tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30554724861067797592023-11-16T04:53:26.369-08:00Light Switch ON<a href="http://esotericseeker.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://www.binaryburn.com/lighton.jpg"></a>
<a href="#KSL092499463">#</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-14590026956945479292009-09-24T05:43:00.000-07:002009-09-24T06:09:19.439-07:00Take Due Notice and Govern Yourselves Accordingly<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDYdZ1XByBBkMAyvIwCTwF3p-oF3A8O_IFVKcQ0zOpBitQVZ1CAp-vgJ7y0iM_i81iJpgZLpRE1qa1w9rrZZ0AsFSxHD5MlFPhun2LP6v5wfBc57gEVWI29NYvciFD2yyinv-yWXo5dsR/s1600-h/beehive.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 363px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDYdZ1XByBBkMAyvIwCTwF3p-oF3A8O_IFVKcQ0zOpBitQVZ1CAp-vgJ7y0iM_i81iJpgZLpRE1qa1w9rrZZ0AsFSxHD5MlFPhun2LP6v5wfBc57gEVWI29NYvciFD2yyinv-yWXo5dsR/s400/beehive.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385020283328969234" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />It seems during the economy that more and more people are trying to make money off of Freemasonry. Don't get me wrong... I don't mind Masonry in the spot light sometimes especially with Dan Brown's new book "The Symbol".<br /><br />During these rough economic times people are willing to jump on anything that they think will make them some cash. We had instance in the State of South Carolina where a brother was trying to make money off of selling certain materials that were out of copyright, that were printed in the 1800's. Once confronted the so called brother turned in his dues card. Even to this day, he is trying to sell this material.<br /><br />Not only is publicity good for the craft, but just how people go on reality shows and get instant fame or win the lottery to have their lives ruined shortly after this can be so with the craft. There will probably be more reports like this one <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/temple-terrace-police-find-burned-bible-on-alter-in-masonic-lodge-arrest/1038176">http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/temple-terrace-police-find-burned-bible-on-alter-in-masonic-lodge-arrest/1038176</a><br /><br />Also, there has been a increase on Web "DDOS" attacks or Distributed Denial Of Service Attacks on Masonic websites. This is where hackers will use a army of computers to massively send tons of data traffic to a web server hosting the page and "knock" the site offline. The server just can't handle the amount of traffic hitting the page. <br /><br />Or some find vulnerabilities in there code to gain access and deface the page.<br /><br />So publicity does come with a price. Brethren and Future Brethren, please check yourself and subdue your passions to making a extra buck or revealing too much to media for a extra dollar. <br /><br />No... Masons do not have some secret treasure that can be spent, we all don't have Mansions and nice cars. <br /><br />The only true treasure that Masons have is it's teachings and brotherly love for light being spread everywhere and assisting others trying to make this turbulent ever changing world a better place with sharing love. <br /><br />Love and Light,<br />Shane Hale<br /><br />PS. I haven't read Dan Brown's "The Symbol" yet, but I heard it is a interesting read and does not really make Freemasonry look like the same ole New World Order Devil worshipers like other movies and publications do.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-80233546002127924362009-07-09T09:58:00.000-07:002009-07-09T10:08:33.750-07:00Future of Masonry on the Decline?I am meeting more and more masons from around the world and the United States. Recently, I read a article in the Knight Templar about the decline of masonry and how many lodges are closing. It seems that the lack of focus on work and other equations were mention. Sometimes it makes me wonder if it is more than just numbers. Is there something missing? <br /><br />In York Rite, I have heard a lot of the degree work used to be memorized instead of read out loud. It seems that maybe work is deteriorated along the years. The importance of learning not only the blue lodge work but other work seems to be lack of.<br /><br />This has really gotten me to the point of wanting to learn everything in the blue lodge and extend that to my York Rite as well. I don't want to be a "card carrying mason" I am proud to say I am a Freemason even wear my ring and put the decal on my card. I have noticed that since I have become a mason that there are some people at work including my manager use me at the butt of their jokes.<br /><br />Why is there so much animosity towards Freemasons? I really don't get it these days. I hope that Freemasonry will not decline and that the article if way dead off in the Knights Templar magazine. I will govern myself accordingly and keep on keeping on for the search for more light. I hope you all will do the same.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-3533976801736942872009-07-01T18:49:00.000-07:002009-07-01T18:56:57.949-07:00Racial Rucus in Atlanta LodgeI received the following news from one of our districts.<br />The Atlanta Journal Constitution has picked up the story, and it is now spreading through the Associated Press.</p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText">In short, Gates City Lodge in Atlanta raised a military veteran earlier this year, who was black.<span style=""> </span>Two other lodges filed masonic charges against Gates Lodge, accusing them of un-masonic conduct and violating the landmarks of freemasonry for raising a non-white man.<span style=""> </span>The Grand Lodge apparently allowed the charges to stand and scheduled a trial.</p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText">Gates Lodge filed suit on June 19, in the Superior Court of DeKalb County, asking for an injunction to stop the trial, among other matters.<span style=""> </span>The case is pending.</p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoPlainText">There is plenty of additional information on the internet, available by a Google search.</p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p> </o:p></p> <br />According to most bylaws there is nothing to stop a black man from joining a regular non Prince Hall lodge except the disrupting harmony clause that would be applied to anyone thought to cause a disruption. I will look forward to see how government will intervene on this one<br /><br /><a href="http://gatecity2.blogspot.com/">http://gatecity2.blogspot.com/</a> Link to the Lodge<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/National/US_Freemason_Fight.html">http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/National/US_Freemason_Fight.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-26189135433867477612009-04-04T18:04:00.000-07:002009-04-04T18:25:22.981-07:00Shriners in Greenville Sc may close<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnEv7RGXKZndgagogoAA7oz5RhrwFQpvoI-o4jpf-vOdpkmngs-8UWhK5da9eqEnDcumrO8JkNoK9TH0B9ya59YjjCDy7Pflbbtv-_Qa_lu_hrBtyFmNUmDIQyIkbBz9Scqcr1V0FDEM9/s1600-h/n1515822284_52438_9666.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnEv7RGXKZndgagogoAA7oz5RhrwFQpvoI-o4jpf-vOdpkmngs-8UWhK5da9eqEnDcumrO8JkNoK9TH0B9ya59YjjCDy7Pflbbtv-_Qa_lu_hrBtyFmNUmDIQyIkbBz9Scqcr1V0FDEM9/s400/n1515822284_52438_9666.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321012007925390514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SnpWt_9EOgOqobaJ3lz0-NvWrC74lzsH9mP3MabMccn-NTxpZ1f5bzUPr5LQ6zZH4Dd-ya5GRpyeuXkYdHywtzTMs7ByxnCT9x3mkTt-RlXm46R6XJDU-buvJr_bfg6-t7Abrwszda_K/s1600-h/n1515822284_52435_8889.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SnpWt_9EOgOqobaJ3lz0-NvWrC74lzsH9mP3MabMccn-NTxpZ1f5bzUPr5LQ6zZH4Dd-ya5GRpyeuXkYdHywtzTMs7ByxnCT9x3mkTt-RlXm46R6XJDU-buvJr_bfg6-t7Abrwszda_K/s400/n1515822284_52435_8889.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321011882818323586" /></a><br /><br /><br />I am wanting to get this out to others to report on a Shriners Hospital possibly closing in Greenville Sc due to budget cuts. <br /><br />I am helping out on Facebook trying to get a Fundraiser going <a href="http://profile.to/shanehale">http://profile.to/shanehale</a> . If you have yet become my friend add me and just put in the message Freemason. <br /><br /><br />As you all know earlier posts my daughter had to go to this Shriners Hospital in Greenville SC and it was a blessing to us. I encourage everyone to help save Shriners Hospitals from closing. <br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.foxcarolina.com/money/19063150/detail.html">http://www.foxcarolina.com/money/19063150/detail.html</a><br /><br />FundRaiser<br /><a href="http://apps.facebook.com/causes/261600/21097814?m=6d54c0aa">http://apps.facebook.com/causes/261600/21097814?m=6d54c0aa</a><br /><br />Thanks for your support!<br /><br />Shane HaleUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-14492687343886951362009-03-22T06:55:00.000-07:002009-03-22T07:14:03.033-07:00Retrospective Masonry Bail Out Plan.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABYIScIAWUh2gElE7VS0SSh_wYpCGyosOJqMkpbAhjdN3IcDT0yxwW9NOhaHqfEttSxJVdZVCffIG-D3k370hJG590Cn2eCLm2eHMk9t2i63IU_k4CnPcnoPXkoEVwkAz8uUNf1tHsQM1/s1600-h/sc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 71px; height: 71px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABYIScIAWUh2gElE7VS0SSh_wYpCGyosOJqMkpbAhjdN3IcDT0yxwW9NOhaHqfEttSxJVdZVCffIG-D3k370hJG590Cn2eCLm2eHMk9t2i63IU_k4CnPcnoPXkoEVwkAz8uUNf1tHsQM1/s400/sc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316015108140805410" /></a><br />Over the past couple of months I really looked inside myself and realized somethings about masonry.<br /><br />A lot that it teaches is to be retrospective in your life. Everyone should just stop everything they are doing and the every day rat race and "Hussle N Bussle" of life and look at all the beautiful things that God has brought us. He is definitely the Grand Architect. <br /><br />The problem with this age is everything is On Demand and rush rush. Like when I was in the military the ole "Hurry up and wait". People do not have any patience any more nor do they think clearly or long enough to appreciate life in general.<br /><br /><br /><br />With terms like ADHD and short attention spans. I really attribute this to everyone in such a hurry and running in place like a gerbil on one of those Wire Wheels. They are running so fast to get really no where. I think the true meaning masonry teaches it to appreciate the surroundings that has been constructed. Love and appreciate people for who and what they are. <br /><br />Life is so disposable today and not appreciated. Everyone wants convenience and if they do not get it they get all crazy and in a uproar. With out a cornerstone in life or any foundation we are merely a structure waiting to collapse. If everyone stopped worrying about the economy and all the media hype and really tune out and pause their life and appreciate beautiful things like a mother singing to a child or crickets chirping and night. <br /><br />I think crime,corruption and other superfluities of life would tend to decrease and the nation and world for that matter would find out truly a better bail out plan. <br /><br />I want to thank Freemasonry for making me a better retrospective person andhelping me to apprecitate the precious commodity called time that all of us seldom have.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-506634463943159382009-03-01T18:49:00.000-08:002009-03-01T18:58:16.460-08:00Non-Masonic conduct, What do you do?After being in the craft for almost 2 years now It has become dear to my heart. I see some people wanting to join for obviously the wrong reasons.<br /><br /> Their actions as a man may make many masons shutter. If you see someone that maybe pledging in another lodge that you know is not in it for the right reasons or their personal actions in real life to yourself and to others is out right despicable. What do you do?<br /><br /> What happens if their actions continue after they are a brother. I have seen and heard from 2 people who are hot heads and have admitted to wanting to be in it for the wrong reasons. If masonry helps them improve their personal traits and make them a better man then I am all for it but what happens if they continue to be not so level?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-4453918728824161292009-02-24T09:24:00.001-08:002009-02-24T09:34:33.490-08:00Visting Lodges outsite your areaI would have to say, I went to a Lodge in Georgia and saw the actual 1st degree work and a normal business meeting and I was very impressed with some of the differences between the state of South Carolina and the State of Georgia.<br /><br />It left me to wonder if differences in work and rituals from state to state and country to country. What is the true integrity of the work. Who decides to make changes in the work overtime and why?<br /><br />To answer my question I just looked at the different denominations in religion and the interpretations of the Holy Bible. Different denominations but same religion. Let's say I enjoyed one state's interpretation better than another. What can I do to bring change to my state?<br /><br />These are just thoughts, When you see things that look to be better in interpretation and help benefit the craft as a whole, how would you go about making change? The answer would be the Grand Lodge but how?<br /><br />Thought I would write this brainstorming question on how the craft can open up and make improvements over time. Changes from fund raising to ritual work ect ect.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-58800247409608559782009-02-06T06:27:00.000-08:002009-02-10T10:45:35.152-08:00Paying Dues<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWWuqPVgXK0xtRnwRWZk1HaKBfEVIJ9xv0byLJ-IdgvZaSQUsMkvfTNBup2MXuzrvMZte_vdvMtzQmrFoCQmQEdKWXZ9XtjvMb87OdxFpAgfF7ew_2_khNLDUThEo0SwdK7wcWwz2Jmop/s1600-h/10+Anniversary+Cruise+083.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWWuqPVgXK0xtRnwRWZk1HaKBfEVIJ9xv0byLJ-IdgvZaSQUsMkvfTNBup2MXuzrvMZte_vdvMtzQmrFoCQmQEdKWXZ9XtjvMb87OdxFpAgfF7ew_2_khNLDUThEo0SwdK7wcWwz2Jmop/s400/10+Anniversary+Cruise+083.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301241534431748290" border="0" /></a>Picture above was at the Scottish Rite Center/Lodge in Nassau Bahamas<br />Top of the Year and the rent must be paid. A discussion was talked about at an instructional meeting and something that I would like to stress to all the brothers out there.<br /><br />During these economic hard times we as brothers need to followup with the responsibility to call other brothers to ensure their welfare is ok Don't be too quick on marking members MPD when it comes to dues.<br /><br />There was a case where a brother had Alstheimers and was not capable of paying them. No one knew that he had this condition with out calling.<br /><br />If you have the extra time and money help a brother or just call one that you haven't heard from in a while.<br /><br />Until next time... Been pretty much studying the whole process of things in the watchful steward position. The more I watch the more amazed I am with Freemasonry.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-68519109078002637922009-01-20T08:19:00.000-08:002009-01-20T08:22:37.365-08:00Our Masonic Ideals and wishing the new presidential administration the best!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6RoGHJH-y5yrwk2EvXejz3nlbL7Uj2at3qf9Z1HNv0DPwZ0H-Dr9awA2r7Kpx3TT8TgYwaHeSMC6exNcW4_3POnC2w5xqG690xlAFpcipitu4jOpRPWw2p_DERneLeq-2fwDOM3BPIMy/s1600-h/washington-dc-national-mall-s.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6RoGHJH-y5yrwk2EvXejz3nlbL7Uj2at3qf9Z1HNv0DPwZ0H-Dr9awA2r7Kpx3TT8TgYwaHeSMC6exNcW4_3POnC2w5xqG690xlAFpcipitu4jOpRPWw2p_DERneLeq-2fwDOM3BPIMy/s400/washington-dc-national-mall-s.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293412108496680962" border="0" /></a><br /><div class="note_header"><div class="note_title_share clearfix"><div class="note_title"><span><br /></span></div> <div class="share_and_hide clearfix"><a onclick="'return" s="4&appid=" 53142146499="" class="share" title="Send this to friends or post it on your profile.">Shared From Facebook post: Pretty good read.<br /></a></div></div><div class="byline"><br /></div></div> Today brings a new administration, and a new perspective on the problems facing our nation. I wish President Obama all the best wishes in guiding this country of ours thru the perilous times ahead, and we should all help him, and to do whats best to preserve the rights and liberties of all men and women of our nation.<br /><br />With this being said, the excerpt below is from the article titled, "Personal Integrity" by Sir Knight Clayton J. Borne III in the January 2009 issue of Knight Templar magazine which seems to sum it all up nicely.<br /><br />"Masonic Ideals:<br /><br />As we strive to cultivate integrity in our personal lives and collectively in our spiritual brotherhood, our efforts meet with constant resistance. As appauling as it may be, society today is a reflection of disrespect, an unappreciative and uncaring disease that migrates into all aspects of our culture. The cure as with all other social problems is education.<br /><br />The Masonic ideals and their influence on society thru the ages have been exerted in no better or more nobler purpose than the ageless struggle by the Brotherhood for "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity" and ultimately a secure freedom for society. Our Fraternity thru the ages has been the champion of oppressed people with the object being the emancipation of mankind from every form of tyranny. Within our lodges, liberty or freedom, especially in thought was freely encouraged. That freedom, based on these principles, made possible the natural progression of a transformed life.<br /><br />The humanist philosophy so prevalent in society poses obstructions to our Masonic ideals. The basic concept of Liberty has always had an aggressive enemy. It is the self-centered concept of entitlement. The entitlement belief is the direct result of the modernist doctrine that there is no rational basis for values. Despite our Masonic brotherhood's continued efforts to promote integrity, the value system of society has been erroded. Many of society's values become problematic; in other words, nothing is truely good or bad. It's all a matter of opinion. We must ask then, how and why have principles? Do as you please or whatever you can rationalize as being right. Without the Liberty to choose our own actions and make our own choices, we lose the qualities that make us uniquely human. It is only when people do the right thing freely that we can have confidence in their character. If they act out of principles such as truth, benevolence, and productiveness as taught in our lodges, then we know that their actions result from good character and the principle of liberty is preserved."<br /><br />After reading this excellent article from our Knight Templar magazine, I can't help but think of the direction our nation and the mindset of it's people will be going. When thinking of our charities as a Brotherhood given freely, and others that would be hampered by those "charities" or "patriotic duties" to be mandated by laws. Many in our country want to turn a blind eye to this, and to our dire financial realities. President Obama and others of his ilk want to lead the charge by promising to deliver more things to more people, at taxpayer expense, and dig us into an ever deeper hole. There simply is no way to pay for it all without dramatically raising taxes on all the productive citizens and businesses in this country. If the Obamas of this country have their way, government will grow, entitlements will grow, our deficit will grow, and the tax increases needed to support it all will stifle any potential growth of our economy.<br /><br />Have you ever dug yourself out of financial hole? If you are honest, you will admit digging out meant working more, saving, spending less, and generally living within your means. I seriously doubt most of us would consider borrowing more, or taking from others to be the solution. Why should we support representatives and a government in Washington that would behave any other way. The language of hope and change is nice, and has a feel good tone, but those of us who run a household or a business know that talk of hope and change is not enough to get the job done. Digging out of a hole requires spending less money, and creating more wealth; it is as simple as that. Irresponsible promises, trying to be everything to everybody, unchecked spending, and crippling taxation are a recipe for disaster. Real hope and real change will require all of us to pitch in to work, grow our economy and urge those on entitlements toward greater independence and productivity.<br /><br />The No. 1 economic threat facing the United States today isn't globalization, stagnant wages, unfair trade policy or illegal immigration. And it certainly isn't what one cable TV demagogue glibly calls a "war on the middle class" by big media, big corporations and big special interests.<br /><br />Rather, it's this sense of entitlement that many Americans take with them into the workplace, in their expectations from their government, and the eagerness with which they as individuals shift the blame when things don't go according to plan.<br /><br />The key is to never to take responsibility for the personal decisions you've made. Eventually, some opportunistic politician will come along and confirm what you've always suspected -- that you are at the mercy of forces beyond your control, and this politician will tell you that he would take more from others who have more, or "the rich" to help you to become as successful as they are, all for the price of your vote and blind support.<br /><br />This simply isn't what our Founding Fathers intended from government, and it's not in line with our Masonic ideals that we as good and upright Masons inculcate in our lodges, and try to impress on the hearts and minds of those outside of our lodge. It's this mindset that I fear most from the proposed actions of the upcoming administration.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-75724039622565719142009-01-11T20:27:00.000-08:002009-01-11T20:27:50.257-08:002009 Seats and GreetsAhh, The wonderful time of year. The Masonic change new faces new elections and change. It is wonderful to see this and watch the craft as it maintains it's deep heritage of men making themselves better.<br /><br />I just got appointed as steward and all of a sudden constraints I have had a major work schedule change and with the economy I find myself doing a digital hustle trying to make ends meet. I don't know if it is just me or what. But, to attend a meeting and leave just seems to be a breath of fresh air when times are tough. I feel like a total refreshment when you leave a business meeting or degree work.<br /><br />Been soo busy I feel guilty about not attending my York Rite meetings either. Well, Had to put a personal post in hope all you brothers a great 2009 and I promise to post meaningful material.<br />Palmettobug's Masonic line blog has some nice articles on the recent lodge foreclosures. Well soo much to do and read no time to do it.<br /><br />Hope all you have a great New Year!<br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-51655510678785083712009-01-10T20:15:00.000-08:002009-01-10T20:16:31.702-08:00Govern Yourself AccordinglyWhen the pressures of recession<br />Make us concentrate on greed,<br />Take heed, a worthy Mason<br />Cares about another's needs;<br /><br />Don't let pressures of the moment<br />Make your obligation sway,<br />Stop and help a fallen brother<br />Or another by the way;<br /><br />What you give is like a bubble<br />Whenever you assist,<br />What it costs in time and trouble<br />Is, soon after, never missed;<br /><br />Brother, bear that obligation<br />You accepted on your knee,<br />It's in direct relation<br />To your own security;<br /><br />Never hesitate, my brother<br />Square your actions now and say,<br />"I'll remember I'm a Mason,<br />"And behave like that today;"<br /><br />"With regard to human kindness<br />And the 'Golden Rule', I pray,<br />I'll remember I'm a Mason...<br />And behave like that today."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-87233251571071045552008-12-25T20:27:00.001-08:002008-12-25T20:29:50.876-08:00A holiday Masonic PostA Canadian brother my the name of POW Mason he got it from someone else It is a very good article on brotherly love.<br /><br /><div class="note_header"><div class="note_title_share clearfix"><div class="note_title"><span>Masonic Paper published by a Brother here in Kingston.</span></div> <div class="share_and_hide clearfix">Share</div></div><div class="byline">Yesterday at 10:33pm</div></div> A Warm Masonic Tale<br /><br />Author Unknown<br /><br />It was a tale of Masonic men surrounding a campfire in the Old West, at night, discussing the Fraternity and its teachings. One old man listened patiently, and finally spoke up:<br /><br />"I can tell you more bout Masonry in a little example than some of the great Masonic philosophers can in books. Everybody Stand up, and gather in circle around the campfire ."<br /><br />They did that. "Now, everybody hold hands with the man next to him." they did that, too. "Now, what do you see looking ahead ?"<br /><br /><br />"The face of a brother through the flames."<br /><br /><br />"What do you feel in front of you?"<br /><br /><br />" The warmth of the fire, and the comfort it brings on a cool night."<br /><br /><br />" What do you Feel at your side?"<br /><br /><br />"The warm hand of a brother." "OK. Now drop the hands, and turn around."<br /><br /><br />They do so. "Now what do you see, looking ahead?" Complete darkness."<br /><br /><br />What do you feel, looking ahead?"<br /><br /><br />"A sense of loneliness, of being alienated".<br /><br /><br />"What do you feel at your side?' Nothing at all."<br /><br /><br />What do you feel on your backside?"<br /><br /><br />" The warmth of the fire." " So it Is with Masonry," said the old man. "In Masonry gatherings, you can feel the warmth of Masonry interaction, you can see the face of a Brother through the light Masonry brings to you, and you can always feel the warm hand of your Masonic Brother.<br /><br /><br />When you turn away from masonry, and are out in the world , you see darkness, feel alienated and alone, and do not feel the warm hand of your Masonic Brother. But Masonry, and the warmth and light it brings, are just a turn away from you."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-50337581881057832102008-12-10T19:05:00.001-08:002008-12-10T19:12:36.995-08:00Officer InstallationWell I am finally a officer and look forward to making my rounds around the chairs. Sorry haven't posted a lot lately it has been so hectic around the holidays. The <a href="http://www.divver.org/">lodge</a> has elected me to position of a steward a very observant role and I can't wait to start being more active in the blue lodge. I also was elected in the York Rite but being so new<br /><br />I think I am a steward or some type of officer. I am still getting used to the commandry ways. I am now trying to figure out what lecture to learn first I really want to learn the 2nd degree lecture due to the complexity and beauty of the lecture as well as not many people know it and it would help out the few that do in our district and help them take a break.<br /><br />I have to say I am proud to be a mason and love being a part of this magnificent fraternity and brotherhood!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-43920496847327474512008-11-14T08:35:00.000-08:002008-11-14T08:52:23.026-08:00Entered Apprentice a Father and Son Team<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFZUS1JyiJU1UlROH88S3zm2_YaiZPy22_uYkYSB-dum62oFH5xjAJtaV_Or6fNU_CHWzV6hyphenhyphenZisckcVSjBlYfu_HMlnTE4EGtYPlg8M-A3gFwNVOY5Mdt4yy0ULGwagVS2OR4SZl1Wea/s1600-h/0186t.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268557086081366946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 86px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFZUS1JyiJU1UlROH88S3zm2_YaiZPy22_uYkYSB-dum62oFH5xjAJtaV_Or6fNU_CHWzV6hyphenhyphenZisckcVSjBlYfu_HMlnTE4EGtYPlg8M-A3gFwNVOY5Mdt4yy0ULGwagVS2OR4SZl1Wea/s400/0186t.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Last night,I witnessed a great event. I had the pleasure to see 2 sons of 2 brothers who were best friend be initiated into the craft on the 1st degree. I sat and imagined what a feeling that would be and the emotions that would be running through both Father and Son.<br /><br />Me being a father myself I wondered what that feeling must of felt like to have one of your own flesh and blood take the same path and walk in the same footprint you did.<br /><br />Even though I have rekindled my relationship with my dad over the past 2 years after him being out of my life since age of 3. I really truly felt a bond of Father and Son last night and the energy amongst the brother hood was awesome.<br /><br />I felt such a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">privileged</span> to be a part of this event. Masonry is not only a brotherhood it is a family. To see wonderful fellowship and watch other brothers,fathers crying on such an emotional event is such a awesome sight to see.<br /><br />This was right after a wonderful story of our Grand Lodge Master conferring a father and son degree on dire circumstances. I just had to post this email I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">received</span> about the wonderful event!<br /><br />Email here and please keep this brother and his family in your Prayers!!!<br /><br /><br /><p align="left"><strong>Historic Masonic Event<br /></strong>Brethren,<br /><br />I am sending this to all my Masonic email contacts and ask that all Secretaries in the 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> District forward it to their members. I also ask all others to forward this to any Brother they know that loves <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">WB</span> Bob Cape. Some of you will get duplicate copies of this because you are multiple group <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">lits</span> of mine.<br /><br />Last night we had what I feel was an historic Masonic event!<br /><br />As many of you know Worshipful Brother Robert Henry Cape is under Hospice care and not doing very well at all. When Brother Wayne Carey and I visited with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">WB</span> Bob yesterday afternoon, I put Most Worshipful Brother Jerry Carver, Grand Master of Masons in SC on the speaker phone with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">WB</span> Bob, his loving wife Carole and his EA candidate son John who is up here from Texas to be with his Dad before he goes back to Texas to get his EA Degree on Tuesday from Humble Lodge 979 of Humble, Texas. Our Grand Master knew that Bob, who could not even move his head on his pillow, had asked to be put on a plane to Houston so he could be at his son’s initiation. After speaking to the Cape family, MW Brother Carver asked John if he would like to have his EA Degree done here. John was in disbelief that such a wonderful thing could happen but said he would love it to be that way.<br /><br />I want to let all of you know that, within a couple of hours, MW Brother Carver had the consent of the Grand Master of Texas and Humble Lodge for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Pawleys</span> Island 409 to confer a courtesy EA Degree on John Cape in Bob’s house! He gave us special Dispensation to do so and it was done at 8:00PM last night, less than seven hours after the phone call mentioned above.<br /><br />I want to apologize in advance if you did not get a call from me to attend but you must understand that I had to keep the number of Brothers small because of the venue. I can assure you that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">WB</span> Bob considered that all of you were there in spirit. We had 13 Brothers present – 8 from PI409 including Bob and 4 from other Lodges in the 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span> District and, of course John Cape.<br /><br />Below are a few excerpts from the Minutes of this wonderful Masonic event:</p><br /><p align="left"><br />Secretary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Peteet</span> noted that this degree is very special because <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">WB</span> Bob Cape is bedridden under Hospice care and could not go to Texas to see his son John get his EA Degree which was scheduled for next Tuesday at Humble Lodge #979 in Humble, Texas. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">RW</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Peteet</span> asked all to appreciate the effort of our Grand Master to clear this degree with MW Brother Tommy Griffin, Grand Master of Masons in Texas and WM Mark Mullins of John’s Lodge which Most Worshipful Brother Carver accomplished within two hours earlier today.</p><br /><p align="left"><br />…newly made EA John Cape gave a heartfelt thanks to all, but especially his father, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">WB</span> Bob, who was his inspiration to become a Mason. Several Brothers spoke of their admiration for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">WB</span> Bob Cape, but it was Bob’s old friend Brother Bud Chestnut who spoke truly from his heart about his long-time love and admiration for all that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">WB</span> Bob has done for the Craft and his brothers.<br />I feel that, as Secretary, I must add a few parenthetical notes about this historic meeting:<br /></p><br /><p align="left">I know that we could have filled a large hall with Brothers who would want to be here for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">WB</span> Bob and his son John, but due to the venue and Bob’s condition, I felt that I had to restrict the attendance to a small number. I apologize to all that did not know about this meeting.<br /></p><br /><p align="left"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">WB</span> Bob’s wife Carole has been his steadfast supporter in all things regarding our Craft for many years and she deserves all of our thanks for allowing us to intrude in her home at this time.<br /></p><br /><p align="left">For those of you who haven’t seen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">WB</span> Bob lately, he is in really bad shape which is probably obvious when someone is under Hospice care. He is totally aware when he hears a Brother telling him that they are there, but he is unable to really communicate because all he can get out is a barley audible whisper. </p><br /><p align="left">But if you could have watched him while this degree for his son was being done, you would have been amazed at his strength by seeing him focused on WM <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Seman</span> and Candidate John while John was being obligated. It also brought tears of joy to my eyes when twice tonight, I saw <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">WB</span> Bob raise his hands and actually clap his fingers together. Once when his son John gave his thanks to the Lodge and his father for being his inspiration to join Masonry and secondly when his old friend Bud Chestnut spoke about him.<br /></p><br /><p align="left">Tonight has made me more proud of Masonry than anything else because I saw that this Brotherhood can accomplish all things if we just give it a try. It could have been a different Grand Master that approved this, it could have been a different Brother that was in distress, it could have been many things but tonight was proof to me that Masonry is what Masonry is – Brothers caring for Brothers!<br /><br />Fraternally yours,<br /><br />Hugh C. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Peteet</span>, PM<br />Secretary, PI 409<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">DDGM</span>, 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">th</span> District<br /><br />PS- Today was certainly a new day. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">WB</span> Bob was alert and clear-eyed and speaking in a normal voice. These facts allowed me to know with certainty that the Fraternity did a fantastic thing last night! Please get your calls in to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">WB</span> Bob and keep him and the entire family in your prayers.</p><br /><p align="left"></p><br /><p align="left"></p><br /><p align="left">I hope you have enjoyed this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">heart found</span> story! Not only is Masonry alive and well so is the human spirit of Faith Hope and Charity! It makes me proud of our Grand Master of South Carolina and honored to be a part of this wonderful fraternity!!<br /></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-61628458499340763322008-11-01T20:07:00.000-07:002008-11-01T20:19:48.218-07:00Sir Knight Templar that is<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wh7hhjflV4by8q-0h8k0Dlw-Ewyxcdt_DQ4ecz8etAYcjrXpKLBiKs6ZKm8P8ZUjYlb4t2zc6RtGmqElfnHLyMBz_YjwM-ZhdwkOrGLHdqy5x4OTV1LIak6GMOfZz4eBjk5CG2UPUxrI/s1600-h/knight+templar+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wh7hhjflV4by8q-0h8k0Dlw-Ewyxcdt_DQ4ecz8etAYcjrXpKLBiKs6ZKm8P8ZUjYlb4t2zc6RtGmqElfnHLyMBz_YjwM-ZhdwkOrGLHdqy5x4OTV1LIak6GMOfZz4eBjk5CG2UPUxrI/s320/knight+templar+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263892375177391554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ks79bBD1TcjO27I9PkeEZ_vu-uetk0WiYuBGoiLVyLSW-ivNA1RwJ4MEKayK53TxlPusKOOuDqjxEmUwQMrsyUUYjKOYNeNDolov1VTBQjMOmmCbeBswTcYqte_t9wF8dxiBa6aiCh1Y/s1600-h/knight+templar+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ks79bBD1TcjO27I9PkeEZ_vu-uetk0WiYuBGoiLVyLSW-ivNA1RwJ4MEKayK53TxlPusKOOuDqjxEmUwQMrsyUUYjKOYNeNDolov1VTBQjMOmmCbeBswTcYqte_t9wF8dxiBa6aiCh1Y/s320/knight+templar+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263892372491287858" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Well, It is done. I am now a Sir Knight. It was one of the most memorable degrees ever. The work was impeccable. I can't wait to get involved with this work and helping out. I think the Order of the Temple and the Royal Arch degrees bring a deep meaning for personal development. Along with the Blue Degree I think the work is one of the most importance. The degree work and lectures are beautiful in meaning and tend to make you stop time and take a snapshot of your life and make you think in retrospect. <br /><br />I often think what other knights could of went through back in 11oo's. I am proud to be a part of the York Rite and look forward to doing more work with them. I may later do other appendant bodies but now I have my plate full with the Blue Lodge and the Templar Conclaves,Asylums.<br /><br />Fraternally,<br />Shane HaleUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-43731962871878639962008-10-29T18:42:00.001-07:002008-10-29T18:51:03.229-07:00Clandestine Part IISeems more and more clandestine masonic lodges are popping up and even applying for their own State license plate. It seems now days to try a brother at the door is not acceptable the true and only way is to check dues card.<br /><br />I always wondered why some people would want to go against the grain and start their own branch of masonry. And then I thought to myself, With the economy being so out of whack all over the world it has to be only one reason and that reason is money..<br /><br />So don't get offended if you ever travel to a AFM lodge in South Carolina and have your dues card checked it is for the sanctity and safety to keep the ancient work of the craft in tact.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-4785574974225093412008-10-29T13:25:00.000-07:002008-10-29T18:52:47.973-07:00Order of The Commandery<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXzjmUID0BT7eAcFf035cekHoXJNtLNVuaD4f7uEQ-5w5ftFFuk7298bVokzw3HV4XQvS0OuklTQ3cARmrO_v7vucR7TarXShT1E0ixagJWUJMKo_MYX3Zf715ngmj5RRqaUJ0iiU58Gf/s1600-h/ordmalta.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXzjmUID0BT7eAcFf035cekHoXJNtLNVuaD4f7uEQ-5w5ftFFuk7298bVokzw3HV4XQvS0OuklTQ3cARmrO_v7vucR7TarXShT1E0ixagJWUJMKo_MYX3Zf715ngmj5RRqaUJ0iiU58Gf/s320/ordmalta.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262679115363335954" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi342gG0A7Vo0GTnQSM3sw4Jk5OShYVnFA70Rph-74KCI81DTxvp6cofbxtF83sGnsH5KsBQCg7eo8JdXeTGLqWL6ZAWThXBAA7hG5-T2QCTGxjiCy3BcY2AsvWJaTxkLYmWfN8v_ImStVa/s1600-h/templar2.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi342gG0A7Vo0GTnQSM3sw4Jk5OShYVnFA70Rph-74KCI81DTxvp6cofbxtF83sGnsH5KsBQCg7eo8JdXeTGLqWL6ZAWThXBAA7hG5-T2QCTGxjiCy3BcY2AsvWJaTxkLYmWfN8v_ImStVa/s320/templar2.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262678943530688082" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0eIajBQrebqQJ8L0A__gHYVnmDo0NxWRyACqnc-9-zCm71IEHkn0DXwlHnBJbxxi9cRvlvHNpeME5BaZlwUMtK0UOLiL4KKLpGh_q5r-uw4cmZvbDQ_I0wuiYhLZKmKpdU-KJz_ayPuU/s1600-h/ordredcrs.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0eIajBQrebqQJ8L0A__gHYVnmDo0NxWRyACqnc-9-zCm71IEHkn0DXwlHnBJbxxi9cRvlvHNpeME5BaZlwUMtK0UOLiL4KKLpGh_q5r-uw4cmZvbDQ_I0wuiYhLZKmKpdU-KJz_ayPuU/s320/ordredcrs.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262678844849399970" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ok, as I prepare for the last part of the York Rite I was doing some more reading on the Commandery. I noticed that the York Rite in our area being the in Southern United States does not really have a appealing membership or participation rate as the Shriners or Scottish Rite appendant bodies. Well I am looking forward to this journey for the Order of Commandery continues and finalizes.<br /><br />I feel the York Rite so far up to the Cryptic Council has been a awesome experience in my quest to seek further light in masonry and in my opinion even though one of the darker appendant bodies, To me seems to be the most exciting.<br /><br /><strong>Here are some pieces of information I found on the Internet about the Order of the Commandery.</strong><br /><br />The Commandery orders represent a new direction of Masonic thought and experience, in that they no longer refer to Ancient Craft Masonry, but to ideals and practices of chivalry and Christianity.<br /><br />The first Commandery order, the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, presents the story of the Jewish Prince, Zerubbabel, and his efforts to secure permission of the Persian King Darius to rebuild the second temple at Jerusalem. The next order, Knight of Malta, is a complete departure from Masonry based on the Old Testament and is the first Christian order. Here, the candidate represents a knightly warrior of the Crusades prior to his departure for the Holy Land. The last order is that of Knight Templar, the crowning glory of the York Rite system. Again, in this totally Christian order, the candidate represents a knightly postulant who desires to unite with a Commandery of Knights Templar during the era of the Crusades.<br /><br />After several trials to test his faith, courage, and humility, he is rewarded by achieving his desire.<br /><br />Interesting stuff wish me luck!<br /><br />Fraternally,<br />Shane HaleUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-78569627358738699972008-10-12T20:20:00.000-07:002008-10-12T20:32:10.851-07:00York Rite from 3rd to Select MasterWell, I have made it to select master and it was a long journey of a day very interesting degree work. I personally was very fond of the Mark Master degree but all was very insightful and after it was over it seemed everyone who went through were left scratching their heads and contemplating on the events they saw. I am still running the work through my head over and over again. There are alot of messages in each degree alot of the Royal Arch and Cryptic council were mixed up not revealing any of the specifics it reminded me of a Star Wars saga from Star Wars to Attack of the clones in that order or mis order. I think masonry should make these degree mandatory or at least the Mark Master. Alot of good deep messages in this degree. I will agree with Burning Taper I think there is much more in the degree work and I think I kind of caught some of the messages that were trying to be relayed. Next up Order of Red Cross and Malta to complete the commandarie and York Rite.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-41768250999577687562008-10-10T06:19:00.000-07:002008-10-10T06:30:11.925-07:00York Rite Degree Preparation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvYFRo6T7VKaQySNFJfTlHLgAxTAn5l4sTcgqDl7SAIS7cHvt57yTGdeX6oTnXnA-yKWVPERBp1NtCXgcZAmI0jyZuYxaAzUHx-fuElMKdYUlcp__uLqqrCEE1TETVYDt5mutEWz5v_e-/s1600-h/02120t.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255516899857464514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvYFRo6T7VKaQySNFJfTlHLgAxTAn5l4sTcgqDl7SAIS7cHvt57yTGdeX6oTnXnA-yKWVPERBp1NtCXgcZAmI0jyZuYxaAzUHx-fuElMKdYUlcp__uLqqrCEE1TETVYDt5mutEWz5v_e-/s320/02120t.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Well, I am getting ready for the first part of my York Rite Journey and trying to mentally prepare myself going through. Which this Saturday it will start at 8:00 AM til who knows. I do know the other Saturday will be the Commandary part. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am getting pretty exciting about it is like reading another half of really good story only to find out To be continued... Right when the story starts to get good. I have been researching Templar history which has been very interesting and learning more about the York Rite. The Scottish Rite was another choice for me with another interesting saga to the 32 degree. I chose York Rite it seemed to be the somewhat more mysterious degrees than any other. </div><div> </div><div>Another interesting thing, I found out was that this is sometimes called the American Rite or American degree I read this a couple of times online so that is interesting in why it is called that. I have been reading on Roslyns Chapel and DeMolay really cool Templar related stuff. On one of the commandry sites I even read that at one point masons were not allowed to be a part of the Templars for some odd reason therefore debunking the theory that Masons were a part of the Templars myth. I look forward to this journey and I hope I enjoy the degree work. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-60399469620388515632008-10-08T07:21:00.000-07:002008-10-08T07:25:06.576-07:00Non-Masonic Investment Tip for Beer Drinkers during a bad economy!Okay, I know some of you may not drink and this is not really Masonic oriented but I am trying to make some light of the rough waters our economy has been in.<br /><br />Please note sound advice below.<br />If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Delta Airlines one year ago, you will have $49.00 today.<br />If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in AIG one year ago, you will have $33.00 today.<br /><br />If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Lehman Brothers one year ago, you will have $0.00 today.<br /><br />But, if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the aluminum cans for recycling refund, you will have received a $214.00.<br /><br />Based on the above, the best current investment plan is to drink heavily & recycle. It is called the 401-Keg.<br /><br />**********<br />A recent study found that the average American walks about 900 miles a year.Another study found that Americans drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year.That means that, on average, Americans get about 41 miles to the gallon!<br /><br />Makes you proud to be an American!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-2692787040202621262008-09-23T06:46:00.000-07:002008-09-23T06:54:15.573-07:00Knight Templars and Pirates<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDALaSiQaw-W9C3QMXd-jK4VN2FhSnWlndZfp9BSluQV7TmJH1qUDoasQJyotXWOffPPflO49mfXwDSD7_oRS7YrVWCNlBzgzyg1KXYi5bM_tSn9px433f3f_L8XRsugD3zhY7kZAz2BW8/s1600-h/tship1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249214052684051042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDALaSiQaw-W9C3QMXd-jK4VN2FhSnWlndZfp9BSluQV7TmJH1qUDoasQJyotXWOffPPflO49mfXwDSD7_oRS7YrVWCNlBzgzyg1KXYi5bM_tSn9px433f3f_L8XRsugD3zhY7kZAz2BW8/s320/tship1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I found this article very interesting and listed the source website very intriguing to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">templar</span> history and North America<br /><br />One legend has it that the Jolly Roger obtained its appellation from the French name for the red flag, the "Jolie Rouge." And so it may be, for the flag was first used by a French order of militant monks known as the "<a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/templar.htm">Poor Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon</a>" - commonly known as the <a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/templar-1.htm">Knights Templar</a>.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Templars</span>, were pious men. They gave up all their worldly possessions when they entered the Order, only carrying money on special occasions when they traveled alone, turning over whatever money that remained upon reaching their destination. They were ferocious warriors; pitching themselves into the midst of their enemies, astride charging warhorses, against incredible odds. Contemporaries had this to say of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Templars</span>:<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Templars</span> are most excellent soldiers. They wear white mantles with a red cross, and when they go to war a standard of two colors called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">balzaus</span> is borne before them. They go in silence. Their first attack is the most terrible. In going, they are the first. In returning, the last. They await the orders of their Master. When they think fit to make war and the trumpet has sounded, they sing in chorus the Psalm of David, "Not unto us, O Lord" kneeling on the blood and necks of the enemy, unless they have forced the troops of the enemy to retire altogether, or utterly broken them to pieces. Should any of them for any reason turn his back to the enemy, or come forth alive [from a defeat], or bear arms against the Christians, he is severely punished; the white mantle with the red cross, which is the sign of his knighthood, is taken away with ignominy, he is cast from the society of brethren, and eats his food on the floor without a napkin for the space of one year. If the dogs molest him, he does not dare to drive them away. But at the end of the year, if the Master and brethren think his penance to have been sufficient, they restore him the belt of his former knighthood. These <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Templars</span> live under a strict religious rule, obeying humbly, having no private property, eating sparingly, dressing meanly, and dwelling in tents.<a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/jolly-roger.htm#note1">1</a><br /><br />"The warriors are gentler than lambs and fiercer than lions, wedding the mildness of the monk with the valor of the knight, so that it is difficult to decide which to call them: men to adorn the Temple of Solomon with weapons instead of gems, with shields instead of crowns of gold, with saddles and bridles instead of candelabra: eager for victory -- not fame; for battle not for pomp; who abhor wasteful speech, unnecessary action, unmeasured laughter, gossip and chatter, as they despise all vain things: who, in spite of their being many, live in one house according to one rule, with one soul and one heart." -- St. Bernard of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Clairvaux</span><br /><br />"in turn lions of war and lambs at the hearth; rough knights on the battlefield, pious monks in the chapel; formidable to the enemies of Christ, gentleness itself towards His friends." -Jacques <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Vitry</span><br />Being men of principle; their rules of conduct were strict. They were willing to die for their beliefs, and so were feared on the battlefield and respected in life. Such was their reputation, that in battle, there were instances where the enemy would turn and run at the very sight of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Templars</span> entering the field. Their Rule of Order stated that breaking rank was worthy of losing ones habit. They neither asked nor gave quarter; the were expected to fight until death stayed their sword arm. Retreat from an enemy would not be countenanced unless the odds were greater than three to one against them and they were forbidden to ransom themselves if captured. They fought like men possessed, either prevailing in their cause, or suffering death under the banner of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Gol'gotha</span> - the place of the skull - where their Christ died.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Templars</span> were not to succumb to the temptation of thinking that they killed in a spirit of hate and fury, nor that they seized booty in a spirit of greed. For the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Templars</span> did not hate men, but men's wrongdoing.<br /><br /><a name="ref1"></a>They were dedicated to the protection of travelers and pilgrims of all religions, though they themselves were Christians, in fact many <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Templars</span> were of Palestinian birth, spoke perfect Arabic, and were familiar with every religious sect, cult, and magical doctrine, including that of the Islamic Assassins. The Grand Master Philip of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Nablus</span> (1167 A.D.) was a Syrian.<a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/jolly-roger.htm#note2">2</a> They were great statesmen, politically adept economic traders, and they were allied with the great sailor-fraternity that had created a worldwide trading empire in Phoenician times. They became immensely powerful - had the largest fleet and the most successful banking system in Europe. But they could not sustain their grip on the Holy Land. Their losses<a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/jolly-roger.htm#note3">3</a> were too great, and they were eventually driven off the Levant by <a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/saladin.htm">Saladin</a>, their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Moslem</span> adversary, in 1291. They continued to fight for their cause in the only manner they could - on the high seas.<br /><br />The best known Templar pirate ship was the Falcon, "the greatest that had been built at that time."<a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/jolly-roger.htm#note4">4</a> She was in the harbor when the fortress of Acre fell "and rescued many 'ladies and damsels and great treasure and many important people'<a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/jolly-roger.htm#note4">4</a> by evacuating them to '<a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/montaigu.htm#Atlit"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Atlit</span></a>."<br />After the orderly navel evacuation of '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Atlit</span>, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Templars</span> retreated to their Mediterranean island bases on Cyprus, Rhodes and Sicily. Until their dissolution, they, together with the Order of St. John, continued as the foremost maritime powers in the Mediterranean, continuing to effectively wage war on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Moslem</span> shipping.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Templars</span> were still very powerful but in the eyes of European monarchs and the Church, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Templars</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">raison</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">d'tre</span> had ceased with the loss of the Holy Lands. Jealousy and covetousness reigned. Phillip IV, who was deeply in dept to the Order, had seen their treasures stored in Paris, and designed to make it his own.<br /><br />On Friday morning October 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">th</span> 1307 - and the reason for which Friday the 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">th</span> has become known as an unlucky day - King Phillip IV together with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Avignonese</span> Pope Clement V, ruthlessly suppressed the Order throughout Europe, with false accusations, arrests, torture and executions. (<a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/templar-dates.htm">Timeline</a>) Though they were offered <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">communted</span> sentences and comfortable lives if they would renounce their Order and plead guilty to the charges, for some mysterious reason, they preferred to remain true to their principles<a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/jolly-roger.htm#note5">5</a> and received their punishment.<br /><br />A large number of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Templars</span> escaped that day to an uncertain future, and found refuge abroad. On the eve of the arrests, the entire Templar fleet mysteriously vanished from the port of La Rochelle carrying with it a vast fortune, the fate of which remains a mystery down to this day.<br /><br />Just as a terrorist to one is a freedom fighter to another, so it was with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Templars</span> and their fleet. Wanted by the Pope and all the crowns of Europe, they came to be viewed, by the "comfortable folks" on the mainland, as pirates.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvjjVuysD1n20lVlGZCNb1c7GhBPtj7t8FOgBjThtRSBwN-CzvUL89jDe-wv4h3E5AHUC1gXe88hzy1JWhH1Sg5CbwK9C7SbAc_ofHrv-UwZU9gxXBdIiQLFMdN0viudk8aE3K-MK3Q98/s1600-h/tship4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249214270341783778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvjjVuysD1n20lVlGZCNb1c7GhBPtj7t8FOgBjThtRSBwN-CzvUL89jDe-wv4h3E5AHUC1gXe88hzy1JWhH1Sg5CbwK9C7SbAc_ofHrv-UwZU9gxXBdIiQLFMdN0viudk8aE3K-MK3Q98/s320/tship4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After being driven out of the Holy Land as well as Europe, but still formidable at sea, the refugee <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Templars</span> found sanctuary in Scotland, where Templar graves bear witness to them having lived and died there in the fourteenth century. <a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/bruce.htm">King Robert the Bruce</a> had no interest in persecuting the Order, in spite of a papal bull ordering him to do precisely that. To the contrary, he took advantage of their fugitive status, offering them asylum in return for their help in his war for independence against King Edward II of England. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Templars</span> have been suggested as the source of mounted soldiers who assisted Robert the Bruce's Scots Guard at the battle of <a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/scot-battles.htm#BannocburnA"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Bannockburn</span></a>, as the Scots did not have a mounted force.<br />As the Scots Guard continued through the years, two of the prominent families involved in its history were the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Sinclairs</span> and the Stuarts. Both families trace their lineage back to members of the Knights Templar, as well as to prominent figures of the New Testament. Hugues <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Payns</span> the first Grand Master of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Templars</span> was married to a Sinclair.<br />There is also evidence that the <a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/westford-knight.htm">Templar fleet traveled to North America</a> in 1398 (almost 100 years before Columbus) with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Sinclairs</span>, and settled there at least temporarily. Connections are made between the <a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/newport-tower.htm">tower ruins</a> along the eastern coast of the United States, objects discovered in the <a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/oak-Island.htm">Oak Island "Money Pit"</a>, and the Templar Order.<br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Sinclairs</span> (or Saint-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Clairs</span>) castle near Edinburgh, was situated next to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Rosslyn</span> chapel, which was constructed by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Sinclairs</span> according to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">floorplan</span> of <a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/solomontemple/solomontemple1.htm">Solomon's original temple</a>. Engraved in the masonry around the chapel are maize and aloe plants, which grew only in North America.<br />Throughout Scotland, as well as within <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Rosslyn</span> Chapel, there are carvings and tombstones dating back to the 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">th</span>, 16<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">th</span>, and 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">th</span> century using combinations of Templar imagery (skull and crossbones, Templar swords, Templar crosses) and Masonic symbols (compass and square).<br />The Stuart royal house became one of Freemasonry's biggest supporters during their reign of Scotland and England.<br />Some also suggest that the rituals used in modern Freemasonry have their origins in the ancient texts discovered by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Templars</span> in the ruins of Solomon's Temple while excavating to build their stables. Recent archaeological digs in the area have supported this theory by finding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">serveral</span> Templar artifacts buried beneath the temple. In the 1950's, a scroll made entirely of copper was discovered in the caves near Qumran. When translated with the other "<a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/dead-sea-scrolls.htm">Dead Sea Scrolls</a>", this "Copper Scroll", as it has become known, was identified as a treasure map listing various precious metals, religious artifacts, and writings supposedly buried beneath the temple in Jerusalem.<br />By the 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">th</span> and 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">th</span> centuries, the skull and crossbones was a symbol with a powerful reputation but identified with no official organization. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Templars</span> had long since gone underground and evolved into other organizations. The symbol was usurped and came to be associated with the <a href="http://skullandcrossbones.org/articles/pirates.htm">pirates</a> of which we are more familiar. They changed the flag to suit their needs replacing the crossbones with swords, adding hourglasses or other symbols.<br /><a name="note1"></a>Anonymous Pilgrim V.2, tr. A. Stewart, Anonymous Pilgrims, I-VII (11<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">th</span> and 12<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">th</span> centuries), Palestine Pilgrims' Text Society 6, London, 1894 p 29-30.<br /><a name="note2"></a>A History of Secret Societies, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Arkon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">Daraul</span>, 1962, Citadel Press, NY<br /><a name="note3"></a>At <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">Harim</span> in 1164 they had sixty dead from a contingent of sixty-seven; in the space of a little over two months in 1187 they lost 290 knights at the Springs of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Cresson</span> and at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">Hattin</span>; in 1237, while besieging <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">Darbsak</span>, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">Templars</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">Baghras</span> were heavily defeated by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">Aleppan</span> troops, leaving them with only twenty survivors from a force of 120 knights; at La <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">Forbie</span>, in October 1244, they emerged with only thirty-three knights from the 300 they had contributed to the army; less than six years later, at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">Mansurah</span>, the Grand Master told <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">Joinville</span> that 280 of his knights had been killed. It is natural to see such losses in human terms, but at the same time it should not be forgotten that each of these knights represented a large financial investment. In 1267 the cost of maintaining a knight for the defence of Acre for a year was ninety <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">livres</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">tournois</span>. As a good estimate of the average annual income of the French <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">monarcy</span> at the time of Louis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">IX's</span> first crusade is approximately 250,000 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">livres</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71">tournois</span>, this means that even if each knight killed at La <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">Forbie</span> represents only a year's investment of Templar resources, the total loss was still little short of a ninth of the annual Capetian income. - Barber, Malcolm, "The New Knighthood", p232<br /><a name="note4"></a>Ramon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73">Muntaner</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_74">Cronica</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_75">Catalana</span>, p. 368-9, also the Chronicle of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_76">Muntaner</span> tr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_77">Goodenough</span> p466-9.<br /><a name="note5"></a>Principle - guiding sense of the requirements and obligations of right conduct: a man of principle.<br /><br /><br />Paraphrasing the crusade historian William of Tyre, "Accepting that 'mistakes tend to creep into lengthy communications' [Prov 10:19], we invite our reader to correct errors in the spirit of kindness." - CC <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_78">LXIII</span>, p 101.<br /><br />Source:http://www.skullandcrossbones.orgUnknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-77915748925730272062008-09-23T06:42:00.000-07:002008-09-23T06:43:44.114-07:00MASONIC MEMBERSHIP CARD<div align="center">MASONIC MEMBERSHIP CARD- Author Unknown<br />I hold in my hand a little scrap of paper<br />2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches in size. </div><div align="center"><br />It is of no intrinsic worth,<br />not a bond, not a check or receipt for valuables,<br />yet it is my most priceless possession. </div><div align="center"><br />It is my membership card in a Masonic Lodge. </div><div align="center"><br />It tells me that I have entered<br />into a spiritual kinship with my fellow Masons<br />to practice charity in word and deed;<br />to forgive and forget the faults of my brethren;<br />to hush the tongues of scandal and innuendo;<br />to care for the crippled, the hungry and the sick,<br />and to be fair and just to all mankind. </div><div align="center"><br />It tells me that no matter where<br />I may travel in the world,<br />I am welcome to visit a place where good fellowship prevails<br />among brothers and friends.<br />It tells me that my loved ones, my home,<br />and my household are under the protection<br />of every member of this great Fraternity,<br />who have sworn to defend and protect mine<br />as I have sworn to defend and protect theirs.</div><div align="center"><br />It tells me that should I ever be overtaken<br />by adversity or misfortune<br />through no fault of my own,<br />the hands of every Mason on the face of the earth<br />will be stretched forth to assist me in my necessities. </div><div align="center"><br />And finally, it tells me<br />that when my final exit from the stage of life has been made,<br />there will be gathered around my lifeless body,<br />friends and brothers who will recall to mind my virtues,<br />though they be but few,<br />and will forget my faults,<br />though they may be many. </div><div align="center"><br />It tells me that, and a great deal more,<br />this little card,<br />and makes me proud yet humble,<br />that I can possess this passport<br />into a society of friends and brothers<br />that are numbered in the millions. </div><div align="center"><br />SO MOTE IT BE !! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-2488876944692607092008-09-16T05:49:00.000-07:002008-09-16T05:55:22.328-07:00I SEE YOU'VE TRAVELED SOMEI SEE YOU'VE TRAVELED SOME<br /><br />- Author unknown<br /><div align="center"><br />Wherever you may chance to be </div><div align="center"><br />Wherever you may roam, </div><div align="center"><br />Far away in foreign lands; </div><div align="center"><br />Or just at Home Sweet Home; </div><div align="center"><br />It always gives you pleasure, </div><div align="center"><br />it makes your heart strings hum </div><div align="center"><br />Just to hear the words of cheer, </div><div align="center"><br />"I see you've traveled some." </div><div align="center"><br />When you get a brother's greeting,</div><div align="center"><br />And he takes you by the hand, </div><div align="center"><br />It thrills you with a feeling </div><div align="center"><br />that you cannot understand, </div><div align="center"><br />You feel that bond of brotherhood<br />that tie that's sure to come </div><div align="center"><br />When you hear him say in a friendly way </div><div align="center"><br />"I see you've traveled some." </div><div align="center"><br />And if you are a stranger, </div><div align="center"><br />In strange lands all alone </div><div align="center"><br />If fate has left you stranded </div><div align="center"><br />Dead broke and far from home, </div><div align="center"><br />It thrills you--makes you numb, </div><div align="center"><br />When he says with a grip of fellowship, </div><div align="center"><br />"I see you've traveled some." </div><div align="center"><br />And when your final summons comes, </div><div align="center"><br />To take a last long trip, </div><div align="center"><br />Adorned with Lambskins Apron White </div><div align="center"><br />and gems of fellowship </div><div align="center"><br />The tiler at the Golden Gate, </div><div align="center"><br />With square and rule and plumb </div><div align="center"><br />Will size up your pin and say "Walk In", </div><div align="center"><br /><strong>"I see you've traveled some."</strong> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-90111343204727880652008-09-10T18:23:00.000-07:002008-09-10T18:35:11.305-07:00I feel guilty<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3vjJ4dNlLxyj417XYKRzjMrKB2Jtqif9nju-_Y5p5_dAn2WNAh88QLnU0Aut0XTFTfoV9rry574dq6ZaMriWiZACWNh4V8VOsaw5WdrkjRhH56uDWhrLu4MO6u9y3fr83ue3NJH1Kj5V/s1600-h/whistle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244568804909335986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3vjJ4dNlLxyj417XYKRzjMrKB2Jtqif9nju-_Y5p5_dAn2WNAh88QLnU0Aut0XTFTfoV9rry574dq6ZaMriWiZACWNh4V8VOsaw5WdrkjRhH56uDWhrLu4MO6u9y3fr83ue3NJH1Kj5V/s320/whistle.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Coaching is a corner stone</span></strong></div><br />After vacation I finally had a chance to go to our monthly business meeting and a topic of coaching brothers who are moving up in the degrees. To be honest, I felt kind of guilty do to the work load of starting a new business and changes in my life. I then realized the excitement I felt moving up in the degrees and studying the degree work. I made time to go to degree work and study with a coach. Now it is time for me to give back a little and I shy away. I am looking forward to the York Rite in fall but after that meeting I felt like crap.. I am going to find a balance to at least one brother to coach this year. I am tired of feeling like crap... It is time to give back. I encourage all to get with the secretary and find some brothers who need help and help them out. This is my goal for the year and I hope one you will make too. <br />Fraternally,<br />Shane HaleUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055472486106779759.post-79215810827710275722008-09-02T18:57:00.000-07:002008-09-02T19:08:03.501-07:00I Apologize for thisI just got home from the monthly lodge meeting and a brother approached me about my blog saying it was a good read but he was concerned. He stated "Why do you have a link to Masonic Secrets Revealed?" I was numb to the fact knowing that my site did not have such a link. <br />Then it dawned on me!! I used a Google Adsense Widget that was a part of my Google Blogger account. Wanting to monetize a little and make a few pennies on pay per click advertising. I remembered Google uses adsense to target content and keywords.<br /><br />For example: If your site was about apples and you had a bunch of stuff about apples and you used adsense it would display content oriented stuff like apple pie or secrets to growing apples placement advertising. So if some knuckle head was selling a book revealing masonic secrets then it would display on a Masonic oriented site.<br /><br />I have removed my adsense widget and want to apologize to every brother. Sometimes you can become numb to advertisements to not really pay attention to what they actually are saying. To all the readers I am sorry. <br /><br />Thanks to the brother who made me aware of it!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2