Wiley Ainsworth and the Mulberry Tree

 
Wiley Ainsworth and 130 yr old tree

a short “cowboy poem” by Dan Ainsworth

Well, look’a there. It’s a picture, of Wiley and a tree.

They are both God’s creation.  That’s easy to see.

Wiley’s in his 80’s. The tree’s well over 130!

Made their living from the ground, didn’t mind gettin’ dirty.

This Mulberry tree grew, from a seed in the wild.

Wiley remembers climbing this tree, as a child.

The way they were raised, their roots grew in good soil.

Both earned what they got, from hard work, time, and toil.

They each have provided, to animal and man.

They gave shade and shelter, each lived in God’s plan.

This tree provided food.  Many critters here dined.

Wiley cared for critters also, mainly ‘two legged’ kind.

Providing for others, he gave from the land,

by farming, sharing God’s Love, and living God’s plan.

Neither complains, they go with the flow,

both seeking God’s directions, good examples they do show.

Storms have come through, and taken a toll.

Limbs are now bent, but, stronger is the soul.

Over time this Mulberry tree, has turned brittle and bent

And Wiley says his ‘get up, has done got up and went’.

They are known by their fruit, sweet berries the tree shares,

When folks see Wiley’s smile, they know that he cares!

From what God has grown, they both constantly give.

It’s their nature to share.  In God’s Hands they both live.

So nowadays my Dad, gives us all inspiration,

By just ‘being there’, it shows dedication.

He still spreads his limbs for a wave or handshake.

Cause he’s filled with God’s love.  And that, you can’t mistake.

Why tell you this poem, in this rather unique way?

‘Cause I get to say I love you Daddy,…….. Happy Father’s Day!

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

I’m Being what God Created!!

Greetings!  This is it! The first of many weekly blogs that I wish to share with you.  What is it?  It’s a weekly story about my spiritual journey.  Church was physically, mentally, and scariest of all, spiritually, killing me! Being in church all my life, and also being a Baptist preacher, this was a kick in the gut to have to admit.   Religion, boring same old same ole, man- made rules,  and a whole lot of just going through the motions.  (Do you have any of these ‘diseases’?)

I wanted more!!  More from my marriage, more from work, more from “church”. Was there something wrong in asking God for this. I want MORE!

In my pursuit of having a REAL spiritual relationship with my Lord and Saviour, the Colorado wilderness became my home.  God taught me so much during this time of healing and becoming ALIVE again. How did He show me the REAL CHRISTIAN JOURNEY? Through several men, circumstances, scriptures, and me just being hungry for God’s direction.

My experiences with the guys at  thenobleheart.com gave me a way to get rid of the poisons of ‘religion’..(Thank You Lord for these guys.  Their glory is for Your Glory!! )  Gary, Sam, Jeff and all the guys within the Noble Heart community helped me see my Calling!  What is my Calling?  You’ll pick up on this theme over the next many weeks.  But, it’s to be what God has created me to be, and to help you see what you have been created to be.

Being a volunteer at Horn Creek Church Camp allowed me to ‘see’ as Jesus does.  This camp is truly a spiritual place.  The staff as well as the family campers showed true Christian love for each other.  Even though they were people (i.e. no one is perfect) it was refreshing to see True love and concern for their fellow man.

Where God really was being the teacher, or maybe I was just listening more, was in the great outdoors.  The fall while climbing….., the encounter at Wolf Mission….., the fly fishing adventure…., the dog that showed me more than any preacher could about having trust….., having a most spiritual experience in an 1890’s outhouse.  I could go on and on…….. Well I will.  This will be the stories that I share over the next many weeks.

One thing I learned that I want to share with you guys.  Even though I was surrounded by family and friends,  I was still trying to do this Christian walk by myself.  I realize now that that was part of the reason the devil was able to pull me down and ‘poison’ me.  It is vitally important that I don’t try this website/blog adventure by myself.  I need you to join me.   See Ya!!