"On Vacuum Cleaners and Clogged Filters"

My tidbit for the day:

My vacuum cleaner has been acting sluggish for quite some time. It didn't happen overnight
but has been a gradual process. The beater bar on the carpet head barely turned. After removing obvious debris I thought might be slowing it down, it still made no difference. The suction on the floor head was minimal, and I decided I was going to have to take it to the repair shop. 

The thought occurred to me that perhaps the filters, of which there are two, needed to be changed. They were totally clogged--on each side. It was impossible for air to penetrate, rendering the suctioning feature useless. 

I replaced the filters and what a miracle! Not only was a repair not needed, but I have a vacuum that performs like it was a brand new one.

There is a point to this:  We are just like that vacuum cleaner in that we will never function in the way we were created to if we are clogged up with garbage and debris.  And just like my vacuum, the need for resolution wasn't an outer one, but an inner one. And that can only happen at the hand of God.

Without the breath of life flowing through us, we eventually become stagnant and perish.

Note to self: Check the filters more often.

"Not Of this World"

of: prep. Used as a function word to indicate belonging or a possessive relationship.

Pulling up behind the beast of a truck at the stop sign, the ornate font of the message on the back window made it difficult to readily read. As we both waited, I made out the words: notofthisworld. The message immediately touched me.

Mulling over the truth of that window sticker, I continued to follow the truck after my turn at the stop sign as it became evident we were both heading the same direction.

The world and everything in it is in utter, total, and complete chaos. Disdain for the sitting President of our nation is evidenced across the land; the tranquil peace of those in Europe has been disrupted by riots; parts of South America are riddled by discontent, and Central America is no better. 

Military power is being touted by countries controlled by dictators; still others have expressed the desire and intention to annihilate all who disagree with their religious beliefs, those they call "infidels." 

In my own space, a local citizen was shot and killed in front of a middle school 100 yards away from my home after drawing his own gun, firing first shots at a police officer. I heard the shots and the screams as I sat at my computer.

Recent legislation and the celebration of it allowing an infant to be aborted from 24 weeks to birth sickened me. At the same time there is a total disregard for laws already in place by those who created and enacted them.

Division, hatred, and anger is rampant.

How can one find peace in the midst of such turbulence? Personally, the message given to me is to look up, not down. I am not of this world.  I am in it, but not of it. Simply expressed, I do not belong to it; I do belong to my Creator and His world.

Think of it in terms of a family, a group of people, a citizenship where the same experiences, goals, or ideals are shared. It is not only where one belongs, but where one fits. I do not fit in this world.

I found my little blue truck was stalking the red beast as I followed. I wasn't sure what I was going to say, but I wanted to meet the driver and thank him/her for the reminder given in that window sticker. The truck turned onto a gravel road leading into an industrial parking lot where the driver parked. I got out of my truck and went up to her. “What does the sticker in your window say?” She repeated what I already knew then asked, “Are you ‘not of this world’ too?” Nodding, I thanked her for the reminder to focus on God and not the insanity that is prevalent.

I have no idea what her name is; she doesn’t know mine. But we are of a like mind and we connected.

And so my life continues, having been reminded that God is in charge, that there is a much larger picture being played out than I can see, and that I am part of His plan and not that of the world. And it is eternal.

"On Why Things Are The Way They Are"

It is the unthinkable. How can anyone wrap their mind around the headlines in the newspaper and on television that a 12-year-old boy has stabbed a blind 92-year-old woman to death in her home?

If my mother was still alive, her assessment would be, “What is this world coming to?”--a correct one at that.  Witnessing the current degradation of society and culture, I often find myself thankful she isn’t here to watch it take place.

A family member texted me this morning: “I’m having a hard time with our world right now.”  She is an educator, and the boy charged with the crime is an ex-student, “a sweet but troubled young boy who often popped into my office to chat…what makes a 12 year old murder?”

Change has always taken place from one generation to the next. A breakdown of mores and traditional values, however, is creating drastic changes never before seen in our country, where black is called white, day is called night, right is called wrong, and truth is called lie. 

Young and old alike, including many in positions of power, have no regard or respect for God, authority, or the law. God has either been watered down to an obscure, abstract notion so He is palatable or vaporized out of existence, not to be considered in the scheme of things. Faith and belief in God is viewed as a weakness, for the simple-minded; morality is scoffed at by many, the value of an individual’s life, personal rights, and opinions is superseded by the demands of the masses. A common attitude is that the end justifies the means, whether it’s in government, business, or everyday life. It’s as though a huge tsunami is sweeping across not only our nation but the world.

We are a divided nation, each side repeating the same words yet coming from polar opposites in actual ideology—“We have to stand for what is right; I will take a stand; I want them all locked up; We are not a bunch of sheep; I am not a follower." The two sides cannot and will not come together--they are oil and water. It is a somber situation as a house divided against itself cannot stand.

Viewing the state of things in the spiritual is the only way any of it makes any sense. 

Christ was sitting on the Mount of Olives, and his disciples came to him privately asking for a sign of His coming and of the end of the age. He spoke of the very things happening around us today. "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold." Matthew 24:6, 7, 10-12

The resurrected Christ is coming back again. How and when that is going to happen I have no idea, but stark indicators of His return and the end of this age are all around us, not to be ignored. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." Matthew 24:35 

What makes a 12-year-old murder? When lawlessness takes over and love has grown cold, when there is no conscience, the unthinkable takes place. It is a sign of the time Christ spoke of.

                                                                                                                                   

Put your seat belts on, boys and girls and buckle up. Those of faith have been asked to watch, to be ready, to endure to the end. Oh, yes--and read the whole of Matthew 24.

All things are spiritual. And this is why I believe things are the way they are.

"Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on

what day your Lord is coming."  

Matthew 24:4

"Words to Live By"

absolute: n. That which is independent of context-dependent interpretation, inviolate, fundamental. adj. Certain, not to be doubted.

precept: n. A rule for action or behavior, esp. one based on moral consideration.

Each and every day the ocean’s tides rise and fall.

Each and every day planet Earth rotates on its axis. In a journey of approximately 365 days, it circles the Sun, the center of our solar system, a system filled with it and countless other planets, moons, comets, and celestial objects.

Each and every day mankind lives with weather. It is all around us, all the time. An important part of our lives, we have no control over it. Instead, it often controls and influences how and where we live, our activities, the clothing we wear, and our emotional and physical well-being as well.

Each and every day physical life begins. Conception takes place when an egg and sperm meet, and a cocoon is provided for development and growth within the womb of the mother. Several months later, when life can survive independently, birth takes place when an infant enters this world.     

Each and every day physical life ends. It may be due to age, tragedy, or a malady, but when the essence of a person leaves the body, death occurs.

Absolutes, they are also basic facts of science. Science, however, is only an observer, a discoverer, not the originator or creator. Whether launching a space shuttle, constructing an underwater tunnel, investigating wildlife in a jungle, or planning and initiating a plethora of projects ad infinitum, science cannot ignore these and multiple other absolutes. It is governed and controlled by nonvariables and must operate within those bounds and limitations.  

Often portrayed as opposing and challenging God, science places the burden of proof upon Him to prove His very existence. Even if one does not believe in God as Creator, however, he/she is still living life with Him, and that includes the realm of science as well. Science may reject the Creator, but it cannot ignore the absolute exactness and precision of all that is created, of all that is.   

 

God is absolute. In the same way facts of science cannot be ignored, there are basic facts about Him and His personality that cannot be overlooked when developing a relationship with Him, when living life with Him. 

In my quest and search to find meaning for my life, these words were given to me: “That you might know me, the one and only true living God.”

He is the foundation. Block by block, he has built atop that foundation. While no longer living under Old Testament law, there are basic truths about God and His nature, given so I might live a rich, fulfilled life in sync with Him.

God is love. All that He is and all that He does comes from that base. Certain principles apply, and they are absolute as he is absolute; they will never change as He will never change.

            #1: ALL things are spiritual; things are not as they seem to be.

The base of all in this life, this world, this galaxy, this universe is spiritual not physical.  God is a spiritual being, and we are a part of His world. The need, then, is to have spiritual vision in order to see things as they really are. Viewing life any other way is the same as looking at a black and white photograph of a sunset. The basic form, the skeleton as it were, is evident, but none of the color or beauty is visible. One can look at it yet not really see it.

Wisdom, foresight, intelligence, and thought goes into the mundane experiences of our everyday lives. Multi-faceted and dimensional, they are the basis of discipline, a lesson, a crossroads—all part of the whole of life designed by the One who made us.

#2:  First things first—the inner first, then the outer. The outer, without the inner, is worthless.

The inner of a person is one’s spiritual part; the outer is one’s physical part. God alone can develop the spiritual part of us and to focus on only the outer is the creation of a very fragile shell.

#3:  If you don’t make a decision, the decision is made for you.

People often want to postpone the consideration of God in their lives into the someday. Motivated and driven by the desire to live life “my way,” there is a fear that God might interfere, so He is kept at bay. Never to be forgotten is the fact that in each person’s life there does come a time when there is no more someday.

#4:  If you wait to see, you’ve waited too long.

“I’ll believe it when I see it.” This position has negative ramifications since one never knows when life is going to be brought to a close, and the price paid for standing and living in it is a hefty one. No opportunity is given to repeat life.

#5:  There is a better way.

God’s way is better. It is that simple.

#6:  There are no skipped steps; there are no shortcuts.

Life will be lived, lessons will be learned in the order planned and designed by the Master. Leapfrog is not a part of His plan.

#7:  Just keep going.

Nothing is ever gained by curling up in a fetal position or sitting down in protest. Regardless of how difficult circumstances may be, there is an end and moving forward is the best approach.

#8:  Not a moment too soon; not a moment too late.

Timing. It’s always about the timing--God's timing.

#9:  Stay in your own yard.

“Mind your own business.” Each of us has more than enough on our own plate so that it behooves us to focus on those things that have only to do with us personally. Stepping outside of that space generally comes from a place of judgment or the desire or effort to do God’s work for Him. It never, ever works.

#10: Do not add to; do not take away from.

God means what He says and says what He means. When understanding is difficult, ask what He means. Applying my reasoning to anything He says is dead-end.

#11: In order to become a teacher, you must be willing to be taught.

Time spent as a student is invaluable. I cannot teach what I have not learned.

Absolutes. Precepts. Words to live by—feast on them, absorb them, consider them before God.

"On Ingratitude and Good Manners"

ingratitude: n. A lack or absence of gratitude; thanklessness.

manners: plural noun Ways of behaving toward people, esp. ways that are socially correct and show respect for their comfort and their feelings.

The mansion was built high atop the solid rock edifice, accessible only by a trolley system. The trolley was well maintained and designed to transport the inhabitants and their supplies as well as any who might visit.

It was a landmark in the city; the expansive home resembled a castle, an unusual design in modern America. The new owner had recently completed a massive renovation of the entire space and sent out a blanket invitation to the locals to come visit.  Food would be served, and all were welcome to attend.

The owner was a life-long friend, and though I had not seen her in several years, I knew her well. Parking at the base of the mountain was at a premium.  Vehicles were packed into every imaginable space as hordes of people clamored for a seat on the trolley that headed up to their destination. I finally found a place to park my truck and joined the masses going up the rock face.

A I entered the home it was evident no expense had been spared; large quantities of food were available to all. Unlike some banquets where food is measured out to the ounce per plate, guests were encouraged to help themselves, to eat until satisfied.

The crowd began to thin out as people had their fill and headed back down the mountain. I had not come for the food but to reconnect with my friend. Seeking her out, I found her seated, sad and somber. “What’s going on?” I asked. She shared that, of the hordes of people who had freely eaten at her table, not a one said “Thank you” as they left.

As I opened my eyes, I realized it was a dream--graphic and powerful. In the light of day dreams often vaporize as details are placed just out of reach. This was not one of those.

A few weeks ago, the one I call the “little pit bull” was scheduled to dance at the Christmas lunch meeting of a local service organization. Her dance group was to meet at 11 at the hotel where it was being held, dance at noon, then head back to their respective schools. Mom and Dad were both committed to work, unable to provide the necessary transportation the twenty miles back and forth from school. Could I help out?  “Of course.”   

I picked her up from school. The trip into town was filled with giggles and conversation. I pointed out I was wearing the same boots that tripped me up when I fell and broke my jaw--exactly a year ago to the day. “The same boots?! You are not allowed to walk in those boots, Gram Gram!” As we continued on, I realized I would not be able to return her back to school in time for lunch.  I assured her she wouldn’t go without food and offered several choices; she opted for a favorite drive-through.

The performance was completed, and we headed for take-out food. “Thank you for taking me, Gram Gram. And thank you for getting me lunch.” “Just a minute. Don’t you take your lunch to school?” With a giggle, she nodded her head. “So you actually have your lunch in your backpack, don’t you?”  More giggles.

As we retrieved the beefy 5-layer quesadilla from the drive-through window, she thanked the worker. I commented that her acknowledgements of thanks are important and unusual for one her age.

“Ayden and I are always being told what good manners we have, Gram.  It’s because of you, you know.  Remember when you always made us say ‘Please and thank you?’”  A childhood memory of hers, I had forgotten, though their parents get the credit for consistently reinforcing that same behavior.

So much of our current culture and society is based on what “I want" or, even worse, "deserve,” with zero acknowledgement of what we already possess. Start with the fact that all have been given the breath of life, a gift from our Creator. Often, the only acknowledgment of that gift is made when that breath is removed as people lash out in anger at God because it happened without their permission.  

Our way of life, even at its worst, is better than many others in the world. Ingratitude is an attitude, and it is one that taints and poisons not only the one who has it but all who come in contact with that person.

I had a dream. And yet it was reality. Gratitude, thankfulness, and good manners cost the giver absolutely nothing. May we give the One who loves us without measure appreciation and thanks for all He does for us, all He gives us. It's just good manners.

"O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: 

for his mercy endureth for ever."

Psalm 106:1

                                                                             

"On the Transition of Change"

transition: n. The process of change from one form, state, style or place to another.

A change is taking place in the direction of my life; my life is in transition. As subtle, as imperceptible as the first flutter of life within the womb, I cannot deny what I sense and feel. Undefinable, I cannot express in words what "it" is, though, or where I am heading. The outcome, the end result is an unknown.

The holiday season has come and gone, another new year has begun. This off-season in my gardening business has been a welcome respite, my work load gradually, yet obviously diminished. With a 74^th birthday one week away and approaching a 17^th season in the gardening work, the question under consideration is “How much longer am I going to keep doing this?”  

Reluctant to leave my clients and those relationships, I’ve held on tight. While the income is a nice perk, I am burned out. Work done half-heartedly is worse than work not being done at all. And I am guilty of that. One client has hired a guy to do the “heavy work,” picking up my slack; another had a conversation with me regarding a tentative time of retirement.

The first volume of blog posts compiled under a single cover is at a publishing company. While there is no date set for release of Tidbits and Pearls, it will happen sooner rather than later. An additional stack of posts sits on the table beside me awaiting initial editing and rewriting--volume two, Sermons from a Soapbox.    

The messages of both books are important-- the first sharing God’s desire for a relationship with His creation, the second speaking of God's unwavering precepts that we must live by in order to live with Him.

Priorities are established, and the delivery of these messages is the highest of those.The writing process is time-consuming. My gut feeling is that the gardening business is going to be taking a back seat.

When I established The Traveling Gardener, I never expected to be able to support myself. God has been faithful in His provision of work and health to perform that work. He has never failed me nor let me down, and yet I am apprehensive to leave the work and the income behind.

A basic precept of God is “If you don’t make a decision, the decision is made for you.” My suspicion is that is where I am. God does not change in order to live with me; change must take place within me in order to live with Him.

Transitions are never easy--what was has been left behind; what is to be is out of reach. They take place as we age; as we recuperate from an injury or surgery; upon beginning a new job; after the loss of a friend, parent, partner, or pet. They are an unavoidable, necessary part, an important part of this process called "life." 

As I glance at the stack of printed blog posts, I am reminded of a recent comment made by a friend, “And so it begins.”

And so it begins.

  

"On Gathering Together with Charlie"

“Charlie.  Charlie Owens,” he said, attaching a name to the twinkling, dark brown eyes and flash of a grin.  I had gone to the local mail center to purchase stamps so I could mail the July invoices for my gardening business.  Since it was well into September, it was time.  He had come in to have copies made on the copy machine--"three of them."

Walking cautiously with a cane as he placed his feet with care, it was apparent at a casual glance that he lives with--and knows--pain.  His stature indicated God declared him to be perfect when His creation was completed at a little over 5’ in height. 

The Summer of 2017 brought unprecedented devastation to my home state of Oregon in the form of fire.  Its lush green growth and forestland was ravaged, replaced by blackened tree trunks and desolation.  It is not an exaggeration to say the state was ablaze with no end in sight.  Lack of rain and very hot weather conditions exacerbated any efforts to bring the forest fires under control. 

Glorious, sunny summer days with blue skies were replaced with a grim smoke cover. The sun and moon took on a red hue. Hazardous breathing conditions were prevalent due to the pollution in the air.  "Stay indoors" and "Wear a breathing mask if going outside" were the advisories given.  There was no place to escape the blight of fire.

I completed affixing stamps to envelopes, and the gentleman paid for his copies when the two of us began talking about the long-term damage of the fires to the timber industry. He was a former employee of a large timber company. We discovered we had a mutual acquaintance, a family member of mine who worked for the same company.  That was when he introduced himself, with the request to pass on greetings.

The mail center wasn’t busy, so we stood and talked for quite a while—of the current ruination affecting our state, of family, of faith.

Our conversation revealed we shared values and personal spiritual beliefs. He told of being an altar boy, his marriage to the “perfect” woman, and respect and love taught by his father.  We agreed God needs to be the base of life and all else springs from that.  And that mankind needs to “look up” instead of focusing on the catastrophes taking place. 

 

 “I’m short,” he said with a smile on his face and a chuckle in his voice as he lifted his eyes skyward.  “There’s no place for me to look but up.”

At the age of sixty-nine, he and his wife have eighteen children, two of them still at home. The family prays together twice a day--as the day begins and as the day ends.  Any who gathers around the table with this family is encouraged to share their day and to pray as well. Charlie explained the needs, concerns, and the daily experience of each person matters, and all benefit from that contribution.  "What a gift of faith you are giving your children," I said.  "Of faith and hope."  

Heading out the front door, we continued visiting.  “You are a delight,” I told him.  “I am so thankful to have met you.  And this, right here, is just one of the reasons I believe.”  Charlie nodded in agreement, his bright smile and demeanor touching me.

“I know,” he said.  “I thought I was just coming down to have three copies made, and He had other plans.”  

 

 “He is the great choreographer,” I added.

A strong case is made for church attendance and membership by many, citing this scripture:  “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”  Matthew 18:20 KJV

Charlie Owens and I would have never met in a church; we would have never shared our faith and our lives.  The encounter was not announced in a church bulletin, and it didn’t take place on a Sunday or a Wednesday, pre-determined and organized.

And yet there we were, in the middle of a Pak-Mail office, the “two gathered together.”