The news has been full of disturbing reports of late and the behavior of people has come into serious question of "what was he thinking" and "where are we heading" as individuals, a country and a community of nations. As I have blogged before, I was not politically active as a student, a young adult or a maturing adult, even though the world in which I grew up was politically and socially active, and sometimes radical in its approach to the issues of the day.
Today it seems that everyone has a cause, every cause is in need of activist leadership and everyone has an agenda, a better way of doing things, and violent behavior and "packing" are as normal as breathing. Again, I am not into the issues of the day. There are too many of them and too much competition for our time, our resources and our participation. Everyone wants to protest, to seek a new law on the subject or march in a parade. Commercials want me to donate to a wide assortment of wrongs which need to be righted and I am made to feel guilty if I don't sign up. Karen and I have supported a number of organizations on a regular basis and help individuals as we feel led to do so. But we can't do it all, we can't cure every disease or right every injustice. Our prayer is always that God's will be done, we remain obedient to His call and that we do what we can as Christ-followers to advance His Kingdom today and every day.
We have no choice but to live in the world as it is, to try our best to live by the Biblical standards in which we believe, and live in such a way that those who know us or observe us will see something which may cause them to question their own lives or behavior and like what they see in ours and want a piece of it for themselves. We can voice our disapproval where appropriate, but we still need to realize that we can never debate, coerce or argue someone "into the Kingdom". It's a tough world, but then again, it's always been a tough world. Jesus told us it would be so. And so we live in the world, but look beyond to a better place, a better time and the promise of a better World. Thank You, Jesus.
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Monday, June 29, 2015
Friday, June 26, 2015
Fwd: June 26, 2015. Eureka Springs, AR. Sweet Sixteen
Subject: June 26, 2015. Eureka Springs, AR. Sweet Sixteen
Tomorrow is my birthday. No, not my human being birthday, but my spiritual being birthday. On June 27,1999, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and the resulting sixteen years have been a glorious and ever-expanding adventure. It hasn't always been a smooth road or a trouble-free journey, but it has been one I would not wish away and would gladly do again if there were such a chance to do so. The experiences have been priceless, the people we have encountered have been memorable and the relationships developed have been uplifting and encouraging.
We are often asked what has been the highlight of our recent "missionary journey" or the most beautiful place we have been, or the place we would be most likely to settle if we decided to leave Colorado and not live on the road, and in every case, we really don't have an answer because every moment has been unique, every place has a beauty or serenity which meets the need of the moment and every state, even Nebraska and Kansas has its unique character which can make it home for the time being.
Tomorrow we will spend my birthday serving the Great Passion Play ministry and thanking God for giving me new life and us a purpose which has sustained us these sixteen years and promises to continue doing so for as many years as He calls us to give our lives in His service. Thank You Lord for the memory of that life-changing day and your faithfulness every day since.
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Tuesday, June 23, 2015
June 23, 2015. Eureka Springs, AR. They're Back
We've been back in Arkansas one week, but it sure seems longer. While most of our acquaintances here seem glad to see us, and we are glad to be out of the Colorado traffic, the siren noise and the chores of reorganizing our house, we have a few "situations" which have not gone away or have recurred because of the Arkansas environment.
We are still flushing out Miller Moths from crevices and other hiding places. We have even seen a few little ones meaning we might have brought a countless number back here, where no one has ever heard of a Miller Moth. We'd hate to be the bearer of the MM infestation to this already-critter-infested area. They don't need any more. My other nemesis, the chigger, has also welcomed me back to Arkansas. These guys must have quite a social media network, since it only took them 3 days to find me, invade my right leg and hip and bless me with multiple bites and the resulting infernal urge to squeeze, itch and seek new methods for relief. The heat and humidity have also made a sudden and extreme return. The heat index made a rapid rise to near 100 today and it seems hotter already than what we experienced here last summer. I've made a concerted effort to keep hydrated in the heat, lest the dreaded kidney stones make their return as well. I still have pain pills from last year's bout, but I would rather not have to face that male-childbirth pain again now or ever.
I don't want to go against my morning devotional which read "Help me, O Lord, to make the best of all situations without complaining........", so let me end by saying that I'm really not complaining........just explaining. Having a blessed day, looking to God for strength and courage to press on and see us through these "distractions".
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We are still flushing out Miller Moths from crevices and other hiding places. We have even seen a few little ones meaning we might have brought a countless number back here, where no one has ever heard of a Miller Moth. We'd hate to be the bearer of the MM infestation to this already-critter-infested area. They don't need any more. My other nemesis, the chigger, has also welcomed me back to Arkansas. These guys must have quite a social media network, since it only took them 3 days to find me, invade my right leg and hip and bless me with multiple bites and the resulting infernal urge to squeeze, itch and seek new methods for relief. The heat and humidity have also made a sudden and extreme return. The heat index made a rapid rise to near 100 today and it seems hotter already than what we experienced here last summer. I've made a concerted effort to keep hydrated in the heat, lest the dreaded kidney stones make their return as well. I still have pain pills from last year's bout, but I would rather not have to face that male-childbirth pain again now or ever.
I don't want to go against my morning devotional which read "Help me, O Lord, to make the best of all situations without complaining........", so let me end by saying that I'm really not complaining........just explaining. Having a blessed day, looking to God for strength and courage to press on and see us through these "distractions".
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, June 20, 2015
June 20, 2015. Eureka Springs, AR. Bye Bye Bill
Mid-day yesterday the sun poked through and we bid farewell to an extended period of rain and dreary weather. It seemed like wherever we were there was nothing but clouds, wet weather and saturated ground. Flood warnings, watches and alerts were a constant diet and we were on the lookout for drips, drips and more drips around windows, cabinets and slide-out seals. But through it all the ark stayed afloat and we are now looking at hot weather, musty smells and high humidity because of the swollen streams and saturated ground. Welcome to the last day of Spring.
All our Passion Play volunteer friends from last year are scattered around at various other volunteer opportunities (GA, FL, TX, LA, NC, MO). We miss having them with us or being where they are, but it seems we have each received a different call, and even Karen and I are looking for our niche here after being away for almost five weeks. God will put us where He wants us, provide the work partners and expertise needed to accomplish each task and in the end it will be His Play, His ministry and His plan and our duty to be willing and be diet. For us, the focus switches from being wet on the outside to making sure we stay hydrated on the inside. Bye bye Bill: Hello Summer..
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All our Passion Play volunteer friends from last year are scattered around at various other volunteer opportunities (GA, FL, TX, LA, NC, MO). We miss having them with us or being where they are, but it seems we have each received a different call, and even Karen and I are looking for our niche here after being away for almost five weeks. God will put us where He wants us, provide the work partners and expertise needed to accomplish each task and in the end it will be His Play, His ministry and His plan and our duty to be willing and be diet. For us, the focus switches from being wet on the outside to making sure we stay hydrated on the inside. Bye bye Bill: Hello Summer..
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
June 17, 2015. Eureka Springs, AR. Humility and Humidity
Karen and I spent three days on the road, most of it
driving from the extreme northwest corner of Kansas to the extreme southeast corner of Kansas as we navigated from our Colorado home to our Arkansas home at The Great Passion Play. We had a warm send off by family and friends and a warm reception as we arrived here yesterday afternoon. It has been humbling to look at the favor God has lavished on us by allowing us to serve Him, to have the freedom and means to obey His call and to meet such caring and committed people along the way. Last night I was not a cast member in the play, but took the opportunity to watch the play as an audience member and got to sit in the rain instead of perform in the rain. It was humbling, again, to watch the dedicated cast I have been blessed to be part of, do the play with no apparent ill effects from the pouring rain, and watch my fellow audience members sit in that same inclement weather with the only objective being to watch the "greatest story ever told", rain or shine. We were all rewarded by the rain stopping for Jesus' resurrection and ascension. What a blessing we experienced.
Most of our time in Colorado was spent in heavy rain and flood-warning conditions. However, when it rains in Colorado the humidity never becomes oppressive and it almost seems like there is no humidity in a gully-washer while in Arkansas, even a sprinkle results in oppressive humidity, the need to keep changing shirts and taking multiple showers per day. The shoes I wore yesterday at the play are still sopping wet and may never dry out if tropical storm Bill continues his assault on us. We haven't had more than a hint of moisture today as we worked outside on landscaping projects, but at 4pm it was 81 degrees and nearly the same percent humidity. By 10pm it will be nearly 95 percent humidity and then we will get the rain overnight. The humidity humbles me and frustrates all of us. There's not much we can do, but accept what comes our way, accept the joy we have in serving God and basking in the grace of His love and protection. I just changed into a dry shirt and after the Evening News and the weather report, I think I'll take another shower. Welcome to Arkansas!
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driving from the extreme northwest corner of Kansas to the extreme southeast corner of Kansas as we navigated from our Colorado home to our Arkansas home at The Great Passion Play. We had a warm send off by family and friends and a warm reception as we arrived here yesterday afternoon. It has been humbling to look at the favor God has lavished on us by allowing us to serve Him, to have the freedom and means to obey His call and to meet such caring and committed people along the way. Last night I was not a cast member in the play, but took the opportunity to watch the play as an audience member and got to sit in the rain instead of perform in the rain. It was humbling, again, to watch the dedicated cast I have been blessed to be part of, do the play with no apparent ill effects from the pouring rain, and watch my fellow audience members sit in that same inclement weather with the only objective being to watch the "greatest story ever told", rain or shine. We were all rewarded by the rain stopping for Jesus' resurrection and ascension. What a blessing we experienced.
Most of our time in Colorado was spent in heavy rain and flood-warning conditions. However, when it rains in Colorado the humidity never becomes oppressive and it almost seems like there is no humidity in a gully-washer while in Arkansas, even a sprinkle results in oppressive humidity, the need to keep changing shirts and taking multiple showers per day. The shoes I wore yesterday at the play are still sopping wet and may never dry out if tropical storm Bill continues his assault on us. We haven't had more than a hint of moisture today as we worked outside on landscaping projects, but at 4pm it was 81 degrees and nearly the same percent humidity. By 10pm it will be nearly 95 percent humidity and then we will get the rain overnight. The humidity humbles me and frustrates all of us. There's not much we can do, but accept what comes our way, accept the joy we have in serving God and basking in the grace of His love and protection. I just changed into a dry shirt and after the Evening News and the weather report, I think I'll take another shower. Welcome to Arkansas!
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, June 14, 2015
June 14, 2015. Oakley, KS. We've Been This Way Before
There are a lot of roads in the United States. The estimate is that there are just over four million miles of paved and unpaved roads in our country and every state lays claim to the best ranking for the condition of their roads and claims the worst roads are somewhere else. I hate to bad-mouth our great state of Colorado, but the roads there rank pretty far down the list. Whether it is because of the extreme weather or whether it is some other factor, Colorado roads and streets are pot-hole-laden and the repair methods do not adequately repair the damage. We do have the typical large number of county and state road workers, but they seem to lack the ability to coordinate on a good finished product which holds up to normal wear and tear.
Since Karen and I avoid the Interstates, we see a lot of state and county roads with narrow shoulders and an inordinate amount of rumble strips to alert motorists to drifting too far to the right or left to keep us centered and on the road. It can't be easy to keep up with road conditions and have the funds to improve bridges, roads and keep traffic moving in urban areas. Proper signage is important and the GPS has done much to get us where we need to be by the shortest or quickest or most scenic route.
For now, we are retracing our 900 miles route between Colorado and Arkansas and are staying three RV spaces from where we stayed in Oakley, KS a month ago when we made the trip from TGPP back to Colorado. We are anxious to get back to Arkansas, get into our old routine, or maybe a new one, and do what we can to promote the Passion Play ministry and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to all who come to partake of TGPP experience as spectators or participants. Tomorrow and Tuesday we ply the back roads of Kansas, a little bit of Missouri and then twist and turn, climb and descend through northwest Arkansas to our summer and early fall home. We've been this way before, but know that new experiences and adventures await us and we look forward to God's plan and our part in it.
Our time in Colorado went quickly, but we needed to do what we did, and be where we were. We plan to be that way again next May and God willing, the roads will be in better shape and Colorado will rise in the rankings, the rains will not be such a problem and the Miller moths will find other RV's to overrun. Travel is great and we feel so blessed to be able to live this way, serve God and rest in His grace and peace. Thank You, Lord, thank You.
Sent from my iPad
Since Karen and I avoid the Interstates, we see a lot of state and county roads with narrow shoulders and an inordinate amount of rumble strips to alert motorists to drifting too far to the right or left to keep us centered and on the road. It can't be easy to keep up with road conditions and have the funds to improve bridges, roads and keep traffic moving in urban areas. Proper signage is important and the GPS has done much to get us where we need to be by the shortest or quickest or most scenic route.
For now, we are retracing our 900 miles route between Colorado and Arkansas and are staying three RV spaces from where we stayed in Oakley, KS a month ago when we made the trip from TGPP back to Colorado. We are anxious to get back to Arkansas, get into our old routine, or maybe a new one, and do what we can to promote the Passion Play ministry and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to all who come to partake of TGPP experience as spectators or participants. Tomorrow and Tuesday we ply the back roads of Kansas, a little bit of Missouri and then twist and turn, climb and descend through northwest Arkansas to our summer and early fall home. We've been this way before, but know that new experiences and adventures await us and we look forward to God's plan and our part in it.
Our time in Colorado went quickly, but we needed to do what we did, and be where we were. We plan to be that way again next May and God willing, the roads will be in better shape and Colorado will rise in the rankings, the rains will not be such a problem and the Miller moths will find other RV's to overrun. Travel is great and we feel so blessed to be able to live this way, serve God and rest in His grace and peace. Thank You, Lord, thank You.
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, June 11, 2015
June 11, 2015. Loveland, CO. God Knows
Our work here is nearly done. We did what we came to do and in a few days we will head out of Colorado for.......God knows where. Our plan was to take care of my medical needs with the VA and Karen's docs for her, get the Fort Collins house in order for the family to move in and downsize our stuff there, take care of our vehicle needs, visit friends and get back to Arkansas and The Great Passion Play. Well, we touched all the bases, but we're not really sure how many runs we scored. But, God knows and that's really all that matters.
Some of our medical woes were fixed and some still exist, some of our vehicle needs were met, but others will have to wait for later, the house is reordered, but not totally in order and our plan to return to TGPP may not fit with their plan to receive us, but God knows and that IS all that matters. Situations change, sometimes slowly and sometimes in short order, and all we can do is change our plans to meet what presents itself. Today we will find out if we need to move to a different space in the RV park for our last three days or (hopefully) stay where we are, and pack up or not, as needed. We will do some more reorganizing at the house, wash the car (again) to clean the sap, cottonwood fuzz, Miller Moth and bird poop, pollen, and bug splatter and wait for the afternoon return of the monsoon-type-El Nino weather. Other than that we go on with the Colorado adventure, but.........God knows.......and we are waiting on Him to let us know........
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Some of our medical woes were fixed and some still exist, some of our vehicle needs were met, but others will have to wait for later, the house is reordered, but not totally in order and our plan to return to TGPP may not fit with their plan to receive us, but God knows and that IS all that matters. Situations change, sometimes slowly and sometimes in short order, and all we can do is change our plans to meet what presents itself. Today we will find out if we need to move to a different space in the RV park for our last three days or (hopefully) stay where we are, and pack up or not, as needed. We will do some more reorganizing at the house, wash the car (again) to clean the sap, cottonwood fuzz, Miller Moth and bird poop, pollen, and bug splatter and wait for the afternoon return of the monsoon-type-El Nino weather. Other than that we go on with the Colorado adventure, but.........God knows.......and we are waiting on Him to let us know........
Sent from my iPad
Monday, June 8, 2015
June 8, 2015. Loveland, CO. The Calm in the Storm
Every morning for the past sixteen years I have started the day with a time of reflection, reading the Bible and devotionals, thanking God and being alone with Him, writing my thoughts in a journal and drinking a glass of "regularity". Not coffee........regularity. There is a calm about the morning; no music, no television, no conversation, just the peace of God and the new day stretching out before me. No idea what the day might hold, but, for the moment, at peace with the world and alone with the God of Peace.
in the midst of all the violent weather of the past week, the battle each evening with the invasion of the Miller Moths in our RV, the tension of an apparent serial shooter in the area and then the news that our great-nephews' girlfriend's grandfather had been killed by a neighbor on the north side of Loveland, it is comforting to know that each morning in my quiet time with The Lord, I can escape the world for a while. I can be comforted by His Word and the words of commentators and devotional writers, and I can put my thoughts in a journal or in a blog and be alone, in communion with the God of the universe. How blessed I am. How grateful I am and how humbled I am to have this time with the Great I AM, my Lord and Savior. Thank You Father, thank You Jesus, thank You Holy Spirit. Guide us through the storm
Sent from my iPad
in the midst of all the violent weather of the past week, the battle each evening with the invasion of the Miller Moths in our RV, the tension of an apparent serial shooter in the area and then the news that our great-nephews' girlfriend's grandfather had been killed by a neighbor on the north side of Loveland, it is comforting to know that each morning in my quiet time with The Lord, I can escape the world for a while. I can be comforted by His Word and the words of commentators and devotional writers, and I can put my thoughts in a journal or in a blog and be alone, in communion with the God of the universe. How blessed I am. How grateful I am and how humbled I am to have this time with the Great I AM, my Lord and Savior. Thank You Father, thank You Jesus, thank You Holy Spirit. Guide us through the storm
Sent from my iPad
Friday, June 5, 2015
June 5, 2015. Loveland, CO. What's Going On?
Three days ago I was quoting Simon and Garfunkel and espousing the value of slowing down, enjoying the moment and waiting on God. Today my mind is recalling the lyrics to another S&G song wondering where Joe DiMaggio had gone, from the song "Mrs. Robinson" and the movie, The Graduate. I don't know why the fixation on the folk/Rock duo of the '60's, but for some reason I have gone beyond the harmony of the music to the words of their songs. I grew up in that era, enjoyed the harmonies of the music, but was not into the politics or activism of that time and in many ways was a conflicted result of those hectic and turbulent years.
Today we are facing many of the same idealistic challenges as a culture and we are having our heroes brought down to be replaced by newer and "trendier" ones. As an athlete, I admired the exploits of Bruce Jenner, but we are now finding out a lot more about him and his struggles. I don't want to break a law or appear insensitive, but "where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?". Dennis Hastert, a hero to some in the political arena has come crashing down as has the Duggar family over revelations of past conduct or misconduct. Karen and I are sitting in the target area of a series of random shootings over the past weeks which have resulted in 2 people killed, one injured while driving on the Interstate, and many windows shot out of vehicles on the highway. We have been in the throes of torrential rain, tornadoes a few miles to the south of us and the prospects of more violent weather over the next week. We are just north of the trial for the perpetrator of the Aurora movie theater massacre and we are in the middle of upheavals in our family which have turned our house into a refuge for those needing a place to call home.
The world is at war with itself and there seems to be no end to the stories of medicine too expensive for people to afford, insurance which does not cover what it said it would cover and the endless parade of Republican candidates for President. Hillary is even the target of endless criticism and a growing number of challengers to her once guaranteed place on the throne. The world is coming apart at the seams and God must be shaking His head at the mess we are making of the world He has entrusted to us.
Step back, take a deep breath...........we are in good hands.........no not Allstate. GOD IS IN CONTROL and with all that's going on.......we can rest in Him, now and forever. It's time to turn off the news, turn on ME TV or Antenna TV or just curl up with not a good book, but The Good Book and rest on the promises of God and the Good News of Jesus Christ. I'm sure there are many who don't agree with this, or call it foolishness, but right now I know what I believe, and I'm sticking with it. Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Today we are facing many of the same idealistic challenges as a culture and we are having our heroes brought down to be replaced by newer and "trendier" ones. As an athlete, I admired the exploits of Bruce Jenner, but we are now finding out a lot more about him and his struggles. I don't want to break a law or appear insensitive, but "where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?". Dennis Hastert, a hero to some in the political arena has come crashing down as has the Duggar family over revelations of past conduct or misconduct. Karen and I are sitting in the target area of a series of random shootings over the past weeks which have resulted in 2 people killed, one injured while driving on the Interstate, and many windows shot out of vehicles on the highway. We have been in the throes of torrential rain, tornadoes a few miles to the south of us and the prospects of more violent weather over the next week. We are just north of the trial for the perpetrator of the Aurora movie theater massacre and we are in the middle of upheavals in our family which have turned our house into a refuge for those needing a place to call home.
The world is at war with itself and there seems to be no end to the stories of medicine too expensive for people to afford, insurance which does not cover what it said it would cover and the endless parade of Republican candidates for President. Hillary is even the target of endless criticism and a growing number of challengers to her once guaranteed place on the throne. The world is coming apart at the seams and God must be shaking His head at the mess we are making of the world He has entrusted to us.
Step back, take a deep breath...........we are in good hands.........no not Allstate. GOD IS IN CONTROL and with all that's going on.......we can rest in Him, now and forever. It's time to turn off the news, turn on ME TV or Antenna TV or just curl up with not a good book, but The Good Book and rest on the promises of God and the Good News of Jesus Christ. I'm sure there are many who don't agree with this, or call it foolishness, but right now I know what I believe, and I'm sticking with it. Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
June 2, 2015. Loveland, CO. Gettin' er done
Slowly, but surely, the Colorado to-do list is shrinking. Our house has taken on a different look with the addition of Cherie, Courtney, Lazlo (the schnauzer) and Chumlee (the rabbit) to Karen's sister Jinny as the residents of our Fort Collins house. Right now we have a little more packing and they have a lot of unpacking to do, but pretty soon it will be done.
We have been able to visit family and many of our friends, get our medical almost completed and take care of most of the financial matters we came to settle. We have been to Dairy Delite, Cafe Athens and China Wok our three favorite eateries; been able to hug and thank our Larimer County Veterans Service Officer for all she has done for us and so many other Vets; and every evening we return to our home on wheels, 11 miles from our house home and enjoy what God has provided for us and the ministry He has called us to. We're not sure of the timing of our return to our Arkansas home, since Karen has been battling a case of the punies and has been slowed down quite a bit. I guess my blog about slowing down proved to be truer than I imagined when I wrote it. We will wait for her to be recovered since I have yet to drive the motor home and doing the car driving the past five days is enough of a change for us since Karen has been the vehicle driver of the family exclusively for the past many, many, MANY years.
We will move on when the cloud lifts, and while the May rains have given way to weather in the mid-80's the past two days with a temporary reprieve from cool, damp weather, we will wait on God's call, whenever, whatever and wherever, knowing it all is for our good and His glory.
Sent from my iPad
We have been able to visit family and many of our friends, get our medical almost completed and take care of most of the financial matters we came to settle. We have been to Dairy Delite, Cafe Athens and China Wok our three favorite eateries; been able to hug and thank our Larimer County Veterans Service Officer for all she has done for us and so many other Vets; and every evening we return to our home on wheels, 11 miles from our house home and enjoy what God has provided for us and the ministry He has called us to. We're not sure of the timing of our return to our Arkansas home, since Karen has been battling a case of the punies and has been slowed down quite a bit. I guess my blog about slowing down proved to be truer than I imagined when I wrote it. We will wait for her to be recovered since I have yet to drive the motor home and doing the car driving the past five days is enough of a change for us since Karen has been the vehicle driver of the family exclusively for the past many, many, MANY years.
We will move on when the cloud lifts, and while the May rains have given way to weather in the mid-80's the past two days with a temporary reprieve from cool, damp weather, we will wait on God's call, whenever, whatever and wherever, knowing it all is for our good and His glory.
Sent from my iPad
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