The Olympics are over. We were able to see the final few days of competition and highlights of the previous two weeks since we had no television reception in Colmesneil and our three days of travel back to Eureka Springs. I have always enjoyed watching the Olympic competition, the reports on the individual athletes, their training methods, athletic careers and life experiences after their competitive years are over as well as the advances in equipment from the time we first starting following sports or competed ourself.
Like most aspiring athletes, I dreamt of being Olympic calibre and for the years of my tri-athlete and cycling career, I did have the thrill of knowing some pretty good athletes and while not at their level, I was on the same "field" with them and had the opportunity to at least "eat their dust", get an autograph or look back with gratitude for the experience of it all.
But there was a sobering thought which tempered my excitement for the Olympics and the look ahead to the Paralympics which will feature some very inspiring stories of athletes who have overcome major hurdles to compete for their country on the world stage. The sobering thought was: what about the people in our world, our country and even in our own community who are hurting in some way. Whether it is an illness, a financial dilemma, physical disability, an object of crime, fearful for their future, or any number of other concerns or cares, life is not a gold medal or any prize at all. I thought about the ongoing military conflicts around the world, the concern over terrorism, the nuclear threat, diseases without cures, people impacted by natural disasters and severe weather. I thought of the orphans, widows, prisoners and so many others for whom life is not a thrill, but an agony. Life is tough for them and their todays and tomorrows will be haunted by much more than losing a place on the Medal podium by .001 of a second.
Putting it all in perspective is what makes life a challenge and what makes us appreciate
what we have and Who has us. Thank You, Lord, for the thrill and the agony of this life and the promise and hope we rely on for what is yet to come. I do believe, the best IS yet to come, for those who Believe. Yes......Thank You, Lord.......for everything.
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Monday, February 26, 2018
Friday, February 23, 2018
February 23, 2018. Eureka Springs, AR. Eureka
"A cry of joy or satisfaction when one finds or discovers something". That's the dictionary definition of eureka, and it applies to our finding Eureka Springs and the Great Passion Play in April of 2014 and each time we have returned to be part of the ministry here. We return each year to our same RV space (#12) at the end of parking lot B, to our roles as volunteers and "servants" and the hope that what we do here may influence others to share the joy and satisfaction we have as followers of Jesus Christ and the freedom we have In Him.
Each time we come back, we seem to come back earlier than we did the year before and when our friends at the PP say "welcome home" it seems that this has become our home and the time we spend away passes by so quickly, we hardly feel like we have ever left at all. We enjoyed our time in Texas, definitely slowed the pace of our life to a crawl and even though we've jumped back into "work" on day one back, it will take a while to get ourselves into "working shape". The rain has followed us, and it looks like indoor activities for the next few days.
There have been some changes to the facility while we were away, a few things were damaged by the winter weather, but in general, the place looks good and we are glad to be back. Eureka.........we have found it. Our fifth season has begun.
Sent from my iPad
Each time we come back, we seem to come back earlier than we did the year before and when our friends at the PP say "welcome home" it seems that this has become our home and the time we spend away passes by so quickly, we hardly feel like we have ever left at all. We enjoyed our time in Texas, definitely slowed the pace of our life to a crawl and even though we've jumped back into "work" on day one back, it will take a while to get ourselves into "working shape". The rain has followed us, and it looks like indoor activities for the next few days.
There have been some changes to the facility while we were away, a few things were damaged by the winter weather, but in general, the place looks good and we are glad to be back. Eureka.........we have found it. Our fifth season has begun.
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
February 20, 2018. Hot Springs, AR. Toto, I've a Feeling We're Not in Texas Anymore
Yesterday we left Colmesneil, the land of the pervasive yaupans, drove into southwest Arkansas the land of the pernicious kudzu vine, and are now in Hot Springs, AR in a torrential downpour which appears to be with us for the next few days, or more. We stopped yesterday afternoon in Murfreesboro, AR and mined for diamonds at a volcanic crater, one of the larges such mineral craters in the world. We slogged through mud for a few hours today, found a couple of pretty agates and jaspers, but no diamonds. When it looked like rain, we headed north to H.S. and our present location in the Gulpha Gorge Campground.
I had a unique experience today which was sprung on me too fast to find an excuse to say no to. As you are aware, Karen drives the motor home and I navigate and do the travel itinerary and stopping arrangements. As we started into Hot Springs in city traffic, Karen was beset with a situation which necessitated an escape from the driver's seat with no place to pull off the road or use a shoulder or parking lot to shut down, so for the first time EVER, I was called to drive the coach, and in city traffic, no less, changing drivers while at a stop light. But do it, I did, and I was able to drive about three miles, my first three RV miles EVER, keep it between the lines and navigate around some hairy turns until a relieved relief came back to finish the last few miles to the campground. It's good to know I can fill in, if needed, but I'm sure Karen feels more comfortable with me in the passenger's seat, and her behind the wheel. And to be honest, I feel better being the co-pilot rather than the pilot.
What a storm we are in. At the moment, it stretches from Monterrey, Mexico in a wide band all the way to nearly Toronto, Canada. Hang on everyone, and you too, Toto, we may be in for some Kansas-type serious weather for a while. But..........God has it under control.
Sent from my iPad
I had a unique experience today which was sprung on me too fast to find an excuse to say no to. As you are aware, Karen drives the motor home and I navigate and do the travel itinerary and stopping arrangements. As we started into Hot Springs in city traffic, Karen was beset with a situation which necessitated an escape from the driver's seat with no place to pull off the road or use a shoulder or parking lot to shut down, so for the first time EVER, I was called to drive the coach, and in city traffic, no less, changing drivers while at a stop light. But do it, I did, and I was able to drive about three miles, my first three RV miles EVER, keep it between the lines and navigate around some hairy turns until a relieved relief came back to finish the last few miles to the campground. It's good to know I can fill in, if needed, but I'm sure Karen feels more comfortable with me in the passenger's seat, and her behind the wheel. And to be honest, I feel better being the co-pilot rather than the pilot.
What a storm we are in. At the moment, it stretches from Monterrey, Mexico in a wide band all the way to nearly Toronto, Canada. Hang on everyone, and you too, Toto, we may be in for some Kansas-type serious weather for a while. But..........God has it under control.
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, February 17, 2018
February 17, 2018. Colmesneil, TX. Watching the Weather
As we make plans to leave Texas and head back to the Passion Play, with two planned stops on the way, we have been weather watching the four cities involved: Colmesneil, Murfreesboro, Hot Springs and Eureka Springs. Early this past week it looked like a lot of rain and even possible snow and it seemed the best plan was to stay where we are, wait until next week and then set out. But the rain didn't come, the weather here was warm and pleasant and up the road, it was clear and dry, too.
As of now, it looks like rain all next week and even the radar map is showing some multi-colored displays for the area to our north and rain for us here over the next few days. It's not like we're on a tight schedule, other than a VA appointment in Fayetteville on March 1, but we do want to set the wheels in motion before we get too comfortable with this lazy, relaxed, spoiled lifestyle. We wanted a "break" and we got one in spades. It's time to get the old bones back in action.
As of now it looks like we will set out on Monday, fill our diesel and propane, stop in Murfreesboro to hunt for diamonds and continue to watch the weather for the next step of the journey to our Passion Play home. We've enjoyed our stay here, look forward to whatever and wherever God settles us down for however long, knowing He has the plan and purpose for us, and all we need to do is "touch the water's edge" and He will guide across on dry land..........to ................Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
As of now, it looks like rain all next week and even the radar map is showing some multi-colored displays for the area to our north and rain for us here over the next few days. It's not like we're on a tight schedule, other than a VA appointment in Fayetteville on March 1, but we do want to set the wheels in motion before we get too comfortable with this lazy, relaxed, spoiled lifestyle. We wanted a "break" and we got one in spades. It's time to get the old bones back in action.
As of now it looks like we will set out on Monday, fill our diesel and propane, stop in Murfreesboro to hunt for diamonds and continue to watch the weather for the next step of the journey to our Passion Play home. We've enjoyed our stay here, look forward to whatever and wherever God settles us down for however long, knowing He has the plan and purpose for us, and all we need to do is "touch the water's edge" and He will guide across on dry land..........to ................Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
February 14, 2018. Colmesneil, TX. Study Your Bible
I have read through the Bible every year for the past 18 years. I have used the NIV Quest Study Bible which has footnotes and some more detailed explanations of important passages. Karen has used the NIV Study Bible, which is the same translation as mine, but has more detailed footnotes, explanations and diagrams than mine. I enjoy reading the extra stuff in hers.
Last year the Passion Play Gift Shop had a Complete Jewish Study Bible written by a Messianic Jew, and it looked like a way for me to learn more about the Old Testament and also the Jewish roots of the New Testament. I thought it would help me with a deeper understanding of my own Jewish upbringing, my faith in Jesus and be something I could use in my Holy Land Tabernacle and "Moses" presentations. I started 2018 using the CJSB along with the two NIV Study Bibles and two daily devotionals (instead of four). It sounds like a lot of reading, but it is really not, and I have enjoyed the different approach to my Scripture time and early morning quiet time with The Lord. I have learned some things I didn't know before.
There are also many internet sources for information, and while some may be "questionable" there is much to explore, much to test and plenty of areas to go deeper in my Bible study and spiritual walk. Since I have been involved with church drama, Passion Plays and various fellowship groups and Sunday School classes over the years, I have always tried to delve deeper into the characters in the Bible, their personal story and place in the fabric of our faith and how we may not be a whole lot different from some of them and what they experienced.
In a while we will be back at The Great Passion Play for our fifth season and while I don't know what duties I will be given in the Holy Land or the Play itself, I'm trying to grow in my Bible knowledge, ability to incorporate my religious upbringing and my new life in Jesus into a more complete "package" which can help others grow in their faith, want to know more and be the committed servants we are all called to be for His Kingdom. Study On, everyone.
Sent from my iPad
Last year the Passion Play Gift Shop had a Complete Jewish Study Bible written by a Messianic Jew, and it looked like a way for me to learn more about the Old Testament and also the Jewish roots of the New Testament. I thought it would help me with a deeper understanding of my own Jewish upbringing, my faith in Jesus and be something I could use in my Holy Land Tabernacle and "Moses" presentations. I started 2018 using the CJSB along with the two NIV Study Bibles and two daily devotionals (instead of four). It sounds like a lot of reading, but it is really not, and I have enjoyed the different approach to my Scripture time and early morning quiet time with The Lord. I have learned some things I didn't know before.
There are also many internet sources for information, and while some may be "questionable" there is much to explore, much to test and plenty of areas to go deeper in my Bible study and spiritual walk. Since I have been involved with church drama, Passion Plays and various fellowship groups and Sunday School classes over the years, I have always tried to delve deeper into the characters in the Bible, their personal story and place in the fabric of our faith and how we may not be a whole lot different from some of them and what they experienced.
In a while we will be back at The Great Passion Play for our fifth season and while I don't know what duties I will be given in the Holy Land or the Play itself, I'm trying to grow in my Bible knowledge, ability to incorporate my religious upbringing and my new life in Jesus into a more complete "package" which can help others grow in their faith, want to know more and be the committed servants we are all called to be for His Kingdom. Study On, everyone.
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, February 11, 2018
February 11, 2018. Colmesneil, TX. There's Only So Much Space
One of the benefits of living on the road in a motor home, is the lack of storage. Yes, I did say: benefits. When you live in a "regular" house, there are any number of places to keep things which are not being used all the time. A garage holds more than cars, a basement is a wonderful place to keep a lot of treasures, an attic can hold more than R-19 insulation, closets are more than places to hang clothes and patios, storage sheds and all kinds of dressers, bureaus desks and bookshelves are available to keep that essential item we just can't live without.
But on the road, even a 39-foot Class-A motor home, luxurious by most RV standards, has only so much space, and the easy answer to most buying decisions is an easy one: "We just don't have any place to put it". And for most of us in this life style, that's a good thing and more than an easy cop-out. At the moment, Karen is in the process of trying to consolidate books, games, dvd's and cd's, extra shoes, clothing, and whatever else we have on the floor of our bedroom closet into a 64-quart plastic bin which we bought at Walmart earlier today. Whatever doesn't fit in it or around it in the closet will have to find a home somewhere else. The usual answer is: "down below" in one of our storage bins. Since we will be leaving soon for the Passion Play, it will be a good time for me to rearrange those bins, consolidate, organize and then make the final decision on what stays here with Loren and Diane, what goes to the first Goodwill we pass on the road or is relegated to the burn barrel or garbage pail. We won't mourn too long for anything which doesn't return to Arkansas with us. A place for everything we need and needing only what we have a place for.
There's only so much space..........and that's a good thing.
Sent from my iPad
But on the road, even a 39-foot Class-A motor home, luxurious by most RV standards, has only so much space, and the easy answer to most buying decisions is an easy one: "We just don't have any place to put it". And for most of us in this life style, that's a good thing and more than an easy cop-out. At the moment, Karen is in the process of trying to consolidate books, games, dvd's and cd's, extra shoes, clothing, and whatever else we have on the floor of our bedroom closet into a 64-quart plastic bin which we bought at Walmart earlier today. Whatever doesn't fit in it or around it in the closet will have to find a home somewhere else. The usual answer is: "down below" in one of our storage bins. Since we will be leaving soon for the Passion Play, it will be a good time for me to rearrange those bins, consolidate, organize and then make the final decision on what stays here with Loren and Diane, what goes to the first Goodwill we pass on the road or is relegated to the burn barrel or garbage pail. We won't mourn too long for anything which doesn't return to Arkansas with us. A place for everything we need and needing only what we have a place for.
There's only so much space..........and that's a good thing.
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, February 8, 2018
February 8, 2018. Colmesneil, TX. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Yesterday it rained and was cold, so other than a quick drive to Woodville, I stayed inside and relaxed. We didn't have much happen, so I didn't have a topic in mind for today's blog.
Today, it was sunny and mild, so we worked outside clearing an area in front of our motor home. We had raked the area last week and collected a monster pile of leaves and pine straw, and today we tried to clear the noxious yaupon weed which comes in tree form as well as ground cover and is a member of the holly family, but not really as decorative as the holly and tends to overrun an area if not controlled. Personally, I don't see much difference between a yaupon and a holly, but we were asked to eliminate the yaupon and eliminate it we did, for the moment. I didn't think about blogging until just a while ago, and I guess the work of the day was worth mentioning. The area does look a lot better with the leaves/straw gone and the yaupon trees taken down and the ground much cleaner and less of a hiding place for snakes and other critters.
Tomorrow, we hope to have our Motor Home repairs completed for the trip back to Arkansas and with nice weather forecast, we may find some outdoor things to do. Saturday and Sunday look like rain again. Our time here has been a change of pace for us. Loren and Diane will be back next week from their ministry work in Florida and we expect to be heading out sometime early the week of the 18th.
Next blog, I think I'll tell a little about the Complete Jewish Study Bible and how it is helping me prepare for my Moses character in The Holy Land Tour at The Great Passion Play. Not sure what my function will be, but trying to learn more, understand more and communicate more about God's Word, His plan for us and our place and purpose in His Kingdom yesterday, today and tomorrow. Quite a journey........glad to be on it.
Sent from my iPad
Today, it was sunny and mild, so we worked outside clearing an area in front of our motor home. We had raked the area last week and collected a monster pile of leaves and pine straw, and today we tried to clear the noxious yaupon weed which comes in tree form as well as ground cover and is a member of the holly family, but not really as decorative as the holly and tends to overrun an area if not controlled. Personally, I don't see much difference between a yaupon and a holly, but we were asked to eliminate the yaupon and eliminate it we did, for the moment. I didn't think about blogging until just a while ago, and I guess the work of the day was worth mentioning. The area does look a lot better with the leaves/straw gone and the yaupon trees taken down and the ground much cleaner and less of a hiding place for snakes and other critters.
Tomorrow, we hope to have our Motor Home repairs completed for the trip back to Arkansas and with nice weather forecast, we may find some outdoor things to do. Saturday and Sunday look like rain again. Our time here has been a change of pace for us. Loren and Diane will be back next week from their ministry work in Florida and we expect to be heading out sometime early the week of the 18th.
Next blog, I think I'll tell a little about the Complete Jewish Study Bible and how it is helping me prepare for my Moses character in The Holy Land Tour at The Great Passion Play. Not sure what my function will be, but trying to learn more, understand more and communicate more about God's Word, His plan for us and our place and purpose in His Kingdom yesterday, today and tomorrow. Quite a journey........glad to be on it.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, February 5, 2018
February 5, 2018. Colmesneil, TX. Super Bowl
It's hard to believe that yesterday's Super Bowl was the LIIth. I was a Senior at NYU when Super Bowl I was played in January, 1967 and I think I remember the Packers defeating the Chiefs in that first game. I watched most of the early championship games and watched many games during the regular season for many, many years. I rooted for the Giants, Redskins, Broncos and had favorites in the Super Bowl when my favorites weren't in it. Some games were pretty good, but most I recall being not too exciting. LII sounded like it was pretty good.
The past few years on the road, we haven't had good TV reception, so we have generally missed the season and the playoffs. Last year we were invited to a Super Bowl party in Georgia, and of course were pulling for the Falcons, and thought we had it won, until Tom Brady decided it was time to get serious, and our joy was not complete. As Denver fans, of late, we have never been, nor will we ever be Patriot or Brady fans, also taking into account the damage Josh McDaniels did to our Broncos when he was their head coach. But, in any event, this year we saw a few games while in Arkansas, then in Colorado in November, but nothing since, so the Super Bowl was not on our radar except a desire to see the Patriots lose. By the way, who is Nick Foles, and is it possible he will be a Bronco next year? Get it right, John Elway. Don't repeat the way you treated Tim Tebow.
Well, goodbye football. Baseball Spring Training starts soon and we also have the Winter Olympics which I would love to see, if the TV antenna can pick up the station broadcasting it. Otherwise, I guess we pop in a movie, like we have done more than 80 times here in D.E.T. And not even one helping of popcorn. We save that for our Passion Play treat from May to October.
We lead a strange life, but one we are blessed to enjoy, serving as God calls us............. on Eagles' wings.
Sent from my iPad
The past few years on the road, we haven't had good TV reception, so we have generally missed the season and the playoffs. Last year we were invited to a Super Bowl party in Georgia, and of course were pulling for the Falcons, and thought we had it won, until Tom Brady decided it was time to get serious, and our joy was not complete. As Denver fans, of late, we have never been, nor will we ever be Patriot or Brady fans, also taking into account the damage Josh McDaniels did to our Broncos when he was their head coach. But, in any event, this year we saw a few games while in Arkansas, then in Colorado in November, but nothing since, so the Super Bowl was not on our radar except a desire to see the Patriots lose. By the way, who is Nick Foles, and is it possible he will be a Bronco next year? Get it right, John Elway. Don't repeat the way you treated Tim Tebow.
Well, goodbye football. Baseball Spring Training starts soon and we also have the Winter Olympics which I would love to see, if the TV antenna can pick up the station broadcasting it. Otherwise, I guess we pop in a movie, like we have done more than 80 times here in D.E.T. And not even one helping of popcorn. We save that for our Passion Play treat from May to October.
We lead a strange life, but one we are blessed to enjoy, serving as God calls us............. on Eagles' wings.
Sent from my iPad
Friday, February 2, 2018
February 2, 2018. Colmesneil, TX. Putting Out A Fleece
Most of us know the story of Gideon and the fleece(s), told in the Book of Judges. I have always had a less-than-positive opinion of Gideon because of his less-than positive reaction to what God was calling him to do. Too many "buts", "ifs", doubts and fears, and the fleeces he put out. Only after hearing an interpretation of a dream about the imminent Midianite defeat at the hands of Gideon's band of men, did Gideon finally believe what God had been telling him all along. But Gideon's "issues" were far from over and he messed up with the ephod-idol-thing and a ton of wives, and while there was peace for 40 years at the end of his judgeship, the Gideonite family fell out of favor and idol worship returned to Israel.
The current Gideons and their evangelistic ministry and Bible distribution is 180 degrees from the OT Gideon and a definite positive impact on many. It is looking at every positive characteristic of Gideon and emphasizing it rather than all the negatives of the actual Biblical account. But why do I tell, the story of Gideon and why the title of this post. Because, sometimes God puts out a fleece for us to respond to and be obedient to. Karen and I talk about the "cloud" moving or standing still and our desire to be obedient to it.
Over the past few weeks, we have seen events which point to a "moving of the cloud", God putting out a fleece for us, and the time being right to head back to Arkansas. Loren and Diane have shortened their stay with the Campers' on Mission, a personal health issue has led to a March 1 appointment for me at the Fayetteville VA, our "work" on the property here in Colmesneil will be wrapped up in about a week, and the Crater of Diamonds and Hot Springs are beckoning us to come and "vacation" for a few days at each place. Thus, we are becoming short-timers in D.E.T. and looking forward to our fifth season at The Great Passion Play. Thanks for the fleece, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
The current Gideons and their evangelistic ministry and Bible distribution is 180 degrees from the OT Gideon and a definite positive impact on many. It is looking at every positive characteristic of Gideon and emphasizing it rather than all the negatives of the actual Biblical account. But why do I tell, the story of Gideon and why the title of this post. Because, sometimes God puts out a fleece for us to respond to and be obedient to. Karen and I talk about the "cloud" moving or standing still and our desire to be obedient to it.
Over the past few weeks, we have seen events which point to a "moving of the cloud", God putting out a fleece for us, and the time being right to head back to Arkansas. Loren and Diane have shortened their stay with the Campers' on Mission, a personal health issue has led to a March 1 appointment for me at the Fayetteville VA, our "work" on the property here in Colmesneil will be wrapped up in about a week, and the Crater of Diamonds and Hot Springs are beckoning us to come and "vacation" for a few days at each place. Thus, we are becoming short-timers in D.E.T. and looking forward to our fifth season at The Great Passion Play. Thanks for the fleece, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
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