You don't have to be a cowboy, or even love horses...

this movie will move you!

Buck Brannaman, the inspiration for the "Horse Whisperer",

tames horses with extraordinary skill and compassion

while dispensing profound wisdom, simply, to all who will listen.

I've heard it said that "One can grow bitter, or grow better!"

Buck Brannaman has difinitely grown better...

and I am the better for knowing some of his story!

You will be too!

God-Shaped Hole

I tried to fix you with forgiveness
I tried to heal your heart with love
I tried to sweeten up your bitterness
But I could never do enough
The place inside of you that's broken
Goes all the way down to your soul
And I'm a fool for ever hopin'
That I could fill a God-shaped hole

I can't roll the stone away
And this ain't no resurrection day
I'm not a saint and life ain't fair
But this just ain't my cross to bear
And I can see, it's time for me
To set a slightly lower goal
'Cause I can't fill a God-shaped hole.

And I've been tryin'to be your savior
And I've been feelin'crucified
I did not ever want to wait
Or cry these tears that I have cried
I need a better way to love you
I need to play a different role
'Cause after all, I'm only human
And I can't fill a God-shaped hole

And I can't roll the stone away
And this ain't no resurrection day
I'm not a saint, I don't have a prayer
But that just ain't my cross to bear
So I can see, it's time for me
To set a slightly lower goal
'Cause I can't fill a God-sized hole.
No, I can't fill a God-shaped hole
-chuck cannon

http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/song_details/1488382

From time to time, music aficionado and friend, Tim, cooks up a "new artist" for me to give a "taste and see". His tastes are eclectic (me too!) and well-tuned, so I am grateful to know what the soup du' jour is on his current menu.

Chuck Cannon and this song, "God-Shaped Hole" is his latest flavor and it is really quite tasty! The aromas are tantalizing, the presentation first-rate, and the aftertaste lingers long after the first spoonful, satisfying, yet leaving one hungry for more.

I was taken with music and lyrics immediately and heard it as a "break-up" song; a guy lamenting that he's not enough, nor will he ever be enough to full-fill this woman. (Pay attention diners, for there's more to this soup than meets the eye!) How much better would life taste if we all had partaken of that Truth? None of us have "enough" to fill the God-shaped hole in any other!

Ah, but there's something more in the soup. As I spooned deeper in the bowl, the deeper Truth was there to consider: none of us have "enough" to fill the God-shaped hole within ourselves (let alone, anyone else), so this is a "breakup with yourself" song!

Sounds crazy, doesn't it?! But somewhere in your heart and soul, don't you sense that something's missing; sense there's something more? In your relationships, don't you sense some
incompleteness; like there's more, but you just can't put your finger on whatever it is?

Well, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I serve up for your consideration the soup du' jour...
GOD-SHAPED HOLE!!
GRIZ

Dreams Don't Die Easy

Dreams don't die easy
They cling to each hope
Cherish good memories
Manage somehow to cope
With pain and misfortune
And contrary minds
Some dreams stand the tests of time

My first dream was baseball
When I was a boy
My passion was winning
Pitching, my toy
So my rise through the big leagues
Would be so fast and so fine
You know, I still have that dream sometimes

And I dreamed of adventure
And I charted her course
Climbed in her mountains
Hiked through her forests
And I rode her wild rivers
On down to the sea
And that dream still carries me

Dreams don't die easy
They cling to each hope
Cherish good memories
Manage somehow to cope
With pain and misfortune
And contrary minds
Some dreams just never die

Now I'm a dreamer, a drifter,
A writer of rhyme
A very well-kept secret
A rumor in my own time
But I still wish on stars
And chase adventurous schemes
O yes, I still have my dreams

Dreams don't die easy
They cling to each hope
Cherish good memories
Manage somehow to cope
With pain and misfortune
And contrary minds
Some dreams stand the tests of time
They're those dreams that never die
And did you know
You're still a dream of mine
daleach

The Chronicles of Narnia

by C.S. Lewis

"Those are just children's books! I don't waste time on children's books!"

Thus growled my crusty old friend, Bob Hull. An avid reader and scholar, most especially of the Bible, we had talked about "books worth reading" and I had recommended The Chronciles of Narnia as being well worth his while. My set of the seven books changed hands one Sunday and I looked forward to hearing my opinionated friend's opinions soon on the same.

The following Sunday, as was his custom, Bob wasted no time offering! "Children's books! They're just children's books!" He was indignant that I would recommend such a thing for a grown man's consideration. I asked if he'd read any of them and he blustered anew, "NO! I don't waste my time on children's books!" End of subject; end of discussion!

To the best of my knowledge and given Bob's general obstinance, it is likely he never "wasted his time" on these books. Alas, that was a shame, for Bob missed out on a treasure trove of biblical imagery that doubtless would have captivated and even amazed him for these are more than just children's books!

Having recently completed another foray into Narnia (and I've gone often), I leave again with spirits uplifted and new truth discerned by spending time in "children's books". And despite Bob's reaction, I continue to recommend that you consider doing the same.

If you have children or grandchildren, read them these stories; everyone will be better for it. And if you don't, or the children in your life have moved on, take some time to indulge the child in you. I think you will be pleased and amazed to find that Lewis is telling the story you can live with.

STRONGHOLDS

Strongholds can be blessing or curse.

It all depends on who is holding whom.

Blessed is he who abides in the strong hold of God's presence and power.

Cursed is he who surrenders to the strong hold of Satan's perverse power.

Again, it's all a question of who's holding whom.

One is a place of ultimate protection and security.

The other is a place of ultimate exposure and peril.

So...

Who are you holding onto?

Who's holding on to you?

daleach 51511

WHO'S TO SAY?

Who's to say? And who's to know?...
What secrets hide inside another man's soul.
What brings him joy...what brings him pain...
What thing can touch his soul until he'll never be the same.

And what of hope? What becomes of the dream?...
That can light the darkest night...the bleakest day redeem.
Is it lost, or somehow just misplaced?
Is there life without it? Is it something I could face?...
Well, I just don't know.

No, I don't have the answers...don't even have a clue.
Jim and me were just sittin' here, when conversation turned to you.
And we spoke of your life, your laughter...tried to put that down in this song...
The bittersweet emotions we've been feelin', since you've gone.

So, what of our lives then, are we each to blame?
Or are we just some nameless players in some cosmic game?
Are these secrets only death reveals?
And will I ever have the words to describe these things I feel?

Well, I sure don't have the answers...I just do what I can do...
I face the dawn, try to carry on, try to see each day as new.
Yeah, I do my best to accept it, but there's so much I don't understand.
I guess some constant state of confusion just seems to be the plight of a man.

So, I may never understand it "Bull", no matter how I try.
I guess, on the face, it will always seem a waste, such a good man chose to die.
But, I'll do my best to accept it, 'cause that's all that I can do...
I'll face the dawn, try to carry on...try to see each day as new.

Yeah, I'll say so long now "Bull" and carry on...
But sometimes I'll have to stop...and think of you.

daleach

My dear friend Jim called me unexpectedly late one night. There was an edge to his voice. It wasn't a casual call to shoot the breeze. The first thing out of his mouth was, "Griz. are you all right?" "Yeah," I answered, "I'm alright. How about you?" Jim went on to tell me that our mutual friend "Bull" had taken his own life earlier that day. He said that "Bull" and I were similar, in many ways, and that if "Bull" could kill himself, he was worried that I might be able to do the same thing. I was saddened by the news and touched by the love and concern Jim was showing.

Later, on several occasions, we talked about "Bull" and Jim encouraged me to write a song about his death. I worked harder and longer on this song than on any other piece I have ever written. "Epitaph", which appears earlier on this blog page, was also a product of this creative stream. In the end, I was pleased with what came out in tribute and remembrance of "Bull". I believe it is one of the best that I have written and I am blessed to have and have had good friends that elicit my best. DAL

AMEN and BOW WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY

Uncommon wisdom...

and uncommon sense...

for the common,

GOOD!

Having just finished the first, of which I am sure will be many, reading(s) of this book, I recommend it highly as "required reading for life". If you fail to find your "situation in life" addressed here, you might check your pulse.

Sir Francis Bacon offered:

"Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested: that is, some books are to be read only in parts, others to be read, but not curiously, and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention."

The Noticer is, at once, both manna and magnificent banquet; that is, basic and simple, yet sumptuously satisfying. Chew and digest, indeed... and savor with dilligence and attention. This book will fill you and fortify you again and again and again. - daleach

TOO LITTLE TIME

Sometimes we've come so close together,

Our hearts have beat as one.

But, as if afraid to spoil ourselves,

We always turn and run.

Turn and run, but come up empty,

Then turn around and start anew...

But between the starts and turning,

Too little time for me and you!

daleach

This is the Body of Christ...

broken for you.

(You are the Body of Christ...broken for others.)

This is the Blood of Christ...

poured out for you.

(You are the Blood of Christ...poured out for others.)

REDEMPTION

This is a bittersweet story of redemption!
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5186069&categoryid=2459789

Opposites, I

I am the center of my perceptions

Mine is the unanimous point of view

Mine the acceptance and the rejection

Mine the fears and the derring-do

Mine the truth and the deceptions

Mine the sun and the gloom

Mine your features and your failures

Mine the gods and the devils too

I am the center of my perceptions

Mine is the unanimous point of view

So, if some single soul can hurt me

Mine’s the hurt, I make it too

daleach

Hi Brother!

Hi Brother, I was
On a train headed for some town
When the conductor yelled,

“Next stop, Albuquerque!”
I yelled, “Man you better slow this damn thing down!”

For I must detain
Depart
Detrain
Must go to see my kin
‘Cause it’s been years since I was here
Don’t know when I’ll be again

So, Hi Brother, I was
In a train now pulling to a pause
Conductor yells, “This is Albuquerque!”
And I yell, “Clear the way, I’m coming through because…”

For I must detain
Depart
Detrain
Must go to see my kin
‘Cause it’s been years since I was here
Don’t know when I’ll be again

So Hi Brother, now I was
Dashing through the lounge car to the streets
When the conductor yelled, “Last Call!”
And I was trampled ‘neath the rush of a thousand feet

Still, Hi Brother, and I was
Sittin’ in the lounge car in a daze
When that conductor yells, “All aboard!”
And I yelled, “Hell, I never even got away!”

Did not detain
Depart
Detrain
Did not see my kin
Did not call to say, “I’m here!”
Or even, “How ya been?”

So now it’s, Goodbye Brother
‘Cause I am
Headed out of town and into space
But if it hadn’t of been for that conductor
You know I would have stopped by at your place
Yeah, if it hadn’t of been for that damn conductor
You know I would have stopped by at your place
Would have been so fine to see your smilin’ face

But I was, Hi Brother!

Griz
100383 AMTRAK Albuquerque, NM

"David Wilcox writes the best lyrics I have ever heard!" Thus spoke my E.O. (eclectic obsessive) friend, Mike Logback, some years back. I should explain the E.O., I suppose. Mike is blessed with a wide range of interests and talents, but he tends to get "highly focused" on only one at a time. There have been many phases...the Rodeo Phase, the Tail Dragger Phase (1st airplane), the Metal Artist Phase, the Guitar Phase, the Build-Your-Own Experimental Phase (2nd airplane) and likely many more that I am not privy to. Suffice it to say, whatever Mike does, he does with passion and total immersion.

Anyway, Mike was in his Guitar Phase at the time and spent most of his spare time, of which he has a multitude, playing and listening to music. I had no reason to doubt his judgement and bought myself a Wilcox CD and liked what I heard (although I wasn't yet ready to declare Wilcox the best I'd ever heard). I particularly liked a driving ditty by the name of "Eye of the Hurricane". The more I listened to David Wilcox's music/lyrics, the more I came to appreciate Mike's opinion.

Sometime later, I bought a two-disc DVD "David Wilcox: Live at the Workplay Theater" and became an unabashed fan. Wilcox is indeed a gifted lyricist and storyteller, but it goes much deeper than that. He is a thoughtful observer with an eye for relationships and the ability to invite/welcome the listener into insights he has been granted.

So my thanks go out to Mike and I pass on the word of encouragement to you to give a listen. The lyrics to one of my favorite Wilcox songs follows! Enjoy!

Show the Way
You say you see no hope, you say you see no reason
We should dream that the world would ever change
You're saying love is foolish to believe
'Cause there'll always be some crazy with an Army or a Knife
To wake you from your day dream, put the fear back in your life...

Look, if someone wrote a play just to glorify
What's stronger than hate, would they not arrange the stage
To look as if the hero came too late he's almost in defeat
It's looking like the Evil side will win, so on the
Edge of every seat, from the moment that the whole thing begins
It is...

(Chorus)
Love who makes the mortar
And it's love who stacked these stones
And it's love who made the stage here
Although it looks like we're alone
In this scene set in shadows
Like the night is here to stay
There is evil cast around us
But it's love that wrote the play...
For in this darkness love can show the way

So now the stage is set.
Feel you own heart beating
In your chest.
This life's not over yet.
So we get up on our feet and do our best.
We play against theFear.
We play against the reasons not to try
We're playing for the tears burning in the happy angel's eyes
For it's...

Love who makes the mortar
And it's love who stacked these stones
And it's love who made the stage here
Although it looks like we're alone
In this scene set in shadows
Like the night is here to stay
There is evil cast around us
But it's love that wrote the play...
So in this darkness love can show the way

David Wilcox

Simple Man

I am just a simple man

whose needs are very few...

A walk along the ocean's sand

some time now and then with you.

Starry skies are my bed's canopy

Meadow grass my comforter

Soft sweet breeze the lullaby

That lays me down at night to sleep

I have no time for the city's pace

there's nothing there I seek.

Just let me find some open space

beside a clear cool creek.

Starry skies are my bed's canopy

Meadow grass my comforter

Soft sweet breeze the lullaby

That lays me down at night to sleep

I love the smell of mountain air

the scent of new-mown hay...

The quiet of a forest lair

sunrise on a brand new day.

Starry skies are my bed's canopy

Meadow grass my comforter

Soft sweet breezr the lullaby

That lays me down at night to sleep

Yes, I am just a simple man

my needs are very few...

These things around me when I can

some time now and then with you.

daleach '85

G.K. Chesterton Quotes*

Man is an exception, whatever else he is. If he is not the image of God, then he is a disease of the dust. If it is not true that a divine being fell, then we can only say that one of the animals went entirely off its head.

Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling.

The object of opening the mind, as of opening the mouth, is to shut it again on something solid.

The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.

There is a road from the eye to heart that does not go through the intellect.

To be clever enough to get all that money, one must be stupid enough to want it.

To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.

When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.

Without education we are in a horrible and deadly danger of taking educated people seriously.

A teacher who is not dogmatic is simply a teacher who is not teaching.

Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.

Education is the period during which you are being instructed by somebody you do not know, about something you do not want to know.

How you think when you lose determines how long it will be until you win.

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.

If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with God.

Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.

*To whet your appetite for more of this extraordinary thinker/writer. If you have never heard of him...never read any of his work, you are missing out on treasures untold! For starters go to http://chesterton.org/
and get an introduction! Enjoy! GRIZ

Trust Me With Your Eyes

You can trust me with your eyes

I like approaches without alibis

So I won't pretend I didn't see

But you can trust your eyes with me

You can trust me with your eyes

I'm into touch, not into tellin' lies

So, "Hello!" is all that lies between

You can trust your eyes with me

Oh I liked what I saw when you looked my way

I've seen that light of your eyes in the moon

I saw lightning bolts in your soulful sway

Felt your force field fill the room

I felt the room as it fell silent

I never felt this way before

I see, I feel, and I surrender

I'd like to hold your eyes some more

So trust me with some time

I won't be takin' yours just to be makin' mine

And there's always time enough to see

And time to trust your eyes with me

Trust me with your eyes

I like approaches without alibis

So I won't pretend I didn't see

But you can trust your eyes with me

There's always time enough to see

It's time to trust your eyes with me

daleach '85

comin' back

your eyes

your smile

that kiss

your hugs

it's all too very much

and i can't resist you

or your laugh

your voice

that shy way of yours

no, i can't resist you

though i gave it a try

but i keep comin' back

i come back to you

and i keep hopin' that

you'll come back to me

yes, i keep comin' back

i always come back to you

hopin' someday that

you'll come back to me

it's been such a long time

and time's so long without you

times, we've known the good life

make life lonely without you

and your eyes

your smile

that kiss

your hugs

you're just too very much

and i can't resist you

or your laugh

your voice

that shy way of yours

no, i can't resist

and i won't even try

no, i'll just keep comin' back

i'll come back to you

and i'll keep hopin' that

you'll get back to me

i keep comin' back

i always come back to you

i'm hopin' someday that

you'll come back around for me

daleach '88

One of my employees shared this with me this morning. Thought it was worth sharing.

Cell Phone vs. Bible
Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purse or pocket?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it?
What if we gave it to our kids as a gift?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go….hmmm….where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing.
Unlike our cell phone, we don’t have to worry about our Bible being disconnected, because Jesus already paid the bill! And there are no dropped calls!

Makes you stop and think “where are my priorities”?

I Open the Door

I open the door.
I open the door.
I open the door, now let me in. //

I want to hold you.
I want to love you.
I want to walk with you and be your friend.
Just want to hold you
because I love you;
Want to walk with you and be your friend.

I open the door no man can shut.
I shut the door, no man can open.
I am the only Way, the Truth, the Light
And you can do nothing without me.

I open the door.
I open the door.
I open the door, now let me in. //

My Father, God so loved the world
That He gave Me, His only Son.
That whosoever would believe in Me
Would not perish, but would have eternal life.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock.
Behold I stand at your door and knock
If any man hears my voice and answers,

and if you hear and you will answer
I shall enter in and abide with him (and he in me)

I will enter in and abide in you (and you in me)
He will be known as an overcomer.

You will be known as an overcomer

I open the door.
I open the door.
I open the door, now let me in. //

I want to hold you.
I want to love you.
I want to walk with you and be your friend.
Just want to hold you
because I love you;
Want to walk with you and be your friend.
[Rev. 3:7-8/ Isa. 22:22/ John 15:5/ John 14:6 /Rev. 3:20-21 /John 3:16 /John 15:4]

daleach 110709 TFH