...with Spinach!

You can't bubbles with Spinach or how I learned about life through Karate! 

 

 Gentle Reader,

 

Did I ever tell you how I got into Karate?  Actually Korean (Tae Kwon Do) 

 

 I was the typical Geek, I think ithe term today is nerd in school with glasses and no confidence and of course there was the "Bully" Jack was his name and he used to pick on me (beat me up every day, just for fun).  Jump ahead about ten years and I am stationed in Korea. Remembering all the abuse I took as a teen  I began to learn Korean Karate (with Chuck Norris just down the road at another Korean Karate school called Moo Do Kwan while I learned Chung Do Kwan) . I even entered a tournament for Korean Black Belts I didn't like how I did but my instructor was pleased (I came in 3rd out of 156 Korean Black Belts) Now move ahead as I come home after the Viet Nam Conflict)  now a confident Black belt and what was the first think I was going to Do Gentle Reader?  Right!  Hello Jack It's payback Time!

 

 But when I found Jack slumped over a beer glass looking sad and 40 years older than when I saw him last. I felt sorry for Him. (I didn't know until much later that some of the kids who I went to high school with had told him I was back in town and looking for him) Jack was all blow and thought that he'd take up where he had left off. Until he was told that I was now a Black belt and  planing to settle the score. Then he fell apart He knew the jig was up and that he was about to get his first and last Karate lesson!

 

 You see that's the way the world settle things by beating up one another. But as always Gentle Reader, God had a better idea. I was moved to compassion (I really wanted to punch out lights and make him hurt as he had made me hurt the four years in school) But I saw not the cocky smart mouth teen but a washed up man old before his time. 

There is an old saying that goes like this "To fight with another is wrong - But to lose a fight over principles you deem honorable and right is worse"   

 

An so gentle reader we never had that fight, but I did fight and still at it fighting fot those who cannot stand up for them selves, the teens who are being pressured in school, the preborn who just want the same chance at life that you have. The Old  and the homless and the down and outers. In other words all of you who have been beaten up by the bullies in life.

And I'm not done yet!

 

Denis   

Denis O'Callaghan 6th Black [Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do ]

Denis and Marti ( Ireland) in  better times

Gentle Reader,
 I want to tell you about the person who is I  believe sent from God to help me along life's journey. Marti (my wife) she is 5' foot nothing and is bed fast She has an incurable illness that Doctors here in America know very little about. It's called Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS or CFS for short)  Or it could be MS ( Multiple sclerosis ) Now I understand when I begin a new paragraph many will leave (I rather expect that!) Most have little or no attention span [chalk that up to running out to the fridge for a snack during commercial times]

This CFIDS is a progressive illness that started when she was in college and left her at this point bed fast. Imagine the worst illness you can think of: terminal cancer or aids and that you only have weeks to live.

Now add every thing that allows you to get around, energy, zest of living. Imagine using up all your energy just trying to brush you teeth [which leaves you sick and unable to lift your head off the pillow for weeks on end. Or that just sitting up hurts so bad that you cry out in pain. Get the picture, Gentle Reader? 

 Now understand that there is no cure... no medicine... no help...  no doctors...no family... no friends... no one to comfort, to encourage you.  All your family and friends have forgotten all about you like a old half eaten spam sandwich that nobody wants! No insurance... no help from the safety net that we call government... Just nothing!!! Stress can bring on a flare up or excitement, or light or extremes of heat or cold. You body is at the mercy of this devastating disease.

 That's what Marti wakes up to every day ( and me with two wonderful dogs Paddy and Miss Chievous with Duffy the Sun Conure). All she has they provide, a sense of normalcy to an upside down world. Now I am not by any means a Saint (I am just a man) but God has given me this wonderful person to teach me about Grace. Even when she is in so much pain that tears run down her cheeks she encourages me. She can talk on the phone and does so to those who need encouragement. {where does this spirit come from Gentle Reader? )[IMHO] only could come from above!

There are over one million people just like Marti in this country. Who suffer similar condition [some not a severe ] check out this site for more information www.cfids.org or here www.nationalmssociety.org/

 The point is and the real story is that in spite of her condition, Marti prays for each of you each day . . . that you might come to realise your connection with one another within this grand blue ball that we call the "late great planet earth" She reminds me what a privilege we all have to care for one another to love each other and to be kind! Don't feel sorry for Marti just reach out and be kind to one another, have compassion for each other, and don't forget that  

 You are appreciated, you are valued, and you are loved.

Denis and Marti 

A gentle reminder that the most precious things are before you: your family, your faith, your love, your good health and your friends.

I'll cry if I want to!

Gentle reader,

"Prison"

Prison didn't keep Paul from his calling in Christ Jesus-- Neither can "prison" keep you from your calling.

Don't look at your prison-Instead, look at the calling on your life and do what God has placed in your hand to do toward that calling where you are at--so that you can say with Paul-

"None of these things move me." Acts 20.24 

 

And for the few of you left here are some tings to think about I issue you a challenge to really think about these things

Can you understand these things?

Grace is God's Salvation for the Sinner, Supply for the Saint.

Grace is God's Loving-Kindness for the Loveless, the Loathsome and the Lost

As Messiah Christ is related to Israel
As Head He is related to the Church, which is His body!

Do not confuse the bride (Israel) with the bridegroom (Christ the Head)
You are a member of the body of Christ Not the bride!

In Romans the believer is dead and risen with Christ

In Ephesians he is seated in the heavenlies in Christ

In Acts 19:10 we read And this continued by the space of two Years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks." BUT in 2 Tim. 1:15 we read "This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes." Why was that?

(focus and try again)

 

Till next time, Love to you and your family,

 Denis

 

Mirrored tranquillity as mist settles over the upper lake at Glendalough

Lake Glendlough Co Wicklow (Ireland where else)

Gentle Reader,

Well Marti, my wife, was feeling better and we started our continuing Bible study I am teaching us through the Bible. We are at The books of Thessalonians .

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, (teaching for what true)for reproof, (convicting for what is false) for correction, ( for what is wrong) for instruction in righteousness,(for what is right) 2 Timothy 3:16.

As you look at the New Testament you will find that after the Gospels (which complete the Old Testament you have the Book of Acts (History ) Then the book of Romans (which is our Doctrinal and instructions book teaching about Justification and the cross) and its two commentaries Corinthians (Reproof-Practical failure not seeing the standing as having died and risen with Christ) and Galatians (a Book of Correction- Doctrinal failure as to the teaching of Romans. "Leaven" in doctrine)

We have moved past the Book of Ephesians our 2nd Doctrinal and instruction book which teaches the Mystery of God (always hidden, never before revealed. Individual Jews and Gentiles gathered out and made "one new man" in Christ "the body of Christ" Seated in heaven with Christ.

Of course than we have 2 Commentaries Philippians (which is a book of "reproof" Practical failure to exhibit the teaching of Ephesians in showing the "mind of Christ" and Colossians a book of "Correction" Doctrinal failure The failure of not seeing their completeness and perfection in Christ. But you knew all of that didn't you Gentle Reader?

So as I was saying Thessalonians we just finished which is about heaven another book of doctrine (teaching ) and instruction No reproof, no correction all praise and thanksgiving A typical church

Where is heaven "Where Christ is there is heaven" Look around you Gentle Reader, Christ is in me and now you know why I talk about Grace so much. All Christians carry about the Spirit of the Living Christ with them and we are all connected on a level that only God can maintain. Too deep for you? Well gentle reader I haven't even scratch the surface What is heaven like? look at the picture and magnify that 10 to the ten millionth times ten million times. Ireland for me is just a taste of what heaven is like.

But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (I Corinthians 2:9)

For me Gentle Reader, Ireland is what heaven will be like! How about you? Where is your heaven?

Remember, Gentle Reader, that God has prepared a place for you!

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." 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. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (Book of John Chapter 14)

When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, that is Victory.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving
silence, that is victory.

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any annoyance; when you stand face-to-face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility -- and endure it as Jesus endured, that is victory.

When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any society, any regiment, any interruption by the will of God, that is victory.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendations, when you can truly love to be unknown, that is victory.

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, or question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances, that is victory.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart, that is victory.

I believe in You Gentle reader, you are a victor and so am I (we are just not there yet).

Denis Your ticket has been paid for (oh no, don't thank me I 'm just here to deliver it to you)

Gentle reader,

17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce.

"It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote..." It also was the last. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off the road and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.

The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him."

Brian's Essay:

The Room In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files.. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.

This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at ." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.. Often there were many more cards than I expected.

Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented. When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot.

 Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it.. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused.. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came.

I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again.

He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card..

"No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive.

The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said,

"It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Phil. 4:13 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

If you feel the same way forward it so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also. My "People I shared the gospel with" file just got bigger, how about yours? IF THERE IS ONE POST THAT NEEDS TO GO AROUND THE WORLD, IT IS THIS ONE, FOR THE CHRISTIAN OR NOT! 

 For Gentle reader, You are accepted, you are valued you are loved, By GOD AND BY ME!

 Denis 

"Be sure to look both ways! Little Gentle Reader!"

Gentle Reader,

Here is the truth about life in 30 seconds or less. So pay attention there is a test coming at the end. When I was about 18 as we were sitting at the table at diner time and my father was attempting to impart some wisdom to me and with all arrogance  that one has at 18 I boldly ask "If your so smart why aren't you rich?"  Gentle Reader, my father never said a word but went right on eating his dinner of cold  potatoes and leek soup. Now decades later, those words haunt me , mine and His, "But Denis. your father never said a word" you might be saying  But you might be wrong Gentle reader, "Those who will not learn must feel!" And I think back on my life and realize that I have felt more lessons than I have learned.

Why is that Gentle Reader, why do we have to feel life? Why can't we just learn life's lessons rather than  have a cartoon character like the Simpsons, or an old Rock star like Ozzy Osborne or even the latest diva Britney Spears tell us their opinion about life. Now don't get me wrong we can learn from their example what not to do (don't do drugs, don't go to Las Vegas to get married on a whim and the fact that no one thinks to say to these people real or imagined "Stop, look and listen, Stop what you doing, Look at the outcome! and Listen to what God may be saying to you! It's time to get real Gentle Reader, it's never too late to get back on track and become the person that God saw you to be before you were born. God loves you and me and has  (Still has) a wonderful plan for your life Just sit back stop  trying  to be someone your not! Be authentic be transparent  Look are where you are now are you happy or are you still kicking and screaming at life's lessons because you refuse to learn?

 Listen, to Someone who has true wisdom [Wisdom is looking at life from God's point of view]  

 By the way I just learned this so Gentle Reader there is still time for you too!

 Here a wee story that you may enjoy and enjoy your long weekend, BTW I still packing and moving want to help? Naw, I don't blame you a bit!

A Child Learns

If a child lives with criticism,
he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,
he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,
he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame,
he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance,
he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement,
he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,
he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,
he learns justice.
If a child lives with security,
he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval,
he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance, and friendship,
he learns to find love in the world.
-unknown

Dennis 

"Come on Denis, how about I throw the ball and you fetch?"

Gentle reader,

Sometimes we forget what is real and what is fiction... Sometimes they are the same.... but different... Watch and learn what matters to me and I believe to God 

It is when we give ourselves to helping one another that we get back more than we ever gave away.

A clip from the television series "The West Wing". Fictional time. Fictional situation. Fictional President. Real wisdom, nonetheless. Rest In Peace, Norman Borlaug.

Gentle Reader, America is great because we care about the needy in the world and are the first to step up to help. Should we not help our own in this country. It has become a heath care scare when "death panels' so called are in fact the very insurance companies that give us protection, have put profit above those who are lest able to help themselves. Will we wait another 50 years to do what one calls the moral thing? Or will our congressmen actually represent the majority of us who want to help one another.

We shall have to wait to see Gentle reader....wait and see. 

Prayer for the Chronically Ill

O Lord, through the passion of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I beseech Thee to watch over and guide all those who suffer from chronic illness my wife, Marti and all the rest of the dear people in the world especially here in America. Grant to us the courage to face our situations so that others may see Your perpetual light shining through us, as a beacon of strength that overcomes setbacks, and reaffirms Your Precious Love for ALL the sheep among Your flock. We are all Your children in spite of our physical situation, and Your Loving Son shepherds those of us who believe. Grant us the spiritual and mental strength to endure so that we may live in Your Divine Shadow. In the name of Jesus Christ, King of Kings, please hear and bless this prayer O Heavenly Father. Amen

Love,

Denis

Gentle reader,

things we can all learn from Television TWO great EPISODES of " West Wing"

Good episodes... The religious right for the most part, have become the Pharisees in the Gospels... they only know rules, rituals, traditions and condemnation... they have the disease of religion! Christ Jesus / God when understood correctly is all about love, mercy, kindness, etc... The Old Testament in a nutshell was God's way of showing what religion produces, whereas the New Testament is God showing what love, mercy, etc... produces. Far to many Christians are stuck in the OT & blinded by religion!

 It's never been about Religion but about mercy and kindness. Something that isn't preached let alone talked about much any more...

Religion is the fashionable substitute for belief. - Oscar Wilde

In the beginning the church was a fellowship of men and women centering on the living Christ. Then the church moved to Greece where it became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome where it became an institution. Next, it moved to Europe , where it became a culture. And, finally, it moved to America where it became an enterprise.--Richard Halverson, former chaplain of the United States Senate

Gentle Readers,

I told you the other day that I would give you three reasons why Yom Kippur and what we call the Day of atonement is so special to us and how God has worked on our behalf to make us more than we could ever imagine.

The first reason that God wants us to be holy is that God Himself is holy. In the beginning of the 19^th Chapter God says of Himself "Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy; for I Jehovah your God am holy. Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father; and ye shall keep my sabbaths: I am Jehovah your God." ( Lev 19:2-3 )

The second reason is that the High Priest  (Jesus Christ) is holy. As the tabernacle was a three-fold structure–outer court, holy place, and holy of Holies, so the nation of Israel was arranged in a three-fold way which corresponded, i.e. the congregation, the priesthood, and the high priest.

And the third reason is that we are to be a holy people is that the Sprit who indwells us is holy. As the shekinia light shone above the mercy seat and between the arching wings of the two cherubim in the holy of holies (Exod. 25:22, Num. 7:89 ), so the divine spirit indwells each of us who are blood-bought, members of the body of Christ, making us "temples of the living God 1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19  Must we not as human sanctuaries of the Holy Spirit allow His to so possess and control us and suffuse us that all of our words and works and ways are holy?

And yet Gentle Reader, there is even a deeper more concept to be grasped. Our Saviour , "but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;  Heb 10:12( "He died unto sins once" For the death that he died, he died unto sin once: but the life that he liveth, he liveth unto God. ) Rom 6:10 and is the glory of the gospel that this one Offering is and was all-sufficient! By His one offering Christ was at the same time the great Antitype of the Passover Lamb (He is our Passover) offered without priest or altar in Egypt, and the goat of the Day of Atonement, who blood was taken by the High Priest within the veil.

The scriptural doctrine of Sacrifice for Sin falls under a two-fold principle:

1. Redemption, "deliverance from" being the uppermost thought.

2. Atonement, "access to" being the uppermost thought.

We will use two words in the New Testament to help us see this distinction, namely exodus, meaning "going out or a way out" and eisodus meaning "a way in". The word exodus is found in Luke 9 :31 ( where Moses )Law( and Elijah ) the Prophets speak of the "decease" which the lord should accomplish in Jerusalem. The word eisodus is found in Hebrews 10:19, where the results of the atoning work of Christ as both Offering and High Priest, are expressed by the words "boldness to enter"

We find this two-fold aspect of the Saviour’s Sacrifice in several parts of the New Testament.

Redemption or exodus aspect Ephesians 1:7 where the word translated "forgiveness" is aphesis, which means set at liberty Luke 4:18.

Atonement or eisodus aspect Ephesians 2:13 "made nigh"

Redemption without atonement would be as if Moses had led the children of Israel out of Egypt and then abandoned them in the wilderness. Atonement put before Redemption would be as if Moses had ignored the Passover and erected a tabernacle in Egypt. He Who led Israel out of bondage led them in to His presence. A redeemed and reconciled people. It is evident that the translators of the A.V. were perfectly familiar with the word "reconciliation" and yet chose to use the word atonement. The fact is that the word "atonement" means reconciliation. To be made nigh. Or brought in fellowship with the Most High God. What was being taught to those wandering pilgrams was that God simply was not saving them but was bringing them into "fellowship" with a thrice Holy God.

Think about that Gentle Reader, that God loves you and me so much that He chooses to "fellowship" with us!

Atonement  (at one ment) One with God.

Love,

Denis

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. (Gal 2:20)