When visitors to The Great Passion Play first see our entrance they see a "front feature" which includes a geysered fountain, a white statue, flowers, bushes and varied ground cover. There are also hundreds of feet of white-painted curb. The curb even extends from the top of a grade outside our front gate and curves slightly to the left as people see the front feature and enter PP property (see separate pictures). It's very welcoming and gives a positive first impression.
There is a problem, however. Very often people are so focused on the first sight, they forget the curves in the road and run into the curb at various places where it does curve. There are some who run straight into the curb as they enter or leave the premises. Last year we painted the curb white where it had previously just been grey concrete, with the hope that it would brighten up the entrance and give a better first impression. With people running into the curb on a pretty regular basis, it has become my "responsibility" to keep it solid white instead of zebra-colored (white with black "stripes"). I have never officially been told to "maintain" the curb, I just feel a personal attachment to keeping it as white as I can. One of my obsessive-compulsive idiosyncrasies, I guess.
In any event, there is a constant need to grab the white marking paint, my paint brush from the cup of paint thinner and an available golf cart, examine the curb and make the needed repairs. I've made it a regular Monday morning duty and know that some of the people who pass me as I'm painting may be the very ones who have kept me "in business". I haven't gotten to the point yet of checking for white "side walls" on the cars which go by or are parked in our lots, or checking with local repair shops for customers needing front-end alignments. OCD is one thing.........excessive OCD is quite another thing, and besides.........I really DO enjoy painting.
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Monday, October 10, 2016
Friday, October 7, 2016
October 7, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. Based on a True Story
The line between fact and fiction, truth and a lie, reality and hearsay has become so blurred that it's hard to tell whether we are watching the evening news or a prime time drama. Ads for the latest medication are followed by ads by attorneys looking for clients for class action suits against drug manufacturers and the political ads are about as helpful in telling us who is the best candidate as listening to an animated character or a talking animal giving us advice on which insurance company will protect us the best in an emergency.
Life has become a balancing act between science and science fiction, reality and imagination and it is no longer cut and dried who is the expert and who is the celebrity. Our athletes, politicians, movie and television stars, musicians and judges on talent shows have become our idols and our educators, first responders and religious leaders have been relegated to "also ran" status. We have such a mish-mash of plots on our television shows that it's impossible to tell the good guys from the bad guys and I, for one, am glad we only have one network to choose from and a couple of "oldies" channels which aren't too much better. Walker, Texas Ranger can only fight so many baddies with his one sound track of punches and karate kicks, and on Night Court it's hard to distinguish between the criminals and the "law" enforcers. And what about the "woman" in the hospital bed who was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
I hate to be judgmental, though I am; I hate to lump people into stereotypes, though I very often do; and I hate to be opinionated, though I know I am. But, we are in a terrible mess and need to return to some sanity and moral fiber in our country and our world. We need real leaders, real role models and real resolve to seek truth, find truth and act truthfully. I think God is the answer, but I know that doesn't sit well with everyone and many who agree, have different ideas on who He is. I do know that Hillary and Donald aren't the answer, but somewhere in all this mess, the Truth Will Prevail. Stay the course........smile.......the Best Is Yet To Come.
Sent from my iPad
Life has become a balancing act between science and science fiction, reality and imagination and it is no longer cut and dried who is the expert and who is the celebrity. Our athletes, politicians, movie and television stars, musicians and judges on talent shows have become our idols and our educators, first responders and religious leaders have been relegated to "also ran" status. We have such a mish-mash of plots on our television shows that it's impossible to tell the good guys from the bad guys and I, for one, am glad we only have one network to choose from and a couple of "oldies" channels which aren't too much better. Walker, Texas Ranger can only fight so many baddies with his one sound track of punches and karate kicks, and on Night Court it's hard to distinguish between the criminals and the "law" enforcers. And what about the "woman" in the hospital bed who was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
I hate to be judgmental, though I am; I hate to lump people into stereotypes, though I very often do; and I hate to be opinionated, though I know I am. But, we are in a terrible mess and need to return to some sanity and moral fiber in our country and our world. We need real leaders, real role models and real resolve to seek truth, find truth and act truthfully. I think God is the answer, but I know that doesn't sit well with everyone and many who agree, have different ideas on who He is. I do know that Hillary and Donald aren't the answer, but somewhere in all this mess, the Truth Will Prevail. Stay the course........smile.......the Best Is Yet To Come.
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
October 4, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. Change of Season
It's that time of year again when we start to think about long pants, sweatshirts, slippers when you take the first few steps on a cold floor, filling up the propane tank, space heaters and using electric heat instead of air conditioning. The critters are starting to act differently and the Play which once started at 8:30 now starts at 7:30 in the dark. The audience is wrapping up in blankets and we anticipate low temperatures in the high 30's in about a week or so.
The leaves show signs of changing color and some trees are already beginning to shed their leaves. In Georgia that will be one of my first and on-going duties, to collect leaves, pile them and keep the ditches clear and able to run the water which is bound to come, and come in abundance. The beavers at our Sea of Galilee are felling trees and building winter homes, the bees are swarming, looking for places to nest and the sun is lower in the southern sky and always seems to be in your eyes when driving.
We've heard there is snow in the Colorado mountains and the hurricane season in the Caribbean is in full swing and affecting a lot of east coast weather already. Time just marches on and as I have mentioned before, the time is more than marching; it is flying. We will be in Arkansas about a week longer than we have been either of the past few years, so we may get to see our first actually falling snow since we left Colorado in December, 2013 and endured an ice storm in North Texas for five days. But, whatever the situation, we look forward to a change of location, a change of mission and another "new" season in our walk with God. We have already been extended a "welcome home" from our Madison, GA friends and co-workers, so one day at a time we press on serving The Lord and blessed by His provision, protection, love and grace. Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
The leaves show signs of changing color and some trees are already beginning to shed their leaves. In Georgia that will be one of my first and on-going duties, to collect leaves, pile them and keep the ditches clear and able to run the water which is bound to come, and come in abundance. The beavers at our Sea of Galilee are felling trees and building winter homes, the bees are swarming, looking for places to nest and the sun is lower in the southern sky and always seems to be in your eyes when driving.
We've heard there is snow in the Colorado mountains and the hurricane season in the Caribbean is in full swing and affecting a lot of east coast weather already. Time just marches on and as I have mentioned before, the time is more than marching; it is flying. We will be in Arkansas about a week longer than we have been either of the past few years, so we may get to see our first actually falling snow since we left Colorado in December, 2013 and endured an ice storm in North Texas for five days. But, whatever the situation, we look forward to a change of location, a change of mission and another "new" season in our walk with God. We have already been extended a "welcome home" from our Madison, GA friends and co-workers, so one day at a time we press on serving The Lord and blessed by His provision, protection, love and grace. Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, October 1, 2016
October 1, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
You've got to be kidding. I went through the above procedure, received three nasty looking pictures, a prescription for some reflux medication and can't remember anything about what happened after I licked some white, awful tasting stuff which numbed my lips, tongue and throat and caused me to think I was going to gag and not be able to breath. Within a few seconds the staff all sprang into action and I was "out of it" for the procedure and woke up none the worse for wear back where I started in the prep room. No idea how long all of it took.
The worst part of the whole episode is trying to pronounce what they did to me. The medication should ease my problem, decrease the inflammation in my esophagus and allow them to stretch it in a few months and solve my difficulty swallowing and digesting food. Thank you, VA, for the excellent treatment, the caring people and no discomfort or pain or ill effects from the esoph....................whatever. And best of all, i was able to eat a Whataburger within a few minutes of leaving the Hospital and before we even were out of Fayetteville. Thank you, all, for your prayers and thank You, Lord for guiding us through all our recent health issues and allowing us to serve You as we do. How blessed we are.
Into the last month of the Passion Play season, the home stretch, less than 15 performances to go and enjoying the cooler weather and lower humidity, it's all good. How blessed we are.
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The worst part of the whole episode is trying to pronounce what they did to me. The medication should ease my problem, decrease the inflammation in my esophagus and allow them to stretch it in a few months and solve my difficulty swallowing and digesting food. Thank you, VA, for the excellent treatment, the caring people and no discomfort or pain or ill effects from the esoph....................whatever. And best of all, i was able to eat a Whataburger within a few minutes of leaving the Hospital and before we even were out of Fayetteville. Thank you, all, for your prayers and thank You, Lord for guiding us through all our recent health issues and allowing us to serve You as we do. How blessed we are.
Into the last month of the Passion Play season, the home stretch, less than 15 performances to go and enjoying the cooler weather and lower humidity, it's all good. How blessed we are.
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
September 28, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. A Day Off
Tomorrow, Karen and I will be taking a trip to the VA in Fayetteville for my endoscopy and, hopefully, a resolution of my feeling puny and not being able to eat without discomfort and pressure in my chest. We are confident that the situation will be resolved and I will feel better.
Today we joined Isy and James on a trip to Silver Dollar City and a fun time of eating, walking, eating, talking to craftsmen, eating and getting out of our normal routine here at TGPP.
We did get some ideas for a planned blacksmith shop in our under-construction Marketplace/Petting Zoo and have some suggestions on places James will be able to get more construction advice for the project. He has worked very hard on the Marketplace and those of who have "helped" him have learned a lot from him. It will be nice to finish the project, but when that will occur is "still to be determined".
On our adventure we met a number of Vietnam Vets. Our "hats" are a way for us to identify each other, welcome each other home and share a little about when we were there and what we did. In many cases there is a cane, a walker, a wheelchair or a motorized scooter which identifies them. At the VA over the years we have seen the same identifying features for many vets and it reminds me that for many American Veterans there is never a real day off from the physical or emotional condition they faced during their years of service or the years since. While I am considered a Disabled Veteran by the Department of Defense and the VA, by appearances I look fine and in pretty decent shape. It saddens me to see how outwardly disabled many of our vets are and how the years have treated them, but I am encouraged that many of us are being well cared for by the VA, or by the Tricare Health system for retired military personnel.
Yes, there are horror stories, but that is not unique to our military vets. There are always going to be those who slip through the cracks. The good news is that there are caring and compassionate health care professionals out there and many of them don't really get a day off from their routine either, and they need one from time to time as well. It was a good day, and I thank God for each person we encountered today who made our day off possible and wish them a day off of their own tomorrow, or the day after or in the very near future. And perhaps we will be working on their day off to make it as pleasant for them as they made ours today.
Just another way we can work together to bring harmony to our world, return to a more caring and fulfilling life, sharing the grace and peace of God with those who need a day off from the trials or cares or sorrows of life. God, who never takes a day off, is always here for each and every one of us, and for that we should seek Him out.....thank Him....and praise Him.
Sent from my iPad
Today we joined Isy and James on a trip to Silver Dollar City and a fun time of eating, walking, eating, talking to craftsmen, eating and getting out of our normal routine here at TGPP.
We did get some ideas for a planned blacksmith shop in our under-construction Marketplace/Petting Zoo and have some suggestions on places James will be able to get more construction advice for the project. He has worked very hard on the Marketplace and those of who have "helped" him have learned a lot from him. It will be nice to finish the project, but when that will occur is "still to be determined".
On our adventure we met a number of Vietnam Vets. Our "hats" are a way for us to identify each other, welcome each other home and share a little about when we were there and what we did. In many cases there is a cane, a walker, a wheelchair or a motorized scooter which identifies them. At the VA over the years we have seen the same identifying features for many vets and it reminds me that for many American Veterans there is never a real day off from the physical or emotional condition they faced during their years of service or the years since. While I am considered a Disabled Veteran by the Department of Defense and the VA, by appearances I look fine and in pretty decent shape. It saddens me to see how outwardly disabled many of our vets are and how the years have treated them, but I am encouraged that many of us are being well cared for by the VA, or by the Tricare Health system for retired military personnel.
Yes, there are horror stories, but that is not unique to our military vets. There are always going to be those who slip through the cracks. The good news is that there are caring and compassionate health care professionals out there and many of them don't really get a day off from their routine either, and they need one from time to time as well. It was a good day, and I thank God for each person we encountered today who made our day off possible and wish them a day off of their own tomorrow, or the day after or in the very near future. And perhaps we will be working on their day off to make it as pleasant for them as they made ours today.
Just another way we can work together to bring harmony to our world, return to a more caring and fulfilling life, sharing the grace and peace of God with those who need a day off from the trials or cares or sorrows of life. God, who never takes a day off, is always here for each and every one of us, and for that we should seek Him out.....thank Him....and praise Him.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, September 26, 2016
September 26, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. Sturgis in Arkansas
Last week was Bikes, Blues and BBQ in Northwest Arkansas, with an estimated 500,000 attendees on the winding, hilly roads of this part of Arkansas. At the Passion Play we called the event Bikes, Bibles and BBQ and there were a lot of riders who came to see the Christ of The Ozarks statue. The restoration and repainting of the statue attracted a lot of attention and quite a few bikers had their picture taken on their bike with the statue in the background. The weather was good and there was a steady roar of motorcycles in the background at all times of the day and into the night.
Today it is quiet; the roar is gone, the riders are gone and the summer heat is also gone. What a beautiful fall day it is, working without being drenched in perspiration and not having to down huge volumes of water and Gatorade to stay hydrated and avoid the dreaded cramps and potential kidney stones. The week is supposed to remain mild with nighttime temperatures down into the 40's and the prospect of heat rather than air conditioning. The end of the Passion Play season is getting closer and we will soon be Georgians again.
As a reminder of my two broken teeth in Georgia, I broke a tooth yesterday on a crispy piece of bacon and hopefully will be able to get it looked at when we go to the Fayetteville VA later this week or next week when we go there again. If we can't, we'll need to find a dentist to have it fixed. Teeth have definitely been a problem for both Karen and I since we have been on the road, but we have been well cared for when needed.
It's amazing how quiet it is after the BB&BBQ crowd has moved on. I can only imagine how loud it must be in Sturgis every year with their goings-on. We've definitely gotten comfortable with country living and the sounds of the non-city. Spoiled is certainly an understatement. Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Today it is quiet; the roar is gone, the riders are gone and the summer heat is also gone. What a beautiful fall day it is, working without being drenched in perspiration and not having to down huge volumes of water and Gatorade to stay hydrated and avoid the dreaded cramps and potential kidney stones. The week is supposed to remain mild with nighttime temperatures down into the 40's and the prospect of heat rather than air conditioning. The end of the Passion Play season is getting closer and we will soon be Georgians again.
As a reminder of my two broken teeth in Georgia, I broke a tooth yesterday on a crispy piece of bacon and hopefully will be able to get it looked at when we go to the Fayetteville VA later this week or next week when we go there again. If we can't, we'll need to find a dentist to have it fixed. Teeth have definitely been a problem for both Karen and I since we have been on the road, but we have been well cared for when needed.
It's amazing how quiet it is after the BB&BBQ crowd has moved on. I can only imagine how loud it must be in Sturgis every year with their goings-on. We've definitely gotten comfortable with country living and the sounds of the non-city. Spoiled is certainly an understatement. Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
Friday, September 23, 2016
September 23, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. Not in Vain
.......stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Sometimes it seems like the work we do in ministry results in nothing more than blisters, sore muscles, hurt feelings or offense taken, but Scripture tells us that when we labor for the Lord, there is no wasted effort and seeds for future blessings have been planted. It doesn't matter whether our ministry work is done in a public arena for many to hear and see, or whether we toil in the shadows where there is no audience, know that God is watching, applauding our effort and appreciating what has been done in His Name.
A lot of people do a lot of things every day in service to God and His people. Every task can have eternal significance. We never know how our efforts are impacting others, but when we seek to be obedient to the call God has placed on us, we can rest assured that God will use our effort to further His vision for all of us. Whether we are physically tired, emotionally tired or just tired, we must never become spiritually tired. There is always something to be done, a mission to undertake and a seed to be planted. God will restore our strength, sooth our sore muscles or wounded ego, and get us up and about for the new day and the new opportunities ahead. There is no job too big or too small where someone will not be impacted by what has been done. Stay the course, stand firm and let nothing move you from the task at hand. All for the Glory of God.
Sent from my iPad
Sometimes it seems like the work we do in ministry results in nothing more than blisters, sore muscles, hurt feelings or offense taken, but Scripture tells us that when we labor for the Lord, there is no wasted effort and seeds for future blessings have been planted. It doesn't matter whether our ministry work is done in a public arena for many to hear and see, or whether we toil in the shadows where there is no audience, know that God is watching, applauding our effort and appreciating what has been done in His Name.
A lot of people do a lot of things every day in service to God and His people. Every task can have eternal significance. We never know how our efforts are impacting others, but when we seek to be obedient to the call God has placed on us, we can rest assured that God will use our effort to further His vision for all of us. Whether we are physically tired, emotionally tired or just tired, we must never become spiritually tired. There is always something to be done, a mission to undertake and a seed to be planted. God will restore our strength, sooth our sore muscles or wounded ego, and get us up and about for the new day and the new opportunities ahead. There is no job too big or too small where someone will not be impacted by what has been done. Stay the course, stand firm and let nothing move you from the task at hand. All for the Glory of God.
Sent from my iPad
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