Burning Daylight

Burning Daylight

Burning Daylight
by john clare

The century was on as the grand peloton pedaled away
The red flag waved as time was all our friend
We watched and waited for the coming tempo to begin
Who can hold these steeds at break of day?

Through the quiet countryside past the grazing cattle
Not a word was heard as all thoughts were on the road
The hills ahead and the devils abode
In the tranquil valley they steeled for the coming battle.

Suddenly jolted from the wrestling with inner angels
A lone rider breaks from the coiled peloton
The snake of men stretch thin to try and catch on
To the heights of thin light singly they propel.

High in the azure heavens time came down to toll
Wafting among the struggling men he had his way
Taking at will those the price unable to pay
No mercy, no mercy on the cadence lost souls!

But leaning low in the ribbon wrapped drops
One continues upward unfazed by the sly time
The devil chides alongside the hors categorie climb
You are mine! You are mine! I own the clock! Stop!

The clouds move in and darkness obscures the way
Gales and gusting snow freeze to steel the clenched grip
Low goes the sun and the rider begins to slip
Has time and the demons at last won the day?

In a turn of squares in the lowest cog left
Ahead the faint sound of cheering amid a warm glow
Dance! Dance! Upon the pedal dance so slow!
One comes to pull you beyond the rocky cleft!

In the arms at last the rider is held so tight
You are mine! Well done my chosen weak one!
As the tears of victory fall downward and run
We behold the glorious end of the burning daylight!

Remembering Roger

Tonight at 10:07PM, my long time friend Roger Sessler passed from this life into the grand eternal never ending century. In this life few are privileged to have a friend such as Roger. There are many people on Rogers "route" of friends who will dearly miss his presence in our lives. While we may have been put off with his open honesty, calling our handiwork a piece of junk, our habits poor, our maintenance of things lacking, we will not miss Roger and the gruff in Roger's endearing way he told us these things.
It only served to improve and help raise us to a higher standard. We were urged not to throw out the old, but to try and repair it. We were encouraged to save, to not live in excess. We were taught many lessons, all for the good upon looking back.
If not for Roger, I would never continued with my love for bicycling. He taught me how to ride on the roads in a group of riders, and many times upbraided me for cutting him off without signaling or pointing out some glass in the road. Even up until two years ago, I could not keep his pace on the bicycle for long distances.
Today was the Annual Gainesville Cycling Clubs Cycling Festival, the Santa Fe Century today and the Horsefarm 100 tomorrow. For years, Roger helped man the rest stop at Watermelon park on Saturday for the Santa Fe and would then ride the Century on Sunday for free for helping. He took great pride in his tee shirts earned from these events. It was Roger who rooked me into helping out at the Watermelon park stop and who also helped me through my first century the next day.
He was always a throwback to the carbon fiber and aero bicyclists lining up with him. He continued to ride with leather toe clips, he rode a steel lugged Vitas and later a steel Guerceotti. He concocted his own bag to carry his tire changing kit and food over the front handlebars. He used an ancient Huret belt driven mile counter and faithfully logged all his miles in his notebooks. He wore custom made T-Shirts with mesh sewn into the back and front by the ladies at N&W Cleaners. His Lycra pants were always long since given their last stretch and sagged. It was many a carbon fiber and titanium bike he passed too en route to a steady pace and finish at Morningside Nature Center.
Roger in addition to a cyclist was a runner. I first met Roger at one of our Lake City Runners Club outing. Again, always the teacher and coach, he usually was seen helping a slower runner or walker along, pacing them at their own pace, offering advice and companionship.
He was able to train for and complete several Jacksonville Marathons. Many were the miles we spent running through the Osceola National Forest trails with Bob Jones and many other running friends.
I could wax long on Roger and the times we spent here and there, as well as could his many friends he kept on his daily route and phone log. He was quite faithful to check in on us and keep us abreast on each other. It would probably embarrass greatly some if they knew that we knew this and that about them through Roger. But, we were all like a great family. Many I have never met, but feel as if I know, simply from hearing Roger tell of you.
There is probably no one left who was like Roger. This great circle of friends connected through Roger will now end. We shall continue in our tinkering and blundering and getting things all wrong. We will not have Roger to come and bail us out, to repair it, to show us how it works. We will have to now buy new things, for the old things will not be repaired.
I do not know how some of us will get along. I do not know at this point how I shall. Though I lost my biological father this past March, tonight I lost my father and friend, Roger Sessler.

Hear My Voice

Hear My Voice

Every one that is of the truth heareth My voice. John 18:37.

If our faith were but more simple,
We should take Him at His word;
And our lives would be all gladness
In the sunshine of our Lord.
Faber.


There are few things sweeter in life than the sound of a loved one, in our case, that of a grand child. Spending the night with us, last evening, Nathaniel tried to get Jordon's attention on the other side of the room. Unable to speak his name, he would make a grunting like call. Jordon in his preoccupation, did not hear. When I got Jordon's attention in a more forceful manner, the small voice from Nathaniel was sweet indeed to him. How assuring to know, that not only is God never too preoccupied to hear His children, we have an advocate as well, Christ, who gets the Father's attention.

Be Ye Filled

Be Ye Filled. Ephesians 5:8


"Filled with the Holy Ghost! Thrice blessed word! Thanks be to God that ever the tongues of men were taught it! It declares not only that the Lord has returned to His temple in the human soul, but that He has filled the house with His glory." William Arthur


Mizpah from Oct.20th

Today Jordon and I at 5pm attended the Veterans Hospice Memorial Service for the men and women who passed away this year.
My father, who died on the Serenity Hospice Unit on March 12th, was one honored. We had a candle light service in the chapel, then went outside and released balloons. There was a large hawk that soared through the balloons as they flew in the breeze. It made for a good photograph for a future time.

We are kept

We are kept by the power of God. 1 Peter 1:5

"God us for us, not on special, grand occasions, but daily, hourly. If God is for us, then to-day's disappointment does not put us out of humor; today's sickness does not provoke us to-morrow; to-day's insult does not awaken thoughts of resentment." Rev George Bowen.

The little figurine is from my mother-in-laws back yard beside their pool. When I am deciding upon which photograph to illustrate the daily Mizpah, I usually have a vague idea what I am looking for. More times than often, after scrolling through many photographs, the one I am looking for jumps out at me.
Other times, I know I need to go out and take the photograph that would best illustrate the verse or quote. Today's quote, though written over a hundred years ago, was appropriate, as often, through the Holy Spirit, the old verse and quote fit right in for today.
This was the day for instance that Harold Camping, after getting the rapture date incorrect several months ago, said that Oct.21st would be the end of the world. Now, we have a few hours remaining in the day, but for all intents, we can safely assume tomorrow the world will go on as it has.

Give Thanks

In everything give thanks. I Thess. 5:18

When words and acts, untrue, unkind,
Against thy life like arrows fly,
Receive them with a patient mind,
Seek no revenge, make no reply.
Prof. Upham.


Praise and Thanksgiving

From The Valley of Vision
A collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions

O My God,
Thou fairest, greatest, first of all objects,
my heart admires, adores,loves thee,
for my little vessel is as full as it can be,
and I would pour out all that fullness before thee in ceaseless flow.
When I think upon and converse with thee
ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up,
ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed,
ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart,
crowding into every moment of happiness.
I bless thee for the soul thou hast created,
for adorning it, sanctifying it,
though it is fixed in barren soil;
for the body thou hast given me,
for preserving its strength and vigour,
for providing senses to enjoy delights,
for the ease and freedom of my limbs,
for hands, eyes, ears that do thy bidding;
for thy royal bounty providing my daily support,
for a full table and overflowing cup,
for appetite, taste,sweetness,
for social joys of relatives and friends,
for ability to serve others,
for a heart that feels sorrows and necessities,
for a mind to care for my fellow-men,
for opportunities of spreading happiness around,
for loved ones in the joys of heaven,
for my own expectation of seeing thee clearly.
I love thee above the powers of language to express,
for what thou art to thy creatures.

Increase my love, O my God, through time and eternity.

Mizpah October 17th

We walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corin. 5:7

"Faith lies not in bringing forth some great things by your own power, but in employing the power of God to work all your works in you and for you." Ralph Erskine.

Those of you who are in the know, recognize this photograph, the rider and possibly even the location. I will keep that confined to those in the know. Know this, today this rider is undergoing a procedure that could well determine the days he has left upon this earthly ride.
For all the miles logged faithfully to keep up with friends, for all the miles walking, biking and motorcycling the highways and byways of this wonderful land, it comes down to the difficultly of now making the long step from of the hospital bed.
We who have ridden with, walked with and ran with this friend, we who walk by faith, wish so desperately we could in our own power somehow see him back upon that bike, hiking down that trail, riding up that road to our homes. But now, his steps lie in the hands of the giver of those steps, and our prayer is, grant it Lord, grant it Lord, if it be thy will, to hear that sound of the friend arriving up our drive once again.

In thy might

And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might. Judges 6:14

"For the might of a look of the Lord is enough for anything. Only we must meet His look; our eyes must be ever toward the Lord, and then we shall not miss it, for He says, "I will set Mine eyes upon them for good." Francis Ridley Havergal.


The scene was at the Lake City Veteran's Affairs Serenity Place Hospice Unit. My father, the Rev. Luther Ray Stokes, having suffered a massive stroke a few weeks earlier, was on his death bed. He had never seen his first great grandson, Nathaniel Manoa Stokes, born to my son Landon and Amber in January.
In a miraculous turn of events, my father woke from his stroke and had recognition and limited speech for a time. It was during this time that we took Nathaniel to see my father. As Nathaniel was lowered to the eye level of my father, they gazed long at each other, in a kind of knowing bond. It was a touching moment. My father died about a week later on March 12th of this year.
Today, October 16th would have been my fathers birthday.
And so we carry on, Nathaniel at his beginning of natural birth and Jordon, our son, at the beginning of his spiritual birth. The birthday of my father gone on, the baptism today and the spiritual birthday of Jordon Curtis Stokes.

Mizpah for October 16th

And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might. Judges 6:14

"For the might of a look of the Lord is enough for anything. Only we must meet His look; our eyes must be ever toward the Lord, and then we shall not miss it, for He says, "I will set Mine eyes upon them for good." Francis Ridley Havergal.

September Landing

Mizpah October 15th

I have loved thee with an everlasting love. As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you. Jeremiah 31:3; John 15:9

"Joy is the happiness of love. It is love exulting. It is love aware of its own felicity, and resting in riches which it has no fear of exhausting."
Rev J.Hamilton.

Eighty Miles of Photography

It has been nearly a year since making the eighty mile round trip up to Roline Landing on the upper Suwannee River. It was a good day to take the journey. The weather was mild, the sky a vivid deep blue. I journeyed to White Springs and took the Woodpecker route, first stop the Prospect Primitive Baptist Church. There, I found the pensive angel in the cemetery and composed several photographs. I then took the short hike down to the river. It was good to report the creek flowing into the river from PSC Chemical was not a vivid green. I walked up and down the bank, being especially fond of the clay and lime rock exposed on the river bed. The mature oaks as well were grand, and I could have used a 10mm to capture the spread.
Upon leaving, two gentlemen were cleaning up and retouch painting the church. I made it up to the next stop, Turner Bridge landing, seeing a red fox that paused but scurried away before I could back up and get a shot. Along the dirt road, the fall flowers were in profusion as were the butterflies. I stopped upon spotting two Tiger Swallowtails, a spice bush swallowtail, sulphurs, fritillaries, skippers and a monarch. It was the first opportunity to use the new 18-200 on butterflies and for the most part, no problems, except trying to get too close and the shutter refusing to engage. Most frustrating. It was quite a thrill to be in the company of such a variety of butterflies.
At Turner, I did not stay long, walking a bit downstream and composing the pylons from the old suspension bridge.
Making it to Roline, about four miles further north, I took a long hike along the river bank upstream, walking slowly. A raccoon on the far shore spotted me before I could get a shot and scampered off. I came upon an alligator leg floating in the water, and conjectured what could have caused this amputation? I took several cypress souvenirs, one looking like a woodpeckers head.
I drove back to Road 6 and headed for Hopewell Church. The scene of the Shining Congregation photographs, I was disappointed to see that the church had been painted, inside and out, along with benches placed inside. I assume they either had or are planning the annual homecoming. Either way, while good to preserve the church, I liked the way the old unpainted floor looked, along with the old white paint. This new coat of paint kind of removes the mystery from it. I do not foresee any further Shining type photographs.
I started to drive to Cone Bridge, but hunger took hold and I made a beeline home. It was a satisfying trip, one I needed, just to go in peace and reflect. Some day I shall show the photographs someplace. The business of taking photographs and sharing is at a low demand currently and thus I gain the single satisfaction of simply knowing the photographs turned out for the most part.

Grandma's Pearl

Mizpah for October 14th

The book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth. Joshua 1:8

"A person who has perfect love will love his Bible above all books. It will be dear to his heart, an inexpressible treasure. And the reason is obvious: it is because in the Bible he learns the will of God." Prof. Upham.

Grandma Pearl Carter departed this life on October 16, 2002 after suffering a debilitating stroke. For several years, Grandma Carter was confined to her bed, unable to talk or move. Next to her bed was the well-worn large print King James Bible she carried triumphantly as a David wielding Sampsons shield aloft. She loved the word and those who conveyed the old time gospel, especially Dr DeHann and Lester Roloff. After nine years, we still miss her sweet spirit and staunch stand as she stared down the powers of darkness.

Olustee Lumbers

Major General Todd Jesse

I will be

Mizpah for October 13th

I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Corin. 6:18

"Think, brothers! think, sisters! we walk in the air of an eternal Fatherhood. Every uplifting of the heart is a looking up to the Father. Graciousness and truth are around, above, beneath us, yea, in us." George MacDonald.

Today in the old Mizpah book, Given Oct 17, 1884 to A.L.P with love from Hamre, was Mother's birthday, 1853. Who were these people from so long ago? The name of A.P. faded on the October 17th entry beyond recognition. These people, known of God, members of his eternal family. Someday to meet A.P. and mother, and hear their story. The Mizpah of place, of time, from their time to our time.

Be Strong

In Honor

In honor of Robert E. Lee, who died on this day, 1870.

"General Lee died this morning at half past nine o'clock. He began to grow worse on Monday and continued to sink until he breathed his last this morning. He died as he lived, calmly and quietly, and in the full assurance of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The places of business are all closed, the bells are tolling, and the whole community thrown into the deepest grief." Lexington

The first telegram announcing his death, sent by Dr.J.W.Jones to the Richmond Dispatch, that paper gave it to the Associated Press, and it was sent over the country and cabled to Europe.

Mizpah for October 12th

Stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. I Corin. 16:13

"We never grow strong so fast, our religion never is so beautiful and praiseworthy, as when we are grappling with, and overcoming by the power of Christ, great and sore and protracted temptation." Pres. Finney.

Today is the day that Melanie, in 2009, after going on a full respirator and then a ventilator, was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center via Ambulance from Lake Shore Hospital at 4AM.

The Waves Written at 11:19PM October 13th

The room fills
The room empties
The tears flow
The faces painted in pain
Cell phone urgency
ICU emergencies
We wait with loved ones
We pray the waves
Recede
And spare us in the wake
Peace be still
Come Lord
Come calm the waves
Oh Lord!

The photograph was of a strong man competitor, taken while in Orlando with Melanie. The competition was held for the Arnold and Winnie Palmer Children's Hospital down the street from ORMC. One of Dr Vallenwaller's favorite encouragements to us, whenever he would see us was to point to heaven and say, BE STRONG!

Mizpah Redux

He ever liveth

Mizpah for October 11th

He ever liveth to make intercession. Hebrews 7:25

"Man may be too little for your great matters. God is not too great for your small ones. Only give yourself to prayer, whatever may be the occasion that calls for it." Winslow

Miron Winslow (1789-1864) was an American Congregational missionary. He was born at Williston, Vt, graduated at Middlebury College, 1815, and at Andover Theological Seminary, 1818. In 1819 he went to Ceylon, as a missionary of the American Board's American Ceylon Mission, and served there(from 1836) in southern India for 44 years. He prepared a Tamil and English dictionary, completed in 1862.

As Jesus was the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world, has an everlasting priesthood, and is a continual intercessor; it is in virtue of this that all who were saved from the foundation of the world were saved through him, and all that shall be saved to the end of the world will be saved through him. He ever was and ever will be the High Priest, Sacrifice, Intercessor, and Mediator of the human race. All successive generations of men are equally interested in him, and may claim the same privileges. But none can be saved by his grace that do not come unto God through him; i.e. imploring mercy through him as their sacrifice and atonement; confidently trusting that God can be just, and yet the justifier of them who thus come to him, believing on Christ Jesus. Adam Clarke

The photograph is of Landon, my son, taken several years ago off the Atlantic Coast at Vilano. We were awaiting one of the Space Shuttle launches to the south.

Looking Diligently

Mizpah for October 10th

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God. Hebrews 12:15

To receive a reprimand willingly shows that we love the virtue opposed to the fruit for which we are corrected, and consequently this is a sign of progress in perfection.
St Frances de Sales

St Frances de Sales (August 21, 1567- December 28, 1622) was Bishop of Geneva and is a Roman Catholic Saint. He worked to convert Protestants back to Catholicism, and was an accomplished preacher. He is known also for his writings on the topic of spiritual direction and spiritual formation, particularly Introduction to the Devout Life, along with his Treatise on the Love of God. His writings on the perfections of the Heart of Mary as a model of love for God influenced Jean Eucles to develop the devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

The nature of apostasy: it is failing of the grace of God; it is to become bankrupts in religion, for want of a good foundation, and suitable care and diligence; it is failing of the grace of God, coming short of a principle of true grace in the soul, notwithstanding the means of grace and a profession of religion, and so coming short of the love and favour of God here and hereafter. Matthew Henry

So Loved

Mizpah for October 9th

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. John 3:16

"Take courage! Lost, means loved! We never speak of losing what we do not value. Do not hesitate to accept the inference. If you are lost, you are still dearly loved." Rev James Vaughan.

Two years hence...

In the two years since this photograph of Melanie was taken in Orlando Regional, suffering from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome bought on by the H1N1, face swollen from the oscillator leaking air from her lungs tearing, at her most critical state, she has almost completely made a full recovery. Her only issues now are with diminished hearing in one ear and an over-all lack of stamina.
She works full-time now as a Radiation Oncology RN in Gainesville, making the commute each morning from Lake City.
As for me, in the August leading up to Melanie's sickness, I had to have a stent in the widow maker main artery to the heart and later a pace maker for my bouts with Neurocardiosyncope episodes. I have long since recovered physically, but continue to struggle by way of occupation, or regaining gainful employment. We lost the Office Pro Cleaning business my two sons and I had, due to being at Melanies side and never felt led to try and keep the business. Sears, where I was working, closed unexpectedly and thus I am attempting at my Steve Job's age to find a place willing to hire someone usually over-qualified. Pray for us.
When people go through such ordeal and come out on the other side, often we stop thinking about or praying for them, thinking them 'out of the hospital' or 'out of danger', when, in some ways, the most difficult times have been the two years since Melanie and I recovered, attempting just to keep bills paid, ends met, etc....