We're down to the nubs. Today the wardrobe managers for all four cast dressing rooms appeared to finalize their rooms for dress rehearsal tomorrow night. The sound and light person(s) were checking the speakers, lights, computer feeds and all the other tech elements for the play. The animals have been brought down to the set to "mark their territory" and the doves (white pigeons) will be flown tomorrow to make sure they "home" to the proper place after their circling the set a few times.
We still have a lot of finish work on the set to make the new construction look old, and there are still water drainage issues to be resolved. We were inundated with rain the past few days and were doing well until the final deluge about 3pm yesterday when some of the downstage set area washed away; an area we thought had been repaired.. We'll be able to get it ready for the Friday opening, and hope not to see that much rain again this season. I think we had over 10 inches of rain this past week. We also have a group of 11 coming from Louisiana tomorrow for the week. They have been here a number of times before and will be a big help in getting us ready for the weekend. Bubba no his group are hard workers for The Lord.
There have been more new projects in the works for this season and while all of them are not complete, we will have time before the four-a-week performance days start at the end of May to get them completed. We'll see what each day brings, but trust God will give us the people, the skills and the resources needed to keep us going, present the Good News of Jesus Christ and bring glory and praise to The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. In everything we Praise God from Whom, ALL blessings flow.
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Sunday, April 30, 2017
Thursday, April 27, 2017
April 27, 2017. Eureka Springs, AR. Look on the Bright Side
Karen and I went to Branson today to watch our friends Hugh and LaVon given the Volunteer of the Year Award by the Association of North American Missions at their 75th Leadership Forum. I was also asked to speak at the afternoon session about my coming to faith in Jesus Christ after being raised as a Jew. A forty year search which continues as we serve at The Great Passion Play and Source of Light Ministries.
The theme of the conference is "Faithful" and it is such a blessing to hear how so many of the ministry leaders at the meetings have devoted their entire lives to serving The Lord, have endured physical and financial hardships, stayed faithful to a faithful God and have such a positive attitude even when beset by situations which would discourage or deflate a normal individual. But these are not normal people. They have made a lifelong commitment, an abandonment of self to a higher power, and look at hurdles as opportunities and not barriers. Many of these people are in their late 70's and some are even in their 90's, yet age is no deterrent and there is no such thing as a wavering of their faith in what they are doing or Who they are doing it for.
A good lesson for all of us. Be an optimist. See the good in others and encourage them to keep at the task. Be an example for others who may be looking to us as a person they want to emulate. Smile through the difficult times. Thank God for His faithfulness and exhibit our own faithfulness in everything we do. No matter what has come before, rest in the assurance that the best and brightest is yet to come to those who remain faithful. Let Jesus' light shine through us and be a beacon which leads others to Him and His Kingdom. Thank You, Lord. All praise and honor and glory to You.
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The theme of the conference is "Faithful" and it is such a blessing to hear how so many of the ministry leaders at the meetings have devoted their entire lives to serving The Lord, have endured physical and financial hardships, stayed faithful to a faithful God and have such a positive attitude even when beset by situations which would discourage or deflate a normal individual. But these are not normal people. They have made a lifelong commitment, an abandonment of self to a higher power, and look at hurdles as opportunities and not barriers. Many of these people are in their late 70's and some are even in their 90's, yet age is no deterrent and there is no such thing as a wavering of their faith in what they are doing or Who they are doing it for.
A good lesson for all of us. Be an optimist. See the good in others and encourage them to keep at the task. Be an example for others who may be looking to us as a person they want to emulate. Smile through the difficult times. Thank God for His faithfulness and exhibit our own faithfulness in everything we do. No matter what has come before, rest in the assurance that the best and brightest is yet to come to those who remain faithful. Let Jesus' light shine through us and be a beacon which leads others to Him and His Kingdom. Thank You, Lord. All praise and honor and glory to You.
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Monday, April 24, 2017
April 24, 2017. Eureka Springs, AR. On Your Mark......Get Set......Gone
Some days seem to be over before they even begin. Today was one of those days. After a very relaxing day yesterday with a visit from Phil and Vera from SLMI, giving them a tour of the PP property, enjoying a leisurely dinner and their departure for a week in Branson, today was over in a flash. Karen and I both worked late sat down for our evening meal and a bowl of ice cream at 8:20 and now it is nearly 10:00, time to shower and get to sleep.
It was a productive day, but by the time I looked at my cell phone it was 1:00pm, and not wanting to interrupt the project I was on, i kept at it. By then it was nearly 4:00 and we started a concrete pour to try to remedy the set flooding issue I mentioned a few days ago. At 8:00 I headed up the hill and now it is 9:55.
In a week we we be on the set for dress rehearsal and the 2017 season will be imminent. We've been back in Arkansas nearly six weeks. Oh my! Our time is really not our own and the work still to be done seems overwhelming, but before we know, it will all be behind us and we will wonder how it turned out as it did. I never wish my time away or look too far into the future. The older we get the slower we move and the quicker the future becomes the past. I better hop in the shower before the sun comes up and I miss my much needed sleep.
Thank You, Lord for each day You give is.
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It was a productive day, but by the time I looked at my cell phone it was 1:00pm, and not wanting to interrupt the project I was on, i kept at it. By then it was nearly 4:00 and we started a concrete pour to try to remedy the set flooding issue I mentioned a few days ago. At 8:00 I headed up the hill and now it is 9:55.
In a week we we be on the set for dress rehearsal and the 2017 season will be imminent. We've been back in Arkansas nearly six weeks. Oh my! Our time is really not our own and the work still to be done seems overwhelming, but before we know, it will all be behind us and we will wonder how it turned out as it did. I never wish my time away or look too far into the future. The older we get the slower we move and the quicker the future becomes the past. I better hop in the shower before the sun comes up and I miss my much needed sleep.
Thank You, Lord for each day You give is.
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Friday, April 21, 2017
April 21, 2017. Eureka Springs, AR. Bye Bye Pollen.....Hello Rain
A few days ago we were inundated with yellow pine pollen which covers every surface and is very difficult to eliminate. A check of the Internet shows that pine pollen has many health benefits, but I'm not sure if it is the same stuff or something from another type of pine tree. Hard to believe that such an annoying thing can be a "cure all" for almost everything that ails you. In any event, the best cure for the yellow stuff is a decent rain to wash it away.
Unfortunately, the rain we have been receiving for the past day has not only washed away the pollen, but also part of our Passion Play set. While we have been able to get a handle on some of the areas which have been damaged by heavy rain in the past, we are still unable to solve all our problems. The set is at the low point of four slopes which drain onto the set and then has only one way to flow from the set toward the city of Eureka Springs and then, after flooding part of the north end of town, heads toward the small town of Beaver and onward from there causing flood warnings all the way.
Right now it is pouring. Pollen is the last thing we need to be concerned about except in areas the rain doesn't touch. Daylight will reveal how much more "repair" will be needed to the set, the roads in the Holy Land and the other parts of the Passion Play property. Not much we can do except shovel, rake, redirect, redistribute, enjoy the greening up of the grass and trees and get ready for opening day, two weeks from tonight. God has it all figured out....we just need to keep our chin up and our head above water, dry out the wet shoes and be thankful we have a place in His plan and role in His Kingdom, now and forever.
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Unfortunately, the rain we have been receiving for the past day has not only washed away the pollen, but also part of our Passion Play set. While we have been able to get a handle on some of the areas which have been damaged by heavy rain in the past, we are still unable to solve all our problems. The set is at the low point of four slopes which drain onto the set and then has only one way to flow from the set toward the city of Eureka Springs and then, after flooding part of the north end of town, heads toward the small town of Beaver and onward from there causing flood warnings all the way.
Right now it is pouring. Pollen is the last thing we need to be concerned about except in areas the rain doesn't touch. Daylight will reveal how much more "repair" will be needed to the set, the roads in the Holy Land and the other parts of the Passion Play property. Not much we can do except shovel, rake, redirect, redistribute, enjoy the greening up of the grass and trees and get ready for opening day, two weeks from tonight. God has it all figured out....we just need to keep our chin up and our head above water, dry out the wet shoes and be thankful we have a place in His plan and role in His Kingdom, now and forever.
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Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Newest Cast Member
There will be some new animals at the Passion Play this year. We have a petting zoo ready to be populated in the next few weeks as well as some new animals for the play. This lamb was born last night and is the latest of over twenty lambs born this spring. I always enjoy visiting the barn to talk with the camels. donkeys. horses. birds. our animal handlers, and our mouse control specialists. Getting closer by the minute. Opening day is May 5th.
Saturday, April 15, 2017
April 15, 2017. Eureka Springs, AR. The Week in Review
Our Seder in Rogers last Sunday went well; our trip to the VA on Thursday seems to have resolved my esophagus problems with my second Esophagogastroduodenoscopy in less than a year and a biopsy which removed the restriction which caused me difficulty swallowing and enjoying food; last night while Karen worked late at the gift shop, I attended another Seder at a Church here in Eureka Springs and was able to speak after the event to a group of about 50 on the difference between a traditional Jewish Seder and a Messianic or Christian Seder.
The work on the Passion Play set and grounds continued with much still to be done before "opening day"----three weeks away. Tomorrow we will have Easter Sunrise Service, our regular church gathering, a big Easter pot-luck and hopefully an afternoon and evening to relax, enjoy some time off and maybe get some rain to knock down the pollen which has overrun us, much like it did in Georgia last year at this time. It's strange to see a yellow haze move across the ground as the wind redistributes the pollen from trees to every other available surface.
As it did yesterday, the time has flown by, my blogging is later than usual and it will be bedtime soon with an early wake-up anticipated for tomorrow's "empty tomb". What a joy to have this new life in Christ, the foundation of my Jewish upbringing and the chance to share it all with Karen, our family and friends and so many new acquaintances we interact with in our many "homes". Thank You, Lord, for the freedom You have blessed us with as we worship You and praise Your Name.
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The work on the Passion Play set and grounds continued with much still to be done before "opening day"----three weeks away. Tomorrow we will have Easter Sunrise Service, our regular church gathering, a big Easter pot-luck and hopefully an afternoon and evening to relax, enjoy some time off and maybe get some rain to knock down the pollen which has overrun us, much like it did in Georgia last year at this time. It's strange to see a yellow haze move across the ground as the wind redistributes the pollen from trees to every other available surface.
As it did yesterday, the time has flown by, my blogging is later than usual and it will be bedtime soon with an early wake-up anticipated for tomorrow's "empty tomb". What a joy to have this new life in Christ, the foundation of my Jewish upbringing and the chance to share it all with Karen, our family and friends and so many new acquaintances we interact with in our many "homes". Thank You, Lord, for the freedom You have blessed us with as we worship You and praise Your Name.
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Friday, April 14, 2017
April 14, 2017. Eureka Springs, AR. Too Late and Too Much To Tell
It has been a busy week, and it is late on a Friday night. My mind is full of details, my body is full of aches from the labors of the week. I like to blog when my mind is less full and my body is more rested, so I will wait until tomorrow with the hope that I will be less of one and more of the other. It has been a good week, a productive week and a week with much to be thankful and grateful for. See you then.
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Tuesday, April 11, 2017
April 11, 2017. Eureka Springs, AR. Here Am I, Send Me
Isaiah heard that there was a need. No one else seemed to be stepping forward to fill it; so he stepped forward; he volunteered. Karen and I are Isaiah-like, in that there are tasks here at TGPP which need to be done, there are not a whole lot of people to do them, since many of them are on long-term or technical projects and if we don't step forward, the tasks will not get done, or get done too late.
I don't mind raking leaves, painting places which need paint, picking up trash, filling toilet paper holders, running for supplies, getting called to unlock a door, get dirty or just do something mundane or menial. Karen also has the ability to "fill a gap" or be a willing listener or shoulder to lean on.
If it needs to be done, do it. If it will help the ministry run smoother or lighten someone's load, lend a hand. We do have a few more "hands" on board this year than the past two, so it looks like we're further ahead than we have been, but with quite a few new projects, we have a lot more things which, at this point, are still to be completed. Stay at it, whatever it may be, and know that there are no small tasks, all are important and each of us needs to cultivate that "send me" attitude. God will give us the time we need, the skills to do it and the result will glorify Him. Thanks for the opportunity to serve.
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I don't mind raking leaves, painting places which need paint, picking up trash, filling toilet paper holders, running for supplies, getting called to unlock a door, get dirty or just do something mundane or menial. Karen also has the ability to "fill a gap" or be a willing listener or shoulder to lean on.
If it needs to be done, do it. If it will help the ministry run smoother or lighten someone's load, lend a hand. We do have a few more "hands" on board this year than the past two, so it looks like we're further ahead than we have been, but with quite a few new projects, we have a lot more things which, at this point, are still to be completed. Stay at it, whatever it may be, and know that there are no small tasks, all are important and each of us needs to cultivate that "send me" attitude. God will give us the time we need, the skills to do it and the result will glorify Him. Thanks for the opportunity to serve.
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Saturday, April 8, 2017
April 8, 2017. Eureka Springs, AR. Time
When I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior on June 27, 1999, I made a decision to take off my wristwatch.......and have not worn it since. The reasoning was that my time was not my own, God was in control of the seconds, minutes and hours of my life and that I would get where I needed to be in God's timing and He is never late. In reality there are enough clocks and time-pieces in our world to keep us "on schedule" and in the nearly 18 years of my walk with The Lord, I have rarely been late for an appointment or event.
Tomorrow, Karen and I have been asked to conduct a Messianic Seder at a church in Rogers, AR and over the past week we have been assembling the needed elements, the food items and I have been studying numerous Haggadahs and other writings to be able to blend the traditional Seder I celebrated as a Jew and the Seder which brings Jesus into every aspect of the Passover celebration. I have also begun reading a Jewish Study Bible which brings together all the Old Testament, New Testament, ancient Rabbinic commentaries (Midrash, Talmud, Mishnah, et. al) and Christian commentaries to learn and relearn the things which tie the Church of today with the law of Mt. Sinai and the will of God for Israel and His Church.
I pray God gives me the time during the day to continue my quiet time with Him each morning, perform my tasks as a volunteer in His service, be enthusiastic about my new Bible study, keep sewing our crosses, blog, rest, sleep and do it all again tomorrow.
Fear not.....God is in control of it all...... and if it be His will.........it shall be done.
Sent from my iPad
Tomorrow, Karen and I have been asked to conduct a Messianic Seder at a church in Rogers, AR and over the past week we have been assembling the needed elements, the food items and I have been studying numerous Haggadahs and other writings to be able to blend the traditional Seder I celebrated as a Jew and the Seder which brings Jesus into every aspect of the Passover celebration. I have also begun reading a Jewish Study Bible which brings together all the Old Testament, New Testament, ancient Rabbinic commentaries (Midrash, Talmud, Mishnah, et. al) and Christian commentaries to learn and relearn the things which tie the Church of today with the law of Mt. Sinai and the will of God for Israel and His Church.
I pray God gives me the time during the day to continue my quiet time with Him each morning, perform my tasks as a volunteer in His service, be enthusiastic about my new Bible study, keep sewing our crosses, blog, rest, sleep and do it all again tomorrow.
Fear not.....God is in control of it all...... and if it be His will.........it shall be done.
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
April 5, 2017. Eureka Springs, AR. Wild Weather
The past few days, most of the country has been pelted by some exotic weather. Right now, at 5pm we have bright sunshine, strong gusty wind, intermittent showers and a high temperature for the day of 49 degrees. Last night we had a strong thunderstorm, heavy rain, high wind gusts and temperatures in the mid-50's. Yesterday is was short sleeve weather, today it was double long sleeves.
At SLMI in Madison, GA they were under severe thunderstorm and tornado watches all day today and it looks like more is possible. There have been severe weather warnings and watches all through the South with many reports of deaths, injuries and property damage, and there is a line of severe storms from Huntsville, AL to Lake Erie with another line of storms just west of it, all heading to the north. Strange stuff, but not too much we can do about it but be aware that God is with us in the storms and will see us through them. Even when we have reason to be anxious, there's even more reason to be calm and trust God for protection. We may have insurance for our stuff, but God is the best insurance of all. Thank You, Lord, for EVERYTHING.
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At SLMI in Madison, GA they were under severe thunderstorm and tornado watches all day today and it looks like more is possible. There have been severe weather warnings and watches all through the South with many reports of deaths, injuries and property damage, and there is a line of severe storms from Huntsville, AL to Lake Erie with another line of storms just west of it, all heading to the north. Strange stuff, but not too much we can do about it but be aware that God is with us in the storms and will see us through them. Even when we have reason to be anxious, there's even more reason to be calm and trust God for protection. We may have insurance for our stuff, but God is the best insurance of all. Thank You, Lord, for EVERYTHING.
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Sunday, April 2, 2017
April 2, 2017. Eureka Springs, AR. There goes the Neighborhood
A week ago there were 14 RV's of various sizes parked in a row at the north end of Parking Lot B at TGPP. Right now there are 2 units left. What was once a bustling neighborhood is now a quiet remnant with a steady rain falling. Tomorrow the many projects which were active will be left for the few remaining to work on before the play opens on May 6. There are some people expected over the next month, but not like we had the past two weeks. As has been the case in our three prior years here, the work gets done, the impossible becomes possible and the people needed do appear. God has a way of making it happen, and we do not despair or fear....we just trust Him and go about the tasks at hand.
When the play does begin, there are only 2 performances per week for the first three weeks, so there is ample time to work on projects when there are no large crowds. We've seen it many times, not only here, but in our Colorado church ministries, and our time in Georgia - God brings the right people with the right skills at the right time to fix the problems, meet the deadlines and rejuvenate the neighborhood. We Thank You, Lord, for the vision, the opportunity to be part of that vision and to see You work through us to expand Your Kingdom and bring glory and honor to You. It is truly a joy to serve.
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When the play does begin, there are only 2 performances per week for the first three weeks, so there is ample time to work on projects when there are no large crowds. We've seen it many times, not only here, but in our Colorado church ministries, and our time in Georgia - God brings the right people with the right skills at the right time to fix the problems, meet the deadlines and rejuvenate the neighborhood. We Thank You, Lord, for the vision, the opportunity to be part of that vision and to see You work through us to expand Your Kingdom and bring glory and honor to You. It is truly a joy to serve.
Sent from my iPad
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