Toalston

Thanks Mom! I know you mean it since you capitalized all those letters!

Benjamin Toalston — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 14:41:59 +0000

1907 Yale-California Motorcycle

Benjamin Toalston — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 19:09:17 +0000

Taken at Klingberg

Prophetic Gear!

Benjamin Toalston — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:46:16 +0000

I dreamt of an explosion, then escaping the explosion by weather balloon. It was as if the explosion released the balloon. It moved fast unapologetically, making its upward rush. “To the sky and nowhere else,” it seemed to say, “with quickness!” I grabbed onto a long cable wire attached to the balloon. There was no harness, just pure holding on. And up I went.

As I quickly left the ground, a friend came and asked, ” What are you doing?” Hanging upside-down, holding onto the cable with my legs, I
yelled, “PROPHETIC GEAR!” Watching me quickly escalate into the air, he yelled back, “LEAN FORWARD!”

I then righted myself on the cable and leaned forward while holding on. It was difficult. Imagine a rope like that in a gymnasium only attached to something moving very fast a thousand feet off the ground. Though it was challenging, and there was nothing securing me to the cable, I held on. I held on, and to the best of my ability I leaned forward…

Why Leaders Exist

Benjamin Toalston — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:40:28 +0000

My answer to the question is this: Leaders exist to create a shift in reality.

Without leaders, things drift along. They go where they want to go, following the path of least resistance. However, when this is not desirable—or acceptable—you hire, elect, appoint or become a leader. The leader’s job is to overcome resistance and make things flow in a different direction. His or her job is to create a different reality.

via michaelhyatt.com

I like this article and I especially like the statement, “His or her job is to create a different reality.” It reminds me that our job as worshippers is to change the reality around us from that of this world to that of heaven. That God inhabits our praises. Yes, our job as worshippers is to usher in Jesus’ Kingdom into the here and now.

Speaking volumes…

Benjamin Toalston — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 18:33:42 +0000

Untitled

Benjamin Toalston — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 09:19:28 +0000

Fancy Bagel

Benjamin Toalston — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 19:45:10 +0000

Got a dozen bagels from this place this morning. They’re located right
off I-84 on Queen St. in Southington. It’s a favorite. Their golden
bagel is choice. Also, their blueberry cream cheese is amazing! I look
forward to eating these over the next week.

Wooster St. New Haven, CT

Benjamin Toalston — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:46:21 +0000

Happy Birthday Duke Ellington the dog!

Benjamin Toalston — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 05:55:24 +0000

Nearly three years ago, on the eve of Christmas Day 2007, this little baby beagle entered my life. He was so small he could fit in my hands. He had the most perfect puppy breath and the cutest little puppy potbelly. He was 8 weeks old when I got him, so I guess-timated October 25th to be his birthday. I named him Duke Ellington the dog.

I’ve helped to shape the dog he is today, and in many ways he has helped to shape me. However, I take no responsibility for his baby-like tendencies; whining, whimpering, crying, sucking a blanket, etc. Those are characteristics of his distinct personality and not something I instilled in him at all.

As a beagle he loves to smell. Always with his nose to the ground, he is ever curious of every scent (though he favors dead, usually smelly things). He is well-behaved, smart, and funny. He’ll hardly make a noise except for when he sees my reflection in the mirror at night, his low growl turning into a beagle howl (Aroo!) at any sudden movements.

His repertoire of tricks include but are not limited to the following: sit, lay down, roll over, spin, jump, shake, shake w/ other paw, catching, playing dead, crawling, and waving his paw as though he were saying goodbye.

The Duke will love and keep on loving. He is persistent on experiencing your nearness and likes to be as close as he possibly can to you at all time. He is a constant reminder to maintain my own longing to be near to Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit. He is a great friend and my life is all the better for it.

So here’s to you, Duke Ellington the dog. Happy Birthday! May there be many years to come…

Benjamin Toalston — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 01:30:55 +0000

Here’s a song by a friend of mine back in Kansas City. Jacob Hanly. I’ve been continually provoked by his honesty and his artistry and his worship. They weave between each other, and I believe that’s evident in this song…

The Song of Your Return

How can I escape, when every place,
Is marked with Your face.
Where can I hide, for peace of mind,
To numb the memory?
Even the stars sing Your Name.

Love in times like these, is less than sweet,
More like suffocating.
Wave after wave, I’m drowning deep,
What could satisfy me but Your return?

When all of my world has been groaning for You,
What else is there left to do?
But join in the song all creation singing,
the song of Your return.

How else can I prove that my loves true
When you’re not by my side.
Can our love grow, if i cant hold you,
Will distance be the end?
No, it still burns deep within.

Love in times like these, shown forth in deeds,
When I give of my life,
And I won’t stop, until I build a place for You,
A home for our love, I will give You all my love.

When all of my world has been groaning for You,
What else is there left to do?
But join in the song all creation singing,
the song of Your return.

Despite distractions, temptations,
I will not stray.
The hope of that day, will be with me,
Through this night of faith.
Though You are so far, I will hold you close,
To my heart.
My love; committed, both then and now,
And always.