I think it was September, 1981 when I crashed in a bicycle race in Denver, CO and broke my collar bone, shoulder blade, shoulder socket and a rib. My first reaction was to try to get up and finish the race, but when I tried to get up, I realized that if I pushed too hard, the collar bone would have come thru my skin. So, I resigned myself to a DNF. It was to be the only race in an athletic "career" which went from grade school to well into my 40's that I did not cross the finish line.
Even if I was to finish last, my goal was always to finish what I started and I had that same mindset in all the activities I undertook in my life. There were a number of times that I failed, but I was always determined to get it right the next time. I mention all of this because this past Wednesday, Dick, our 89 year old Old Testament Tabernacle Priest fell down a flight of stairs in his house, breaking his collar bone and bunging himself up pretty badly. He is determined to be back teaching next Tuesday, and resume his duties which I "inherited" the past two days.
After my accident, I was in an upper body cast for nearly two months and had severe muscle atrophy to overcome when the doctors removed the cast, so I have my doubts about Dick being on the mend enough to maneuver with his walker and power scooter next week. It is also extremely hot and humid this time of year in Arkansas and it may be that he will be on the DL longer than anticipated.
For now I will fill in for as long as needed, pray for Dick and Joan, and ask that you pray for them, as well. God can heal our hurts and use us as He wishes to do His work. My hope is that God's plan for us and our adherence to it allow us to finish the race with grace and excellence honoring Jesus Christ with our full and complete devotion. Get well, Dick. Trust God for His healing, and the proper timing of it. See you soon.
Sent from my iPad
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Friday, July 14, 2017
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
July 11, 2017. Eureka Springs, AR. Say What?
Karen and I took the day off from work at the Passion Play, and went to the VA in Fayetteville for some medical appointments. We should have known there was something amiss when our GPS told us we were about to arrive at the Virginia Medical Center on our right when it was actually the Veterans Affairs Medical Center on our left. I received my third "lifetime" pneumonia shot in the past five years and was told to return a colon cancer test packet which the nurse forgot to give me.
On the way home we had our perfunctory Whataburger and then stopped at Sam's to shop for a few items. Karen saw a sign for free Hearing Exams and we decided that we would take advantage of the offer, each thinking the other one would be the poorest "hearer". Karen went first and did pretty well, having difficulty with a few higher pitched women's or children's voices. The pressure was on and I was shown to have difficulty with lower pitched men's voices and only the highest of women's and children's voices. Both of us should be able to hear what we say to each other, but the test (in our professional opinion) is a bit removed from reality. Needless to say, hearing aids are not one of our " bucket list" items. We had fun with Kim, the audiologist and the only other customer who came while we were there, didn't listen to what Kim told him and went away disappointed that she didn't fix his hearing aid problem. She heard all his comments, but probably wished she hadn't heard his assessment of HER professional ability.
Like many things in life, we are selective in what we listen to, what we hear of what we listen to and how we process what we do understand of what was said. Does that make sense?.......or to put it in plain English............say what?
Sent from my iPad
On the way home we had our perfunctory Whataburger and then stopped at Sam's to shop for a few items. Karen saw a sign for free Hearing Exams and we decided that we would take advantage of the offer, each thinking the other one would be the poorest "hearer". Karen went first and did pretty well, having difficulty with a few higher pitched women's or children's voices. The pressure was on and I was shown to have difficulty with lower pitched men's voices and only the highest of women's and children's voices. Both of us should be able to hear what we say to each other, but the test (in our professional opinion) is a bit removed from reality. Needless to say, hearing aids are not one of our " bucket list" items. We had fun with Kim, the audiologist and the only other customer who came while we were there, didn't listen to what Kim told him and went away disappointed that she didn't fix his hearing aid problem. She heard all his comments, but probably wished she hadn't heard his assessment of HER professional ability.
Like many things in life, we are selective in what we listen to, what we hear of what we listen to and how we process what we do understand of what was said. Does that make sense?.......or to put it in plain English............say what?
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, July 8, 2017
July 8, 2017. Eureka Springs, AR. Who Are You?
Across the dashboard of our motor home are about a dozen caps which designate one of my "multiple personalities". No, I'm not Sybil from the movies. I'm letting people know that I am more than a single-faceted person, that I have done a lot of different things, have many different interests and cannot be dumped into a definite pigeonhole. The caps show me to be a Christian, an American, a worker at The Great Passion Play and Source of Light Ministries, a Vietnam Veteran, a soldier in God's Army and Revelation 22 Outfitter Made for Eternity.
At TGPP I wear a lot of hats, as well. When I dress for the Extended Tabernacle Teaching and Holy Land Tour people want to know "who I am" and they guess Moses, Aaron, Joseph, Noah, Eli or other Bible characters, and in the Play itself, I play multiple disciples, am sometimes a Jesus-follower and at others a part of the rabble yelling for His crucifixion or witnessing against Him before the Sanhedrin. On non-performance days, I do whatever needs to be done to support and advance the PP ministry.
In many ways I identify with Saul of Tarsus, a Jew, who becomes the Apostle Paul) and his comment in 1 Corinthians 9:22 ...... I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some". From my Jewish roots, I too became a Christian and seek to preach Jesus to all who will listen. I look back to my upbringing, my life experiences and seek to convey a transformed and fuller life through faith in and obedience to Jesus, my Lord and Savior. All to Jesus and all for Jesus. That's who I am. And, by the way.......Who Are You?
Sent from my iPad
At TGPP I wear a lot of hats, as well. When I dress for the Extended Tabernacle Teaching and Holy Land Tour people want to know "who I am" and they guess Moses, Aaron, Joseph, Noah, Eli or other Bible characters, and in the Play itself, I play multiple disciples, am sometimes a Jesus-follower and at others a part of the rabble yelling for His crucifixion or witnessing against Him before the Sanhedrin. On non-performance days, I do whatever needs to be done to support and advance the PP ministry.
In many ways I identify with Saul of Tarsus, a Jew, who becomes the Apostle Paul) and his comment in 1 Corinthians 9:22 ...... I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some". From my Jewish roots, I too became a Christian and seek to preach Jesus to all who will listen. I look back to my upbringing, my life experiences and seek to convey a transformed and fuller life through faith in and obedience to Jesus, my Lord and Savior. All to Jesus and all for Jesus. That's who I am. And, by the way.......Who Are You?
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
July 5, 2017. Eureka Springs, AR. Facelift
As the 2016 Passion Play season drew to a close in October last year, there were a number of projects put on the drawing board for the 2017 season. The initial design and some of the preliminary work was begun before we left for Georgia, and there was a core group of "locals" who worked through the winter as time and weather permitted. The work continued when we returned in mid-March, but there was till much to be done.
As we get into July, the work has continued, but because of some 90 volunteers who descended on the property this week, there has been a very noticeable facelift which has taken place and these workers will still be here for another few days. There has been a marked change in the petting zoo, marketplace, front water-feature, buffet roof, walking paths, cleanliness of the amphitheater, flower beds, set improvements, grounds and weed control. With the painting done by prior volunteer groups, elimination of leaves and fallen branches, improvements made in drainage and eliminating water leaks, we have been able to minimize damage from the heavy rains and keep the water flowing where it needs to flow.
It's wonderful to see the physical improvements and know that we are laying the groundwork for the future by making more permanent fixes rather than just band-aiding our problems. We still have many volunteer groups coming the rest of July and we hope some of our past volunteers will return in the fall. It has not been easy work. There are some pooped puppies among the "regulars" and we still need fixes to our equipment, vehicles and infrastructure, but we trust God for the "gifts" needed to perpetuate this ministry, so that it continues to reach the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Pray for God's will to be done here, that the laborers keep coming the clean amphitheater seats hold those God wants here to hear the message we are presenting. And for all that has happened, we thank God and give Him all the Praise and Glory.
Sent from my iPad
As we get into July, the work has continued, but because of some 90 volunteers who descended on the property this week, there has been a very noticeable facelift which has taken place and these workers will still be here for another few days. There has been a marked change in the petting zoo, marketplace, front water-feature, buffet roof, walking paths, cleanliness of the amphitheater, flower beds, set improvements, grounds and weed control. With the painting done by prior volunteer groups, elimination of leaves and fallen branches, improvements made in drainage and eliminating water leaks, we have been able to minimize damage from the heavy rains and keep the water flowing where it needs to flow.
It's wonderful to see the physical improvements and know that we are laying the groundwork for the future by making more permanent fixes rather than just band-aiding our problems. We still have many volunteer groups coming the rest of July and we hope some of our past volunteers will return in the fall. It has not been easy work. There are some pooped puppies among the "regulars" and we still need fixes to our equipment, vehicles and infrastructure, but we trust God for the "gifts" needed to perpetuate this ministry, so that it continues to reach the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Pray for God's will to be done here, that the laborers keep coming the clean amphitheater seats hold those God wants here to hear the message we are presenting. And for all that has happened, we thank God and give Him all the Praise and Glory.
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, July 2, 2017
July 2, 2017. Eureka Springs, AR. Welcome Home
Karen went back to Colorado on May 12th to care for her sister who had surgery and then tooth issues, take care of her own annual medical appointments and oversee a number of projects at our house in Fort Collins. Missions Accomplished. She is back in Arkansas after six weeks away. It's good to have her back and she is readjusting to limited-space living and I need to readjust to having "company".
When Karen went back to Colorado for similar reasons in 2014 she was able to sell a car, buy a car, do her medical stuff, take care of household chores, including having a hail-damaged roof replaced, and a bunch of other tasks. This time she bought a stove, relicensed our car, had our backyard totally "de-junipered", a new fence installed, our front entrance walk replaced, had 11 tons of rock put where the junipers were, visited her 94 year old aunt in Utah, visited multiple friends and relatives, had our air conditioner and furnace serviced and drove almost 2000 miles by herself. It was far from a relaxing six weeks, but a very productive time. I'm glad she's back. So are all our friends here and her co-workers here at TGPP.
God has blessed us with an exciting and different life. He has provided us with the means to live as we do and certainly not as we envisioned when we met at Levitz Furniture in Lakewood, Colorado some 45 years ago. We couldn't have written a story like the one God wrote for us. It's been quite an adventure and we thank Him for it. We look forward, in faith, to what lies ahead in His plan for us.
Welcome home, Karen. I love you.
Sent from my iPad
When Karen went back to Colorado for similar reasons in 2014 she was able to sell a car, buy a car, do her medical stuff, take care of household chores, including having a hail-damaged roof replaced, and a bunch of other tasks. This time she bought a stove, relicensed our car, had our backyard totally "de-junipered", a new fence installed, our front entrance walk replaced, had 11 tons of rock put where the junipers were, visited her 94 year old aunt in Utah, visited multiple friends and relatives, had our air conditioner and furnace serviced and drove almost 2000 miles by herself. It was far from a relaxing six weeks, but a very productive time. I'm glad she's back. So are all our friends here and her co-workers here at TGPP.
God has blessed us with an exciting and different life. He has provided us with the means to live as we do and certainly not as we envisioned when we met at Levitz Furniture in Lakewood, Colorado some 45 years ago. We couldn't have written a story like the one God wrote for us. It's been quite an adventure and we thank Him for it. We look forward, in faith, to what lies ahead in His plan for us.
Welcome home, Karen. I love you.
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, June 29, 2017
June 29, 2017. Eureka Springs, AR. Watching the Weather
One of the most valuable tools on cell phones is the weather radar feature. With it you have at your instant command a map which in vivid color shows the size and severity of storms anywhere in the country or around the world. Here at the Passion Play we are very aware of the daily weather conditions and forecast for the days ahead, since our Holy Land and Play are outdoors and cover the period from 10am to 10:30pm.
Temperature and humidity are important, as well, since there is a need to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. Many of our visitors as well as employees and volunteers are of the Senior Citizen vintage and we watch carefully for those who might need assistance. It gets pretty warm and humid during June, and even more extreme in July and August and the chance for violent weather is always a possibility in this part of the country. Being on top of a mountain is also a concern when lightening is in the area.
Today has been a gorgeous day, as has the past week, but the next few days are forecast to have an increasing possibility of severe weather as the temperature and humidity climb. The weather radar right now gives no hint of what may develop, but we are "at the ready" for what may pop up and how it may impact our Friday and Saturday performances. Not much we can do, but keep an eye on the sky, check the radar apps on our phones and be prepared to don the ponchos, rain gear and get inside and under cover. Unfortunately for the cast of the Play, once we start the Play, there are no ponchos, rain gear or getting under cover and umbrellas are not part of our costume, so unless there is danger from lightening in the area, the "show must go on". There is a positive to playing in the rain........once you're wet, you can't get any wetter......so,
just stay in character and "play out the string". Stay safe, everyone.
Sent from my iPad
Temperature and humidity are important, as well, since there is a need to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. Many of our visitors as well as employees and volunteers are of the Senior Citizen vintage and we watch carefully for those who might need assistance. It gets pretty warm and humid during June, and even more extreme in July and August and the chance for violent weather is always a possibility in this part of the country. Being on top of a mountain is also a concern when lightening is in the area.
Today has been a gorgeous day, as has the past week, but the next few days are forecast to have an increasing possibility of severe weather as the temperature and humidity climb. The weather radar right now gives no hint of what may develop, but we are "at the ready" for what may pop up and how it may impact our Friday and Saturday performances. Not much we can do, but keep an eye on the sky, check the radar apps on our phones and be prepared to don the ponchos, rain gear and get inside and under cover. Unfortunately for the cast of the Play, once we start the Play, there are no ponchos, rain gear or getting under cover and umbrellas are not part of our costume, so unless there is danger from lightening in the area, the "show must go on". There is a positive to playing in the rain........once you're wet, you can't get any wetter......so,
just stay in character and "play out the string". Stay safe, everyone.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, June 26, 2017
June 26, 2017. Eureka Springs, AR. God Knows
Today a group of Team Effort young people arrived from Mount Vernon, Texas to help here at TGPP. They will get to see all the Passion Play "sites", be able to be part of the cast later in the week and work on a number of projects which we have not been able to complete with our current staff and volunteers.
One of the projects is to clean and power wash all 4000 seats in our Amphitheater. The Passion Play owns only one power washer and wouldn't you know......the group brought a power washer along so the group can now divide up, work on two areas instead of one at the same time and will finish the job in half the time we anticipated. By tomorrow the two primary sections used by our visitors (2000 seats) should be complete and the other two sections can be wrapped up on Wednesday. Yes, God knows our needs, supplies the laborers and supplies the needed supplies. How Great He Is.
Sent from my iPad
One of the projects is to clean and power wash all 4000 seats in our Amphitheater. The Passion Play owns only one power washer and wouldn't you know......the group brought a power washer along so the group can now divide up, work on two areas instead of one at the same time and will finish the job in half the time we anticipated. By tomorrow the two primary sections used by our visitors (2000 seats) should be complete and the other two sections can be wrapped up on Wednesday. Yes, God knows our needs, supplies the laborers and supplies the needed supplies. How Great He Is.
Sent from my iPad
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