Another Blogger!

I have recently added my son, Stephen, to my blogroll. You can scroll down my page and find his name on the right side of the page or you can just type in his address: http://stephenbrannen.blogspot.com/ and go there. If you like good commentary, you will like his blog. I know he would love to hear from you.

What Causes War?

Thought I'd post a quick blog. The quickest way I know to do that is to copy and past my latest poem. It's about "War" because that's the subject that was given on the Mississippi Writer's Guild Poetry contest. No, I'm not entering it into the contest, but I thought I'd share it with you. Here it is:

What Causes War?

The land of peace and plenty is the place I long to see.
A land in all it’s beauty is the place I want to be.
A land where hate and senseless war will never cross the mind.
A land like heaven far away that we all hope to find.

If we would stop the wars we fight at home and overseas?
Perhaps we’d have the freedom to live just the way we please?
Ah…just a dream that I have had, but it shall never be,
As long as here on earth men rule with pride and vanity?

Never having all we want, and wanting so much more,
We never really understand that it will lead to war.
This demon that we seem to have that calls us past our need,
Is nothing more than selfishness. It’s nothing more than greed.

I have enough, but give me more. I want more than I need,
And I will get what e’er I want if I must make you bleed.
This driving force is deep within my selfish sinful heart.
That’s why I find it easy, and enjoy my foolish part.

I boast of my possessions and my selfish disregard,
Because I learned the hard way that I have the winning card.
So, if we must engage in war to satisfy my mind,
I’m confident that I will win and take the spoils I find.

Oh, foolish man! Have you not read the book that does declare,
The truth we all should live by if we’re happy any where?
It’s not the stuff that we receive that gives us that great peace,
But it’s contentment with the things we have within our reach.

---Lowell A. Brannen

Ready...Set...Survey

If I look in your glove box, what will I find?
Car book, registration and insurance papers, cell phone charger, and maybe some mint or gum wrapers.
What jewelry are you wearing?
My wedding band
What is something your friends make fun of you for?
Acting silly or dumb. Sometimes I am dumb, but my friends think that I am just acting silly.
When was the last time you saw the second person on your list?
What list?
What is in your pocket right now?
A handkerchief. By the time I am ready to leave the house, I will have my pocket knife, some change, my keys and my wallet. In my shirt will be a pen, my date book and my reading glasses. All set and ready to go!
Where was your default picture taken?
In my front yard.
Who do you know that is in jail?
No one right now. Thank you Lord!
What was for breakfast this morning?
Oatmeal, rasin toast and fruit.
Something irritating about your living situation?
All the little odds and ends, in and around the house,that need fixing up.
Where are you right now?
In my home office, here in Cleveland, TN.
What was the most interesting thing that happened today?
I noticed that we collected only one can of garbage this past week. It's just 7:30am so, give me some time and I sure hope something more interesting happens.
When was the last time you got blood taken and why?
Maybe two months ago so the doctor could keep a check on my blood, making sure that it reads ok.
What were you doing at midnight Friday night?
I can't remember that far back! Probably checking my email.
Do you have a best friend of the opposite sex?
Yes! My wife.
Where were you three hours ago?
In bed sleeping.
What's for dinner tonight?
Not sure, but there will be one of those delicious blueberry slush drinks that my wife makes.
What makes you cringe?
Filth. I mean anything that is beyond dirty. You know, like nasty!
What was the highlight of your week?
My wife said that she believed her birthday this past Saturday was the best ever.
Taken any medicine lately and for what?
Thanks be to God, I am off all medicine.
Would you rather have straws for legs or slinkies for arms?
Maybe straws for legs because I could hide them with pants.
Of your friends, whose car do you want?
I don't want anyone else's car but I wouldn't mind having one like 'Grancee' has. Only 'Janis-62' and 'Grancee' know who I am talking about.
What is the last issue you thought about?
I thought about entering one of my poems in the Winning Writers poetry contest.
Do you fake bake?
I don't even know what that is.
What was the first thing you thought when you woke up?
"Okay, It's time to get up."
Something you dream about most of the time?
Most of the times when I dream, they are different.
When was the last time you hysterically cried?
Don't know if I have ever 'hysterically' cried. But I did a lot of crying while on medication for hep-c.
Was anyone with you?
Sometimes.
What was the last thing you got in the mail?
Snail-mail Spam, i.e. junk!
Tomorrow...?
Don't know. Every day is a new day.
I don't know about tomorrow. I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from it's sunshine, for it's skies may turn to gray.
I don't worry o're the future, for I know what Jesus said.
And today I'll walk beside Him, for He knows what is ahead
Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.
Who/What do you sleep with every night?
My wife and my c-pap.
Have you met anyone new in the past 24 hours?
No.
What are you doing after this?
Probably will put a power point message together that will be used to make church announcements.
What will you be doing at 8pm tomorrow?
I plan on being in church at that time.
What are you saving your money up for right now?
Regular saving - Well I just used some of it to pay my taxes.
My secret stash - A laptop computer, or a ham radio, or a mandolin, or maybe all of the above. If my wife finds out about my secret stash, it's all over!! :(

Me, Religiously!

Can I still keep my Church of God Ordination? Even if it looks like I am more Methodist? And only 50% Pentecostal?????!!!!! Why don't you take the test and see what it says about you?

What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavly by John Wesley and the Methodists. Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan 93% Fundamentalist 71% Emergent/Postmodern 64% Neo orthodox 57% Reformed Evangelical 50% Charismatic/Pentecostal 50% Classical Liberal 50% Modern Liberal 32% Roman Catholic 11%

Not Me, But You!

I don't know what to title this poem. I thought about, Not Me But You, Making the Transition, Passing the Wand, Passing the Crown, and I have even thought about, Passing the Buck! I would be delighted if you would let me have your suggestions. Whatever the title, here it is:

Why can’t I ever be the one
To win the races I have run
And get the crown of victory,
Instead of all those who beat me.

I worked so hard to pass the test
And tied to be my very best,
But after all was said and done,
It was somebody else who won.

I tried so hard to get ahead,
To be accepted and be led
To higher grounds and lofty heights,
To touch the stars and see the lights.

Oft-times I never stopped to see
The many people there by me
Who cheered me on, along the way,
Who cheered me on, most every day.

But I was rushed and hand no time
To shake their hand and be so kind,
‘Cause I could only see my goal.
It took my all to play my role.

About the time I thought I’d win,
I’d stumble because of my sin.
I’d try then to regain control,
But I had lost my heart and soul.

‘Twas not just once nor twice nor thrice,
Continuously I’d see my vice
Arise and distract my intent,
And then my anger I would vent.

My friends would gather all around
And pick me up from off the ground.
They’d dust me off. I’d hear them say,
Keep running friend. Be on your way.

Well, I have since resigned the race
Now that I can not keep the pace.
Besides, it’s hard to pay these dues.
So I’ve hung up my running shoes.

I’m now content to stand aside
And cheer you on and watch your stride.
So, if you ever need some friends,
I’ve found the time to make amends.

Run on my friend and don’t slow down.
I want to help you win your crown.
I’ll find great joy down deep within
If I can see, I’ve helped you win.

The crown awaits, it’s there for you.
Go for it now. You’re crown persue.
Do not look to your left nor right,
It’s there for you. It is in sight.

--Lowell A. Brannen

Sleep Apnea

Here's an article I found on Careplace that I thought might interest some of you. It's a 'Sleep Disorders Blog' From About.com. According to this article, my arteries must be very clean. I've been using the CPAP for about a year now. It really does make a difference.

Treat Sleep Apnea for Clean Arteries
Monday February 25, 2008
Treating sleep apnea for four months has the same effect on the plaque and stiffness of your arteries as taking a cholesterol drug for a year does. Using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure device) doctors were able to reduce heart attack and stroke risk in 24 men with sleep apnea. After four months, their arteries were much cleaner, according to the study. Yet another reason to take treating sleep disorders seriously.More on Sleep Apnea

Check it out!

Check out Stephen's new cd album and if you'd like you can buy it. For those who may not know, Stephen is my oldest son, living in CO. Am I proud of my son? Yes I am!

Friendship

Well! It was such fun hearing and reading the comments on my last poem, I think I'll do it again. Obviously, the title came after the completion of the poem. Here it is:

Friendship

Since you liked my poem so much, I thought I’d write another.
One that I thought all would view, plus sister and my brother.
This poem doesn’t have the tone, that grips you at the heart,
But if you want to read it still, be sure it’s not ‘in part’.

This message may be silly, and it may be serious.
I do not know which way I’ll go. It’s so mysterious.
What ever comes is what you’ll get, ‘cause that is what I’ll write.
It may be something meaningful. It may be oh, so trite.

Let me start by saying this, “You now are my good friend.
I do not want to say a thing that brings it to an end.
A friend is very good to have, when / if you need someone,
But even better is a friend, to help you get life done.

We sing together and we pray, and worship our Dear Lord.
We do it in the church you know? It really isn’t hard.
What we really ought to do is worship on the street,
For God deserves our highest praise wherever we may meet.

Someone may be in great need, and if they watch us pray,
It may entice them to the Lord, by just the words we say.
We’re not ashamed to make it known; the blessings of our God
He really wants to bless all men who walk upon this sod.

If they approach us with their need, will we turn them away,
Or will we give them our friendship if only for a day?
Jesus gave us His friendship for all eternity.
He wants us just to share His love, and do it just for free.

Hey, now I see where this has gone. I really didn’t know,
That it would be about friendship; and kindnesses we sow.
So let this be a message clear, for everyone to see;
If we want to make our mark, then friendship is the key.

– Lowell A. Brannen

Charismatic Morality

In reference to a blog by The Dawg Howse entitled "The Fuzzy-Wuzzy World of Charismatic Morality", I mad a reply that I thought I should use as a blog of my own. If you want to read the article, go to http://thedawghowse.blogspot.com/ and read his blog. The following is my reply to his blog:

I think the "fuzzy wuzzy world of charismatic morality" is getting "fuzzaier" all the time. I have watched several of these tv evangelists with admiration and a few with a grain of salt. I looked on, helplessly, as PTL crumbled. I watched the 'Swaggert confession - I Have Sinned' and was disappointed, the Bynum 'royal wedding' and was amazed, the White 'announcement' and was puzzled, and several other dramas that left me with unanswered questions. I've seen sights, inappropriate for saints to behold in our own churches, and heard 'sermons' that, in my opion, should not have been preached. I see the COG loosing it's holiness distinctive. I know that holiness begins in the heart but if it is given a chance it will show up on the body. Lest I stray from the point, let me say that we must be serious in our desire to please God and we must get serious in our practice of holiness. I know I am convicted already when I say that, but by God's grace I will do better. I still believe that it is God's desire for one man to be married to one woman, or vice-versa, and that they should be bound by their pledge, 'until death do us part'. However, there might be a few cases where..........................Oh Lord!.............Help us!

Here's my latest poem

For lack of a better title, let's call it:

The Sighs of a Sluggard

The day has come, the day has gone,
And here I sit. I’m all alone.
The day was short, and not so kind,
I could not satisfy my mind.

Were you out there? I should have known.
You did not speak. Then you were gone.
But then I thought, Why should you care,
About my plight, or my despair.

I had the day just like you did,
And all day long, My face I hid.
I could have called, or visited,
But here is what I did instead:

I sat me down upon my chair,
And focused only on the air.
I only thought of me myself,
And all my dreams upon the shelf.

I viewed them over in my mind,
And knew that they were left behind.
What a wise man I’d have been,
If I had only let you in.

Time and time and time again,
I know you tried to be my friend,
But I refused to let it be,
Because of my concern for me.

Why, oh why did I do wrong,
By doing nothing for so long?
Now, it’s gone. My days are spent.
And for this sin, I now repent.

— Lowell A. Brannen