Thursday, April 14, 2016
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Another Friday
I threw the stake in the ground last time I wrote and it's still there. Behind me. Ignored but not forgotten. Not forgotten....Moving on.
I recently read an opinion by Abraham Heschel about his take on "angels." It was eyeopening and inspiring. I must have read it late at night because I can't find his exact words and reference, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt citation from somewhere in his venerated book, The Prophets.
In Ps. 91:11 that author says (taken out of context): "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." Another passage from context within the Psalms is 103 gives tribute to angels, "Praise the Lord you his angels, you mighty ones who do his will." In the CE Testament, Heb. 1:14 (taken out of context), and whose author is likely Paul (Saul of Tarsus) questions: "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"
Angels. My angels. My Lord's angels. Dedicated. Protective. Strangers. Committed. Angels entertained unawares. I have heard stories of angels in snow storms that did not leave foot prints. I have observed angels who were not there when I went to talk to them again. They were gone. I try not to pass up the chance to provide a cup of cold water or a sandwich or a meal in God's name. It gives me chills and goosebumps, raises the hair on the back of my neck to relate these stories.
Recently I was privileged to hear this recital of angels being present. The individual visited was a man who was dying in hospice care. His wife said that he had been generally out of sorts. He acted angry, agitated, grumpy, cross, mad at the world and because of his condition, and sullen. One afternoon while she was with him in his state of discomfit he started smiling, then laughing, clapping his hands, and was in a state of joy as if he was a young child. His wife, quite startled by his outbreak of euphoria, asked him what was going on. He giggled and asked her if she could see the bright light and the four people at the foot of his bed. They were dancing and singing and clapping their hands around his bed. It wasn't long after this experience that he peacefully died. His wife and family were extremely happy for his visitation and were given a final joyful gift from their husband and father.
Hospice is an awesome experience. Sometimes people who don't seem to be connected to reality start looking into the corners of the ceiling in their rooms at visions.
If I think of it I'll share more stories as they are related to me.
I recently read an opinion by Abraham Heschel about his take on "angels." It was eyeopening and inspiring. I must have read it late at night because I can't find his exact words and reference, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt citation from somewhere in his venerated book, The Prophets.
In Ps. 91:11 that author says (taken out of context): "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." Another passage from context within the Psalms is 103 gives tribute to angels, "Praise the Lord you his angels, you mighty ones who do his will." In the CE Testament, Heb. 1:14 (taken out of context), and whose author is likely Paul (Saul of Tarsus) questions: "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"
Angels. My angels. My Lord's angels. Dedicated. Protective. Strangers. Committed. Angels entertained unawares. I have heard stories of angels in snow storms that did not leave foot prints. I have observed angels who were not there when I went to talk to them again. They were gone. I try not to pass up the chance to provide a cup of cold water or a sandwich or a meal in God's name. It gives me chills and goosebumps, raises the hair on the back of my neck to relate these stories.
Recently I was privileged to hear this recital of angels being present. The individual visited was a man who was dying in hospice care. His wife said that he had been generally out of sorts. He acted angry, agitated, grumpy, cross, mad at the world and because of his condition, and sullen. One afternoon while she was with him in his state of discomfit he started smiling, then laughing, clapping his hands, and was in a state of joy as if he was a young child. His wife, quite startled by his outbreak of euphoria, asked him what was going on. He giggled and asked her if she could see the bright light and the four people at the foot of his bed. They were dancing and singing and clapping their hands around his bed. It wasn't long after this experience that he peacefully died. His wife and family were extremely happy for his visitation and were given a final joyful gift from their husband and father.
Hospice is an awesome experience. Sometimes people who don't seem to be connected to reality start looking into the corners of the ceiling in their rooms at visions.
If I think of it I'll share more stories as they are related to me.
Inequality and Injustice to Indigenous People
This statement was also posted to my facebook status 9/26/15:
This statement was also posted to my facebook status 9/26/15:
The TED series on the injustice meted out to Native/Indigenous peoples and the uneven and high handed European way of life resulting in the domination of people different from ourselves continues to resonate. Once again our sanitized versions of history about treatment of native peoples must be evaluated for what they are: Lies. Our school's history book stories ignore the obfuscation, subjugation, and ruination forced on fellow human beings.
The timeline Aaron Huey shares in his TED talk highlights the astonishing and horrifying series of events historically experienced by the Lakota people and their collective tribes. His expose makes me ashamed of the actions of my ancestors and fellow occupiers of this land on which we live.
Beyond the descriptions of this TED presentation there have been multiple atrocities and acts of property theft perpetrated on all other existing tribes and, sadly, historically on those extinct tribes of the northern and southern hemispheres. The genocide, exploitation, and extortion of indigenous people can not be excused or continue to be ignored.
I hope that one's sense of justice and equality is piqued by Mr. Huey's photos and words. Please, take a moment to be informed.
http://www.ted.com/talks/aaron_huey
Friday, May 22, 2015
Lemonade or Bile
by Don Shepherd
Distressed, frustrated, displeased with the status quo of my persona. Been reading: Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go To Work, Babiak & Hare 2006 Harper Collins. (No I am not a psychopath - I have way to much empathy.) This passage from the book stopped me in my tracks as the authors talked about surviving the devastation of being in the sphere of psychopathy; in the funk of life.
I have been looking outside the blinders this old nag has been wearing and realizing somewhere I lost my persona to bile - old failures that are stacked like old rotting logs on the fenceline of my life.. My new desire is create lovely yellow, sweet, refreshing, ice cold lemonade from my past bitterness. I must try to be fearless, courageous, and forgiving to move on.
When you see me you got to ask yourself, "How big is he?"
No excuses here only an honest declaration and acknowledgement: I have an eating addiction that is literally eating me alive and I am dying day by day by the affects of my food addictions. For all of you who have recently joined the ranks of bariatric surgery survivors and are being successful I want to thank you for the courage and perseverance you have and are displaying daily to all of us who have taken the cut of the knife but not relinquishing of the addictions. Kudos to K. Joy, Debbie, Kerrie, Rick, Sarah.
Spear in the ground time. Line in the sand.... The walk will be hard but the results will be worth it. The addiction will not win. I am within a greater power.
by Don Shepherd
Distressed, frustrated, displeased with the status quo of my persona. Been reading: Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go To Work, Babiak & Hare 2006 Harper Collins. (No I am not a psychopath - I have way to much empathy.) This passage from the book stopped me in my tracks as the authors talked about surviving the devastation of being in the sphere of psychopathy; in the funk of life.
One key to overcoming frustration is information. The amount of accurate information you have about the change, in particular, the potential impact of the change on you - answers to the question, "What's in it for me?" - can and will affect how long you remain frustrated. Honest and accurate information is the antidote to concerns and fears brought on by impending change. Seeking information is a natural response to disruptions to the status quo; it is an attempt to reestablish stability in a seemingly unstable world. (p. 155)It is May 23, 2015 on this date in 1969 my wife agreed to support me "...for better or for worse, sickness and in health...." I want to thank you again for making that commitment to me, for I have inadvertently tested you in all those ways as only I could. Forgive me of my insufferableness. I am sorry I introduced you to my coping skills - abusive eating. 4 yellow roses for each decade and 6 red for the years of the decade - tomorrow.
I have been looking outside the blinders this old nag has been wearing and realizing somewhere I lost my persona to bile - old failures that are stacked like old rotting logs on the fenceline of my life.. My new desire is create lovely yellow, sweet, refreshing, ice cold lemonade from my past bitterness. I must try to be fearless, courageous, and forgiving to move on.
When you see me you got to ask yourself, "How big is he?"
No excuses here only an honest declaration and acknowledgement: I have an eating addiction that is literally eating me alive and I am dying day by day by the affects of my food addictions. For all of you who have recently joined the ranks of bariatric surgery survivors and are being successful I want to thank you for the courage and perseverance you have and are displaying daily to all of us who have taken the cut of the knife but not relinquishing of the addictions. Kudos to K. Joy, Debbie, Kerrie, Rick, Sarah.
Spear in the ground time. Line in the sand.... The walk will be hard but the results will be worth it. The addiction will not win. I am within a greater power.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Time is Filled with Swift Transition
This an old song that is real familiar to my religious heritage: Church of Christ (non-instrumental) Great musical heritage. I've been singing a capella music since I was nine. Love it. The flowing and rich harmonies. Lots of great memories with fellow musicians of the voice.
Recently I started singing men's choral music at one of, if not the oldest original building in Detroit at St. Joseph's. It has a long life and seems to be catching a second breath. During the summers the past three years I have sung with what is caled, The Men's Schola. We have grown from about 10-15 per Sunday Mass to 20-25 men each Mass Day we are scheduled.
Some of the guys know each other from singing in churches throughout the Detoit Metro area. Others of us are new to the scene and have to introduce ourselves. The comeraderie of rehearsal is great and when we get it right on a Sunday Mass the esprit de corps is fabulous. Two years ago the group cut a CD performed and recorded at St Joseph's one particularly warm evening.
Did I mention that we rehearse and perform in the choir loft at the back of the building over the entry/exit fron door. The other factor is there is no air conditioning in this glorious old building. It has hand laid tile murals on the ceilings. The aisle way floors in the sactuary have these 1" x 1" while marble tiles that were each laid on the floor and troweled in, well over one hundred years ago.
Our Music Master and Director is, Michael Seamon. The lead Pastor for the congregation is Greg Tarsky (sp?). The recruiter for the group is Jack Day. Our marketer and event coordinator is Theresa whose husban is a very fine Tenor II.
Some of the music we perform is out of print and we are indeed very careful to preserve the integrity of what we use.
Our performances are all from the choir loft so casual attire even shortss on the ultra hot mornings is appropriate.
I started writing this piece with the intent of expressing my joy with the singing of such magnificently written music. Mozart, Beethoven, Singenberger, Guailli(sp?). Several of the men also sing the gregorian chants during services. The accompaniament is played by Michael Seamon on a very large pipe organ. The bass notes vibrate to one's bones. I just can't seem to get enough of this classic church music. It makes my heart soar. It speaks to my soul.
I won't stay away so long till next time, may peace be with you. -Don
Recently I started singing men's choral music at one of, if not the oldest original building in Detroit at St. Joseph's. It has a long life and seems to be catching a second breath. During the summers the past three years I have sung with what is caled, The Men's Schola. We have grown from about 10-15 per Sunday Mass to 20-25 men each Mass Day we are scheduled.
Some of the guys know each other from singing in churches throughout the Detoit Metro area. Others of us are new to the scene and have to introduce ourselves. The comeraderie of rehearsal is great and when we get it right on a Sunday Mass the esprit de corps is fabulous. Two years ago the group cut a CD performed and recorded at St Joseph's one particularly warm evening.
Did I mention that we rehearse and perform in the choir loft at the back of the building over the entry/exit fron door. The other factor is there is no air conditioning in this glorious old building. It has hand laid tile murals on the ceilings. The aisle way floors in the sactuary have these 1" x 1" while marble tiles that were each laid on the floor and troweled in, well over one hundred years ago.
Our Music Master and Director is, Michael Seamon. The lead Pastor for the congregation is Greg Tarsky (sp?). The recruiter for the group is Jack Day. Our marketer and event coordinator is Theresa whose husban is a very fine Tenor II.
Some of the music we perform is out of print and we are indeed very careful to preserve the integrity of what we use.
Our performances are all from the choir loft so casual attire even shortss on the ultra hot mornings is appropriate.
I started writing this piece with the intent of expressing my joy with the singing of such magnificently written music. Mozart, Beethoven, Singenberger, Guailli(sp?). Several of the men also sing the gregorian chants during services. The accompaniament is played by Michael Seamon on a very large pipe organ. The bass notes vibrate to one's bones. I just can't seem to get enough of this classic church music. It makes my heart soar. It speaks to my soul.
I won't stay away so long till next time, may peace be with you. -Don
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Been thinking....
So much diatribe, vitriolic voices, finger pointing and hatred. And then there is the furor of politics.... Stop it!
It is not my intent to add to the squabbling fracas but to call for "a civil discourse."
Think about it.
Where, when, how, why, what is your stake in this life?
Are we confident that that position is one to which we've been called?
A sustainable higher calling.
Does it uplift and make us vulnerable?
Will it add to the music and dance of life?
Will it touch life altruistically?
Does it offer a bridge to death - the next chapter of living?
It is not my intent to add to the squabbling fracas but to call for "a civil discourse."
Think about it.
Where, when, how, why, what is your stake in this life?
Are we confident that that position is one to which we've been called?
A sustainable higher calling.
Does it uplift and make us vulnerable?
Will it add to the music and dance of life?
Will it touch life altruistically?
Does it offer a bridge to death - the next chapter of living?
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Humanity app
In referring to the instant gratification that comes with smartphone apps; could it work for humans to access a Humanity app to become more humane?
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