I certainly thought I had accomplished my purpose. The two years spent on Gift Gratitude God was a journey that had (in my mind) come full circle. I was satisfied (pleased, actually) I had done what I had set out to do. The intangible concept of "God" had been explored and presented in a methodology for you to "put to the test." The rest was going to be up to you. Dim the lights, lower the curtains, take a final bow and exit, stage right. Yet...
First: I was wrong about the availability of the web site. The first link that appears after Googling WP Grogan is the blog; the next link is the actual web site. (Gift Gratitude God) Although nothing can be added or subtracted, the web site is still accessible. This I am grateful for--if for no other reason that the post A Cautionary Tale (7-22-14) demonstrates context is of the utmost importance. I am not here to mislead. Nor am I a "sheep in wolves clothing." (a wonderful Freudian slip that revealed [to me] the persons true subconscious understanding they were tangled up in their own projection) Still, I cautioned that the web site would vanish July 3rd and I was wrong. What I discovered was GGG was still "housed" within Gwenn's AuburnWebsiteDesign.com and would be available as long as the site exists. It goes to my level of ignorance regarding the world of computers.
Second: An ongoing sense of revelation. The latest example being the 9-27-14 post. (Wanna Go With You) The actual title of the song is "Another Country." Today, September 29th, the blog received a visit from someone in Kyrgyzstan. To be absolutely honest, I didn't know that country even existed. The break up of the former USSR created several new countries that I am not familiar with. But now I am. And as ignorant as I may be, the larger point is Life slammed home the coincidence that "another country" had come to the blog. Admittedly, that wasn't the thrust of the post. But how could Life create a context for me to share nebulous feelings of unexpressed longing on the one hand, and an unexplored, unexplained affinity for you on the other...you, who I don't even know?
Perhaps this will better describe what I am experiencing.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/anomalous-events-that-can-shake-one-s-skepticism-to-the-core/
If you don't fully understand who Michael Shermer is, or the implications in the article he wrote, take a quick peek...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Shermer
Third: I have the inexplicable notion that something is afoot. Whether the blog is a means to identify what that something is, is up in the air. An open parenthesis if you will. The blog continues to attract visitors (well over 500) since the "close of the show." This surprises me no end.
Fourth: It is now October 14th, 16 days since I drafted this post. I have straddled the fence about relaunching the blog with no "end game" strategy. I honestly questioned the significance of "Another Country." Then another new country came aboard, (New Zealand) and then another! (Austria) Third times the charm and I surrender. For no reason other than I want to, (need to?) I will see what's in store with a continuation of this blog. God help me. (in both the figurative and literal sense)
Update: The Places We Have Been. Australia--Austria--Belarus--Belgium--Brazil--Canada--Chile--China--Columbia--Finland--France--Germany--Georgia--Greece--India--Indonesia--Ireland--Israel--Jamaica--Japan--Kazakhstan--Kenya--Kyrgyzstan--Lithuania--Malaysia--Mexico--Netherlands--New Zealand--Pakistan--Philippines--Poland--Romania--Russia--Serbia--Singapore--Slovakia--Spain--South Africa--South Korea--Sweden--Switzerland--Suriname--Taiwan--Tanzania--Thailand--Turkey--Ukraine--United Kingdom--United States--Venezuela--Zimbabwe. (reaching an even fifty with New Zealand carried a bit of significance as well)
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Friday, October 10, 2014
Irish Kundalini
Serpent of Brigid
She lies at the core of my being
In wait
Silent still coiled spiraled
Bearing the fruit of millennia
Knowledge of the Grandmother's
She longs to uncoil
Open to me the secrets
Kiss alight each cell
The burning to know
To remember
But she is bound
Stilled by my fear
I dream of dancing the mists
Unbound
Past the chains of patriarchy
The Malleus Maleficarum
The stink of scorching flesh
The disease of ignorance
The broken bodies of lust
The malice of the servants of Jehovah
I long to open to joy
Know the wisdom
Speak the stories
Feel the uncoiling
Brigid, I invoke thee
Reveal in me your living flame
Swathe me in your brat*
Quench my voice at your healing well
Let me proclaim unto the stars
The "Serpent is Arisen"
~Mary Sander
*brat: cloak
She lies at the core of my being
In wait
Silent still coiled spiraled
Bearing the fruit of millennia
Knowledge of the Grandmother's
She longs to uncoil
Open to me the secrets
Kiss alight each cell
The burning to know
To remember
But she is bound
Stilled by my fear
I dream of dancing the mists
Unbound
Past the chains of patriarchy
The Malleus Maleficarum
The stink of scorching flesh
The disease of ignorance
The broken bodies of lust
The malice of the servants of Jehovah
I long to open to joy
Know the wisdom
Speak the stories
Feel the uncoiling
Brigid, I invoke thee
Reveal in me your living flame
Swathe me in your brat*
Quench my voice at your healing well
Let me proclaim unto the stars
The "Serpent is Arisen"
~Mary Sander
*brat: cloak
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Wanna Go With You
Father, cleanse me of my imperfections, but none too vigorously. I have found, despite my posturing, to be a frail vessel indeed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl2I0kwyJyY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl2I0kwyJyY
Friday, August 22, 2014
So You Know
I taste what you taste. I know the kind of lyrics your soul most likes.
I know which sounds will become resplendent in your mind
And bring such pleasure your feet will jump and whirl.
When anything touches or enters your body
Never say it is not God, for He is just trying to get close.
I have no use for divine patience--my lips are always burning
And everywhere I am running from every corner of this world and sky
Wanting to kiss you...
I am every particle of dust and wheat--you and I are ground from His own body.
I am rioting at your door; I am spinning in midair like golden leaves
Trying to win your glance.
I am sweetly rolling against your walls and shores all night
Even though you are asleep.
I am singing from the mouths of animals and birds
Honoring our beloveds promise and need: to let you know the truth.
My dear, when anything touches or enters your body
Never say it is not God, for He and I are just trying to get close to you.
God and I are rushing from every corner of existence
Needing to say, "We are yours."
Never Say It Is Not God
~Hafiz
I know which sounds will become resplendent in your mind
And bring such pleasure your feet will jump and whirl.
When anything touches or enters your body
Never say it is not God, for He is just trying to get close.
I have no use for divine patience--my lips are always burning
And everywhere I am running from every corner of this world and sky
Wanting to kiss you...
I am every particle of dust and wheat--you and I are ground from His own body.
I am rioting at your door; I am spinning in midair like golden leaves
Trying to win your glance.
I am sweetly rolling against your walls and shores all night
Even though you are asleep.
I am singing from the mouths of animals and birds
Honoring our beloveds promise and need: to let you know the truth.
My dear, when anything touches or enters your body
Never say it is not God, for He and I are just trying to get close to you.
God and I are rushing from every corner of existence
Needing to say, "We are yours."
Never Say It Is Not God
~Hafiz
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
A Cautionary Tale
On July 16th I received the following electronic message. The structure, punctuation, and emphasis, is that of the individual who sent it.
"u talk about the spirit & soul but ur heart is far from this**u attach on & remind me of a sheep in wolves clothing**u catch vulnerable souls reaching out**then u proceed to destroy their faith u built up** dropping ur responsibility u've taken on as a life coach**why don't u just be u**whoever that may be????????? u just flit around like a bumble bee not a care in the world or who may be revealing their soul to u**u haven't the credentials to take this task on**as usual I poured my soul out to someone not deserving**a reminder from my JESUS whose blood HE shed for a fool like me**ur "top of the morning" showed u do have biblical upbringing**how did u come to this**wounding spirits trying to soar??????"
It certainly is challenging when our efforts are viewed in such a light. The accusations are intense. But I decided to share them because they are not unknown to me. I alluded to reactions of this sort in a poem in the GOD section of the web site.
Hail! You prophets of tomorrow
Proud, erect, yet full of sorrow
Timeless eons since last you saw
Our children's souls so red and raw
Your task will be a difficult one
Bringing light where there is no sun
Duties many, rewards but few
Rare are ones who'll believe in you
An ancient wisdom your minds will hold
The coming future you shall unfold
Still they'll mock the Sons of Light
Feign a worship toward the Lords of Night
Yet, as it was an ever will be
You're to assist the blind to see
So forward now to the task at hand
Lead them back to the Promised Land.
Hopefully you'll be able to excuse the "poetic license" employed as I wrote about you--as well as placing myself in a position that I was qualified to do so. (elevating myself as evaluator of prophets) I explained in Siren Song (4-15-14) how the poetic process works for me. The larger point is, I am familiar with the reactions expressed by the individual who sent this message. By sharing them, I hope to dampen the possible damage a similar situation might cause for you.
The sole comment posted by the individual in question was made on the Handle With Care post of 10-24-13. (the first of four) I am left to surmise this is what is meant by; "as usual I poured my soul out to someone not deserving." (In the interest of full disclosure, they didn't start reading the blog until much later, perhaps 3 months ago. But I would, on occasion, link an older post to Facebook in an effort to widen my audience.) I believe the heart of the matter is revealed in the reference to Jesus and my "biblical upbringing." This seems to be the point of contention. That and the 7-2-14 post entitled "Schooling God," which she obviously took great exception to.
My views of God were expressed before any blog was ever posted. The web site Gift-Gratitude-God was a tour de force of my perspective. I didn't hide it--I celebrated it. I even encouraged people to make copies of the other sections of the web site as recently as 5-8-14. (Kanpai) And it was in that post I stated: "To Christians, once they see where I am coming from, not at all what they had in mind." (as to the limitations in the web site name) As I've said, I am familiar with the dynamic when one pushes up against another person's paradigm. Once a world view is challenged (real or imagined) the consequences can be devastating. I wish to let you know it isn't your responsibility to take on another person's projection.
In this we can take a cue from one far more accomplished than we are. (See Matthew 10:25)
"u talk about the spirit & soul but ur heart is far from this**u attach on & remind me of a sheep in wolves clothing**u catch vulnerable souls reaching out**then u proceed to destroy their faith u built up** dropping ur responsibility u've taken on as a life coach**why don't u just be u**whoever that may be????????? u just flit around like a bumble bee not a care in the world or who may be revealing their soul to u**u haven't the credentials to take this task on**as usual I poured my soul out to someone not deserving**a reminder from my JESUS whose blood HE shed for a fool like me**ur "top of the morning" showed u do have biblical upbringing**how did u come to this**wounding spirits trying to soar??????"
It certainly is challenging when our efforts are viewed in such a light. The accusations are intense. But I decided to share them because they are not unknown to me. I alluded to reactions of this sort in a poem in the GOD section of the web site.
Hail! You prophets of tomorrow
Proud, erect, yet full of sorrow
Timeless eons since last you saw
Our children's souls so red and raw
Your task will be a difficult one
Bringing light where there is no sun
Duties many, rewards but few
Rare are ones who'll believe in you
An ancient wisdom your minds will hold
The coming future you shall unfold
Still they'll mock the Sons of Light
Feign a worship toward the Lords of Night
Yet, as it was an ever will be
You're to assist the blind to see
So forward now to the task at hand
Lead them back to the Promised Land.
Hopefully you'll be able to excuse the "poetic license" employed as I wrote about you--as well as placing myself in a position that I was qualified to do so. (elevating myself as evaluator of prophets) I explained in Siren Song (4-15-14) how the poetic process works for me. The larger point is, I am familiar with the reactions expressed by the individual who sent this message. By sharing them, I hope to dampen the possible damage a similar situation might cause for you.
The sole comment posted by the individual in question was made on the Handle With Care post of 10-24-13. (the first of four) I am left to surmise this is what is meant by; "as usual I poured my soul out to someone not deserving." (In the interest of full disclosure, they didn't start reading the blog until much later, perhaps 3 months ago. But I would, on occasion, link an older post to Facebook in an effort to widen my audience.) I believe the heart of the matter is revealed in the reference to Jesus and my "biblical upbringing." This seems to be the point of contention. That and the 7-2-14 post entitled "Schooling God," which she obviously took great exception to.
My views of God were expressed before any blog was ever posted. The web site Gift-Gratitude-God was a tour de force of my perspective. I didn't hide it--I celebrated it. I even encouraged people to make copies of the other sections of the web site as recently as 5-8-14. (Kanpai) And it was in that post I stated: "To Christians, once they see where I am coming from, not at all what they had in mind." (as to the limitations in the web site name) As I've said, I am familiar with the dynamic when one pushes up against another person's paradigm. Once a world view is challenged (real or imagined) the consequences can be devastating. I wish to let you know it isn't your responsibility to take on another person's projection.
In this we can take a cue from one far more accomplished than we are. (See Matthew 10:25)
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Roll Credits
Gwenn Jones. Sorry if I'm being repetitive, but without Gwenn I would never have had the opportunity for a web site/blog. "Thanks" just doesn't cut it, as far as my gratitude goes. She was the sole source that made it possible.
Lance Buffington. A behind the scenes benefactor. Most recently sent money to cover the cost of the domain name registry--just in case I had a change of heart. Also added that if I didn't, to keep the money anyway. Lance was my "go to guy" when I needed critique about the vagary of my writing style.
God. Whatever He/She/It is, It was with me every step of the way. The artists, articles, and pictures that came my way...inexplicable. The timing...exquisite. Flying by the seat of my pants didn't seem to pose a problem for Life.
To the artists...the music in particular was humbling. To uncover talent the likes of Mia Sable, Marie Digby, Snatam Kaur, Deva Premal, Yasmeen Amina Olya...mind-boggling. Even if the posts I produced were worthless, the music was worth the price of admission.
Me. Yep, I get some credit too. Like the little drummer boy in the Christmas tune of the same name, I didn't have a gift to bring that was fit for a king. Like him, I am a poor boy too. So I played my drum (this blog) for him. I played my best for him. Then he (through you, the reader) smiled at me--me and my drum.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT1fA59oH7Q
Thank You. ~WPG
Update: 6:56 AM Wow! Finished my post and went on-line to see the breaking news that Louie Zamperini passed this morning. On November 2nd, 2013, I posted "Unbroken" and selected a couple paragraphs from the book of the same name. The significance is, that post received (BY FAR) the largest number of "hits" of any post in the two years of this blog. (I even called Gwenn to see what was wrong!) Point is, Life apparently wanted Louie and his record setting number of hits in the "credits."
Lance Buffington. A behind the scenes benefactor. Most recently sent money to cover the cost of the domain name registry--just in case I had a change of heart. Also added that if I didn't, to keep the money anyway. Lance was my "go to guy" when I needed critique about the vagary of my writing style.
God. Whatever He/She/It is, It was with me every step of the way. The artists, articles, and pictures that came my way...inexplicable. The timing...exquisite. Flying by the seat of my pants didn't seem to pose a problem for Life.
To the artists...the music in particular was humbling. To uncover talent the likes of Mia Sable, Marie Digby, Snatam Kaur, Deva Premal, Yasmeen Amina Olya...mind-boggling. Even if the posts I produced were worthless, the music was worth the price of admission.
Me. Yep, I get some credit too. Like the little drummer boy in the Christmas tune of the same name, I didn't have a gift to bring that was fit for a king. Like him, I am a poor boy too. So I played my drum (this blog) for him. I played my best for him. Then he (through you, the reader) smiled at me--me and my drum.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT1fA59oH7Q
Thank You. ~WPG
Update: 6:56 AM Wow! Finished my post and went on-line to see the breaking news that Louie Zamperini passed this morning. On November 2nd, 2013, I posted "Unbroken" and selected a couple paragraphs from the book of the same name. The significance is, that post received (BY FAR) the largest number of "hits" of any post in the two years of this blog. (I even called Gwenn to see what was wrong!) Point is, Life apparently wanted Louie and his record setting number of hits in the "credits."
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Schooling God
God needs your input. He/She/It resonates on all levels, but oscillates (vibrates) at a frequency of amplitude. (the squeaky wheel gets the oil) Let me explain.
In the 15th chapter of Luke, verse 1, Jesus is approached by "publicans (tax collectors) and sinners" who wished to hear him speak. There were also scribes and Pharisees there as well, who commented that "this man (Jesus) receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." Jesus then shares three stories, the last one being the Prodigal Son. All three revolve around redemption.
The overriding point of the three stories is that those who already believe and follow spiritual guidelines (pharisees and scribes) should rejoice that those who have been lost are now found. (the publicans and sinners) The way the story unfolds is the younger brother asks for his inheritance early and proceeds to squander it in the most unseemly fashion. ("riotous living") The younger brother hits rock bottom and decides to return home because even his father's servants "have bread enough, and to spare, and I perish with hunger." The father (God) sees him coming, runs out to meet him, "and fell on his neck, and kissed him." The younger son then makes an honest and full confession of his misdeeds ("Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son). The upshot is, the father directs the servants to "bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry."
When the elder son returned from the fields, he heard music and dancing and asked a servant what was going on. Informed that his brother had returned and his father had killed a fatted calf in celebration of his homecoming, the older brother is "angry" and refuses to enter the house. Significantly, the father comes out to talk to his older son, "and entreated him." (entreat; to ask earnestly, beg, beseech, implore) The older son then responds with his grievances: "Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time your commandment: yet thou never gavest me a kid, (goat) that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf." The father then tries to placate the elder son with, "thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine." He ends by saying that "this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found." The story ends and we are left to our own devices to decide how the situation is resolved.
Many Christian apologetics make much of the older brother's resentment and bitter heart. Nonsense! If ever there was a place for resentment, this is the place. His anger was justified. And I think this is demonstrated by the father coming out to "entreat" him. I think it dawned on him (the father) that he hadn't fully appreciated his oldest sons efforts. Why hadn't he ever offered a goat to his son so he could enjoy a demonstration of his father's favor, let alone a fatted calf? In strictly human terms, try treating a self-actualized partner that way and see how long they stick around. Taking another for granted over a long period of time is a sure fire way of ending a relationship. No, the truth is, the father screwed up royally. When he heard the elder son's complaints, he could have acknowledge them there and then. He could have said, you are right, I have been amiss. Give me a chance to set things right. But for now, let us come together. Please, enhance your father's joy by joining us.
I am sure, to some, it seems blasphemous to "correct" God. Still, there is biblical basis. After reading the first 13 verses of Exodus, chapter 32, tell me Moses didn't "school" God. Verse 14 says; "And the Lord REPENTED of the EVIL which he thought to do unto his people." As I have said a number of times, I am not a Bible literalist, but believe the Bible is "wonderfully instructive." If there is to be a relationship with God, how can it be a one-way street? If we are to be co-creators, how is it that our voice cannot be heard? If we are valued, would not our opinion be valued as well? It is here, in the crucible of being heard (vibrational rate) the amplitude is established at a frequency where we resonate with God. Another term for this would be "praying." But do not come as a beggar before a king, but as a son before a loving father. And tell your father you aren't interested in your inheritance as much as you are in honoring and celebrating him now, before his metaphorical passing. To do so though, entails validation of loyalty to the degree, at least, as being lost. Call the servants. Send out runners to the neighbors...a second calf is about to be placed on the spit!
In the 15th chapter of Luke, verse 1, Jesus is approached by "publicans (tax collectors) and sinners" who wished to hear him speak. There were also scribes and Pharisees there as well, who commented that "this man (Jesus) receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." Jesus then shares three stories, the last one being the Prodigal Son. All three revolve around redemption.
The overriding point of the three stories is that those who already believe and follow spiritual guidelines (pharisees and scribes) should rejoice that those who have been lost are now found. (the publicans and sinners) The way the story unfolds is the younger brother asks for his inheritance early and proceeds to squander it in the most unseemly fashion. ("riotous living") The younger brother hits rock bottom and decides to return home because even his father's servants "have bread enough, and to spare, and I perish with hunger." The father (God) sees him coming, runs out to meet him, "and fell on his neck, and kissed him." The younger son then makes an honest and full confession of his misdeeds ("Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son). The upshot is, the father directs the servants to "bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry."
When the elder son returned from the fields, he heard music and dancing and asked a servant what was going on. Informed that his brother had returned and his father had killed a fatted calf in celebration of his homecoming, the older brother is "angry" and refuses to enter the house. Significantly, the father comes out to talk to his older son, "and entreated him." (entreat; to ask earnestly, beg, beseech, implore) The older son then responds with his grievances: "Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time your commandment: yet thou never gavest me a kid, (goat) that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf." The father then tries to placate the elder son with, "thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine." He ends by saying that "this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found." The story ends and we are left to our own devices to decide how the situation is resolved.
Many Christian apologetics make much of the older brother's resentment and bitter heart. Nonsense! If ever there was a place for resentment, this is the place. His anger was justified. And I think this is demonstrated by the father coming out to "entreat" him. I think it dawned on him (the father) that he hadn't fully appreciated his oldest sons efforts. Why hadn't he ever offered a goat to his son so he could enjoy a demonstration of his father's favor, let alone a fatted calf? In strictly human terms, try treating a self-actualized partner that way and see how long they stick around. Taking another for granted over a long period of time is a sure fire way of ending a relationship. No, the truth is, the father screwed up royally. When he heard the elder son's complaints, he could have acknowledge them there and then. He could have said, you are right, I have been amiss. Give me a chance to set things right. But for now, let us come together. Please, enhance your father's joy by joining us.
I am sure, to some, it seems blasphemous to "correct" God. Still, there is biblical basis. After reading the first 13 verses of Exodus, chapter 32, tell me Moses didn't "school" God. Verse 14 says; "And the Lord REPENTED of the EVIL which he thought to do unto his people." As I have said a number of times, I am not a Bible literalist, but believe the Bible is "wonderfully instructive." If there is to be a relationship with God, how can it be a one-way street? If we are to be co-creators, how is it that our voice cannot be heard? If we are valued, would not our opinion be valued as well? It is here, in the crucible of being heard (vibrational rate) the amplitude is established at a frequency where we resonate with God. Another term for this would be "praying." But do not come as a beggar before a king, but as a son before a loving father. And tell your father you aren't interested in your inheritance as much as you are in honoring and celebrating him now, before his metaphorical passing. To do so though, entails validation of loyalty to the degree, at least, as being lost. Call the servants. Send out runners to the neighbors...a second calf is about to be placed on the spit!
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