“The Perfectly Imperfect Day”

Wed 14 Nov 2018

Last week on Thursday I awakened at 4 am to finish out a lengthy trip hauling Jenny-O Thanksgiving turkeys from northwestern Wisconsin to Portland, Oregon. I was a little bit sad that I was going to miss some of the most beautiful scenery in our country in the Columbia River Gorge which marked the final leg of Lewis & Clark’s and Sacagawea’s journey to the Pacific Ocean nearly 220 years ago because of driving through predawn darkness.

It is not uncommon for the skies to be either overcast or blanketed in dense fog in the Pacific Northwest, yet, on this morning the air was completely clear. Two hours into my trip along I-84 West, I could see the impending dawn in my mirrors as the roadway swept sharply downward into the canyon, plunging nearly 500 feet and placing my 75-foot vessel back in the shadows near the southern edge of the Columbia River which marks the state line separating the states of Oregon and Washington.

As stars twinkled in the black upper sky, the first rays of daylight on the canyon rim above stretched down into the gorge and shimmered upon the surface of the massive Columbia River. Differing shades of geologic strata began to appear on the 500-foot bluffs of the Washington riverbank to the north. Lights from residences dotted both banks of the Columbia ahead of me downstream as well as lamps from commercial and recreational boats upon the river.

During the next hour, the interstate surface swooped along the river and railroad tracks, then part way back up Oregon’s southern bank momentarily before coursing back down to the river’s surface. I was within five miles of The Dalle’s; a series of shipping locks, dams, and a bridgeway connecting the two northwesternmost states in the continental United States when the westbound surface swung entirely out above the water’s surface. Traveling at 65 mph, I felt like the pilot of a yellow crop-duster back in southwestern Kansas where I had grown-up in the ‘60’s, ‘70’s, and early ‘80’s.

The canyon opened up, permitting me a view of the forest green, fir timber lining the southern wall of the gorge. I looked upward at Mt. Hood, elevation 11,250 feet atop the Oregon rim shrouded entirely in snow. The sun from behind me in the east was shining brightly upon this “Witches’ Hat,” spike-peaked mountain whose base was 500 feet above my head.

For nearly 3 miles I peered through watery eyes at this magnificent mountain, thanking God for providing me the blessing of this experience, having begun the day in sadness; knowing I was going to miss most of my favorite scenery on this route. I had traveled this route in a Big Rig perhaps 3 or 4 times previously, but never have I had an experience like this in the Columbia River Gorge.

Later in the afternoon, after unloading my turkeys at the Albertsons’ Distribution Center on the eastern edge of Portland, I was enjoying the drive back through the gorge to the east, again, with the sun at my back. There are no words to describe the varied shades of blue in the Columbia River’s surface nor the entire spectrum of pastels coloring the entire horizon as dayfall arrived.

My truck swung sharply southward and upward away from the river for the final time as I climbed the 6% grade five-hundred vertical-feet back to the Oregon rim. In both of my flat, side mirrors I could see dozens of shades of fire, rust, orange, and yellow as the sun set upon the Pacific coastline. Tearfully, I looked in my passenger-side mirror at this magnificent sight one more time, not wanting the moment to pass. Centered within the picture-frame of my mirror was a glowing ember of the silhouette of the triangular-shaped Mt. Hood….evoking a resemblance to The Great Pyramids in Egypt.

A day that had begun with somber feelings had been transformed by My Great God into one of the most remarkable days of my 54-year-long life. Over 2.5 Millenia ago, The Psalmist and Shepherd Boy, David, once penned in Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Mon 29 Oct 2018

Joyce Meyer has published numerous books, however, the title of her New York Times' Bestseller, “Me and My Big Mouth” has always stuck in my mind; because, not unlike Joyce, my thoughts manifest themselves instantaneously...and before I know it, I have done more damage than a mere apology can erase. If I were to ever have the opportunity to do Stand-Up Comedy, my act would be appropriately titled “Horton--Unfiltered.”

As I did my minimum Daily Devotional Duty this morning.....reading the Chapter in Proverbs corresponding to the current Date of Month, The Holy Spirit whispered into my ear, “Pay close attention to My Words, My Son.” Today is Mon 29 Oct 2018, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the following verses:

(20) Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 29:20 NASB

(22) An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. Proverbs 29:22 NASB

(11) A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back. Proverbs 29:11 NASB

(8) Scorners set a city aflame, But wise men turn away anger. Proverbs 29:8 NASB

(9) When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. Proverbs 29:9 NASB

Yesterday, I had conversations with 3 of my closest Christian Brothers: Ernie, Eric, and Richard. Words of anger and deeply rooted offense and unforgiveness traversing the past 40 years of my life spewed out of my mouth in an unending string of expletives with Richard; wrought with emotion, fresh flames of a rekindled fire erupted....as I hatefully and hurtfully retold events which had literally occurred four decades earlier.

After hanging up with Richard last evening after he had returned home to Albuquerque, NM from Springfield, MO with his new Liquid Propane Commercially-Regulated DayCab tanker, The Holy Spirit pounced on me like a ravenous lion...showing me the damage and mistrust I had engendered in a New Believer. Immediately, I felt sick with shame and regret.

Gently, My Savior nudged me and hugged me, saying, “Come Unto ME, All Ye Who Are Weak and Heavy-Laden; and I Will Give You Rest.” Remember, My Son that “I came to Earth….lived, bled, and died for these sins you just committed, two millenia ago.....Dust yourself off--Rise, And Walk…...I have already forgiven and cleansed you of ALL unrighteousness.”

So, immediately prior to composing this testimony, I called Richard at 7 am MDT, but was forced to leave a remorseful voicemail. I feared that maybe too much damage had been done, so I sent him a couple paragraphs of written apology for my profanity and the hateful statements I had made against our childhood peers.

Christ grasped me by the arm as I sat here in the Twin Falls' Magic Valley Mall Starbucks, as I found myself trying to see, write, and think through my tear-filled eyes and tear-streaked face…..reminding me of the Holy Ghost-Inspired lyrics and the grinding voice of Zach Williams’ newest hit, “Fear Is a Liar.” As the powerful tune played from memory in my ears, comforting my aching heart, and restoring my tattered soul; my phone beeped with a text message from Richard saying, “No worries my friend, we should always be praying for each other….I’m far short of where I should be in Christ, but I’m working on it. You’ve been a great friend and blessing to me….have a great day, and be safe!!”

Sun 21 Oct 2018

My “Road Less Traveled”

It’s never been about the money for me. Consequently, I have had Eighty careers in Thirty-three years. It has been a wild-ride for sure…..a ridiculous & tumultuous adventure; fraught with peril, hopelessness, depression and mental illness, periods of what felt like never-ending homelessness. The five weeks I spent in the Atlanta City Rescue Mission homeless shelter on Peter Street, near the Falcon’s new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, nearly cost me my life save the miraculous resolution Christ provided me.

That was merely 37 months ago, and to recapture the special memories and painful lessons The Lord has given me would require Thirty-seven months of non-stop verbage from my mouth. Anyone who has spent much time around me knows I can speak that long without breathing, too!! And now, Twenty-three days into another of those many careers, I find myself in Russellville, AR on this Sunday morning in the Midtown Coffee shop….Est. 2015….the year when numerous periods of joblessness, homelessness, hopelessness, and turbulence occurred.

That year alone, I held valid CDL-A Driver’s Licenses from the states of Kansas, Georgia, New Jersey, and by the 29th of January (Kansas’ Birthdate) in 2016, the state of Idaho. For the better part of the past three years, my USPS mailing address, my job, and my Idaho (ID) phone number have remained stationary. Now, I am back to living in a “Walk-in Closet,” hauling refrigerated & frozen freight in a Big Rig wherever The Master Dispatcher directs.

I have always been extremely extroverted; gregarious to the point of wearing people out...even strangers turned into fast friends in a matter of a few hours. Jesus Christ, of course, is my lifelong Idol…..and, it is because I have always attempted to model His Behaviors & carried His Holy Spirit in my heart since the age of five. Jesus made a regular habit of engaging EVERYONE he encountered, regardless of the cultural and political protocols.

I have also aspired to be like the diminutive Shepherd Boy, David. To approach life and the challenges therein, whether it be standing up to my elder "brothers," the authority figures in my places of work, or to the Goliath’s of our world who dare to defy The Living God. I was raised to embrace life with an attitude of utter fearlessness by Roy and Ruth Horton. As I reflect on the many roads and paths I have followed in my nearly 55 years; many of them being God-Ordained, yet, far too many leading away from His Chosen path for me, I have come to realize that no matter how far I have strayed, Christ, The Master Highway Builder has always been there….patiently waiting for me to come back “All-In” with Him.

This past week I had the thrill and pleasure of traveling The Ozark Mountains on old, narrow, 2-lane state & federal highways from Jonesboro, AR to Salem, MO which were reminiscent of two of Burt Reynolds’ classics, “Smokey & The Bandit” and “Deliverance.” At Forty-two cents per mile, taking 6 hours to cover 190 miles netted me about $80 gross pay for the day. However, the spectacular scenery and the driving-skill challenges of navigating a 75-foot vessel which weighs 80,000 lbs and is 8.5 feet wide on a (9 feet/lane) double-yellow line roadsurface with no shoulders, deep ditches, shrouded in a dense forest of 60 → 100 foot timber has forever etched six hours of vivid cinematography in my memory.

State highways AR--115 and MO--19, as well as, Federal highway US--63 the following day as I carried my load of 42,500 lbs of Charcoal Briquets to a SYSCO in Ankeny, IA on the northern edge of Des Moines, IA hold Spiritually-Significant Symbolism for me. The number “19” is the birthdate (19 Oct) and wedding date (19 Sep) of my Best-Man & LifeLong Best Friend, Richard Luft….the birthdate (19 Oct) of one of my best managers, Jerry Kaesemeyer at BMC in Boise, ID….the date of death of my Father (19 Jun), Roy Trent Horton….the date of death of my BirthMother (19 Apr)....the date (19 Dec) I made the final decision to leave my marriage of 19 years to Ella Marie [Frey] McLaughlin...plus, it was Fri 19 Oct 2018, a mere two days ago.

The number “63” was my Hugoton Eagle’s football jersey for every snap in High School from the Fall of 1978 until the Fall of 1981. When I got to the Capital City of Missouri of Jefferson City, I spotted a road sign which included not only the number “US--63,” but also the following numbers:

(1) US--50 (with Old US--50 passing ⅞ of a mile south of the home where Ella & I raised our three awesome sons, just east of Hutchinson, KS. US--50 also goes to Grand Junction, CO…..Gunnison, CO…..Monarch Pass near Salida, CO…..Dodge City, KS….Garden City, KS…..Kansas City, MO…..and ultimately to our Nation’s Capitol, Washington DC and the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD;

(2) US--54, with “54” symbolizing the END of my Twenty-seven year-long “Middle-Life Crisis,” which began in January 1992 at the age of 27...the Exit #54 on I-84, where I became jobless, penniless, and homeless in Boise, ID nearly three years ago on 16 Jan 2016…..the main thoroughfare through SW Kansas and the Oklahoma & Texas Panhandle’s, connecting Tucumcari, NM to places like Meade, KS….Greensburg, KS….and, Wichita, KS;

(3) a logo of the “Lewis & Clark” Memorial Highway (US-63); (4) a view of the Missouri Capital dome encased in scaffolding; (5) a view of the “Mighty Missouri” River from my “Picture Window,” ten feet above the classic, historic, 100+ year-old, riveted, steel-girder bridge.

Why all of the numbers & symbolisms?? Well, everyone already knows I am CRAZY…..so, having me making crazy, bold statements of a symbolic & prophetic nature comes as ZERO SURPRISE to anyone who knows me…..it’s just another tally mark on the chalkboard titled "Horton's Insanity." What is my interpretation of all the numbers & symbolisms???

I have absolutely no doubt that the Scripture quoting Christ as saying “My Sheep hear Me and they know My Voice” AS WELL AS the quote from the Sioux Medicine Man, “Kicking Bird” to Costner's “Dances With Wolves” after Kevin Costner and “Stand’s With a Fist” have married and are “trying for a child” as….. “Of all the paths one travels in this life, the greatest I believe, is the Path of A True Human Being…..I believe you are on this trail and it is good to see.”

Not unlike Colton Dixon’s hit song “Through All of It,” which speaks directly from my lips and from my life….I have come to know the Small, Soft, and Gentle Voice of my Saviour via His Holy Spirit, which dwells within me….for, He ALWAYS  “....Leadeth Me, Oh Blessed Thought….” and it does feel fantastic to “Be on God’s Chosen Path for my life as a True Human Believer.

Obligated vs. Dedicated

I was on the phone with Ernie while hauling 42,500 pounds of whole Nebraska Baker’s potatoes the other day for Leonard’s Express to the Frito-Lay plant in Jonesboro, AR when the Holy Spirit nudged me and said “Here’s your first document.” Somehow the terms “Obligated” and “Dedicated” appeared in the same window of our conversation, and it touched my spirit regarding how we Believer’s relate with our Maker in daily life, church attendance, meditation, fellowship, and worship.

I think it is not only common, but very natural for most of us Believers to see our relationship with Christ as some form of "Obligation." We humans are somehow wired or socialized in the mantra of Quid Pro Quo…..tit for tat…..or “This for That.” All too often we see our existence in the format of a Sophomoric Geometric Proof of “If….and….Then” and our persona in the world is measured or judged based upon our actions.

Far more feared than ISIS in today’s world, Saul, history’s greatest Serial Killer of Christians in the 1st Century following Christ’s Crucifixion, who later published nearly half of The Holy Bible’s New Testament after his blinding encounter with The Almighty on the Damascus Road; having been transformed into The Apostle Paul, is quoted numerous times in his Holy Spirit--inspired writings saying, “....to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation.” Romans 2:7-8 NASB

We Christians naturally adhere to the belief that we are “Obligated” to Christ to “Do” the right things...to “Behave or Act” in the “Right” ways so that we remain true or faithful to our “Contract” or "Deal" we've made with God. Somehow, we seem to think that our actions by perseverance merit us the benefits of Eternal Life.

We attend Church because we feel “Obligated” to do so….punching our timecards as we pull into the parking lot, smiling at people with whom we feel deep-seated anger and offense; saying we are “doing great” when inside we are hurting, depressed, worried and broken. We feel “Obligated” to tell the pastor “Great Message” as we shake their hand following the service; yet, behind our eyeballs and inside our hearts we feel absolutely zero compulsion to allow the convictions of the Holy Spirit to transform our attitudes, actions, and motivations once we have driven away.

Maybe the one thing to which we should feel “Obligated” as Believers, as the Apostle Paul tells us several times in later passages, is forcing ourselves multiple times each day to: Spirits of Humility; Forgiveness; Integrity; Love; Joy; Peacefulness; Patience; Kindness; Goodness; Gentleness; and Self-Control…..for in so doing, we will become truly “Dedicated.”

"My Jersey Shore"

Sunrise at "Snookie's Beach" in October 2015.

Colton's concert was nearing the midway point, when unexpectedly he started talking. He described what life is like for a touring artist traveling the country....how most of what he sees on a daily basis is through the window of a moving tour bus or the inside of the venue for that evening's concert.

Colton smiled as he reflected on his time here in Boise that beautiful, spring
Saturday....that his experience had been vividly different from the norm. This concert in Century Link Arena at the Grove Plaza was a benefit concert to support "I (HeartLogo) the Treasure Valley," a local charity in which hundreds of local residents had donated their time, monies, & labor to "Teen Hope," a program for wayward adolescent females.

Directors for the program had driven Colton and his band all over the valley so they could observe the work being done, which afforded them an up close view of our city's beauty and the character of its residents. He humbly remarked that it had been a special day...one he would always remember.

Colton then transitioned into the importance of savoring the special blessings each day affords, remarking that he'd unexpectedly lost a teenage nephew several months earlier. He made a big point of explaining that the reason he always took time following each of his concerts to personally meet & greet each and every patron who was willing to stand in line, no matter how much time it took, was rooted in the wisdom that we must make the most of every single available moment.

He giggled as he described his personal perspective of sitting at the "business end" of that "Meet & Greet" line....the crazy, funny, and ridiculous things that ran through his head as he sized-up each upcoming patron. One that really stood out in recent months was a cute eleven year-old, Lexi, and her mother, Stephanie.

He mentioned that even though Lexi and her mother had just rounded the corner in the hallway some fifty feet back, it was obvious that Lexi was very proud of her vivid Batman ballcap.

After quick handshakes and introductions, Colton had asked Lexi, "Hey....I really like your Batman hat---Whatta ya think if we swap hats for the photshoot?" Colton noted that he, too, loved Batman as he did an obligatory Batman Fist Thrust, leaving both Lexi and Stephanie in stitches.

After swapping hats, taking the photos, and exchanging goodbyes, Lexi turned to her mother and screamed....."Mom!! Check it Out!!! Colton Dixon just gave me his hat!!!!"

Colton revealed his hidden thoughts from those fractions of of a second, that, "No...No I did NOT!!!....That was NOT the Agreement!!!!," but when The Holy Spirit helped his heart catch up with his head, seeing the priceless look on Lexi's face, he signed the cap....leaving Lexi's Batman hat atop his own head.

Colton excitedly alerted us, his audience, to the upcoming release of his new album, and its signature song, "The Other Side;" transporting us back to his touring bus. Once again we were sitting beside Colton....staring out the window at the passing countryside.....anticipating setting up for that evening's concert in, yet, another venue.

He mentioned that his phone had rung and that he had taken the call. It was Stephanie, Lexi's mother. After a few pleasantries and small talk, Colton asked how Lexi was doing....noting that her Batman hat was resting in the seat beside him.

Stephanie replied, "Well, Colton.....that's why I called.....you see, we lost Lexi yesterday. She's gone to the other side."

*** Please go to youtube and watch both the lyric and live versions of Colton's newest hit song "The Other Side."

"The Houston Full Moon"

FAVORITE SCRIPTURES:

>>Psalms 23:1 (paraphrased & reversed) KJV--

"I Shall NOT Want.....For the Lord is My Shepherd"

>>Romans 12 (The Whole Chapter...a few Special Snippets by Verse #) NASB

--- v.12...."...rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer..."

--- v.16..."Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

--- v.20..."But if your enemy is hungry...Feed him; and if he is thirsty...Give him a drink; for in so doing you will Heap Burning Coals Upon His Head!!!

😘

>>Psalms 119:165 (paraphrased) KJV

"Great peace have they who Loveth My Law....for they CANNOT be Offended."

Welcome, and thanks for choosing the Blank Blog Template! This template is a wonderful blank canvas suitable for all kinds of blog topics.

This is the homepage.  You can replace the text here with some text of your own. It can be a little welcome message for your website visitors, or an introduction to some of the things you'll be writing about on this blog.

You can also choose to delete all the content on this page and start from scratch. Don't worry: you can always add new content to the page by clicking the Add Content button. 

Ready to work on another page? Just click on any of the pages in the menu above, or go to Pages.

Questions? Just click on the ? icon. This is our little help section, which gives you short explanations on all of the main features of the website editor.

Good luck, and we hope you have fun putting together your blog site!