On a Monday night exactly seven years ago, I was in Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado having suffered a heart attack, receiving two stents to correct 99 and 95 percent blockages, having a heavy sandbag pressing down on my groin to apply pressure where a plug would not stay in place and told not to move until further notice. I didn't realize or even accept what was happening, but it was the beginning of a dramatic change in my life and my approach to it.
I had always thought of myself as confident and capable, and while I had given my life to Christ in 1999, I still held on to many of my attitudes and my pride. Over the next few months, God made it clear that not only were things about to change, but change was essential for me to continue my journey as a Christian and to serve Him on His terms and not my own. Physically I had to slow down, mentally I had to grow up and spiritually I needed to back off and let God direct Karen and me in our walk with Him.
The story is not one which can be told in a few sentences or the story would lose its impact and its import. Let me just say that our life changed and we are grateful for where God has taken us and what is still in His plan for us, even though we have no idea what that may entail, where we will be asked to serve Him or how long the journey will continue. I have spent more time than ever sitting quietly with no desire to think about anything or do anything besides sitting and am so at peace in those moments that I wonder how this can bring me such joy and contentment, and the next moment I am hard at a task which has arisen and I have no qualms about diving into it and getting it done. At days end, we put our tired bodies to sleep and rise the next day to willingly do it all again. God is so Good and He blesses us beyond what we could ever imagine. We press on believing, trusting and resting in You. Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
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Monday, September 28, 2015
Friday, September 25, 2015
September 25, 2015. Eureka Springs, AR. Roar
This week has been noticeably noisier than usual in Northwest Arkansas as an estimated 400,000 bikers pour into the area for the annual Bikes, Blues and BBQ motorcycle rally. This area is popular with bikers because of the scenic roads, variety of tourist attractions and mix of urban and small-town activities. But this weekend we are already inundated with the almost constant roar of big bikes. There have been a growing number coming onto the Passion Play grounds to see the Christ of The Ozarks Statue, the largest Christ figure in North America.
While there will be a small number who attend The Great Passion Play, we hope that for many of the others the sight of the seven-story Jesus will plant a seed which conveys a quiet message which drowns out the roar of their bikes and the perception many non-bikers have of them. There are a number of bikers who work at TGPP or act in the play and there are a few activities which the Christian Motorcyclists Association sponsors during BB & BBQ week, so there is always hope that the still small voice of Jesus will be heard over the roar of the bikes and the secular activities of the event. Right now, the PP grounds are fairly serene and quiet, but there is a steady roar in the distance, the occasional biker passing by to the Statue, and the still small "roar" of Jesus speaking to a lost and needy world. Help us as Christians to overcome the roar of the world, the roar of materialism and the lure of worldly pleasures, and preach the message of Jesus in our words, actions and the hope we rest in.
Sent from my iPad
While there will be a small number who attend The Great Passion Play, we hope that for many of the others the sight of the seven-story Jesus will plant a seed which conveys a quiet message which drowns out the roar of their bikes and the perception many non-bikers have of them. There are a number of bikers who work at TGPP or act in the play and there are a few activities which the Christian Motorcyclists Association sponsors during BB & BBQ week, so there is always hope that the still small voice of Jesus will be heard over the roar of the bikes and the secular activities of the event. Right now, the PP grounds are fairly serene and quiet, but there is a steady roar in the distance, the occasional biker passing by to the Statue, and the still small "roar" of Jesus speaking to a lost and needy world. Help us as Christians to overcome the roar of the world, the roar of materialism and the lure of worldly pleasures, and preach the message of Jesus in our words, actions and the hope we rest in.
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
September 22, 2015. Eureka Springs, AR. Debt-Free
One of the goals Karen and I have aspired to over the years is to be totally free of debt of any kind. A couple of times we were within reach of that goal, but once a 500-year flood came along and another time a call (from God) to ministry on the road in a motor home caused us to enter a partnership with Bank of the West for a term of twenty years worth of monthly payments.
The flood came and went, the damaged house was repaired, then sold and a new house purchased with the same monthly payments as we had for our previous house. The past two years we have "owned" the RV and have lived on the road for most of that time. We have been able to adapt to a host of different weather conditions, a smaller living area and much fewer possessions and necessities. We have really liked the life style, the freedom to stay in a location or move on to another, to give our time and talents to serving The Lord and needs we feel we are able to address and help find a solution to. In the process we have met a wide variety of people, experienced different churches, worship styles and ways people live life. It has definitely opened our eyes to the many ways people do life.
In a little over a month, we will pick up stakes and head off to Georgia, or possibly a ministry opportunity in Louisiana. We haven't made a firm decision yet, although we do want to spend at least part of the winter back in Georgia. One thing we know, as far as our walk with The Lord is concerned, we are debt-free because of the sacrifice of Jesus on The Cross and because of that we are available to serve whenever we are called and wherever He wants us to take the home He has provided for us. Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
The flood came and went, the damaged house was repaired, then sold and a new house purchased with the same monthly payments as we had for our previous house. The past two years we have "owned" the RV and have lived on the road for most of that time. We have been able to adapt to a host of different weather conditions, a smaller living area and much fewer possessions and necessities. We have really liked the life style, the freedom to stay in a location or move on to another, to give our time and talents to serving The Lord and needs we feel we are able to address and help find a solution to. In the process we have met a wide variety of people, experienced different churches, worship styles and ways people live life. It has definitely opened our eyes to the many ways people do life.
In a little over a month, we will pick up stakes and head off to Georgia, or possibly a ministry opportunity in Louisiana. We haven't made a firm decision yet, although we do want to spend at least part of the winter back in Georgia. One thing we know, as far as our walk with The Lord is concerned, we are debt-free because of the sacrifice of Jesus on The Cross and because of that we are available to serve whenever we are called and wherever He wants us to take the home He has provided for us. Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, September 19, 2015
September 19, 2015. Eureka Springs, AR. I Didn't Know That
We carry presumptions with us because of how and where we were raised, our educational training, our ethnic or religious background or any number of other cultural experiences. People assume that because we have a certain education we are an expert in that field. They assume because I have a legal education and belonged to the Virginia State Bar for over 30 years that I can handle their legal predicament, or because I was raised as a Jew, I am fluent in Hebrew, have been to Israel and can answer any question about the Old Testament.
Unfortunately, most of what I know I learned from Jeopardy or by Googling it and reading Wikipedia posts on the subject. Here at the Passion Play there are many Biblical Scholars, past or present Pastors, but very few people who have been raised in a Kosher Jewish home, so I field a lot of questions on the Old Testament and Jewish topics. As with the law questions, I have to admit that in most cases I don't remember, don't know or will get back to them later with an answer. Sometimes the answer I find from the Internet triggers a memory, but most times I have to admit that "I didn't know that" and while it may be true, it wasn't part of my upbringing.
It certainly is convenient to have a Smartphone, not have to consult an out-of-date encyclopedia, or run to a library and find the answer in a book or archived news clipping. Information is so accessible and easily verified. We always used to say that we need to learn something new every day or we haven't lived each day to the fullest. I can't believe how many things I did today that I have never done before, things I learned for the first time today and how much more comfortable I am with the life we have chosen to live and the path we are following as we get closer to the anticipated "well done" and our eternal Home. The world has changed, we have been changed and the best is still to come. No room for "I didn't know that" in that.
Sent from my iPad
Unfortunately, most of what I know I learned from Jeopardy or by Googling it and reading Wikipedia posts on the subject. Here at the Passion Play there are many Biblical Scholars, past or present Pastors, but very few people who have been raised in a Kosher Jewish home, so I field a lot of questions on the Old Testament and Jewish topics. As with the law questions, I have to admit that in most cases I don't remember, don't know or will get back to them later with an answer. Sometimes the answer I find from the Internet triggers a memory, but most times I have to admit that "I didn't know that" and while it may be true, it wasn't part of my upbringing.
It certainly is convenient to have a Smartphone, not have to consult an out-of-date encyclopedia, or run to a library and find the answer in a book or archived news clipping. Information is so accessible and easily verified. We always used to say that we need to learn something new every day or we haven't lived each day to the fullest. I can't believe how many things I did today that I have never done before, things I learned for the first time today and how much more comfortable I am with the life we have chosen to live and the path we are following as we get closer to the anticipated "well done" and our eternal Home. The world has changed, we have been changed and the best is still to come. No room for "I didn't know that" in that.
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
September 16, 2015. Eureka Springs, AR. There Oughta Be A Law
When something goes wrong, how many times do we hear someone say, "there oughta be a law" about that and before you know it some legislator is introducing a bill, a lawyer is filing suit or people are protesting or marching in front of city hall. Eventually the hubbub dies down, the issue is replaced by another and the whole routine is repeated again. Sometimes the situation does result in a new law, a new foundation being established or money collected for the wronged party and we never hear about them again.
There are too many "pet peeves" and personal battles being waged. We can't jump on every bandwagon, support every cause or get personally involved in every problem, disaster or "injustice" or we will not have the time, money or ability to handle our own issues. Discernment calls for us to balance our own life with the lives of our family, friends and complete strangers. Part of our belief and support system should be who we go to for help and how that help is delivered to us. Many of us take our problems, cares, needs and wants to God through prayer and our belief that He is able and willing to come to our aid in every situation. Although we ask for specific relief for us or for those we are praying for, God sees the big picture and brings a lot of resources, correct timing and unknown consequences into balance when He resolves the issue. It's amazing how often He steps in, gets it right and doesn't need a law, a lawsuit or a lawyer or politician to assist Him.
The past few days, Karen and I have been witness to a host of answered prayers, testimonies of God's intervention in bad situations with good results, and lives changed by the grace and mercy of our Triune God at work. We have seen injuries averted, good doctor reports, financial assistance where resources were scarce, needs met by people showing up unexpectedly to fill "holes" and people released from situations which were doomed to failure or danger.
I could say that there oughta be a law establishing God's rule and reign in our world, but that's not the way God wants to rule and reign. Preaching Jesus, making disciples and freely choosing to follow Him.........that's what He calls us to do and He is pleased when we willingly and obediently comply and the results will speak for themselves. We serve an awesome God and for that we are grateful and blessed.
Sent from my iPad
There are too many "pet peeves" and personal battles being waged. We can't jump on every bandwagon, support every cause or get personally involved in every problem, disaster or "injustice" or we will not have the time, money or ability to handle our own issues. Discernment calls for us to balance our own life with the lives of our family, friends and complete strangers. Part of our belief and support system should be who we go to for help and how that help is delivered to us. Many of us take our problems, cares, needs and wants to God through prayer and our belief that He is able and willing to come to our aid in every situation. Although we ask for specific relief for us or for those we are praying for, God sees the big picture and brings a lot of resources, correct timing and unknown consequences into balance when He resolves the issue. It's amazing how often He steps in, gets it right and doesn't need a law, a lawsuit or a lawyer or politician to assist Him.
The past few days, Karen and I have been witness to a host of answered prayers, testimonies of God's intervention in bad situations with good results, and lives changed by the grace and mercy of our Triune God at work. We have seen injuries averted, good doctor reports, financial assistance where resources were scarce, needs met by people showing up unexpectedly to fill "holes" and people released from situations which were doomed to failure or danger.
I could say that there oughta be a law establishing God's rule and reign in our world, but that's not the way God wants to rule and reign. Preaching Jesus, making disciples and freely choosing to follow Him.........that's what He calls us to do and He is pleased when we willingly and obediently comply and the results will speak for themselves. We serve an awesome God and for that we are grateful and blessed.
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Saturday, September 12, 2015
September 12, 2015. Eureka Springs, AR. No Ifs, ANTS, or Buts
Wednesday night we were invaded by carpenter ants. This is the first time we have had ants in the motor home. In Georgia we had fire ants by the gazillions in large mounds, but they were content to stay outside and the powder we sprinkled on them and the occasional riding mower across their habitat kept them at bay. But the current invasion was unexpected and pretty intense. The fly swatter was busy and the strategic deployment of Trapper Max Glue Traps (sticky paper) caught many as they came in through one of our slide-out tracks and some ant and spider spray on Thursday morning completely stemmed the tide. I think our cold front and impending downpour Wednesday night drove the little buggers inside for a warmer and dryer environment, but they didn't realize who they were dealing with - critter fighter.
With the help of Google, advice from local critter haters and a wealth of possible remedies, we have been determined to protect our space from the onslaught of anything which creeps, crawls, flies, slithers, or has more than two feet. As opposed to Noah who brought everything into his house to preserve them for future generations, we are doing our best to keep a distance from them and let them survive in their natural state and not in our ark. Beside, Noah only had to deal with two chiggers, two ants, two...........well........you get my point.
I woke up to 49 degrees this morning and tomorrow it will be a few degrees cooler. Right now it is barely into the 70's and absolutely gorgeous. Fall has made its first appearance here and we have 7 weeks left in the 2015 GPP season. Enjoy each day, what we have this moment and rest on the promise of what is to come. God has a glorious plan for those who trust, believe and choose to follow. No ifs, ands or buts about it.
Sent from my iPad
With the help of Google, advice from local critter haters and a wealth of possible remedies, we have been determined to protect our space from the onslaught of anything which creeps, crawls, flies, slithers, or has more than two feet. As opposed to Noah who brought everything into his house to preserve them for future generations, we are doing our best to keep a distance from them and let them survive in their natural state and not in our ark. Beside, Noah only had to deal with two chiggers, two ants, two...........well........you get my point.
I woke up to 49 degrees this morning and tomorrow it will be a few degrees cooler. Right now it is barely into the 70's and absolutely gorgeous. Fall has made its first appearance here and we have 7 weeks left in the 2015 GPP season. Enjoy each day, what we have this moment and rest on the promise of what is to come. God has a glorious plan for those who trust, believe and choose to follow. No ifs, ands or buts about it.
Sent from my iPad
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