Even though the Christmas "season" seems to start earlier and earlier each year, it has now officially begun. Santa arrived at the Macy's Parade earlier today, Black Friday is almost over, Small Business Saturday will begin in a few hours to encourage us to patronize our local businesses instead of the internet and Big Box Stores. Monday is Cyber Monday to encourage us not to shop locally, Christian radio is replete with year end requests for donations to meet the budget needs of 2019, and matching grants are anywhere from $100,000 to over $1Million if we contribute before January 1.
A few minutes ago I saw my first Chia Pet commercial of the year on television and the Disaronno Amaretto Liqueur which are never seen until this time of year have already been on the air for about a week. Christmas light displays, including ours here at TGPP, are up and lit for people to drive by and enjoy. I have to admit that it is nice to see the lights, but I hope we realize the reason for the season is not the materialism, it's not the bargains, it's not the gift giving or gorging ourself on sweets or overeating or overdrinking.
The reason is found in the pages of a book known as The Bible, and the idea is to celebrate God's plan for the salvation of His creation which began in the Book of Genesis and ends in the Book of Revelation. While there are many opinions and interpretations of how this plan is to be accomplished, the point of it all is that we need to get beyond all of our differences and come together on the things which unite us, and trust God that His plan for us is better than anything we or Madison Avenue can devise and try to foist on us. Let's simplify what has been made so complicated and just try to find peace, joy, contentment and calm......and trust our God, Who gives us all we need every day and will continue to do so as we honor Him and praise Him in everything. Thank You, Lord.
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Friday, November 29, 2019
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
November 26, 2019. Eureka Springs, AR. Too Late?
This will not be easy to read. I anticipate it will not be easy to write, but it must be written and it needs to be read.
About 50,000 people die every day from non-age-related causes; accidents, sudden health issues, crimes, angry or impulsive responses to situations. On Sunday, we found out that Karen's sister's ex-husband died in an automobile accident. We were shocked and saddened. But we have since learned that Dale, aged 66, died as a result of a road rage incident and an ensuing fight with a 33 year man. We don't know the details of the incident, but we are still saddened, but not as shocked as we first were.
Without going into detail about Dale and his life, it was a life filled with turmoil, anger, gambling, addiction, medical issues and emotional problems, but had the potential to be a life of accomplishments, success and prosperity. Yet, it ended with a roadside brawl, a life lost and many lives impacted.
Dale professed a faith in Jesus, but he didn't live a life Jesus would have condoned. Dale could talk the talk, but as much as we knew, he wasn't walking the walk. In his final moments, did he try to reach out to Jesus, or was he intent on winning a fist fight? We don't know and possibly will never know. Only God knows Dale's final thoughts, his final words and his eternal destiny. It may be too late for Dale, but it need not be too late for each of us. The decision is ours to make, and even if we make it with death staring us in the face.......God can, and will, accept our heartfelt and earnest profession of faith. I honestly believe that God wants each and every one of us to be included in His eternal Kingdom and not condemned to an eternal hell, eternal torment or eternal separation from Him. My prayer for everyone............Don't be too late.
Sent from my iPad
About 50,000 people die every day from non-age-related causes; accidents, sudden health issues, crimes, angry or impulsive responses to situations. On Sunday, we found out that Karen's sister's ex-husband died in an automobile accident. We were shocked and saddened. But we have since learned that Dale, aged 66, died as a result of a road rage incident and an ensuing fight with a 33 year man. We don't know the details of the incident, but we are still saddened, but not as shocked as we first were.
Without going into detail about Dale and his life, it was a life filled with turmoil, anger, gambling, addiction, medical issues and emotional problems, but had the potential to be a life of accomplishments, success and prosperity. Yet, it ended with a roadside brawl, a life lost and many lives impacted.
Dale professed a faith in Jesus, but he didn't live a life Jesus would have condoned. Dale could talk the talk, but as much as we knew, he wasn't walking the walk. In his final moments, did he try to reach out to Jesus, or was he intent on winning a fist fight? We don't know and possibly will never know. Only God knows Dale's final thoughts, his final words and his eternal destiny. It may be too late for Dale, but it need not be too late for each of us. The decision is ours to make, and even if we make it with death staring us in the face.......God can, and will, accept our heartfelt and earnest profession of faith. I honestly believe that God wants each and every one of us to be included in His eternal Kingdom and not condemned to an eternal hell, eternal torment or eternal separation from Him. My prayer for everyone............Don't be too late.
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, November 23, 2019
November 23, 2019. Eureka Springs, AR. House Hunting
After Karen's tremendous success in selling our Colorado house, we are finding the buying situation in Arkansas to be a lot more challenging. We're being pretty persnickety about what we want, what we want to pay, and where we want the house/property to be located in relation to the Passion Play. We have also faced situations where the product is not "as advertised" and we have not been even close to seeing something we would be comfortable living in.
Karen has become an accomplished internet searcher and there is an abundance of properties for sale in the vicinity, but we are experiencing multiple examples of very creative descriptions, properties not at the location they are supposed to be and many access roads which will require combat vehicles in order to gain access or else combat arms to feel secure living there. I'm not "profiling", but this is, after all, rural Arkansas, and we ain't "from around these parts".
Since we do feel comfortable in our house on wheels, and are navigating the winter weather pretty well for goin' on our seventh year, we don't feel any pressure to do something quickly. We will continue to search, look at the ones which seem promising, and in God's time we will find "our dream home in this gem of a city in the gorgeous Ozark mountains" (to quote one of the real estate agents we chose not to sign on with). When we find it.......we'll know it.
Sent from my iPad
Karen has become an accomplished internet searcher and there is an abundance of properties for sale in the vicinity, but we are experiencing multiple examples of very creative descriptions, properties not at the location they are supposed to be and many access roads which will require combat vehicles in order to gain access or else combat arms to feel secure living there. I'm not "profiling", but this is, after all, rural Arkansas, and we ain't "from around these parts".
Since we do feel comfortable in our house on wheels, and are navigating the winter weather pretty well for goin' on our seventh year, we don't feel any pressure to do something quickly. We will continue to search, look at the ones which seem promising, and in God's time we will find "our dream home in this gem of a city in the gorgeous Ozark mountains" (to quote one of the real estate agents we chose not to sign on with). When we find it.......we'll know it.
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
November 20, 2019. Eureka Springs, AR. The Wheels Are Coming Off
I've started to watch the National News again, because it is important to know what is happening in our country and in the world. But, the more I watch, the worse everything seems to be. There is still the partisan diatribe going on in Washington and many state legislatures, Hong Kong is in chaos, mass killings seem to be taking place almost every day, while the murders in America are down by about 10% this year, there will still be over 14,000 committed in 2019, drug overdose deaths this year will be more than 70,000.........
There are still a lot of negative reports about our sports figures, entertainers, business leaders, teachers and child care workers, church leaders and public officials. Suicide seems to be on the rise among our young people, veterans and in all demographics in America. There are more prescription drugs being advertised on television, particularly during the evening news broadcasts, and the side effects appear to be even worse than the condition being treated.
The whole impeachment issue has become even more of a farce than when it first began, and we still have the whole 2020 election circus before us for more than 11 months. Maybe it's time to take some time off from the news again........get back to our reruns of Andy Griffith, Home Improvement, Perry Mason, M*A*S*H, Dick VanDyke, Archie and Edith, and the other "escapes" of prior "troubled" times.
It is Wednesday.............and the ION TV Blue Bloods marathon...............thank you, Tom Selleck.
Sent from my iPad
There are still a lot of negative reports about our sports figures, entertainers, business leaders, teachers and child care workers, church leaders and public officials. Suicide seems to be on the rise among our young people, veterans and in all demographics in America. There are more prescription drugs being advertised on television, particularly during the evening news broadcasts, and the side effects appear to be even worse than the condition being treated.
The whole impeachment issue has become even more of a farce than when it first began, and we still have the whole 2020 election circus before us for more than 11 months. Maybe it's time to take some time off from the news again........get back to our reruns of Andy Griffith, Home Improvement, Perry Mason, M*A*S*H, Dick VanDyke, Archie and Edith, and the other "escapes" of prior "troubled" times.
It is Wednesday.............and the ION TV Blue Bloods marathon...............thank you, Tom Selleck.
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, November 17, 2019
November 17, 2019. Eureka Springs, AR. A Quieter Time
The crowds are much smaller, the work load is less intense, but there are some things which stay the same here at The Great Passion Play. In the stable at Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary watch over the baby Jesus in the manger and we recall the story of Jesus' birth as related in The Gospel Of Matthew and The Gospel Of Luke.
There are so many "stories" in Scripture, so much commentary and opinion written about these stories; so much discussion and debate about these stories, and we sometimes get so bogged down in the details that we forget the real importance of what Scripture is relating to us. Each of us approaches religion, faith, God, Jesus, our place and purpose in this life (and the next), in such a personal and unique way, that we forget that we are are individuals with personal and unique characteristics which differentiate each us from every other person who has lived or ever will live.
And in this uniqueness we determine our relationship with the world we live in, our relationship to those we associate with and the Creator and Organizer of it all. Take the time to be quiet.......to contemplate what this is all about.......how we contribute to it........and how we can do our part to make it better.......and quieter........for everyone.
Sent from my iPad
There are so many "stories" in Scripture, so much commentary and opinion written about these stories; so much discussion and debate about these stories, and we sometimes get so bogged down in the details that we forget the real importance of what Scripture is relating to us. Each of us approaches religion, faith, God, Jesus, our place and purpose in this life (and the next), in such a personal and unique way, that we forget that we are are individuals with personal and unique characteristics which differentiate each us from every other person who has lived or ever will live.
And in this uniqueness we determine our relationship with the world we live in, our relationship to those we associate with and the Creator and Organizer of it all. Take the time to be quiet.......to contemplate what this is all about.......how we contribute to it........and how we can do our part to make it better.......and quieter........for everyone.
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, November 14, 2019
November 14, 2019. Eureka Springs, AR. Hunker Down
It's only November, but we have already had our first taste of winter weather. For the locals, it has been tough, and for us "northerners" it has been something we moved south to try to escape. With less-than-code insulation in our motor home, it has meant putting up the styrofoam siding, getting some of the blankets used during October Play performances to block drafts, setting the space heaters in strategic positions and trying to keep the "city" water from freezing between the standpipe and the inside faucets.
With a low of 10 degrees on Monday night, we were hunkered down and comfortable, but did have our hot water freeze up somewhere between the hot water heater and the faucets and our refrigerator water dispenser not dispensing. Both were resolved by Tuesday evening being no worse for wear. Layers of clothing are important to keep from getting too cold outside or too warm inside. Karen continues to search the real estate sites on the internet to find a house/property, but it's a lot more difficult to buy in Arkansas than to sell in Colorado. Because we are being particular in what we want and where we want it, we are facing limited options and high prices. We may have to just be resigned to the fact that what we have is going to be what we have to live in.....for now. Not complaining.......just explaining.
We will be gradually returning to Fall weather in a few days, keep watching the weather for our next arctic blast and comparing notes with the locals and the volunteers coming to help with the off-season tasks to find new and effective ways to be at home in our "non-house" house. We learn something new each day.
Sent from my iPad
With a low of 10 degrees on Monday night, we were hunkered down and comfortable, but did have our hot water freeze up somewhere between the hot water heater and the faucets and our refrigerator water dispenser not dispensing. Both were resolved by Tuesday evening being no worse for wear. Layers of clothing are important to keep from getting too cold outside or too warm inside. Karen continues to search the real estate sites on the internet to find a house/property, but it's a lot more difficult to buy in Arkansas than to sell in Colorado. Because we are being particular in what we want and where we want it, we are facing limited options and high prices. We may have to just be resigned to the fact that what we have is going to be what we have to live in.....for now. Not complaining.......just explaining.
We will be gradually returning to Fall weather in a few days, keep watching the weather for our next arctic blast and comparing notes with the locals and the volunteers coming to help with the off-season tasks to find new and effective ways to be at home in our "non-house" house. We learn something new each day.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, November 11, 2019
November 11, 2019 Eureka Springs! AR. Veterans Day
My military service lasted from late 1968 to June, 1970. By serving thirteen-and-a-half months in Vietnam, I was able to get out of my active duty obligation without having to spend five months at Fort Hood, Texas. It gave me a few months to readjust to civilian life before returning to Law School in Washington, DC. But it did not prepare me for the intensity of the anti-war sentiment of the early '70's and the deep division the war had caused in our country. There was a drastic change in a very short period of time.
It took a long time to feel comfortable with my career objectives, my place in the work force and my role in society in general. In many ways I felt out of sync, unmotivated and not at home in my own skin, and unsure of where my life was headed.
There are moments, even now, when I wonder how I was able to make something of myself, get thru some rough emotional times and fit into a country which has changed so drastically in the past 50 years.
I am grateful for my "religious" transformation when I came to faith in Jesus Christ in 1999. I am grateful for the "arranged" meeting in Colorado with Karen, my wife of over 45 years and the life we have shared since then. I am grateful for the heart attack I suffered in 2008 and the subsequent Agent Orange disability I received from the VA and all the care I have received from them to this day.
I am grateful on this Veterans' Day for all the American military Veterans, all those who have served our country as first-responders in a variety of disciplines and those who reach out to help those in need, and those who currently serve our country in some very difficult assignments around the world. But, most of all, I am grateful to God for His mercy and grace, His care and compassion, His promise of a better tomorrow and an eternal reward, for His provision and protection, and for watching over me, when I was not able to watch over myself. In Him we have it all...............
Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
It took a long time to feel comfortable with my career objectives, my place in the work force and my role in society in general. In many ways I felt out of sync, unmotivated and not at home in my own skin, and unsure of where my life was headed.
There are moments, even now, when I wonder how I was able to make something of myself, get thru some rough emotional times and fit into a country which has changed so drastically in the past 50 years.
I am grateful for my "religious" transformation when I came to faith in Jesus Christ in 1999. I am grateful for the "arranged" meeting in Colorado with Karen, my wife of over 45 years and the life we have shared since then. I am grateful for the heart attack I suffered in 2008 and the subsequent Agent Orange disability I received from the VA and all the care I have received from them to this day.
I am grateful on this Veterans' Day for all the American military Veterans, all those who have served our country as first-responders in a variety of disciplines and those who reach out to help those in need, and those who currently serve our country in some very difficult assignments around the world. But, most of all, I am grateful to God for His mercy and grace, His care and compassion, His promise of a better tomorrow and an eternal reward, for His provision and protection, and for watching over me, when I was not able to watch over myself. In Him we have it all...............
Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Friday, November 8, 2019
November 8, 2019. Eureka Springs, AR. When The Body Breaks
"You're not as young as you used to be". That is a statement which applies to every human being, of any age or physical condition. If anyone is younger today than they were yesterday, it would be a phenomenon worthy of international news coverage, and one which would be counter to every law, scientific principle, or just plain ordinary common sense. So when we face diminishing physical capacity, pain which doesn't go away, or body parts which fail or need repair, it should come as no surprise.
But the truth hurts and it makes us contemplate what we are not going to do at all tomorrow which yesterday was done without effort or fear of failure. About six months ago I took what I thought was a minor fall during the Passion Play and banged my right shoulder as I hit the ground. I instantly knew I had hurt myself. I had limited movement for a few days and then returned to what I thought was my normal routine. When I finally realized I was not able to do at all what I had done easily before the fall, I saw my VA doctor, had an X-ray, MRI, appointment with an orthopedic surgeon and received a diagnosis of a complete supraspinatus tear of the rotator cuff tendon. Since surgery is not a guaranteed fix, I am now in the first phase of physical therapy. We are working on flexibility, reducing inflammation, relearning how to lift correctly, and very limited weight lifting (is one pound too much?).
At soon to be 74, I am not looking to returning to the intense physical activity of my pre-74 life, accept the fact that I will have to delegate some of my activities to younger people, and admit that I am not getting any younger. I also know that If God has a plan for me for the years to come, HE will lead me into that new season and equip me to do what HE wants me to do . All I need to do is ask......listen.......be willing.......teachable.....obedient.....and give my best effort......let go......and let God.......and...............Thank You, Lord
Sent from my iPad
But the truth hurts and it makes us contemplate what we are not going to do at all tomorrow which yesterday was done without effort or fear of failure. About six months ago I took what I thought was a minor fall during the Passion Play and banged my right shoulder as I hit the ground. I instantly knew I had hurt myself. I had limited movement for a few days and then returned to what I thought was my normal routine. When I finally realized I was not able to do at all what I had done easily before the fall, I saw my VA doctor, had an X-ray, MRI, appointment with an orthopedic surgeon and received a diagnosis of a complete supraspinatus tear of the rotator cuff tendon. Since surgery is not a guaranteed fix, I am now in the first phase of physical therapy. We are working on flexibility, reducing inflammation, relearning how to lift correctly, and very limited weight lifting (is one pound too much?).
At soon to be 74, I am not looking to returning to the intense physical activity of my pre-74 life, accept the fact that I will have to delegate some of my activities to younger people, and admit that I am not getting any younger. I also know that If God has a plan for me for the years to come, HE will lead me into that new season and equip me to do what HE wants me to do . All I need to do is ask......listen.......be willing.......teachable.....obedient.....and give my best effort......let go......and let God.......and...............Thank You, Lord
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
November 5, 2019. Eureka Springs, AR. Posture
In the vernacular of drama, there is the phrase "act tall". It is a way to covey to the audience that you are an important character, a lead role, a person of power or influence and someone to be taken seriously.
Today I began physical therapy to try to strengthen the muscles in my right shoulder to help me possibly avoid rotator cuff surgery and still be able to do normal physical activities which require the use of both arms and shoulders. The first thing I was told by the therapist was to pull my shoulders back and stop slouching or being slope-shouldered. In other words stand up straight and "act tall". I have noticed that there are many Passion Play disciples and priests who are larger and taller than me, and I do have to consciously think and act tall or risk being lost in the crowd.
So today, in addition to having a series of exercises to perform three times a day, I have to pull my shoulders back, pull my stomach in, imagine a string attached to my head pulling me skyward, but still be relaxed enough to not look like Charles Atlas or Arnold Schwarzenegger at a Mr. Universe contest. It's worth a try and if I can avoid the knife and maybe grow another inch or two it will be worth it. Thank You, Ozark Physical Therapy, and Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Today I began physical therapy to try to strengthen the muscles in my right shoulder to help me possibly avoid rotator cuff surgery and still be able to do normal physical activities which require the use of both arms and shoulders. The first thing I was told by the therapist was to pull my shoulders back and stop slouching or being slope-shouldered. In other words stand up straight and "act tall". I have noticed that there are many Passion Play disciples and priests who are larger and taller than me, and I do have to consciously think and act tall or risk being lost in the crowd.
So today, in addition to having a series of exercises to perform three times a day, I have to pull my shoulders back, pull my stomach in, imagine a string attached to my head pulling me skyward, but still be relaxed enough to not look like Charles Atlas or Arnold Schwarzenegger at a Mr. Universe contest. It's worth a try and if I can avoid the knife and maybe grow another inch or two it will be worth it. Thank You, Ozark Physical Therapy, and Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, November 2, 2019
November 2, 2019. Eureka Springs, AR. On Autopilot
There are times when life gets hectic with all the tasks to be done, personal chores to accomplish, responsibilities to others, quiet time with The Lord, time to read a book or study some portion of scripture, exercise, go to church, bible study group, contact a friend, play a word game, balance the bank account, work a crossword puzzle, pay the bills, meet someone for dinner, take a shower..........
How can we get it all done and lay down at night and have a clear, uncluttered mind and be able to not agonize over what needs to be dome tomorrow? It's called spending the day on autopilot, do whatever needs to be done and when we finally run out of steam........let go.... give tomorrow to God......close our eyes and even with the lights on......pray for the peace of God to get us thru the night. Fall in God's arms...... and do it all anew tomorrow.
That's what it feels like in the life we are called to, and before we know it......the years have slipped away, we can see so much which has been accomplished and know that there is still so much more to do, trusting God to give us the strength, stamina, skill and willingness to see it thru to the end.....and do it again and again and again. On autopilot for The Lord. How blessed we are. Good night and Happy Time Change to all. It's good to have a do-over hour in which to blog, sort out the events of the day, thank God for everything and take tomorrow as He presents it to us. I'm so glad He is at the controls and in control of it all
Sent from my iPad
How can we get it all done and lay down at night and have a clear, uncluttered mind and be able to not agonize over what needs to be dome tomorrow? It's called spending the day on autopilot, do whatever needs to be done and when we finally run out of steam........let go.... give tomorrow to God......close our eyes and even with the lights on......pray for the peace of God to get us thru the night. Fall in God's arms...... and do it all anew tomorrow.
That's what it feels like in the life we are called to, and before we know it......the years have slipped away, we can see so much which has been accomplished and know that there is still so much more to do, trusting God to give us the strength, stamina, skill and willingness to see it thru to the end.....and do it again and again and again. On autopilot for The Lord. How blessed we are. Good night and Happy Time Change to all. It's good to have a do-over hour in which to blog, sort out the events of the day, thank God for everything and take tomorrow as He presents it to us. I'm so glad He is at the controls and in control of it all
Sent from my iPad
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