Believe.

LITTLE THINGS

Lord, in the little things, I pray,
The unrecorded, everyday,
Passing events, may I take joy.
May I have always a small-boy
Mind that can give itself to each
Moment and does not have to reach
Forever for what is not there,
But finds contentment anywhere;
For I would have no need of wings
But what the winged moment brings.

How few the triumphs or defeats
That the most noted person meets!
But every moment, thought by thought
And act by act, a life is wrought,
A life is lived—and I would learn
To live each moment in its turn.
Lord, in the little things, I pray,
The little acts of every day,
Let me find joy. Then I shall be
Contented with eternity.
James Dillet Freeman

Blogged with Flock

I believe I’ve found a doctor capable/willing to treat my hemochromatosis. In any case, I received my shot of depotest today and am beginning to become human again.

On the soul level, I’ve been feeling a tad depressed, but I’m reading The Re-enchantment of Everyday Life

It’s one of the most soulful, healing, and encouraging books I’ve read. Thomas Moore weaves a web of soulful stories; encouraging readers to re-enchant every day life and believe in “magic.”

If you’re looking for a good Christmas gift to share with a friend- especially one going through a tough time, this book comes with my blessing.

It’s cooling down here. The weather guy said to expect a “seasonal” Thanksgiving. I’m very excited to be spending with David and friends, but I’m missing my family– Nothing beats Mom’s Thanksgiving.

Love to all,

Josh

I can’t say it’s begun, as it has been in progress my whole life.  Today, I spent an hour and a half with my nephews, met with a couple of business associates, and packed like hell.

I’m in Tampa, and for the next few days, it’s just God and me.  I know that sounds lame, but so be it.

Once upon a time, there was a dude named Jacob.  He had pissed off his brother, and let me tell ya- the brotha wanted to bus’ a cap in Jacob’s ass. ;-)  So, Jacob fled to a distant land, started a family, became fairly wealthy, and waited for his brother to stop bing pissed.

The whole time Jacob was with his family- they never really understood who he was.  It wasn’t that they didn’t love him, or WANT to understand, but he was without his roots, his culture, without what was worth pissing his brother off for.

He decided to return home– to show his family who he really was- to find his roots. . .and to live in the land God promised him.

During his trek home, Jacob reached a ford (not the car!) called “Jabbok.”  Literally translated, it was “The place of deadness.”

He sent his family over the stream, but lingered behind to pray.  There he was- all alone- with nothing but what he needed to survive keeping him company.

That night, a man appeared and began to wrestle with Jacob.  For hours and hours, Jacob struggled with the mysterious man.

Finally, as the sun was beginning to rise, the man cried out for Jacob to release him.  “I won’t let go until you bless me,” Jacob cried.  With that, the man reached out, touched Jacob’s hip, and immediately it popped out of place.  Determined to win the blesssing, Jacob kept struggling with the (obviously supernatural) man.

The man eventually gave up, and blessed Jacob- chaning his name to “Israel” which means “Prince with God.”  Much better than Jacob, which means “liar.”

My family and (some) friends don’t understand how much I NEED to go to California- Spirit is drawing me there, and I don’t exactly know why.  David is an obvious reason, but I think this is about my unfoldment as an individual, too.  I can’t help but draw some inspiration and insight from the biblical myth story I just shared with you.  Check this out . .

1. Jacob left his family and his stuff to go where he felt he needed to be.  Even though the place he needed to be seemed undesirable.  (I don’t think I’d ever name an amusement park “Place of Deadness!”)
2. Jacob was in this undesirable place with nothing but what he needed to survive.
3. He struggled his ass off.
4. Then he struggled his hip off. . . but he kept fighting.
5. He earned his blessing.

This encounter is what is described in theological terms as a Theophany- a visible manifstation of God.  Why?  Jacob named the place “Peniel” meaning “I have seen God face to face and lived.”

From that day forward, Jacob walked with a limp.  The man never healed him.  Sometimes, when you’re truly blessed, you’re marked by it.  This lesson touched Jacob. . . limp and all, he was NEVER the same.  So, friends, as I wrestle, I’ll keep a smile on my face.  I know the blesser is here with me now, and as my blessing unfolds, I will NEVER be the same.

Love,

Josh
P.S. I’m in Tampa now, so if you live there, hit me up on my cell phone (863) 257-3411!