"Butts" in the Face

                                                           Stephen Eagle Brooks (c) 2013

 

 

This morning, I'm reminded of book titles we used to "dream up," when I was much younger. One of my all time favorites was, "Under the Grandstands," by C. More Butts. I don't care who you are, that's funny.
Seems to me the "red headed something or other" bird in my photo may be thinking the exact same thing.
"Those doves are really big. They must get a lot of good food. And, their butts are broader than two ax handles. Wonder if a good ole boy like me could ever sneak in there for a bite?
Sometimes, we just get butts in our faces. Through no fault of our own, people just turn and walk away. 

Hurts, doesn't it?
Ever considered that their actions say more about them than you?
Maybe they had good intentions. You know, what the road to hell is paved with?
Anyway, if someone "walks away," please let them go. Do not chase after them. Maybe they abide by the "no contact" rule like in the NFL. After five yards, it's a no-no to put your hands on a receiver. At least, it's supposed to be.
Back to my bird.
He just didn't fit in. He doesn't look like the doves. He's in much better shape, physically fit. So, maybe they are threatened by his mere presence.
He definitely realizes that dove butts are really not very desirable. But, (no pun intended), if he is patient, they will probably get full of the bird food and even themselves. Then, he can jump on over to the smorgasbord and eat to his little heart's content.
Can you tell, I'm partial to outsiders? Folks that other folks really don't care for?
I came up with a lovely term to refer to those that may be facing some tough times. I call them, "Beatitudinal People." Read about them in the New Testament. See if you fall into any of the "categories" that Jesus mentions in His Sermon on the Mount.
If you do, butts will not ALWAYS be in your face. Your day is coming. The banqueting table is being prepared. Just perch there on the tree and wait. Many of them "fat cats" will not receive an invitation. But, (there I go again), YOU will. Remember, the sun don't shine on the same dog (or bird) all the time.
Until we meet again, this is my view from the Sonporch...

 Celebrating Christmas, How?

 Stephen Eagle Brooks (c) 2013

People are busy. Really busy. "As the 'shoppers' rush home with their presents."
What has happened to the joys of celebrating the birth of Christ? Heralding the Messiah? Loving one another in the same manner that He loves us? Beats me, but I think it's time for a reality check.
Now, is the perfect time to stop, turn around, look inside yourselves, and ponder the true meaning of Christmas.
A child was born. Not into royalty, but He is the King of Kings. His birth was not in the finest of hospitals, but He did have the Master Physician on His side. He was just a little boy from Bethlehem, but nothing very good ever came from there. A carpenter's Son. Wish I could get Him to help me with projects around the house. Jesus, could you possibly make time to "build me some chairs?" I would pay You a fair wage and really appreciate it.
At one point in my life Jay Sigmon and I had a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Complete with one red ball. I think he may have gotten it from the the dump. Man, was it cold outside. Christmas of "83," as I recall. Back in the day, as you say, we didn't have very much money. We used to seek out every singing contest we could find, in hopes that I could win a hundred dollars. Often, we were blessed with a victory. But, our greatest realization was recognizing that you don't have to have much to have plenty. "Rich" people do not always have dibs on happiness, in your world, or joy, in mine. Money just cannot buy what is ours for "free," even though it cost Father God a tremendous price. If it is already bought and paid for, then why do we have to turn it into such a circus, the most stress-filled time of the year?
As for me, count me out. I'm focusing on learning to love myself, so that I can love others as He has loved me. I choose joy in my heart, even when my circumstances seem all out of sorts. With time, the "feelings" normally show up.
I love my family and friends. Some, I have never met. I cherish each heartbeat, because I KNOW life is as fragile as any flower ever created. I choose to live and love moment by moment. We are not assured of one more heartbeat. Live, laugh, and love while you can. Set your hearts and minds on that little Boy Who was born, because His birth made Christmas day possible.
If you are stressed and find yourself bogged down with insecurities, refocus on that tiny Baby and His impact on this world. Join the heavenly chorus of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." Put your expectations of others aside for just a second and reach out in love to ALL people. It does not matter what their response is or will be. If they have issues, let them be their issues. Do not allow ANYONE to rob you of your joy. Be different, so this Christmas can be different. If you love someone, tell them. If you miss someone, tell them. If you feel a problem with communication, try to make things right. You owe it to yourself and to the Man whose birth made Christmas Day.
Now, I am going to mention just a few of my friends. In fact, I think I will try to do that each day until Christmas. If your name appears, KNOW how much you mean to me. How deeply I love you. How I miss you when we are apart. How I value each second we spend together. So, here goes.
Jesus, thank you for loving and accepting me, warts and all. Your forgiveness, mercy, and grace have made my life worthwhile. I love you with my whole "Raggedy Andy" heart.
Teena Griffin Brooks, I feel the exact same way about you. Your love, support, acts of service and encouragement mean the world to me. God bless you, graciE.
The David Johnson family. Yep, includes my biological daughter, Julie. I love ALL of you. My heart yearns for seconds we spend together.
John Mark Brooks. You are my son. I love and miss you. Pray for you, constantly. Remember, the sun don't shine on the same dog all the time?
Cotton and Vickie Kecthie are my bestest friends. Tried and true, they have been there. Really been there for me. Even though your schedules are way too busy for my tastes, I cherish each second we have together. As far as I know, when I missed your Christmas Open House, it was the first and only thing I have missed since we met. I tried to make the trip, but the ole heart was just too tired.
Brian, Sandy, and Mandy Martin. I love you. Always have. Always will.
Bill Hudspeth, I miss you and hope to see you soon.
Jarrad Miller, thank you for being a "second son," to me. Jarrad has a ministry called "God Over Porn." He is trying to get the ministry up and running and needs some financial help. If you have a desire to help, dm me, and I will provide his contact information. He is on fb, though.
Jimmy Appudurai-chua, what can I say? Brothers are we. Bound together by Providence. Can't wait to meet you, someday. You ARE the best guitar player in the world. And, an even better person. I love you, jimmy.
Kevin Porter, Tee Tee and Ronnie Barnes, Bets, Donald Hudspeth, Terry Jonas, Ted Brooks, Doug and Joanne Pittman, York Cook, Fred Shade, William Wilson, "Commanche," the Al Jones family, Russ and Liz Eagle, Jonathan Dale, Repsie Nellis, Sandra Jayne, Erni...
More to follow as the days move toward Christmas Day.
Until we meet again, this is my view from the Sonporch. Be blessed...

Good Morning from the Sonporch.

                                                         
                                                          Stephen Eagle Brooks (c) 2013
 
We had the big shindig yesterday and were very pleased with all of the family and friends who came to set a spell. No T.V. Just some background Christmas music.
It was wonderful to talk and fellowship, tell stories, smile, laugh, and just truly enjoy each others company. We celebrated the birth of the Christ child by loving each other. The greatest mission, I believe, is to love others as we love ourselves. Tough, if you don't love yourself. Let's work on that, shall we?
Check out the cover photo. My lovely wife, Teena (graciE) made most of the goodies and decorations. She is so talented. My favorites were the gingerbread house and train (on another table) and the gingerbread cookies. I just love gingerbread anything. I'll post some other pics a bit later.
Our profile photo is left to right, my son, John Mark Brooks, graciE, my daughter, Julie, and her husband David Johnson. I'm the one with the "silver" hair. Always did like the Lone Ranger. It brought me great joy to have my family together under one roof for such a festive occasion.
Thanks to EVERYONE who came, brought food, gifts, and just made our day brighter. The weather did not play a factor. I knew it would not interfere.
Love one another as you love yourself. U'mm...
Sadly, I think many of us adhere to this particular commandment. As I said, we just don't love ourselves. Somehow, we feel we must act and be different than we are. We do not think we are lovable.
Wrong answer. We ARE lovable. Just as we are. Throw off the guilt and self-condemnation, and embrace the uniquely created YOU. Father God does not condemn you. Why should you?
Anyway, have a great Monday. Many thanks to Lisa Gamble, Vickie Ketchie, Karen Brunson, Julie Johnson, and graciE for the cleanup work. It was a team effort.
Over the next few days, I will be continuing my posts on friendships, including photos. Until then, "Lord I just want to thank you, for all these friends of mine (ours)." We are, indeed, blessed, and highly favored.
Unit we meet again, this is my view from the Sonporch...

 "I Am."  ~ Jesus

Stephen Eagle Brooks (c) 2013

God did not say He was" the GREAT I was." So, living in the past can only hurt you. He, also, did not say, "I am the Great gonna be." Rules out fretting over the future doesn't it?
What did He say?
He said, "I AM the Great I AM." Today, moment by moment, live. Second by second. Forget the past and don't worry about the future.
I love the story where some not so kind folks were trying to get Jesus to implicate Himself as an impostor.
"People say (the always dangerous 'they') that You call Yourself the Son of God. Is that true? Are You the Son of God?"
His response, "I AM."
There was such power in His words everyone fell to the ground. The Spirit and the spoken Words of the Living God were just too much for them to handle.
My focus will be on the here and now. Not yesterday. Not in a few minutes or hours. Second by second. Moment by moment.
Lord, I ask that you grant me mercy, grace, forgiveness, assurance, and love throughout the day. I will keep my heart and my eyes on my high calling in Christ Jesus.
My bestest Friend. You guessed it. Jesus.
An even better part. HE calls me friend. And, you, of course.
"What a Friend We have in Jesus," is a wonderful hymn. Believe it. Live it.
Trust the Man Who answers, "I AM."
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Thanks for setting a spell with me this morning. Until we meet again, this is my view from the Sonporch...

I Think I Can, I Think I Can...

I Think I Can, I Think I Can...

Stephen Eagle Brooks (c) 2013

I always wanted a train to place around the Christmas tree. As a little boy, this dream was born. Don't know any reason why.
Anyway, I bought this plastic Charles Dickens Train Set a few years ago. When John Johnston and I were decorating the tree, we removed it from its brand new, never opened packaging. For some strange reason, the batteries (which seem to never be included) had corroded. The engine light comes on, but the train remains stationary on the tracks. Now, for this morning's brief comments.
We, just like the train, sometimes appear all bright, shiny, and new on the outside. Why even our "light" appears to be on, just like Motel 6.
But, it is often the case that our hearts and minds may be just a bit corroded. We think unhealthy thoughts, focus on the negative, worry and fret, and consequently "set still."
Just like the train, though, we leave tracks where we HAVE been. It's a good thing other folks don''t always see "our' tracks.
So, what do we do? 
We get some new batteries. Some EVER ready long, lasting, "permanent" batteries. And, where do we get those?
Allow Father God to replace your heart of stone with an authentic heart of flesh. A brand spankin' new heart.
In my case, my old heart was replaced with a "Raggedy Andy" type heart during heart surgery. Now, each day, I wear the sign of the Cross on my chest. Every time I remove my shirt, I see the scars. I feel the pain of being cut open twice, horizontally and vertically, so the doctors and nurses could attempt to save my life.
My "batteries" were replaced not only so my light could shine, but so I WOULD NOT sit still on the tracks. I have a mission, a call, that I have to fulfill.
"Pick me, Coach. I'll go. Send me in."
And, He did.
Time to make some tracks. Follow me. "I think I can. I think I can."
I KNOW HE can.
Have a blessed day. Enjoy the "son" shine.
Until we meet again, this is my view from the Sonporch...

  

What Does Martin Say?

Martin-

In the first photo, Martin and his family are innocently enjoying the Boston Marathon. His sister is to his right.

Lurking behind them is the diabolical bomber, known as "Suspect # 2." I refuse to recognize him by name.

In just a brief moment, young Martin was murdered, his sister lost a leg, his mother was severely injured, and the life of the family was forever altered.

But, what does Martin's poster say?

Go ahead, click on the photo and read it for yourself.

What do you think about all the "news time” the surviving bomber is getting?

Meanwhile, Martin is dead and buried--his plea, gradually, fading into the past.

Irony? I guess. Disgusting! I KNOW.

My prayers for Martin's family are that they somehow find the courage to deal with ALL that "life" has thrown at them---that love, comfort, and words of encouragement would be with them 24-7.

For me, personally, Martin's words will ring in my ears constantly and be eternally etched in my heart.

We MUST quit "hurting people." Life is so very fragile. It can be with us one second and gone the next.

Today, love one another. Really love one another. Cherish each moment that you have with your family, friends, and other loved ones. You NEVER know when your world may be turned upside down.

Thank you, Martin, for your great wisdom. "I will not forget you and will do more than my part to make sure that others remember your words. We must quit hurting people."

-Stephen © 2013

"He IS Risen!"

“He IS risen!”

Note the power of this proclamation.  It reverberates throughout boundless eternity, the same yesterday, today, and forever.  The power of the resurrection is eternal, not a one-time deal.

And, yet, so many of us live as though this event is relatively mundane.  Oh, we get excited about Easter, the tomb and the stone rolled away, the Shroud of Turin, bunny rabbits, candy, and Easter baskets. 

Now, friends, this acculturation business is one more potpourri of stuff.  In some regards, the power of the initial three word proclamation begins to wane—get watered down.

But, for those of us who know better, it is His shed blood at Calvary and the power of His resurrection that sustains us each day.

For you see, my old man, “Steve,” is dead and buried.  He died on the cross.  He never stepped down from it.

But, my new man, “Stephen,” is alive and well.  “He is risen!”

As I WILL, Christ can now live in and through me, the same as when He walked the earth. 

My heart’s cry is to die to myself daily, so that it is no longer I who lives, but Christ living through me.

Have a blessed Easter.  Enjoy time with family and friends.  Death has been defeated.  There is NOTHING than can separate you from His love….  

"The New Road," Christian Music Video

 

Talents or Gifts?

© Stephen Eagle Brooks 2013

What is the difference between talents and gifts from a Christian perspective?

An individual is born with a talent or, sometimes, many talents. Just remember the parable?

Have you developed yours to the fullest potential or "buried" them in an attempt to "save" them? Newsflash: you cannot take them with you when you go.

I have one friend who has many talents. He is an outstanding watercolorist, photographer, author, musician, stand-up comedian, and all-around nice person. He has done a great job of developing his "talents" and sharing them with the rest of the world.

Sadly, I have another friend who has many talents who refuses to the ones she has been given. In effect, she "buries them.

Gifts are quite a bit more complicated, but they ARE NOT synonymous with talents. So, when someone says I "have a gift" when it comes to playing a musical instrument, though a nice thing to say, it is not correct. Instead, they should say, “I have a talent that I have developed to share with others.”

The best place to start learning about "gifts" is Romans, Chapter 12. These gifts are the ones that Father God distributes to each individual when he/she accepts Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. These gifts are called "motive gifts." Most of the time a person receives only one,  infrequently, two or three. God "gives" these gifts for the individual to "use" for the growth and edification of the Body of Christ. These gifts include: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, and mercy. So, there are seven motive gifts. You may find them in Romans 12: 6-8.

I hope this explanation begins to clear up some of the differences between talents and gifts. Imagine, or sort of picture in your mind, a Christian person who uses his/her talents AND gifts to their fullest potential. What a tremendous blessing!

In closing, we have only mentioned the gifts that God gave to the church, or one-third of the "whole counsel." We still have the Holy Spirit's gifts and the gifts of Jesus to discuss on another day.

Happy Day after Valentine’s Day

Stephen Eagle Brooks © 2013

So, how many of you exhausted your supply of love yesterday?  After all, you bought flowers, chocolates, gifts, cards (lots of cards), and Lord knows what else you purchased.  Better keep some of those things on the down low.

I do have a relatively simple point, however.  If love is an action, how many of you “did something,” requiring any effort on your part, to demonstrate your love on Valentine’s Day.

Did YOU wash the dishes, vacuum, prepare dinner, clean the golf shoes, do the laundry, or fold the clothes?  What “actions” were indicators of love to your special “loved” ones?

Well, if you did exhaust yourself, please “fill free” (get the pun) to stop at the “Love Filling Station.”  It doesn’t costs us much, but the price paid by Another was total sacrifice hanging on a cross, mocked by a large crowd, until death.  He loved us without even a card or a box of chocolates.  In fact, we stood with the others and shouted, Crucify Him!”  He loved us while we were yet sinners.

And, yet, we will not even love our family members who do not make the decisions we “EXPECT” them to make.  Unforgiveness, avoidance, and writing off someone because you do not agree with them are not love.  It is just downright MEAN.

On this day after Valentine’s Day, do you have more love to give than yesterday?  Or, will you return to the same ole routine prior to February 14^th?  I f you are “out of love,” maybe you should consider the “Love Filling Station?”  I hear there is an endless supply, and it is NOT $4.00 per gallon.

Love others as you love yourself.  If you don’t love yourself, then it is impossible to love others Address that issue, first.

This is my commandment, “Love one another as I have loved you.”  Are you prepared to give your life for your family, loved ones, and friends?

Greater love hath no man, than he would lay down his life for a friend.

Um’m…

“Love, love, love.  All we need is love.  Love is all we really need.”

"Love is but the song we need.  I feel it ‘fore we die.”

“Surround me with Love.”

Have a great day filled with love, my friends…

Please accept my comments as just some things to ponder?

PS A giant meteor slammed into Russia today.  A huge asteroid barely missed the earth sometime overnight.  Weather and climate patterns are chaotic, to say the least.  It appears that “The Day after Tomorrow,” will soon be a reality.  The Age of the Dinosaurs climaxed with an asteroid six miles across slamming into the earth somewhere in Mexico, creating a blast greater than billions and billions of atomic bombs.

PSS I don’t know if any of those PS things are totally true, but they do provide excellent “fodder.”

Do We Love Others as We Love Ourselves?

Well, Valentine's Day has come and gone. And, apparently, in some folks' lives, so, also love. Country singer, Mindy McCready, died of a supposed self-inflicted gunshot wound, leaving behind two young children. My heart is broken every time I hear of these senseless tragedies. I pray that she is finally at peace.

But, the bigger question for this Monday morning is do we truly "love one another as we love ourselves?" I think we do, because I question whether we really do love ourselves. Maybe, we have been programmed that the best we are is not good enough? Or, that no matter what we do, we will just come up a bit short? Maybe we have chosen to wall our real selves off from the rest of the world, because it "hurts" too much to come out?

In many ways we, are like onions. Layer after layer, we are peeled away until we get to some part of us that is really us. Who knows?

"Love is all around; I see it in the air." Nice" Love Boat" theme, right? "Actually," (just for you, graciE), love being in the air doesn't accomplish very much. Only when it is communicated, shared with ACTIONS, on a heart to heart basis does love become REAL. Sadly, REAL love is getting harder to find.

The accepting and embracing of our "true selves" is very hard for many people.

Today, let's make it our mission to show others, through our actions, that we genuinely love them. Tell them, before it's too late. Even if it's just the hourglass of time that takes them away from us, do not allow one precious second to pass by without "loving."

For my part, I do love you. What love I have is yours, free of charge and you don't have to ask.

Have a blessed day, a day complete with smiles and laughter, and love. <3 o:p="">

 ☆`•.¸¸.✻Hope your day is filled´´¯`•.¸¸.٭✻.☆

 ♪. ♫ with the beautiful music of

☆`•.¸life!¸.✻´´¯`•.¸¸.٭✻.☆ ~sEb~