Lakeland/Winter Haven York Rite Bodies

05/31/2026

05/29/2026

Congratulations to our newly elected Junior Grand Warden. R W John Dragneff

05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, we remember and honor the fallen who sacrificed for our freedom.

05/23/2026

On Thursday May 14, 2026, we celebrate Ascension Day, when we commemorate Jesus’ ascension into Heaven after spending forty days following his resurrection with his disciples. On that day, the disciples stood there, watching as their risen Lord was lifted up before their very eyes. A cloud received Him out of their sight. No fanfare from earth—just awe, wonder, and perhaps a touch of confusion. Two angels appeared and asked a piercing question: “Why do you stand looking into heaven?” (Acts 1:11). It wasn’t a rebuke, but a redirection. Jesus had ascended, but their mission was just beginning.

In February 2010 I was privileged to participate in the Knight Templar Holy Land Pilgrimage, and one day I got to stand on the Mount of Olives where this took place. I remember standing there when our guide shared this same question. On Ascension Day, we should not be looking upward, as if Christ’s work is finished and distant? The ascension does not mark Jesus’ absence—it marks His reign. He did not disappear; He was exalted. He ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He intercedes for us and rules with all authority.

For Christians today, the ascension reshapes how we live in three important ways.

First, it gives us confidence in Christ’s authority. The One who walked these dusty paths now reigns over heaven and earth. No circumstance we face is outside of His control. When life feels uncertain, we remember that our Savior is not confined to a place—He is enthroned above all.

Second, it calls us to action. The angels’ question reminds us that faith is not passive. The disciples could not remain on the mountain; they had to go into the world. In the same way, we are called to live out the gospel in our homes, workplaces, and communities. The ascension is not the end of the story—it is the launching point of our mission.

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05/16/2026

"He that walks with wise men will be wise: But a Companion of Fools will suffer harm." -Proverbs 13:20

This is the biblical foundation of "guilt by association" that many of us learned from our parents as children. We were warned that "you become what you associate with" and more plainly " birds of a feather flock together." These sayings as we saw at the beginning have their beginning in scripture.

This proverb is widely attributed to King Solomon as the author. King Solomon was regarded as one of, if not the wisest King who lived and in this proverb he uses several terms to help up understand this important truth.

The term "Walk” implies ongoing relationship and close association, not just occasional contact. If you spend time with wise, thoughtful, morally grounded people, their habits, thinking, and values will influence you positively. Wisdom here isn’t just intelligence. It includes good judgment, discipline, and respect for God. "Fools” in Proverbs are not unintelligent people but rather they are those who reject wisdom, ignore consequences, and act recklessly. Being close to these kinds of people can lead to bad decisions, trouble or consequences you didn’t intend. It can also lead to moral or spiritual decline which is the ultimate fall.

In light of all this, Companions, choose friends who encourage growth, integrity, and responsibility. Spend your time with people who challenge you to improve how to make decisions and solve problems. Don't fall victim to peer pressure or environments where poor choices are normalized. We know our thoughts become our words that lead to actions, our actions become habits that eventually define our character.

Keep the wise words of King Solomon close to your minds as you journey through life. The company you keep can be uplifting or harmful but the Companion is yours to choose. Mark Well!