Life's Observations ~~~

Calle Juarez in Puerto Vallarta

How often is our observation of life blocked by that which surrounds our moment. One such particular moment for me came on November 7^th, our first day of six weeks in Puerto Vallarta. I was returning from an evening stroll along PV’s famous ‘Malecon’. The picture to the right stood out with it’s striking detail. Though I was sadden by the reality of a young boy playing or communicating on his cell phone. “How times have changed”, I thought to myself.

It was a couple days later while walking down the same street, that the full illumination was literally brought to light. ‘Darkness’, easily “blocks” our ability to fully observe or understand the significance. But it is not alone. Our calendar and ‘to do’ list often prevent us from enjoying the most simple and beautiful aspects of life. And as ‘Jupiterfab’ has revealed in this and many of his ‘Modern Society’ paintings, technology, though powerful and resourceful, can so block our awareness of life’s wonder.

Writing from our balcony, enjoying the sounds and sites of Vallarta. None greater than our -- árbol de aves – that is, our bird tree. Where countless birds with intense colors … hummingbirds, orioles, finches, doves and more have provided a refreshing joy while observing their using this tree as a momentary place of rest in their journey. The irony of their refreshment, providing me with the same.

Life will not fully return to those pre-techno days. Nonetheless, I choose to be intentional … to have moments when I set down the cell phone, pick up the tin can, and be refreshed from that which blocks our observation to enjoy a simple and tranquil moment. 

 

Cell Phones down - in Sheffield, England

Bogota, Columbia

 

Bogota, Columbia

The inspiration of this blog came from two things ... 1) Juniperfab, an artist from Italy who currently lives in Mexico. He paints with great detail and in regards to 'Modern Society'. He writes, "The project wants to create reflection and inspiration for each of us to find a balance between real and virtual life."

Please visit his site in order to view more of his amazing art and how he captures our fascination with technology. www.jupiterfab.com/en/murals-about-modern-society 

2)  I learned long ago the value of 'simplicity' --- the value of 'wonder' --- A favorite author, Ravi Zacharias writes 'Recapture the Wonder' https://www.rzim.org/read/just-thinking-magazine/chapter-one-of-ravis-new-book-recapture-the-wonder --- Those values have been further appreciated as I sit on the patio of our condo enjoying the árbol de aves.

 

                                                               A new song ...

                                                           An old favorite ...

Does The Election Matter?

It’s Tuesday the 3^rd of November, 2020. Yesterday I made the decision that I would not succumb to any TV or media on election Tuesday, remaining distant from the chatter. Whereas many, perhaps most, are caught up in today’s very important and very divisive election. I decided that prayer was my best option.

Fortunate to have traveled to many ends of our world, I have been witness to those who lack the freedom’s we so often take for granted. And yet, even in those countries, those lacking freedom’s we so cherish, yet when they are found to be in Christ continue to have hope … hope precisely because of the freedom that He so grants. One such person who lacked that very political freedom, yet had freedom in Christ, is my dear brother Dr. Asabi Pierre Misambo. Escaping such a country, in turn arriving and becoming a citizen of these United States of America. Now, able is he to cherish both … the freedom found in Christ … and the freedom of his newfound citizenship.

Still … my question is, “Does The Election Matter”? Will God not be in control tomorrow, as I believe that He is this day, regardless of the victor?

By asking the question am I saying that our being involved is null and void? Absolutely not! Having been granted both freedoms, we must “be involved”. Martin Niemöller, friend of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, recognized his misguided involvement in his famous quote: “First they came for the socialist, and I did not speak out --- because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out --- because I was not a trade unionists. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out --- because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me --- and there was no one left to speak for me”. Surely, be involved! Surely, speak out!

Tomorrow I will awake, most likely view the results --- hoping that they are conclusive. Yet regardless of the victor, I will continue to place my hope in Christ --- not in Trump, nor in Biden. And once again, as Paul directs, I will pray … First Timothy 2:1-2, ... for those in authority, that we may lead peaceful & quiet lives in all godliness & holiness. And on the fifth of November… I hope to do the same. 

 In thinking of this blog I was inspired by back to back songs while listening to the radio. The one has become a staple to many churches around the world. Matt Redman writes, "The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning, it's time to sing Your song again. Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me --- Let me be singing when the evening comes." Amen to that! Tomorrow will be a new day.

The second song by 'King & Country' says, "And life is a race we run, So run till the race is won, Don't you ever give up ... Oh no never give up --- And oh, to everyone who's hit their limit, And even when you think you're finished ... It's not over yet ... It's not over yet"

 

 

At the conclusion of this blog ... I still do not know who America has chosen as their President.

What I know ... God is still in control ... & to Him will I pray. Amen!

Peaceful Protest --- A Dung Hill Narrative ---

Mixing Dung & Grass

On a 90-degree day in March of 1999, Eric and I stood under a shade tree taking a necessary break during our construction project in San Luis, Mexico. I smiled as I watched children play while rolling down a small 5-foot hill some 30 yards from our site. I turned and said to Eric, “You know what they’re rolling on, don’t you?” “It’s a dirt mound, right?”, he said. “No”, I said, “Actually it is human dung that has been dried”. At first glance, most who read the above will say the obvious, “Gross!” Yet what you don’t realize is that this is the product of their livelihood. You see they live in what is called the “Ladrillos”, that is brickwork or brick makers. And the primary ingredient in the bricks that they make, is in fact dried human dung. 

... Bricks after being fired ...

Why do I tell the above story, because so very often we miss the beauty that is directly in front of us. I believe that the greatest factor of such is that our life is so extremely fast paced and so consumed with an excessive amount of our personal “To do” list, that we often walk about life with proverbial ‘blinders’. At other times, it’s not so much that we miss it, rather we decide that it is outside or contrary to the narrative that we want to tell. And that, yes, is your prerogative. But then, please don’t call yourself, “Our Town”.

 

I’ve lost count on how many times that I’ve mentioned the cool ‘community’ touch and perspective that the paper, “Our Town”, provides. Unfortunately, this time I believe that they missed the dung hill! Directly adjacent to Silverton’s “Peaceful protest”, were a group of 40 plus community members adding a “Peaceful prayer” to this event. Thankful, that these protesters had a platform to express their dispute and that they honored our community as they truly maintained a “peaceful” resolve. Yet, I ask myself, “Why did you (Our Town) fail to mention the full extent of what happened in “our town” that Friday afternoon? 

My hope is that in “our town” we can cherish the vast differences which lie within our borders. That we not allow “Diafonophobia” (that is the fear of disagreement) to be master of our thoughts and of our story within this great community.

Note: This was written in response to two articles within the Silverton, Oregon 'Our Town' newspaper published June 2020 --- Vol. 17 No. 12. These articles reflected on the protest being held at the old Eugene Field School. But the paper --- again 'Our Town' --- neglected to provide any reference to the 'Peaceful Prayer' occurring prior to the protest, only a 100 yards away. That, in my opinion is a shame.

Spring Is Precious

-- A valley in the Rockies --

Spring is precious, this I know

     – Bout flowers, leaf’s and fragrance in the wind that blow Baseball, BBQ’s, Track & Field – Give a sense of life’s rebirth,

                    no longer bound in our homes, we yield

 Neighbors, best friends, even first time folk

     – Join in conversation, play, laughter and joke

 Summertime plans and what you’ll do

     – Discussions of the simple, the difficult, these make us what & who

 But that was Spring of yesteryear

     – Now germs, science, and politics … things we fear

 Create stress, anger, division great

     – We’re a country of freedoms, not one, but fifty States

 To separate ourselves, put on the mask 

     – This is the science … say they, so tend to your task

But science is such that many do test

     – Allow me to decide, intelligent am I and so are the rest

The need of a friend, to work and provide 

     – Essential are these, but from them they must hide

The answer, not so easy to see

      – Your rights, my rights … Let’s honor them, be kind and be free

Spring is precious, this I know

     – Bout flowers, leaf’s and fragrance in the wind that blow

 Rick Williams 20th May, 2020

  

--- 'First Rose of Spring' is the title track of Willie's 70th solo album scheduled for release on July 3, 2020 ---

During this unprecedented time of --- COVID-19 --- our country is at such amazing opposition to each other. The “narrative” speaks to obedience of the "authority" … of the “science”. None-the-less, there IS another side. And yet the other side is looked upon as mere idiots. I’m sorry, but I’m intelligent as well. Please allow me the freedom to look at the evidence, for much there is contrary to the “establishment”.

There have been a few times that I’ve wanted to respond out of anger, but then I’m reminded of what I call the “Wilberforce Factor”. His fight, his perseverance with integrity intact. So, on the morning of May 19 I sat and penned the above in about an hour.

Let’s continue to fight … continue to persevere … with our integrity intact!

Is it not worth dialogue? You're telling me that each one is conspiracy? --- Or perhaps it is "science" as well ---
Dr. Jeff Barke - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSQwVDn2_YM&t=506s --- Dr. Yvette Lozano - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3Q3SwGuR7o --- Dr. Zach Bush - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RAtFBvKrVw&t=1604s --- Dr. Daniel Erickson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93QGMEERgMk&t=112s --- Professor Dolores J. Cahill - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czjAebDKsEw&t=2s --- Dr. Jay Bhattcharaya - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=289NWm85eas&t=4s