Focus

By Carl M. Namahoe

My name is not important, but as you read this story my identity will be revealed. One might think that a good place to start would be at the beginning, but I prefer to start near the end.

The journey had been long and tedious, filled with excitement, surprises, disappointments, and success. The anxiety level had peaked, and tempers had flared, words exchanged, feelings and egos bruised. The attitudes over the months had slowly and progressively change from serving, to self serving and no one saw it coming for their focus was skewed.   In my desire to serve God, I forgot that He did not come to be served, but to serve. Matt. 20:28 says; “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

I had put my own personal agenda ahead of His. I had established myself as the shepherd instead as one of His sheep in a flock of many. I became entwined in the reeds of deceit and embraced self serving. I was lured by my own self gratification that I soon found myself feeding my wants and not my needs. It is written; Phil.4:19 “And my God, will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

I, in my desire to serve Him, forgot this and became entrapped in my own self serving attitude. It’s true that I am a born again child of God, bought and paid for by the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is also true that I have a sinful nature, however, I am His child and cannot and must not use that as a ticket to continue to listen to the voice of the world. I am in the world but I am no longer of the world. My loyalty must be to God, first, foremost and always. I must do as my Lord said; Matt.6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” One might ask, “What things?” The answers to your questions are in Him. As I said in the beginning; “My name is not important, but as you read this story my identity will be revealed.” My focus became skewed by my own selfish attitude. The Holy Spirit made an adjustment in me and the scales fell from my eyes and I regained my focus.  Who am I?

I am man, I am…you! 

Written; 8/17/10 @ 10:45am

WC 427

The Gardner

By Carl M. Namahoe

My name is “Lilly” and I’d like to welcome you to my home. During my younger days, I was wild. I had no boundaries; no directions and no accountability. I did whatever I wanted. Most of the time I rose early with the sun and there were days when I never slept; days when I lost track of time. My choice of friendly acquaintances was less then desirable as they often choked the life out of me. I was dying on the vine and didn’t know it or should I say, refused to admit it.

Then one day, while soaking up some rays, I heard what sounded like rain drops striking nearby leaves in a rhythmical tune. Slowly it became louder and louder. I fine tuned my senses and searched the air for the creator of this wonderful sound. I’ve experienced this tune before and it always brought joy and contentment to some. But to others like me, who over the years desired to be chosen, and weren’t; it brought sadness, disappointment and sometimes death.

But today…I am one of the chosen.  Albeit, I’m the last one…none the less…I was chosen.  I am so happy!

I don’t know why he chose me but I’m glad he did. Getting me to move was difficult, and as he started working, that beautiful rhythmical sound returned. Before long I was moved, transplanted and in his care. For the first time in my life I had a reason to survive. I was free, albeit limited only to areas that provided growth; not because I wasn’t allowed, but because I wasn’t ready. In my youth, I developed and nurtured many bad habits that hindered my life. I noticed as they were pruned from me, I felt lighter as if a burden was lifted. He diligently worked with me for a long time. Then one day he stopped; wiped the sweat from his brow, smiled and said…”It is finish.” He gathered his tools and as he left that rhythmical sound returned; only to slowly fade away.

It’s been a while since his last visit, at least a week or so. Sometimes I can faintly hear that joyous sound and I strain to get a glimpse of him; to no avail. I wonder if he’s ever coming back.

Well I’ve been here for more than a month now and I’ve made a few friends. One in particular is Rose. She and I have become close and shared past experiences. Rose shared that she had many struggles in her life. Seeking and finding food was difficult. She spent days searching for good water and many times settled for water that was filthy but thirst was too great and she drank. She said she was so happy when he came for her. In his care she blossomed and never wanted for anything and he always gave her clean refreshing cool water. She was on her death bed and he revived her and gave her a reason to live.

Suddenly, we heard that beautiful rhythmical sound and we perked up and turned our faces toward the sun. The sound increased and we anxiously awaited his arrival. We both saw him at the same time and acted like two school girls out on their first date. There he is with tools in hand, coming to care for us…oh happy days!

Smiling he did something he’d never done before…he began to speak to us! “Good morning ladies and how are you today?” “It’s time for your grooming. I’m going to give you a trim and when done…you are going to be more beautiful then you are now…if that’s possible.”

 Rose is first and he worked his magic on her, not that she needed it, and when done she is absolutely beautiful. I’m next and I’m putty in his hands. He skillfully addressed all my problems and before long I am…stone gorgeous!

He took a step back, looked at Rose and me; and said one word…BEAUTIFUL! We both agreed.

He turned and walked away, leaving us to wonder where is he going? We noticed he didn’t take his tools and he always took his tools. Suddenly we heard that beautiful rhythmical sound and it’s coming toward us. He returned carrying a bench and placed it in front of us. He slowly settled in and sought a comfortable position. Rose and I are curious as he has never done this before…at least not to us. What’s he up to? Did he groom us to get rid of us? Why would he do that? This is so unfair! Rose and I stared at each other like two wall flowers at a Sadie Hawkins dance.

He smiled, but our expressions are less then pleasant; if looks could kill he’d be dead.

Slowly and with compassion he began to speak; “Ladies you are two of the most beautiful creations of God. As instructed, I searched for and found you. You were in need of much care and it was my responsibility to prepare you for His garden.

In your youth you attracted many undesirables who suppressed your life. They stole the food and nutrients meant for you. You had no training and thus knew not your limits and ventured where you shouldn’t have. He sent me to move; transplant and care for you as He heard your cries.”

I am His gardener and care for all the plants and trees in His garden. He is…”The Vinedresser.” He trims and grooms His vine.  You two were in need of much pruning. Your branches and leaves were full of pest and parasites that kept you from growing. Like you, man refused His boundaries and chose reckless living. Eventually his image and likeness was not as it was in the beginning. Like you, man must turn his face to the Son, then “The Vinedresser” will hear, transplant… and groom him.

-to be continued-

A Day to Remember

By Carl M. Namahoe…2/2010

Yesterday was a day that I will never forget. My Dad was busy moving things from place to place. He was loyal, obedient and committed to his family and his work.  He was strong and did all the heavy lifting and never complained. He said it gave him great joy to please the master and reminded me that one day I will be called on to do the same. I stared at him with a perplexed look on my face as if to say “Really father, I’m going to work alongside of you?” He looked at me then slowly turned and went back to work. I went back doing what I was doing which really amounted to nothing. A few minutes pass and my friend Jeri came to visit. His name is Jeremiah but I call him “Jeri”, I suppose that’s just the way we kids do things. Dad always called him Jeremiah and gave me a stern look whenever I called him Jeri. Anyway, Jeri said have you heard the news?

 “What news?” I said.

He said, “There’s a man going around performing many tricks.”

“Tricks, what kind of tricks?”

Jeri clears his throat and said “The word is that he healed the sick and made the blind to see. He even made that nut that lives in the cave on the outside of town better.”

“What do you mean better?”

“Well, do you remember how the nut would come out and chase people and yell at them and how people would fear him? Well he’s not doing that anymore. As a matter of fact, it’s said that whatever was bothering him is now in a bunch of pigs and, get this; they all ran into the sea and drowned. Man, talk about chaos.”
“Oh yeah and the owner was upset and began jumping up and down; screaming with hands and arms flailing in the air. And the words coming out of his mouth…well let’s just say, I can’t repeat them.”

Then, Jeri’s heard his mother calling him to come home, so he said goodbye and off he went. I stood there thinking about everything Jeri shared and wondered, “Who can this be?” Suddenly a thought entered my mind and instantly the adrenalin in my body took over and I began to shake. Could this be the One my dad told me about many years ago?  Is it possible?

As I remember the story goes like this: Dad and the others were in Bethlehem on a business trip, something called a “census.” I have no idea what that is. Dad said that it was a demand put upon the people of the region. He said it had been a long hard journey, especially for the woman who was with child. When they arrived, they learned every available room had been taken but they could stay in the stable. Everyone was tired and dad said the man did his best to make the woman comfortable. They all settled in for a well deserved rest and sometime during the night the woman went into labor and a male child was born. Then, as if by design, all the creatures came over to view the Child and began shouting, “He is here the “Special One” of God has come.”

My thought was broken by the voice of my dad calling me. He said the master needed me. I was a little surprise because the master always worked with dad. But now he has called me? I’m a little confused and looked at my dad. He simply said “You are called for such a time as this.” I have no idea what those words mean but the master and I made a quick exit. I’m thinking where are we going? Why are there so many people out here today? Don’t they have work to do? Then I saw Him; plain in stature and unassuming. Yet there was calm about Him that I cannot explain. The master approached Him and before I knew it, He is on my back and I walked down a path covered with palm leaves. The air is full of excitement. The shouts of joy from the crowd of men, women and children are deafening. I’m overwhelmed by excitement and almost stumbled. All along I’m thinking, “This is a day that I will never forget.”

Later that day the master and I returned and Dad is waiting. I told him everything…I cannot control my excitement. He looked at me and said “We were called for such a time as this. I carried Him to Bethlehem and you carried Him into the city for all to see. I experienced the joy of the birth of God’s “Special One” and you, my son, experienced the joys of the people He came to save.” This is a day to remember.