BURNED OUT

  

Bending Metal
courtesy photobucket.com

As a kid I was always amazed that how a piece of metal would break if you bent it back and forth enough times. This was one of my big discoveries as a youth. Many others followed as I accumulated my vast storage of knowledge.

Alone the way I came into contact with people with what was called psychological burn out.

At first I couldn't understand how that could be until I met Cliff Wright. He was a kindly man who was soft spoken who wished to help people in need. The only problem he didn't have the wherewithal to do so and he would take from one and give it to another.

courtesy photobucket.com

He was a good mechanic who could fix almost kind of engine. This was essential for his former occupation which was a race car driver. He would build his own cars and drive them. He had raced all across the country from the west to the east. But after years of little success, often having to sleep in his car with little to eat he finally came to the place where he was just burned out and racing became only a memory.

Cliff had developed a problem along the way which was lying about his racing exploits and you could never tell for sure if he was telling the truth. If you asked his wife she would always tell the truth about what he had said. Still with this fault he was likeable.

He would have plenty of work to do but he would just sit and look at it and after awhile would say; let's go and get some coffee. He would come back and look at it again until he felt it was time for coffee again. Jobs that would normally take a couple of hours wouldn't get done for weeks even though he promised to finish it. He was so burned out that all he had left was good intentions.

It is possible for a Christian to come to the same place where service for GOD has left them burned out.

What is burnout? Helpguide.org.  “Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest or motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place. Burnout reduces your productivity and saps your energy, leaving you feeling increasingly helpless, hopeless, cynical, and resentful. Eventually, you may feel like you have nothing more to give.”

This can occur when your high expectations for GOD are not met and your desire to do great things at best turn out mediocre. It is possible for our zeal to take us beyond our calling and the result can be disappointment, discouragement and confusion.

Our willingness to work for GOD can lead to expectations (by others) beyond what our stress levels can bear and if you crash and burn they will wonder why.

Jesus saw this happening to his disciples; And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while. While their rest was short lived at least he recognized they had limits.

Due to the times we live in we must push ourselves to do more for Christ's kingdom but it is imperative to stay within your limits and not "Burn Out."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y37VTqHwk18&feature=related

This post has been linked with Joan Davis at: Sharing His Beauty

 Also shared with Laura at:  Play Dates With God at the Wellspring

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THE MOST FEARED

Horse Trader - courtesy photobucket.com

In the south where I was partly raised there were some people it was best to beware of.

I lived among some black people, most of which were kind and good friends of mine.  However there is always an exception, because there were some who were downright mean.

As a kid I would talk to all of them and there was one question that I would get around to and that was "How did you get that scar?" and usually they would answer "I got cut with a straight razor."  From that I concluded that most black men carried a razor and it was the weapon of choice in a fight.

Like I said I was a small boy and these men were big and tall and they seemed like giants to me. I wasn't afraid to be around most of them but a few I avoided for they were unpredictable.  

Many of the white people were similar except instead of a straight edge they would carry a large knife or a gun.  And again most were peaceful people and never got into trouble.

The reason I said what I said was because these people were upfront with their meanness but the most feared persons lurking in the shadows were the horse traders.  

Now they were to be feared because if they could engage you in a conversation they would soon talk you out of your goods. It was like they had an unseen power over men. Like the Sirens in The Odyssey they could lead everyone to destruction and the only defense was to stop up your ears and sail away from them.

On the first Monday of each month during the spring and summer they would be out in full force making their home base in the jockey yard. Anyone who ventured into it seldom came out unscathed for they would end up with something they didn't want, or need and that wasn't any good.

My grandpa took a good work horse to town to sell and when the horse traders got through with him he came home with a pocket knife of course he was one of the lucky ones.

At the entrance to the jockey yard was the main attraction! There was a black woman who filled a large bucket with fire and in a large skillet she fried catfish. The catfish was coated with a cornmeal mixture and fried in a sea of lard. She sold it as fast as she could cook it.

The nearest thing to a horse trader in the spiritual world is Satan himself and the only way to avoid ship wreck is to close your ears and sail away from the temptation.

The trumpet sounds, Temptation appears

This should be your greatest fear

Your greatest strength is your ability to run (away)

And hope to see a better day !

 

 

 This post is Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

GREAT AUNT ADA

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I suppose it is fair to say people are people, and when they are integrated from birth into a culture and belief system there will be a similar response from them with a few variables due to personality.

Aunt Ada along with her siblings was raised in what would be called backwoods surroundings, where little demand was made upon them for education.  How to survive on little else but hard labor was the order of the day.

While it wasn't unique to Aunt Ada, braggadocio was one of her character traits.  Her husband, Brown was likewise inclined except he toned it down somewhat. 

One of the most notable things about their home was the huge fireplace. You could put a six foot long log into it. The opening was over five foot tall and when properly fueled it put out many BTUs.

On occasion my mother and I would visit them and Aunt Ada would spread a delicious table full of food, which my feet felt very comfortable under.

Her kids were all good on a descending scale. The oldest was the best and youngest possessed less goodness is one way to put it.  I liked all of them.

Since I was a second cousin the older ones didn't interact with me much but the youngest was about my age although I wasn't as fond of him. Two of her boys were killed in the service one in WW2 and one in Korea.

Grady was drafted into the army and sent to Europe.  He had a farm deferment but he got to messing around with the wife of the guy that ran the draft board and he lost his deferment and was drafted.  Aunt Ada was very proud and said Grady was doing very well he had already made KP.

I knew that being on KP meant you had messed up and was on kitchen detail taking out the garbage and doing the dirty jobs. I didn't try to explain what that meant because she was a proud woman and would thought I was just being jealous.   

In Europe Brady stepped on a land mine and was killed.  Aunt Ada received ten thousand dollars from his Army insurance and was rich.  Farm hands were only getting three dollars a day so that was a lot of money.

Her youngest son Paul helped her spend it, by buying himself a 1936 Ford Roaster and a lot of other goodies. He looked really good in his new wardrobe and always had spending money in his pockets.  

Paul became popular and made the mistake of seeing a married woman but was caught by her husband who threaten to kill him. He had to jump out a window without his clothes to keep from being shot. In fact the husband spent days looking for Paul who was hid out.

He (Paul) decided to  join the army to get away from the husband and he died in Korea. Aunt Ada received another ten thousand dollars from the army and lived out her life well cared for financially. Knowing her was a good experience and I was glad  I was her great nephew.

This post was shared at Michelle Derusha’s Graceful Summer 

This post is also linked to Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday

MY FIRST TIME

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I remember my first time like it was yesterday. I had watched other guys do it.  Actually I saw my father do it several times.

Getting it right was important for I knew if I messed up someone would find out and tell on me.  I went over each step in my mind several times until I was ready to risk it.

It was with much trepidation I took down my fathers shaving mug. How hard could this be? I rehearsed each step in my mind again, get the water hot, put some in the mug, take the shaving brush and stir it around like stirring chocolate into milk to make hot chocolate. When it gets real foamy it is ready.

There was one step I almost missed and that was putting the hot towel on my face to soften my five year old whiskers. I took the brush and put foam on my face and as I did so I thought this is a good disguise, no one could tell it was me.

The soap began to dry and the moment of truth had arrived, it was either wash it off or get on with the job at hand.

I had went this far before till stark fear set in and I called it all off but this time my resolve was set in stone. I steadied my hand as I reached for dad's straight edge razor and then reached for the razor strap. I wanted it to be sharp so it would cut my heavy beard.

I never realized how hard it was to hold onto the razor once it was opened, the blade and the handle seemed to have a mind of its own. I held it the best I could and tried not to cut the razor strap while sharpening it. My soapy face was getting drier and I knew I should hurry but that razor was unwieldy and hard to handle.

Finally it was time, I couldn't put it off any longer. I could see in my minds eye how my dad drew the razor from his ear down his cheek and here I went.

While watching my dad, when he would cut himself he would take a small piece of toilet paper and stick it on the cut until it stopped bleeding. About a half roll of toilet paper later I was finished and my expertise with a straight edge was evident. I'm happy to report that I was a fast healer and soon I was recognizable again.

I put everything away and after my mother got over her horror - - things went back to normal.

Even though this was my first effort I did such a good job I didn't need another shave for about ten years.

There is a nervousness about all first times, and the one I'm most nervous about is the first time I am actually in the presence of the nail scarred body of Christ in heaven.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5jytluF9V4

This post has been shared at:  Joy’s Wednesday; Flaws and Nakedness 

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AHH - POLITICS

My first experience with politics was when I was about five years old.

The older folks were talking about tomorrow was Election Day, and whether or not to vote. The debate revolved around whether to work or to travel to the voting place and cast a vote.

If they went to vote they would lose a days pay which was a dollar. On the other hand the local incumbent politician would give everyone a dollar if they voted for him.

(He could afford to do this because once reelected he would be in the position to steal from the tax payers more than he spent getting reelected).

This discussion went on, the pros and cons were discussed over and again. In the end they decided to go and vote and get their dollar.

As usual I went with them, I should explain that, I went everywhere the men folks went that is me and the dogs for they always went also.

When we arrived there was a crowd gathered and there was much discussion about whether voters should sell their vote for the dollar.

Some who were better off said it wasn't an ethical thing to do while others reasoned that they were losing a dollar by coming to vote and it was only right that they get paid the dollar for their vote.

It was there that I learned the basics of the political system and it helped me understand what politics was all about.

Today the system hasn't changed at all, it is little more sophisticated and the rhetoric has been updated but they are still buying votes with the tax payers money.


Ahh sweet November when the politicians get the gold mine and the tax payers get the shaft.

Reminds one of Jerry Reed's song;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-p0zn3PijY

MY COOKING

Man Cooking courtesy photobucket.com

If someone ever asked me if my wife loved me I would answer; I have absolute proof my wife loves me and if asked me how do I know I would answer she eats my cooking. Now to some that might not seem like a big test but it would just point out that they haven't ever ate my cooking.

I'm am fearless when I create my culinary masterpieces, I do the most extraordinary things.

The reason I have such freedom is my garbage can is just a few steps away and is willing to receive my failures (there are some things even I won't eat). It has never rejected any of my offerings I placed within it although it should have better odor control. Some of my efforts have been inadvertently turned into charcoal yet my faithful friend receives them with gladness.

Truth in cooking requires me to properly evaluate my meals and at times I am forced to say "I have tasted worse" and I always feel that is the truth for I have cooked worse.

I can tell if Hazel likes my masterpieces or not for she will say one of three things; one; its fine, meaning its so-so. Two; this is very nice, she liked it! Three; I'm not that hungry meaning throw this stuff out and don't serve it to me ever again.

Don't expect me to ever be called Chef Roberto for try as I can it is at best not lethal.

As I watch these T.V. Chefs I'm amazed at the dishes they cook up and that without any failures. I have wondered which one the Chefs is the overall best and have concluded that The Master Chef is the Lord and he has prepared a table spread and constrains me to "Taste and see that the Lord is good."

Song of Solomon 2:4 He brought me to his banquet hall and raised the banner of love over me (How about you).

Psalm 23:5 You prepare a banquet for me, where all my enemies can see me; you welcome me as an honored guest and fill my cup to the brim.

A certain man made a great supper and said; Come; for all things are now ready And they all gave reasons why they were not able to come. The master (Chef) said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and country roads. Tell the people there to come. I want my house to be full!

While Jesus issued a carte blanch invitation to all there is a downside to the rejection of His solicitation for there is abundant life awaiting.

You need to see this for your daily blessing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg9dbmAvDzQ

This post has been linked with Joan Davis at: Sharing His Beauty

This post is also shared at:  “Tell Me a True Story” 
http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

TOO LOW FOR COMFORT

Our dogs today all grown up!
Luke on rug loves his toys - Smokey next to him
Buck in the back enjoying a cool kitchen on a hot day!

A few years back I found myself running low on dogs. As my pack grew older one by one they left this world and I found myself feeling empty.  I watched the pets for sale ads and what sounded like a remedy for my problem appeared and gladdened my heart considerable.

My wife (Hazel) and I drove over about fifty miles and finally found the place where the dogs were. As I looked around I saw wall to wall canines.   The lady came out and after getting acquainted she took out an empty plastic milk bottle that had the top cut off and filled it with adult dog food.  She made a noise by shaking the bottle and puppies came running from everywhere.   She threw a handful of the dog food down on the driveway.

These were six week old blue tick hound puppies that were scrambling for some food. Each piece of that dog food was a mouthful for those pups and they had a time crushing it with their baby teeth. We selected one of the pups and headed home. Hazel wrapped it in a towel and held it on her lap until we got home.

I still felt we needed at least one more dog for we were running short of them. There was an ad for some Labrador retrievers. They were selling them for five hundred dollars but had dropped the price to two fifty. This was only a few miles from home and so we headed there, and I picked out one and offered one hundred and fifty which they took.

Once again Hazel wrapped the pup in a towel and held it on her lap till we arrived home. It took about ten minutes for our two pups to bond and they have been friends ever since.

The one thing about these dogs is the difference in their eating habits. Smokey my blue tick comes to his bowl and eats everything without stopping. Bucky, the Lab is finicky and has to be coaxed to eat.

It reminded me of some Christians! When the word is preached some will eat from hunger while others will just mess around with their food. The preacher has to spoon feed these dear ones else they will go without spiritual sustenance. Then there are those who fast "The Word" and they can go without it for long periods. It reminds me of the song; "Get the dust off the bible."

Then we have added another Black Lab dog Luke that gets all nervous and has to be encouraged to eat.  

I have known Christians who have got nervous when the gospel was preached for they feared GOD was going to require something of them and they try to tune it out. The fact is that the tenth chapter of First Corinthians does that very thing;

1 Corinthians 10:11 The things that happened to those people are examples.

They were written to be warnings for us. We live in the time that all those past histories were pointing to. 

The Bible is all encompassing; it covers everything we need to live a life that is pleasing to GOD. We need to be able to say with Job; Job 23:11-12 I have always lived the way God wants. I have never stopped following him.

I always obey his commands. I love the words from his mouth more than I love my food.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvTIm8b4sn0

This post is Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

This post is also shared at:  “Tell Me a True Story” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

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