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Old Socks Ramblings....

11/12/2012

Well, here we are again. I know it has been a while since I last shared with every one who has been so kind to read this blog. I have found that it is not as easy as it appears to formulate thoughts into words that hopefully inspire others along their way. Since we last met, I have experienced first hand the frailty of life. Each day is a gift that is wrapped in life and given to each one to utilize to its fullest. Jesus tells us that He came that we might have life and it more abundantly. Literally, He says, 'life to the fullest.' Now, this begs the question, 'What is life to the fullest?' I have come to believe that it involves several things.
One: Complete surrender. We surrender every day. We either we surrender to our desires or the desires of another. The ultimate surrender is where we yield completely to the will of God. Now, I don't believe in varying wills of God, i.e. perfect or permissible. I have found that God has a will for all, (2 Peter 3:9, Romans 8:29) and for the individual (Matthew 4:19, Ephesians 4:1). Complete surrender is imperative to accomplish one or the other.
Two: Costly Sacrifice. Many people want the perks without the price. While salvation is free, discipleship is costly. Now, I know that God is faithful to His promises to us even when we are not faithful to our promises to Him. Without sacrifice, we never experience true abundance. The price we pay for abundance is small compared to the price Christ paid. We simply give away our desire for glory and the desire to be in control. In Luke 9:23, Jesus said that we must deny ourselves. To many of us, this is a high price to pay because we want it our way more than anything else.
Lastly: Compassionate Service. There are those who serve out of a sense of duty, i.e. "I must do this." You know, the server who brings our food with a scowl. A compassionate server is one who serves because he or she gets to do so. Have you ever considered that God could use anything or anyone He desires to. Yet, He lets you and me be a part of His kingdom's work. Compassion cannot be counterfeited. True compassion speaks from the heart of one to the heart of another.
Now, I know this can sound like a lot of work. Truth is, when we realize how empty our account is and how great God is, then, complete surrender is not frightening, costly sacrifice is not too much to pay and compassionate service is an outflow of His inflow into our lives.
I hope to be able to be more regular i these 'trips' together. I pray that God reveal Himself more fully to each of us. So, until we meet again, remember that Jesus came to give

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Old Sock's Ramblings

11/12/2011

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    Well hello again. It has been a while since the last post. I first want to say, "I sorry for not posting more." It seems that this blogging stuff is not as easy as typing a few words and hitting "enter." Secondly, I want to thank everyone for their prayers and comments during the loss of my dad. Life has a way of confronting your ideas that sometimes leave you speechless.
     This brings me to my thoughts for today. "Why do we live like the world revolves around us?" Now don't get me wrong, I am as egocentric as they come. I want my way first and formost, but I have learned that I don't always get my way. There are those with whom I am associated that seem to think it is their world and we live in it. Every inch of space in their lives must be in their control or at least dominated by them. If it does not fall in line, there is havoc and unrest within their lives which leads to conflict over trivial issues.
     There are some others who because they can't control their own situations, try to cause strife for others. this is also an egocentricity that I cannot seem to fathom. Why not let a sleeping dog lie? I have enough troubles without someone trying to generate more.
     I guess it comes down to a few statements that ring true. Solomon said, "A brother is born for adversity." This can be a relative or someone close that may steer off course. These are the ones that we once said, "They're not happy unless everybody is misserable." It has to be sad to be so self-consumned that one hiccup turns our world on its end. The Apostle Paul said, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." That's where I want to be. "Content!" Sounds kind of nice doesn't it. I know where contentment comes from. It is not me or mine, but His. When Jesus is all you need then you have more that you could ever want.
     My prayer is that we will all examine ourselves to make sure that when our "id" tries to exert its ego, then we will crucify the flesh and yield to Christ will.
     Til next time, remember, It's not your world. Enjoy the view from the journey and ride safe.

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Old Sock's Ramblings Aug 21, 2011

8/21/2011

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     Well, here we are again. It has been several weeks since our last time together. Life has a way of becoming so full that we miss the flowers on the sides of the road. Last week reminded me of how precious and fragile life really is.

     A friend of ours left work on his bike for lunch. Within a few hundred feet of where he worked, he was hit by a distracted driver and killed. Sonja and I always get the obligatory calls and texts to check on us and see if we knew who it was. Within a couple of hours, reports were confirmed and our hearts began to break. It is always sad when a brother rider is injured or dies, but this time was a deeper sadness. Robert left a wife and two younger kids. He was a stand-up guy who helped many people over the years.

     The sadness continued as where the accident happened is passed by at least once per day. There is a cross, flowers and investigators paint as a reminder to all who pass this spot. As the week went along, our emotions were tugged as different reports of what happened were revealed. (Now I’m not going to vent my frustrations about drivers who hit bikers, but those emotions lent themselves to the roller-coaster of mine. I can only imagine what Robert’s family has experienced.) Late in the week, we were made aware of a benefit for the Thomas family. We began to help spread the word and had many people express interest in the ride today.

     This morning started out well and the ride was great. Estimates are that there was a hundred or so bikes that rode to honor a fallen brother. There were a couple of minor hiccups but everyone made it safe to the ending point. It is awesome to see how the biker community comes together to help out. There were several different groups there today and each one came to honor Robert and help his family. For this, I give all praise and glory to the Lord. He gave safe rides and good times this weekend to friends and family.

     This brings me to my thought. Life is fragile yet meant to be experienced. The elements of success are faith, prayer and a relationship with the giver and orchestrator of life. Faith is the essence that guides us toward the goals that Christ has given us. Prayer keeps us connected to the Spirit that guides us along the way and the relationship provides us the confidence to trust the Author and Finisher of our faith.

     None of us know our date and hour. This truth makes some paralyzed, but others it frees to fully experience and enjoy each day to the fullest. My prayer for each of us is that we all will grow in faith, deepen our prayer life, strengthen our relationship with Jesus and enjoy every moment we have. Till next time, smell the roses, enjoy the journey and ride safe!

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Old Socks' Ramblings (Independence)

7/4/2011

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Old Socks' Ramblings (Independence)

7/4/2011

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     Happy 4th of July!!!! Today we celebrate our 235th birthday nationally. There have been many celebrations over the last few days with more today and tonight. This event caused me to think about independence. As a child, we long to be independent. We strive to walk so that we won't be dependant on some one to carry us. We want the training wheels off of our bikes to be free to go where we please. As a teenager we long to be independent of parental and authoritative control. As adults we struggle to be indenpendant with health and wealth. Then, as our bodies age, we struggle again to stay independent as we live out our final years.
     As I think about these things, I realized how truly dependant we are even in our independence. I desire to be independant in three areas of life.
     I desire to be an independent character. We all want to be our own idividual, but the more we become unique, the more we owe to others. You see, each person, good and not so good, that comes through our lives impact us and mold into the different, independant character we are.
     I also desire to be an independent citizen. As Americans, we are guaranteed the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. To this opportunity, I am dependant upon those who have given and still give of themslves in service to our country so that I might have the freedom to say and do as I see fit. So, to be and idenpendent citizen, I am dependent on the sacrifice of others.
     Lastly, I desire to be an idependent christian. No, I'm not saying that I don't need God. The independence I long for is the freedom to be who I was created and am called to be. In my pursuit of Christian freedom, I find myself more and more dependant on the one who came and died that I might live and go. You see, Jesus paid a debt He didn't owe because I owed a debt I couldn't pay.
     I hope that as we celebrate our Independence Day, we will all remember how great a debt of gratitude we owe to the soldier and the Savior.
     So until we meet again on life's highway, live a little, laugh a lot, love more and ride safe!!

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Old Sock's Ramblings

5/28/2011

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     Well, it has been a while since my last post. I’m sorry for the time lapse, but this subject has caused me to suffer heartburn. (figuratively not literally) A few weeks ago, I spent the weekend at PC Beach for Thunder Beach. Over the course of the weekend, we encountered several folks from various areas of the world. Most were very nice; some were less than polite. Here is my problem. The people who displayed the worst attitudes were those flying “Christian colors, patches or tattoos.”

     Many people have a problem of “taking the Lord’s Name in vain.” I too have issue with people who do this, but not in the same way that others do. Most people stop at words. I do not appreciate foul language, but if we look at the surface, it’s just words. Words communicate thoughts, ideals, etc. Some words are less desirable and should not be used. The problem I have with taking the Lord’s Name in vain is those who profess but do not show evidence that they possess.

     When I spend time with my biker brethren, I try to display the love and acceptance that Jesus did in His earthly ministry. As I read Scripture, He went to the downtrodden, the poor, and the outcast. Many of my “Christian biker” brethren want to go into the highways and byways but only on their terms. They view themselves as too holy to be where people are and seem to cast an arrogant shadow over those of us who wade out into the deep for a catch. I don’t want to give details of what I encountered, but I will say that many times over the weekend I was blown off or treated rudely by the very ones who claim to shine out the love of Christ.

     I wonder what type of faith that these with the “greater than” attitude think that they are displaying. I have had many people tell me that if this is the way Jesus is, they want no part of it. Now don’t misunderstand, I know that the gospel is offensive to the world. There is only ONE Way to the Father, … Jesus. That is offensive enough without us being less than what we should be. Now don’t think that I think I am perfect. I, like the Apostle Paul, do not claim to have laid hold of it, but I try desperately to grow each day in to a closer representation of the One Who gave Himself for me.

     Next time you try to influence the culture, ask yourself, “Am I shining out His light or my own?” Would He do it the way I am? This was a little bit rant I know, but maybe it will challenge each of us to be a little less full of our status and a little more filled with His presence.

     Till next time, let you light so shine that “they” may see your good works and glorify the Father Who is in heaven and ride safe.

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Old Socks' Ramblings

4/9/2011

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     Well here we are again. It has been two weeks since my last post. I have had to put a good deal of thought into this topic. The subject is "Brotherhood." Brotherhood is a terminology we hear often in the Christian and Biker world. This past weekend, Sonja and I attended a memorial service for a fellow biker who had passed away unexpectedly. I was impressed with the turnout from all over the country as people from Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Georgia traveled to Ozark, Alabama to pay tribute to a "Brother." We had an opportunity to meet several new friends as well as spend some time with a few folks we have met along our journey. All in all it was a good time of tribute to "Wild Bill" and a great showing of how far reaching Brotherhood is.
     This caused me to begin meditating on the nature of brotherhood. You see we in the Christian realm call every one brother (or sister) without much thought to what the term means. True Christain brotherhood is rooted in the attoning work of Christ. When we accept His sacrifice, we are adopted into the family of God. This is all good, but do we ever really practice the concept of true brotherhood. A true brother has several characteristics that seldom are seen in Christian circles. A brother always has your back, even if you're in the wrong, he will not allow you to be attacked. He may come to you, but he will not allow anyone to confront you but him. A brother also expects you to have his back.
     A quick side story: I always look for a certain characteristic in a best friend. My best friend must be someone that I trust to put my back against in a fight and know that you will have to kill him to get to my back because I will do the same. You can see why I have only had a handfull of best friends in forty-seven plus years.
     A brother will also give you what he has. He never holds back for his own benefit. We sing a song that calls Jesus our brother. He didn't hold back on our behalf, yet we tend to pull back if the sacrifice seems to be too much. A brother is never too far away to help. This was evident as some of the brothers at the memorial came from hundreds of miles and several hours away just to pay homage to one who shared this bond of brotherhood. A brother also shares your passion. The bond of having common interests brings conversation that builds a connection too deep to be easily broken.
     Now you are most likely wondering, "What's your point?" My point is: How much different would church be if we practiced true brotherhood. First we would have to prove ourselves worthy of the bond. Too many times, we simply take the word of the person that he or she is family. Now don't think that I am condoning a judgemental, condemning attitude. What I am saying is that we should see some evidence before we acknowledge someone as a brother or sister. Once that person is confirmed (This is the only term I could think of), we should afford to him or her the full benefits of the Brotherhood.
     Think of how different a pastor would be able to perform his calling if he knew that we had his back. What freedom would he have to instruct and enable if we freed him to know that his words were received by a heart devoted to living out the brotherhood lifestyle. How much would people want to be a part of our family if they could only see in us the true bond that cannot be easily broken.
     Scripture tells us that we are loved by God the Father because He calls us His children. (1 John 3) We are also told that we are joint heirs with Jesus meaning that we are His brothers and sisters. Have you ever considered the weight of carrying the family name of Christ? We are told by the Apostle Paul to live in a manner worthy of our calling. To me this is not a man's opinion of "morality" but a devotion to the (here it is again) brotherhood.
     I have determined to be more careful of using the term "brother" in the future. The beauty of the faith is that it is open to all, and anyone willing to acknowledge and follow Jesus IS a part of the Brotherhood of Faith.
     Till we meet again, think about how deep the bond runs and ride safe!

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Old Socks' Ramblings

3/27/2011

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     Well here we are again. Welcome back to my unique perspective on any and every thing. The past few days were pretty cool. If you read Sonja's blog, you know we rode down to PCB this weekend. I love to ride. In fact, I would rather ride than eat when I'm hungry. The ride was great, a little wet, and I found out my bifocals offer little protection from rain drops. After leaving PCB, we tooled up the road at a comfortable pace. We encountered a new family along the way and firmly believe that we were spared riding into a hail storm because of the encounter.
     After getting home, Sonja needed something from Wally World. While on the local mission field, we encountered several people we knew. This happens every time we go to WalMart. No problem though. It is sorta what we do. I got to thinking though after we got home. What is ministry? I am asked several times a week if I am serving any where. I know the questions are innocent, but I am thinking about saying, Why Yes I am serving! when asked where, I'll say, "Everywhere!" This is where the mindset of the culture begins to miss the boat. Ministry is not only in a pulpit. In my humble opinion, ministry isn't really ministry unless it is outside the walls of the meeting house. Now many of my readers may think that I have gone off the deep end again. Truth is, I see clearer now than I have in a long time. (maybe I got a set of spiritual bifocals)
     As we live our lives, we should always be aware of the opportunities around us. Sometimes the encounter may be for our benefit. I was happy to help a mom and her young child this afternoon. The few minutes I spent looking over the tires saved my head a few cracks from hailstones.  It was good to see a few people I haven't seen in a while at WalMart. Don't know what I missed or how I may have touch someone else. The simplicity of the walk I have with Jesus is, I'll be available and He can do His thing.
     Are you willing to live your life like this? Maybe? Maybe not. Whichever way you chose, remember, we are not our own. We are bought with a price. This begs the question, Do we really have an option on what He wants to do in our lives if we really claim to know Him?
     These are a few points to ponder as we head into our new week adventure. Till we meet again, allow Jesus room to work and order your life and ride safe!

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Old Sock's Ramblings: Refelction from a weekend behind bars

3/21/2011

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     Well the weekend has come and gone and a new work week is upon us. Man , that makes me sound so old. Well, I guess I kinda am. Enough of that. This past weekend started with washing the bikes off on Friday. (The pollen was so thick it looked like Pearl was growing yellow hair) Then early Saturday morning we got up, rode to the lake, met a with the FAITH riders before their ride, then we rode out to Enterprise to met with Reese and Rhonda. The day continued with a ride to lunch, an adventure trip, (looking at an old mill and walking around the creek) we then made our way back to Enterprise then home. Sunday started with riding to church, (See Sonja's pics), to lunch, to Terry's Birthday party then home. All in all we logged a couple hundred miles this weekend with a lot of quality fellowship time with some great friends. God is so good!
     This caused me to think, "Why would God create this wonderful place and leave me in it to enjoy it?" Now there are many reasons one could offer, but I truly only know three. One, He loves us. "How great is the love of God that we can be called His children." Two, He enjoys seeing us happy. (Isaiah 60:5) What Father doesn't enjoy seeing his kids enjoy themselves? Lastly,He wants us to touch others.  When we're full of joy, surrounded by His love, we can't help but touch other people.
     I don't like Mondays, but while thinking over these few points, I am reminded that, Today is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it." I hope that this gives you a reason to think on the love of God this week. Nothing can compare to the love that the Father has for us.
     Till we meet again, keep the shinny side up, live in His love and ride safe!

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Old Socks 2011 part 2

3/5/2011

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    Well here I am again. It has been several weeks since my last post and I have no excuse, well I could find a few but for time sake, I won't. (That was a joke! laugh a little) The winter has been different. It was cool and damp. Not at all like normal. The weather has oppened up some now and I have had an opportunity to get Pearl out and about. Even had a blow out last Sunday. I'll tell about it later. This morning I want to pose a question, "Why do people do what they do? or Why don't people do what they do?
     You see I have learned that life is too short to live a lie. God created me, called me and is conforming me to complete a task that He has for me. Now, I have not always been comfortable in my skin. I still have things that I am wrestling out. I find people however that want to portray this one thing while really being something else. Let me share this. I know of two people who have a past. They talk a lot about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Once in a while they will let their guard down and admit to sinning once a long, long time ago. These two are active in church, teach, lead and serve. The problem is that when the rubber meats the road, they have no love for anyone except themselves. A child comes in with a dirty face, the child is usually shunned. A family comes in that dresses different, talks different, or appears to have less money, they are looked down upon. This inflames me so I will stop there but you get the picture. People being people does not bother me. God's people being like lost people does!I'm not talking about actions that are in the "gray areas." I am talking about doing things that are contrary to Scripture and not having one bit of conviction that you are wrong. I can't judge a person's heart. That is not my job. I really can't judge why a person does what they do, but I can judge or at least examine how they do it.
     Jesus told His disciples to love one another. We preach love God and love your neighbor, We even chisel these words on stone, but where the rubber meats the road...
    I struggle with who I am. I am a work in progress. I know that others are too, but why would someone teach one thing and live completely different?
     I have served in a pastoral type role (Youth minister, Pastor, Hospice Chaplian) since 1991. I have seen many people in many different places. The thing that still confuses me is, "Why do people do what they do, when it's wrong in the eyes of Jesus, in Jesus name?
     I know this hasn't been very uplifting. It is not my usual chipper outlook (that was supposed to be funny again). I hope it makes you think. Remember, Jesus said in John 13:35, "They will know you are My disciples by your love..." I don't know why this is so hard, but please consider the thought that does your love for others (people who need Jesus. you cannot count family and close friend here) draw people to Jesus or does it drive them away?
     Till the next time we pass this way, May God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in all His love. Ride safe!

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Old Socks Ramblings....

Old Sock's Ramblings

Old Sock's Ramblings Aug 21, 2011

Old Socks' Ramblings (Independence)

Old Socks' Ramblings (Independence)

Old Sock's Ramblings

Old Socks' Ramblings

Old Socks' Ramblings

Old Sock's Ramblings: Refelction from a weekend behind bars

Old Socks 2011 part 2

Chas a.k.a. Old Socks

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