When we were going thru the "government shutdown" scares of recent years, we heard that government workers with non-essential jobs were not to report to work, while essential workers could report and be paid. If your job is non-essential in a crisis situation, why is there such a position when there is no crisis? Non-essential means the job isn't needed and you are being paid to do something which has no useful purpose of impact on others. That doesn't really make logical sense; and how does one feel about oneself if we are non-essential? If we were to ask our boss for a raise, we might end up being fired because the boss might take the opportunity to tell us we not only don't deserve more money, but the money we are being paid is really being wasted, because our job isn't of any value at all.
We're hearing about non-essential jobs again during the current situation. But aren't we really talking about non-essential businesses? I'm not trying to point fingers, but is a restaurant an essential business? We don't need gourmet restaurants to survive, becquse when such a business is told to shut down, we still have other sources of food such as supermarkets, farmers' markets, home gardens or MRE's. The employees of the gourmet restaurant are all essential to keep it running, but when it is shut down, even essential jobs are eliminated.
What am I trying to convey, and is it really worth my time time writing or your time reading.......? Is having fun with thoughts and words an essential job? With all the serious stuff we are now facing.............I THINK SO.
Sent from my iPad
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Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Saturday, March 28, 2020
March 28, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. A Wake Up Call
The current Coronavirus pandemic has opened the eyes of the world to the reality that even the best prepared nations, are ill prepared for some emergencies and catastrophic events. The fact that we have a flu shot available every year, and we still have between 20,000 and 60,000 flu-related deaths in the United States yearly is testimony that we do not have a good handle on how to predict which flu to anticipate when we develop the annual flu shot.
And then there are the "unknowns" of something like COVID-19, severe weather events, the possibility of a terrorist arrack, a possible wide-spread power outage or attack on our communication or water supply, earthquakes, a nuclear accident or any of a host of unforeseen catastrophes. Are we ready for a single or multiple events at the same time? Can our hospitals, first-responders, governmental agencies and leaders respond in a timely manner and do we have the necessary supplies on hand for any or all of these situations? And what about other countries and their ability to face such a situation?
I think we are learning a lesson about preparedness. How we come thru this one and how we get ready for the next one will speak volumes about our future and how we face it. We've been pretty sheltered, maybe even naive, and rather than point fingers, we need to join hands and be proactive rather than reactive. We need to heed this wake up call and realize that the world we live in is different than the Civil Defense era of my youth and we will need more than hiding under a desk to survive.
Stay alert, stay calm, be sensible and look out for ourself and each other. We may be asked to do more than social distance, shelter in place or limit our purchases so that there is enough for everyone. We will get thru this......
Sent from my iPad
And then there are the "unknowns" of something like COVID-19, severe weather events, the possibility of a terrorist arrack, a possible wide-spread power outage or attack on our communication or water supply, earthquakes, a nuclear accident or any of a host of unforeseen catastrophes. Are we ready for a single or multiple events at the same time? Can our hospitals, first-responders, governmental agencies and leaders respond in a timely manner and do we have the necessary supplies on hand for any or all of these situations? And what about other countries and their ability to face such a situation?
I think we are learning a lesson about preparedness. How we come thru this one and how we get ready for the next one will speak volumes about our future and how we face it. We've been pretty sheltered, maybe even naive, and rather than point fingers, we need to join hands and be proactive rather than reactive. We need to heed this wake up call and realize that the world we live in is different than the Civil Defense era of my youth and we will need more than hiding under a desk to survive.
Stay alert, stay calm, be sensible and look out for ourself and each other. We may be asked to do more than social distance, shelter in place or limit our purchases so that there is enough for everyone. We will get thru this......
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
March 25, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. On Again, Off Again
Last year The Great Passion Play opened its season with performances on Easter Weekend, the first time in its 51 year history the play began so early. It was a successful opening and encouraged us to open the 2020 season on Easter Weekend, two weeks earlier than last year. Our website even shows that we will be opening on Easter Weekend for the next 5 years. But, we didn't expect what has transpired over the last month, or so, with the flu pandemic.
The initial announcement, weeks ago, was that no decisions would be made about our opening until April 1. We accepted that but kept preparing in case we would open on April 10. Yesterday, when President Trump looked at a possible "return to normal" by Easter weekend, the CEO of TGPP announced we would be open, as scheduled, on April 10. I don't think too many of us here were "on board", but today we kept at the tasks to be done. But then, late this morning came the word that the State of Arkansas requested we NOT open on April 10. I think this decision is wise. The work still continues, in the event of improving conditions and we are still not at the April 1 "decision day". Too many uncertainties, and not a wise thing to "etch anything in stone". Since there are a lot of factors to consider, a lot of "bosses" and God is still on His throne and in control of all that is going on.......and we haven't reached "the eleventh hour" yet; Stay the course, ride the ups and downs, everyone, be prepared and be flexible .......HIS WILL BE DONE.
Sent from my iPad
The initial announcement, weeks ago, was that no decisions would be made about our opening until April 1. We accepted that but kept preparing in case we would open on April 10. Yesterday, when President Trump looked at a possible "return to normal" by Easter weekend, the CEO of TGPP announced we would be open, as scheduled, on April 10. I don't think too many of us here were "on board", but today we kept at the tasks to be done. But then, late this morning came the word that the State of Arkansas requested we NOT open on April 10. I think this decision is wise. The work still continues, in the event of improving conditions and we are still not at the April 1 "decision day". Too many uncertainties, and not a wise thing to "etch anything in stone". Since there are a lot of factors to consider, a lot of "bosses" and God is still on His throne and in control of all that is going on.......and we haven't reached "the eleventh hour" yet; Stay the course, ride the ups and downs, everyone, be prepared and be flexible .......HIS WILL BE DONE.
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, March 22, 2020
March 22, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. TLI
The expression TMI (Too Much Information) has become a catchword of late. But, unfortunately, I'm afraid we are being fed TLI (Too Little Information) about the current Coronavirus pandemic. Are we being fed WI (Wrong Information) by the wide spectrum of far-left and far-right news sources to create uncertainty and even fear over what is happening?
We have had a host of "viruses" in recent times: SARS, Ebola, H1N1 (swine flu), Bird Flu, MRSA, Anthrax, Herpes; and the World Health Organization has a list of hundreds of other flu, virus or health outbreaks which have affected virtually every country in the world each year for the past twenty or more years. The current Coronavirus is causing far less deaths in the United States than our seasonal flu which has cost more than 18,000 lives this year. But we are at a virtual standstill, with businesses being closed, stocks plummeting and life as we know it.....shut down.
We are at the mercy of of the news media as to what we are told. President Trump is either doing a fantastic job or is the cause of the outbreak. He has faced tremendous pressure, opposition, disrespect and abuse since the day he was elected in 2016. We either have TMI,TLI, WI, or maybe even conspiracy, political manipulation, foreign intervention or a little of everything. Be alert......be patient........be calm.......and know that all that is happening is known to God.......is part of His eternal plan......and in the end the faithful will be rewarded, the deceivers and manipulators will be punished and the Truth will be told and God will receive all the Praise, Glory and Honor for the outcome He already had planned from the beginning of time. God, too, Has been the object of pressure, opposition, disrespect, abuse, and disobedience, as seen in the words of Scripture. But He has endured and will endure "Always, even to the end of the age". Thank You, Lord for Your protection, provision......Your Mercy, Grace and Love.
Sent from my iPad
We have had a host of "viruses" in recent times: SARS, Ebola, H1N1 (swine flu), Bird Flu, MRSA, Anthrax, Herpes; and the World Health Organization has a list of hundreds of other flu, virus or health outbreaks which have affected virtually every country in the world each year for the past twenty or more years. The current Coronavirus is causing far less deaths in the United States than our seasonal flu which has cost more than 18,000 lives this year. But we are at a virtual standstill, with businesses being closed, stocks plummeting and life as we know it.....shut down.
We are at the mercy of of the news media as to what we are told. President Trump is either doing a fantastic job or is the cause of the outbreak. He has faced tremendous pressure, opposition, disrespect and abuse since the day he was elected in 2016. We either have TMI,TLI, WI, or maybe even conspiracy, political manipulation, foreign intervention or a little of everything. Be alert......be patient........be calm.......and know that all that is happening is known to God.......is part of His eternal plan......and in the end the faithful will be rewarded, the deceivers and manipulators will be punished and the Truth will be told and God will receive all the Praise, Glory and Honor for the outcome He already had planned from the beginning of time. God, too, Has been the object of pressure, opposition, disrespect, abuse, and disobedience, as seen in the words of Scripture. But He has endured and will endure "Always, even to the end of the age". Thank You, Lord for Your protection, provision......Your Mercy, Grace and Love.
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, March 19, 2020
March 19, 2020. Eureka Springs,AR. Be Prepared
The current Coronavirus scare has pointed out a number of areas in which we have been complacent as a nation for a long time. We have really never been adequately prepared for a major health emergency which could impact millions of people, a loss of electrical power, failure of our communication system, or any number of other possible catastrophic situations.
I think our President and health officials have responded well to the current situation, making decisions that never had to be made by past Presidents or medical professionals and others charged with the national welfare. Our health system was not prepared for the current emergency and became quickly overwhelmed. Our financial markets were not prepared for such a rapid decline, unprecedented in our history, and could have done more to calm the fear which still exists. Businesses, schools, local governments and "experts"in all disciplines have been stretched to new levels of action.
We will do better in the future based on what we are now learning, but we must all stay calm, not fall prey to those who are looking to capitalize on our anxiety and cause us to make poor decisions which could jeopardize us wealth wise, emotionally or financially. Of one thing I am sure.........God was not surprised by this whole event, and He will use it, ultimately, for our good and His glory.
As written long ago in Joshua 1:9......"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go". Be prepared and stay prepared.
Sent from my iPad
I think our President and health officials have responded well to the current situation, making decisions that never had to be made by past Presidents or medical professionals and others charged with the national welfare. Our health system was not prepared for the current emergency and became quickly overwhelmed. Our financial markets were not prepared for such a rapid decline, unprecedented in our history, and could have done more to calm the fear which still exists. Businesses, schools, local governments and "experts"in all disciplines have been stretched to new levels of action.
We will do better in the future based on what we are now learning, but we must all stay calm, not fall prey to those who are looking to capitalize on our anxiety and cause us to make poor decisions which could jeopardize us wealth wise, emotionally or financially. Of one thing I am sure.........God was not surprised by this whole event, and He will use it, ultimately, for our good and His glory.
As written long ago in Joshua 1:9......"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go". Be prepared and stay prepared.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, March 16, 2020
March 16, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. Keep The Faith
The Passion Play in Oberammergau began in 1634 as a pledge by the people of that Bavarian town that if they were spared from the ravages of the bubonic plague, they would perform a story of the passion of Christ every 10 years thereafter and so it has continued even to this year. The world is being threatened by a new plague, the Coronavirus which is causing a major disruption of life as we know it, all around the world.
As the German play is preparing to begin its run and we in Eureka Springs are preparing for our 52nd season of the Great Passion Play, we face the uncertainty of when, how and if there will be a 2020 season. Be strong and courageous, keep the faith and trust that God has everything under His control and will commission us to tell His story, bring people to faith in Him and all will be to His Glory, Honor and Praise. Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
As the German play is preparing to begin its run and we in Eureka Springs are preparing for our 52nd season of the Great Passion Play, we face the uncertainty of when, how and if there will be a 2020 season. Be strong and courageous, keep the faith and trust that God has everything under His control and will commission us to tell His story, bring people to faith in Him and all will be to His Glory, Honor and Praise. Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Friday, March 13, 2020
March 13, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. Is It Live or is it Memorex?
In the '70's and '80's, Memorex touted the quality of its audio cassette tapes by comparing it with live performances. We are facing something similar with the information being disseminated about the Coronavirus. With the seasonal flu having over 20,000 deaths attributed to it this flu season, allergies always a major concern in the Spring, other Upper Respiratory Infections part of the health picture and the politicalization of everything going on, we don't know what to believe and what is real and what is not. Have we acted wisely, have we minimized the danger or are we succumbing to fear and overreacting?
And, now that we are starting to get positive test results from "famous" people like Tom Hanks and his actress wife Rita Wilson, Sophie Trudeau - the wife of the Prime Minister of Canada, Utah Jazz basketballers Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, Fabio Wajngarten the Brazilian Communications Director who met recently with President Trump, Francis Suarez the Mayor of Miami, several Italian soccer players as well as the hard coach of the Arsenal (Premier League) soccer team......we are seeing a lot of cancellations, quarantines and disruptions of life as we know it.
Is this a plague of Biblical proportions, the Black Death, or something similar to the other epic plagues of history, or are we creating a panic which may have severe physical, emotional and financial consequences now and later up the road? Let's try to stay calm, keep a healthy regimen, trust our medical professionals, pray.......and, first and foremost, Trust God.
And by all means........DONT HOARD THE TOILET PAPER.
Sent from my iPad
And, now that we are starting to get positive test results from "famous" people like Tom Hanks and his actress wife Rita Wilson, Sophie Trudeau - the wife of the Prime Minister of Canada, Utah Jazz basketballers Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, Fabio Wajngarten the Brazilian Communications Director who met recently with President Trump, Francis Suarez the Mayor of Miami, several Italian soccer players as well as the hard coach of the Arsenal (Premier League) soccer team......we are seeing a lot of cancellations, quarantines and disruptions of life as we know it.
Is this a plague of Biblical proportions, the Black Death, or something similar to the other epic plagues of history, or are we creating a panic which may have severe physical, emotional and financial consequences now and later up the road? Let's try to stay calm, keep a healthy regimen, trust our medical professionals, pray.......and, first and foremost, Trust God.
And by all means........DONT HOARD THE TOILET PAPER.
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
March 10, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. Some Things Make No Sense
This will be short. The last couple of weeks, the New York Stock Exchange has been the site of tremendous losses as the fears about the Coronavirus have dominated the News outlets. And yet, each day as the closing bell rings, a group of people stand on the platform.....smiling.....clapping......seemingly oblivious to the reality that millions of dollars have been lost. Does that make sense to you?
No matter what happens on the national or international front, there is someone who will blame President Trump for causing it.....not acting quick enough.....or not acting or reacting at all. Kind of reminds me of everything that went wrong in the Obama years being caused by George Bush......George Bush not acting quick enough.....or George Bush not acting or reacting at all during his Presidency.
And we wonder why the number one profession on the list of least trustworthy people are members of Congress and politicians in general......and high on that list are the newscasters who give us the "facts" daily on what is going on in our world. Are you as frustrated with the world as I am? Hang on.......it may get worse before it gets better. Hang on, folks. Help us, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
No matter what happens on the national or international front, there is someone who will blame President Trump for causing it.....not acting quick enough.....or not acting or reacting at all. Kind of reminds me of everything that went wrong in the Obama years being caused by George Bush......George Bush not acting quick enough.....or George Bush not acting or reacting at all during his Presidency.
And we wonder why the number one profession on the list of least trustworthy people are members of Congress and politicians in general......and high on that list are the newscasters who give us the "facts" daily on what is going on in our world. Are you as frustrated with the world as I am? Hang on.......it may get worse before it gets better. Hang on, folks. Help us, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, March 7, 2020
March 7, 2020. Eureka Springs,AR. Spring Ahead
The clocks are set ahead, some of the bulbs are starting to pop thru the dirt and a few are even in bloom, trees are budding, the robins have appeared and the forecast for the next two weeks shows no temperatures in the 30's. Prices of space-heaters are reduced, water is being turned on in some of our "winterized" buildings and I even had to run the motor home Air Conditioner for a while earlier this week. Spring may have sprung.
We are receiving gift shop merchandise, janitorial and buffet supplies are arriving and the casting calls for play, Holy Land and staff positions are in process. Our first performance day is 34 days from today. The time sure speeds by and as happens every year, it's a rush to the finish to be able to get ready for the start. We've had some mission trip volunteers the past month, but more are scheduled and they will help with many of the projects on the "list". It is a joy to be able to do what we do here, being part of a ministry which has told God's story to nearly 8 million people, and hopefully will reach many more beyond this 52nd season. Keep The Great Passion play in your prayers and.........Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
We are receiving gift shop merchandise, janitorial and buffet supplies are arriving and the casting calls for play, Holy Land and staff positions are in process. Our first performance day is 34 days from today. The time sure speeds by and as happens every year, it's a rush to the finish to be able to get ready for the start. We've had some mission trip volunteers the past month, but more are scheduled and they will help with many of the projects on the "list". It is a joy to be able to do what we do here, being part of a ministry which has told God's story to nearly 8 million people, and hopefully will reach many more beyond this 52nd season. Keep The Great Passion play in your prayers and.........Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
March 4, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. And Then There Was Only One........
.......Billionaire, that is. After the events of Super Tuesday, the 2020 Presidential field has slimmed down to mostly millionaires and Donald Trump, the only remaining billionaire......a paltry $3 billion, or so. Billionaires Tom Steyer and Mike Bloomberg, both less than thrilling candidates, blew thru about $750 million in their brief 15 minutes of fame, but will probably not entirely disappear from public view.
If I had their wealth, I hope I would have found a more sensible, humanitarian, charitable or compassionate way to spend that much money and not put myself into the lions' den to be castigated, demeaned, have all my past failures and personal matters brought into full public view for all to know.
In any event, the millionaires will now battle it out to see who challenges the billionaire in November. The way things are going it wouldn't surprise me if we have another impeachment attempt by the Democrats or some dirty laundry hung out against the other side. Who knows? I'm just hope some of the ousted billionaires' money can now be used to help some people who need the help more than the media outlets who got the $750 million already spent.
Sent from my iPad
If I had their wealth, I hope I would have found a more sensible, humanitarian, charitable or compassionate way to spend that much money and not put myself into the lions' den to be castigated, demeaned, have all my past failures and personal matters brought into full public view for all to know.
In any event, the millionaires will now battle it out to see who challenges the billionaire in November. The way things are going it wouldn't surprise me if we have another impeachment attempt by the Democrats or some dirty laundry hung out against the other side. Who knows? I'm just hope some of the ousted billionaires' money can now be used to help some people who need the help more than the media outlets who got the $750 million already spent.
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, March 1, 2020
March 1, 2020. Eureka Springs, AR. A Message From The Past
I missed church this morning. I had the sniffles and the sneezes and decided it was best to not share what I have with others. Even though the Sunday School topic was Moses, a topic dear to my heart, I stayed home and listened to some sermons on the Christian radio station. One of the messages was by J. Vernon McGee from the 1960's, entitled "What is Worldliness?". Dr. McGee died in 1988, but his "Thru The Bible" teachings and other sermons are still broadcast all these years later.....and are still relevant to us.
There is a difference of opinion on the messages of Dr. McGee, as there are with every person who presents their view of The Bible, but they are worth listening to and testing against Scripture itself. We do not all agree on anything and that is part of the message of the sermon I just heard. While the message was first delivered nearly 50 years ago, it is appropriate for a 2020 audience, particularly a 2020 Church audience.
The message of Scripture is far older than 50 years and The Word of God is as alive now and important to us as it was when Moses first put pencil to paper, ink to parchment, finger of God on stone, or however he first began relating what became the Torah, Pentateuch, First Five Books of Moses, Chameesha Choomshey.
Thank you, Dr. McGee for today's message. Next week the topic at our Sunday School will be The Tabernacle. I have already been told I MUST be there, since The Tabernacle is another topic dear to my heart, and a major focus of my study and teaching in The Holy Land here at The Great Passion Play. God willing, I will be sniffleless and sneezeless next Sunday.
Sent from my iPad
There is a difference of opinion on the messages of Dr. McGee, as there are with every person who presents their view of The Bible, but they are worth listening to and testing against Scripture itself. We do not all agree on anything and that is part of the message of the sermon I just heard. While the message was first delivered nearly 50 years ago, it is appropriate for a 2020 audience, particularly a 2020 Church audience.
The message of Scripture is far older than 50 years and The Word of God is as alive now and important to us as it was when Moses first put pencil to paper, ink to parchment, finger of God on stone, or however he first began relating what became the Torah, Pentateuch, First Five Books of Moses, Chameesha Choomshey.
Thank you, Dr. McGee for today's message. Next week the topic at our Sunday School will be The Tabernacle. I have already been told I MUST be there, since The Tabernacle is another topic dear to my heart, and a major focus of my study and teaching in The Holy Land here at The Great Passion Play. God willing, I will be sniffleless and sneezeless next Sunday.
Sent from my iPad
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