Words
Transition. Diana's and my life since 2011. It followed 25 years of stability in North Dakota. First, the flood. That is when we moved into my office for temporary shelter. Change was initiated by circumstances outside of ourselves. That is life. Two years later we were off to Austin, Texas. A new geographical area of the country for us but who doesn't love an adventure? Actually, many of us. Abraham and Sarah struggled with their reassignment late in life. But the good news is, neither of us has had a visitation revealing that we would also have a child late in life. You always need to look for the positive aspects of any situation.
One and half years in Austin and more transition. This time to Utah. Beautiful state and another new geographical area of the country. It did afford us closer proximity to North Dakota and our family and friends. North Dakota is home for us even though we do not currently reside there. The prairie speaks to us.
One and half years later we are now back in the Austin area. The Hill country of Texas is beautiful. Many changes over the past five years. It might be best to reserve those changes for earlier in life and then settle down. That seems more normal but the last several years have proven there is no normal for anyone any where in the world. The only grounding is the unchanging God, who calls, moves, creates, and sustains Creation in his care, mercy, and grace.
Downsizing. That has been the theme over the past five years. We have made every effort to live with the basics. That will be tested when our furniture arrives and we will have to put all of our belongings in a one bed room apartment. This will be a six month adventure until we can find permanent housing. Diana and I have a nearly 40 year track record of getting along so it should not be a problem living in close proximity.
Reality. See the previous paragraph; we needed to down size more. I am hopelessly optimistic. Regroup. It will be fine, really. We will deal with it. It could be worse or maybe it could be better? No, comparisons do not apply in this situation. It simply is what it is and life moves on.
Donkey. Yes, in the middle of no where in New Mexico there was a small donkey on the side of the road. There was no sign of life for miles. He seemed fine, we really didn't have time to stop and talk. It would have been possible (for reference see talking donkeys in the Old Testament). I think the donkey was more surprised to see us.
Questions. Our children are grown right? We didn't leave any kids at the Travel Stop did we? Wait, we have grandkids. Great, the kids are safe. No its not that means we are old! We are not old are we? We are old and its already Thursday? No, I said we are not old and I am thirsty. Who is Bob? And why do we care if he has a job? Presidential election? Who has time for that? We will vote independent and do everyone a favor. I am still backing the Kingdom, the power and glory. I have a lot of questions and concerns but not about my Father. That is a relief.
Tacos. So many tacos, beans, brisket everything, migas, huevos rancheros delicious fried stuff, kaloches, German food and beer, HEB, Willy Nelson, Gackles every where, yes we are back in Texas.
Methodist. Back at our church and that has been refreshing. They even left the porch light on for us and had donuts waiting. Let's see, what is it they say in Texas? Yes, bless their hearts. Our grand son starts kindergarten at a Methodist church in North Austin this week. He is very methodical so this should go well.
Theology. What about predestination? It is losing viability if we have to believe Hilary and Donald have to be the choice for president. I know Charlie Strong wants to believe in predestination. He is praying the University of Texas is predestined to have a winning season. But they open against Notre Dame. He might want to study the theology of suffering. Can Alabama and Ohio State both be predestined to win it all? No, that is not even logically possible. So maybe it is predestined Clemson wins it all and Gary Johnson becomes president. Theology. I like the doctrine of hope and faith.
Documentaries. The Eagles, Three Dog Night, The Carter Family, Muscle Shoals, Grand Funk Railroad - I have been on a musical journey. Music speaks to all of us and it knows no barriers or race or religion. It moves us and calls to the deep places of life. I propose that the Government do something worth while for a change and sponsor a week of free concerts in every major city in America. Book every major artist and every small time band. Furnish a free picnic. Let's just picnic and listen to music for a week. No internet, no news, just fellowship.
Chronicles of Narnia. Listened to the entire series on the way from Utah to Texas. The last time I read the entire series was in a class on works by C.S. Lewis. It was like hearing them again for the first time. It fuels your imagination and it is life giving. I highly recommend this book on tape series.
Prayers. All kinds of prayers. Help prayers. God what is going on prayers. Walk in the midst of their suffering prayers. Angry prayers. Prayers of frustration. Prayers of peace. Every emotion running to and fro in my mind. At least it is working. Our grand daughter made it much more simple. In one of her nightly prayers she thanked God for food and her legs. Hallelujah!
Connected. All of the above could be taken as ramblings. In some ways it is and then in other ways it is not. It is all connected through God and his grace. It is the life that is happening right now in God's presence. In all of it I hear the voice of God. It even seems disconnected to me many days. But I press on adjusting to the different rhythms and sounds and sometimes the discord hoping ever and staying focused on the one promise that has propelled my life forward. I am confident I will see the goodness of God in the land of the living. (Psalm 27) Amen
James Shackelford
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Sunday, July 17, 2016
A New Glass Ceiling
,
Four words: Gary Johnson, William Weld. Back to that in a moment. In a year where, after much tumult in the primaries,the Democrats have given us Hillary and the Republicans have given us Donald. Each have been right only once in my estimation. Hillary, when she called Donald a bigot and racist. Donald, when he called Hillary crooked. Other than that, they leave us bankrupt and in the same political quagmire we have been in for the last 16 years. We have had two Presidents, Bush and Obama, that have ruled by Presidential fiat. Bush doubled the debt and Obama not to be outdone doubled it again. He will leave office with a 20 trillion dollar debt. That is absolutely outrageous, unacceptable and immoral.
Early in the year I gave support to Bernie, not because I agreed with all he proposed but because we need a new voice in Washington. Now, I find myself very disappointed as Sanders and Warren have coalesced their voices behind Hillary who betrays everything they have said must be corrected in Washington. That leads to but one conclusion and that is to realize it is party partisanship that is killing us on both sides of the aisle.
There is no reason to be locked in the continual party pettiness that leaves many people without faith in the political system. Have we not seen the face of Reid and McConnell enough? We are at a serious crossroads in this country. The Democrat and Republican parties will engage us in empty rhetoric that will not change the current division, but it will ensure that the powers to be; remain the powers to be. Which will lead to more immoral debts, more investigations, more acquiescing to Wall Street, more Clinton foundation scandals and a more hostile and divided nation.
It is time to break the real glass ceiling, the choice of only Democrat or Republican. It is time to let those who have failed to lead, failed to act honestly, and failed in the very act of integrity, sit this election out. It is time we stop letting the media herd us to one political persuasion or the other and in broiling further the unrest in this country.
The real glass ceiling in this election is Gary Johnson and William Weld. They are qualified, level headed and lead us away from all the recent gridlock. If all those who wanted a voice with Bernie, and all those who feel loss at the thought of Trump, then we can add our voices that take us away from politics as usual, professional politicians and the hope the dialogue in this country can change for the better. As I see it we have no choice, when we consider the divide in this country and terrorism abroad.
Our current debt is not sustainable, the Democrat or Republican offerings in this election only exacerbate that debt and will be our undoing. At a critical time in our country we cannot afford to be landlocked for the next four years with Hillary's investigation nor of putting out the flames of Donald's inflammatory rhetoric. Hillary's unethical behavior and Donald's very core have already disqualified them but we find both parties rallying to support them. It is absurd, it is politics as usual, and it is disheartening. It is time to give the Democrats and Republicans some time on the bench to think about their poor performance and behavior, Let's break the real glass ceiling this election and choose neither Democrat or Republican. I think all the voiceless in this country deserve that. There is still hope and there is a way forward and I believe it is Gary Johnson and William Weld. Gary was born in North Dakota - maybe it is the reincarnation of Teddy Roosevelt - Bully!
,
Four words: Gary Johnson, William Weld. Back to that in a moment. In a year where, after much tumult in the primaries,the Democrats have given us Hillary and the Republicans have given us Donald. Each have been right only once in my estimation. Hillary, when she called Donald a bigot and racist. Donald, when he called Hillary crooked. Other than that, they leave us bankrupt and in the same political quagmire we have been in for the last 16 years. We have had two Presidents, Bush and Obama, that have ruled by Presidential fiat. Bush doubled the debt and Obama not to be outdone doubled it again. He will leave office with a 20 trillion dollar debt. That is absolutely outrageous, unacceptable and immoral.
Early in the year I gave support to Bernie, not because I agreed with all he proposed but because we need a new voice in Washington. Now, I find myself very disappointed as Sanders and Warren have coalesced their voices behind Hillary who betrays everything they have said must be corrected in Washington. That leads to but one conclusion and that is to realize it is party partisanship that is killing us on both sides of the aisle.
There is no reason to be locked in the continual party pettiness that leaves many people without faith in the political system. Have we not seen the face of Reid and McConnell enough? We are at a serious crossroads in this country. The Democrat and Republican parties will engage us in empty rhetoric that will not change the current division, but it will ensure that the powers to be; remain the powers to be. Which will lead to more immoral debts, more investigations, more acquiescing to Wall Street, more Clinton foundation scandals and a more hostile and divided nation.
It is time to break the real glass ceiling, the choice of only Democrat or Republican. It is time to let those who have failed to lead, failed to act honestly, and failed in the very act of integrity, sit this election out. It is time we stop letting the media herd us to one political persuasion or the other and in broiling further the unrest in this country.
The real glass ceiling in this election is Gary Johnson and William Weld. They are qualified, level headed and lead us away from all the recent gridlock. If all those who wanted a voice with Bernie, and all those who feel loss at the thought of Trump, then we can add our voices that take us away from politics as usual, professional politicians and the hope the dialogue in this country can change for the better. As I see it we have no choice, when we consider the divide in this country and terrorism abroad.
Our current debt is not sustainable, the Democrat or Republican offerings in this election only exacerbate that debt and will be our undoing. At a critical time in our country we cannot afford to be landlocked for the next four years with Hillary's investigation nor of putting out the flames of Donald's inflammatory rhetoric. Hillary's unethical behavior and Donald's very core have already disqualified them but we find both parties rallying to support them. It is absurd, it is politics as usual, and it is disheartening. It is time to give the Democrats and Republicans some time on the bench to think about their poor performance and behavior, Let's break the real glass ceiling this election and choose neither Democrat or Republican. I think all the voiceless in this country deserve that. There is still hope and there is a way forward and I believe it is Gary Johnson and William Weld. Gary was born in North Dakota - maybe it is the reincarnation of Teddy Roosevelt - Bully!
Friday, June 24, 2016
The Flood / Burlington
It's hard to believe that five years ago this month, Burlington, Minot and all along the Souris River suffered a catastrophic flood. Recently I visited the area and saw homes still boarded up. It was a reminder to not forget the loss, but also a reminder to look all around and see the recovery and rejoice. I reflect on the flood in the following illustration. Right after the flood, Diana and I were living in my office and taking showers at the school. About two days into the process, Jerry W (Weazzy) decided it would be best to create a maze of shower rods and curtains in the men's bathroom. Fair enough. But he placed them all at his height, right about neck height for me. Jerry also decided to place a rod right over the entrance to the shower area. I cannot see without my glasses and had not taken note of Jerry's little shop of horrors he had created when I entered the shower the next day. Then it hit me, literally, right in the neck and knocked me down. I was a little stunned, on the floor in my best attire, the one I was born with, and then looked up to see what was going on and there it was the dreaded shower rod.
Prior to the flood we were just going along day to day, sand bagging many of those days, and staying hopeful. Then out of no where, it seemed, it hit us - the flood. It knocked us to the ground and we all felt naked, stripped of everything and afraid. After we got our bearings we got up, and by God's help and strength, overcame. There are scars that remain, loss that cannot be regained, but there is hope and joy and peace that has come through the travail.
There were times that I questioned if would we make it and there were times I thought, "Do we have the strength to recover?" There were days that I just sat outside the school and wept and I know all of us had those days. But as a community we spurred one another on in love and Burlington has recovered and flourished. To our family and friends in Burlington I remember with you and celebrate and thank God He gave us strength to not only get up but to flourish in His grace.
I wish we had escaped the flood, but if it was to be, and it was, I am glad that I went through it with you. It is folks like you that get up and move forward in faith that bring hope to others. No hard feelings, Jerry, about the shower rod - it really brought into focus all that our community was experiencing.
Pastor Shack
It's hard to believe that five years ago this month, Burlington, Minot and all along the Souris River suffered a catastrophic flood. Recently I visited the area and saw homes still boarded up. It was a reminder to not forget the loss, but also a reminder to look all around and see the recovery and rejoice. I reflect on the flood in the following illustration. Right after the flood, Diana and I were living in my office and taking showers at the school. About two days into the process, Jerry W (Weazzy) decided it would be best to create a maze of shower rods and curtains in the men's bathroom. Fair enough. But he placed them all at his height, right about neck height for me. Jerry also decided to place a rod right over the entrance to the shower area. I cannot see without my glasses and had not taken note of Jerry's little shop of horrors he had created when I entered the shower the next day. Then it hit me, literally, right in the neck and knocked me down. I was a little stunned, on the floor in my best attire, the one I was born with, and then looked up to see what was going on and there it was the dreaded shower rod.
Prior to the flood we were just going along day to day, sand bagging many of those days, and staying hopeful. Then out of no where, it seemed, it hit us - the flood. It knocked us to the ground and we all felt naked, stripped of everything and afraid. After we got our bearings we got up, and by God's help and strength, overcame. There are scars that remain, loss that cannot be regained, but there is hope and joy and peace that has come through the travail.
There were times that I questioned if would we make it and there were times I thought, "Do we have the strength to recover?" There were days that I just sat outside the school and wept and I know all of us had those days. But as a community we spurred one another on in love and Burlington has recovered and flourished. To our family and friends in Burlington I remember with you and celebrate and thank God He gave us strength to not only get up but to flourish in His grace.
I wish we had escaped the flood, but if it was to be, and it was, I am glad that I went through it with you. It is folks like you that get up and move forward in faith that bring hope to others. No hard feelings, Jerry, about the shower rod - it really brought into focus all that our community was experiencing.
Pastor Shack
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