Ramblings

This book is a collection of experiences, thoughts, teachings and humor of a middle-aged father who came to Christianity during his adult years. It can be enjoyed by Christians and seekers of any race or gender. Larry was born, raised and educated in the central Illinois town of Champaign. After graduating from the University of Illinois (1980) with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, he spent 17 years in the suburbs of Chicago before seeking the warmer climes of Charlotte, North Carolina, where he still resides. Professionally, Larry has been a software developer since graduating college. He married his wife Julie in 1980 and has two children, Samantha (1987) and Daniel (1990) who still live nearby. In addition to writing, Larry spends his free time in several volunteer areas of Christian education, including working and playing with youth, leading Disciple Bible Study classes and teaching Sunday School.

If you have ever asked questions like What is reality? What do we actually know for sure? What is the truth? What is life?(other than just the name of a magazine that was published for many years), then these ramblings will be of interest. These ramblings offer a unique personal view of human life that engages the reader in an eclectic mix of four diverse points of view. Using a stream of consciousness-type style, the author draws on his reflection about his need for human connection; his passion for the creative arts, including music, literature, and painting; his understanding of human physiology, mental health, philosophy, science, and Buddhist thinking; and his experiences with sailing, individual competitive sports, and coaching. The work is divided into two sections. The first simply leads the reader through a labyrinth of symbols, facts, and perceptions that led to an essential beginning and end, where all is one and one is all. The second section offers some strategies for developing self-awareness and experiencing life differently. The object of the exercise of reading, thinking, reflecting, and possibly making notes to become more connected by being disconnected, by being the same but different, and by fitting by not fitting.

"You'll understand when you grow up." "Just wait until you have kids." "Well, when I was a kid..." "Just do as I say." "You're going to thank me for this someday." Gap: a space between two people or things; a hole or space where something is missing. (Merriam-Webster) Generation Gap: the difference in opinions, values, etc. between young and older people. (Merriam-Webster) Generation gaps are timeless. The first one was probably between Adam and Eve and their sons Cain and Abel. Occasionally, this gap is used to transmit wisdom from one generation to the next as it was intended. Solomon, possibly the wisest man who ever lived, gave us a whole book of the Bible called Proverbs for the purpose of bridging the wisdom gap between his generation and the next. But even after writing 9,921 profound words, the next generation ended up a divided nation and eventually were conquered. So apparently, a lot of wise words from a really smart guy is no guarantee that one generation will listen and learn from their predecessors. But that didn't stop this author from trying. Instead of just shaking his head and saying, "Kids today!" Larry has consolidated his thoughts and observations of life into a set of "ramblings," sometimes "tongue in cheek," often humorously, but always with the intent to "pass on" practical insights and attitudes to his offspring. Larry admits his error in realizing his duty to "pass on" vital life or death truths came late in his life, but better late than never. This plain, ordinary old dad extols readers to learn from him and to determine to begin their own set of "ramblings." Our original Father even commands us to "pass it on" in Deuteronomy 6:6. Who knows, there may be some people still willing to listen to "an old codger."

To rumble with yourself starts the beginning of your rebirth.

These poems written from a growing spiritual and personal experience are heaped more often than not in emotional and passionate trusting, and guided by Reiki energy. Dually they are uniquely steered which enables them to be understood by others on there own unique pathway with Reiki. They all reflect an experience up to a point of a healing journey and of discovery.

This book is a collection of work inspired by events lived, witnessed, and survived. Although this collection is a product of cathartic practices, my hope is that in reading these works, one may feel less isolated, more