Meet Tom. Holiday Island, AR May 5, 2026

 My mind is full of thoughts of the goings-on of life, but  my lap is full of a feral cat named Tom.  He came to me a while ago when I was about to feed Miss Hissy our first feral cat who has been a work-in-progress since we moved into our cabin almost six years ago.  Tom, who I initially named Gray, walked right into the kitchen nook and laid down across my feet and stayed there purring loudly.  He has been a constant companion, talking with me, telling me all kinds of things, wanting to share my food, and trying to sleep on my chest until I shoo him away.  He introduced herself to Timber, Patches and Loki the three dogs now living with me and made it very clear who is in charge. Loud yelps could be heard when a quick swat was skillfully landed on the nose of an inattentive pup.  The four of them get along very well now and are a real comfort to all of us and our visitors.

Over the years, I remember the cat wandering on a farm road in Iowa during RaAM 1983, Earl(Jarrell), Gus and Cream (Edwards), Monster(McCullum), our own Sweet Pea(Passion Play), Scooter(Briniger), Snoop (our stuffed dog) who has been with us since 1974 when he was with me in the hospital in Tulsa during my first bunion surgery, Ginger and all the Jackson dogs in Colorado, Muffin(Phil and Sharon’s cat), TarBaby(Gledhill) Bonnie’s Papillons, Etta Fay, Emmie Lou,Tom and Susie(Ludig), Hissy, Mo, Peggy (Schatz)……..and a host of others. 

 What joy pets bring to us.  They are part of God’s creation although The Bible speaks little about pets and mostly about animals and our duty to be good stewards of them while having dominion over them.  Interesting topic to consider.  Think about the Tabernacle and Temple:  the thousands of animals sacrificed  to atone for our sin, and then there was Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice to take away ALL sin, past, present and future.  The Lamb of God….the only Son of God…..God Incarnate.  Heavy stuff to ponder…..Thank You, Jesus

April 29,2026 Holiday Island, AR. Up again…..I think

 It seems like a long time ago that I last sat down to write a blog.  It has been four years and a lot of water has flowed under the bridge and over the dam.  Covid……Agent Orange presumptive conditions……attacks by the enemy……and personal periods of doubt and disappointment.  God was silent at times, prompting and encouraging at others but I think we are back to my First Love and ready to renew the fight.  Born again, again and optimistic about the future and what God has for me to accomplish for Him.

It’s been a battle for Karen and me and the battle is still ongoing, but I feel called to be bold, bolder than I’ve ever been because there is still so much to be done.  The past year has been especially challenging and while I could write volumes about it, I won’t, because it would detract from the goal of moving forward.  Many valuable lessons have been learned and they will be evident to those who know me.  I am on Facebook and Linked-in and have a bigger audience that I had before and hope we all benefit from that. I am not a big technology fan, but I will use what I feel comfortable with to deliver the message God has placed in me to deliver.  I have a donation button, but DO NOT use it until I understand how it works and know that any money will go to the right place.  For now I’m glad to be back on the air, hope you will continue to follow me and  I ask for your prayers and well wishes.  May  God bless you and keep you.

I love you all.

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July 14, 2022. Holiday Island, AR. A Time For Miracles

When I last blogged on May 31, we had just finished our Memorial Day re-opening for the 2022 season. Since then we have had eighteen performance days; very dry, hot and humid weather and a resurgence of Covid in our area. Karen and I have stayed Covid-free, but a number of our friends, coworkers and church members have been impacted. The Play has had decent attendance, but with all the fluctuation in fuel costs and the uptick in health concerns, we're unsure of the impact on us as we go forward.
In the part of the Passion Play where Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus are presented as Pharisees petitioning that Jesus receive a fair trial and as Jesus is denigrated and sent off to Pilate for trial, Joseph remarks that it is "a time for prayer, my friend," and Nicodemus {the character I portray) responds, "Joseph, a time for miracles". Both these statements apply not only to the time of Jesus, but also to the present time as well.
Our country and world are facing major issues and emotions are high on both sides of every issue. It is a time for all of us to be in prayer and to ask God for a miraculous intercession on our behalf, that His will be done and His Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven. We seek Your presence among us, Lord, and Your continued favor on The Passion Play, our friends and family and all those we come in contact with on a daily basis. Praise You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit now and forever. You alone are our hope.

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May 31, 2022. Holiday Island, AR. Off and Running

The fifty-fourth season of The Great Passion Play has officially begun. With three performance days over Memorial Day weekend, we are off and running. The crowds were smaller than anticipated, but the numbers are not really the story. The story is telling the story of Jesus to all who come to hear it, even if that number is as small as one. When we tell the story it honors Jesus, Father God, and the Holy Spirit and plants a seed which may grow into a whole community who hear the story and pass it along.
We keep a count of those who have seen the Play and that number is approaching eight million over the more than fifty years we have been telling the story in Eureka Springs. Many have been impacted as visitors, volunteer workers and paid staff, and our prayer is that God continues to bless all involved and strengthen us in our efforts to serve Him as He has called us.
After this coming weekend, we will be be presenting the Play, Holy Land, and our three museums every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday until the end of October. The Bible Museum, Holy Land tour and Christ of the Ozarks statue are available on non- performance days as well. Come and visit us even if you have been here before. The story is the same, but the experience is new because God's Living Word is new every day. For allowing us to serve………..Thank You, Lord.

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