(The day after my Joshua/Caleb experience)........Part of my "Moses" presentation in The Holy Land at TGPP involves my being raised as a Jew and how that upbringing influenced my adult life and eventual accepting of Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in 1999. There have been highs and lows throughout my life and I would hope that all these experiences have strengthened me as a person and drawn me closer to the purpose and plan God created me for.
This past Friday, I looked up to see a group of smiling ladies approaching my venue in The Holy Land and instantly recognized them as members of a church in Colorado Karen and I had been members of from 1999 to 2009----our first exposure to Christianity and "church life". We left that church with mixed feelings and some healing to go through. And here were 15 people, most of whom knew us or knew about us, and my first response was to be genuinely surprised and glad to see them. Karen joined us, and we spent time reminiscing, had dinner together and left them so they could see the pre-Passion Play performances and The Passion Play itself. I needed to go to the set and prepare for what was to be my 202nd appearance in the Play.
On Saturday morning, as I cleaned the amphitheater, I reached down to pick up some ticket stubs and on the first four was the name of the leader of that Colorado group and a "God-chill" went through me. I must not have done a very thorough cleaning, because this morning I picked up another stub from the Colorado group. Somehow there was something still to be learned from the surprise encounter on Friday and our past at that church. This morning one of my devotionals was from Hebrews 12:1,( the scripture verse from the day I accepted Jesus in 1999) and at church this morning I felt the need to get up after the message and give a brief testimony relating to my being raised as a Jew, searching for 40 years for "completion" of my Judaism, and finding the Lord at a Colorado church in 1999. It has been an interesting and enlightening three days.
When the past comes back, it can haunt us, or it can confirm the awesome power and influence of a loving Father, obedient Son and ever-guiding Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord for allowing us to remember the past, be thankful for the highs and lows, and know that there is a plan far beyond our comprehension, and a purpose for our life which we can only appreciate when we surrender to You and live and serve as You call us. You give us direction, hope and a future for our good and Your Glory, and speak to us in situations and circumstances and"coincidences" of how personal Your relationship with us is. Thank You, Thank You, Lord.
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Sunday, October 16, 2016
Thursday, October 13, 2016
October 13, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. Joshua and Caleb
As part of my presentation in The Holy Land here at TGPP, I tell of the obedience of Joshua and Caleb as the only two of twelve tribal leaders sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land who returned with a favorable, optimistic report for conquering the land God had promised to Abraham and now wanted to give to the Children of Israel as they began their journey out of slavery in Egypt. Today, on a cold, grey, "winter-like" day, I met a young couple and their very young children touring the Holy Land.
I wasn't able to give my usual presentation, due to the difficulty the three young adults were having in controlling their five very young children. But, I was able at one point, as the dad and two of his boys, Joshua and Caleb, sat in front of the four foot high display of The Ten Commandments, to talk to them about their namesakes and their role in the journey to Canaan. The boys, about 7 and 5, knew the story, understood the faithfulness of Joshua and Caleb and while the dad held his other son, Levi, I thought about what it would be like for these three boys and their sister, Abigail, to model the legacy of the names they had been given by their parents.
Names in the Bible speak to character traits, behavioral characteristics or hoped-for goals, far different than the way we name children today. Many times names and nicknames do not have any real depth or significance, and may honor a star athlete, a movie star, are the trendy names for the year, or are just an original concoction of parents who want their children to have a unique moniker. Biblical names do still show up, but not like they did in the past.
I pray that Joshua, Caleb, Levi and Abigail grow up in a Godly home, become Godly young adults and Godly adults; that in some way this experience at The Great Passion Play will impact them and their parents in a positive way that will further their growth and maturity in faith and lead them to lead others to trust, belief and faith in Him as well. One day we will know how what we have done in His Name has impacted others and furthered His Kingdom. Until then----What a joy it is to be In His Service.
Sent from my iPad
I wasn't able to give my usual presentation, due to the difficulty the three young adults were having in controlling their five very young children. But, I was able at one point, as the dad and two of his boys, Joshua and Caleb, sat in front of the four foot high display of The Ten Commandments, to talk to them about their namesakes and their role in the journey to Canaan. The boys, about 7 and 5, knew the story, understood the faithfulness of Joshua and Caleb and while the dad held his other son, Levi, I thought about what it would be like for these three boys and their sister, Abigail, to model the legacy of the names they had been given by their parents.
Names in the Bible speak to character traits, behavioral characteristics or hoped-for goals, far different than the way we name children today. Many times names and nicknames do not have any real depth or significance, and may honor a star athlete, a movie star, are the trendy names for the year, or are just an original concoction of parents who want their children to have a unique moniker. Biblical names do still show up, but not like they did in the past.
I pray that Joshua, Caleb, Levi and Abigail grow up in a Godly home, become Godly young adults and Godly adults; that in some way this experience at The Great Passion Play will impact them and their parents in a positive way that will further their growth and maturity in faith and lead them to lead others to trust, belief and faith in Him as well. One day we will know how what we have done in His Name has impacted others and furthered His Kingdom. Until then----What a joy it is to be In His Service.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, October 10, 2016
October 10, 2016. Eureka Springs, AR. First Impressions
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.
Sent from my iPad
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.
Sent from my iPad
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.
Sent from my iPad
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
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