Sharing Lives and Dreams Together

We Are a Team in This Dream

WARNING****  This blog is full of love, devotion, trust, and living an abundant Christian life.  If all you are use to is the hate, arguing, tensions, bitterness and divisions that you see in the news and in the world today, well friend, you may not can stomach what’s fixin’ to be said.

Staci is my team mate on this dream that we are living.  She is my soulmate on this Christian journey we are on.  She is my “bestest friend” and that makes things “gooder than good”.

This chapter in our lives of building a log home in Colorado has been a cherished time of excitement.  It’s also been a time of waiting,……. and waiting some more.  Like I’ve said, we are living the dream and that will include both good and bad, thick and thin, for better and worse.

Scratch that “for worse” part out.  I’m learning it’s all about your perspective.  It’s how you see things.  Times may not always be the “bestest”.  But being blessed with someone who is there no matter what, now that’s for better or “bestest”. ( I know you English teachers cringe when I write like this, but it’s how I talk, so buy a bridge and get over it 😉    )

Staci, the pioneer woman, has been the ultimate team player with me on this dream adventure.  She picks me up when I’m down, she provides valuable input and insight.  She will even wrestle with the chainsaw and other log tools.  She’s able to explain to other folks what we’ve got going on much better than I.  She does all the everday mundane chores and still finds time for me.  I love her more than I can say.  I know it looks like I’m obsessed with her, infatuated, devoted, caring, and just plain whooped because of her……… Well I am!

We make a good team.  I pick her up when she’s down.  I share with her my input and insight.  We LIVE together, not just exist.  We laugh, we cry, we pray, we love, we share, we ah,well, ya know, we do any and everything together.  We are a dream team.

Funny how with all the billions of people in this world, God chose two teenagers who only lived  4 miles from each other to become soulmates.  Now 7 dating years and 35 married years later,………well, they still act like two teenagers.

I wake up every morning and fix her a cup of coffee. (Dudley the dog, gets his coffee too).  It’s another small way of showing affection.  It’s my time to say thanks to God for this wonderful gift He gave me.  As I’m filling the coffeemaker with fresh grounds and water, I’m quietly giving thanks each time to God for her.  It’s one of the few religious rituals I do.

I will forever be devoted to her.  Whether it’s building a log home, or taking a  trip, or just everyday mundane activities my life would be void and empty without her.  She brings me out of my shell.  She inspires me.  She makes me laugh.  She brings more life to me.  She has been the answer to my prayer.

I guess I’m getting mushy and “lovey dovey” with my sharing of what Staci means to me. If this TRUE LOVE we are living is too much for you,…….buy a bridge and get over it……… cause we ain’t about to stop it!

Whatever we are doing, have got going, or are facing,….. both good and bad, knowing she is by my side is the greatest feeling in the world.  It’s the BESTEST feeling in the world.  Thank you Lord for giving her to me.

Proverbs 31: 10, 12  Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.  The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need for regret.  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

The B.S. in Your Christmas Season and How to Get Rid of It

christmas-tree

What? You are too busy doing and getting stuff for everybody to celebrate the Christmas season?  Whoa there pard’ner, friend, and fellow travelers.  Maybe you best get “off that horse” for a minute.  By that I mean, put the phone down, stop the car, take a break and seriously take a minute to get refreshed.  Do like me as I write this,….. grab a mug of hot chocolate.  Say what?  You’re even too busy for this?  Man, you ARE busy aren’t you?

Busyness.  While intending to do good, it consumes us in the process.  Busy at work?  Sure, the more I do, the better I am.  Busy with family?  Sure, the more I decorate, cook, shop, and buy gifts, the better father/mother/husband/wife I’ll be.  Busy with this Christmas season that is fast approaching?  Sure, the more cards, gifts, parties, candies, and whew!…….. I’m worn out just thinkin’ bout what all YOU got to do.

Don’t get me wrong.  I enjoy all this gifts, parties, candies, cards and whewwwww!  I have no desire to be a scrooge and “Bah, Humbug” everything that intends to bring joy during this season.  But when did all the Busyness (with a capital B) become our idol and start taking away from (and not adding) to our peace and joy?

Now, the stuff that you have.  When does all your Stuff (with a capital S) go from being fun things to give and receive, to stuff that now is done out of obligations, requirements, and (keeping up with the Jones, or who are they…… the Kardashians)  😉

We see people that have Busyness and Stuff taking over their lives.  When we see others living that way we think, “well I’m glad I don’t do that”!  But the problem comes when you and I don’t see ourselves living like that.  Ever wonder why we don’t see it in ourselves.  It’s because we are too Busy with too much Stuff.  The B. and S. in our lives.  B.S.  ……. It’s a fun card game, but a big problem in each of our lives.

Luke 2:10-11 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you.  He is the Messiah, the Lord.

The greatest gift……. Jesus.  He was given to me and you.  That’s what Christmas is all about.  Aren’t you glad that you don’t have to be busier than anybody else to receive this gift.  Aren’t you glad that Jesus loves you no matter how much stuff you have?

Our busyness takes over when we let it.  The older lady at a retreat in Lake City, Colorado was who first showed me about being too busy and the B.S. in my life.  I can do something simple like hang lights and decorations.  Does it bring me peace and joy or is it part of the B.S. in my life?  Honestly, it depends on where I’m at spiritually doesn’t it?  Think about it.

So what advice does your guide the wilderness preacher have as far as getting rid of the B.S. in your Christmas season?  Try this.  If you can do this, I honestly believe it will help you have a peaceful and more joyful Christmas season.  Here is my suggestion to you, (and myself as well).

Give a gift to someone that you know that really isn’t expecting anything.  It could be something nice, or something simple.  Could even be that you tell them what they mean to you.  But it’s the thought and action that counts, (to them…… as well as you).  If you are so caught up in your own little world that you can’t do this, well then there’s more B.S. on you than I thought.

Give a gift back to Jesus this Christmas.  I know the perfect gift for Him.  Our time.  Spend time with Him.  Sing a Christmas Carol to Him, just the two of you.  Read a Bible verse alone with God.  Share a mug of hot chocolate with Him.  He honestly could care less about our Stuff and our Busyness.  He cares about You!  Spend time with Him.  After all, it is His birthday!

 

In this spiritual world we travel, there will always be B.S. to deal with.  I’m so glad that my Messiah, Jesus Christ gave me a pair of “spiritual Cowboy boots” that protects me especially when I deal with my own B.S.  Remember, it’s not all the stuff we deal with on the outside, but what we let into our hearts (the inside).  A simple act of decorating, giving a present, picking out a gift could be an expression of joy, or it could be another B.S. moment.  You decide.

“Oh tidings of comfort and joy”    Merry Christmas friends!

See Ya!   Dan Ainsworth wilderness preacher, part time stocking filler upper

 

Wind Beneath My Wings

osceolaflying

Look closely.  This guy is hang gliding, but tagging along for the ride is an injured Bald Eagle named Osceola.  Osceola is 35 years old now, but when he was two he was injured from being shot.  His wing had to be amputated because of the damage, so he’ll never be able to fly until……….

While making a trip through Rock City, Tennessee, Staci and I had the good fortune to meet John Stokes.  He has a passion for flying (hence the hang glider) and a passion for flying birds.  More specifically, birds of prey.  He gives a talk with his hawks, owls, and the Eagle Osceola sharing his knowledge to any and everyone.  I was more than impressed with his show and exhibit.  (Really enjoyed seeing the vulture or what you and I call a buzzard running around and flying around us as he talked!

He took the time to share with us the story about Osceola.  Watch the video of them flying at the end of this blog

How many of us get “shot down” at some point in our Earthly lives.  How many of us would ever think that we would “fly” again after getting “shot down”.  No way, especially with only one wing.  Yet a relationship exists between two entirely different creatures.  This relationship is difficult to explain, but so obvious to see.  The eagle is able to fly.  Not from it’s own ability or effort, but from a creature (John) that has a love for this eagle.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

You and I use our own abilities and efforts to “fly” in this world.  Only when we get “shot down” do we realize how our efforts are only temporary.  God’s Love comes along and carries us.  God sustains us, strengthens us, and most of all is there right beside us.  Even through all eternity.  Soar higher my friend.

Two entirely different creatures……. God,……. and you.  It may be only when we get “shot down” that we realize how we use our own abilities and efforts to “fly”.  But you and I and our efforts are temporary.  We can only fly so high and so far for only a short time.  Unless,….  you have the Love of God in your life.  Why would this most awesome God want to help me, uphold me, be with me to “fly” forever and ever?  Oh yeah, it’s because He Loves Me!!  I’ll tag along for this ride!!

Thank You John for what you do.

And Thank You Jesus for what you do.  (prayer) “Lord be with my friends out there who have been shot down.  Let them not be dismayed by their circumstances.  But let them experience and see You and Your Love as you are the wind beneath their wings.  Amen

See Ya!  Dan Ainsworth wilderness preacher

Watch this perfect example of someone’s love allowing Osceola the eagle to fly again