Charlois

Saturday, July 9th, 2022

The book of Acts, in the New Testament, is the story of the early years of the church.  Starting in chapter 3, verse 41, it begins with the conversion of 3000, and then goes on through verse 47 telling how they lived.  As can be seen in verses 43-46, the church has changed considerably since those early days.

We of Charlois, believe that society needs to reclaim those early practices.  In those days, those who claimed to be followers of “The Way,” took care of one another.  “All who believed were together and had all things in common.”  Acts 2:44 NRSV.  As can be deducted from reading the bible, the righteous life is all about love, love in the self-sacrificing sense.

If we, as a species, would live this way, we would eliminate most of the problems we see in the world today.  Loving others as we love ourselves, the second greatest commandment next to love God, is the way our universe functions best.  Things in balance, having a symbiotic relationship, where the best is brought about in all of creation.

If the benefits of such a way are so positive, I have to wonder why it doesn’t happen naturally?  Could it be that we are wired to want only that which benefits us as individuals?  In the conservative evangelical church, they speak of original sin.  We were created with the power of choice and since the beginning we have been choosing to put ourselves first.  Call it our sin nature or in a more liberal sense, our self-preservation instinct.

Whatever one chooses to call it, people and religions are finding a better way is to come together and care for each other as any have need.  So, if you want to be the best person you can be then choose to view others equal to yourself.

A saying of Charlois is,

     If you treat others with dignity, honor, and respect,

     Esteeming them higher than yourself,

     They will go to their graves fighting to make you successful.

                                                    Robert A Charlois III

Reflect on these words and live in the love and power of God.

Peace to us all.

Pastor Yancy

Friday, July 8^th, 2022

In the late 1800’s, a Congregational minister by the name of Charles Sheldon disguised himself and walked the streets of Kansas City as an out of work printer.  He later produced a series of stories, based 0n his experiences, that he read at his Sunday evening church services.  Those stories were so popular that they were eventually published as the best-selling book, In His Steps.

This story is about a small town, Raymond, and one of its churches.  After an extraordinary occurrence at one of the Sunday morning services, the pastor, Rev. Henry Maxwell, challenges the members of his congregation to not do anything without first asking of themselves, what would Jesus do? then act accordingly, regardless of the outcome.

The book is broken down into two sections.  The first section tells how things unfold in Raymond itself.  This section has 20 chapters and covers one year, the length of the initial challenge.

Part two, which has 11 chapters, covers the story as it moves from Raymond to the city of Chicago.  It is here that it becomes more than just a fad in an out-of-the-way place.  And because of its popularity, it continues to spark movements to this day.

Although fictional, the characters and events in this story begin to take on a very real life that moves many people to make pledges of their own.  But don’t take my word for it; this is a book that is best experienced.  

Buy it, read it, live it, and may God bless.

Robert A. Charlois III

Thursday, July 7th, 2022

Spoke with my Pastor, friend, and mentor and was reminded, we are not on this journey alone, or at least we need not be.  By surrounding ourselves with quality companions increases the odds that we will be successful in our quest to find our best selves.  But we have to choose wisely.

I believe I have the best support team I could possibly have.  Five of the most amazing people I know, and that is just the living role models.  Add into the mix those that have passed.  Great’s from throughout history: Leonardo Da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and my former mentor, Howard Reynolds, to name the cream of the crop.

You too can surround yourself with positive role models.  By doing so you have access to support and encouragement; things we all need in these trying times.  The counsel they can provide in priceless.

Select your team, make your plan, and take that step into the future.  Abundance and eternity awaits.

Here is to the journey.  May god bless it and us.

Robert A. Charlois III

Wednesday, July 6^th, 2022

Is it Charlois or Charolais?  I’ve been getting this question rather frequently from my readers.  The simple answer is, it’s both.  Because of the powers that be, the Charlois spelling was not being accepted, for whatever reason.  However, the Charolais spelling was accepted, probably because that is the common spelling for the Charolais breed of cattle.  To set things straight, we are not cattle.

I was first introduced to Charolais Cattle in my pre-teen years.  My Dad worked on a dairy farm, and the owner bred his milk cows with Charolais bulls, to raise better beef calves.  I fell in love with the breed.  They were big and muscular, an attractive cream color, and gentle.

A few years later, when I was in 7^th grade, I did a special report on France.  One of the things I discovered while doing research was, Charolais cattle originated in an area of France called, Charlois, (French spelling).

This was also the year I began having Mental Health issues.  One of the things that happened was, I found an imaginary friend.  His name was Robert Alfred Charlois, after the Charlois region in France, where I imagined his family coming from.  The other parts of the name had different origins, but this is where Charlois came from, and it is still with me.

So, we use Charolais, because it’s recognized as a word on the web.  We use Charlois because that is my alter ego.  I hope this clarifies the issue.

Until another time, peace be with you on your journey.

Robert A. Charlois III

Tuesday, July 5th, 2022

The saga continues.  My journey toward becoming the best version of who I was created to be, quickens. For most of my life I bounced around, trying to be the person others thought I should be.  Then, on April 1^st, 2018, I had a total mental breakdown.  So began a new chapter in my life.  First, I had to stabilize.  After 7 months, and 6 psychiatric hospitalizations, I was placed in an Assisted Care facility, The Owingsville Manor, in Owingsville Kentucky.

For about a year I struggled.  I was making progress, but it was slow and I wanted to move back to Maysville, where I believed my future would be.  Then, in the summer of 2020 it happened.  I started work with a new therapist, began receiving housing assistance from the VA, and realized the easiest route to my preferred future could be where I was.

It is now two years later and I’ve come a long way.  It has been in these last two years that I have focused on self-examination.  I have asked the hard questions: who am I? what do I believe? And where am I headed?  By asking these questions, (which, we all can do), I have found, for the most part, that my life has been satisfactory.  That does not mean, (as I am discovering), that it is the way I want to finish my stay on this planet, and that is why I’m changing the way I approach my life.

Beginning at the first of the year I dedicated myself to having the best year of my life.  I set some goals, started working on projects, and made drastic changes in the way I was living.  Then, on July 1^st, of this year I rededicated myself to this goal, with some fine tuning.

I am happy to report that I have discovered that this is going to be a slow process, but I am up to the challenge.

Therefore, the lesson to be learned is; if other people can examine themselves and change into who they desire, so can I.  Believe in yourself and claim the abundant and eternal life.

Here is to the journey.  May god bless it and us.

Robert A. Charlois III

Monday, July 4th, 2022

There is a Taoist saying that goes, “There are many paths up the mountain, but the view is the same from the top.”  This is one of the sources of another one of our foundational beliefs.  In the Charlois Philosophy, there aren’t distinctions in traditions; all have value.  The key is for people to examine their own beliefs and adjust them to a tradition or traditions as is appropriate for each individually.

Many times, different traditions teach that their way is the only way, condemning all other traditions as false.  As I said in my Pastoral Reflection, there is God who created all that is.  In His universe there are many situations and cultures, each with its own experience.  These different examples develop their unique styles based on their individual experiences.

For us today, we need to look at our own lives and experiences and develop traditions that bring us closer to God and an abundant life.  What works for the majority may not work for us as individuals.

Yes, it is easy to go with the flow, but there is more life satisfaction when we examine ourselves and tailor our belief system to our own unique situation.  In fact, Christian scripture encourages us to do so.  The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 2:12, “…work out your own salvation…”  So, if one of the most revered leaders of the early church admonishes us to do so, well we believe we keep good company.

Examine yourselves, and come up with a plan that will help you become the best version of yourself that is possible.  And in that you will find an abundant and eternal life.

Peace and joy in the name of God.

Robert A. Charlois III

Saturday, July 2nd, 2022

“Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, If you make my word your home, you will come to know the truth, and that truth will set you free.”  John 8:31-32 NJB

As I search my resources, commentaries, bible dictionaries, bible handbooks, and such, there is very little that is said about these two verses.  I think that is odd since there is so much contained within them.

For today’s reflection I want to focus on four words: Word, Home, Truth, and Free.

In the original copies the Greek word used for Word is Logos.  It has various definitions including; “the self-revealing nature of God.”  This indicates that God is not some hidden entity but rather the creator of the universe, who’s presence can be seen in everything.  It is by seeing this presence that we are drawn to Him.

The next word I want to reflect on is Home.  In Jewish life the designation of home meant, the center of life, next to temple and synagogue.  It is by living in the safety of the home that we find love and nourishment.  These two are where we grow in knowledge and truth.  It’s this truth which brings us to the next word.

Truth, knowing the difference between the love of God and the ways of the world.  It is this truth that leads to life; life eternal and life abundant.  Because it is within God’s love where we find complete wholeness.  Where we can be who we are created to be.  That gives us freedom, which is our last word.

Free, or freedom is something we all strive for.  Since this is the 4^th of July weekend it is appropriate to mention the founding of the United States.  This country was founded on the idea of freedom for all.  While not perfect in execution, it is none the less a good example of freedom.  It is not about being able to do whatever we want, regardless of how it affects others; but a unified approach to living that benefits everyone equally.  This is fully realized when we truly buy into the idea of God’s kingdom.

So, as we look around and see God everywhere let us remember that it is through Him that we have life.  By remembering, may we live more faithfully His ways to others benefit.

Reflect on these words and live in the love and power of God.

Peace to us all.

Pastor Yancy

Friday, July 1^st, 2022

It has been several months since I went public with the website and blog.  Even though I’ve been trying to live the Charlois Life for several years now, it’s not easy.  Trying to be the best version of who we were created to be takes dedication and a lot of work.

Reflecting on who we are and who we want to become is a cornerstone of the process.  This is an ongoing exercise.  Some traditions have their adherents to reflect on their day and suggest changes be made where there are discrepancies between reality and goals.

Sometime, as we go through the process, we can become discouraged and wish we could give up.  But we must remember, we have a lifetime of deeply embedded tendencies, and it takes persistence to change.  We also need to keep in mind the fact that, for many, who we are and who we want to be are at odds.  So, stay strong and don’t give in.  The Abundant Life awaits.

Here is to the journey.  May god bless it and us.

Robert A. Charlois III

Saturday, June 18th, 2022

Tomorrow is Fathers Day, the day we celebrate and honor our fathers.  The reason we do this is in part because they are our hero’s.  In many cases our father has been the most significant influence we will know.  As is obvious in the song, Cats in The Cradle, we often mimic the behavior they exemplify, becoming their mirror images.

This is not the only place where heroes are honored.  For example, in Hebrews of the Christian Bible there is a whole chapter dedicated to the heroes of the faith.  Chapter 11 has been called the faith chapter but could also be labeled, the hero chapter.  This is because, starting in verse 4, it catalogs, chronologically, the heroes down through the ages.  There are similar examples in other faiths as well.

The reason we honor these heroes is because they can have a tremendous affect on our formation.  Having such tremendous power in our developing lives, it would be wise for us to choose our heroes carefully.  If we want to be a certain way, then we need to find those to emulate who show such characteristics.  It has been said that, we are the product of the 5 people we spend the most time with.

Taking these facts to heart, then we should carefully choose our heroes, and then spend extreme amounts of time with them, either in person or by studying their lives.  In this way, we have a good chance of developing those traits we desire.

What we hope are the desires of your heart is to be the best version of who you were created to be.  In this way you can live a life of abundance.  But it your responsibility to take the steps necessary to make that happen.  So pick your heroes carefully and immerse yourself in their lives.

Peace and blessings in the name of God.

Pastor Yancy

Saturday, June 11th, 2022

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8  “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:…”

I choose this passage because with the passing of my 65^th birthday I enter a new season of my life.  A season where I am no longer blindly following the ruling structures of orthodoxy.  It is time for the real Yancy to come clean.

After living 65 years, 26 in some sort of ministry, people may have the impression they know me: what I believe, and stand for.  In many instances they are mistaken.  I am a person of faith, but, I do not consider myself to be an orthodox Christian.  My roots are in the Judeo-Christian tradition but I gather my faith from many sources.

As you read these posts, you will get the sense that I march to a different drummer.  I take very seriously the call to, “work out your own salvation…”, which I am doing.  I suggest you consider doing the same, because it is your faith that will lead to an everlasting abundance of life; not your pastor, parents, or other person you give authority to.

My beliefs span many traditions.  I believe in Jesus, the son of God, and His teachings.  I also find great power in His example of personal sacrifice, even to the point of death.  But I do not believe He is the only child of God that we can learn from; nor do I believe Christianity is the only way to eternal life.  God is the God of all that is and it is by doing His will that we shall be saved.

I believe that if you want to choose one tradition to follow, Christianity is a good one.  Everything we need to live a righteous life is contained within its system.  However, if you do not choose to follow where everyone is going then there are many other options.

So, it is my suggestion that we all closely examine our beliefs and ask ourselves; is this what I truly believe?  If not, our quest begins.  May your journey be profitable.

Peace and blessings in the name of God.

Pastor Yancy