Strike our heel, the enemy will.  But with the Foot of God, we will crush his head!

 

Star of Wonder

“Close your eyes now, little one,” said Mother. “We must rest and save our energy for tonight!”

Throughout the heavens, stars great and small were at peace, soundly sleeping.  Except for Shiner, that is!  He cleverly closed one eye and looked away. Earth below was just awakening.  Fields of green, sky blue waters and rusty red rocks came out from behind the shadows!

"How can I sleep when there is so much more to be seen?" he thought to himself!

 

"Whoosh," a fiery comet flew by. "Hey," said the little star.  Distracted, he reached out to grab its fiery tail.  Mother Star raised her brow and Little Star bowed his head, until it was safe to look up again!

A meteor shower rained down rocks upon the earth.  Speedy asteroids zipped through space.  Little Star giggled quietly; he had never seen anything like this.  Daylight made everything come alive!

Little Star yawned.  His eyes were awful heavy now.  "I'll just rest for a minute," he said, but soon he drifted off to sleep.  So very quickly daylight was passing and darkness once again covered the earth.

Everywhere, stars were waking up.  Once again, nighttime patterns filled the sky as each body of light filled its appointed place.  All except for Shiner that is, he was still fast asleep!

 

In His heavenly throne room, Great Creator stood up.  Looking sadly at the empty throne beside Him, he spoke.

"Tonight, my Beloved Son has become a man ...." 

Angels bowed their heads.  They too were sad.  This seat, once so joyfully filled by Creator's beloved Son, was now empty.  A great sigh was heard throughout the heavenly hosts and then a sudden hush as Great Creator stood up.  Stepping out across the heavens, He walked over to one, little sleeping star, unaware.   Great lights everywhere held their breath.

"Shiner," He said in a voice, strong but gentle.

Two sleepy eyes popped open as Little Star realized who had spoken his name! 

"Come with me tonight," said Great Creator.  "I need your help!"

"But Great Creator, Sir," answered Shiner sadly.  "You know everything.  You must also know that today I did not sleep.  How can I shine when I feel so weak ...”  A big wet tear sizzled, sliding down the little star’s pale cheek.

"My curious little star,” Creator said.  "Tonight, you need not be bright, but only willing."  Then reaching down, He took the flickering little light into His hands.  Power surged through Shiner's body at His touch.

Throughout the sky that night were many bright stars but none quite as brilliant as Shiner.  He was a lantern in Great Creator's hand and brought light and hope to humans below.

"Great Creator, Sir," the little star said, pointing to a small group of shepherds following a path into the city.  "Where are these people going?”

"Wait and see." Great Creator answered.

Three kings on very tall camels stopped to study the sky.  Dressed in colorful robes with fine saddles, they stood out among others on the road that night.

"These are not ordinary travelers," Shiner thought to himself.  He gave them light and encouraged, they moved on until they came to a busy Inn.  In back was a quiet stable with a small lantern in the doorway.  Here they stopped, removing their bags and went inside.

A baby's cry broke through the cool night air.  Friendly animals answered back.  With Creator's permission, the curious little star slipped down to, “take a peek”.  His light formed a halo, encircling an infant boy, quietly sleeping in the hay.  His young Mother smiled, reaching out to touch the light as it streamed past her finger tips and continued back on out into the night.

Each King presented the child with magnificent gifts:  gold, frankincense and myrrh.  Little Star watched in awe.  "Who is this special baby?" he asked.

Great Creator smiled.  "In this stable tonight, Little Star, the Light of the World is born."

"The Light of the World?" asked Shiner.

"Just like you He is small now," said Great Creator.  "But one day He will grow to be a man and finish the work which I have given Him to do."

"And what will be His name, Sir?" asked Shiner with great awe.

"Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father ...." said Great Creator.  Shiner detected sadness in His voice.  “Why would Great Creator be sad at a time like this?” He wondered.

"He has come to save the people from their sins!" 

Shiner did not know what to say.  "Sleep well then, little Prince of Peace!" 

"Your work is finished now little star," said the Great Creator.  "You may rest."

"I would like to stay awake with You Sir," said Shiner, snuggling deeper into Creator's strong and gentle arms.

And there, a sleepy little star gave up the fight, falling fast asleep; though a brilliant light remained in the sky over the place where the baby boy lay.  You see, it was the light of love, flowing …  from the heart of the Father Himself, who provided the light that night.  He desired companionship, someone to share this special moment in eternity with.  The night that His Beloved Son, became a man!   

 

Father, as I looked out my window today and saw blue sky ... I noticed dark smudgy clouds also. Remnants of smoke and debris from fires around us. At first I was offended that I had to breathe the dirty air of other's fires and then it hit me.

"Wake up girl. Pray for the people who have lost their homes and belongings or have been told to leave their homes because of the fires! Be grateful that there are no fires in your own neighborhood."

Right now the air we breathe is full of other people's broken dreams. Our lives continue as usual. Be thankful for each breath you take and pray for those who are discouraged because of the losses they have accrued. Restore them, Father.

Lord bless the men and women behind those dirty, sooty faces ... as they courageously fight the fires and control the burning embers. Bless the families who welcome them home at the end of each shift and pray each time they leave.

Lord, calm the winds that fan the flames and send us rain, In Jesus name. Amen.

Facebook deleted a group I belong to, "Pray for our President." It was a conservative group, 140,000 strong . Had been on for a long time. A group simply dedicated to praying for our president and encouraging each other to stay steady in prayer.

There were rules against bullying or politicking and it was well maintained. Sometimes people would come on and taunt or try to pick fights but I never noticed anybody stooping to their level in order to answer.

I am on other groups and pages where they spew politics, slander, anger, violence, filthy language and hate. I understand this is still acceptable. Bless them all, as they activate their God given, (er) Facebook - given freedom of speech. But praying for the president? To borrow an acceptable phrase, "Come on man ..."

Mention prayer, Mr. Trump or conservative values and Facebook goes into a cancel spasm. Why is this?

Where are we going America and do you think we just might regret it once we get there? Except by that time, don't fool yourself, it will be too late. The cracks are widening for you too!

Anybody who thinks they have a special, "Get out of Jail Free," card better get a "Clue". They will soon find out that, "Life ..." it's not really a game. The lies they buy into, they are not exempt from. Even Big Brother can't hide from himself..

Frankie's Journal:
The Progressive Sniffer

Today we went for a sniff but not before I tried to eat a page of precious passwords. Serves the boss right, she kept me waiting ...

Boss doesn't talk much when we're out. Just short sentences like, "You don't have to sniff every puddle you see. Or, Just because that dog barked at you does not mean you have to poop. I am out of bags already."

Today, Boss stopped to pick up something on the ground beside us. It was a shiny copper penny! Good for you Boss! You finally picked up a cent of your own. She proclaimed with a smile, "In God we trust." Seems her mood improved greatly after that! (Note to self ... scatter a few pennies while we are out.)

So, in closing I will mention something she said, which was not very nice. It must have been pay-back for the password sheet. She said,

"Frank, your poop is move deadly than the virus. Where is my mask when I need it!"

I simply wagged my tail and ignored her. She'll find out soon enough. I ate it."

 When I watch the Sean Feucht Worship team hold their revivals in cities around the nation I can't help but notice both black faces and white faces, shimmering with tears on their cheeks.  Skin color doesn't seem to matter.  It's what is in the heart.  And my heart cries out, "Lord, thank you that we can be united, in faith ..."

Father God, when you chose Israel, it was not even a nation. It consisted of one man, Abraham, and his desire to walk with You. The good, the bad and the ugly ... they all came later. But there was a force separating them from you. As the mighty angel stood before the garden gate with his sword of fire, so the power of the institution of sin, held you back from embracing them. You loved them from a distance. But you loved them.

Now we are the good, the bad and the ugly but still precious in Your sight; our right standing is in Christ Jesus. That is the only difference. We ourselves practice selective humility, obedience and pretty much everything else the nation of Israel did. Please forgive us and help us to forgive others. Especially others in the body. Your Grace does not mean entitlement or favoritism.

Our President is not a perfect leader. We are asked to choose between two imperfect men at this time. Your salvation is not gained by works. We know that. Neither man could come to you and be accepted on their own merits. Neither could either be rejected by just being, "too bad". They stand before you alone on their own records of achievement and personal losses. No debate.

So Righteous Judge, what do You ask from us? What do you search for in the heart of man? What makes you raise up one man over another? You have a Plan. This is about You, not all about us. You will use the man you choose to guide us to where You want us to be. You will hold him accountable to Your Word, and us too.

We are told, humility means to walk quietly and carry a big stick. But too often we use that stick to hit others over the head who do not agree with our way of thinking. We all do it, even our elected leaders. Yes, these actions speak louder than words. They hide our witness. We pray for our president as we pray for ourselves.

Help us to guard our own hearts and discern Your voice above all. May we agree to exchange that big stick we carry, for the one you choose; a cross for the good of all mankind.

Lord, our President is our president. We pray for him as he asks for and appreciates our prayers. May he view this burden on his shoulders as a cross you have appointed him to carry and know that his efforts are not in vain. May we pray for him when he stumbles and trust that you know the road ahead and will walk beside him.

And Lord, I appreciate this page created to support our president with prayer. Bless all who work diligently to keep it up. Prayer opens up doors that cannot be opened otherwise. Prayer breaks any lock that You did not place. Be glorified, Holy God. Bless our President Trump with wisdom and peace. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

 An elephant is a noble beast of burden. Sharing the room with one can be a bit, "all consuming," but they are other-wise amiable creatures. Swinging trunks and tails and tusks are how they operate. Unsuspecting lolly-gaggers may loose their footing but will surly, bounce back.

Donkeys are very down to earth, burden lifters. That toothy smile can be deceiving, but genuine when you get to know it. They are a bit untrusting when you come from behind and their kick can knock you into the next election year, but just announce yourself and let them know that you friend, not foe.

Having a donkey in the room, can be "all assuming". Assuming, that is, there is something to assume and there usually is. The elephants generally provide it. The only burden presently which the donkeys have not been able to bear is, the elephants. And likewise.

Elephants and donkeys didn't ask to become a part of our political system. They would be otherwise friends. One is slow and thoughtful ... but solid. The other is quick and progressive. Nothing wrong with that. We need both. We just also need some wisdom in the mix.

So whether you decide to ride a donkey into the 2020 elections or an elephant, just don't be one.

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I started thinking about the word, politics. What exactly does it mean? I think that an adequate breakdown would be as follows: poly generally refers to multiples. Tics describes a succession of odd behaviors. A succession of multiple odd behaviors. Perfect definition, right? It seems that's not it at all.

Polis comes from the Greek and means city. Politikos refers to affairs of the city. How boring. I like my definition better. Although, I will add the city part. A succession of odd behaviors in the city ... as well as in the country. And affairs? Yeah, those happen too.

So now, we know sometimes, you've just got to laugh whether it's funny or not. Too much "serious" can do you in! It doesn't mean you are caving. Only that, you have decided to step aside and look at the ridiculous side of things. Stop reacting and get a fresh start.

Kind of like one smell or fragrance cancels out another. A distraction like coffee, will clear your nose and prepare you for another smell. If you have burned supper and don't want to start over, serve coffee with the meal. It won't fool anybody's taste buds but maybe, if it doesn't smell burnt ... it will go down a little easier. now exactly what's going on. Elephants and donkeys didn't ask to become a part of our political system. They would be otherwise friends. One is slow and thoughtful ... but solid. The other is quick and progressive.

An elephant is a noble beast of burden. Sharing the room with one can be a bit, "all consuming," but they are other-wise amiable creatures. Swinging trunks and tails are how they operate. Unsuspecting lolly-gaggers may loose their footing but will surly, bounce back.

Donkeys are very down to earth, burden lifters. That toothy smile may be deceiving, but genuine when you get to know it. Having a donkey in the room, can be ... "all assuming". Assuming, that is, there is something to assume and there usually is. The elephants generally provide it. The only burden presently which the donkeys have not been able to bear is, the elephants.
That's my story and I am sticking to it. (O:

 

Willful ignorance ... how do we avoid it?

Humility. Not false humility. True humility which is less common. Humility is a measuring stick we use on ourselves first before we use it on others. It doesn't measure percentages. Whether you are 40 percent or 60 percent, you are still wrong.

Take care of the the 40 percent before you go after someone else's 60. Willful ignorance may win a battle or two, but it will not win the war. True Humility, on the other hand ... is hard to fight against. People will go through the motions, but their own hearts will convict them.

 Truth doesn't fail. It demands hard answers. It stands in the face of fear. It is neutral and rejects partiality. It is not political or partisan. It stands alone if necessary. It makes us work for answers and it is not for the faint of heart.

Truth cannot be engineered, legislated and it cannot be denied. It can be overlooked but it will not go away because it was here before we were.

People fail the truth, looking for assumptions or easy answers. Just like a sailboat skimming across the top of the waters, thinking that smooth, shiny surface is all there is. But no, there is a whole other world beneath them. And that world matters too.

Some want to re-write the truth because they don't approve. Some want to misuse the truth, forgetting that none of us are perfect and we all like to bend and twist it a little...or a lot.

The truth is, we need the truth, even when we don't want it. Even when it doesn't fit our own agenda. Even when it's not politically correct. Because it applies to both sides. Most importantly it keeps us humble. Humility, that's another hard one. Think life is hard? You are right. When we live it right!

Middle Ground Gathering. Some choose the middle because neither pole feels right. Many believe truth is found on both sides and want to work it out.

This gets tricky though ... some stand frozen because they don't want to offend their peers. Both sides. We all have our own comfort zones. No matter how uncomfortable that zone gets, it is ours.
The middle is not necessarily common ground. It is really more about separating ourselves from the fighting poles. Some of us just believe in a different kind of fight. A fight to heal.

This is where we come face to face with humility and forgiveness. Some will never do that. This is where we learn to stand alone ... together. We are tired of being "hijacked" and intimidated by those who want to control us all.

We don't need poles. We don't need polls. We don't need politics. We don't even need politicians to do what we need to do right now. They are not exempt. We need forgiveness, each, from Most Holy God and a willingness to spread it.

There have been so many wrongs committed in the name of right, both ways, maybe we all need to take a knee for each other. Humility, forgiveness … change. It's not as easy as figuring out the equation, 1+1=2, but our world right now is not depending upon solving a mathematical equation. It is depending on us to recognize the steps and take them.

Many lines have been drawn in the sand. There have been threats to stay on your own side. There have been invitations to cross over. There has been sadness and fear on both sides.

It takes real humility to erase the lines. It takes courage to forgive. It takes humility and courage to bring real change. And you may say,

"But you speak in generalities. It is so much easier in theory than in real life."

Exactly, but why should we let that stop us? Each one of us has been given a building block. Use it to build a house, a place of habitation ... not a wall of division..

Isn't it something, that sometimes the greatest thing you can do … is what you don't ? Sometimes, just showing up is the greatest thing of all. You may have come with a plan and your plan was not needed. Don't be offended. Your presence was needed most of all. Sometimes people just need to be confirmed, they know what to do next, but just need to be confirmed and feel your support.

When the world hands you a placard that says, "Victim", do not judge them. Turn it around. On the back in bold red letters write this message, "FORGIVEN." Then hand out bold, red markers to everyone. No one understands forgiveness like one who has experienced and received it. If you have experienced and received it, pass it on.

I've been learning a lot about humility lately. Humility can feel like alcohol on a road burn. Saying no to ourselves when we don't want to hear it. It flat out hurts to do the right thing and takes conscious intervention, or we won't. Feel the pain. Do the right thing anyway just because its the right thing to do

Anger left to its own devices, creates a void, a bottomless pit. Many fall into it thinking they are doing good but they are actually destroying the exact thing they are fighting for.
One person is all it takes to make a whole group look bad. How can we account for the mistakes made on both sides? Does it require endless fighting until the last debt is paid and no one is left to grieve the loss? God help us all.

Words often come across as being demanding and demeaning, even when they are not meant to be that way. Attitudes carry our words and often determine whether they will be heard or not. Some words are like keys though. If we cast them off in a time of insecurity, we may just miss a chance to walk through a door to success or healing later on that can bring us much good. We may never even know that door was there if we let old attitudes and unresolved conflicts get in the way.

Old attitudes and unresolved conflicts follow us around like a junkyard dog, guarding our pain and victimhood. We put up tall fences but people can see right through. These things become monuments and shrines of offense which we pay tribute to every day. That tribute can become very expensive. More expensive than the event itself. There is a cost to forgiveness, sure, but unforgiveness can bankrupt you.

Do not let past insecurities lead you around by the nose. They will lead you right past the answers you need. Forgive quickly before you have time to rehearse a thousand and one reasons not to. Just make a conscious effort to do so. You are better. Let it go.

Do not hitch your horses to a broken-down wagon that will take you nowhere. At some point it will become a hearse, carrying off your dreams and aspirations for life with it. Life is also about prevention. Preventing things later that don't have to happen. You are responsible for that part. You can't blame that part on anybody else. Forgive and live!

Along with this virus has come a 3 ring circus. Too many voices shouting at once.

Reports that some hospitals are pressured to give out false information. Distrust arises. Election season with many public figures more interested in promoting politics than telling the truth. 

Fear which naturally affects us at a time like this being primed to the point that it almost becomes more dangerous than the virus itself ... 

Wisdom is crying out, but you have to be still and listen to hear it.

Mask Etiquette: When sharing a meal it is best to remove your mask, or at least wear a washable one. LOL When entering a store, wear a friendly covering, avoid the "darker" look or you may unexpectedly be sporting a striped variety with matching cell block clothes.

If a masked person wearing glasses walks into a wall, try not to laugh. Warm breath and nose coverings tend to fog up glasses and make it hard to see where you are going. If you are in the eyewear business, stay honest. Don't use this time as an opportunity to sell more glasses … (O:

Just remember, many times our mouths, "over shoot", but our eyes don't lie. Mask or no mask people can still see your eyes. Be kind. The person across the room from you may have just lost a loved one to the virus. That could be why they are adamant about the need for face coverings. Would that change your thought process any?

Politics, media and large institutions deceive and give us reason to mistrust. Judge for yourselves what is right and wrong and don't let them tell you how to think. We are all responsible for who we listen to and where we go from there.

Everyone needs to understand that this is not all about "us" personally. It's hard to find a genuinely independent person. Most are simply, collectively independent … influenced by the larger group of their choice.

Gratitude, understanding and courage must lead. This virus is no respecter of persons. If it misses you, first be grateful. You will likely have an easier time moving forward. If you have been tragically touched by the trauma. It will be harder.

Attitudes lead us around like prisoners on a chain gang. Make sure they are based on truth and worth dying for because if they are not … change. Break free. Think for yourself and don't be deceived, we will never get to that point where the golden rule no longer applies:

Finally, treat others the way you want to be treated. Closed minds prolong the healing process. Hypocrites calling out hypocrites accomplish nothing. Both sides have to let heal in order to heal themselves

God bless America. May America also bless God.

1Nicole Walker

Walking my doggie Frank today.  Love to watch him hop along.  Reminds me a little of Hop Along Cassidy, except maybe, "Sniff Along Frankidy," would fit him better.  He is too busy sniffing to get anywhere!

History is like truth.  We may not like it, but it is a force to be reckoned with.  When we seek to delete it,  act like it never happened … we also loose the ability to learn from it. 

Pay back scratches an itch deep inside somewhere but creates a clear gap in understanding … prolonging the healing process.  Humility and forgiveness are not for the faint hearted.

Without humility, there is no real learning. Just continuation of defense and fighting.  The planting of more ill sown seeds which will require us to go back and repeat a cycle doomed to play its self out over and over again.

 

It's been a while since I have posted anything. Usually just read and follow along with others. I realize that Ogallala Debates has become a vent page. I read posts written by folks that I know are really good people, although I don't agree with your politics, just as you don't agree with mine. I must zero in on this thought. I know that if I was walking down the street and in great danger, these same people who are hitting me and others with derogatory insults and slander for being a Trump supporter would also help me out. They would not check my party affiliation first.

 I keep reminding myself of this. I watched a video of two big bull elks competing against each other until they locked horns and could not get apart. They died that way. Which one won? Fighting words bring on fighting words. Somewhere in those fighting words are real people who are afraid, angry and often hurt. On both sides. Because that is where the answer lies. Nobody has the whole picture and the whole truth. When we start thinking we do, we become just like those we fight against.

Uncle Chuck, as far as wonderful uncles go … I am blessed to know that you have not gone far...

A golden door just opened up and you walked through. On this side, Uncle Chuck, we feel great loss. Through the door, a Family celebration awaits.

Our Christmas Holiday takes on new meaning as we remember that, the Babe in the manger became the man on the cross. The man on the cross, was also the man in the tomb but he wasn't meant to stay there. Earth just couldn't keep Him.

They say, "You can't keep a good man down," Truth is, you can't keep a "God Man" down. And we wouldn't want to, even if we could.

Go with our blessing, Uncle Chuck.

Who's driving the fear train? When it stops at your station and before you join the others on board … think things out well. Make sure that it is going to where you want to be, not just away from someplace else.  Fear will drive you around in circles and by the time you reach it's station, you might find it is safer back on board.... even if it really isn't.  

Someday My Prince will come ...

Someday I'll find the One

Who will love me just as I am

But too much to leave me that way ...

Therefore, will I pass Him by?

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11