RobinCalamaio

The Christian experience is a tailor-made journey filled with opportunities for making eternal impact on the circle of life around us. If this is indeed true ... then how can we grow weary?

So, ... Who can actually "fix" me? Well, I know it isn't me. And it sure ain't you (sorry, but that "you" applies to every person I have ever met).

From the outside looking in ... dedication to Jesus, the Christ (Christianity) looks like imprisonment - all you can't do. But, when you get inside you find His commands are "exceedingly broad" and you find freedom you never knew. You become forever freed from man measuring your value and worth, from competition with anyone else, and you ask His view on any matter and explore any topic as far as you are willing to go. That is just for starters.

This was my first Christian song (1977). It is now 2024, and I'm singing the same song :)

The lyrics were written by Jane Fontaine sometime before 1979. We were both working at a Street Gospel Mission in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and wound up doing about 30 songs together - most original. She brought this one to me (with her own music to it) - and without hesitation, I put her lyrics to a tune I had just worked up. I knew those lyrics fit my tune. After a couple years of performing this one, she told me how that had hurt her feelings ... but, she grew to like my tune better. Army boots walking in a field of daisies. That's the story of my life.

So where should we apply our energy? What is worth pursuit and carries the most reward in this life? All kinds of things clamor - and demand - our attention and focus ... but what should be primary? The Bible addresses such a question and quest. He makes sure such energy expenditure is never regretted. This song is mainly Proverbs 2:1-11.

Mis-spelled on purpose. If Jesus did not physically rise from the dead ... "let us eat and drink (and be merry) for tomorrow we die" (1Cor 15:32 with Isa 22:13 and Isa 56:12). But, if He actually did physically resurrect after being butchered on a Roman cross and is "alive forevermore" (Rev 1:18) ... that changes things.

The Bible teaches a lot about sin. A lot. One declaration Jesus made is as follows: "Every one who commits sin is the slave of sin" (Jn 8:34). The Bible is also clear that "all have sinned" (Rom 3:23). This song title seems like a reasonable question to me. I want freedom How about you?

The governing construct over any group of people defines what is acceptable or unacceptable, right or wrong, in-bounds or out-of-bounds. It is an umbrella of values/laws over that jurisdiction. In this video, you will see why the Republic of the United States has been a unique experiment ... and why it is now failing. Of course, my hope is that it can be reset, along with some critical reforms, but that cannot occur without a proper understanding of the republics intent in foundations, and also where - and how - it got off those rails.

This song addresses, in verse 1, my pre-Christian time, then verse 2 is my present Christian experience (which I am still in as of 12/20/23) and verse 3 is my future Christian time.

Since this "We The People" platform is dedicated to governance issues, I thought an introduction of my political activities and experiences - and future hopes - might be of benefit. When I first did this, I didn't know the Intro on the actual "We the People" platform was limited to 250MB. I like to talk ... :) If anyone outside the "We The People" paywall site watches this and wants to be part of a minimal paywall free speech platform, come and join. The creators (Mel K and Rob) and their team are interested in governing solutions as we move forward. Come check it out.

How many have killed, or been killed, over the issue of God/Religion? This ravages the planet even today. What is a government's role to be in this ... arbiter between religions or enforcer of a particular religion, or enforcer of "no God: No religion"? Fortunately, there is a viable option that any - and all - governments can take on this matter that protects each individual from any overreach for any outside party on this matter. And that is what would be enforced.

Much trouble ... we bring upon ourselves. God informed Israel at one point they were "against your help" ... Him. So, how can we learn in real time - and in a practical way - how to stop sabotaging our own well being? Listen, learn, live. Let Him prove Himself to you. WHO: Music: Robin Calamaio. Verse Lyrics: Bible. Chorus: me. WHAT: Standard Tuning, Acoustic 12 string guitar. WHEN: Originally Feb 27, 1983. Edited some in Aug 2023. WHERE: Clayton Manor Apts in Fort Lauderdale, FL. WHY: My guess is I hit on the chorus first. I wish I had left myself some notes on all my songs :( But, I have always spent time in the wisdom books (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes) because when it comes to foolish behaviors, I classify myself as a "stupid" sinner. Some are much "wiser" in their sin choices (may even extend their lives), but not me. I would have exited a long time ago. Extremely stupid sinner. Extremely. I am not being dramatic here. I was really stupid. I needed God's wisdom in practical ways as well as spiritual. Nothing has changed in that need. Left to own devices, I will degenerate in stupid ways. Good grief. So I thank Him. This song is part of that acknowledgement. Garage Band Software Vocals: All natural. Guitar: Natural Stereo. Title: Gravity - Baskerville Bold Music & Lyrics Credits: Prism - Baskerville Bold Song Lyrics: Some Centered, Some Lowered - Gil Sans Bold. Photo 1: Hoosier Pass, Colorado Rockies July 2023. Getting on the path. Photo 2: Me on the path. This was already near the top. Photo 3: Daughter Claire and Son-in-law Garrett - my hiking buddies Photo 4: Top of world - CO Rockies. Well above timberline. Photo 5: The path Photo 6: Me on it. 12,200+ feet Photo 7: This was a steep incline on way back down. No stumbling. walked sideways! Photo 8:A view on the way up Photo 9: Three of us on journey up. Photo 10: Who doesn't take selfies? Photo 11: On the way up - looking down on a lake. Photo 12:Me and Garrett. He often does want my take on things. Photo 13: Scene on way up. Photo 14: Tough - and beautiful little flowers. That's how God wants us to be. Photo 15: Nearing top! Photo 16: Along the way Photo 17: Starting down. Photo 18: On the way up and that lake below. Photo 19:Claire & Garrett. Two young people following hard after Him. It is a pleasure to behold. Photo 20: Garrett caught me and my photo taking. Photo 21: Three of us - Listen! Photo 22: Great scene Photo 23: Heading down Photo 24: Another view on path. Photo 25: Stunning view. He knows things. Lots of things. We need Him. Photo 26: Framed between majestic fir trees Photo 27: Same mountain range Photo 28: Toward the top. What a great day! Here is the Commentary/Sermonette: https://youtu.be/WO7Q0FCJ5cA If you are interested in learning the Bible's position on some particular topic, check out my website and scan the titles and see if you find my address of that topic. https://freelygive-n.com Listen, learn, live!

Do Christians come on the scene fully developed ... or is it a process? Actually, ... it is both. Salvation itself is an instantaneously completed thing (it is based upon what Jesus accomplished and "it is finished" - Jn 19:30) - but as far as being made like Christ (that end) ... well let's just say, that is an entirely different matter. This video touches on some of that dynamic. Here's the song: https://youtu.be/g_CWq7DSjVs At my website, I have no intention of wasting your time. Pick a title - either a free ebook or an article ... and let's see if when you finish it, you will feel you wasted your time. That's all I want ... your time. https://freelygive-n.com Listen, learn, live!

Jokes are supposed to be funny. But, ... some aren't. For the 23.7 million government workers in the USA, this has been a funny joke. But, for the citizen paying their salaries .... So, what's the beef, how did things get to this point, and what can be done about it? Private citizens will like this. Government employees ... not so much. But, I think it is past time the employers (taxpayers) cease being the butt of this joke.

The natural, moral nature of man ... is a real problem. God, though His Word, discusses this from many angles with many real life examples. To understand what sin has done to us (and the condition in which it places us) is not only of tremendous personal importance, but it then forcefully impacts how we view and deal with all relationships we have - in our immediate circles outward to all areas of human endeavor. That includes all science and invention, all governance and safety protocols, and all evangelistic procedure and priorities. This song touches a base concept of man's natural state before God WHO: Music: Robin Calamaio. Lyrics: Bible: Isa 26:10, Isa 32:6a, Eccl 10:14a, Eccl 10:13, Ps 74:20, Pr 14:22 & Isa 32:8. WHAT: Standard Tuning, Acoustic 12 string guitar. WHEN: Originally Feb 17, 1983. I edited the lyrics pretty extensively in July 2023. WHERE: Clayton Manor Apts in Fort Lauderdale, FL. WHY: I was probably in a somewhat melancholy mood when I came up with the tune and the basic lyrics then just seemed to fall in place. I wish I had taken more notes about all my songs as they germinated. It would probably have served me well now as I would be able to "perceive the Majesty of the Lord" - as He led me in all this - if indeed His hand has been in this with me. I hope at the Judgment He will reveal to me all the things He did in nudging me through this life - great and "small" actions on His part. It will cause me to fall on my face in worship. That is a good thing I do not think He will withhold. Garage Band Software Vocals: All natural. Tweaked the settings a bit for a little reverb. Guitar: Natural Stereo. Tweaked my settings a bit to relieve some bass. Title: Prism - Baskerville Bold Music Credits: Sideways Drift - Condensed Black Baskerville (tho white!) Lyrics Credits: Gravity - Chalkduster Song Lyrics: Centered - Gil Sans Bold. Photo 1: Ferns in Lakewood Ranch, FL. 2022. Photo 2: Three crosses in a Kentucky field. 2022. Natural man normally misses God's common grace (creation) and God's special, saving grace culminating in the cross (the crosses in the photo). Oblivious. Photo 3: Fiery winter sky near Oakland, KY. 2023. Man's ways are on fire Photo 4: Just a little Ky wildflower. Photo 5: Lakewood Ranch, Fl, 2022. Man's way is on a broken path, surrounded by a tangled mess, and any straying from even a broken path finds you entangled in brush with myriads of lethal lurking dangers. Photo 6: Me at Bierstadt Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park CO, Sept 2022. I am standing on a rock (The Rock) with the majesty of God in water, land and sky in my view - as I seek to plan noble things to show Him how much I appreciate His past, present and future activities towards me. I hope you will do the same. Photo 7: Backyard sky Bowling Green, Ky. 2022. Back to man's ways again. Unstable and red. Photo 8: Rocky Mountain National Park April 2022.Walking along like Bigfoot. A beast who doesn't perceive God's majesty ... when it is all around him! Photo 9: One of my top photos of all time, April 2022 Rocky Mountains. God's majesty stands alone. Here is the Commentary/Sermonette: https://youtu.be/C5WXzsFy6mg If you are interested in learning the Bible's position on some particular topic, check out my website and scan the titles and see if you find my address of that topic. https://freelygive-n.com Listen, learn, live!

To understand what the Bile teaches about man's natural condition before God - in other words, what sin has actually done to us - is critically important. It impacts everything. It not only helps us understand our own selves, but it impacts procedures and practices in all realms of human relationships and interactions. It grounds us in the reality we now move in - instead of passing through this in naivety and vanity. And concerning our standing with God ... bottom line ... our need for divine help becomes obvious as well as undeniably massive. This video touches on some of this as I discuss the lyrics (all Bible passages) for this song. Here's the song: https://youtu.be/C5WXzsFy6mg Here's my website - all free Ebooks and articles for your investigation for spiritual substance. https://freelygive-n.com Listen, learn, live!

If you want to read about an astoundingly unique life, read Daniel. He was a captive in Babylon, but that was no problem to the God of Israel. I am going to go read it again as soon as I finish reading John. Take the time to try and put yourself in his circumstances with the best imagination you can conjure up. Then ask yourself if this God is able to intervene in your reality - realities - as you pass through this "foreign" land. After all, isn't our citizenship sealed for us in heaven right now? But like Jeremiah was told, 'Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare, in its peace you will have peace" (Jer 29:7). May we aggressively fulfill all life's callings He directs us to - here and now! WHO: Music: Robin Calamaio. Lyrics: Mainly Bible: Daniel 2:20-22 WHAT: Standard Tuning, Acoustic 12 string guitar. WHEN: Originally maybe 1980 or so. Possibly earlier. Made complete January 10,11, 1983. I did edit the lyrics pretty extensively here in June 2023. WHERE: Clayton Manor Arts in Fort Lauderdale, FL. WHY: I can't remember if any real reason. I am pretty sure the chorus probably came first. Garage Band Software Vocals: All natural. Guitar: Natural Stereo Title: Prism - Chalkduster Music & Lyrics Credit: Line - Avenir Light Song Lyrics: Centered - Gil Sans Bold. Photo 1: Trumpet Vine flower - front yard. Bowling Green, KY. 2023. Photo 2: Honeysuckle - side yard. Bowling Green, Ky. 2023 Photo 3: Passion flower - front yard. Bowling Green, KY. 2023. Photo 4: Daffodil - side yard Bowling Green, KY 2023. The first big sign of change of seasons. Photo 5: Iris - front yard. Bowling Green, Ky. 2023 Photo 6: Iris - front yard. Bowling Green, Ky. 2023. Possibly the most pleasing of all the iris colors. Photo 7: Blackberries - side yard. Bowling Green, Ky. 2023 Photo 8: Iris - on Hwy 526 Bowling Green, Ky. 2023 Photo 9: Iris - on Hwy 526 Bowling Green, Ky. 2023 Photo 10: My light lavender iris again. Here is the Commentary/Sermonette: https://youtu.be/dkikaBUfn64 If you are interested in learning the Bible's position on some particular topic, check out my website and scan the titles and see if you find my address of that topic. https://freelygive-n.com Listen, learn, live!

Sometimes ... God shows up in real time for all to see. Daniel had an amazing life. He was not left to the "devices" of any Babylonian captor's plans - whether instigated by kings or "colleagues." At the exact correct moments, God showed up for Daniel (and his friends, Shamrock, Meshach, and Abed-nego) - and even the people most alienated from the thoughts and ways of the Living Creator ... could not deny His reality. Oh, if I only knew and truly lived in this light - of Who is with me ... through thick and thin. It is well worth the exercise of reading these deliverance accounts in Daniel - and putting yourself there to visualize the reality of God's actions and power. Fear in this life - of this life - melts away. Here is the song: https://youtu.be/y4VMO096zxc Do you want to grow in the things of God? His priorities, ways and thoughts? That is all I want and have wanted. My writings are part of this quest. Read through some of the titles. I am sure you will find one that intrigues you. https://freelygive-n.com Listen, learn, live!

While the Bible covers a myriad of subjects - many with great nuance (whether in historical context or just plain language and syntax), there still remains "a simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ" (2Cor 11:3). When Jesus was questioned/challenged on the "bottom line" of what God requires of man - He did not hesitate with His response. It matters not what era any man finds himself - the ultimate requirement is universal to all ages, races, genders, cultures .... Here we discuss some of this as my song has those imperatives. Here is the song: https://youtu.be/frHMg4Z0WiI If you really want to inform your Bible understandings on any one of a number of topics - I will not disappoint. https://freelygive-n.com Listen, learn, live!

We all follow. Whether own own thoughts, our own impulses - we all follow. But, where does that lead? We would all do well to take stock and make sure we are following the soundest ... leader. Jesus calls for followers. But, why should one even consider that? Maybe a physical resurrection from the dead after being butchered by professional executioners should enter our calculations. So, what does He say about following Him? And what might one expect from such a determination? Listen to Him here. This song lays out a couple of things about this. WHO: Music: Robin Calamaio. Lyrics: Bible: Lk 9:23 and Jn 12:26. WHAT: Standard Tuning, Acoustic 12 string guitar. WHEN: Originally maybe 1977 or early 1978. Made complete February 6, 1983. WHERE: Clayton Manor Arts in Fort Lauderdale, FL. WHY: God was probably teaching me ... and I just found the tune to put it to. Concerning the creation of many of my songs, I think God had some topic at the forefront of my mind, and then - when playing some new tune - those thoughts, or some phrase connected to the topic, would just pop out and then be wed to the new music. Sometimes starting with a chorus, sometimes a verse. I would just develop the song from there. This may one of those cases. Garage Band Software Vocals: All natural. Guitar: Natural Stereo Title: Prism - Cochin Music Credit: Sideways Drift - Chalkduster Lyrics Credit: Vertical Drift - Baskerville Song Lyrics: Centered - Gil Sans Bold Photo 1: Bierstadt Lake - a view of the Continental Divide. 9,416 feet above sea level Photo 2: Me overlooking it. I'm ready to go again. Photo 3: Claire and Garrett. On a dirt path, a hard path, through rough wilderness - but if we take our cross and persevere to the top - no regrets. Photo 4: Some little berries along the way. Photo 5: Same berries - just a closer look. As we traverse this age, we need to stop and study beauties along the way. Then get back up and move forward. Photo 6: I was in a lower valley once back down from Bierstadt. When we serve Him here - often head down and concentrating on the task at hand, we are being overseen by the Majestic Great One - like a huge mountain overlooking our way. Photo 7: One of my favorite photos of Claire. Serving and following Him on some dry, earthy crooked paths that also go up and down. Photo 8:Flowers along the path up. Photo 9: A little different flower up there. Photo 10: Original flowers I think. Photo 11: The three of us. That was a magical day. Photo 12: Beautiful view. What an Artist He is! And the mediums He uses to create His art - displays of power indeed. Photo 13: Following Him ... sometimes need to watch our feet. This age has some slippery places. Photo 14: The majestic Rockies. Praise God Almighty. Here is the Commentary/Sermonette: https://youtu.be/JGpS4Vb_qWc If you are interested in learning the Bible's position on some particular topic, check out my website and scan the titles and see if you find my address of that topic. https://freelygive-n.com Listen, learn, live!

Is the grace of God ... a big glob of fluffy gentleness? And what about following Christ? Are there any "elements" to such an endeavor? And what does it mean "to serve Christ" - and what kind of expectations might be connected with such a task? Here is the song: https://youtu.be/j98OnKEUELg If you really want to inform your Bible understandings on any one of a number of topics - I will not disappoint. https://freelygive-n.com Listen, learn, live!

One great benefit we have as Christians is that our deepest times of trouble are accompanied by the supportive and active hand of the Creator of the heavens and earth - and all its reality. He does not leave us to our own devises, or the devises of any other "thing" animate or inanimate. He preserves the soul of His saints - believers. This is not something we even have to ask for ... this is just Who He is and what He does. WHO: Music: Robin Calamaio. Lyrics: Isa 57:15, Ps 51:17, Ps 146:5, Ps 34:17, Isa 66:2b, Ps 107:10b, Isa 42:3, Ps 34:18, Ps 147:3. WHAT: Standard Tuning, Acoustic 12 string guitar. WHEN: Feb 20, 1982. I almost totally rewrote this in Feb 2023. Even changed name of the song from, "The Sacrifices of God" to "Never Despise". WHERE: This would have been in Brookhaven, MS at Whitworth Bible College. Closed that spring. WHY: I don't really remember. But I will say, that was my hardest time as a Christian. God will judge it all. Garage Band Software Vocals: Me - Natural Voice. God's "voice" - Natural Voice with slight reverb. Narration voice - Bright Vocal Guitar: Natural Stereo Title: Sideways Drift - Chalkduster Music Credit: Drifting - Baskerville Lyrics Credit: Sideways Drift - Chalkduster Song Lyrics: - Me: Centered - Chalkduster. - God: Centered - Didot Italics - Narration: Split - Baskerville Photo 1: 2023 miniature daffodil Photo 2: Rocky Mountain National Park Fall 2022. Just majestic. Photo 3: Somewhere in South Central Ky. Photo 4: A Terrified Claire as I made her pose by our wisteria with bees everywhere. Even King, the cat, was interested. Photo 5: Background of world map - His eyes "move to and fro over the face of the earth that He may strongly support the one whose heart is completely His" (2Chron 16:9). Photo 6: Falltime Trumpet vine. Closest shot I have of a bruised reed. Photo 7: My candle. Photo 8: Over the Sea of Galilee. By my daughter Staci on trip there. Photo 9: Another background world map. Photo 10: Backyard wisteria - maybe 2020? Best it has ever been. Here's the Commentary/Sermonette https://youtu.be/T5Kv1yjqwf4 If you are interested in learning the Bible's position on some particular topic, check out my website and scan the titles and see if you find my address of that topic. https://freelygive-n.com Listen, learn, live!

I think it is a challenge for many to recognize there is a Creator who has the power and ability to create this entire universe ... and still be actively moved by our own personal crisises. But, He says He cannot lie and He is involved in our circumstances in untold ways and detail. That is how "big" He really is.Believing otherwise is an attempt to make Him smaller. This song addresses some of this. Here's the song: https://youtu.be/eBznizjIOG8 My website ebooks and articles will challenge your thinking on many subject matters - money, sex, evolution, death, love, abortion ... just to name a few. https://freelygive-n.com Listen, learn, live!

The entire book of the Psalms begins with the first one that is entirely instruction - particularly about the righteous and the wicked and each one's destination. The last Psalm (150) is the destination. All the ones in between address all kinds of matters that when handled correctly ... lead there. WHO: Music: Robin Calamaio. Lyrics: Psalm 150. WHAT: Standard Tuning, Acoustic 12 string guitar. WHEN: Oct 1981. It is the last song I wrote at the street Gospel Mission WHERE: This would have been in Brookhaven, MS at Whitworth Bible College. Closed that spring. WHY: Tune must have just fit. I did several of the last Psalms (146, 148,149 and 150) all in the same time period. No greater use for music than putting His word to it. Garage Band Software Vocals - Natural Voice Guitar - Natural Stereo Title: Pixie Dust - Georgia bold Music Credit: Sideways Drift - Chalkduster Lyrics Credit: Gravity - Baskerville Photo 1: January 2023 sunset - near Oakland, KY Photo 2: Rocky Mountain National Park Fall 2022. Just majestic. Photo 3: Hwy 185 Bowling Green - frosty sunrise. Photo 4: By Greenville, KY, Feb 2023. Photo 5: Concert in the Park - Bowling Green, KY Photo 6: Rocky Mountains again. Photo 7: An unidentified praise group ... in Palestine. Photo 8: Claire - in Nashville - playing for me probably 2018 or so. Photo 9: Hwy 185 Bowling Green - Early summer mimosa trees. Photo 10: Hwy 185 Bowling Green - foggy sunrise. Here's the Commentary/Sermonette https://youtu.be/SLXUHrn9jbU If you are interested in learning the Bible's position on some particular topic, check out my website and scan the titles and see if you find my address of that topic. https://freelygive-n.com Listen, learn, live!