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Sunday, February 16, 2014

Masonic Resources

This page is as much for me as it is for anyone else.

Masonic
http://www.okcyorkrite.org/home/mackey

York Rite
http://www.okyorkrite.org/degrees-capitular.htm

Scottish Rite

OES



Find a reason to stay!

I just wrote an entire article on why men should attend lodge then deleted it because men who are still interested in Masonry after the newness has worn off have found ways to remain active while the others have just wandered away like lost sheep back into the darkness from whence they came. Pitiful...

I am so happy to have found reasons to stay around long enough for attending lodge to become habitual and not just something I do when there is nothing else to do.
David E. Carroll, Jr. WM, HP, IM, KT 2014

Fan The Spark

Part of the Mystique of Freemasonry, at least for me, is the fact that it's beginning can not be traced to a certain time and place but encompasses the building blocks upon which the world's religions and ancient mysteries are founded. I have not the ability nor the inclination to spend my life in pursuit of the great mysteries upon which our magnanimous orders are built but I have the utmost respect for the men and women who spend their lives in service to the cause and will support them in their endeavors by reading and appreciating to the best of my ability their findings.

I intend to be around for many years to come and like Socrates (to the city of Athens) become a gadfly on the body of Freemasonry, stinging and prodding us to action every chance I am given because that is the only way we are not going to become just another footnote in the annals of history.

"Fan The Spark until it becomes a Flame then Feed the Flame until it becomes a Raging Inferno."
David E. Carroll, Jr. WM, HP, IM, KT 2014

God has a plan!

My being a Mason is not contingent upon whether every Brother likes me or if I am a member of every "Appendant" body. I have things I need to accomplish in order to be a" Better Man" and Freemasonry allows me an avenue to that end. If you believe as I do that God has a plan for each of our lives then being a Mason is part of his plan for my life and to succeed all I have to do is work the plan; Be kind to my family, my neighbors and myself; Obey the laws of the land, show charity to my fellowman and be thankful everyday for the kindness God has shown in allowing me the opportunity to know and appreciate him in all his majesty.
This should keep me busy for the rest of my life.
David E. Carroll, Jr. WM, HP, IM, KT 2014

"Sermons We See"

"Sermons We See"
Brother Edgar Guest

"I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely
tell the way.

The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear;

And the best of all the preachers are the men who live
their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue
too fast may run.

And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do;

For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how
you live.

When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man
stays behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows
strong in me
to become as big and thoughtful as I know that
friend to be.

And all travelers can witness that the best of guides
to-day
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who
shows the way.
One good man teaches many, men believe what
they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that
are told.

Who stands with men of honor learns to hold
his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to
everyone is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his
eloquence, I say,
I'd rather see a sermon than hear one, any day."

Monday, February 10, 2014

As a Christian/Mason I believe in God.

As a Christian/Mason I believe in God.
The Great Architect of the Universe and everything which resides inside and outside that domain was created by God. There is no room for doubt.

As a man who is a firm believer in the line of thought; In order to know one's authentic self a person must be willing to delve into the depth of their innermost being and face what resides. I have never been brave enough to venture into the darkest corners of my consciousness lest I find in residence things I am unwilling face. I know enough to know that without restraints I could be projecting a different personality than I am today.  I am sure I am not alone in my unwillingness to face the reality of who or what is in residence deep inside my subconscious. The only way this makes any sense is for one to believe that we are a sum total of our thoughts and actions whether they be conscious or subconscious. I am a Good Man with some screwed up DNA. I am not going into the details of my familial past except to say that if it is true that traits are passed on from generation to generation then I had better keep a tight rein on myself.

I know many folks will refuse to believe what is written above to be true and that is okay because they have a right to be in disagreement.

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Words of Advice

Let me pass on a word of advice to any of my brethren who may be engaged in conduct which may be deemed un-masonic if brought to light, STOP IT!!! 

If you know a brother to be engaged in any conduct which may be deemed un-masonic if brought to light, STOP THEM, BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!

Investigating Committees, Guard the West Gate and do your job. Just because a man is the Son, Grandson, Friend, Co-worker, Brother, Cousin or Whatever of a brother Mason, If he is known or found to be unworthy during the course of the investigation, DO NOT FIND HIM TO BE A SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR DEGREES. Freemasonry is for every man (if found worthy) but some men should never be allowed to darken the doors of a Lodgeroom, EVER!

It should be an embarrassment to every member of a lodge when a man is caught in an unmasonic act by an outside agency and not his own Brethren.

Whether we want to believe it or not WE ARE OUR BROTHER'S KEEPER AND THEY OURS.

We are the protectors of the Light and if by our negligence the Light is extinguished on our watch then we will be judged as unworthy by future generations.

HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED?

David E. Carroll Jr, WM Plain's Lodge #135 F&AM Zachary, Louisiana. 2014
FAN THE FLAME!!!