There's no question that with the advances in technology, travel, communications, educational opportunities and access to information, the world has become smaller and more available to every one of us. While many people tout "made in the USA" or "buy local", we are being bombarded by products made elsewhere and imported into the United States.
It has to be a very complicated economic balance with tariffs, product quality standards and pricing considerations, and further complicated by immigration policies, sanctuary and asylum requests, student and work visas and any number of other factors. When I see different languages on products, the signage in hardware stores on government forms and even election materials, it becomes clear that our country is more of a "melting pot" than it has ever been. Granted, we are a nation of immigrants in that when we look at our family we find that virtually everyone can trace back to a parent, grandparent or greatgrandparent or beyond who came here from another country. Less than 2% of our population can claim to be "natives" and even they would have to admit that their ancestors may have come from somewhere else originally.
We are not unique in our diversity. Every country faces the same situation with their demographics, their import/export balance, the fluidity of population, and the world at their doorstep. The bottom line.........we need to learn to get along, get over our prejudices and our desire to always think we are in the right. Stop the bickering.
Maybe our Congressmen and Senators can resolve to take the lead in "getting along with each other" and do what is right for the welfare of our country and the world. Is that a possibility.............? Let's get back to some basics........decency.......dignity.........
honesty.........respect........peace and quiet..........
Sent from my iPad
.
Friday, January 31, 2020
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
January 28, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. No Guarantees
If there is one thing we have a guarantee of......it is...... we are going to die. Unless we take matters into our own hands and determine when we want to die, there is no way we are going to know how long we will live and when it is our time to stop living. Life happens......and so does death. We are not in control of the time or the manner of our death.
For those who believe there is life after death, there is a guarantee, but we really don't know for certain what that "life" is going to look like. I believe what I have read many times in The Scriptures about the hereafter and have a peace about what is to come and have no fear about it, only the impact it may have on those I "leave behind".
We can prepare, but the uncertainty of "when" makes preparation kind of nebulous.
The reason I am writing like this, is the news of this week of the helicopter crash in California which claimed the lives of nine people. It was a tragic story, but it is only one story of many deaths this week. It is estimated that 150,000 people die EACH DAY, and every one of those deaths is tragic, but for some, a release from suffering, a passing to a better place; But in each one, it represents a loss suffered by family, friends, acquaintances, and the end of a long life, a short life, a life of accomplishments, a life "wasted", but, in every instance, the leaving of a legacy.
I mourn for the losses and the earthly lives cut short. I celebrate the lives well lived and am encouraged by the earthly accomplishments of those no longer with us. I pray that those left behind will have peace and bask in the memories shared with one no longer physically with them. I pray that God will honor each of His creations in a fair and just manner, and that eternity will be for each one what they have hoped it would be while they were here with us. There are no guarantees, and we need to grieve, but we also need to go on living, knowing that one day we, too, will no longer be "here". Each one of us is valuable, here for a purpose, and taken from that purpose by the will of God, and in His timing. Thank You, Lord for the faith, trust and hope I have in You. Thank You for life........and death.....and the "dash" we now experience.
Sent from my iPad
For those who believe there is life after death, there is a guarantee, but we really don't know for certain what that "life" is going to look like. I believe what I have read many times in The Scriptures about the hereafter and have a peace about what is to come and have no fear about it, only the impact it may have on those I "leave behind".
We can prepare, but the uncertainty of "when" makes preparation kind of nebulous.
The reason I am writing like this, is the news of this week of the helicopter crash in California which claimed the lives of nine people. It was a tragic story, but it is only one story of many deaths this week. It is estimated that 150,000 people die EACH DAY, and every one of those deaths is tragic, but for some, a release from suffering, a passing to a better place; But in each one, it represents a loss suffered by family, friends, acquaintances, and the end of a long life, a short life, a life of accomplishments, a life "wasted", but, in every instance, the leaving of a legacy.
I mourn for the losses and the earthly lives cut short. I celebrate the lives well lived and am encouraged by the earthly accomplishments of those no longer with us. I pray that those left behind will have peace and bask in the memories shared with one no longer physically with them. I pray that God will honor each of His creations in a fair and just manner, and that eternity will be for each one what they have hoped it would be while they were here with us. There are no guarantees, and we need to grieve, but we also need to go on living, knowing that one day we, too, will no longer be "here". Each one of us is valuable, here for a purpose, and taken from that purpose by the will of God, and in His timing. Thank You, Lord for the faith, trust and hope I have in You. Thank You for life........and death.....and the "dash" we now experience.
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, January 25, 2020
January 25, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. Between
In between our first three season at The Great Passion Play we volunteered at Source of Light Ministries in Madison Georgia, a town about 60 miles east of Atlanta. In between Madison and Atlanta, and equidistant from both, is the town of Between, population about 300. Of course, when you're in Between, and someone asks where you are, you say, "I'm in Between". That elicits the response "in between where" and then the fun begins.
Right now we are almost 3 months from our last performance day of 2019 and a few days shy of 3 months from our first performance day of 2020. We're in between seasons and after the week we just experienced, it was good to see the sun actually shine at sunrise, and have a temperature of 53 degrees at 3pm instead of the cold dreary days we had since last weekend. It was a not-unexciting-week, but I am glad we are between and making headway toward April 20 and our being out of between. We had very few visitors, all kinds of precipitation, our car did get fixed with the discovery of an unseated theft module fuse, the PP's dump truck caught fire and is no more, Joe the potter's cat, Clay, was almost cat-napped, but saved from a new home by an observant veterinarian, I began my in-depth study of Exodus to Deuteronomy to prepare for my In Depth Tabernacle Teaching during the upcoming season, and we will have a get-together of our Holy Land staff this evening to see who is coming back, who is not coming back, and what our needs will be for 2020, between now and then.
In between. Grateful for what has been before between, doing what needs to be done now, between, and looking forward to what God has in store for us this season.........and beyond between. That was fun............Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Right now we are almost 3 months from our last performance day of 2019 and a few days shy of 3 months from our first performance day of 2020. We're in between seasons and after the week we just experienced, it was good to see the sun actually shine at sunrise, and have a temperature of 53 degrees at 3pm instead of the cold dreary days we had since last weekend. It was a not-unexciting-week, but I am glad we are between and making headway toward April 20 and our being out of between. We had very few visitors, all kinds of precipitation, our car did get fixed with the discovery of an unseated theft module fuse, the PP's dump truck caught fire and is no more, Joe the potter's cat, Clay, was almost cat-napped, but saved from a new home by an observant veterinarian, I began my in-depth study of Exodus to Deuteronomy to prepare for my In Depth Tabernacle Teaching during the upcoming season, and we will have a get-together of our Holy Land staff this evening to see who is coming back, who is not coming back, and what our needs will be for 2020, between now and then.
In between. Grateful for what has been before between, doing what needs to be done now, between, and looking forward to what God has in store for us this season.........and beyond between. That was fun............Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
January 22, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. Go, Go, Go
We are facing a few days of unusual weather. It was just above freezing this morning and it will be no higher that 37 today, 34 as a low overnight and a high of 41 tomorrow with a low tomorrow night of 30 and then no higher than 37 on Friday. In all of this there is predicted rain, a mix of rain and snow, possible sleet and no sunshine until Sunday. Outside work will be limited and with windchills in the 20's it is a good time to be inside, and out of the elements.
Considering the fact that our car is not working well and will also be "inside" at the shop for a few days, and my shoulder is feeling less than "work-worthy" it's a perfect time to go from go-go-go to slow, slow, slow or even rest, rest rest. My daily devotional in Streams in the Desert is appropriate now, as it has been In the past we needed a release from the daily grind. Music has notes which are played, but also rests when notes are not played and it is intended for the musician to be called aside and not be part of the sounds for the audience to hear. Called aside......to be still.......to listen..... to "thank You for the stillness and the shade", to " thank You for the hidden paths Your love has made and, so, that we have wept and watched with Thee, we thank You for our dark Gethsemane".........called aside to later be of greater use to You and Your Kingdom when the "music" begins again. The rest may be exactly what is needed most.... for us to better "go" when it is our time to do so......and these few days of rest will have resorted us and renewed our strength. Your will, not mine, be done, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Considering the fact that our car is not working well and will also be "inside" at the shop for a few days, and my shoulder is feeling less than "work-worthy" it's a perfect time to go from go-go-go to slow, slow, slow or even rest, rest rest. My daily devotional in Streams in the Desert is appropriate now, as it has been In the past we needed a release from the daily grind. Music has notes which are played, but also rests when notes are not played and it is intended for the musician to be called aside and not be part of the sounds for the audience to hear. Called aside......to be still.......to listen..... to "thank You for the stillness and the shade", to " thank You for the hidden paths Your love has made and, so, that we have wept and watched with Thee, we thank You for our dark Gethsemane".........called aside to later be of greater use to You and Your Kingdom when the "music" begins again. The rest may be exactly what is needed most.... for us to better "go" when it is our time to do so......and these few days of rest will have resorted us and renewed our strength. Your will, not mine, be done, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, January 19, 2020
January 19, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. The High Cost of............
As I watch the NFL playoffs, I notice many of the State Farm commercials "star" Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes who may meet in a few weeks in the Super Bowl. Both these players are highly skilled, highly thought of and highly paid for what they do on the football field and in the advertising field, as well. As a customer of State Farm insurance for over 45 years, I wonder how much my insurance rates have been impacted by the endorsement package given to these two men.
In fact, I wonder how much we are impacted by the money paid to star athletes, entertainers, actors and other high profile people on the products we happen to buy and the cost of advertising, promotion and other "attention getters" used by manufacturers. I have always tried to avoid patronizing products which use offensive tactics in their advertising and I don't believe I have ever been lured into buying a product just based on the spokesman in the ad, the music in the background or the cuteness of the babies or animals shown in the commercials.
Whatever, the Chiefs have just earned a spot in the Super Bowl. Aaron Rodgers will have his chance in a while, and I'm sure State Farm is rooting hard for the Packers. I really can't complain.......State Farm has treated us pretty well all these years..........and we were customers before either Aaron or Patrick were even born. Maybe Karen and I should contact State Farm about starring in a commercial based on our loyalty to their company...........I jest.
Sent from my iPad
In fact, I wonder how much we are impacted by the money paid to star athletes, entertainers, actors and other high profile people on the products we happen to buy and the cost of advertising, promotion and other "attention getters" used by manufacturers. I have always tried to avoid patronizing products which use offensive tactics in their advertising and I don't believe I have ever been lured into buying a product just based on the spokesman in the ad, the music in the background or the cuteness of the babies or animals shown in the commercials.
Whatever, the Chiefs have just earned a spot in the Super Bowl. Aaron Rodgers will have his chance in a while, and I'm sure State Farm is rooting hard for the Packers. I really can't complain.......State Farm has treated us pretty well all these years..........and we were customers before either Aaron or Patrick were even born. Maybe Karen and I should contact State Farm about starring in a commercial based on our loyalty to their company...........I jest.
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, January 16, 2020
January 16, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. Guarantees
Yesterday, Karen and I went to the VA to have my shoulder re-evaluated by the Orthopedic Doctor. While my strength and flexibility are okay, they can be improved by moderate stretching, limited activity, heat/ice, avoiding falls, continued therapy and surgery which the surgeon is willing to perform if I am willing to have it done. In the whole scenario the main thing to realize is that there are no guarantees and I have to keep my chin up and my shoulders back.
In Law School, one of our first Contracts' case studies involved a doctor who promised a "one hundred percent good hand" and delivered a hairy hand because of a botched skin graft. The point: medicine cannot guarantee a specific result and there are always risks, pain and suffering, and the chance for an unexpected outcome. The point for my case: accept what is, follow the doctor/therapist advice, and if the situation becomes more of a hinderance than I can stand, trust the surgeon. Don't be discouraged.
But my primary attitude must be that God has a reason for what I am experiencing, just as there was a reason for the heart attack I suffered in 2008. It took a while to realize that there was a good reason for what happened then, and what has transpired in our life the past 11 years. All has been for our good and His glory. The current situation is no different, if I will just get my "head on straight". There are no guarantees in medicine or in life......except for those God sets forth in His Word. And it is in His Word and His promises that we are to trust and believe and find our peace. Thank You, Lord for the hope we have in You.
Sent from my iPad
In Law School, one of our first Contracts' case studies involved a doctor who promised a "one hundred percent good hand" and delivered a hairy hand because of a botched skin graft. The point: medicine cannot guarantee a specific result and there are always risks, pain and suffering, and the chance for an unexpected outcome. The point for my case: accept what is, follow the doctor/therapist advice, and if the situation becomes more of a hinderance than I can stand, trust the surgeon. Don't be discouraged.
But my primary attitude must be that God has a reason for what I am experiencing, just as there was a reason for the heart attack I suffered in 2008. It took a while to realize that there was a good reason for what happened then, and what has transpired in our life the past 11 years. All has been for our good and His glory. The current situation is no different, if I will just get my "head on straight". There are no guarantees in medicine or in life......except for those God sets forth in His Word. And it is in His Word and His promises that we are to trust and believe and find our peace. Thank You, Lord for the hope we have in You.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, January 13, 2020
January 13, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. Three Seasons in A Week
As the country experienced weather of every type this past week we seemed to be right on the edge of everything extreme. The forecast locally was for every imaginable form of precipitation, flood warnings, temperatures varying from nearly 70 down to the teens and winds gusting up to 50 mph and the possibility of tornados.
While the reports we saw nationally and in the area around us did have these extreme conditions and there was loss of life and tremendous property damage, we in Eureka Springs escaped with a lot of rain, a little sleet, some icy road conditions, high winds, the tornado sirens sounding and an hour in the basement of our Admin building, a Saturday night in the low 20's with thunder and lightening, and then a beautiful Sunday with bright sunshine, mild temperatures and all the ice, rime frost, and low wind chill gone. No property damage and without a hot and humid day in the mix, we had three weather seasons in the space of four days.
We have adapted to living full time in a motor home, to using the systems at our disposal to stay warm in the winter, cool in the summer, learned to tolerate the hot/humid 100 plus feels-like of June and July to the sub-freezing/humid winter days which last only a few days in a row. We do not miss the Colorado winters with the snow which stays for months, the shoveling, and icy streets and we certainly don't miss the hail storms and their damage to roofs and cars.
Weather is what it is. Every location has its peculiar elements and with the ability to have weather apps and radar apps and cell phone alerts and a trusty emergency weather radio and fresh batteries, we weather the storms and appreciate the non-violent days. As everyone everywhere says.....wait ten minutes, this weather won't last long. And so it goes.
Sent from my iPad
While the reports we saw nationally and in the area around us did have these extreme conditions and there was loss of life and tremendous property damage, we in Eureka Springs escaped with a lot of rain, a little sleet, some icy road conditions, high winds, the tornado sirens sounding and an hour in the basement of our Admin building, a Saturday night in the low 20's with thunder and lightening, and then a beautiful Sunday with bright sunshine, mild temperatures and all the ice, rime frost, and low wind chill gone. No property damage and without a hot and humid day in the mix, we had three weather seasons in the space of four days.
We have adapted to living full time in a motor home, to using the systems at our disposal to stay warm in the winter, cool in the summer, learned to tolerate the hot/humid 100 plus feels-like of June and July to the sub-freezing/humid winter days which last only a few days in a row. We do not miss the Colorado winters with the snow which stays for months, the shoveling, and icy streets and we certainly don't miss the hail storms and their damage to roofs and cars.
Weather is what it is. Every location has its peculiar elements and with the ability to have weather apps and radar apps and cell phone alerts and a trusty emergency weather radio and fresh batteries, we weather the storms and appreciate the non-violent days. As everyone everywhere says.....wait ten minutes, this weather won't last long. And so it goes.
Sent from my iPad
Friday, January 10, 2020
January 10, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. Being a Good Steward
We are called to be good stewards of what God has blessed us with. Some people are more abundantly blessed than others, but we are all blessed. How we handle what has been given to us is called stewardship and good stewardship means making wise choices and giving or sharing with others, so that those less blessed will be more blessed by our actions.
All this sounds confusing, but it really isn't. What makes this more confusing is the way we are approached and how we are asked to give or share our blessings, resources, time, talents or gifts with others. The "year-end" push by so many groups to solicit funds, raise money to meet past or future projects, meet "matching gift" offers, or just piggyback on the giving theme of Christmas; all these and many other appeals to us are one of the negatives, for me, of the time of year we have just been thru.
I am very sensitive when someone asks me for help, when someone comes to me with a problem or when there is an emergency which needs attention NOW. For nearly ten years, I was involved in church benevolence ministry, community outreach ministry and people who had financial needs which they could not handle. I have also been involved as a food bank volunteer, community homelessness issues, hospital volunteerism, Habitat for Humanity, veteran benefits ministry and financial support of organizations and individuals who have needs I feel I can help address.
But in all of this there is still the question I face constantly of who I say yes to, who I say no to, and who I have to say enough is enough to. I don't have unlimited funds and yet, I want to be a good steward of what I have and know that what I give is been handled wisely. I pray for wisdom in making correct decisions and I pray that those on the asking side, whoever it may be, will do so in a truthful manner which expresses the need clearly, presents it in a sensitive manner, without a guilt-laden imperative and knows when to back off from further solicitations.
Lord, inspire us all to communicate effectively, to speak the truth in love and to help and encourage each other as You would want us to. I hope this posting has done that.
Sent from my iPad
All this sounds confusing, but it really isn't. What makes this more confusing is the way we are approached and how we are asked to give or share our blessings, resources, time, talents or gifts with others. The "year-end" push by so many groups to solicit funds, raise money to meet past or future projects, meet "matching gift" offers, or just piggyback on the giving theme of Christmas; all these and many other appeals to us are one of the negatives, for me, of the time of year we have just been thru.
I am very sensitive when someone asks me for help, when someone comes to me with a problem or when there is an emergency which needs attention NOW. For nearly ten years, I was involved in church benevolence ministry, community outreach ministry and people who had financial needs which they could not handle. I have also been involved as a food bank volunteer, community homelessness issues, hospital volunteerism, Habitat for Humanity, veteran benefits ministry and financial support of organizations and individuals who have needs I feel I can help address.
But in all of this there is still the question I face constantly of who I say yes to, who I say no to, and who I have to say enough is enough to. I don't have unlimited funds and yet, I want to be a good steward of what I have and know that what I give is been handled wisely. I pray for wisdom in making correct decisions and I pray that those on the asking side, whoever it may be, will do so in a truthful manner which expresses the need clearly, presents it in a sensitive manner, without a guilt-laden imperative and knows when to back off from further solicitations.
Lord, inspire us all to communicate effectively, to speak the truth in love and to help and encourage each other as You would want us to. I hope this posting has done that.
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
January 7, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. Try #2
Try #1 for today's posting went away because of the proximity of the "undo" button directly below the comma button on the first of the two numeric-symbol keyboards. I'm not sure why the undo button exists at all, except for the fact that there is that "redo" button on the second page of the numeric-symbol keyboard which may bring back what just disappeared. I didn't even realize there was a redo button until I had given up on ever seeing my post entitled "Going Slow In A Fast-Paced World", again. It appears that what happened to me proved what I was trying to covey in the first place.........
The world is speeding ahead while I seem to be marking time or maybe even regressing into a slower and simpler time. I'm not going to try the undo/redo thing until this Try #2 is safely on the website. Otherwise, Try #3 will be pretty short.......see you tomorrow. Hopefully you are reading Try #2. Good night.
Sent from my iPad
The world is speeding ahead while I seem to be marking time or maybe even regressing into a slower and simpler time. I'm not going to try the undo/redo thing until this Try #2 is safely on the website. Otherwise, Try #3 will be pretty short.......see you tomorrow. Hopefully you are reading Try #2. Good night.
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, January 4, 2020
January 4, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. When The Body wears Out
As we age we need to accept the fact that we can't do the things we used to do in our younger days without a second thought. That acceptance doesn't come easily, especially for me, and I am realizing that I have been fortunate over the last 74 years to recover from injuries, refuse to step back from physical tasks and participate rather than watch or supervise.
But, I think I will have to re-evaluate my situation. When I injured my shoulder last May, I knew I had hurt myself, but didn't want to admit it. When the MRI confirmed the Injury, I opted for therapy rather than surgery. The therapy was working until I fell in early December and couldn't do the exercises prescribed for me. At that point I began to "lose heart" and that was not a good thing. My therapy sessions have ended, unless the VA allows me an extension, and I still don't want to go under the knife. So, what do I do? I need to get on the program of God's purpose for what I am going thru. I need to get stronger spiritually, keep doing what I can physically, do the exercises which I can, and be a source of optimism to those around me and know that there is more to serving God and His Kingdom than trying to be a "physical stud" when I am no longer physically able to be one.
I am preaching to myself as well as to others who are facing physical challenges; and we all need to face the reality of our limitations, but know that God has other tasks for us which have no limitations except our own attitude about our new role. Step up to the fact.........".we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." And this is the eternal glory God has planned for each of us who remains abandoned to Him and His will for us. Keep the faith.
Sent from my iPad
But, I think I will have to re-evaluate my situation. When I injured my shoulder last May, I knew I had hurt myself, but didn't want to admit it. When the MRI confirmed the Injury, I opted for therapy rather than surgery. The therapy was working until I fell in early December and couldn't do the exercises prescribed for me. At that point I began to "lose heart" and that was not a good thing. My therapy sessions have ended, unless the VA allows me an extension, and I still don't want to go under the knife. So, what do I do? I need to get on the program of God's purpose for what I am going thru. I need to get stronger spiritually, keep doing what I can physically, do the exercises which I can, and be a source of optimism to those around me and know that there is more to serving God and His Kingdom than trying to be a "physical stud" when I am no longer physically able to be one.
I am preaching to myself as well as to others who are facing physical challenges; and we all need to face the reality of our limitations, but know that God has other tasks for us which have no limitations except our own attitude about our new role. Step up to the fact.........".we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." And this is the eternal glory God has planned for each of us who remains abandoned to Him and His will for us. Keep the faith.
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Fwd: January 1, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. Happy New Year
> Another day, another new year. Over 27,000 times, I have woken up to a new day, looking back at what I did or failed to do and anticipating what is to come in the hours ahead.
> Every morning for the past 20+ years, I have begun my day reading Scripture and several other devotionals. I read the Old and New Testament from start to finish each year and there is always something "new" in what I read as my mind seems to focus on different elements of the daily portion. One of my devotionals is a little daily calendar I bought in Saratoga, Wyoming sometime in the early 2000's and the entry for January 1 starts my new year off every year since:
> O Lord
> Help me to live this year
> Quietly, easily
> To lean upon Thy great strength
> Trustfully, restfully
> To wait for the unfolding of Thy will
> Patiently, serenely
> To meet others
> Peacefully, joyfully
> To face each tomorrow courageously
>
> I pray this for each and every one of us, and for a world so needy for the thoughts expressed and the importance of attaining them in our lives. Be with us all, Lord, now and forever.
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
> Every morning for the past 20+ years, I have begun my day reading Scripture and several other devotionals. I read the Old and New Testament from start to finish each year and there is always something "new" in what I read as my mind seems to focus on different elements of the daily portion. One of my devotionals is a little daily calendar I bought in Saratoga, Wyoming sometime in the early 2000's and the entry for January 1 starts my new year off every year since:
> O Lord
> Help me to live this year
> Quietly, easily
> To lean upon Thy great strength
> Trustfully, restfully
> To wait for the unfolding of Thy will
> Patiently, serenely
> To meet others
> Peacefully, joyfully
> To face each tomorrow courageously
>
> I pray this for each and every one of us, and for a world so needy for the thoughts expressed and the importance of attaining them in our lives. Be with us all, Lord, now and forever.
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
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