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CLAY BURTON

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So long 2022. As we head into 2023 just know that life in the world has not changed since last year

1/4/2023

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So long 2022. As we head into 2023 just know that life in the world has not changed since last year, nor has it ever changed since the dawn of humankind by human self-will, also known as free will.
So don't go blaming God for all the world's problems that humankind creates for ourselves.
But, just as millions of people can cause such chaos, division, anger, and anarchy, so can millions of people change it all for the better.
But how?
Well, you are hearing it more and more each day now.
Be The Change.
What does this mean?
We must be the change that we seek in the world.
Lead by example, with no expectations of others to change.
Each one of us who changes for the better individually is one more of us that makes up a unified community.
One person at a time.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Life has not changed in the world, it never will.
But how we see it can.

How we react and respond to it all.
Our perceptions and perspectives.
Can I find a reason and purpose in the worst of things?
Can I make sense of the senseless?
Can I find peace in the middle of madness?
Yes, I can.

I must.
Or else live unhappily and die unhappy.
In every storm there is God.
The worst of times send us searching for help.
Who cares how and when we find him?
He doesn't.
As a matter of fact, God loves us even more when we call out for him.
The reason and purpose.
The sense of the senseless.

Without challenges, there is no opportunity to overcome them.
When we overcome we are stronger, wiser, inspired, and hopeful. Adversity often teaches us, right from wrong.
Without adversity, how would we know what right or wrong is?
​Overcoming adversity is the human spirit.

Are we going to be a part of the solutions or the problems?
Then we choose.
Happy New Year to all my wonderful friends out here!
I Love You!
​Yes, I Do!

Clay Burton
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Howdy Friends... Clay Burton

11/17/2022

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​Howdy Friends!
Ok so, if you know me well, by now you must have noticed that when I therapeutically publish some amateur creative writing that my mental hypomania tends to speak my mind, without thinking about it for too long.
Almost spontaneously my thinking pours out of my head faster than my finger's can hit the keyboard.
You can call me CrAzY if you like, but just don't call me late for dinner! lol! I know that's a very old joke, but hey, I couldn't resist.
And bedsides, I ain't no spring chicken! lol! That's another old metaphor by the way, just in case your too young to know. Ah never mind.
I'm so CrAzY, as a matter of fact, that I am unafraid of many things in life that I probably should be afraid of. Ya know the curious cat? But, I have no idea why I am still alive. I spent my nine lives by the time I was 15.
So being CrAzY, like most all attributes humans possess has its pros and cons, good and bad, and up's and down's. Depends on the momentary situation and circumstances occurring at the time.
Habitually thinking outside of the norm boundaries does allow me to sees things in perspectives that may otherwise be bound by logic. Think Salvador Dali having a picnic in The Land of Oz.
At other times, and in other moods, I am actually wanting to think logically. I often yearn for the simplicity that might minimize my complexity. To still the rough waves crashing against the rocks on the shoreline, that might create calm waters.
That was a nice one! "Still the rough waves. Calm the water". Get it?Yea, I'm good.
So, with all of this shared, it seems that God is always sending me on a quest for higher knowledge. To seek out the mysteries of the universe. To unlock, the axis that lies deep within a cognitive chasm. An abyss that is our bottomless Cerebral Cortex Vortex!
See, another nice one. "Cortex Vortex?" Get it? Come on Man. You know I got this!
So Many Questions! So Many Unknown Answers!!!
Like when Charmin toilet paper claims to, "Let You Enjoy The Go!".
As to suggest that is you use Charmin, then your bowel movements will be a a wonderful and pleasant experience. A memory to be relished for years to come! A Flatulent Fantasy!
But here's the pondering question.
How can you "Enjoy The Go" if you use Charmin "After The Go?" I mean what do you, in order to have such an enjoyable movement, before the movement is over, with Charmin?
I mean if it had the daily news with pictures printed on the toilet paper so you could read it, I would probably enjoy the Charmin Go. But heck! I might as well use the newspaper after I read it, after I'm done with My Go!
Omg! This and so many other enigmatic queries of science plague my mind! Why God, Why do I care? Why must I know!? I just want a simple answer, or to nothing at all! Please God!!!
For once, I just want to watch a T.V. commercial about a new medicinal product on the market each week, that will give you energy, make you feel young, help you become popular, and go live in Bahamas resort, and yet, not question all the side effects that can cause cause cancer, blindness, respiratory problems, migraines, venereal warts, gangrene and possible death!
Is it me? Really? Am I CraZy?
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A Veterans Day Tribute by- Clay Burton

11/10/2022

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​A Veterans Day Tribute
by- Clay Burton
There simply are no words...
How could I ever express the grace that I have received, given by God and delivered to me by his angel warriors?
The brave, the courageous. The unselfish and the bold. The defenders, protectors and preservers of our nations constitutional rights and liberties. Our freedom.
Those fearless in duty and so very afraid in battle. Who risk, their lives, their limbs, their eyes, ears and minds. Who sacrificed their families, husbands, wives and children.
In the knee high, freezing cold mud and constant rains.
In the sweltering heat and humidity.
No food, no showers, no beds, no shelter.
Exposed to mosquitos, rats, bugs, snakes, disease and God only knows what more?
In unfamiliar, alien territory across the globe, in another far off land, dreaming of home and praying to the lord almighty with their last dying breathe.
Many of the these magnificent hero's are so young, and yet they received their calling and were eagerly willing to do the next right thing.
Not for themselves, but for their children and their future. Something most important and worth dyeing for.
Ask yourself. What are you willing to give up, that you have right now?
All the modem comforts and conveniences?
When the only way possible that we have all these things is because they fought and died for our opportunities.
Happy Veterans Day! Thank you dearly for your service.
God Bless America!
In God We Trust.
One Nation Under God!
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Acting my age all depends on what kind of mood I am in

9/2/2022

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Acting my age all depends on what kind of mood I am in, where I am at, what's going on around me, and who I am with at the moment.
Some call me CrAzY.

Haters gonna hate, ya know?
Better you, than me.
But, I love ya anyway, because God says so.
Took me a while to figure that one out.

How can I love somebody who hates me?
Love thy enemy?
Pray for thy enemy?
Why?
Lord, you're sure asking an awful lot of me.
I had to change everything about who I was, and how think, in order to understand forgiveness.

And forgiveness is not always for my enemy to find peace, but perhaps, more so, about me acquiring peace in my own heart.
You see if I hate my enemy back, as they do me', am I any different than they are?

They are angry, and now I am angry.
Nope, not me.
I have paid my dues in that hell hole for far, far too long.
Yes, Sir, I am crazy!

lol.
I am so crazy, that am not afraid of most things that I should be afraid of.
Anger is a product of fear.
So you're just going to have to find someone else to bully.
I cannot be certain that there is even going to be another tomorrow.

So I have no energy left, to spend on wasteful, useless, and time-consuming, emotional, negativity.
And that means, that I am loving each day more, as I get older and wiser.

And it also means that I am having more freedom and fun now than ever before, in my life.
My heart and mind grow younger and closer to God.
And that's why I can love you.
like he does.
God doesn't just help those who help themselves.
He helps everyone.
Anyone.
And he loves all those who don't love him back.

Maybe he loves them even more.
That's what true love is.
Unconditional.
Without offering love, there can be no opportunity for those who would hate, to find it.
If I have been forgiven, then I must forgive.

If I was given love then I must give it away, so that I may keep it.
So, no matter what feels like, or look like, at any given time, I'm always living in love.
But don't push my buttons.
​Clay Burton 2022

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​The Greatest Peace Of All, For Me,by Clay Burton

12/27/2021

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​The Greatest Peace Of All, For Me,
Is When I Find It In The Worst Of Times,
I Can Find Peace In The Acceptance,
Of All My Tribulations That I Am Unable To Change.
And I Find Courage In The Trials That, I Am Able, To Change.
And Through Gods Infinite Wisdom,
I May Understand The Difference Between,
What To Accept,
To Let Go,
To Let God,
To Do Alone,
For Me,
And What Is Ours To Do, Together.
Surrendering All My Self-Will,
For Gods Will Alone.
His Reasons And Purpose,
That I May Not See Now,
That In The Future, (Perhaps) I May.
Nothing In This World Can Change,
Unless And Until I Change.
And Together We Can Do,
Through Gods Grace And Guidance,
All That Which, Needs To Be Done,
That We Could Not Do Alone!
To COVID, And Enemy Influence Of God.
I See You.
I Know That You Are There.
I Acknowledge You.
But I No L:onger Fear You.
I Will No Longer Allow You To Darken My Door.
I Will No Longer Fear Sickness Or Death.
Living This Way, Is No Way To Live.
Life Is Not Living, In Fear Of Death Each Day.
My Life Was Given,
And Any Time Be Taken Away.
And Another Day Was Never Promised.
My New Years Resolution?
To Live My Life,
As If It Were My Last Day Earth.
Celebrating Each Moment. While I Have It.
To COVID, And The Adversarial Forces,
My Scars Remain,
But You No longer Rule My Life.
Not My, Feelings And Emotions.
In One Way, Or Another,
You Are Here,
You Have Always Been Here,
And Always Will Be Here,
As Is Always Has Been Here,
My Faith, And Hope.
A New Year,
A New Beginning,
A New Opportunity.
Overcoming Adversity,
Allows Us To Know Peace,
Where There Once Was No Peace.
And Often We Must Fight For It.
We May Have To Sacrifice Our Lives.
But That Which Does Not Kill Us,
Only Makes Us Stronger.
The Future Is Not About Us.
The Future Is Every Child.
And What Will We Give, To Them?
Will Determine Everyone's Future.
Happy New Year 2022!
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An American Awakening. A moment of terror, an eternity of great sorrow.-by Clay Burton

9/9/2021

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​An American Awakening.
A moment of terror, an eternity of great sorrow.
-by Clay Burton
Thank you to every single veteran and first responder who could do no other thing than to defend, protect and save a life. Thank you for your brave courageous, and unselfish service. You all please God so well.
The September 11 attacks, often referred to as 9/11, were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the militant Islamist terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States of America on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001.
Date: September 11, 2001, 7:46 AM CDT
Number of deaths: 2,996
Injuries (nonfatal): 25,000
It was not something that just happened.
Of the 2,977 victims killed in the September 11 attacks, 412 were emergency workers in New York City who responded to the World Trade Center. This included:
343 firefighters (including a chaplain and two paramedics) of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
37 police officers of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department (PAPD)
23 police officers of the New York City Police Department (NYPD)
8 emergency medical technicians and paramedics from private emergency medical services
3 New York State Court Officers
1 patrolman from the New York Fire Patrol
Ladies and Gentlemen of America. Lest We Never Forget.
THE LONGEST WAR:
Not only was 9/11 not something that just happened but it is I still happening.
It had never gone away. How can a 5000-year-old radical ideology go away?
Yes, folk's it's, happening, and its, happening again. And let's not ignore this fact until it's time to go buy candles, ribbons and, balloons after the fact, just so that we can have closure.
So we can call it all healing, and staying strong and resilient together.
Folks we have reached a historical level of emotional detachment, desensitization, and short attention spans. All except for all those who have lost their families, husbands, wives, children, and friends.
They can never forget until the next time, that it's time, to remember all over again.
You may think of me negatively for stirring up perceived, unnecessary, emotions of fear and worry. As if the aftermath of terrorism was necessary at all.
Meanwhile, new, news becomes old news, and old news becomes, new again.
Thinking that The U.S. pull out of Afahganatsan is over is like thinking that on May 18, 2018, at Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas could not ever happen again.
As if we all thought it could ever happen to us right here at home in the first place.
And we did not. But it did. We were not prepared.
Percentage of U.S. population born since the 2001 attacks plotted by al-Qaida leaders who were sheltering in Afghanistan: Roughly one out of every four.
THE HUMAN COST:
American service members killed in Afghanistan through April: 2,448.
U.S. contractors: 3,846.
Afghan national military and police: 66,000.
Other allied service members, including from other NATO member states 1,144.
Afghan civilians: 47,245.
Taliban and other opposition fighters: 51,191.
Aid workers: 444.
Journalists: 72.
You may ask what can we do to prevent this kind of thing from happening again? I am certain there are a million things that we as Galveston County citizens can do.
But it would take getting involved. Electing leaders, forming committees, having meetings, with a diversified community in action.
But most importantly of all? Let's stop fighting each other at least as much and for right now. Is that reasonable?
We don't have to like each other to work together. And the easiest way to tolerate a co-worker is when we do not make the job all about us. But for the sake of others in need.
In WW2 The United States of American had stayed out of the war until Britain, the last stand of Europe could no, longer withstand Hitler's vast expending genocidal global domination.
We as Americans knew very well that we had to take the fight against Hitler around the world before our freedom was obliviated.
We joined forces with our allies to conquer this evil together.
But we as a nation of people also joined forces with each other. Every race, gender, religion, class, and age, here at home was very clear what was taking place.
It was literally a Do or Die, United We Stand, Divided We Fall, end of the world as we know it, life and death situation. Why is it not now?
In the next year be prepared for the emboldened regimes of terrorist organizations to taunt their victories by terrorizing us. Again.
Would you that I am inciting panic? Honey? We've been living in panic with Pandemics, Natural disasters, and War conflicts for a century now.
The problem is that we forget Because we want to forget. Because we can't sit still with technology long enough to remember yesterday.
So am I just being negative with no solutions of my own? No, I am not. I do have a solution. Pray. A lot.
Pray for everything. Give thanks, show gratitude and appreciation, be kind to each other, raise our kids by examples of mature adulthood and give, give, give!
During WW2 there were two major historical feats performed by American citizens who built or defenses and won the war. Sacrifice and Rationing.
That meant to give away and giving up. Volunteer! Everyone dropped what they were doing to do something for the war efforts. We can do this again.
No, we cannot change the country, nor the world. But we can be that change in Galveston County. Every race, gender, religion, class, and age, here at home can lead by example. We don't have to look for leaders when we can become leaders. Leaders lead not to gain flowers.
But to create more leaders. The next generations. Politicians can stop using our children as campaign slogans for building a better world and begin building better opportunities for our children.
We can no longer rely on the Government to solve all of our problems without helping the government that, We The People" formed.
What can we do to help? We could ask our Counties municipal elected officials. We're on our smartphones all day anyway. Emails? City council meetings.
Call your local City Hall for something other than to complain. Seems to me that getting involved in helping them do their jobs would mean they would have more time to do the better jobs for us.
If you feel for whatever reason that you are unable to volunteer to help. Then the best help of all is support. Support others who are able to volunteer.
Encourage, appreciate, and say thank you for your service work. CommUnity! Together We Can Do, Through God, What We Could Not Do Alone.
This is not a plea for peace and love, only. It is a call to citizens' duty, and responsibility to do the hard work that not many today seem to want to do or to give the time that we would prefer to keep to ourselves.
Not just for today, but every day. If we work hard every day, then we get used to working hard. If we don't work, then, we are not likely to embrace the earning of our rewards.
If we are given everything, then how could we appreciate all the daily gifts in our lives?
The very smallest of blessings in all of our lives each and every day.
What I am saying in all of this post. Is that inspiration, self-worth, well-being, positive feelings, that we get from achieving goals together create morale, encouragement, energy, happiness, usefulness, and inclusion.
These are only a few spiritual, principles that defend against and defeat evil.
Thank you for letting me share.
God Is In Everything.
God Bless America.
One Nation Under God (Everyone)
In God We Trust.
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Disclaimer: Delta Flight Or Fight.-by Clay Burton

7/30/2021

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​Disclaimer: Delta Flight Or Fight.
-by Clay Burton
This post is based on my opinions, despite any facts that it may contain. It may be viewed as theoretically conspiratorial. But If we're concerned about those who do read this and feel that way? I wouldn't have written it.
I cannot offer different research studies, percentages, statistics, or testing as fact. As these often contradict each other due to the politically divisive, life we are living in today where "feelings" and "fear" can't conclude the facts.
Thank you biased media!
From my own opinions and research. Yes. The Delta Variant is highly contagious. However, has been thus far determined not as life-threatening as COVID-19.
I refuse to spend another year or lifetime in fear and watch our children suffer their education and mental-emotional health.
I want to hear about death toll risk, death rates, and hospitalizations. No More Unsubstantiated, Unnecessary, And Political Fear.
Get Vaccinated? Wear a Mask? What is the point?
More variants are likely to occur. Such as more variants of The Flu have occurred. I believe that all pandemics are money makers in the same way that political-global War Conflicts are big money.
Dr. Fauci, The CDC, WHO, Politicians, are always changing their positions and have been doing so creating new stresses and challenges. They claim that because science changes, so do the researched information.
I get that. I agree. At the beginning that is. But how long has it been now? And you don't know any more than you do then?
Fear is the best money maker of all. Although there is reason to fear at the beginning of any unexpected life-changing and life-threatening human global trauma.
But so far after decades of "end of the world" scenarios here we are. Resilient.
Some may call our political unrest, anger, division, chaos, and confusion a far worse scenario and much more problematic. Especially for our kid's indoctrinated belief systems.
Where is Love, Peace, Unity, Understanding, and Fun in such a dark and seemingly hopeless world?
Undetermined? Vaccinated or Unvaccinated? Once again from the start? Do masks work or not work? I always say that results, evidence, and outcomes determine the truth.
Is the Delta variant more dangerous than other variants of concern?
According to surveys conducted in the U.K., where Delta accounts for ~90% of current COVID-19 cases, symptoms of Delta tend to be a little different than other strains, but that does not necessarily mean the associated symptoms are more severe.
Research is ongoing to determine if Delta infection is associated with increased hospitalization and death. However, it appears that the Unvaccinated Folks are more at risk.
In conclusion of my opinionated views on our continuous and uncertain pandemic journey, my biggest concerns are how a life-threatening illness can change our Freedom. Our Decision making. Our Independents. Our Choices?
Folks in 243 Years we have gone through either the same crises of many different kinds or way worse!
Small Pox, Polio, the Spanish Flu, Sars, Zika, West Nile, Ebola, H1N1, H1N2, HIV/AIDS, German Measles, Swine Flu, Bird Flu, and many other epidemics and pandemics.
We here on the Gulf Coast have endured and survived The Great 1900 Storm and numerous devastating Hurricanes that have followed ever since.
And here we are. Better, Stronger, Wiser, And Ready for the next inevitable storms. And although we can never be so ready, for the unexpected? We know that God is in every storm.
Faith Not Fear. In God We Trust. God Bless America. One Nation Under God, With God All Things Are Possible.
Thanks for letting me share.
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This is for Mom on Mother's Day. Clay Burton

5/9/2021

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This is for Mom on Mother's Day.
For whatever legitimate, yet, unfortunate reasons and unhealthy environmental circumstances that contributed to my long journey of being lost in the world, and despite being unaware at a very young age, of why it all was at it was.
It was I who had chosen to remain a victim as I grew older and older.
That is until one day that God saw fit to show mercy on me and gave me an opportunity to get on a more rightful path. And I still walk it and have far to go. By Kingdom Come.
But it was my Mom that God chose for me, that had allowed me to be safe through her prayers. For decades I had been in every harmful and illegal, activity imaginable while sewing all my wild oats.
Yet I never have had a criminal record. Nope, none. How can this be? Because my Mom instilled in me and my brothers the importance of common courtesy and respect.
Yes Sir, No Mam, Thank you.
So when I got in trouble, (which was often) the officers that had me in the back of the patrol car would take a look at me and perhaps think to themselves, "This kid doesn't seem so bad, he just needs some direction".
But what they said to me was more like this, "Son you get your $%# outta here right now ya hear me? And if I catch you round here again, I'll throw your lil chubby butt where there ain't no sunlight! Get it?
Yes Sir! Thank you, Sir! Have A Good Day Sir!
Thank You!.............gone!
BTW? Thank You, Judge Nelson! (whew)
So this recent award was presented to me by our very own Hitchcock Chamber of Commerce in Galveston County and wouldn't have been possible without you Mom.
It may have taken 46 years (58 in May) but the last 12 years have been filled with the God-given Grace of spiritual maturity that has made me the spiritual warrior that I am today.
God has a plan for everyone, in their own time, for a long as there is time left. God loves a sinner most I think. Cuz they make the best testimonials! Woo Hoo!
You are looking at a person who formally engaged in drug addiction, emotional self-destruction, and self-loathing who was absolutely spiritually lost.
I do not brag or boast about my achievements or toot my own horn. Oh, Wait! TOOT! Damn right.
Ya know how hard it is these days to be positive and productive? Of course, you do. Daily challenges where we all want to throw in the towel at times?
So I want to inspire, empower and encourage everyone to see themselves as God sees his children. That's Us! You and me. And we are far from perfect! But we are, however, Perfectly-Imperfect! Yep Human.
And I am honored, privileged, and so very, very blessed to be a part of the solutions instead of the problems in a global community of multi-millions of recovering addicts of many different kinds of addictions.
And they have unimaginable horror stories from the past and incredible victory stories of today! From hopeless rejects of society to productive members of society.
Never reject what appears to be a loser. Especially without judging ourselves first. Or how about not judging at all? They may be the next testimony of "Saved By Grace".
That's my Mom and Dad! How Friggen Blessed Am I? When so many are suffering right now, feel as if they have no one at all. But we have each other. We are never alone. But it's a choice.
Thank you, to all my friends and family who overlooked, my hypo-mania, and loved and supported me for exactly who I am. As God made me, and you.
https://www.facebook.com/i45NOW/videos/483354359553733
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I didn't find God. God found me by Clay Burton

2/25/2021

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I didn't find God. God found me. I was lost, and then I was found. But it took most all of life. Actually God and the son, Jesus Christ, was always with me. Even when I was doing the worst to myself. I didn't realize in those horrible places of sinful and dark self-destruction that Jesus was weeping while holding me the entire time. I believed like so many emotionally damaged, as was I, who were perhaps exposed to unimaginable environments and unspeakable abuses could ever be redeemed. It is very common for the innocents being abuse to believe that somehow it was their own fault that is causing them to be abused. And so the endless question in the mind gets lost in the confusion of, Why? What did I do so wrong to deserve this? As a result, typically comes the need for relief. And to often that relief comes in the from of many kinds of addictions. Temporary fixes that comfort, but for only a short while and then must be replaced again and again to avoid the pain. And so the insanity of doing the same things over and over begins and never would seem to end. I spent many decades like this. Growing older and yet too emotionally immature to cope with life like a productive member of society. I behaved like a reject, I was told that I was a reject, so I believed that I was one, and that was who I thought I was for a vey long time. Being a reject was all that I knew, it was my identity, and it was there for me everyday. As if it were some kind of twisted and reliable security that I could count on. It was the only thing that I knew how to do well. To do bad. The rest is a long, long story. But today, it is only by Gods Good Grace and the love, hope and forgiveness of Jesus Christ our Lord, our King, is it that I see, when I was so blind for so long. I have 12 years now free from addiction and substance abuse. I am a volunteer behavioral, recovery coach. Today I carry the message. I share my experience and strength. I never could have fathomed that the very things that could have killed me, would actually serve as wellness for others as it does now. What had happened was, that God, through my complete surrender, of my self-will, for only his, had turned every single horrible sin that I had invoked, into wisdom that could not have been acquired any other way for me. God had a plan for me and millions of others like me. To be his vessels, his testimonies, his ministers and his soldiers. It is one thing to suffer, and another to survive. Some of us in the wars go home as child back to Father, while others stay here to win the daily battles on earth for a while longer. We have work to do. And that is the real reason and purpose that I have today. This is my true identify. That I was born perfectly-imperfect. That God loves a sinner like me and uses broken spirts to achieve great and amazing things! I could never, ever possibly want, need or have a more wonderful life that I have today. I am free from emotional bondage and no longer a slave to Satan's influence. He may be there, I cannot and will not deny him. He is always there to remind me. But the only power that Satan has over me now, is the power that I give his influence over me. I allow it. How is this possible? Because of pure faith. If I fear Satan and worry about his influences everyday, then am I saying that he is as or more powerful than God is? I think not. Because the exact opposite of faith, literally is doubt. There cannot be both doubt and faith in the same room. And since my past is now useful wisdom, I keep busy all the time. No time to think too much, until its the time to think. I can see more than I could have ever seen before through the eyes of my Savior. After all? Who could ever suffer more the humiliations, rejection, abandonment and torture than the Holy Christ did? So in conclusion, That which did not kill me, only made me stronger. Complete Surrender was
not me being defeated at all. But it was giving up control. Ironically I never was in control of anything. Thank God I know this now! So life will bring me hardships and sorrow. But the great thing about living in hell is, that there is not much that happens now, that I cant get through. Because not much can compare to the hell I was living in. Progress not perfection. I may not be where I am supposed to be yet, but I sure as hell ain't where I was. Thank you for this awesome opportunity to share. Clay Burton
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Looking Down From The Ivory Tower-by Clay Burton

1/12/2021

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Today I see and hear so many intelligent, professionals...

..and renowned public figures...

 ...with all their intellectual knowledge...

...and with all their worldly observations...

...and yet they seem to lack the ability...

...to form strategic and effective plans...

 ...that would successfully win the humanitarian wars.

The wars created by humankind... 

...and also by natural disasters.

And so the battles continue over and over...

...with the same outcomes...

...as if it were all designed this way.

But why and for what?

Well profit of course. That's no secret. It has always been this way.

Perhaps that is how the world of business works.

I mean if we as citizens, were to end the cooperate powers that be...

...then where would that put us? We the people?

Without creature comforts and modern conveniences, that's where.

Oh, I get it... Me too. Guilty as charged.

However, a certain, shall I say', more sensitive ideology...

 passionately "feels", that we need...

...to get back to nature first.

They feel that nothing can be done...

..without a healthy world to live in.

Hmmm? Valid point.

And we need to feed and protect the impoverished of the world.

Ummmm? Another good point.

I believe that is what Jesus wanted us all...

...to do. To take care of each other.

Our brothers and sisters.
But another, shall I say', more reserved ideology...

...believes, that we all must take care of ourselves first...

 ...before we can take care of anything or anyone.


I personally think, as a centrist and independent...

...that neither ideology is misrepresented...

...and that but both are factually true.

Perhaps it is a matter of which action to take first? 

Should we take care of ourselves first?

 So we can be secure in our efforts...

...to get the job done?

Or in love and compassion...

...should we take care of others first...

...so that the rewards from of Good Will...

...can give us the spirit to do more for...

 ...those who cannot take care of themselves...

...and that has very little or nothing at all?
Most of us here in this country, by the majority,...

...as citizens, have so many blessings...

...or priveledges as some may prefer to say...

...where our cup runneth over...

...and, in fact, we have more...

... then we could ever need. 
 
No, I am not referring to only money.

I am also referring to the very basics...

...water, food shelter. 
How blessed are we? Everyday!

To have all that we need, to have life, and live well? 

But do we not have the hungry, poor, addicted... 

...suffering, homeless, impoverished, abused...

...sick, hopeless, and alone...

...right here, at our own front door?

Should we start over here? Or over there?

Do we do both? At the same time? 

Well, that is outstanding and unselfishly. caring idea!

But can we?

Do we have the resources to give to all the world?

So that all human beings may have what we have?

"The Government Does! They Should Do It!"

Yes, they do have it, and yes they could, but...

When? Will they? Have They?

Even if someone has the responsibility...

...to do the right thing...

...it is an expectation that we have...

...of them to do it.

And don't be angrier than you already are...

...when humans do or don't do, what they should...

...particularly when they never have.

Why have they never?

Well, maybe they have.

But no matter what they do...

...if they do...

..it would never be enough to satisfy...

...everyone's expectations...

...especially considering, that everyone...

...has their own ideas about...

...how things should be done...

...according to them and in the way...

... that it should.

At least we may all agree on that.

So two things that I must ask myself.

Am I willing to give away most of all that I have...

..my possessions, and opportunities...

...that I have earned, or have been given to me...

...so that others can have the equity...

 ...and equality that I say...

...that I want for them?

What am I willing to sacrifice?

My new car? My college scholarship?

My nice home? My clothes and jewelry?

Hmmm? Maybe I could just share my home.

...open my doors and take down my fences...

...so all are welcome to move in when they choose to...

...and give freely all that I have...

...with those who have very little...

or nothing at all.

Welcome, all who flee from dangerous and oppressive, environments?

But if we really wanted to do this, then why haven't we already?

So the idea behind, the ideology of,

..."We must take care of our own first"...

...is another question.

How can we give away,...

...what we don't have, to give away?

No, I am not referring to all the advantages...

...and resources that we have.

I am, however, referring to, self-will, mental health...

...cognitive fitness, emotional stability...


...energy, time to spare, and, yes, the money...

to buy supplies and medicine...

...for all the people in need...

...around the world.

It is clear, to me, that...

..."We Must Take The Very Best Care Of Ourselves First...

... To Give The Very Best Care To Others!...

Now there are millions of folks around the world ...

..that actually does roll up their sleeves...

..and leave behind their loved ones, and creature comforts...

...to live and work among those suffering...

...and in great need, around the world...

...In some of the most horrific and dangerous...

...places on earth.

All Kinds Of Humanitarian Professionals With Careers That Serve People. 

International Volunteer HQ
Peace Corp
U.N. Volunteers
VSO (Volunteer Services Overseas
Go Abroad.com
Global Volunteers
Global Vision International
Habitat  For Humanity
Save The Children
Doctors Without Borders
Mercy Ships
Green Peace
Red Cross
And on, and on and on,

So imagine all of this money and all these accumulated donations?

Why then, do we have the poor and suffering right where live?

Can you imagine how many Billions and Billions of dollars that is...

...generated annually? GEEZ!

No, I am not going into Government waste spending...

...or greedy corporation corruption...

  ...even that is a story post topic I won't make...

Although I could easily! Not Today Satan.

So yet another question is...

 ...that may appear as very insensitive,...

"If You Had A Choice To Feed A Child...

But You Only Had Food For One Child...

Would You Feed Your Own Child First?

Or Give The Little Food You Have...

...To Another Child Far Away?

"Oh, Clay!" You're Just Trying To Complicate Things!

Your Twisting It All Around...

..Because You Don't Care!"

Ok, so what your saying is that I don't care...

at all?

Or as much as you do? 

But I ask again. What have you given up?

What have you sacrificed, or were willing to go without...

...in your own world of comfort and convenience? 
No, not only 50 cents per month to feed a child.

So you can feel unguilty about all that you have.

But are willing to go where the suffering is?

To live in, what they live in?

To roll up your selves and plant seeds?

 And/or dig water wells in the hot sun...

...and carry water?

"Oh, Clay!, There You Go Again! Twisting Everything Around!"

"Whose twisting the reality around here?"

All your screaming at me is your own emotional denial...

...because the questions I ask...

...are about personal responsibility...

...and accountably...

So my version of reality seems, more likely true...

...in my own opinion.  

And all the soapbox emotions...

...about how we neglect the world...

...and what it is we need to be doing about it all...

...is just a protesting poster sign...

...or a podium on a celebrity award show...

...where there are gifts for celebrities that cost thousands...

...while they give speeches about how the powers that be...

...do nothing and the people starve. 

"I bet that I could feed 10 families for 6 months with...

..the money it cost for only one award show designer dress...

...that will only be word One Time! 

Am I making this up or what?

OMG! No, I'm not, because they are gleefully telling you...

...all of this themselves on the Red Carpet! LOL!

"Well, Clay It's Better Than Doing Nothing At All Ya Know?"

Yes, I agree, wholeheartedly, that's true...

...but you may be missing my point...

...and, Yes, my question was about...

...what we are giving away?

But is only cutting a check-in alignment...

...with the glamourous stage speeches...

 ....about how other people are responsible and accountable?

Are all the speeches and checks, for us to feel better...

  ...about ourselves...

 Or for the suffering to feel better?

Ummmm, both I suppose.

Yes doing good things for others...

..is a motivation to do more!

But is this only apart of the solution?

But I ask once again...

...what are you sacrificing of all your privilege?

The privileges that you say, you don't deserve...

...or that you feel so guilty about?

..because so many have very little or nothing at all? 

Do you really feel guilty about driving a nice car...

...while on your way the way to go shopping...

and meeting friends at the new trendy cafe?

I am asking what are you doing to make the difference...

...by your own willingness to create equity...

..and equality so we are all as one?

So as to know from personal experience the pain and hardship...

...and to feel first hand the joys of accomplishment, achievement,...

...and reaching goals, so as to see the joy...

...on the impoverished faces that we want to serve.

"Well, Clay! I Don't See You Doing Anything Or Sacrificing Your Privileges!"

True. But you also don't hear me loudly that I wanted to...

...or that I should or could.

"So See!? Your No Better Than Me!"

"Well, I never said or suggested that I was, did I? 

Because I am no better than anyone...

...and I am only just one child of God, my creator...

..and what I have found is that a simple prayer to God...

...to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit...

...and ask in sincerity that The Lord please take care of them.

Give shelter and safety...

 ...and provide them with food and medicine...

...give comfort to those who suffer...
 ...and who have very little...

...or nothing at all...

For me? This is the most powerful way to serve anyone...

"Oh Clay...What, A Cop-Out!...Mr, Holier Than Thou!...

...So You're Saying That You Can Just Pray...
 
...And Everything Just Goes Away! Right?"

"No, once again, I am not saying that...

...nor am I suggesting that either.

However, what I am saying is, that I don't feel guilty...

...or solely responsible...

...or emotionally compelled to do anything...

...other than turn to God for help...

...and accept his grace and will...

It's not about being right or wrong...

...it's just a choice to be angry or at peace...

,...you may "feel" that you need to do something...

...but when I pray, I feel that I did...

...the most powerful something...

...I believe...

...because God can do, what I am not able to do...

...and through the compassion of Christ...

...I am able to do what I can do...

..and do far more than I could alone...

...together with my Lord and Savior...

 ...and do the very things that...

...that he asks me to do first.

And as I had mentioned earlier in this story post...

I must gather the strength, health,...

...mental and emotional clarity......

...so as to know what to do next...

Because if I feel that only "I" alone, must...

...fix and solve everything in the world...

...then I would not need God for anything at all...

...and all would be fixed and solved by now.

"So Then Why Hasn't God Fixed And Solved Everything Wrong"

"Well, if he did, then how would we know what is right...

..and what is wrong, if there was nothing to compare with?

And what would we know? How could we learn...

...what love, giving, and compassion are...

...if we did not have an adversity to overcome?
"Well, It Still All Sounds Like A Cop Out To Me!"

"Of course it does.

"If You Ask Me. This Story Just Shows How Jealous And Resentful You Are!"
Ok. Go in peace...

...I do hope for you an open your mind...

..so to be still and rest...

...get out of yourself, and then return to yourself.

Reflect, contemplate, and let go.

It's a daily practice, my friend.

But you have to be willing to do it."

Before you can find out how freedom from surrender feels.

BULLS---! YOU THINK I'M BUYING THIS LOAD OF CRAP! YOU'RE AN IDIOT! $#%@! *#&^!

Hey, Look A Big Squirrel!

What!? Where!?

BAM! Ugh Oh! Where did that branch come from?

And it landed right on this guy's noggin. What are the chances of that?

Hey Man? Are you Ok? Can you hear me?

Poor guy. He's just sleeping.

He looks so peaceful now after all that anger.

Glad I could help...

NO! I meant to say that, it's horrible that squirrel knocked that branch down and Cold Cocked him!  
 
A lesson to us all. Don't wait until it's too late.

Find some inner peace, before a squirrel drops a big branch on you.

Thanks for letting me share again. 
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    Howdy there. My Name is Clay Burton. I was born in Galveston County, Tx in 1963 and have lived in Hitchcock Tx. for at least 40 years now. but only the past year or so I have become a very active volunteer in local community services here in Hitchcock.

    I am a new member of The Hitchcock Chamber of Commerce, and founder/administrator of the very diverse and growing Facebook forum "The Future Of Hitchcock" (Times The Are a-Changin) group.  

    I am also a Texas Peer Recover Coach class graduate volunteer working with clients and peers in HIV education/prevention, mental/emotional challenges, and substance use addiction. A program designed based on positive and spiritual solutions for living life on life terms successfully with one recovered persons experience working with the newly recovering. 

    I attend City Council meetings regularly and regard myself as a local and informative social media source as well as an inspirational cheerleader! I am always interacting with citizens and neighbors daily for keeping up with Hitchcock's current events.

    I invite you to read our Facebook group description. It sums up our vision as we move forward into the future with the ongoing and incoming 2020-2040 city plans and comprehensive changes. Our town is more diverse than ever largely due to our HPD Police Chief "Willmon (Smitty) Smith" in coordination with our cities Municipal leader's economic management.  

    Our population is vastly growing all around us and that means prosperity as well as new challenges. I have taken it upon myself the self-appointed role and desire to renew the minds, beliefs, and trust of our residents by witnessing real and sustainable progress.

    God gave me an incredible new life today that I never would ever have imagined before. With only one directive. "In order to keep the wonderful happiness that I have been given, I must pay it forward to the next person in need! Aside from my Free Will, it's not a choice for me, and its so much fun giving back Woo Hoo! 

    Hitchcock, (understandably) has had somewhat of a stigma attached to our town from the past and from the old ways of doing business. But I ask our residents to look around and see the ground floor opportunities to make Hitchcock a shining example in Galveston County.

    Never before in our history has the timing been so right. Positivity is in demand and sells itself. If I can assist you in any way to highlight the good news of our city as a private citizen and volunteer, then please by all means, feel free to contact me. 

    Clay Burton

    email: claylord99@yahoo.com
    phone: 832-418-5828 ​

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