FISHERS OF TROUT AND MEN: Pg. 1

L.-1 (In city dreams); This first line expresses the busyness of our dream world, and the fact that
a large percentage of us lives in city environments. Also, the largeness of our dream world is
alluded to, which leads into what many dream of, line #2;
L.-2 (Of rivers near or far,); Another contemplative acknowledgement of relative and ultimate
reality and how rivers can mean much more than static, though moving, events in time and
space, real, imagined or surreal. As we know, some of our rivers of belief are only felt, hinted or
implied, however, the inherent power contained in each of us, via the Holy Spirit, is beyond the
most radical comprehension of even the smartest human alive;
L.-3 (Tossing and turning); Relates to the oftentimes restless nature dreams can foster, whether
they were satisfying or not, as well as the tendency for dreams to sometimes add more
confusion than they are worth. The activity associated with unconscious thought processes can
be agitating in positive or negative ways. Every waking or sleeping experience has the potential
to contain meanings that may be bubbling just below the surface. Even the most troubling
dreams are worth mining for the gold they contain on subliminal levels;
L.-4 (Blinded by unearthly star.); Here is where we begin to enter into the crux of this poem.
The cornerstone of this little book is based upon ultimate reality and how I have come to know
about these things through direct, firsthand experiences. The ‘star’ that shines brighter, is of
course, The Kingdom of Heaven, and all that it entails. This compilation of stories is how I have
chosen to share and express my personal reality based on actual events of a supernatural
nature, which is a slightly paradoxical statement, when you consider anything explained as
‘supernatural’ is merely the natural unexplained. These poems are designed to be a modern
account and introduction, to some, who have the hard job of relying on faith to ground their
beliefs in the divinity that surrounds. Of course, having been a party to events spoken about or
alluded to in this collection, I am incredibly lucky and feel a sense of responsibility to use these
experiences to help others get a glimpse of things from beyond and rare;
L.-5 (Every color of His rainbow); Here we put both feet into the living water I am conveying
with my poetry. Every color is only a hint at every (thing) in the universe, which actually has the
potential to give us insights into the fact that Heaven is real and there is a mover that moves
without moving. We have the choice to be moved by this spirit/force/Being, and head for the
straight gate, or choose the easier route, and go with the proverbial flow, maybe even enjoying
the ride in a sense. Deep down this illusion doesn’t hold water and is why so many seek
answers to life’s riddles and conundrums. The only real problem with going through life with
little contemplation on things of this nature is that it has consequences that will reverberate
throughout eternity with or without you. Your life expectancy may have an expiration date, but
those who seek eternal life can find and obtain it freely by following The Fisher of Men. This
path is worth all the might, pain and suffering you can endure, actually, it is really only a test.
The ramifications of this decision is a heavy load, but the sweetest rewards await the faithful
and patient observer. If you are consistent, firm, resolute and diligently seek this Kingdom I
speak of, the Holy Spirit will draw you nearer and open up your perceptive ability to a realm of
unimaginable delights just waiting to be discovered. In this limitless universe, there is the pull of
light and darkness, offering you all they have with the hope of winning your eternal soul. The
light side has everything one could wish for: love, joy, peace, tranquility, equanimity, knowing,
calmness, truth and the ability to cut through temptations and delusions with a mighty roar, the
other side, not so much;
L.-6 (Holds encounters unbeknownst,); Some spiritual teachers have seen this power that drives
the cosmos. Some have explained it in archaic languages and depicted it in ways not easily
understood by modern right-brain thinking. Some have tried to harness this power, or merely
tap into it, with whatever means they could find. Oftentimes, the darkside lets its adherents
play in the gap between Heaven and Hell, where signs, hints and flashy things are bandied
about to lure the unassuming victim onto their team. The most powerful path I know is the one
spoken about in the Holy Bible, and made easier and more direct in the New Testament. Things
taken solely on faith are hard to rely upon. I am one of the luckiest beings on this planet, having
seen what I’ve seen and been in the right place in space and time, now and then, which of
course, is kind of ironic, because the events I allude to were not random but, mapped out
before the beginning. If one comes to the realization that our potential is finite without the
Creator’s support, guidance and grace, then when one diligently pursues His Kingdom,
supernatural encounters of a divine nature occur more often, where life becomes and is seen as
the miracle it really is;
L.-7 (To mortal men guarded); Here I expand on the divine nature of our being, in this very
moment. We are mortal at first glance, and indeed you are if you choose the broad way.
Actually, there is the distinct possibility that your choice of eternal bliss or an eternity in a
situation of less than favorable circumstances, could be another way to experience immortality.
It can hardly be said that it is worthwhile and dignified enough to be classified as eternal life,
unless being tormented by the fact that, once ‘known’, anyone would choose the less- straight
gate intentionally, qualifies in your world;
L.-8 (By a heavenly host.); This line speaks of the realm that permeates reality, the realm that
draws us believers near. I can assure you, they are listening and watching us as I write this and
as you are reading. This heavenly host is real, be still and they will make their presence known.
One must be alert and careful, imposter spirits have been known to tempt even the most-wary
wayfarer on their way;
L.-9 (Caught between worlds); Of light and darkness, life and death, Heaven and Hell, where we
believers try to decipher truth from falsehood, reality from illusion, and make our way further
into this cosmic mystery. It is certainly easier than not, to get caught up in the traps of
uncertainty and unknowing, thereby losing the privilege and right to take your life to the next
level;
L.-10 (Of darkness and light,); Inherently represented in this analogy, is the battlefield for your
eternal soul. We have the choice to take matters into our own hands and weave our webs for
our very spirit. There is really no other choice, seekers must seek because our humanness longs
to get back to its original nature where, awaiting all-comers, is Heaven’s Reward;
L.-11 (We offer good words,); ‘We’ are those on the quest for The Kingdom of Heaven. All these
rights, blessings and peace, is for those who know and seek, all others may stand on the
sidelines and watch us go, we will try to bring you along, as far as you wish to go… ;
L.-12 (Always fighting the good fight.); Believers should, and often do, err on caution’s side,
while attempting to always imitate The Fisher of Men. His map has been laid out, we just need
to keep the faith, our heads down, and a steady pace. The path of peace requires persistent
diligence so that it becomes like breathing, essential to life itself, a default position, moving
without moving. Effortless effort prevails for those who know. The good fight is noble. It makes
life an adventure worth fighting for on many subtle levels. Never give up! Your name will go in
the left or right column, this is where veterans and those who have suffered more than most,
have an advantage. Adversity with burden builds strong character and integrity. Add
humbleness, with the desire to begin to comprehend the ‘big picture’, this is a fine place to take
your first steps into places heard about but rarely seen;
L.-13 (From time immemorial); Time is a relative concept and really only pertinent from the
position of the viewer. It is where we can ground our position in a moving universe to try and
cope with this living miracle, the one shaping our relative and ultimate reality. This current
culture is based on the last 4,000 years or so. If we knew the vastness of His creation, we would
be in constant awe and have no time or stomach for war, in fact, it would not be tolerated. One
day this will happen, too bad we couldn’t do it ourselves, without the need of a divine
intervention;
L.-14 (For at least two thousand years,); This line tightens up the vastness of our eternal
timeline and subject-matter, pointing to the greatest event and gift to humanity ever recorded.
If this path is believed, followed and yearned after, the door will be opened, answers hiding in
plain sight will jump up and slap you in the face;
L.-15 (Those like us as well as); This is alluding to those of ‘us’ on ‘The Team.’ We are the sons
and daughters of the Most High, and bound for Heaven, if it is in the will of our Lord, if our faith
and His grace warrant such gifts. This is where faith plays such a huge part in how we think,
speak and act, separating us from the ‘crowd’ so to speak, even though that is slightly
paradoxical as well;
L.-16 (Those of our kind,); For those of us who have committed to ’The Way’, always trying to
lead by example, even though we may fail from time-to- time. We strive before thoughts, words
or deeds lead to wrong actions. Our default position is the high road, which can lead to a
family-unit/brother/sisterhood atmosphere, a lot like the camaraderie spoken about, felt and
experienced in most military units. This is a place to go where life is found to be even more
intense than the hottest LZ;
L.-17 (Speak few words); After communicationless communication, action without actions is our
preferred method, heavy on contemplation without dwelling, a knowing of the unknown, an
open heart to the Holy Spirit, a gift passed down about two thousand years ago that is available
to all who knock;
L.-18 (And fewer words still speak,); This line drives the nail in the crux of the matter regarding
the seriousness of our Path. Circles can become dots even though our area of operation knows
no limits, we thrive and play, being serious of course, in the Creator’s Creation, helping those
who need a hand, and especially those who ask. Being a representative of Christ, however
imperfect our attempts might be, makes life thrilling and never dull, boring or depressing;
L.-19 (For it is one’s destiny then); Life is a mystery that has a purpose, trials and tribulations
are merely moves and tests in the game of life, where passing go takes you to the next level,
a.k.a., the eternal life spoken about in the Bible, a destiny that has been laid out and offered to
those with faith and perseverance. Military training can be highly conducive to this noble path;
L.-20 (To lead by example); This line gives us a glimpse of the truth for those who appreciate a
challenge of cosmic proportions. One that makes thirty-mile rucks in full gear, or strolls through
combat zones dodging death, or dealing it, look more mild to the casual observer than it really
is. This is why soldiers are so sought after by invisible forces. Soldiers are the baddest people on
the planet, and a prize to both sides in this cosmic battle between good and evil. This path
requires every skill one learns or experiences, plus a kit full of new stuff, to represent properly
and carry on to the objective;
L.-21 (Being both…); We now lead into the closing line and seal the deal on who we really are!
We are…
L.-22 (Fishers of trout and men.); We are the disciples, messengers, leaders, teachers,
expounders, example setters, of the greatest fisherman the universe has ever seen, The Fisher
of Men, and, The Son of God. Travelling on this journey, there are those of us who certainly
enjoy the gift of actually hunting and playing with a creature that has no legs, is really quite
bright, redsides that take us to another world, figuratively speaking of course, as the world we
travel to has no compare!

Copyright 2016 Richard C. Raugust 7-30- 2016

All of you know I have posted not to post anything until I review it. Last week, I received information on a new book for Veterans from the author, Richard Raugust. Richard is a veteran, and has an extraordinary life story. He's written this book titled, Fishers of Trout and Men. It's written in poetry form, and so easy to read. It is a multidimensional writing that he says will save lives of veterans everywhere. I believe him! I guarantee you have never read a book like this-ever! Now, I'm speaking specifically to Veterans. I don't know how this book might help all others with PTSD, but this will help if you're a veteran! Please consider purchasing this, and if you're not a veteran but know one who needs help in dealing with the aftermath of the military, please pass the info along. It's just a masterpiece!

Hi Richard! I received your book on Friday. I read it through and I'm truly astounded! Having grown up with many trout fishers in my family, I was able to get the nuance of that part of your poetry. I have little personal knowledge about the military, so that was my challenge. I know Jesus so I immediately picked up on those ideas as well. It took me to about 2/3rds of the way through when something extraordinary occurred! Suddenly, it came alive! Once I reached the end, I really got an amazing experience in the Spirit. I could see multidimensional layers that were not just the words. It is spiritual, in Jesus, supernatural! I truly have never read anything like it! I have a spiritual gift of discernment. I can see in the Spirit many things that others don't see. It's just a gift from God. So God showed me s picture of three papers, the base is in the middle, and there is one above and one below, all separated by about 6 inches, with the Spirit pulling them apart showing three dimensions! Wow! I dont honestly understand how this will save lives, but I don't have to. I can see there is a God-given life in your book. Amazing!

“It has come to my attention that perhaps I should mention some of the poetical/mystical aspects inherent in this collection of poetry designed to tamper with and thwart the monster we call suicide in our military and civilian populations, while at the same time, offering those who deal with PTSD on a regular basis, new tools to use on their spiritual journey.

              Some of my readers will be able to relate to the things implied or spoken about in FISHERS OF TROUT AND MEN: Protectors Of The Realm,  and others may need to reach a little further into their bag of tricks to get the subtle gist of many of these pieces. As we know, life is sometimes overwhelming and can weigh the mind down of even the strongest amongst those of us seeking insights and wisdom in this lifetime. The effort we make is proportional to the reward. Personally, I have found that following ‘The Fisher of Men’, to be the one I prefer. Please pardon another understatement.

              It will be quite obvious by even a casual glance into this collection that there is a smattering of eastern philosophy bandied about to add impact and honor a great tradition. My personal journey to ensure myself that each breath I took and every step made would put me closer to finding the answers I knew were hiding in plain sight, led me to walk many paths. I am a fortunate one, having been shown things felt by some and seen by very few. I suppose my analytical mind needed to feel like it had a say in how I went about verifying aspects of my existence and search for the keys to eternal life. I have always been a big fan of erring on the side of caution, so I indulged the left brain and proceeded by saying, left-right-left.

This life can be so incomprehensible that a sense of powerlessness may sometimes override the awesome potential and liberty we have to reach for and obtain higher states of being, thereby denying us the ability to open doors to subtler dimensions, a.k.a. Heaven. When one tries to ride this road to eternity using only the left brain, relying on the ‘supposed’ genius that is said to lurk in the human mind, worry, doubt, disillusion, hopelessness, anxiety, fear and things of this nature, can control the perception of everyday events. When our minds are subjected to this onslaught of killing energy, life ebbs and flows away at a faster pace. This is when some choose to withdraw, be cynical, depressed, oppressive, aggressive, negative, and or look for ways out of an apparent bad situation.

I have taken the liberty and used diverse tactics to bring things in the spiritual realm into your laps and minds. I happen to speak from experience and ‘know’ that what is hinted at and alluded to in this National Treasure can help heal hearts, minds and souls on a very subtle level, so subtle in fact, one might not even suspect that the Holy Spirit may be speaking through some of these poems to many  individuals who crack the covers, exposing themselves to truths hiding in plain sight.

              Using a cross between Japanese Haikus and Chinese Aphorisms, along with a heavy dose of Christian Mysticism, (I have possibly coined a new style, ‘Haikuisms’), allows me to speak of things that might seem obtuse, erratic, or too convoluted to be grasped at first reading, however, this also might paradoxically help ease some symptoms of trauma-related emotions by beginning to open paths to things that really matter, the health of our mind and spirit.

              It is my sincerest hope and desire that this book will help many on their secret journey. If by chance my chosen writing style confounds rather than expands, pass particular poems by like clouds in the sky. When you have time, further reading and contemplation may reward the patient observer.” …

Greetings from Big Sky Country and or, just this side of Heaven. Welcome to my introductory blog. Let me thank you for dropping by to see, read, contemplate and purchase a copy or three of this spirit-filled National Treasure designed to heal our veterans on the deepest level, being the one we ride into the next life, or not?, while also recognizing their services rendered and a humble attempt to pay back the debt we owe those who signed up to offer their lives in defense of our nation, and or, fighting the oppression of tyrants-at-large.
 
I respectfully ask that all readers of this blog/post, or know about this new life-saving tool, help me take this ‘little giant’ viral so we can offer our sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, elders and veterans a prescription that can help heal their mind and spirit, not just mask their symptoms/PTSD,  thereby merely enabling them to function in non- combat/civilian settings, using the standard secular treatments, methods and modalities. As can clearly be seen, 22 vets a day, something Isn’t functioning quite right!!! Will someone please vote that as the understatement of the century?
 
The mind is vast and can encompass the universe. If we decline to control it, we will be out of control. These are some of the issues that separate science from spirit, funny thing is, spirit is the foundation of everything seen and unseen. This thin book is the new Rx that speaks about things not spoken about enough in our nation, and my small and mighty attempt to put faith on the front seat as we all ride into eternity.
 
I welcome input, comments, suggestions, and feedback with this blog-talk, a.k.a. (BLALK), new word just invented, and would love to speak with veterans or service men and women on subjects contained in this book, if it will help them figure out their plan of attack. Please enjoy this new and novel approach to healing our veterans and all others who long for hope, guidance and answers in this cosmic play that ‘seems’ to be short on directions.
 
Shall we all now depart to the next level?