Don't Forget The Rearview Mirror

Since we're in between the two holidays let me start off by saying Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Just so there is no misunderstanding, let me begin this train of thought by saying, Christmas with my kids and grandkids is always a time I love and cherish, and this year was no different. My Christmas Eve this year had a extra added bonus. It also gave me a lot to think about. In the writing world, a lot of advice people are giving these days is to get involved in the social media. It allows you to plug into other writers, agents, publishers, etc. It also gets your name out to the public. So, over the past few months I've gotten a little more involved in Facebook. What started as a marketing tool, has suddenly had a very personal affect on me.

A few days before Christmas I was bouncing around Facebook and saw a friend I hadn't talked to in a very long time. Like 30 years long. He sent back the confirmation. On Christmas Eve I saw he was online, so I contacted him and we got together on the phone. We talked for over an hour, which didn't come close to getting us caught up, but it was a good visit. We hit the high points, family, careers, activities, etc. One thing he asked me really stuck with me. He said "Man, where have you been, you just kind of fell off of the planet." I had never really thought about it before. We tend to get so caught up in moving forward with life, it's almost like tunnel vision. If we don't take the time to knock out the walls of the tunnel, we miss a lot of the important things. I saw a sign the other day. You know, the billboard philosophers you see around town. It said "Don't look back unless you want to go that way." Well, that may be true in some cases, like if you're still burning oil lamps (which I don't remember by the way) instead of hooking up electricity. I say, don't forget to look in the rearview mirror once in a while. If you don't look back periodically, or even sideways outside of your immediate circle, you are possibly depriving yourself of some of the most meaningful times in your life. In this day and age when we have to have our schedules readily available on our cell phones just to keep up, it is hard to get together in person sometimes, but a quick note in social media could make someones day. I know it really was an added bonus to my Christmas Eve. Don't forget to check the rearview mirror.

Make someones day next year, Paul

Thursdays Child John 5 Religious Frustration

Before I get started I need to mention another story I just posted over at www.paul-akaandrewpearson.blogspot.com. Short stories are going to go over there now, so I can devote this blog strictly to Thursdays Child, and random thoughts of my not so normal mind. Or, maybe it is normal, and everyone else just isn't ready to admit it. HHHMMM. Check out the story, and let me know what you think.

I know I haven't had a Thursdays Child for a while and for those stop by mainly for that, I apologize.

I have a feeling we're going to have more titles with "religious frustrations" in them now that we're going to get into more and more of Jesus' teachings. This post is going to include all of John 5. The first part of the passage is about Jesus performing a miracle, but I think the real lesson is the last part, where he reprimands the religious leaders.

The story is about a man who has been sick for thirty eight years and lies by the pool of Bethesda waiting to be healed. The only way to be healed is, if you are the first person to get in to the water, while the angel is stirring it. Since there is no one to help him in, someone else always gets there first. He explained this to Jesus when Jesus asked him if he wanted to be well. So, Jesus told him to pick up his sleeping mat, and walk. What we don't know, and what I wonder is, does someone bring him there every day, on their way to work maybe, and pick him up on their way home? Does he stay there for days, until someone takes him home? And where are they when the water is stirred? Why don't they tell us this information. It would probably help us to understand it a lot more. ANYWAY, He's walking with his mat, and guess what? It's the Sabbath, and the Jewish leaders saw him. They asked the man why he was carrying his mat on the Sabbath, he told them the man who healed him told him to. At first, he wasn't sure who healed him since Jesus had left but, eventually he was able to tell them it was Jesus. After that the leaders started harassing Jesus. Starting in verse 17, and continues through verse 47, the end of the chapter. I won't write all 30 verses here, but the ones that really stood out to me were, verses 41, and 42. Jesus tells them, "Your approval or disapproval means nothing to me, because I know you don't have God's love within you." Isn't that how we should all feel? As long as the things we do glorify God, why should we care what other people think? I know certain denominations have rules they abide by. Where do these rules come from? Why aren't some allowed to dance? Why do some think speaking in tongues is wrong? On one hand I think, if we just lived our lives, and treated people the way Jesus would, we would be fine. But, we would miss out on so much. The Holy Spirit came because Jesus went to be with the Father. The Holy Spirit is the one who provides us with the power that Jesus had while He was on the earth. If we did live as Jesus did, yes, that would ensure our salvation, or ticket to heaven. But, getting to know the Holy Spirit and experiencing God in that way, makes life a whole lot more rewarding. The restrictions denominations put on people are actually preventing God from using them to their full potential. That's what frustrating to me. We teach our kids to do their best, so they will learn to live up to their full potential. That shouldn't to school and work. That should apply to doing living for God also, and should continue as we grow into adulthood. If you've never experienced the power of the Holy Spirit, I encourage you to just ask God to show Himself more in your life. Ask Him where to start, then, just be aware of all thoughts as they come to mind. He'll direct you. He just might direct you right over to Google. There are Christian sites on the internet too. Just keep searching.

Thanks for searching with me,

Paul

Photo Of The Week

The best picture I've seen in a long time
It's sad that we even have to say it.

The Other Side Of The Edge

I've seen the other side of the edge, now I just have to figure out how to go over the edge. As you know, I've had a couple of posts recently where I've mentioned some things going on in my head. It has to do with some little visions, or flashes of thoughts that I just haven't been able to explain. The first line of the Declaration Of Independence have been coming to mind for some strange reason, and how I wondered if it was going to be part of a story lurking in the back of my mind that was going to finally come together. In those posts I talked about how I hoped it would all come together while on vacation. Well, I think it did, kind of. It wasn't part of a story, but it has left me with the motivation to pursue an idea I've had for my stories.

The visions were sentimental/emotional flashes of being back in Florida. The moment we walked off the plane and I could see the palm trees through the windows of Orlando International I felt a sense of relief. I knew the vision question had been answered. I had been away too long. I needed to be there, for me, for the experience for my kids. They are growing up in South Dakota, and that's a clean, wholesome lifestyle, but I also want them to experience the culture I grew up in. As I think about it, our lives are reversed. They don't know winter without snow and frigid cold. I didn't even see snow 'til I was 16, and it didn't even cover the grass, but we made a snowman anyway.

If you remember, the Declaration Of Independence starts out by saying "When in the course of human events..." Well, it basically goes on to say that the new America is separating themselves from England. I think our trip was the opposite. Everyone I talked to thought it was so weird that the kids mom and I would go on vacation with the kids even though we're separated. Remember though, it was only the first line that kept coming to mind. It wasn't until I read it that I noticed the separation part. It wasn't a final separation that happened. No, it wasn't a reunion either. I think it did teach a lot of people a very important lesson. Just because life doesn't go the way people see as normal doesn't mean there has to be bitterness. I think the reason that first line kept coming to mind was so I could continue it this way. When in the course of human events there is no room for selfishness and ego. A decision should be based on what is best for that particular situation.

I learned that since my kids LIVE the midwest lifestyle I also want them to grow up knowing the southern lifestyle not just experiencing it once in a while. As I say in many of my posts "Thanks for searching with me." Life is a series of searching and discovering. Thanks for sharing this one with me, Paul

What If It's True?

The other day my alarm clock went off, and as I was waking up I felt a sharp pain on my foot. It wasn't inside like a cramp, it seemed to be outside. You automatically think spider when something like that happens. If you've ever seen pictures of Brown Recluse Spider bites, you know that is nothing to mess around with. After checking it out, I didn't find any fang marks, or anything that looked like I had been bitten. It did remind me of something I heard recently. I heard on a radio show that has trivia segments, that over the course of our lifetime we will swallow about eight spiders while we sleep. So, if you've ever woke up in the morning with a scratchy throat, or if it feels like there is something in your throat and you need a drink....maybe that was one.

Sturgis Rally Week

I have been writing a christmas program, so the first thing that came to mind for this title was "No room at the inn." This week in the Rapid City, Sturgis area there is no room at any of the inns. The motorcycle rally is the first week of August, but this is the second week you say. It's weird, it's like trying to calculate when Easter is going to be. You eventually just give up and look on the calendar. I guess the rally is the first week of August, but it has to start on the first Sat. This year Aug. 1 was on Sun. so it had to start on Aug. 7. Summertime is always crowded no matter where you live, especially if you live in a popular tourist area. We have Mt. Rushmore here, so tourism is big business here. To put it in perspective for you, Sturgis has about 6000 people, Rapid City is about 1/2 hour away, and it has about 80,000 people. The Rapid City Metro Area including Sturgis, towns in the Black Hills, and Ellsworth Air Force Base, has about 125,000 people.
I remember twenty years ago at the 50th anniversary of the rally, everyone here was surprised that 100,000 people were predicted to be here. This year I heard half a million people are predicted. A couple of days after that I heard 800,000 people. I don't see very much of it. I drive to work, drive home, go get the kids, and go home. Monday I suggested we drive around and check license plates to see how far people have come on their motorcycles. Brent, my 12 year old said he had already seen enough. They had seen probably 5000 motorcycles on Sunday. I had accused him of exaggerating but then he said they went with their mom through the state park where there is a large buffalo herd, and I figured that was probably pretty accurate.
As you can imagine, the hospital is fully staffed this week, especially since South Dakota doesn't have a helmet law. I never really thought about the retail stores. The cashier I had at Wal-Mart Saturday said he was working every day this week too. It can be frustrating, if you forget and don't allow yourself enough time to get to where you're going, but it can be fun watching the sights. So if you've never experienced the Sturgis Rally, or Daytona Bike Week, you need to check it out at least once.

Thursdays Child John 4:40-54 Blind Faith

When I read these verses I started thinking about the times we pray for something and the prayer is answered and other times it doesn't appear to be. There are some people who will tell you that it was answered, the answer was just "no". Well, that doesn't make the person praying feel any better. I have experienced both. I have been prayed for, and received healing. I have prayed for others and have seen them healed. I have seen the opposite. Our preacher is legally blind. He tells how he has prayed for, and has been prayed for his whole life for his eyes to be healed. The answer has always been no. He is an amazing musician. I always think of Stevie Wonder when I watch him play. If he was healed now, as an adult , I could see how that could mess up how he plays. So, why wasn't he healed as a child before he learned? I guess if we knew God's master plan we wouldn't need faith. Sometimes it's just frustrating not knowing. I do think God knows those times when our faith starts to weaken so He does something to give us a boost. Like Jesus said in verse 48 "Must I do miraculous signs and wonders before you people will believe in me?" Well, I say yes, sometimes. Not to really, truly, believe, but sometimes we need that boost. We need that confirmation. Like children needing confirmation that their parents love them. As children of God He takes care of us also. We teach our kids as they grow, then we have to sit back and watch them apply what they've learned. Sometimes we have to let them make mistakes so they can figure out the correct answer, but we naturally help when we see them becoming frustrated and discouraged. As we grow as Christians, God shows us He's there, then maybe He steps back to let us apply what we've learned. When we start to feel too overwhelmed He jumps in again as any good dad would do. Like a good dad, Jesus wasn't going to let the government official in this passage down. The official could have gone home discouraged when Jesus didn't go with him, but he believed, so his son lived. Why do some people die even when we pray for them? No one knows. Not even the most educated theologian, who would have you believe he has a direct link to God knows. Don't get discouraged. If you read the book of Psalm, you'll see how David became frustrated. There were times when he didn't hold back he just yelled at God and laid it right out there, and you see how God blessed him. Maybe that's the key-honesty. Being honest with God. I don't think we have to worry about being disrespectful with God as long as we're being honest with Him. He knows our heart anyway, why try to B.S. Him (sorry, I can't think of any other phrase that fits.) Trust in His master plan. Sometimes we may not understand it. We may need to yell and get things off of our chest. Blind faith is hard but remember as a child of God, your dad won't let you down. Keep searching with me, leave comments, maybe together we can make some sense of it all. Thanks for searching with me, Paul

The Edge:Update

Okay, for all you super historians I know you're going to think this is weird, and maybe I should feel embarrassed but I admit in high school I didn't memorize the Declaration Of Independence. I don't know that I would remember it anyway since that was a reeaally long time ago. I felt like I needed to defend myself right away because for the past few months I have been gettting the saying "When In The Course Of Human Events" in my head. This past weekend I woke up and I couldn't get it out of my head. So naturally what did I do? Google. It didn't take much of a search to find out that this is the first line of The Declaration Of Independence. The first line reads like this "When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another.... It goes on to say more, but most places I found stopped there because that states the thirteen colonies have decided to break all ties with England and form their own country. Each time this would come to mind I would try to put more thought to it and figure out where to go with it but nothing else would come to mind, so I would forget about it and move on. I don't know for sure but maybe this is one of the vision puzzles that is going to come together next month. Thanks for sharing my journey, Paul

The Edge

A few weeks ago I mentioned that we're going to Florida on vacation, and that I haven't been there on vacation for 10 years. I haven't lived there for over 30 years now. I have decided to make South Dakota my home, so the initial homesickness you feel when you first move away from home is gone. Naturally there are times when I still miss family. I have children my family hasn't met. My nieces have had children that we haven't met. Needless to say I'm getting excited. It's weird for me to experience anticipation. I don't usually think about an upcoming event. The more you think about it, the slower time seems to go by. This time I am thinking about it quite a bit. I keep finding little short videos of things we'll be doing to show the kids. I've also been having an intuitive feeling lately. This hasn't been just a normal feeling that something is going to happen. It feels more like when you're trying to remember something, and just before you remember, you lose the thought, and you just yell aarrgh. Like you're right at the edge but can't quite see over. It's almost like little visions in a puzzle that I can't quite put together yet. I'm sure it is going to be something I need to write about. Most of the stories I've written here, and now on Damsels, Ghosts, and Heroes have been along the fun, funny, fantasy, theme. This feels different, maybe a dramatic, emotional, love story type of story. I tend to lean toward writing childrens stories, but some of the stuff I've read lately regarding the art of writing says to write outside of you comfort zone. Maybe this is where these little visions are headed. One of the things I do miss frequently about Florida is the beach and the ocean, so this trip we are going to spend a couple of days at the beach. If you've ever spent time sitting, listening to the waves wash onto the beach, you know how soothing and therapeutic that can be. Hopefully my therapy will be putting these little visions together. Stay tuned for future updates, and the whole picture sometime toward the end of next month. Thanks for sharing the journey with me, Paul

Thursdays Child John 4:31-38 Patient Evangelism

I've been feeling a little guilty lately for unintentionally neglecting Thursdays Child. So let's continue on with John 4. As the Samaritan people came out to see Jesus the disciples were trying to get him to eat, He told them He gets nourished just by doing the will of God. That was great for Jesus but doesn't it really bug you when some of the holier than thou's try to pull that fake crap on you. Even though we could probably rant on that for awhile we'll keep it positive. He went on to explain that harvesting isn't just for the Fall season, and neither is planting just for Spring. Joy comes to the one who plants and the one who harvests. I feel like the people that try to evangelize others and push to get them saved in one meeting turn them off more toward Christianity. That's what Jesus is saying here. Just plant that seed. You'll probably get to bring someone else to Christ another day. If we just show the love of Jesus and plant the seed people will naturally wonder what is different about us. We'll eventually be able to respond to their curiosity and some days we'll experience the planting and some days the harvesting. So keep planting, keep harvesting, and most of all never stop searching. Thanks for searching with me, Paul

Feeling Sentimental For The Elderly

Before I get started with my thoughts for this post, I want to plug another blog I started back in May. It is mainly for stories, but if I have some thoughts about writing I will probably put them over there also. The latest story is called Captain Brocc, just click on Captain Brocc to check it out


I know we haven't had a Thursdays Child for a few weeks, but I've had some other thoughts brewing in my head. I would like to share some thoughts I've had recently regarding the elderly. For the past couple of months we've been planning a trip to Florida. I haven't been to Florida since 2002, and that was a quick trip for my sisters funeral. So, in reality I haven't down there for a vacation since 2000. My dad is going to be 80 in August, so we're going to go have a birthday party. What I've been thinking about is, all of a sudden my parents have become "elderly." Since I've had this reality check, I've been more aware of the elderly. Mainly their physical characteristics. If they are bent over, if they walk slower, and just a variety of things. What really makes me wonder though, is how they must feel not being able to do the things they used to do. I currently work in the medical field. One day I was thinking about other jobs in the medical field, and how interesting, and exciting being a lifeflight paramedic would be. Then it hit me that, that is usually a job for those in the mid 20 to mid 30 year old range, and well, I have past that age range. I can't say I was devastated, or even disappointed, but that was just one event that started this train of thought. How do we go from an active, independent lifestyle, to being dependent on others. My parents are healthy and are still able to live independently but I do however see many senior citizens who aren't so fortunate. Is the growing old process like the growing up process. It's interesting when kids start having to do chores around the house. First they are excited to be able to help, then the older they get the more responsibility they get. That's when the fun wears off, but they eventually quit rolling their eyes, and they just accept it. Then all of a sudden one day they realize they've grown up, and it's time to get a job. Is that what happens when we get older? Does it happen so gradually we don't realize it? All of a sudden it just sneaks up on us and, BAM we're old? I know a lot of our problems we bring on ourselves. I also clean windows sometimes. Well, one day I was cleaning windows for a 75 yr. old lady who sat in her recliner smoking cigarettes. She coughed so much I thought she was going to hack up a lung. While I was there her 80 year old friend stopped by on her way to the YMCA to go swimming. So, I know there are some things we can do (or not do) to enjoy life as long as possible. I've just been feeling bad lately as I watch elderly people having to call a bus for a ride, or get meals brought in. I don't know why this has been on my mind so much lately, I've never really been one to freak out about my age, maybe this is my version of a midlife crisis, or maybe it's just another part of the accepting process. Whatever the reason, thanks for pondering this with me, Paul

Sudden Revelation Encore Presentation

To everyone who automatically gets my articles I apologize for everything being weird, I was having some issues getting this to post. Kind of a learning learning experience. Hopefully I've figured it out.

This week my friend over at Gnostic-Unrest and I seem to be on the same wavelength. Check out her latest post entitled Thunder Introduction & Evolution. She expands on my last post, and how hard it is to describe the feeling we get when connect with God. She nails it just right when she says it is "ENDLESS." When I read this, instantly it made me think of something I wrote last year after an experience I had driving through Wyoming. Click on her article and check it out, then continue on to read this encore presentation on Sudden Revelation. Thanks Angel

One day back in March I was driving across Wyoming, coming back to Rapid City from Gillette. I was listening to a preaching cd. The preacher was talking about God as Father and His love for us. He was saying that God is love. Now, that's a pretty common saying, but he went on to say something that really triggered something in me. He said, It's not like God has a pitcher of water that He distributes out love as we need it. He is love, He is the water, and the closer we get to Him we begin to experience that love more and more, and are able to share that love more and more. I've never been to Montana but Montana is called Big Sky Country. From what I have seen of Wyoming I think it could be called the same thing. Basically, I think that just means there is nothing to get in the way of seeing for miles, and miles. It's mostly prairie, and farm land. For me on this day that was an advantage. As this preacher was preaching I looked out of my windshield from left to right all along the horizon, and all I could see was blue sky as far as I could see. Not a cloud in the sky, just a round blue ceiling covering all of us, and it suddenly hit me that God literally is covering us with his love and all we need to do is just connect with Him and tap into that love. Could you imagine if we all did that how much better off this world would be? Shortly after my revelation I looked down noticed I was doing 82mph, noticed the flashing lights in my rear view mirror, pulled over, got my warning ticket, and continued on to Rapid City, but even that couldn't ruin my day. Thanks for searching with me, Paul

Thursdays Child John 4:1-30 Thirsty?

As we start John 4, the first three verses tell us that Jesus decides to leave Judea because He finds out the Pharisees were told He was baptizing more people than John. It makes me wonder what it was about John that the Pharisees preferred over Jesus. For the purpose of this story it doesn't really matter. They are just telling us why He left, and that He is now going back to Galilee. On the way to Galilee He has to go through Samaria, which is where the actual story begins.

Instead of writing the story out verse by verse, I'll just summarize it. Jesus and His disciples had to through Samaria to get to Galilee. The disciples were in the village of Sychar getting food. Jesus was sitting beside Jacob's Well by himself. A woman came up to get some water. Jesus asked her to draw Him some water. This surprised her because Jews didn't associate or even talk to Samarians, not to mention a male Jew talking to a female. She asked Him why He was talking to her. He said if you knew who I was you would be asking me for a drink of living water, the kind where you won't get thirsty again. She asked for some of that water, He told her to go get her husband. Then He went on to tell her she had had five husbands and the man she was living with now wasn't even her husband. Even though He just freaked her out, it seems funny that she doesn't just run off. She just says "oh you must be a prophet," and asks where the correct place to worship is. He told her "soon it's not going to matter where you worship, as long as you worship in spirit and truth. The spirit He is talking about is the connection I've been referring to the past few posts. When you can block everything else out and focus on God. This is also where the truth comes in. Like I said last time, when you honestly search for Him He will be there, so the two kind of go together. I naturally don't know everyone's experience, but for myself, if I'm listening to Christian music, or praying and focus on the words being sung or prayerful thoughts in my head, I can tell I have that connection. You can just tell God is there with you. There is no way to describe it except to say, Jesus tells her since God is Spirit we have to worship Him in spirit. When we are able to do that we have connected spirit to spirit. Next she says "when the Messiah comes He will explain everything to us." So Jesus tells her "I am the Messiah." This time she leaves her water jug and runs off. It says she tells everyone in the village. I was wondering, is this an exaggeration or a literal statement? If it is literal, how long did it take? How small was this village? Did she just run through the town screaming? It says the people came streaming from the town to meet him.

I encourage you today to search for that connection. Get some Christian music. You can listen to some for free online. Check out Mercy Me, Third Day, or Casting Crowns. These are Christian rock bands but, they are more of a softer rock. They are easy to get in to. Search for that connection. Leave me some comments and let me know how it goes. Thanks for searching with me, Paul

Thursdays Child John 3:33-36 John 3 Condensed Version

Verse 33 starts out by saying "Those who believe Him discover that God is true. (34) For He is sent by God. He speaks God's words, for God's Spirit is upon Him without measure or limit." As I read this it dawned on me how true this is. Before we start following Jesus we always wonder if He is real. Even if you grow up in the church, that uncertainty is still there. In the public schools they teach that there is no God. So you are taught about God on Sunday and the opposite Monday through Friday. That alone is enough to make you have questions. Then when you add TV, movies, and secular music, you're little visit for that hour, maybe two, on Sunday, maybe three if you go on Sunday night, has just become way outnumbered. But, once you decide, and you call His name telling Him you want him to be in charge of your life, something happens inside of you, and you know without question God is true. It's at that moment you want to learn everything you can. One thing I wish everyone would learn first is, our eternal life starts right at that moment, and so does verse 34. God's Spirit is upon Him without measure or limit. The same applies to us since we have been adopted by the father. We have all have all the benefits granted to His Son, Jesus. (35) – The Father loves His Son (kids) and gives Him (them) authority over everything. I know this because if we jump ahead to John 14:12,13 it says we are able to do the things Jesus did, even greater things. Anything we ask in His name will be done so the Father will be glorified. (36) And all who believe in God's Son have eternal life. Those who don't obey the Son will never experience eternal life, but the wrath of God remains upon them. Let's examine the last part of verse 36. Why did He use the word obey? Why didn't He just stick with the word believe. If you check it out, the Greek word they use for the word believe means "to have a relationship with." So, not only do you have to have knowledge of Him and believe He is real you have to have that connection with Him. Now, why the word obey? Does it mean doing what you're called to do? Am I obeying now? Is this my calling? I like to teach. Adult classes, kid's classes, whatever. I write this because I like to. I don't know if anyone will stop by to read it. I do have a visitor counter so I know people do. But I do it because I enjoy it. Does God give me that enjoyment? When it's time to move on to something else will He take the joy away? Who knows. But for now I feel like this is what I'm supposed to be doing. If I didn't, would I be subjected to the wrath of God? Would He just continue to put the desire in me until I did? As we search, search for that desire in you. What do you feel drawn to? If you truly search for Him, He will be there. Thanks for searching with me, Paul

Thursdays Child John 3:22-32 A Loyal Friend

After Jesus was finished talking to Nicodemus, they left Jerusalem but stayed in Judea and baptized there for a while. John the Baptist was still baptizing when one of John's disciples came up to him and said Jesus was still baptizing across the river. John informed him God has appointed us each to our own work, and that he was sent to prepare the way for the Messiah. The bridegroom's friend goes where the bridegroom goes. He is Jesus' friend and rejoices at His success. As Jesus becomes greater and greater John must become less and less. John's understanding is limited to the things of the earth but, Jesus is greater than anyone because he has come from heaven. Although He has come from heaven very few people believe Him.

This is another one of those times I wish we knew more about Jesus' early childhood. I found some interesting stuff researching this. All I'm doing is flipping between books in the Bible. I'm not using any other references. We always think of the wise men going to the manger where Jesus was born. The book of Matthew says they went to the house where He was. We know after the wise men left Jesus, an angel told Mary and Joseph to flee to Egypt. The book of Luke says Jesus was circumcised and dedicated in Jerusalem at eight days old. So when did they have to leave? The book of Matthew says they came back to Nazareth after King Herod died. The book of Luke says Jesus' parents went every year to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. So did they travel back and forth every year? If so, how long did they do this before they were able to move back? They were there for the Passover when Jesus was twelve, that's when they forgot Him. The main question I had that caused me to look all this stuff up was; as cousins, did Jesus and John The Baptist grow up together? Did they play together? If Jesus was at the temple every year, you would think John would have been there too. Did John grow up knowing that the Messiah was his cousin? When did John take off to live in the wilderness?

The answer to any of these questions wouldn't have had any effect on John's loyalty to Jesus. Whether he knew he was related or not, they were obviously friends it says that. Ego being part of human nature he could have gotten upset that Jesus was becoming popular but, he knew God had sent him prepare the way for the Messiah, and he was being obedient. I think that is why his disciple was upset because he felt bad for John. John's love and loyalty to God and his friend and cousin was stronger than his ego. We can all learn a lot from John's actions. In our day it's all about becoming successful at any cost, no matter who you have to step on to get there. Loyalty doesn't mean much to those who are trying to move up the ladder. As we continue on our search, let's remember friendship and loyalty. Once again that boils down to Jesus' teaching –Love One Another- Thanks for searching with me, Paul

Critter Watching

I've tried to develop a schedule for writing so maybe I'll be a little more frequent with my posts. I'm aware of how bizarre this post is going to appear, but noone has ever accused me of being very normal, so you decide. Here goes.
As of the first of April the kids and I moved from a second floor apartment to a ground floor apartment. Which means they can step right out of the sliding glass door to go play instead of having to go down the stairs and having to yell up to be let in, since it is a secure building.

Living on the ground floor, and the weather getting warmer, has already brought out of hiding some of the summertime critters. We have already had a few ear piercing events from the youngest member of the group. Well, the other day I was pondering where to go next in a story, and noticed an ant on the floor. It's a tile floor with the 1" ceramic tiles with grout. I watched this ant as he (he is the generic term, I didn't actually pick it up to check) walked on the tiles and grout. When he was walking on the grout it was like he was in a valley, it would be similar to us walking in a maze with high walls. I started wondering if they instinctively find their way, or if they leave a scent, because I didn't see breadcrumbs. He would start down one path turn around and go another, like he knew it was the wrong way. Through trial and error, he made it from one end of the room to the other and went into the opening he had come out of. Instinct? HMMM. Fascinating none the less. Or maybe I just need to get out more. Being the environmentally conscious person that I am, I got the bug spray and sprayed the spot where he disappeared. Sorry but, preventing the four year from freaking out at bugs and in turn giving me a heart attack wins out every time over eco-friendly. Okay, I agree it was a little too bizarre, but fun. Thanks for sharing the bizarre with me, Paul

Thursdays Child John 3:18-21 Heaven or Hell It's Our Choice

This passage is pretty deep. Almost makes you want to skip over it and go back to changing water into wine. But I guess if we're going to go straight through we can't pick and choose, so we better suck it up and get started. Verse 18 says "There is no judgment for those who trust Him (Jesus). But those who do not trust Him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. This is a good argument for those who want to debate whether a loving God would actually send people to hell. It says if we don't believe we are already judged. I think they are using the word judged to mean condemned. If you have kids I don't know how you can't believe in God. When each of my six kids were little and I held them to feed them or sat and watched them sleep I knew there was a God. The human body is too detailed and intricate. It has to have been designed. Something so precise couldn't have just evolved from a fish that walked up onto shore millions of years ago. I remember specifically looking at their ears-I don't know why the ear- but I remember noticing the circular shape and how each one is essentially the same. Some may be bigger, smaller or different in some way but all have the same basic design. Then if you think about how our body's organs function to keep us alive, we have to have been created. So if we admit there is a God, then we either have to accept or deny Jesus. Whichever one we choose decides where we spend the rest of forever. You know, I hate salvation scare tactics, but this is one of the passages that teach it. Plain and simple if you don't believe Jesus is the Son of God you are condemned to hell. The way I have always looked at it is, God created the universe including us, why wouldn't we worship Him? Verses 19-21 talks about Jesus being the light, and those who don't believe, love the darkness more than the light. When we sin we want to sin in darkness, because the light will expose our sin and we will be punished. One thing we have to remember is that we weren't born Christians. We were born without Jesus, so it is our nature to sin. We have to decide. That's why God gave us the freedom to choose, or free will. So ultimately heaven or hell it is our choice. We're all searching for something to worship. Money, power, status, why not worship the one who created you, it's a lot more fulfilling. Keep checking back and we'll search together. Thanks for searching with me, Paul

Thursdays Child: John 3:13,16,17 Round Trip Ticket

As I mentioned last time, I purposely stopped at John 3:16. I also omitted verse 13 in the last post because I saw that they go together.
Verse 13 says, and this is Jesus talking "For only I, the Son of Man have come to earth and will return to heaven again."
I wrote in one of my first posts, how I have heard it bothers some people that God sent His Son to earth to die. The thought was "How could a loving God do this?" This scripture explains it. God the father didn't make the Son do it. All three, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are God. So, it was basically Jesus' job to make the sacrifice. Yes, He was born the way all humans are born, and no we don't know at what age He realized He was God. We do know that at 12 years old He was teaching the church leaders in the temple, and when His parents were looking for Him He said "Didn't you know I would be about my fathers business." That leads me to believe He knew then.
John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world the He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." In human terms this statement is true. The Holy Spirit got Mary pregnant. Jesus grew inside of her -I'm not even going to try to figure out they accomplished that-and was born as a human baby. They knew that the human race would never be "good enough" to go to heaven, so they had to give us a way to not burn in hell forever. That's why verse 17 says "God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but to save it. Maybe this is a good time to talk about this. It's been a few weeks since Easter. We're back to the daily routine. It's probably a good time to remind ourselves what Jesus did for us. As we learn other things all year long, it's a good idea to get back to that Easter feeling periodically. Keep searching for that Easter feeling, and thanks for searching with me, Paul

Thursdays Child John 3:1-15 A Humble Leader

This time on Thursdays Child I'd like to talk about Nicodemus. As John 3 starts out it says, "after dark one evening." I wondered if that meant Nicodemus went to Jesus in secret so the other Pharisees wouldn't know, because the next sentence says "WE ALL KNOW that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are proof enough that God is with you." It's funny how you read things over and over and, and different things come to mind at different times. This is the first time I noticed Nicodemus saying "We all know." I just always thought the Pharisees thought Jesus was a fake and killed Him for blasphemy, and defying Jewish law. This tells me they were worried they would lose their power, and their ability to control the people. They felt that the people would discover that faith in God is about love, not following a strict law. Next Jesus tells him, "Unless you are born again you can never see the kingdom of God." Where did that come from? Why did He say that? His divinity showing again I guess. Nicodemus never asked anything about that. All I can think is, Jesus knew Nicodemus was going to ask it. Then Jesus explains to him that born again doesn't mean going back into the womb. It means being given a new life by the Holy Spirit. It's the same as being able to hear the wind and you can't tell where it comes from or where it's going, it's impossible to explain to people how to be born of the Spirit. Nicodemus once again asked Jesus what He meant. Jesus just told him if you don't believe the things that I tell you about what is happening on earth how will you believe what's going on in heaven? It makes me wonder why they were so wrapped up in the law set down in the old testament. The also had the stories of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, Daniel, and others and how they were devoted to God and prayed hours on end. I'm sure these guys understood what new life from the Holy Spirit was all about. It is all about your connection with God. The Pharisees were all about themselves and their power and control. If you look at things that have happened even in our modern times, and the preachers that have fallen because of money and power. Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggert, and the ones that have stayed true to God and have continually been blessed by God, Billy Graham, Greg Laurie, and many more. Fortunately there are more that have stayed true than have been consumed by power. That connection with God is what we're searching for here. I intentionally stopped at verse 15 so we can start at John 3:16 next time. I know I've said it before but, as I search for a deeper connection with God, I hope this also helps you in your search. Thanks for searching with me, Paul

Thursdays Child --John 2:18-25 WHAT!!

The reason we read the Bible is naturally to get some inspiration from God. As we read, thoughts come to mind, and some people say "God spoke to me." I prefer to say "God showed me." I have been known to say God spoke to me, but only because that is such a common phrase some times it just slips out. In reality I have never heard an audible voice from the heavens, and although I have heard of it happening, I believe it is very, very rare. I believe everyone gets inspiration and God touches our hearts when we read the Bible. I only say this because, I've noticed that as we go through the book of John, God has been showing me the human side of Jesus, and John 2 18-25 is no exception.
Imagine the looks on the people's faces after Jesus went ballistic on them. They asked Him(vs 18) "What right do you have to do these things? If you have this authority from God show us a miraculous sign to prove it." "Alright." Jesus replied. "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up."
Now imagine the new look on their faces. "WHAT!!" looking at each other. What the heck is He talking about. "It took forty years to build this temple." I just imagine them thinking- we're not going to tear down our temple to let you prove a point. So they just walked away shaking their heads, mumbling derogatory things about Jesus. He did however do some miraculous things at the Passover celebration, and many people were convinced that He was the Messiah, but since He was refering to His body as the temple, they didn't understand that statement until He was raised from the dead.
Verses 24 and 25 says, He knew human nature so He didn't trust them. I also think, He knew human nature, and because of His own human qualities He decided to mess with their heads. He knew they wouldn't understand it so He decided to have a little fun with them. It was a joke only He understood, but I'm sure He got a kick out of watching them walk away confused. Since He had the advantage of divine and human qualities it must have been fun to mess with them. As we search we have the benefit of knowing that Jesus is God and human, so it's fun to see both sides of Him. Thanks for searching with me, Paul

Thursdays Child - True Anger Management

I was glad when I saw the scripture for todays Thursdays Child is an angry Jesus. John 2:13-17. I have always liked this scripture, because once again it shows a very human side of Jesus.

To summarize this passage, Jesus goes to Jerusalem for the Passover, when He goes into the temple He finds merchants selling their merchandise. He becomes very angry, pushes their stuff onto the ground, turns over their tables, yells at them and drives them out of the temple.

I have always liked this because Jesus shows us it's okay to be angry, and to show anger. one thing that has always bothered me is that a lot of times people are taught that it is okay to feel anger but, don't hit, don't stomp your feet, don't scream, don't slam the door. Well, how are we suppose to express our anger? It seems we're not. So we suppress it. So we have a bunch of angry people walking around not able to vent their anger because they are told it's wrong. I say WWJD? I think What Would Jesus Do should apply to everything. Not just the warm and fuzzy things. I have mentioned Neil Anderson of Freedom In Christ Ministries before. He is a biblical counselor. He really stresses taking every thought captive from 2Corinthians 10:5. Lets not forget Ephesians 4:26. Be angry but do not sin. So where do you draw the line? Who determines what sin is? Would some people consider what Jesus did sin, because it was somewhat violent? But, Jesus never sinned. So again where is that line? At what point do we cross it? Violating a law maybe? Assault, murder. I believe we should be able to go to the gym and take our frustrations out on a punching bag, or if you can't go, punch your pillow or something. If you are a crier go have a good cry, go somewhere and scream as loud as you can, just get it out. Notice I have not said anything about punching a hard stationary object. Definitely not a good idea. I've thought before I would like to start a place for people -my thought was mainly youth -to have a place to just go vent. To have people there to listen if they want to talk. But also to have punching bags and other methods to just to be able to release that anger. Why do you think that arcade game whac-a-mole is so popular? Okay, maybe that's not the real reason but it could be. Keeping anger in, can turn to bitterness. It has been proven that bitterness that is allowed to grow and fester can lead to various kinds of health problems. The true cure to all anger and bitterness is forgiveness. You cannot be angry after forgiving someone.

Search yourself today is there someone you're angry with? It's okay to vent but don't let that anger build up. As soon as you figure the source of your anger forgive that person. They don't even have to know you have forgiven them, all they will see is the change in you.

This is always a tough one to get a handle on so, thanks for searching with me, Paul.

Haiti Update

Just a quick update to let you know things are still progressing with "Churches Helping Churches." They have hired an executive director named Thomas Kim. He has been a pastor in a Presbyterian church and has a lot of international experience. He will be working with the pastor in Haiti, as well as getting things set up to organize staff, volunteers and donations.
One of the first things they will be working on, will be to contribute money to Calvary Chapel in Fort Lauderdale Florida, a church that is already established in Haiti. They have also added some new stuff to the website www.churcheshelpingchurches.com if you're interested.
I"ll continue to keep you posted.
Thanks, Paul

Thursdays Child - John 2:1-11 1st Miracle

Welcome to another Sunday edition of Thursdays Child. I'm excited about it after last weeks disappointing look at our Christian community. This week is fun because I was able to see Jesus as the obedient son. Instead of typing it all out, a summary the wedding feast miracle would read, Jesus, his mother and some of the disciples were at a wedding feast. Jesus' mother came to Him and told Him they had ran out of wine. He asked her "What does that have to do with us?" "My time has not yet come." She told the servants "Do what he tells you." He told the servants to fill a bunch of pots with water. All of a sudden the water was wine.

My question is, why did He make the wine? He told her no, it was not His concern. Was there more dialogue than is written? I am only going to base this theory stricktly from this scripture in the book of John. I haven't searched any of the other books. I'm thinking she could have said something like "You may be God but I'm still your mother young man." What I've really been wondering is, Did she give Him the "MOMMY LOOK?" You know she had to have one. I don't believe there is a parent in history that doesn't.

What do I think? I think she gave Him the look, raised her eyebrows at Him or whatever, immediately turned to the servants and said "Do what He says." and she walked off. In other words this conversation is over, you will do it. Then like a good boy, He hung His head and told the servants to go get water.

Was it an appropriate use of His powers? Who knows? Who cares? I think it has more to do with Deuterotomy 6:16. Honor thy mother and father. His mom told Him to do it, He did it. Not only did He make the wine He made the best wine possible.

That just gave me a thought. If you've ever known someone having self esteem issues and told them "God don't make junk." This is a good example of that. Even when the people were already drunk and the less expensive wines were usually used God made the best. He is perfect He can't make less than the best.

It was fun to look at Jesus as a momma's boy, but most of all it was interesting to see that even though He was God, He was on this earth as a human and had to live according to the laws set up for us

Thanks for searching with me again, Paul

Thursdays Child -Rapture Theories...Gone Sour

Well, I've taken a bit of a detour from the Thursdays Child. I had to relieve some of the pressure building up, if you remember the post, Spontaneous Combustion Declining. I thought this week would be a good week to get back to it. James MacDonald at Harvest Bible Chapel posted an interesting blog this week about the rapture. To refresh your memory he is one of the ones who started churches helping churches, mainly for the people of Haiti. He is going through Revelation at his church. He gave scripture supporting the post tribulation rapture. Matthew 24:29,30. All of chapter 24 talks about the end times but verses 29 and 30 say "immediately after those horrible days end, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then at last the sign of the coming of the Son of Man will appear in the heavens, and there will be a deep mourning among all the nations of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man arrive on the clouds of heaven with power and glory.

All of us who were taught a pre tribulation rapture were taught 1Thesalonians 4

I got interrupted that's why this isn't posted on Thursday. I decided since I wasn't writing I'd check out more pre-trib scriptures. What I found really bothered me. I found a whole bunch of web sites supporting both positions. That wasn't necessarily the disturbing part, I mean isn't that what we're all doing. What I did find, was that some of them would go so far as to undermine and talk bad about the other. This won't be cleared up 'til it happens, if it happens. And we won't know until then. So gee, can't we act like children of God? Does the phrase Love One Another ring a bell? I did come across a prophetic one that said the body of Christ will join together and there will be no more talk of the rapture.

What I would like to remind everyone is that it boils down to we are suppose to live like it will happen now, or maybe now, or now or......

What I really wanted to share with you Thursday when I started this post is, on James MacDonald's post he coined the greatest phrase,

Don't be a part of the planning committee, be a part of the welcoming committee

Thanks for searching with me, Paul

Rainy Day Window Washing

Rainy Day Window Washing

A Short Story

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Herbert has been washing windows at the inner city high rise apartments for as long as he can remember. Although he has to be old enough to retire, or darn close to it, he is the type of man who has worked for so long that he couldn't imagine not going to work every day. He cleans the windows in a couple of other buildings,and they help pay the bills, but he considers the high rise "his baby." Even though he doesn't know many of the people there by name, he thinks of them as family. He has watched over most of them since they were babies, and is now watching over the new babies that continue to move in. He has helped parents dodge possible disasters, kids playing with matches, eating paint chips flaking off the wall, overly excited teenage boyfriends making unwanted advances to the some of the girls. Because of his age, management has hired an assistant for him. They have him take care of the upper floors, but still he is no match for Herbert. Some weeks Herbert has to go up and help him because Tony seems to have more important things to do than work, like partying, and uh, partying.

One day, while Herbert was cleaning on the thirteenth floor, Terrance, a four year old who was suppose to be taking a nap, started screaming at the top of his lungs. Julie, his mom came running in and tried to comfort him, but to no avail. She asked him over and over what was the matter. He just kept pointing out the window saying there was someone out there. She looked three times just to make him feel better, but all she could see was rain tapping against the window. She tried to convince him that it must have been the rain or a dream, but nothing was going to make him feel better. There would be no more napping today. That night Julie talked to some of her friends and found that the same thing had happened to some of them. Nobody had seen Tony, so they just shrugged it off to coincidence. Over the next couple of weeks the nightmares increased, so the moms on the thirteenth floor started asking around, and the rest of the building didn't seem to be experiencing anything unusual.

Just when they thought the rain would never end, finally a few days of sunshine. Everyone spent as much time outside as possible, even if it meant going to the park during naptime and having an earlier bedtime at night. They forgot about the nightmares since alot of the kids hadn't had naps.The sunshine gave a much needed break to the rain, but unfortunately it was short lived.

Maria is one who will never forget the day it rained the hardest, the year of the wettest spring on record. She laid on the couch to doze a little bit after putting Olivia, her two year old daughter, down for a nap. Fortyfive minutes later she woke to the loudest pounding she had ever heard. Disoriented, she jumped up, stumbled over her shoes she had set next to the couch, and realized the sound was coming from Olivia's bedroom. As she threw open the door she heard the pounding coming from Olivia's window. Instinctively, she looked toward the window. When she did, the pounding stopped, but out of the corner of her eye she caught a glimpse of an image that appeared to be a person pass by the window. Immediately her focus turned to Olivia. She ran Olivia's buck bed, jumped onto the bottom bed, looked up at Olivia, and found she had somehow wound the mini-blind cord around her neck. She frantically started unwrapping the cord. She could feel a pulse in her neck, but could tell she wasn't breathing. She grabbed her, lifted her off the bed, laid her onto the floor, put her fingers under her chin, lifted her little blue face to open her airway, and started blowing into her mouth. After three of four blows, Olivia let out a couple of coughs, gasped a few good breaths of air and was breathing on her own again. Later that evening, after a trip to the emergency room to make sure Olivia was ok, Maria was telling Julie what had happened, the pounding, the image outside the window. "Could it have been the rain on the window making it look like a person?" They wondered. "Or do we really have guardian angels?" Neither one of them could think of a logical explanation. So Maria decided to investigate further in the morning.

After a hurried breakfast Maria got the kids dressed, and headed downstairs to the high rise office. When she got there the office was abuzz talking about yesterday's rain. She finally cornered the secretary, described what had happened, and asked who she could talk to. Immediately the room fell quiet, and all eyes were on Maria. The maintenance supervisor led her into his office where they could talk further. They talked for about thirty minutes, he listened intently as Maria told him everything that had happened over the past couple of months. When she finished, he explained to her that he has only been the maintenance supervisor since the first of the year but he had heard other stories similar to hers. Since he didn't know if any of the stories he had heard were true he could only recommend for her to go to the local newspaper for more details. She thanked him for his time, went back upstairs, dropped the kids off with her mom, and headed over to the Gazette.

Once the receptionist heard that Maria lived in the high rise on Center Street, she knew why she was there. She directed her to the basement to the archive department. When she arrived an elderly woman probably in her mid to late seventies greeted her,and led her over to the microfiche, where she had the article ready for her. Maria looked at her puzzled, and she explained that the receptionist had let her know she was coming. This has always been a popular story so it never gets buried too far back. The headline from April 17th 1935 read, "Window Washer Falls To His Death." Stunned, Maria sat back in her chair and continued to read. It was reported that Herbert Gonzalez, who had been the window cleaner of the Center Street High Rise for twenty eight years was caught in a sudden rain storm while cleaning the windows on the thirteenth floor. Upon inspection of his safety equipment it was determined that his death was caused by equipment failure due to the extremely wet conditions.

Dazed, Maria left the paper and walked to the park where she sat for most of the afternoon. All she could think of was how fortunate she is to still have Olivia. She hates to think how that day would've turned out if Herbert hadn't pounded on her window. How do you thank someone who has been dead for eighty years? You do it by keeping his memory alive. Not only have they convinced the manager to honor Herbert on the eightieth anniversary of his death by putting up a plaque by the thirteenth elevator dedicating the thirteenth floor to him, now, whenever there is a "nightmare" on a rainy afternoon parents make sure they tell their kids that they have a guardian angel named Herbert watching over them keeping them safe through the storm.

Talent Continued

STOP!! If you haven't read the previous article scroll down and read then come back up here so you'll know what's going on

As you stand at the edge of the fifth, circular area, you seem to be able to detect sounds, but you can't quite tell what they are. You start to walk forward, you tilt you head, your breath becomes slow and quiet. The sounds increase. Sounds of laughter and playful yelling start to fill the air. You see bright greens, blues, reds, and yellows. You begin to see children running, climbing, sliding, and swinging. Some adults playing, others watching, talking to each other. Suddenly all becomes quiet. All eyes are on you. The children run over to you, and lead you to a water fountain. "Wow! You look thirsty." they say. You look around thinking you must have stumbled into a utopia the world has always dreamed of. Then you notice everything is strangely familiar. It is actually our world outside the stressful, ratrace when we decide to slow down and enjoy life. The innocence and kindness of children. The compassion, and generosity of people of all ages. Why haven't you noticed this before? You decide this is where you will spend the majority of you time from now on, with only short visits to the others, not the other way around.

People have varying degrees of talent. Bakers, Sports Stars, Writers, Counselors, Ministers. They all need fine tuning. Whatever you talent practice, practice, practice.

Thanks for bearing with me while I fine tune what I like to do. Go discover your world, Paul

Fine Tuning The Talent

I've been thinking quite a bit lately about talent. It started a few months ago when I heard the guys on The Bob and Tom Show on early morning radio talk about how much they liked the show "Cake Boss" on TLC. I thought it sounded pretty girly, but since it was the guys on the show talking about it I thought I'd check it out. Although I don't DVR it I do try to watch it whenever I can. He makes it look so easy you start to think hhmmm, I could probably do that. Then you snap back to reality and you realize he has a team, and the proper equipment. It did get me to thinking what do I really like to do, I like to create with words. I obviously like to write, thus the blog, but now I've decided to focus more on the creative aspect instead of the random. There will still be alot of that, because my mind is quite random. But I feel a need to do a little literary decorating, or painting. So check this out,


Imagine sitting on top of a lighthouse. Although you can see a full 360 degrees, there are four separate areas on the ground. The first area you see is a desert.


You see the scorpions scurrying in and out of a skull half buried in the sand, you feel the hot wind on your face as you watch it blow the sand. Your mouth is getting dry, you start to feel hot, you look up, not a cloud in the sky to protect you from the scorching rays of the sun. Beads of sweat appear on your forehead. If you just had a sip of water. You find yourself looking for an oasis.


While looking for that oasis


You turn to the left. You see a beautiful blue ocean. You're sitting seventy feet in the air. You can see hundreds and hundreds of fish twenty five deep in the water. The water is so crystal clear it magnifies the yellows, reds, and orange colors of the fish and makes them so brilliant that you feel like you could just scoop them out of the water. You sit hypnotized, watching the fish swim in and out of the coral, when suddenly you realize that even though the breeze is cooler, the salt air has intensified your thirst. You need drinkable water, your search continues.


You turn again to the left.


As you look down this time, the area is dark. Coming from the bright sunlight it takes a couple of minutes for your eyes to adjust. Gradually, you start to be able to see little specks of light. Squinting, you notice the specks of light are small fires scattered in and around demolished buildings. The ones around the buildings are in big barrels with people huddled around them trying to keep warm. You smell burning wood and paper. You hear people screaming, and glass breaking. As your eyes adjust even more you see people running out of stores with food and water. Even though you are really thirsty you decide it isn't worth dying for, you keep searching.


One last turn in hopes of quenching your thirst


You turn to find the sun rising amid skyscrapers. Traffic is starting to fill the streets, men and women in suits are filing into the buildings. The buildings are made from steel and glass. You get the feeling you are in the middle of one of the worlds major financial districts. Immediately you think, finally water. Then you notice people in tattered clothes sitting against the buildings, and standing on the steps leading up to the buildings holding their tin cups, or playing music hoping someone will help them. You see the look of discouragement settle in their faces as they have cigarettes thrown at them. As they are pushed and shoved down the steps and walked over, like noone even cares. You look at your wrinkled clothes, feel the tangles in your hair, and detect an unshowered smell coming from your body. Your thirst is almost unbearable. Do you want to endure the ridicule and go down and ask for a drink?


You think this can't be all there is, if only you could fly. You stand up, take a deep breath, hold your arms out and .......LEAP. You are flying, you can't believe it, you can actually fly. Where do you go? You see the financial district, the desolation, the ocean, the desert. While you're trying to decide you notice a fifth area in the center, connecting the other four, a sort of hub. It was straight down surrounding the lighthouse so it wasn't visible while sitting on top. You fly over to the edge, hover just close enough to see. You decide to land. What do you see?


My version in the next post,


Thanks for flying with me, Paul

Encouraging Update

Since I brought the idea to you a week and a half ago the churches helping churches team have returned from Haiti. They have put more information on their website than I would be able to tell you about, but here are a few things.
103 churches have signed on to help.
200,000 dollars has been donated through these churches, International Aid, and Amway.
They have hired on a pastor from a church down there and are working with him to address his individual needs. They also did an interview with him. It's pretty interesting, check it out
There are also some videos to watch.
Here's the link if you're interested www.churcheshelpingchurches.com
Thanks for your help,Paul

Churches Helping Churches Update

For everyone who may be considering helping the Haitian relief effort by donating to "Churches Helping Churches" I got a report today saying they did get to Haiti with a medical crew and a camera crew, and they will be reporting back soon with further details. I'll keep you posted. Thanks , Paul

Compassion For Haiti

When you look at the pictures of Haiti this week doesn't it make you feel helpless? Doesn't it give you an overwhelming feeling of sadness? The question I asked was how will they rebuild? Yes, the world is coming to their aid. Yes, food, and medical aid are already starting to arrive. There was a doctor from Rapid City, S.D. that was already there on a mission trip and was able to help some before he had to come home. If you notice the houses that are still standing you can tell how poor the country is. Regardless of the massive deficit in this country the U.S. is considered a rich country and, even though we don't hear about it very much any more New Orleans is still rebuilding after hurricane Katrina. If you're feeling overwhelmed for the people of Haiti, imagine how they must feel looking down their streets and seeing nothing but rubble where their houses used to be, and not being able to find family members that are missing. There are many ways in which to help. It doesn't take much searching to find legitimate charities.
I follow a blog from James MacDonald of Harvest Bible Chapel. His latest blog said, what bothered him the most was, who is going to help the churches? He talked to some other pastors this past week, and they decided to take a team to Haiti early next week and assess what needs the churches have. They have already started a website so everyone can keep updated. The website is www.churcheshelpingchurches.com. If you are involved in a church they are more than likely developing ways to help. If you aren't, this would be a way to help a legitimate, respected, organization who is trying to help those who are trying to help those who are suffering. The website just has a "test post" up right now. But, they are suppose to start posting needs when they get back next week.
As I search inside myself, and the hurt I feel for them, I don't know how much I will be able to do financially but I do feel fortunate that I am able to help by passing on the information. As they post the needs I'll continue to keep everyone posted.
The verse Love One Another keeps coming to mind, and the phrase Love Equals Compassion. Life is a constant search. Thanks for searching with me, Paul

Wondering Gong Ju

Despite her petite 4ft.11in. 90 pound size Mei Li has proven she could hold her own with the big boys when necessary. Not that she really needed to most of the time, she just had this unexplainable desire to know the martial arts. There have been times however when she has needed to defend herself, but those opportunities didn't arise very often living in a town the size of Cassville, Missouri. With a population of approximately 3000 you can usually figure out who the violent crime offenders were on any given weekend. The ones who aren't in church Sunday morning are usually the ones sleeping off Saturday night's barroom brawl in the local jail. Since she is only fifteen the bar isn't where she gets her experience. Her experiences have come from ignorant high school predjudice, or boys that thought they could take advantage of her small size. The boys are just trying to prove their manhood and all the girls are having that problem. It's the predjudice that hurts the worse. Even though she has lived her whole life in Cassville, has grown up with the kids who were born there and knows their parents, there are still people who treat her differently, and sometimes even mean, just because she looks Asian.

Her parents adopted her from China when she was just an infant. They do what they can to include some of her Chinese culture into their lives. Her dad has always called her Gong Ju, which means Princess. Her name itself means pretty, or beautiful. But, living in the heart of rural America she doesn't get very many opportunities to experience her true culture. She is fortunate there just happens to be a man who lives there who is willing to teach her Kung Fu.

Since she has grown up in America she wants to live the American life, but she feels like she can't be fully American, but neither can she be fully Chinese. She used to work at Aunt Kathy's Cookies for awhile until they closed down. The owner of the Chinese restaurant said she can work there, but then she feels like she would just be allowing herself to be stereotyped. Some days she feels so lost, like she's wondering through life not knowing what to do or what lifestyle she should be following, sometimes she gets so frustrated she just wants to scream.

Even though it upsets her, every once in a while she asks her parents to tell her the story of her birth family. The adoption agency had the history of her birth family documented as it was handed down through the years. It actually starts out pretty cool, thinking how adventurous her great-grandparents were. Although she was adopted from China her family was from Tibet. Her great-grandparents left Tibet when the Dali Lama went into exile. They knew it was going to be dangerous especially being pregnant but they had to try to make it over the Himalayas to India. Naturally there is no way to prove the story, but the story that has been handed down is that although many people died, she was protected by the seti who, on occasion, actually took her into caves and laid around her keeping her warm with their fur. Then bringing her back the next morning. They eventually made it to India leaving behind everything they had ever known, but nothing could have prepared them for the life of poverty they experienced. They found work wherever possible. Some days they only had one meal and alot of times that was just enough to feed their daughter. As her grandmother grew up she learned she could use her beauty to her advantage. She could at least have a hot meal and a warm place to sleep. Needless to say she got pregnant at age fifteen. When her mother was two years old a couple of men came through town promising a better life in Hong Kong. Her grandmother, seeing no future where she was, packed up her mother and went in search of a better life. With all their glamourous promises, the life these men were offering was no different than what she had, just men with more money, and fancier gifts. Having nowhere to go, her grandmother was stuck in this lifestyle, and unfortunately because of her lack of education her mother had no choice but to live the prostitution lifestyle as well. In 1994 when her mother ended up pregnant she vowed not to raise her kid like that so she put Mei Li up for adoption.

Mei Li is grateful for the life she has, and to her birth mother for not making her grow up like that, but still she has that disconnected feeling. That longing of wanting to know her past. For now she has made her own vow. To do the best she can, go to college, and become an ambassador to China. She will make sure her own children know their heritage.