As I am sometimes able to do, today I printed the prayer thread and took it with me. I light what grandma always called ‘my Jesus candle‘, sit still, then walk quietly through each prayer and request with pause and deliberation.
As I generally do, I also add my own prayers targeting a turmoil that is less specific. There is bludgeoning in the world; there is also manipulation, deception and ultimately evil. I do not like it; I am repulsed by it; and like you I choose to oppose it in every way I am able. This is our ultimate zero-sum battle.
The task completed, I also pondered the changes of the past seven months that surround me. The physical landscape where my youth unfolded, forever changed – much of it erased completely. Then suddenly, for some unknown reason, a thought occurred:
If God told me a secret today that I was not permitted to share; a secret that today was my last day and yet I could not reveal that knowledge, what would I do?
There is a particular clarity of life, a clarity to purpose, that seemingly happens when we put a clock on our endeavors.
Generally, we ignore the clock, abiding to life is much easier that way, and, truthfully, I do not believe there is value focusing on something we do not control. However, while we do not control the countdown – we do control every choice we make within it. Thus, the question holds merit, ‘What would I do?‘
If we accept that we can create something, perhaps make it just a little bit better by making a choice, then we have accomplished something; perhaps much bigger than we imagine. It is a fundamental truth in life that if we change the way we look at something, then what we look at changes.
We always have choices.
I have long felt that life is like a series of links in a chain. You might be driving down the road and you hear a song on the radio, or see a picture, and you feel a memory….
Something triggers within you that reminds of a different time and place than where you are right now.
You reflect.
The memories you consider remind you of a totally different time in your life.
Perhaps you lived in a different place. Perhaps you were surrounded by different people. Perhaps a different job or completely different friends. You recognize those memories were constructed like frozen moments in time. They became individual links in the chain in your life.
We never actually realize, in the immediate moment, when one link closes and another link begins. But when we look back, we can clearly see distinct points where things changed, the link closed, and a new link began.
You see, the links are only visible in reflection.
As we reflect, we find parts of the chain in our life where each link closes and connects with the other. A beginning, and an end. At the point where the links are joined, we carry parts of the previous link forward to the next.
For many people those connections are bonded by family, or very strong lifelong relationships. Connections which continue beyond our geographic moments, jobs or temporary acquaintances.
But for everyone, the primary bonding agent brought forward from one link to the next is us, our center, our values and core principles. Our beliefs.
The strength of the steel which comprises the links of our life is forged in the fire of adversity, weakness, challenge, pain, loss, and painful growth. The steel is then cooled with the tears of triumph, hurdles overcome and resolve.
The forging makes the steel stronger and able to withstand the pressures that accompany the additional length. Slowly the chain becomes wiser as it lengthens. Able to reach further, form more significant benefits and become more useful.
Hope replaces fear. Love replaces loneliness. Success replaces adversity. These are successful links began and finished while contributing to the whole.
At times we may manipulate the links with avoidance. We hide from -or choose to avoid- an issue in our effort to begin a new link before the old one was naturally, and spiritually, prepared to be closed.
Eventually, as life continues and the chain lengthens, the weak link can fracture, and we are forced to revisit/repair what we originally chose to avoid.
You see, in life we cannot control the universal laws that guide us. So, if we manipulate circumstances to avoid confronting our own weakness, we cannot fully strengthen our life of links. Eventually, the weakness of our past will impact our future.
So, what principles do we carry from link to link? What core values and beliefs stay with us throughout the journey of our lives? The answers to these questions are what makes us human spiritual beings.
We possess freewill able to make choices about what we do, and how we define our individual humanity; but can we then define ’right’ and ‘wrong’ according to our individual principles? Or are there principles that exceed our influence and definition?
Are there natural laws of right and wrong, good and bad, that cannot be subjected to the determination of man?
These are the bigger questions, perhaps the more important questions; and yet, perhaps the ones we reflect upon the least.
Consider the example of the ‘Law of the farm’ vs. the ‘Law of the School’. Natural principles vs. those made by man.
A student can skip class, take few notes, pay only half attention, then stay up all night cramming for a test and manage a decent grade. It depends on the student’s goal: grades or learning.
The student can choose to manipulate the education, by avoiding the learning and capturing the grade. This is possible in the ‘Law of the School’.
However, a farmer cannot take short cuts. A farmer cannot avoid tending to the soil, preparing the seed, fertilizing and nurturing the crop, and still gain the benefit of an abundant harvest.
The farmer must necessarily do all of the appropriate work in order to benefit from it. Such is the ‘Law of the Farm’, the natural law.
When one considers the weakness remaining within a poorly constructed and manipulated link, perhaps established by selfish choices and driven by avoidance and fear, one can be faithfully assured those who have dealt dishonestly with us will have to visit the issues of their association again.
Conversely, no amount of manipulation or avoidance on our own behalf is going to improve the frailty of any link without first resolving the lack of character which created the weakness.
So, we have choices in our lives. Decisions we each make regarding how we interact and participate in the lives and links of others, as well as how we choose to construct the links that comprise our own lives.
Do we base our sense of purpose around natural principles? Principles based on natural laws of right and wrong, good and bad, truth and lies. Do we forge strong links by following our heart, our values?
If we can interact with others absent of a prideful self-driven agenda, or manipulative intent, we can then apply such principles and strength to our endeavors.
If we protect the integrity of the soil upon which we build the foundation of our lives, we can live without regret.
If we fertilize and cherish our crop, and the crop of our neighbor, with honesty and sincere appreciation for the souls we meet along our chosen path, we will live a life of abundance.
If we tend carefully to the consideration of everyone, yet holding true to our values and principles, we can strengthen ourselves amid the face of adversity and disenchantment.
If we do not hide from, nor ignore our individual and collective faults, we can build the chain of our life with strength, humility, and purpose.
This context returns me to my original thought:
…If God told me a secret today that I was not permitted to share; a secret that today was my last day and yet I could not reveal that knowledge, what would I do?
I realized I would want to SHOUT a message.
I would want each of you to know how much I cherish and appreciate you.
I would want you, the specific and unique person reading this message, to know that you matter in this grand experience of life.
I would want you to know at the essential core and fiber of your being, that you are of great value to those around you; that you have given more than you have taken; that you have deposited far more than you could ever withdraw.
I would want every intersection of my life to know that I am thankful, blessed and overwhelmed with gratitude.
If today was my last day, I would want to send this message with great deliberateness, urgency and love…. And so I have!
Today is not our last day, but I thank our God for this reminder. Act like it might be!
Abiding love to all.
Steadfast,
~ Sundance
thank you Sundance and God bless you and all of our treepers
This article is one of the key reasons why CTH is my favorite info site. If I started writing a response to sundance’s heartfelt words it would probably break all records for my “tedious” verbosity.
So; sincere thanks and God Bless sundance and all others that strive to make the world a better and kinder place. He succeeds.
My sentiment exactly.
A great reminder. I fall short plenty. Timely reminder for me… Thank you Sundance
Thank you Sundance, what a lovely blessing today.
“I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
Not well-traveled, not well-read
Not well-to-do or well-bred
Just want to hear instead
Well done, good and faithful one”
-Nichole Nordemann, Legacy
So poignant and beautiful! Thank you, Sundance
“If today was your last day”, Nickleback. Love this song & thank you Sundance for the reminder we must all think upon this now not later 🙏❤️
Thank you Sundance. What beautiful and Holy thoughts you have written here. Thank you also for mentioning those who have sent prayer requests.
Instead of a chain, I always thought, or was taught it was a Golden Rope that binds us together. A glowing, living rope – almost like an umbilical cord of the Spirit. I do not think this can be destroyed as it is a living entity infused with all of everything experienced with another human spirit.
Thank you for “lighting the candle” for my cousin Brian, and your prayers for him. Prayers LIVE.
Have been lighting a beeswax tea candle for him every night since his passing. Even though I think he is at peace now. The candle burning brings me a sense of peace.
Long ago and far away it seems, two of my sisters and I ventured to Cassadaga, FL which back then was a community of Psychics. It may still be.
He told me “your Grandmother is burning the candles for you.” That statement may well have saved my life as I had no idea of the tests, trials, and losses I’ve experienced and will certainly face again.
Keep the Bond you have with others is all I can say as closure to my post.
Bless your heart. That’s a very stressful thought.
>>> “I would want each of you to know how much I cherish and appreciate you.”
Message received, Sundance. Thank you!
And all of us, perched in our favorite spots amongst the branches, send the same heartfelt message right back to you.
May God continue to bless you richly.
~ EM
… and this is your response? You seem rushed (typos & spelling), hurt (expecting a different message/result), or angry (shouting / all caps). It’s pretty clear you fear the unknown and the future, (Remember our Lord has taught us to “Fear not.“). Is there anything specific for which you would like prayer?
My dad was born a Sharecropper, then my grandfather moved the family to an industrial city. When my dad graduated he hired in as a the first laborer. He became the vice president and plant manger for 35 yrs.
We are back at the home farm. The money my dad made, he bought what was not even our farm.
The best people I know come from farming communities: Some of the wisest professionals and pioneers in all fields.
In the law of the farm, to optimize yield you must work in accordance with the DNA in every seed, from plants, to animals, to human beings. The DNA supplies better engineering than anything man made.
The founders of this country built our government to optimize life, liberty, and the pursuit of Joy. History taught them that governments generally get in the way. Our founders recognized the law of the farm in each human being. They ploughed the field of this frontier of America , collectively humbling themselves to the Creator who was obvious to them, but not supposing they were more wise than the Creator.
We now live in country and world where Tyrants are seeking and following their own gods of self, greed, power, and control. Seeking not only shortcuts that violate natural laws, but seeking to control human beings who were designed to work in family, community, and in love — for the purpose of declaring his Glory.
Evil is slowly and relentlessly seeking to bring us under captivity.
I went into medicine to use the sacred place I am allowed in human lives to reflect His Glory. Slowly, via computers, insurance rules, government regulations, profit seeking corporations, the window of opportunity left after what is needed for survival is closing. I am so blessed in so many ways, yet the joy of medicine as I practice, and the margin for life with my family and community is becoming unsustainable.
I am prepared, however, because of our Lord, to be happy and confident we can reflect the fruit of the Lord no matter what.
Your words were beautiful, affirming, and refreshing, Sundance. That is because YOU reflect His Glory. And you didn’t even have to say the words, because we feel it here, we know we are home. Here we do not shirk away from the realities of the evil in this world, but neither do we shirk away from the faith, hope, and knowledge that our Creator is Lord.
Of course I matter — you didn’t have to say it. I have felt it here, even in our format that protects us. There is a Spirit here on the branches. But isn’t it beautiful to pause and just look at each other and say it.
“Where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there in your midst”
Thank you, dear Sundance.
Well said, Sir.
Amen
Perfectly said Doc. Thanks Sundance. We get so twisted up in the day to day activities that a message like this makes a person reflect on their life journey and I’m guessing most of us ask for repentance. I sure do.
I think you mean your father, the devil.
Thank you so much for this beautiful, and inspiring, message, Sundance. I feel I really needed to hear it today.
Thank you for ALL you do, sir! <3
I copied the entire post and sent it to my family.
I would shout that my family and forever family are everything. That hugs are more important than justice. People are the markers of a life well lived and how God has been present with skin on through them..
Thank you Sundance for helping us focus on the really important stuff.
Thank you Treepers for your friendship. I’m grateful for you all, even when we disagree..
This is so much more than a site on the inter-web!!
I always love it when Sundance gives us a homily. They never fail to edify me even if I am hardheaded.
Thank you, Sundance, for this post. It touched me deeply, as on February 17th my husband passed away suddenly. God gave me a tremendous grace to accept this shocking and profound loss. My husband was the primary breadwinner. In 2008 he left his job with the federal government (and all its perks and promises) to start his own business out of our home. It was not the most successful venture, but given what was going on in the government at that time, he had to get out to be able to live with himself in good conscience. Now I am trying to move on without him, and keep our family together as best I can.
I pray that God will guide me in the days ahead to care for my family and bring us all to salvation in His kingdom.
❤️ Of the home,
I pray that God will guide You in the days ahead to care for Your family and bring Us all to salvation in His kingdom.
In Jesus’ Name
Amen
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
🙏🙏🙏
A chain is ONLY as strong as its WEAKEST link. Think of OUR country, society etc in the term stated and what happens when that “weakest” link is broken!!!
THANK YOU SUNDANCE AND MAY GOD BE WITH US ALL
There are Angels among us. I believe Sundance is one or, at least, inspired by our Heavenly Father!
I think you need to take your little pill now.
The doctor will be in to see you shortly.
It’s time for your nap.
You will feel much better soon.
Seriously, Arizona, you appear to either be in severe spiritual/ emotional pain. I hope you find your way.
Ive never gotten a ‘secret’ from God, I’ve gotten words that cannot be heard by deaf ears or seen by blind eyes because the mind is closed. Very frustrating!
And I’ve seen how events are to unfold if the continued path is taken but it is a choice either the individual, maybe me, or corporate.
And if I have love or care it is usually the precursor to evidence understood. If I do not put forth love or care then no understanding is needed or used.
God hasn’t hidden much if anything, it is our dependent upon our righteousness, our childlike faith, our love for others. If your judgement is to condemn others or self, what’s the point of knowing. If it is to share love and comfort you flow in Gods power and all is yours. The very moment ‘ego’ or selfishness steps in the view becomes murky. I assume we dirt bags leak out when we flail around in Gods waters.
Which brings me to one more observation before I close this. God washes our spirit, cleans us up, gives us life, illuminates our spirit. It’s done, pure, smells nice, looks great. We can feed our spirit, make it stronger, become familiar with it so we can learn and become closer to God. But….it’s our job to feed our spirit, learn, grow, and change these dirt bags and this world we live in through our connection to our lord. And I believe we can renew our bodies by our spiritual growth, all things means all things and God indicates we have been given all things through his spirit.
Have a blessed day, one that is viewed from heavens perspective, adversity is growth, opportunity for a person who reads the manual for its answers.
Unfortunately sir…I would have to kick you out of my foxhole. You are a defeatist. You have given in to the enemy and there is no fight, or faith within you. I appreciate your confession, but we here are not the ones that need to hear it, nor do we believe in it. You need to console someone and get yourself right. God helps those who help themselves, you sir have dug your hole and are only waiting to fall in it. Keep your negative feelings, vibrations and beliefs to yourself or to those who believe in your pessimism. I wouldn’t want to have to live with you!!!
As a young child my Grandfather took me out thru the woods telling me with the leaves this is what is important…
He was a cabinet maker and came home after a weeks work with his donkey.
I gre up when dont slam the screen door was said alot .. Remember as an infant the family huddled around the console radio gasping about Pearl Harbor.
Live your, my, life as unto the Lord and thank Jesus for the blessings.
Thankful for Sundance and this community.
God Bless 🙂
First,apparently would be first contact; second, I’d go to my already long pre-determined departure point; then, tell “god” : Well,
Wow, powerfully written, powerfully felt!
Thank you for saying these things Sundance. Your words have tremendous meaning.
They capture so many thoughts. Blessings to you, and all who read these words as we go and live these out in our separate lives.
Beautiful. Thank you. One of my grandmothers was born in Japan, she likes country music, but she used to sing this Japanese folk song to me that’s popular with kids. It’s about cherry blossoms. The last image reminds me of her.
This version isn’t as slow and lower pitch as she sings it, but it has the translation for convenience.
My brother fought a malignant brain tumor for several years.
He developed a habit of telling us he loved us,
because he never knew when he would die.
He wanted to make sure we all knew how much he loved us.
After he died (22) our family continued the habit of making sure our loved ones knew,
they are loved.
Now I know why this site is a nice place to visit. It’s run by a wonderful person, you – Sundance! 🕊🍃
…and I just want to tell you what a blessing you are, Sundance!🕊💕. God Bless you !
I love you too,Sundance.
l really REALLY needed this beautiful tome right now,this very second.
I’m sitting here waiting for a phone call from my doctor . I will find out if I have lymphoma or metastatic breast cancer.
I’m scared. But whatever is going on I’ll fight.
❤️ 🙏
Well, now that I’ve gone back and finished reading every post I’m not going to sit here waiting.
going out to my garden and pick up my favorite chicken and check on all my vegetables.
going to let go and let God.
love you treepers
Praying for you!
Praying for you, too. I, too am going through a rough time. I find myself thanking God throughout the day, for the seemingly “little things” that I see could have gone wrong, but didn’t.
Sundance, having been a lurker here on the Tree for years, I simply can no longer ignore, and thus must now acknowledge, the incredible gift you have for writing, insight, passionate prose and understanding of how to live (and life enternal). May God hold you forever in the pam of His hand and bless you with DECADES of more wisdom, truth, compassion and strength as your voice becomes the clarion for generations of those of us who believe.
We long for truth in writing, we intepret and try to fit others’ writings/thoughts into our molds of understanding….yet you have the gift of true clarity…..like a clear mountain steam filtering into a muddy lake…..it rises to the top for all to see….and makes an impact….
God bless you Sundance!
For starters, learn the difference between “YOUR” and “YOU’RE”. It will help you make whatever point you’re attempting to make. That being stated, I really couldn’t determine the exact meaning of what you are trying to say to us. I read the words but they don’t make real sense as they are strung together.
America’s heroes are the everyday Americans who go about their lives doing good, working hard, making the country work despite the roadblocks and landmines planted by the powerful politicos who are working to turn the country to a Godless marxism. “In God We Trust” is the motto of those everyday Americans and in God they put their trust. God will hear the prayer of those heroes, the real heroes. His answer to their prayers may not be what we all want but it will be His will and in His time. All we can do is keep working for good, working to help build new American heroes, working to restore our institutions, financially supporting, with whatever financial capability we have, those who are on the front lines of fighting the Godless marxists and remaining steadfast in our commitment to God and the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Every single one of us must always be ready to stand up for the real America and defend her in whatever way we can. Whether it be by word, or by financially supporting the right groups or people, or by protesting in the streets, or calmly correcting a mistaken idea made by a friend or colleague, or whatever. Every single one of us is called to be an American hero.
Thank you Sundance! Powerful!!!!