What to do with myself

Wow... sitting here typing up a few blogs when it strikes me that this is one of the first evenings spent without being in Moondancers company when Linda Ronstadt's version of the Dusty Springfield hit started playing... and there we have the theme for the day... I could not find a video of Linda's version but here is Dusty's;

I just don't know what to do with myself - Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David
I just don't know what to do with myself
Don't know just what to do with myself
I'm so used to doing everything with you
Planning everything for two
And now that we're through

I just don't know what to do with my time
I'm so lonesome for you it's a crime
Going to a movie only makes me sad
Parties make me feel as bad
When I'm not with you
I just don't know what to do
Like a summer rose needs the sun and rain
I need your sweet love to ease all the pain

I don't know just what to do with myself
I don't know just what to do with myself
Baby if your new love ever turns you down
Come back I will be around
Just waiting for you
I don't know what else to do
Like a summer rose needs the sun and rain
I need your sweet love to ease all the pain

I don't know just what to do with myself
I don't know just what to do with myself
Baby if your new love ever turns you down
Come on back I will be around
Just waiting for you
I don't know what else to do
No no no
I don't know what else to do
I'm just so crazy for you
No no no no
I don't know what else to do
I don't know what else to do
No... it is not as bad as the lyrics but yeah... I don't know much...

I don't know much - Linda Rondstadt and Aaron Neville
Look at this face
I know the years are showin
Look at this life
I still dont know where its goin

I dont know much
But I know I love you
And that may be
All I need to know

Look at these eyes
They never seen what mattered
Look at these dreams
So beaten and so battered, hooooh

I dont know much
But I know I love you
And that may be
All I need to know

So many questions
Still left unanswered
So much
Ive never broken through

And when I feel you near me
Sometimes I see so clearly
The only truth Ive ever known
Is me and you

Look at this man
So blessed with inspiration
Look at this soul
Still searching for salvation

I dont know much
But I know I love you
And that may be
All I need to know

I dont know much
But I know I love you
That may be
All I need to know

I dont know much
But I know I love you
That may be
All there is to know.
Till tomorrow when we meet again I will do some of the things that need to be done...
"Inside myself is a place where I live all alone and that's where you renew your springs that never dry up." Pearl Buck (1892 - 1973)

Words are not enough

Sparrow has a weekly Haiku contest, the theme this week was THINGS YOU ARE THANKFUL FOR, my choice was her own that I am gratuitously stealing as I do not have the words to express my thanks enough for having the life I have with the people that I have in it;
Enfolded in love

My price paid in coin so dear
I am His alone

So simple yet so profound... Thanks Sparrow, I am linking your blog as well.

KatieB is wondering why blogging has been sparse lately, well... between being as busy as a mongoose in a henhouse at work and spending time with Moondancer, there has been a lack of time to blog... I am not complaining though... bear with me as I try and get all that needs to be done before year end. I have a few drafts for some more intresting blogs lying in wait... now to grab the next chicken...
Thanks Doug for your Savage Chickens! Today's one was worth a thousand words.
"Do not count your chickens before they are hatched."
Aesop (620 BC - 560 BC), The Milkmaid and Her Pail

Flowing

Sitting in my office today I realise that accepting is better than resisting...
Usually I do not talk about work here but lately I have been frustrated by a few things that have happened, now I realise that life is just to good to get all upset about some petty issues at work. So I sit back and watch the world around me change once again. This time I am just a passenger and I may as well enjoy the ride... I am not paying after all.
"Never work just for money or for power. They won't save your soul or help you sleep at night."

The Sad Goodbye

Scully at Skywritings has closed her blog for personal reasons, we are poorer not being able to read her writing any more, you will be missed, my friend half a world away. The Roxette song sort of portrays my feelings about this... Here is Laura Brannigans excellent version that Per Gessle helped produce...

[via FoxyTunes / Roxette Laura Brannigan cover.

The Sweet Hello, The Sad Goodbye

Red like fire was the day I met you.
I tell you now, there are no regrets.
In this room there are many memories.
Some are good, some I try to forget.
I thought we were the chosen ones,
who were supposed to fly.

We're very much the same, you and I.
The sweet hello, the sad goodbye.
Still waiting to get hurt, time after time.
The sweet hello, the sad goodbye.
When love lies in our hands, we seem to run and hide.
And I can't help but wonder why.
The sweet hello, the sad goodbye.

My heart was like a runaway train, babe.
I don't believe I've ever felt more alive.
In this room I hear voices linger.
We never talked about the price.
You know you're not the only one,
who knows how to cry.

We're very much the same, you and I.
The sweet hello, the sad goodbye.
Still waiting to get hurt, time after time.
The sweet hello, the sad goodbye.
When love lies in our hands, we run away and hide.
And I can't help but wonder why.
The sweet hello, the sad goodbye.
The sweet hello, the sad goodbye.

We're very much the same, you and I.
The sweet hello, the sad goodbye.
Still waiting to get hurt, time after time.
The sweet hello, the sad goodbye.
When love lies in our hands, we run away and hide.
And I can't help but wonder why.
The sweet hello, the sad goodbye.
Goodbye.

The sweet hello, the sad goodbye.
The sweet hello, the sad goodbye.
The sweet hello, the sad goodbye.
This song used to reflect a lot on my own life, now I can say the only the Sweet Hello applies...
"Saying goodbye doesn't mean anything. It's the time we spent together that matters, not how we left it." Trey Parker and Matt Stone, South Park, Tweek Vs. Craig, 1999

Open Door

Read the words... Open Door by BWO:
I've heard a lot of songs that were sung out of tune
But I learned to find the heart hidden deep in the dunes
It brings it to the fore what it means to be there
When I hang on the core I've got music to share

Coming from above coming from afar
Coming from within is the voice of my heart

Chorus
Heaven's got an open door tonight
Heaven's got an open door tonight
Heaven's got an open door tonight
We have found the time to get it right
Heaven's got an open door tonight

I used to have a dream gonna fly like a bird
Where I traveled way beyond of my own little world
Now I found the place I can spread out my wings
Keep on searching for the space I can rule like a king

I've seen a lot of things that have changed who I am
Turned a twist on Mother Earth holding back Uncle Sam
Like every story told always comes to an end
Closing chapters of a book let a broken heart mend

Coming from above coming from afar
Coming from within is the voice of my heart

Chorus

All that I can say all that I can do
Every tune I sing I decide to be true
Everywhere we go taking in something new
Every time we play everything that we do
Chorus
Amazing?
So give thanks to the open doors we have each day/night. Here is the video for you to enjoy as well. Bodies Without Organs may have a weird name but some of their songs lyrics have amazing hidden meanings which I find very inspiring.

I will have another song of their's up sometime that has some thoughtfull lyrics as well...
"Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door." Dr. Laura Schlessinger

Thunder from the sky

Several bloggers like Ahab, AD and Skywriter have memed or mentioned their best aircraft, here are mine as well as the reasons why they have a place in my memory;
The Allie - SA-316 / SA-319 Alouette III

The Puma/Oryx
Both these Choppers were operated by 17 Squadron as well as others but I think 17 Sqd. are the blokes that pioneered Border Operations. To a soldier on the ground there was no better sound than that of the choppers coming in for a Casevac, bringing in supplies or support troops or causing Mayhem to the terrorists with the .50 Brownings or 20mm Cannon on one of the Allie Gunships of the Romeo Mike force at Ondangwa.

The Imp - AEROMACCHI ATLAS MB326M IMPALA MARK I AND MARK II
"Eagle One this is Zero Three Delta! Acquire target at Romeo Victor... Green smoke Foxtrot Foxtrot!" and then the boys in Blue would do the rest while the troopies hunkered down in hastily dug slit trenches and hoped the pilot was not colour blind.
The Dak - DOUGLAS C47 DAKOTA
Our lifeline in many ways, these old warbirds would drop the Bats during ops. and do the milk runs between bases as well, many a letter from home was brought north from Grooties in the belly of a Dakota.
The Herc - LOCKHEED C-130 HERCULES
There is nothing like blasting off from Mpacha airfield using JATO in one of these birds and watching some of the troopies turning green while you enjoy the G forces. The landings were pretty awesome as well, pilots used to use evasive tactics and dropping down in steep dives was one of them. Leaving your innards at 20 thousand feet is quite a thrill.
The Mirage - DASSAULT-BREGUET MIRAGE F.1, Mirage III, 111EZ, AND 111CZ
These were our ultimate backup and a few Cubans regretted tangling with our Top Gun's.





Sabre - CANADAIR CL13B SABRE MK VI
Korea was the proving ground for Jet Warfare and our pilots were in the thick of things once again.


Mustang - MUSTANG P-51D-20NA
As a kid I always wanted to fly one of these, only later did I learn that my mom's first fiancee was killed in Korea flying one...






Harvard - NORTH AMERICAN HARVARD
Tough and temperamental, I was told if one could learn to fly this critter one could fly any plane after that... if you survived that is...
Most of the pics come from the SAAF Museum site.
Still need to tidy up the code and formatting of the page but I think you get the picture?
The quote sums up my feelings on having to use these wonderful machines, great as they were would it not have been better to have used the energy for peace?
"We merely want to live in peace with all the world, to trade with them, to commune with them, to learn from their culture as they may learn from ours, so that the products of our toil may be used for our schools and our roads and our churches and not for guns and planes and tanks and ships of war." Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890 - 1969)

Wednesday whackyness

MizMinka has a Monday Meme thing going so I am borrowing it for Wacky Wednesday!
Were you named after anyone? Yes, My dad's best friend's name as a first name and my dad's as second name, I use part of my name as Blogname, the meaning of my first name is "Bright Fame" and the second is a Scottish Clan name. My brothers also have two names each. Sort of a family tradition.
When was the last time you cried? Sunday, when I realised how much I have to be thankful about in my life.
Do you like your handwriting? It is mine but quite unreadable if older than a week, I prefer typing.
What is your favorite lunch meat? Pastrami with sweet mustard... preferably Leroi's.
Do you have kids? Yes, two and they are the best! I am so proud of both of them. They are the greatest gifts God has given me.
If you were another person would you be friends with you? Yes! One has to be friends with yourself to be friends with other people.
Do you use sarcasm a lot? Occasionally, when it seems fitting.
Do you still have your tonsils? Yes, and I rarely get ill. My immune system is still in one piece, not so my bones.
Would you bungee jump? Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! in a heartbeat, I still want to skydive as well.
What did you have for breakfast? Wheatbix with milk and brown sugar.
What is your favorite cereal? Coco Pops! (Chocolate!) but it is a luxury, wheatbix is my staple.
Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Yes if they have laces, otherwise they are slip on's or Bike Boots with Velcro.
Do you think you are strong? Yes, but I do not rely on my strenght alone, I have a helping hand that is always there when needed, thank you Jesus.
What is the first thing you notice about people? Eyes.
Red or pink? Red if I have to...
What is the least favorite thing about yourself? Procrastination! Need I say more?
Who do you miss the most? My Mom...
What color pants and shoes are you wearing? Grey cargo shorts, slip on ankle boots.
What was the last thing you ate? An apple...
What are you listening to right now? My mp3 collection... as I take a break from crunching numbers at work.
If you were a crayon, what color would you be? What?!
Favorite smells? Bacon frying, the smell of rain, coffee, the smells when MX bikes leave the start gate. Last one is a complex smell of petrol, burnt oil and damp earth... heavenly!
Ok, those are my answers, what you want to do with those snippets beats me, but it made me think of some memories and things I still want to do...
"Facts are stupid things." Ronald Reagan (1911 - 2004)

Here follows a short bulletin

Been meaning to do some linky love for a while now...
MizMinka has some great stuff to read and she also loves the Lord, maybe not putting up as much Gospel related stuff as I have been lately but hers are well worth a read.
For those who do not know yet, Moondancer and I are now know as US... Fait accompli!
Just a reminder that my friend KatieB is still blogging as well. Some of her musings are worth commenting on.
I trust you all will bear with me as I speak what is on my mind lately, I am not becoming a preacher or a minstrel but God and romance are keeping me rather occupied lately hence the tone of the postings lately.
On a serious note or as I see it sublimely ridiculous, nay, hilarious, I have been accused of stealing... how I do not know as the system I manage just cannot be stolen from, I really think there are crazy people out there that need serious help. Must put that on my prayer list tonight... The poor detective that is investigating this said that a good percentage of these cases are made just to cause the accused embarrassment but waste a huge amount of their time that could be spent investigating real cases. I now see why the police want to fine people laying false charges with huge fines.
So if I stop blogging... please bail me out!
"Fear does not have any special power unless you empower it by submitting to it."
Les Brown, Communication Bulletin for Managers & Supervisors, June 2004

In the name of the Father

I was reading on another blog about an action that Christians should become involved in to voice their displeasure at the comments of a columnist in a Sunday paper, the blogger was calling for a boycott of the paper in question, that got me thinking of what we as Christians sometimes get ourselves involved in in the name of the Father.
We Christians must be aware of the faults of the past so that we do not repeat history. The Catholic Church had the inquisition, Martin Luther was antisemitic, wars were fought in the name of The Father... all those things were done because they lost sight of the love of God.
All our actions should be tested against what Jesus taught when he said in John 13 and 15, especially these verses; John 13:33-35 KJV)
33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Once again I am struck that Jesus stresses being like children, children seem to grasp the concepts of this love so much easier than grownups. We want to complicate what God wants to keep simple. I want to be childlike when I walk with God, that way I will not let my will interfere with what he wants to teach me.
Coming back...
Our actions should always be to apply this simple guide, how would we like to be treated in the situation? This principle is the basis of our walk in this world, if we cannot do it with the love of God then we should rather turn away and go and pray about the situation. For what we see with our eyes can be changed by closing them in prayer. The fight should be fought in the spiritual realm. That is the true power we have to change things that are wrong in this world.
Ephesians 6:11-13(KJV)
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
So when faced with a situation let us rather turn the cheek and put on God's armour and prepare for battle... on our knees and handing it over to our Father, God himself. Who then can be against us?
"We grow because we struggle, we learn and overcome."
R. C. Allen

Mentor

I must have been four years old when my grandmother and great aunts got hold of me and taught me to read, they were all teachers and thought it would be an excellent idea to do so. It was great but in school I often got bored as I would grab my textbooks or prescribed books early in the year and read them all at breakneck speed.
As I grew older I voraciously consumed the contents of both the school and local library. But one book has got me coming back time and time again, it is my Mentor, my Bible.
Other people have had mentors in their lives, mine has been the Bible, sometimes neglected but always at my bedside, within reach when needed in the past and these days once again a regularly read book. I have always been able to find answers to problems in life in it's pages, pages that now bear witness to my life with tear stains, some torn pages as I looked for verses in haste and filled with underlined passages and notes to self. Each mark and line a moment in time when I was taught another lesson in the path to God. Another lesson in being the man He wants me to be. I think I could not have asked for a better mentor...
"Mentor: Someone whose hindsight can become your foresight."

Shine

Daniel 12:3 (KJV)
3. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

[via FoxyTunes / Newsboys-Shine ]
Dull as dirt
you can't assert
the kinda light that might persuade
a strict dictator to retire
fire the army,
teach the poor origami
the truth is in
the proof is when you hear your heart start asking
What's my motivation?
And try as you may
there is no way
to explain the kinda change
that would make an eskimo renounce fur
that would make a vegetarian barbeque hamster
unless you can trace this about-face to a certain sign

shine
make em wonder whatcha got
make em wish that they were not
on the outside looking bored
shine
let it shine before all men
let em see good works and then
let em glorify the lord

Out of the shaker and onto the plate
it isn't karma it sure ain't fate
that would make a deadhead sell his van
that would make a schizophrenic turn in his crayons
Oprah freaks
and science seeks
a rationale that shall excuse this strange behavior
when you let it shine
you will inspire the kind of entire turnaround
that would make a bouncer take ballet
even bouncers who aren't happy
but out of the glare
with nowhere to turn
you ain't gonna learn it on "What's my Line?"

Shine
make em wonder whatcha got
make em wish that they were not
on the outside looking bored
shine
let it shine before all men
let em see good works and then
let em glorify the lord
We often wonder how to bring the message of the Gospel to others when in fact we should let the Spirit just do it's work in our own life, the results will astound those that are also hungry and seeking. Those who are not hungry or seeking are not ready for the Word, for them we should spend time on our knees. In the meantime Shine on...
"And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."
Marianne Williamson, "A Return to Love," 1992

Remembrance

Today we are once more reminded that we sleep safely while rough men go about their business protecting freedom, this is happening now even as it did in past conflicts.

So as I prepare a meal I think of those who may now be eating a chemically heated meal while preparing to go out on a mission.

I thank all the veterans and I thank the present men and women in uniform, those on the sharp end and those who were in the rear echelons making sure the man up front could do the job.

In Flanders' Fields - John McCrae, 1915

In Flanders' fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders' fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high,
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders' Fields.

From heaven sent

"And when you are ready, I'll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any of you would dream.
You see, until you are ready and the one I have for you is ready, I'm working even this minute to have you both ready at the same time."
When I had read these words I never thought for one heartbeat that He would do it so quickly or in such an intresting way... I know it is from Heaven sent...

[via FoxyTunes / Velvet - Mi Amore
Heey, yeah, heey
Ohh woah oh

Got the fire, got desire
Won't fight it any longer
Can you see it?
Can you feel it?
And it's coming out stronger

(Ai-ae)
I'm lost into loving you
(Ai-ae)
Go, go, go

Mi amor-amor-amore
Take my heart, take my hand
Amor-amor-amore
Our love will never end
Fly away with me my angel
From heaven sent
Amor-amor-amore
Take my heart, mi amore

Oh, mi amore
Mi amore

When you kiss me, when you hold me
When you calling me baby
Then you twist me
Babe you turn me
And it's making me crazy

(Ai-ae)
I'm lost into loving you
(Ai-ae)
Go, go, go

Mi amor-amor-amore
Take my heart, take my hand
Amor-amor-amore
Our love will never end
Fly away with me my angel
From heaven sent
Amor-amor-amore
Take my heart, mi amore

(Go, go, go)
Ai-ae

(Go, go, go)
(Go, go, go)
Ohh

Heey, yeah
Run with me
Come with me
Take me away

(Mi amor-amor-amore)
Take my heart, take my hand
(Amor-amor-amore)
Our love will never end
Fly away with me my angel
From heaven sent
Amor-amor-amore
Take my heart

(Mi amor-amor-amore)
(Take my heart, take my hand)
Take my heart
(Amor-amor-amore)
Our love will never end
Fly away with me my angel
From heaven sent
Amor-amor-amore
Take my heart, mi amore
"One single grateful thought raised to heaven is the most perfect prayer."
G. E. Lessing (1729 - 1781)

She leads me through moonlight

[via FoxyTunes / Patrick Swayze - She's like the wind

She's like the wind,
Through my tree
She rides the night
Next to me

She leads me through moonlight
Only to burn me with the sun
She's taken my heart
But she doesn't know what she's done

Chorus:
Feel her breath in my face
Her body close to me
Can't look in her eyes
She's out of my league
Just a fool to believe
I have anything she needs
She's like the wind

I look in the mirror
And all I see
Is a young old man
With only a dream
Am I just fooling myself
That she'll stop the pain?
Living without her
I'd go insane!

Chorus

Chorus:
Feel your breath in my face
Your body close to me
Can't look in your eyes
You're out of my league

Just a fool to believe
(Just a fool to believe)
She's like the wind
(Just a fool to believe)

Just a fool to believe
(She's like the wind)
Just a fool to believe
(Just a fool to believe)
She's like the wind
(Just a fool to believe)
Just a fool to believe
She's like the wind
(Just a fool...she's like the wind)
(She's like the wind)
(Just a fool...she's like the wind)
I have put this one up before but as part of a group of songs... today it has more meaning than ever before, it was playing in my head as I headed home on the bike with the chill morning breeze flowing around me... Sometimes I have to pinch myself to realize what I think is a dream is reality and I just want to cry out with joy. Life is good...
"If you reveal your secrets to the wind you should not blame the wind for revealing them to the trees."
Kahlil Gibran (1883 - 1931)

Why we should pray even harder...

about the situation in Iraq.
"A Muslim man had invited the American soldiers from “Chosen” Company 2-12 Infantry to the church, where I videotaped as Muslims and Christians worked and rejoiced at the reopening of St John’s, an occasion all viewed as a sign of hope."
This is proof that when peace loving people get together miracles can and do happen.
The people of Iraq as well as all the armed forces keeping the peace are in my daily prayers, as they battle the forces of evil and terror we should battle the spiritual forces that wish for another outcome.
We must never forget that the opponents of peace in Iraq wish harm to all that do not follow their doctrine of hate, therefore we as Christians should stand behind those that stand between anarchy and freedom. To do otherwise is to play into the hands of the forces of evil. There is no grey erea between good and evil...
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last."
Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965)

The long walk...

around the campus.
Today the Wellness Committee presented the annual Fun Walk on Campus and I decided to give it a bash. I was not first across the line but not last either! It was fun and getting an ovation while twirling a crutch like a baton gave me quite a thrill... the inner performer in me came out for a while!
Will get hold of some of the pictures and one of the medals we all received for completing the four kilometre walk some time and put them up as well.
Walking is a wonderfull way to get about, you have time to experience the world at pace that lets you think as well, almost as if you are communicating with the world, I suppose that is how it was meant to be. Adam and God took regular walks in Eden... I must make time to walk more... I may just meet God taking his constitutional at the same time.
"Life is like getting dropped off in the middle of the woods, and then year by year, gradually walking home." April Foiles

Thunder in my heart

[via FoxyTunes / Meck v Leo Sayer - Thunder in my heart.
Take me baby, I'm all yours
Do just what you wanna do with my love
Take me baby, I'm all yours
Do just what you wanna do with my love
Take me baby, I'm all yours
Do just what you wanna do with my love
Take me baby, I'm all yours
Do just what you wanna do with my love
With my love
With my love
Standing here alone with you
Wondering what it is that I'm supposed to do
And there you are with the love light in your eye
The bridges are burnt down
Your arms are open wide
Standing here alone with you
Wondering what it is that I'm supposed to do
And there you are with the love light in your eye
The bridges are burnt down
Your arms are open wide
Am I in too deep or should I swim to the shore
Is this the real thing
I don't know but I've never been here before

I feel a thunder in my heart that I just can't control
I feel a thunder in my heart that I just can't control
I feel a thunder in my heart that I just can't control
I feel a thunder in my heart
Should I walk away or follow my soul
I feel a thunder in my heart that I just can't control
I feel a thunder in my heart
Should I walk away or follow my soul

Take me baby, I'm all yours
Do just what you wanna do with my love
Take me baby, I'm all yours
Do just what you wanna do with my love
Take me baby, I'm all yours
Do just what you wanna do with my love
Take me baby, I'm all yours
Do just what you wanna do with my love
With my love
With my love
With my love
With my love
I have little else to add...
"The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of."
Blaise Pascal (1623 - 1662)
When I drafted this I wanted to say some profound words, now I realise the lyrics are enough in themselves.

12 Gates

[via FoxyTunes / Jennifer Avalon - 12 Gates to the City
Oh, what a beautiful city.
Oh, what a beautiful city
Oh, what a beautiful city
Twelve gates to the city, Hallelujah

Three gates in the east,
Three gates in the west,
Three gates in the north
Three gates in the south
Twelve gates to the city, Hallelujah

Who are those children dressed in red?
There's twelve gates to the city, Hallelujah
Must be the children that Moses led
There's twelve gates to the city, Hallelujah

My Jesus done just what He said
There's twelve gates to the city, Hallelujah
He healed the sick and He raised the dead.
There's twelve gates to the city, Hallelujah
God has made it easy for us to reach Him through His Son Jesus, the symbolism behind this song and the verses in the bible convey this as well as the fact that all are invited from the four corners of the world to become His children...
Ezekiel 48:31-34 (King James Version)
31 And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel: three gates northward; one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi.
32 And at the east side four thousand and five hundred: and three gates; and one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan.
33 And at the south side four thousand and five hundred measures: and three gates; one gate of Simeon, one gate of Issachar, one gate of Zebulun.
34 At the west side four thousand and five hundred, with their three gates; one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher, one gate of Naphtali.

Revelation 21:11-13 (King James Version)
11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
This evening we went to Moondancers church to attend the confirmation service, once again God confimed to me that being saved is also being called to serve in the spreading of His Gospel, we just have to listen to the Spitit for guidance and we will be shown how.
"Hold a book in your hand and you're a pilgrim at the gates of a new city."
Anne Michaels, Fugitive Pieces

Privileged

Baby showers are a women thing but I had the privilege to attend one today (Friday), Maggie we wish you a joyous event. May the baby be a blessing and joy in your lives.

I started this on Friday but somehow the day went pear shaped time wise, then Moondancer and myself went to the Faculty function Friday evening, only getting back home Saturday morning... then there was Guy Fawkes fun out at the MX Club later the day... and another early morning... what happened to the weekend? (Forgot the camera on Saturday! Dang!)

All in all a privileged weekend I would say, privileged to have shared it all with splendid people and wonderful sights and sounds as well as being together, we even had a dance or two albeit at a slightly stiff legged gait.

While at the MX Club watching the lightning in the clouds as the storms receded made me realised how special the past few weeks has been and how privileged we both are to experience life together, so many people have partners that do not fully appreciate them or that have lost the loving feeling. Here I include myself... but this time I know we have a backup team that will never let us down.

"A man of genius is privileged only as far as he is genius. His dullness is as insupportable as any other dullness." Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)

Going Home

LawDog tells a poignant story in his unique way over on his place, well worth a read.
This sort of ties up with my subject yesterday but on the other side of the coin where one wonders why people with these diseases seem to linger on in often horrible conditions and little quality of life. I do not wish to suffer that fate. Maybe one needs to clear this up with God in the living years and put in an order for a quick ticket back home?
John 14:1-3 (King James Version)
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.