Traditional Marriage

I have been so busy today I haven't had time to blog. This is all over the Blogs so I imagine you have seen it.. I love Betty Bowers. j

Confession

Scottish Rite Meet and Greet

Had a great time at the Scottish Rite Meet and Greet. Trevor and his girl friend went down with me and we went to the Iowa Beef Steak House with Robert and Mike. Life is good. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs, j-

North Platte Canteen

"Love Chases Away Fear."

I thank Butch for sending this to me. It is an incredible story even if it did have a Campus Crusade for Christ promotion at the end.

A Forward Looking Mason - S. Brent Morris

JEEZ - It is 12:14 and I forgot to Blog. - To be fair, I had an important task to do. In 1993 I was honored to work with S. Brent Morris when Iowa Research Lodge #2 published a collection of his writings. The book was called A Radical In The East and as I re-read it today I realized just how groundbreaking Brother Morris' book was.

I had not realized just how much my Masonic thinking had been influenced by the ideas in this book. Brother Morris was very kind to me and made me believe that I was actually helping him to get the book edited and out. I have no illusions. He did most all of the work. I was just someone who was there for him to bounce ideas off once in awhile. But Brent is such a giant of a Mason that he basically could have done it without any help from me. But it was one of those cases where I was able to sit at the feet of a master and I gained immeasurably from the experience.

One of the ideas that jumped out at me today as I read was a quotation from Brother Rob Morris Poet Laureate of Freemasonry - He said:

" The Order with us has too much of the pulpit and too little of the table. A due intermixture of both was what the Craft in olden times regarded."

There is much in this little volume which needs to be read and discussed by any Mason who is interested in moving the Craft forward into the Twenty-first Century. You can find out more about Brother Morris here. He has an impressive resume.

A Radical In The East is out of print right now but Iowa Research Lodge # 2 is in the process of printing a second edition with two new papers not in the original book. Anyone interested in joining the Lodge will receive the book and also Robert Davis' Book on Manhood in America.

Thanks for stopping by, ARTYAL, Hugs, J-bear

Encounters

I went to Des Moines tonight to work with Kurt on Council Ritual. We had a good time. When we went out to the car this little fellow was sitting on my car right between the wipers. He (or she) flew up to the window and Kurt snapped this photo. I worry about it. Little doves should be out in the fields. But I guess I am too much of a softie. Not a pigeon they can do their own thing - I don't worry about them.


We both love the Council Ritual. Especially the work of the Royal Master Degree. There is a part of it that was written my Max Erhmann. Severn joined us at Djengo's for dinner and we got to talking about the ritual. I tried to remember this which was also written by Erhmann. Of course I couldn't so I went out and found it on the (wonderful) internets and share it with you here.

DISEDERATA---> resemblance of life

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant, they, too, have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons. They are vexations of the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about; for in the face of all aridity and enchantment, it is perennial as grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all its sham and drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

Max Erhmann

I had a doctor's appointment this morning and he said my blood pressure was good and my cholesterol was good and my blood sugars were in a good range. So I feel good about that.

I have noticed that my numbers are down. It was fun being a blog of note but I feel more relaxed now. Hope those who are still stopping by are enjoying my poor offering. ARTYAL. Hugs, j