills the sky.
I sit here in the cold and spray, feeling the chill upon my face.
I came with something my heart to say, and now I must lay this in place.

Mine is not to Preach nor Teach. But to express and experience, a feeling or emotion. 
You do not have to read this work. Nor take from it anything at all. 
This is an expression of my life’s trials. 
A few lessons came my way, thought I’d give freely those that cost the most.

There are ten things I’ve learned about knowing, and treating others. 
( It works for taking care of you, too. ) 

Acceptance. Love. Appreciation. Approval. Connection. 
Comfort. Encouragement 
Respect. Protection. Support.

JD. 22, 03-2010.

Mountains

Within all the pendulum of life moves in a cadence of perpetual motion.
Rhythmic, ceaseless, oscillations reverberate unabated unto our mortal conclusion.
Abiding innermost among all, the relentless meter of moments counting away.
Time, Fears no man. Man, fear only the ‘morrow which stole his yesterday.

I am a sojourner seeking solace, in a place not yet my home. 
Where the colors of our dreams mix with the hues
Of others, infused by passion and conceived in desire. We live our lives in the
Imagination, captured by the visions that dance behind our eyes.

Off’ times we lie athwart of lines between self, and the perception there of.
Knowing, living in the truth , must give one pause.
Who we are, whom we pretend or are presumed to be, cannot be dismissed.
Whether to be true unto thy self, or disloyally unto Friend.

Daily I must search my heart. Recheck my intentions, Humble my motivations.
So gentle the sloop rolls down into Self, so lofty the hill rises to reach others.
Two roads diverge in the wood, which choose thee this day.

Look up, into the Highlands, Where Heaven meets in a thousand clouds.
Stretch forth thy hands unto Thy Glory, Reach beyond horizons’ shadow.
Step onto the path of Truth and Beauty. Walk along the walls of Freedom.
Stride In the spirit of love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness,
Faithfulness, gentleness.

The morrow waits your choice. It’s unavailing of your colors.
Give pause before you step foot to earth, prepare your heart for pure air 
among summits seldom seen. For only when the self begins to rise to the occasion
And admiration of his brother, will he first feel the shine of the Son 
breaking through the haze. Fear not young one, for I am there beside you.

The Mountains have I claimed number among the stones, The heights which
I’ve Fallen still ach within my bones. Yet the day beckons, and welcome it I must
For these aching tired bones have a mountain challenging my Faith.
Walk your way Brother, choose your road well.
Or walk with me a mile-or two and should your feet 
Feel the pain, I shall carry you along our way.

Be well, and safe beloved friend.

JD 5/26/10

A Poet's Tale

In a world of fury and sound, where all about chaos surrounds 
We run in circles of endless chase, our lives we spend in perpetual haste. 
The road to no where is littered with dreams, each a broken heart and left to bleed. 
Walk along this journey with care, for every step finds a fallen brother there. 

There is a place where peace still dwells, untouched within our spirits well 
The golden cord which holds the means, To dip within forgotten dreams. 
The river flows within each soul, as we search for treasure of joy untold. 
While all about are losing their way, look to Jesus who holds the day. 

Speak your mind with tales of old, open your heart for all to own. 
A poet’s tale is one of words, to paint the world in ways he yearns. 
Ones true love and passion on fire, words to color every desire. 
Within the realm of thought he resides, expressing without, all inside. 

Inspiration knows no void, where love and compassion forever join 
Speak the truth in kindness first, and quench the hearts of all who thirst. 
Make no man beg his need, when in his hour you can heed 
Prepare your heart to receive, when first you act, then believe. 

The silence of thousand tears, dance in the wind beyond his years 
To know the place from which they came, one need only feel his pain. 
Known by few he walks alone, beyond horizons edge toward his Heavenly home. 
Though he still has miles to go, his eyes are fixed above as the world slips below. 

The world cries out for others to create, explain all things between love and hate 
“Tells where, and when and why“, expose the truth, your soul open while others pry. 
Should the truth be much to bear, eyes go blind while we pretend to care. 
If not beauty or wonder he shares, deafness falls on all who hear. 

A poet’s tale is one of truth, a journey begun in innocent youth 
He grows in age and wisdom learned, gives the mass what they yearn. 
In the darkness when midnight falls, his echo follows in empty halls 
What the words fail to carry, are all thoughts he’s forced to bury. 

He views the world in hues of gold, where friends are cherished, loved and told 
His heart is open for all to see, the gift of love, is always free. 
Write the words upon the page, the world will judge throughout the age. 
Grace and peace his gift to all, and all will watch when he falls. 

There is no end to this story, for when dawn breaks he’ll bask again in God’s Glory 
Should the morrow find him well, another adventure he will tell 
He who has ear let him hear, the poets song of love so dear. 
Who and what is a man inside, no longer will his soul he hide. 

JD. 15-June 2010.

Can we truly recapture a moment in time? The Earth rotates at 1,038 MPH. It travels around the sun at 67,000 MPH. Therefore we are never in the same spot twice. Life in time and space is always moving forward,Theoretically, constant motion assures each and every moment, encounter, embrace, and touch, will forever be locked and Lost, in time. Today, if you give or receive kindness, know THAT singular event will come but once.

New Moon

The New moon doth shine it's gentle glow about your face, bringing warmth and healing as you bathe in it's transparent light. The moon is our midnight sun, guiding us along darkened paths, illuminating the forest of life in which we navigate, with it's promise to always be our protector when all about us darkness threaten to creep in. May your own light ever shine, and be awakened to the new dawn of every tomorrow.

A Humble Thank You, much gratitude, and a love letter to my friends

Every man is born many men, but dies a single soul.

One cannot change destiny, by definition alone the word speaks it’s course.
Our odyssey through this human condition will take us along a multitude of paths,
And assume many forms. Though the ending may have been written long ago,
Precious moments, unique freedoms, and life altering connections are passed
Before our eyes all the days we are given.

When one field lies fallow, it’s time to cultivate another.
We work our howling ground season by season,
Rooting weeds that choke, nurturing life where it’s found.
And everyday we welcome a bountiful new harvest.

To struggle is human, to find our way is personal.
Though our paths are on diverging lanes, times will come
When briefly, a friend will join you in the wilderness.
Should you happen my way please warmly accept
Some companionship, as I listen to what you have to say.
We will come to paths and clearings, brightly lit skies and
Crystal water falls. Dense dark forest with shadows shaped
As our deepest fear. All is open and beckon to our advance,
The brave will venture forth, into the glorious new day.

Our search for fulfillment, Success, and greatness in all we do
Is the creative Spirit driving us excellence.
To do great things is our strive, to do great things for God, and others,
Is His Spirit striving.

All are going their own special way, that unknown passage
One must seek to it’s end. Every man is born many man,
With Oh so many a road to follow. The course will change,
The man will change, just as seasons of the heart do after a spring
Rain.
As pilgrims’ together seeking that distant shore,
In this journey we are all aboard the same vessel.
And by and by shall the new horizon blazon with your joy,
Upon reaching every distant land that lay inside your dreams.

Just as we come to that place of rest and peace,
Our souls cry out in silent wonder, for the next
Great conquest before our time is through.
Many lives we have to live, many a foe do we overcome.

My Brother, my Sister, already far away into our voyage,
Take my hand and walk with me, for a moment now, be my friend.
In the middle of this earthly life, we still seek the greater cause.
Only now ours is with wisdom, having both hind and foresight
As our guide.

I cannot know your ultimate goal, yet I feel we have similar desires,
Succeed in all that you do, but allow failure to teach along the way.
Shift and shape into your mold, until the mold must be broken,
Enter into every new day, and create the vision you hold in your
Minds eye.

What we do, where we go, who we touch, how we love,
Words we choose for enlightenment, or those to break down,
Come from the same heart. As long as we’re walking the same road
as our brother, be not afraid to speak his name, call him friend,
And welcome him rest. For our journey will be long, our travels
May become weary, as long as we remember to offer a hand,
Assuredly all will arrive home into the safe and loving arms
Of he that set this path before us.

I look forward to meeting you along my path in life,
Should time and fortune smile upon our face,
A closer walk with thee is humbly what I seek
When the day is done and all is said
Remember dear one, that you may forever
Call me friend.


JD. 01-April, 2010.

Shadow Land

Throughout the course of human history Wiseman, Scholars, Prophets and Ordinary people with a passion to understand and embrace the human condition, have attempted to explain these few, yet fundamental emotions. Why and how we love, what and why we fear. These seemingly simple, ubiquitous, and universal questions have mystified and perplexed the greatest minds in history from the very beginning of time.

Mine is not to explain these emotions, nor to give the impression that in some way, I have even the slightest understanding of their true depth. Yet I know of their existence, of their power, and the domination of unfathomable love and paralyzing fear such have in ones life.

In each of us there exists a place unseen and even unknown, to anyone except ourselves.

In this realm are the hidden, and unspoken, hopes dreams and fears that we guard with the very marrow of our being. Within this world of shadows we live our lives between who we are in the light, and what we hide from in the dark. In the light, all was well. We ask others to accept us, embrace us, and to love us as we are. In the light, all things can be beautiful. All things can be perfect. All things can be as others want them to be, as others expect them to be. If our desire were to please those around us, we would only show them that part of ourselves, which appears perfect within the glow of light.

The unspoken reality, the silent wall that continually separates person from person, brother from brother, friend from friend, is truth, honesty trust and the understanding that all people have and live with deep, unspoken fear, every moment they live. For each it is different. It comes in many forms. It bears many names. It wears many faces. Though fear may wear many disguises, when it comes we recognize it for what it is. For some of us It is the past. That ugly, hideous, unwelcome stranger of a beast. We no longer recognize, associate, participate or acknowledge.

Although this stranger from our past continues to visit, it is within our will and our responsibility to be sure, there is no home found for him. We have the power and the authority to close that door forever. The choices that we make every moment of every day, will determine whether we live in love, or despair.

For some the beast of fear continually circles us. As a raging beast, seeking to devour. Perhaps one is standing on the precipice, and far below is financial ruin, relationship turmoil,

Marriage expectations unmet. Loneliness. Isolation. Feelings of helplessness when someone to whom you are devoted, or are devoted to you, receives not the care they need or deserve, through no fault of yourself or those around you. It could be health rapidly declining, and at the height of ones splendid years, as ones very demise locks you within its gaze.

The reasons for fear endless. The reasons to love…. Boundless. To love and fear are human. To surrender to love, to conquer fear, is Devine. All that we are, all that we do, all whom we touch no matter how briefly, will leave our mark upon that person’s soul for the remainder of their life.

Even the slightest contact with the loneliest stranger is going to leave them with a part of who we are. We must therefore be greater than our fears, and bring forth the courage, strength integrity wisdom and faith to love, to love and spite of and in the face of overpowering fear

First John 4:18. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” it is the perfect love God has for us, that takes away my fear. For only God truly knows the wretched soul within this broken man. And his forgiveness and love is total and complete. I fear not my past, nor my present, nor what future events may come. If God can so freely forgive all that we were, all that we are, all that we ever may be or do, can you my beloved brother, or sister also forgive yourself, and those who may have hurt you ??

We are here, but a short while, as a mist upon an early-morning River. This river is ever flowing, never stopping to look back to see where it has been, to remember around which bend it last came. While we are here let us do what is right, what is noble what is true, what is honorable. Let us be the first to extend our hand, to offer peace, to end strife between friend and brother. Let us be the first to say “Forgive me” if we have offended another. Let us be the first to say “Thank you” if someone has picked us up, and dusted us off.

And one more thing I seek from one friend to another,
Let us be the first to take the hand of the hurting, those still trapped in the dark by the fear.
And stroll quietly toward the light.

First John 4:21. “And he has given us this command, whoever loves God must also love his brother.”

JD. 4-14-2010-1600 hrs.