On Monday, September 29, 2008, i testified in a court proceeding as a character witness for a man accused of bilking hundreds of people in a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme. Yes, I testified FOR the accused. He had already been convicted, and this was the penalty phase of the trial. There were many witness for the prosecution, and only two of us for the accused. Needless to say I was not a popular witness for those who had lost significant sums of money, many of whom were friends and acquaintances of mine from the church we all attended. The accused was a former deacon and financial advisor to our church and well known and "previously" well respected in Fort Collins.
I testified on Gene's behalf, as a matter of loyalty to him for help he had extended to the benevolence ministry at the church which I oversaw, and for financial support he had given to Karen and me at a time when we were in some need ourself. I expressed no opinion on his guilt or innocence of the charges and I made it very clear in my letter toothed Judge and my court testimony that I was speaking only as to his support for us at a time when the ministry needed it and we needed it too. I had prayed about the letter I wrote to the Judge and the in-court testimony and felt both were the right and honorable thing to do. When I finished testifying, I returned to the place I had been standing in the back of the crowded court room, and began to experience was to be a heart attack which would necessitate a "lights and sirens" trip to the hospital, the cath lab, and two stents to alleviate a 99% and 95% blockage in two arteries.
That day in court convinced me my decision years before not to make use of my legal education and Virginia Bar membership was a wise one, and that my exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970 was having an impact on my health and well-being. That day in court initiated a change in my life and our lifestyle which had, and still has, the imprint of God all over it. By listening to God, hearing His promise to provide for us and protect us when we surrendered to Him, followed His plan and trusted Him in all things, we have been blessed beyond our wildest dreams.
Gene was sentenced to six years in prison that day in court. I know nothing about whether any of the "lost" money was ever paid back to those who lost it, or what Gene is doing now. I was "sentenced" to a life of surrender to God and His call on our life. I think we did the right thing at that time, and while we look back to that day ten years ago, we prefer to look forward, to continue to be obedient to the One who sees us through the situations of this life toward a time when we will all be in the Courts of Heaven in His presence. One day in His Courts.............Thank You, Lord.
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Sunday, September 30, 2018
Thursday, September 27, 2018
September 27, 2018. Eureka Springs, AR. On The Level
There are certain things we just take for granted, not giving them a second thought. One such thing is that floors in homes, office buildings and schools are level. Movie theaters, auditoriums, ramps in sports arenas are on a slant to make them more handicap accessible and minimize the chance of attendees tripping on steps. Arkansas is another place where you can expect the ground to be uneven, rocks are an ever present hazard, and motor homes and travel trailers need to be leveled from time to time to prevent your living quarters from sloping.
Yesterday, I decided it was time to re-level our motor home because most of our doors were not staying open or shut as they should. Sometimes the leveling process can be done easily by
merely retracting the jacks and resetting them using the auto feature or manually adjusting each jack. But that was not going to solve our problem. I needed to move the motor home off 4 1/2 inch blocks under the front wheels and use only a 3/4 inch board under the left front and left rear wheels. To do that meant bringing in all four slide-outs after going on the roof to make sure the awnings were free of debris and water and removing the PVC pipe we use to prevent awning sag, retracting all the jacks, disconnecting the power cord, water hoses, dump hose, removing all the protective wheel covers, inflating the suspension air bags, make sure the wood blocks under the jacks were not going to be in the way, drive forward about two feet off the front wheel blocks, put down the thinner board under the left front and left rear wheels, back up onto the lower boards and get back to the exact front to rear position over the jack blocks and then do all the above procedures in reverse order. After that I could auto and manual level the coach.
After about two hours, adding four feet to my motor home driving resume, and a little bit of cleaning and rearranging, we now have a bathroom door which doesn't move from where we put it, a coach which sits on the level while the ground around us slopes from front to rear and left to right. Nothing appears to have been broken. I didn't have to call the RV repairman and I didn't spend a penny, and no injuries or bruises. Pretty good outcome for the effort expended and the result desired. Level again.......and all is well. Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Yesterday, I decided it was time to re-level our motor home because most of our doors were not staying open or shut as they should. Sometimes the leveling process can be done easily by
merely retracting the jacks and resetting them using the auto feature or manually adjusting each jack. But that was not going to solve our problem. I needed to move the motor home off 4 1/2 inch blocks under the front wheels and use only a 3/4 inch board under the left front and left rear wheels. To do that meant bringing in all four slide-outs after going on the roof to make sure the awnings were free of debris and water and removing the PVC pipe we use to prevent awning sag, retracting all the jacks, disconnecting the power cord, water hoses, dump hose, removing all the protective wheel covers, inflating the suspension air bags, make sure the wood blocks under the jacks were not going to be in the way, drive forward about two feet off the front wheel blocks, put down the thinner board under the left front and left rear wheels, back up onto the lower boards and get back to the exact front to rear position over the jack blocks and then do all the above procedures in reverse order. After that I could auto and manual level the coach.
After about two hours, adding four feet to my motor home driving resume, and a little bit of cleaning and rearranging, we now have a bathroom door which doesn't move from where we put it, a coach which sits on the level while the ground around us slopes from front to rear and left to right. Nothing appears to have been broken. I didn't have to call the RV repairman and I didn't spend a penny, and no injuries or bruises. Pretty good outcome for the effort expended and the result desired. Level again.......and all is well. Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, September 24, 2018
September 24, 2018. Eureka Springs, AR. A New Season
The rains of last week have begun to impact our multi-shades of green into some other colors as evidenced by the two pictures posted a little while ago. The rains have also impacted our temperature and given us something other than "feels-likes" in the high 90's and low 100's. Having gone directly from winter into summer, it's nice to have a hint of autumn before the projected cold weather of winter.
It was so pleasant today to wake to such a peaceful, cool morning; only a few birds lazily chirping and the day has been a continuation of that relaxed and calm atmosphere. There have been so many "worldly" goings-on; friends and family in Colorado facing challenges, the death of Loren and Diane's dog Gus, an additional "leader" here at the Passion Play, our friend Jerry (the plumber) and his recovery from a recent stroke, our winter plans still up in the air and the news still full of contention, controversy and unrest. But, in spite of it all, God is still in control and has the plans in place to make it all right, to direct us where He will, to do what He wills and bring about the vision He has for each and every one of us. A new season ahead........and the best is yet to come. Thank You.......Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
It was so pleasant today to wake to such a peaceful, cool morning; only a few birds lazily chirping and the day has been a continuation of that relaxed and calm atmosphere. There have been so many "worldly" goings-on; friends and family in Colorado facing challenges, the death of Loren and Diane's dog Gus, an additional "leader" here at the Passion Play, our friend Jerry (the plumber) and his recovery from a recent stroke, our winter plans still up in the air and the news still full of contention, controversy and unrest. But, in spite of it all, God is still in control and has the plans in place to make it all right, to direct us where He will, to do what He wills and bring about the vision He has for each and every one of us. A new season ahead........and the best is yet to come. Thank You.......Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Friday, September 21, 2018
September 21, 2018. Eureka Springs, AR. Cast The First Stone
As we await the next chapter in the Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Brett Kavanaugh it brings to mind the well known Biblical verse about the woman caught in the act of adultery and Jesus' comment to those who sought to condemn her to death by stoning. How many times have we felt justified in criticizing another, rushed to judgment to vilify another, found fault with someone's work or artistic performance, felt that we were more qualified than another, or just plain demeaned another without any evidence or personal knowledge of their activity.
In most cases, if we were to look in the mirror, review our own work history or put ourselves in the crosshairs like the people we are evaluating, we would fail pretty badly and would be eligible for a stoning as well. None of us is faultless, a perfect model of virtue or integrity. We have all fallen short, lied, cheated, stolen or said nasty or malicious things about others.
We all should aspire to use our abilities, our education and our dreams to attain positions where we can be of service to our country, our fellow citizens and our God. The mere fact that a person willingly puts his hat in the ring should not open him up to some of the vicious and malicious attacks he or she faces for alleged acts which took place 20, 30 or 40 years ago. And the fact that someone has already attained a high position, should not be a license to keep another from aspiring to that position or more. Jesus' comments to that crowd of would-be stone-throwers is just as applicable today and should temper their remarks, their holier-than-thou attitudes, and their hostile condemnations, because in due course those stones may well be aimed at them.
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In most cases, if we were to look in the mirror, review our own work history or put ourselves in the crosshairs like the people we are evaluating, we would fail pretty badly and would be eligible for a stoning as well. None of us is faultless, a perfect model of virtue or integrity. We have all fallen short, lied, cheated, stolen or said nasty or malicious things about others.
We all should aspire to use our abilities, our education and our dreams to attain positions where we can be of service to our country, our fellow citizens and our God. The mere fact that a person willingly puts his hat in the ring should not open him up to some of the vicious and malicious attacks he or she faces for alleged acts which took place 20, 30 or 40 years ago. And the fact that someone has already attained a high position, should not be a license to keep another from aspiring to that position or more. Jesus' comments to that crowd of would-be stone-throwers is just as applicable today and should temper their remarks, their holier-than-thou attitudes, and their hostile condemnations, because in due course those stones may well be aimed at them.
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
September 18, 2018. Eureka Springs, AR. Short Staff
There is a minimal number of people needed to make any "business" run efficiently and effectively. When we reach that number or creep below it, there may be a problem in handling the customers as they arrive, and giving them the service they expect and deserve. When people pay money to see the "show" it's critical that they get a good "show" and leave feeling they have received their money's worth.
But things do happen; cars need repair, sickness jumps up, someone gets hurt, a death in the family occurs, people get tired and quit, people get tired because they have to do their work plus the work of the person who quit, equipment breaks down, scheduled time off happens to coincide with one or more of the above unscheduled events. In other words, we have to gather our own straw and still make the same quota of bricks (to use a Biblical example). Sometimes a sense of humor helps, other times we need to know when to be still and know that we have a very aggravated customer who will soon demand to see and talk to my "boss".
Today has been "one of those days". In about three hours our performance day will be over, and we will have two days to "recover" and then do it again Friday and Saturday. We've already been warned of some of the shortfalls in staff we will face for the remainder of the season. With a proper attitude and some potential "new laborers for the harvest" we'll make it through and not face the wrath of the Trip Advisor evaluations. Be strong and courageous, guys. God has promised that the best is yet to come and I, for one, am standing on that promise. Thank You, Lord, that we can lean on You.
Sent from my iPad
But things do happen; cars need repair, sickness jumps up, someone gets hurt, a death in the family occurs, people get tired and quit, people get tired because they have to do their work plus the work of the person who quit, equipment breaks down, scheduled time off happens to coincide with one or more of the above unscheduled events. In other words, we have to gather our own straw and still make the same quota of bricks (to use a Biblical example). Sometimes a sense of humor helps, other times we need to know when to be still and know that we have a very aggravated customer who will soon demand to see and talk to my "boss".
Today has been "one of those days". In about three hours our performance day will be over, and we will have two days to "recover" and then do it again Friday and Saturday. We've already been warned of some of the shortfalls in staff we will face for the remainder of the season. With a proper attitude and some potential "new laborers for the harvest" we'll make it through and not face the wrath of the Trip Advisor evaluations. Be strong and courageous, guys. God has promised that the best is yet to come and I, for one, am standing on that promise. Thank You, Lord, that we can lean on You.
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, September 15, 2018
September 15, 2018. Eureka Springs, AR. National Day.....
Sometime in the past, I couldn't think of anything to write, so I looked up what that particular day was on the National Days calendar and posted it on our blog for all to celebrate. I'm in the same boat right now, so here is the list. Today is:
National Cleanup Day, National Hug Your Boss Day, Responsible Dog Ownership Day, National Double Cheeseburger Day, National Tackle Kids Cancer Day, Greenpeace Day, National Cheese Toast Day, National Linguine Day, Puppy Mill Awareness Day, National Creme De Menthe Day, National Online Learning Day, National Felt Hat Day, Boys' And Girls' Club Day For Kids, National Gymnastics Day.
I'm sure this is not an exhaustive list and someone may be celebrating a Day not listed here. But, regardless, have a Happy Day and know......."this is the Day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it". While I may have "out-of-contexted" the psalmist's meaning of Psalm 118:24, I am glad for each day we are given and Thank The Lord for it..........Happy September 15th to all.
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National Cleanup Day, National Hug Your Boss Day, Responsible Dog Ownership Day, National Double Cheeseburger Day, National Tackle Kids Cancer Day, Greenpeace Day, National Cheese Toast Day, National Linguine Day, Puppy Mill Awareness Day, National Creme De Menthe Day, National Online Learning Day, National Felt Hat Day, Boys' And Girls' Club Day For Kids, National Gymnastics Day.
I'm sure this is not an exhaustive list and someone may be celebrating a Day not listed here. But, regardless, have a Happy Day and know......."this is the Day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it". While I may have "out-of-contexted" the psalmist's meaning of Psalm 118:24, I am glad for each day we are given and Thank The Lord for it..........Happy September 15th to all.
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
September 12, 2018. Eureka Springs, AR. On The Road
Five years ago this month, Karen and I purchased a motor home, our first, and decided we were going to take our ministry to Vietnam Veterans out of Fort Collins, CO and be a road ministry. We named our ministry "Ministry of Miles" because we envisioned traveling a lot of miles with no fixed base of operation other than returning to Fort Collins every few months and planning our next miles from there.
But our plan changed. And, while we still talk with Veterans about the benefits they are entitled to, we haven't driven all the miles we anticipated and we have generally been either at The Great Passion Play in Arkansas or Source of Light Ministries in Georgia. We've only logged 19,000 miles in the RV and most of the 30,000 miles on the car have been local miles except for Karen's three trips back to Colorado and Utah for medical appointments or family events.
While a few of our friends have left or curtailed their on the road ministries, many still stick with it and endure the.unique issues which this life style presents. There are a lot of mechanical issues to contend with, weather conditions which present problems and the limited living space which can make you feel "confined". But, Karen and I still enjoy the life we have, the challenges we face, and always have the option to find a small place to "settle down" and still have the motor home as a second home. With the wide variety of places to "park" we can have whatever environment we want for as long as we want it. And, there's always the opportunity to return to Fort Collins and our house there, although we both agree that would probably be our least likely option. We've gotten way too acclimated to country living, small towns, minimal traffic, little noise and few close-by neighbors.
In about six weeks the Passion Play will complete its 2018 season, and we will face a move or not move decision, and for now we really don't feel any urgency to make that decision. Waiting on God........waiting for the cloud to move or not move.......waiting for God to guide us where He will, knowing that whatever we do, it will be His call and our desire to answer it. How comforting it is to place our trust in Him.
Sent from my iPad
But our plan changed. And, while we still talk with Veterans about the benefits they are entitled to, we haven't driven all the miles we anticipated and we have generally been either at The Great Passion Play in Arkansas or Source of Light Ministries in Georgia. We've only logged 19,000 miles in the RV and most of the 30,000 miles on the car have been local miles except for Karen's three trips back to Colorado and Utah for medical appointments or family events.
While a few of our friends have left or curtailed their on the road ministries, many still stick with it and endure the.unique issues which this life style presents. There are a lot of mechanical issues to contend with, weather conditions which present problems and the limited living space which can make you feel "confined". But, Karen and I still enjoy the life we have, the challenges we face, and always have the option to find a small place to "settle down" and still have the motor home as a second home. With the wide variety of places to "park" we can have whatever environment we want for as long as we want it. And, there's always the opportunity to return to Fort Collins and our house there, although we both agree that would probably be our least likely option. We've gotten way too acclimated to country living, small towns, minimal traffic, little noise and few close-by neighbors.
In about six weeks the Passion Play will complete its 2018 season, and we will face a move or not move decision, and for now we really don't feel any urgency to make that decision. Waiting on God........waiting for the cloud to move or not move.......waiting for God to guide us where He will, knowing that whatever we do, it will be His call and our desire to answer it. How comforting it is to place our trust in Him.
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, September 9, 2018
September 9, 2018. Eureka Springs, AR. Caught in the Middle
The weather this past week was unusual. The remnants of Tropical Storm Gordon were swirling counterclockwise and a cold front was approaching us from the west. The radar maps were pretty exciting and it had the potential to create a mess for northwest Arkansas. But all we ended up with was light rain, an almost constant mist, lower temperatures and a Play performance last night with just those very conditions. Even though the humidity was 98% it was cool enough where we were moist from the precipitation, not perspiration.
Today we had mist all morning and temps in the low 60's. The week ahead looks mild, dry with "open the windows" nights. Hopefully, the three months of July-weather are not to return and we can enjoy our time outdoors in comfort. In Arkansas, as in most places, the weather is subject to change quickly and the radar map is our constant companion. We expect a busy week here at the PP and even have a group of almost 100 coming on Wednesday, a non-performance day, to take a tour of the Holy Land. A number of us will "dress up" and give them a normal version of the tour except for the camels and Christ donkeys in the Holy Land corral. As with most activities here, we need to be flexible, accommodate the unexpected and be prepared to bless and be blessed.
Being in an entertainment/tourist/outreach ministry we are often caught in the middle of meeting people-needs and accomplishing our normal operational duties and doing both in a way which reflects a positive and Christ-like attitude. Like most of what we encounter in life we find ourselves caught in an "in the world, but not of the world" posture, on some middle ground.
"As for me and my house, we will serve The Lord", no matter where we find ourself and what situation we face. Personally, I wouldn't want it any other way.
Sent from my iPad
Today we had mist all morning and temps in the low 60's. The week ahead looks mild, dry with "open the windows" nights. Hopefully, the three months of July-weather are not to return and we can enjoy our time outdoors in comfort. In Arkansas, as in most places, the weather is subject to change quickly and the radar map is our constant companion. We expect a busy week here at the PP and even have a group of almost 100 coming on Wednesday, a non-performance day, to take a tour of the Holy Land. A number of us will "dress up" and give them a normal version of the tour except for the camels and Christ donkeys in the Holy Land corral. As with most activities here, we need to be flexible, accommodate the unexpected and be prepared to bless and be blessed.
Being in an entertainment/tourist/outreach ministry we are often caught in the middle of meeting people-needs and accomplishing our normal operational duties and doing both in a way which reflects a positive and Christ-like attitude. Like most of what we encounter in life we find ourselves caught in an "in the world, but not of the world" posture, on some middle ground.
"As for me and my house, we will serve The Lord", no matter where we find ourself and what situation we face. Personally, I wouldn't want it any other way.
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, September 6, 2018
September 6, 2018. Eureka Springs, AR. Whatever It Takes
I was about to carry our just-finished laundry into the motor home when a couple drove up and asked if I was a Pastor. My response was "no, just a minister". They asked if I could officiate the renewal of their wedding vows and I said I couldn't but I would find someone who could. Jim and Linda had been searching all over Eureka Springs for a Pastor so they could renew their vows after 19 years of marriage and were not having any success. They had been here for the Passion Play last year and had fond memories of their visit and were in the area again.
I called Kent, one of our PP Christ figures (also David the Shepherd), who is a Children's Pastor and he arrived a few minutes later in his grubbies, got his "book" with the official words and along with Joe, a former Christ figure (also Parables of the Potter) to be a witness, and with me, recruited to be the photographer, we held the impromptu ceremony in the Church in the Grove near the Christ of the Ozarks statue on the PP property. It was a touching moment, and an opportunity to be part of a moment in their life which was important to them.
Many times, we miss an important moment in another's life because we are too busy trying to make an important moment in our own life. When we can defer our own plans to help someone else have a joyful experience, we are blessed as well. Whatever it takes, we should be ready and willing to do, and be blessed in the process. Children's Pastors don't get called to do many ceremonies like Kent did today. Joe the Potter doesn't get the opportunity to have his phone ring during a vow renewal ceremonies and I don't get too many chances to take wedding photos on a flip phone.
Whatever it takes.......bring joy to someone else and be blessed in the process. Happy renewal of vows, Jim and Linda.
Sent from my iPad
I called Kent, one of our PP Christ figures (also David the Shepherd), who is a Children's Pastor and he arrived a few minutes later in his grubbies, got his "book" with the official words and along with Joe, a former Christ figure (also Parables of the Potter) to be a witness, and with me, recruited to be the photographer, we held the impromptu ceremony in the Church in the Grove near the Christ of the Ozarks statue on the PP property. It was a touching moment, and an opportunity to be part of a moment in their life which was important to them.
Many times, we miss an important moment in another's life because we are too busy trying to make an important moment in our own life. When we can defer our own plans to help someone else have a joyful experience, we are blessed as well. Whatever it takes, we should be ready and willing to do, and be blessed in the process. Children's Pastors don't get called to do many ceremonies like Kent did today. Joe the Potter doesn't get the opportunity to have his phone ring during a vow renewal ceremonies and I don't get too many chances to take wedding photos on a flip phone.
Whatever it takes.......bring joy to someone else and be blessed in the process. Happy renewal of vows, Jim and Linda.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, September 3, 2018
September 3, 2018. Eureka Springs, AR. Time Change
From May thru August, the Passion Play begins at 8:30pm. Since our performance day begins at 10:00am it makes for a long day. With the weather being as hot as it has, it makes for a long, hot day. But after Labor Day, and our last of two Sunday performances, we now will start the evening Play at 7:30pm. That means getting to sleep an hour earlier, and most of us look forward to that. The down side is that the season will be over in two months and with it cooler, even colder temperatures and weather conditions.
Karen and I are still on the fence about our "off season" plans, so we will take our final months of the 2018 PP season as gratefully as we can. It's hard to believe we will have completed our fifth season in Arkansas. There are a number of options for November to Spring 2019: I know we would be welcomed back in Georgia at Source of Light, our friends in Deep East Texas have invited us back into the backwoods, and the Passion Play has told us we are welcome to stay here. There is also the opportunity to visit my brother and sister-in-law in Jacksonville, FL as well as a number of other projects in the South which need volunteers. As of now we are just waiting for the "cloud to move", meaning we are waiting on God to give us an indication of where we are to go and what we are to do.
How fortunate we are to have the freedom we have God's provision and protection and the health to keep active and mobile. Yes, we will see a benefit from the "extra" hour and a shorter work day, but there are still plenty of things to be done on the non-performance days and we will continue to do what needs to be done to advance TGPP and The Kingdom vision. How blessed we are.
Sent from my iPad
Karen and I are still on the fence about our "off season" plans, so we will take our final months of the 2018 PP season as gratefully as we can. It's hard to believe we will have completed our fifth season in Arkansas. There are a number of options for November to Spring 2019: I know we would be welcomed back in Georgia at Source of Light, our friends in Deep East Texas have invited us back into the backwoods, and the Passion Play has told us we are welcome to stay here. There is also the opportunity to visit my brother and sister-in-law in Jacksonville, FL as well as a number of other projects in the South which need volunteers. As of now we are just waiting for the "cloud to move", meaning we are waiting on God to give us an indication of where we are to go and what we are to do.
How fortunate we are to have the freedom we have God's provision and protection and the health to keep active and mobile. Yes, we will see a benefit from the "extra" hour and a shorter work day, but there are still plenty of things to be done on the non-performance days and we will continue to do what needs to be done to advance TGPP and The Kingdom vision. How blessed we are.
Sent from my iPad
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