Random Ponderings

The Final Days of Disney...

2013-10-09T21:13:00.000-05:00

Sorry this is so late, folks. Friday and Saturday night, I was just exhausted. And Saturday night, once I got “home”, it was much later than usual, and I still had to pack, which was an act of Congress ratified by God. And on Sunday, once I got home to Sherman at 2:00pm, I went to bed and slept 17 hours straight. Only 1 ½ hour of sleep the night before. So here it is, Tuesday evening, and you probably won’t see this until Wednesday evening.

Friday, the 4th, David and I, and Luke, resumed the exploration of EPCOT, but not before a drive through tour of Celebration. Celebration is a self contained community owned by Disney. It has its own school system, hospital, theater, churches, and town hall. And some of the most beautiful homes and estates you have laid your eyes on. Keep in mind the community aspect, I’ll mention it again in a moment.

EPCOT has gone through many changes over the many years since my last visit, primarily Future World. Some good...some not so good. For those not in the know of what EPCOT is, let me give you some history. It was conceived in Walt Disney’s mind about the same time he created his vision for Walt Disney World in Florida. Originally, what is now called the Magic Kingdom was Disney World…that’s all that existed, in addition to a few hotels, (Contemporary, Polynesian, The Disney Inn), Fort Wilderness Campgrounds, and a Golf Course. Walt died in 1966 before ground breaking of Disney World began. His legacy did not die, for his brother, Roy Disney, and a team of Imagineers, continued the work.

EPCOT is an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. It opened in 1982. It was conceived by Walt Disney to "take its cue from the new ideas and new technologies that are now emerging from the creative centers of American industry." I believe Walt Disney envisioned a community that would work together to create technologies and usher in a “future world”, one that existed only in our imaginations. It was practical and pragmatic.

As it became a reality, EPCOT manifested as an actual theme park, the one we know today. I don’t think what came to be was exactly what Walt had in mind. I could be wrong. And it’s not that I don’t enjoy the park. I just think Disney post Walt mortem kind of missed the mark here. Only a few aspects of the park are “experimental”. The greenhouse nurseries at the Land Pavilion somewhat use cutting edge technology to bring about new breakthroughs in agriculture. The aquarium section of The Seas also fit’s the experimental bill. Innoventions have interactive displays that are educational. But all in all, EPCOT is a theme park that provides edutainment and inspiration, (and a few thrills). Which is not a bad thing. In fact it’s a good thing, and I appreciate it and enjoy that aspect very much. It’s just different from the original vision.

The community aspect is manifested in the World Showcase section, where all the countries come together to show their cultures. I actually like World Showcase a bit more than Future World. But the community aspect again is different than what I believe Walt had in mind. I mentioned visiting Celebration earlier. I believe that is a better example of what the community aspect of EPCOT is supposed to be about. From what I understand, a lot of Disney cast members/staff live there. The idea that you work so close to where you work and co-operate in a community and work environment. I believe that was what Walt had more in mind.

Now, I want to say that I enjoyed the park thoroughly. This is not meant to be a slam at all. EPCOT is fun, and I’ve always enjoyed it. I just think they need to create an EPCOT Beta, or 2.0, that more identifies itself with Walt’s original vision.

I finished all the pavilions in Future World, riding for the first time Test Track, Soarin’, and Mission Space. Test Track was a bit lame. Think cars that are being tested out on crash test courses and for performance and safety tests. The only really thrilling part was when you exit to the outside to travel at higher speeds, but the real thrill were the banked curves. The speeds and brake/skid tests were not all that different from my everyday driving! But overall, it was probably an improvement over the World of Motion, which it replaced in the late 90’s.

Also saw Captain E/O, starring Michael Jackson, directed by Francis Ford Copolla, and produced by George Lucas. This 3D show and musical was revived after the death of Michael Jackson. Say what you will about the King of Pop and his controversies of the 90’s, he was an entertainer extraordinaire. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this again.

Mid afternoon David had to leave for business, so I got to explore World Showcase by myself. First stop - lunch at the Mexico pavilion. The central feature of Mexico is an ancient Mayan style pyramid. Go inside, and there is a faux outdoor setting, of a village courtyard overlooking a riverfront, with another pyramid and active volcano in the background. The restaurant seating overlooks this innovative background. Quite the ambience. There is an attraction ride that is in the pyramid as well. A boat ride called Gran Fiesta Tour, starring The Three Caballeros. (Donald Duck, Jose, and Panchito) Short and fun, it’s an all Latin version of It’s a Small World.

After lunch, I began visiting some of the Food and Wine Festival Booths. First stop - Morocco. Had a Kefta pocket, (ground seasoned beef in a pita pocket), baklava, and a Casa Beer. From there, on to Japan. Had a spicy hand roll, (sushi), and a Sake. Not a big fan off the Sake. Next, Germany. The line to their booth was about 30 minutes long. So I went to their snack counter service restaurant instead. Had a bratwurst with sauerkraut, potato salad, and a grapefruit beer. Very tasty. After all of this, I was stuffed. The most I have eaten in a prolonged one hour sitting in over 3 months.

At around 9:30, David rejoined me, and we settled in to watch IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, EPCOT’s nightly fireworks and light show. This is a not to miss spectacle.

The next day, my final day in the parks, David and I go to the Magic Kingdom. As a kid, we always began and finished with the Magic Kingdom. Started off with the Adventureland Jungle Cruise. This was closed for refurbishing earlier in the week, and luckily, reopened on this day. A fresh coat of paint everywhere. You ride this ride primarily for the antics of the tour guide/boat captain, not the ride itself. Still a fun ride.

Basically a day for re-rides, and to fulfill some requirements given to me by Tinkerbell, who gave me a handful of Pixie Dust before I left on my trip.

I had to get a Dole-Whip, essentially pineapple flavored soft serve. Delish!

I had to get some Mickey Ears, as shown modeled in this re-created photo…

And I had to stop by the Confectionary, to indulge a sweet tooth. Six pieces of Peanut butter Fudge for me!

Rode Space Mountain three times, so I could time this perfect shot...

Also saw Wishes for a first time, The Magic Kingdom’s very inspiring Fireworks extravaganza, complete with Tinkerbell flying from the castle. Sorry folks, no pics for this. I’m sure you can YouTube it to get a good video.

My favorite part of the Magic Kingdom? Oddly enough, it’s Main Street USA. Walt Disney modeled this after his hometown of Marceline, Missouri, which to this day still has it’s turn of the 20th century charm. I love the gift shops and the old town feel. And at night, it gets a special dose of magic as the lights come on. With Cinderella Castle as the backdrop, and the fairy lights in the Plaza trees, you don’t get much more of a magical ambience than this.

Made it home (David’s home, that is) around 1:30, and spent another hour and a half packing. Couldn’t sleep, finally conked out around 4:00am, and woke up at 5:30am to get ready to catch an 8:25am flight back home.

Let me interject here that this trip would not be possible without the hospitality of David Mullings, and his wife, Kathryn. (and their kiddos, Luke and Liam.) Not only did they give me a roof to sleep under, which allowed me to save hotel fare, which would have more than doubled what I spent on this trip; but I got to develop lifelong friendships. I can honestly say that means more to me than the parks and thrills, which definitely ranks on up there.

What was my favorite part of the parks? So hard to say. Really, I can’t narrow it down. Re-experiencing the Magic of The Magic Kingdom, visiting the many countries of World Showcase at EPCOT, the Hollywood streets of Disney Hollywood Studios. (Star Tours, Tower of Terror, and Aerosmith’s Rockin’ Roller Coaster were my favorites here, as well as Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream), and the lusciousness of Animal Kingdom---all of these had special things to offer to the overall experience. Not to mention the two days spent at Universal Studios. Harry Potter, Transformers, The Incredible Hulk, all great rides.
Two, maybe three attractions at Disney really had a subtle affect on me. The American Adventure, at the America pavilion at World Showcase at EPCOT, and The Hall of Presidents, at Liberty Square, at The Magic Kingdom, really stirred up my spirit in regards to the opportunities we have in this great land of ours. So many opportunities that we… no, that I, squander. Add to that the message of Spaceship Earth, the progress of humanity over time, and the progress that looms before us in the opportunities we have. Both of these ideas made me think about my potential, our potential. If the vision of Disney is anything, it is this, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” and “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” and “All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” And I can’t help but think that was his intention as he designed and visioneered these parks, and those that followed in his legacy.

Many of you know and have followed that I have made some changes in my life recently, specifically, this summer. So these lessons are not lost on me, as I continue to pursue opportunities laid before me and to continue making some more changes. I firmly believe that in order to live, change must take place; otherwise, you stagnate and die. I hope that any growth that anyone has witnessed in my life would encourage them even in the slightest. Many have cheered me on in my weight loss goals, and in pursuing this vacation, and for that, I thank you. I hope all reading this would have the same success in the pursuit of their goals, and at some point in their life, the experience of the magic of Disney as well.

I have one more shout out…Thanks Kim, er, I mean, Tinkerbell, for the Pixie Dust. It made all the difference in the World!

Even wetter!...

2013-10-03T18:30:00.002-05:00

Greetings Y'all...

Today I flew solo again, this time at Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando. IoA is more of a theme park than Universal Studios. There are 5, actually 6, Islands that each have their own theme. Marvel Super Hero Island, (I think it's kinda funny that Disney probably makes some money off of this one nowadays...), Toon Lagoon, (Think funny papers and comic strips from the newspaper, plus old time favorites Dudley DooRight, Popeye, and Betty Boop...), Jurassic Park, (yes, after the movie...), Seuss Landing, (Grinch and Cat in the Hat, plus other Dr. Seuss classics...), The Lost Continent, (which really should stay lost...), and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, (Which, let's face it, everybody comes here for this, all the others, save maybe The Incredible Hulk and Spiderman, are just icing on the cake.) IoA is top notch when it comes to thrill rides, children's areas, and the aforementioned Harry Potter section, which will soon get its own expansion, a Hogwarts express train that takes you to Diagon Alley, located at Universal Studios next door. (It would require a park hopper pass in order to participate in this expansion.) The park's customer service, however, in my opinion, leaves a little something to be desired, even when compared to its sister park, Universal Studios, and especially when compared to any Disney park.

This is not to say I didn't have a good time. It was wonderful! I just had a few instances in which the attendants were not that attentive. Made me think about my own customer service at where I work, and how I could improve.

Through the gates I immediately made a dash for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, specifically Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This truly is the pinnacle of theme park rides. A combination of a flying bench, (a seating system sitting on an arm that moves and swivels in all directions, and travels down a track.) Audio-animatronics, (not quite the quality of Disney's A-A, but still excellent), and a wrap around macro projection system, the rides simulates a full range of motion. The sensation of flying and diving and dodging and climbing and just being out of control, while still being "in control", is beyond words. Again, like on the Transformers, I just surrendered to the imposed reality. On the ride, you are chased by Dragons, attacked by spiders and The Whomping Willow, participate in a Quiditch Match, and terrorized by Dementors. All the while helping Ron and Harry. I believe we were supposed to be helping out on a quest or something, but I was so lost in the effects and the experience, that whatever the quest was took a backburner. You would think after three back to back to back rides, I would've paid attention to that minor detail...

The one slightly disappointing thing about WWoHP...Hogsmeade Village was not a large as I had envisioned it. Still, very cool. Hogwart's WAS much more impressive than I envisioned it. Nice tradeoff.

After HPatFJ, I had myself a frozen Butter-beer. Don't know all the details of the recipe, it tasted great, like Cream Soda Slush, with a creamy head. Check that one off the bucket list!

The Incredible Hulk

Other great rides: Dragon Challenge, Jurrasic Park River Adventure, The Incredible Hulk, (very discombobulated after this one, The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man, and Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges. Did I mention that I got wet on this one? I got so wet, my wetness got wet. Soaked! Down through my underwear and one dollar bills. I'm surprised my iPhone and iPod survived the deluge. This ride is basically a roaring rapids ride, but I do believe it is maxed out for maximum wetness. It was my last ride of the day, because honestly, you just don't feel like doing much when you're so wet that parts squeak that shouldn't squeak...

Made it home to David's around 5:30, a very early day ending, but for some very much needed downtime. Tomorrow... more EPCOT and a drive through of Celebration.

Getting a bit wet...

2013-10-03T00:07:00.000-05:00

Today we got off to a later start, visiting first Blizzard Beach, one of Disney's two water parks. Blizzard Beach is known best for one ride...Summit Plummet.

This is a wedgie making monstrosity. I kinda sorta blacked out halfway down the thing. Don't remember a thing except a mouthful of water. I survived it, but was quite ready to venture on to EPCOT once I "conquered" it.

EPCOT was great, did about half the rides in Future World, and walked the circle of countries at World Showcase. The International Food and Wine festival is going on, so I got to partake of a few offerings from several different countries. Today I tried Argentina, Mexico, Barley and Hops, and a sampling of different cheeses. Friday I will give some more a try.

Highlight at the parks: The American Adventure. This film and Audio Animatronic performance is a moving history of the origin of our country, and its journey throughout the years. I'm not the most patriotic person in the world, but this one definitely rekindled an appreciation for my American herritage. The show prompted much positive discussion between David and myself. Every American needs to see it.

Throughout the day, I got to play various Rush songs from my iPod to David, while driving from place to place. I was pointing out some of the songs in which you can audibly discern a Reggae influence, (such as Spirit of Radio, and Vital Signs.) I was delighted to see from him a sincere appreciation for the music that thrills my soul. I would be able to do the same later this evening, as we visited Bob Marley's at CityWalk, Universal Orlando. Bob Marley's is a reggae venue, featuring a live band. Had a few Red Stripes, (sorry, my Baptist brethren, get over it...), and chilled for about two hours, listening to the jaunty vibe of various reggae offerings by the house band, Mystik NRG. David is a regular, so he was called out in welcome by the MC, as well myself, as "Scot from Texis" (said in the thickest of Jamacian accents)...it's all good...;)

Overall, a very fun day. Tomorrow, a big one...Universal Orlando, Islands of Adventure...which means The Wizzarding World of Harry Potter!

A Short One?...

2013-10-01T23:42:00.001-05:00

Short post today, I think...

Today, I visited Universal Studios. I must state upfront...Universal Studios has its own kind of magic. It's not Disney magic, nor does it need to be. It holds its own. This is not a slam toward UO...I'm just stating it's different from Disney in its own way.

The rides are a bit more cutting edge, and a good few of them are longer in duration. Which is a relief. After standing in line for 45 minutes (disclaimer---I stood in no line longer than 15 minutes today), you want a bit more length to the ride than 3-5 minutes.

The Transformers was by far my most favoritist (sic) ride today. I released myself to the ride technology, and experienced absolute crazy magic. Free-falling, being slammed around by Decepticons, bombs blowing up in your face...it was all too real. This was some of the most amazing ride technology ever used. I'm not the biggest fan of the movies, but the ride does so much more for you than the movie. You're smack dab in the middle of it all. Rode it three times.

Rip Ride Rockit coaster was the first thing I rode. Scariest roller coaster I've ever been on. I rode it once, which was enough for me. Next visit, maybe more, but I got my fix in this time around...

The Mummy was another roller coaster that was just nuts. Totally in the dark, with special effects themed by Brenden Frazier's The Mummy movies, I came out of my seat more than once. Literally. Zero Gs. Rode it twice.

Terminator 3D was fun, but there were other show/simulator/rides that take it up a notch or two.. The Simpsons, being one of them, was amazing, with a simulation experience similar to Star Tours at Disney. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem was crazy fun, and Shrek 4D was great as well. Lots of ride innovation in this place. Can't wait for Islands of Adventure, especially The Wizzarding World of Harry Potter.

I experienced the entire park today solo. My friend, David was wheelin' and dealin' at his job, and evidently had a busy and productive day. After the park I got to watch him and Cezar play pick up football,...I mean soccer,...no I mean football, and they tore it up in victory. Great fun!

Tomorrow shall be Blizzard Beach water park, and then EPCOT. in the afternoon, where I will experience some international cuisine at The International Food and Wine Festival.

Reconnect

2013-09-30T21:19:00.000-05:00

Sunday we would be exploring Animal Kingdom, which would be an entirely new park for me. Once we entered the park gates, I was immediately taken aback by the lushness of the place. Green canopy everywhere. The Disney magic that finds itself in running streams, waterfalls, spraying mists, and the the theming in Africa, Asia, The Tree of Life, and Dinoland USA.

We made a b-line to Asia, to immediately ride Expedition Everest. Such an awesome ride. Riding backwards in pitch blackness, and a double 360 banking curve just makes the ride awesome! Plus nearly getting your head decapitated by The Yeti. I rode twice in a row, and got fastpasses for riding later.

Then to Kilamanjaro safaris, where we get to see the animals pretty close up. The previous day, one of the safari trucks was actually charged and rammed by a white rhino...I think that would be a bit more realism than I would want in my ride. Nonetheless, a great ride with more Disney magic.

Two of the attractions that I appreciated much more than I thought I would was The Festival of the Lion King, and Little Nemo. Lion King was more a collection of music from the film, along with acrobats and other circus like performers. Nemo was a stage adaptation of the Pixar film, done creatively with fish puppets and their controllers who sung their parts. Both were excellently performed, and brought that ever present lump in the throat.

The previous day I got a text from a good friend, John Delk, who noticed my postings to Facebook earlier that I would be in Orlando. He had a 3:30 arrival on Sunday, he had work at Cocoa Beach. So, we decided to meet for dinner at Crossroads at House of Blues. It was great to reconnect and catch up with a good friend that I had not seen in over 20 years. It was also great to see how a good friend has turned out to be a man who loves his family and has given much to be a part of their lives. It was just one of those chance happenings that brought us together in Orlando at the same time. (John is the guy for introducing me to the band Rush, of which I am quite the fan, if you haven't already discerned that by now.)

Today David and I got to explore Disney Hollywood Studios. I really didn't know what to expect. I was in awe at the theming, once again. You enter a replica of the streets of Hollywood, with the charm of the palm trees, neon lights, bright colors, and snazzy storefronts that puts you right down smack in the the center of Hollywood, California. David and I head immediately for Hollywood Tower of Terror and Aerosmith's Rock 'n Roller Coasters. Two top notch theme rides, again, with theming that is pure Disney magic.

Next was the Backlot tour, of which David and I were chosen as volunteers as actors in some of the water stunt show...another guy was the mechanic, I was the captain, and David was the panicking first mate. As water explosions from bullets, torpedos, and bombs are going of all around us, we're supposed to be acting out certain actions to complement the scene. Even this veteran church drama ministry performer probably looked llike a complete goofball, with wave after wave of explosions and water deluging me. luckily, we had rainsuits on. But we still got pretty darn wet. But it was great fun!

Star Tours was next, and this fanboy can honestly say this was his favorite ride. We rode this twice, and our adventures took our 3D motion simulator to the Wookiee planet Kashyk, an asteroid field surrounding the Death Star, a confrontation with Boba Fett in his ship Slave 1, the podraces on Tatooine, and the underwater planet core of Naboo. The motion simulation, along with the very realistic 3D special effects, blew me away. Simply amazing!

We finished the day out with One Man's Dream, the historical story of Walt Disney and his accomplishments. The man's vision was extraordinary. He, like so many other great men and women, had many setbacks that took him to the bottom. Yet he rose again. I know of no other more creative individual. He is one of my greatest heroes.

We did much more throughout the day, this was just a small sampling. Lunch was at the Sci Fi Dine In, which has tables in the style of cars parked in a drive in movie theater, dining while you watch the cheesiest B-movie Sci Fi movie trailers. Interesting atmosphere to say the least.


The SCiFi Dine In

Tomorrow, I shall be exploring Universal Studios at Universal Orlando. More first time experiences!

Reunite

2013-09-29T20:51:00.000-05:00

So, have some catching up to do regarding the day to day activities of my adventure thus far.

Friday, once arriving at Orlando airport, I immediately get lost. Luckily, David finds me quickly. Our first meeting face to face ensues, but in some ways, it felt to me like we were just long lost friends reconnecting after many years. He begins to show me the ins and outs of Orlando. But one of the first things we do? Stop at a Wal Mart...can't seem to escape the place! After picking up a few sundry items, he takes me to his home, where I meet Kathryn, his wife, and Liam, their newborn. Luke, their 20 month old, was down for naptime. From there, David drives me through some of the snazzier neighborhoods, where the likes of Shaquelle O'Neal and Tiger Woods live. These are some of the nicest homes I've seen. We show up at his office where he has some business to attend to. But he has a surprise for me. Cezar Cunningham shows up, and I get to meet him face to face! (Cezar is a Jamaican reggae artist and actor and all around artist/businessman who is close to the Mullings family. I have purchased some of his music and I work out to him on a regular basis.) It was such an honor to meet him.

After this we go to Downtown Disney, for dinner at Paradiso 37, a restaurant that features food from the Americas - North, Central and South. I had beef enchiladas and a Sangarita, (Sangria and Margarita), David has Mahi Mahi Sliders. Delicious food. Downtown Disney was a first for me, and I loved the Disney Magic displayed in the multiple restaurants, stores, street musicians, arcades, and entertainment venues. From its own Cirque de Soliel, La Nouba, to Splitsville, a multi-level bowling alley and restaurant, to its own Lego Store, and a Harley Davidson store, this place has a vibe that is truly unique.

The next day we went to our first park, The Magic Kingdom. One of my favorite rides is a ride that's not inside any theme park. The Monorail! We ride over via express right through The Contemporary Resort, disembark, and prepare to enter. I began preparing myself, for I knew I was going to be a bit emotional on my return after 26 years. We walk under the tunnel that goes under the train station, and enter Main Street USA, Sure enough, I get a heavy lump in my throat. No tears, just overwhelming emotional release of being reunited to an old "friend".

I quickly make my way to the end of Main Street to The Crystal Palace, where I have a reservation that I'm late for. Well, sort of. Turns out I made the reservation on the wrong day. So they cancel that one, and quickly seat me for an all you can eat breakfast buffet. The Crystal Palace is also the home to a character breakfast with Winnie the Pooh and friends. Winnie, Piglet, Tigger, and Eyore make the rounds from table to table, posing for pics and hamming it up with guests. Piglet stops by my table to shake my hand. Sorry folks, no pics. I blew it, I know. (sorry Kim...) The breakfast was wonderful, and I love the Victorian theming of the 20th century setting.

I catch up with David, Kathryn and the boys, and we begin the rides. Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (twice for me), Splash Mountain, Country Bear Jamboree, The Haunted Mansion, It's a Small World, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan's Flight, Stitch's Great Escape, Monster's Inc.'s Laugh Floor, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, The People Mover, Carrousel of Progress, Mickey's Philharmagic, The Tea Cups, Tomorrowland Speedway, the Train, and we witness the last half of the Main Street Electrical Parade. We decide to call it a night, so David and I catch part of Wishes, the spectacular Fireworks show, from the ferry over the Seven Seas Lagoon. Then we hop on a tram to our parking lot, Simba 20, and find our way home after a very tiring, but lively and emotional day.

Splash Mountain, Stitch's Great Escape, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Monster's Inc Laugh Floor, and Mickey's Philharmagic were all new rides for me. Have to say I love Splash Mountain. Got soaked. It's just part of the experience you can't avoid. Also love Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, The Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain...I love it all, but some of them I'm a bit more endeared to.

David's Kermit the Frog Mickey Ears drew a lot of attention, as well did Luke his 18 month old, who was flirting with all the ladies.

So, tomorrow I will highlight today and tomorrows activities. This tired boy's going to bed.

David and Me, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Brothers From Different Mothers

2013-09-28T22:43:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, I have embarked on a venture to the World of the Mouse in Orlando, Fl. If you are reading this, it means I have arrived safely, and am preparing for the next day's first excursion into The Magic Kingdom. My 26 ½ years wait is over.

As promised, I will reveal to you some of the other reasons this is a special trip for me. I am staying with my good friend David Mullings. He and his family have graciously offered their hospitality to me. Even more special is that this will be our first meeting face to face. David and I have developed a great friendship over Facebook for the past 6 years.

The means of which we met is really kind of a fluke. Here’s the story…
In October of 2007, I began a Facebook account, mainly because MySpace was getting kind of silly. In those days, Facebook wasn’t as popular as it is today, and it was mostly inhabited by college students and young professionals. My good friend Dana Kermanian nudged me to join. So I gave in, and soon began building my profile.

At that time there was a Facebook App called Causes, which was a means to identify with other likeminded folks and rally behind and contribute to various causes on Facebook. I was a big fan of Bono’s charity called ONE, so I searched it out. I found it, (or at least I thought I did) and I immediately joined it. I was very enthusiastic about it. I began inviting many friends to it, and even donated around $25.00 to it. I requested to be friends with its administrators, Kathryn and David Mullings, and they quickly responded in kind.

(Now, it turns out that this was not the official worldwide organization charity ONE…it was a local Miami chapter. And it clearly stated that information. I’m still wondering how Kathryn responded when she saw my donation and note that said something along the lines of, “I plan on making ONE my primary cause to donate to…” Probably thought, ‘Silly Redneck from Texas.’ I noticed my error in my ways about a month later. It’s never come up in conversation. )

I began reading David’s posts and links and blogs on a regular basis, and thought him to be very fascinating and thought-provoking. I began corresponding with him, and he always answered my questions and was always encouraging. This has gone on for the almost six years we’ve known each other on Facebook. He is quite business savvy, and has a heart of gold when it comes to raising up leaders in the ranks of the young people of Jamaica. (David has dual citizenship with Jamaica. He bleeds both red, white and blue, and green, gold , black.) His ambitions in making a difference in the world, and his devotion to his family, have inspired me to the core. I have learned so much from him, he has widened my perspective. I am 12 years his senior, but I truly consider him a mentor.

So, on that note, not only am I taking this adventure to a place I’ve been longing to return to for the past 26 years, I also get the pleasure of meeting a dear friend face to face. Some friends have jokingly chided me, “Scott, what if he is a serial killer?” My response, he doesn’t fit the profile, unless of course, the profile of a serial killer has been updated to include men of integrity.

Here’s to 9 ½ days of adventure in the World of the Mouse, and exploring friendship’s new journey.

Shooting up Aliens on Buzz Lightyear...

Onward to Disney

2013-09-26T21:17:00.001-05:00

So, as many of you are quite aware of, on September 27th, I depart to Orlando, Florida for a little adventure. Obviously, I’m very excited. Like a 6 year old on Christmas Eve. There are so many reasons why this particular trip means so much to me.

Disneyland, 1973, age 4............

As a child, my family used to go to either Disneyland in Anaheim, California, or to Walt Disney World, in Orlando, Florida. Religiously. My parents loved the Land/World of the Mouse just as much as I did. I recall, mainly from photos, my sister, Debbie, going with us a few times, before she went off to college. But thereafter, it was my mom, dad, and myself taking a two or three day journey to either side of the country, either during Spring Break or Summer Vacation. On one trip, we went to both. Yep. Got to Disneyland, and found out the Haunted Mansion, our family favorite ride, was closed. Bummer. After two days, dad said, Ok, let’s go to Disney World. So, during the energy crisis of 1977, (or whenever, I just know the energy crisis was during that trip,) we drove all the way across the southern US, from California to Florida. In about 3 days. Straight. No motels. Mom and Dad took shifts driving. We were road warriors. But we got to ride the Haunted Mansion, darnit!

Some times our trips included excursions to other parts of the country, too. Like driving through Colorado and Wyoming, stopping at Yellowstone, then through Montana to Washington State, down the coast through Oregon and California, driving through the Redwood Forrest, onward to Anaheim. Or through New Mexico and Arizona, stopping at Carlsbad Caverns and the Grand Canyon. Or up through the Midwest states to Ohio, (where my dad was from), then up to Niagra Falls in New York/Canada, and then down the East coast to Orlando. However, most of our trips were to Orlando, by the Gulf states route, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, then of course, Florida. I’ve been to just about everything that makes America - America. I’ve been to every state in the country, except Alaska and Hawaii. My parents have been to Hawaii. Someday I will venture to those places, as well.

It’s been 26 years since I’ve been to Disney World. It was my Senior year, Spring Break of 1987. I was just one month shy of 18. Even as an eighteen year old, I could completely give in to the Disney magic. My parents probably didn’t think I was, but I was sold out to it. I felt equally at home on Space Mountain and It’s A Small World, or Spaceship Earth, or Journey into The Imagination. I loved it all. The previous year, my junior year, the high school band went to Disney World. With only a day and a half, we were kind of rushed. And when you get in a small group of adrenaline buzzed teens, you’re kind of pulled in all directions. It was fun still, but not the same experience I had with my folks. Spring Break that same year my folks and I went to Disneyland, to change it up a bit. We had been to Disney World for the past three years. One of the dual coast years for me.

EPCOT 1985, age 15 Not completely given in to the Disney magic in this pic…........

In those days, at Disney World, there was no Disney Hollywood Studios, (originally called Disney-MGM Studios, it was being built.) Animal Kingdom was still a glimmer in some imagineer’s eye. Nor were the water parks Typhoon Lagoon, or Blizzard Beach in existence. ( There was a small water park called River country, which is now closed and stands in ruins.) The Grand Floridian, Disney’s flagship hotel, was just a skeleton of scaffolding and cranes, as I recall riding by on the monorail. The Swan and Dolphin Hotels were also being constructed. Eighty-five percent of the now 27 hotels had not yet been built. Downtown Disney existed in a different form, not near the shopping entertaining district it is today. The ESPN Sports Complex was also in its early phases, and The Richard Petty Driving Experience had yet to be conceived, as well. Fort Wilderness Campgrounds were there, and The Disney Inn (now Shades of Green), and its golf courses were there. But the overall mousetropolis that is Disney World today was only in its adolescent years.

At eighteen, I started college and got a job. Vacation time for the job was non existent. If I had chosen to take a vacation, when I had returned, I probably would not have a job. So for the next few years, Disney was a non-existent idea. Then the busy-ness of life took over, and any hope for a special vacation got put on a back burner. It wasn’t until around 2000 before I even had any notion of trying to take a trip to Florida. By that time, mom had passed away, and dad’s health was such that in his mind, Disney World was out of the question. I tried organizing trips with a few friends once or twice. But when the reality hit them that this was not going to be in the price range of a trip to Six Flags, they balked.

I say all of that to say this…I have a lot of catching up to do! I’ll miss the older attractions that are no longer there, ( like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride,) but will welcome the new favorites, like Splash Mountain, (hardly “new”) and the expanded Fantasy Land. Plus the two parks I haven’t even stepped into yet. And don’t forget Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando. And The Wizzarding World of Harry Potter! Half of my friends at Wall Mart want to stowaway in my luggage so they can go to Wizzarding World!

(On a side note, one of the reasons for my recent weight loss efforts is a practical one. The main attraction at Wizzarding World, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, is a wild ride in which you are seated in a bench that’s placed on a huge animatronic arm that moves on a track, and can also move in all directions. A safety harness is placed over you, and it must tighten to three clicks, or supposedly they won’t let you ride. How true this is, I don’t know, but I read an article of a heavy set fellow who only made it to one click, so he vowed he would return to ride again after he lost the pounds. That was his motivation for his weight loss journey. I decided I would beat them to the punch. I’m going for three clicks, first time around, baby!)

I have a lot of fond memories of Disney, but this photo takes the cake:

This was back in the day when Mickey’s appearances were RARE. Especially walking down Main Street USA upon park opening. We were in the right place at the right time. Now days, the characters have meet and greet locations throughout all four parks. It’s a bit easier to get your pic with the Big Cheese.

I’m gonna wrap this post up, but stay tuned for follow ups. I’m planning on blogging every night on the trip, even just a few short sentences and a few pics. One last thing. I will be staying with a good friend, who lives in Orlando. And I believe that subject requires a post to itself. So stay tuned till next time…

A SuperNatural Force

2013-05-02T23:50:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite is by playwright George Bernard Shaw:

"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy."

I like the idea of being a force of Nature. Something to be reckoned with. An influence. But I'm even more intrigued by being a SuperNatural Force. Supernatural means above nature. In other words, in the realm of the spiritual.

Going back to physics class, which I sucked at, force equals mass times acceleration, or f=ma. Breaking this down a bit, force = mass (a measurement of matter, or substance) X acceleration (change in velocity or direction over a period of time). Further looking at acceleration, we could explain it as your movement, or growth, in a particular direction, over a period of time. We can also explain, mass, or rather substance, as your character. The substance of who you are, what you are made of.

So, your personal Force is equivalent to your character X growth in a positive direction over time.

In looking at growth, let's think of the idea of continuous improvement. The Japanese industrialists, after World War II, developed a growth strategy that was based on making incremental steps of progress that build on each previous success. They called this strategy/philosophy Kaizen, which translates to Continuous Improvement. Our idea of growth should be of starting with small steps, and growing into larger steps over time, improving every step of the way.

Also, acceleration is a vector quality. Which means it is in a specific direction. A lot of people are moving in the wrong direction in life. Their life is characterized by, "a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy."
Self absorbed, self important, selfish people. There needs to be a change in direction from that kind of attitude. This change in direction is characterized by a change of attitude, a change of mind, a change of heart. In a word, this change means repentance. I have a previous blog post on that subject matter, you can review that. But this turning from sin and self, and turning to something else, or rather Someone else, that is, Jesus Christ, changes the entire nature of this force. The substance and character becomes that of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control.

In essence, you become a SuperNatural Force rather than just a force of nature, as powerful as that may be. You are then well equipped to be used for a Purpose recognized by yourself as being a mighty one.

That's much better than being a clod...I don't know what a clod is, anyway.

Enchant 'em...

2011-11-30T22:28:00.005-06:00

Two weeks ago, (oops!) I wrote about 'dem purple cows. And how it might be a good idea to become one. So exactly how do you go about doing that?

I think one of the ways you become remarkable, the essence of a purple cow, is that you learn how to enchant people. No, I'm not talking about witchcraft or the occult. I'm speaking of being able to engage your audience or customer or interviewer in such a way that they become positively in-tuned with you. It's part of the bedrock of influence and persuasion.

Guy Kawasaki writes in most recent book, Enchantment, speaks of two necessary qualities needed to enchant others. Likability and Trustworthiness. Said another way, Personality and Character. Style and Substance. Carnegie and Covey. (For you book lovers out there, that's a nod to How to Win Friends and Influence People, and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.) I mean, let's face it, shady jerks aren't in the enchantment business. Any remarks they gather aren't of the positive sort.

Next post I'll write a little bit about Likability. Maybe I'll learn something about it and be able to engage my zombie customers at the World of Wally in such a way that they won't eat me for dinner...

Grape Flavored Moo Juice

2011-11-16T20:01:00.004-06:00

Greetings, Space Fans, or Space Fan, whomever you are!

Recently I read an extraordinary book by a marketing expert by the name of Seth Godin, Purple Cow. The premise of the book is this: If you're driving through the countryside, and come across fields full of various cows, you know, brown cows, black and white cows, etc., at first you might think, 'Cool, cows!"...this would last about, let's say, 5 minutes. Then the invasion of cows would quickly lose your interest.

But, what happens if you come across a Purple Cow strategically placed within the throng...

Undoubtedly, you would have to make a remark.

"Wow, do you see that! How cool!"

"How did that cow change his color like that?"

"I want one!"

Someone might take out their cell phone and take a picture, and send it to a friend. Someone else might call a friend and say, "You won't believe what I am looking at while we speak..." Your kids might jump out of the car, jump the fence, and touch the cow. You would then have them pose for a family picture with this celebrity cow.

This cow would truly be REMARKable.

Seth says that to compete in today's market of mass produced products sold to the masses, it is a must that you design your product as a Purple Cow from the get go. Beginning in the design phase, not as an afterthought.

I could elaborate on this for hours, but here's my take away, and my send away...How can you make your life a purple cow? What can you do in your life that would make you REMARKable?
How could you stand out, be enchanting to others that you meet, in such a way that you are genuine and authentic, yet dynamic at the same time? I think this idea is especially helpful for those who are job hunting, or considering a career change. As well as those designing their personal brand.

This is my random pondering for this week. Until we meet again, next week...

Pax...

Resurfacing

2011-11-10T00:57:00.002-06:00

I've been gone for quite some time, I know. Part of the price I pay of not having internet at my apartment. You should see a regular post from me on Wednesday evenings or very early Thursday mornings.

I've been doing some serious research on a possible career change. I'm at the point to where I can barely tolerate the environment at my current place of employment. I know I possibly put myself at risk by making that public, but so be it. It's not like I'm being disloyal, or involved in under-handed dealings. Just being honest with where I'm at.

This career change could also be tied in with a move to another location as well. I think I need a change all around. Anyway, time will tell over the next few months.

Also a change, possibly , of where I worship. Some of you Parksiders might not like to hear that. Sorry. Nothing personal. But the distance is starting to take a toll financially.

Tune in next week....

Miracles in the Rain, part 2

2010-02-10T19:38:00.003-06:00

It was the first day of class, the spring semester of 1991. My business calculus class just let out, and I immediately had a business law class on the other side of the Texas A&M campus. Again, just as I departed the building, the sky pours down torrents of rain. I hesitate and go back in the building. Not good for the first day of class. Of course, I was without an umbrella.

Because of my most unfortunate dilemma, I did what most umbrella-less students would do in a downpour. I began to negotiate with God. And it went a little something like this…

“Okay, God, I uh, well, if you stop the rain, well then, I’ll go to church this Sunday…”

Now keep in mind, the ”going to church” ritual was not part of my routine at that part of my life. And I was not yet aware that bargaining with God was not the most mature of Christian practices.

The rain stopped, within seconds.

Oh-oh.

So, I trotted along to my class, and just moments before I got inside the entrance, it began to rain again. Just a few drops was all that I encountered.

I sat through my class, thinking, “What did I get myself into?” I had no intention of breaking my end of the deal, even though it was hastily made. Class ended, and I left the building, amongst a clamor of excited Corps men. “We just invaded Iraq! We’re at war!” (This was news that excited the average corpsman. It terrified me, for my best friend, Dwight, had just enlisted in the army, and had completed basic training. There was a good chance he might be shipped off to fight in the first Gulf war.)

The following Sunday, I went to church with my friend, Jeff Fitzhugh. Went to Sunday School and worship. I don’t remember much, other than it was a surprisingly enjoyable experience. The Sunday school lesson and the pastor’s sermon were very encouraging and comforting, considering the state of war that America was in. I’m sure there were folks attending because of the fear and uncertainty that they were experiencing because of the current events. I can rest in knowing that I was present because of my encounter with our God, who was making Himself more and more personal to me.

It would be nice to say that I was at church next Sunday, and the Sunday after that, and that I became a devout follower of Christ from that point on. I did not. It would be another two years before I started on that point of my journey. But, I consider this experience one of many bricks that my Lord used to build the foundation He was laying. A foolish seeker says a prayer, and God answered. Some would say coincidence, I say it was a divine encounter of the most subtle of sorts. It seems to be those small, insignificant encounters He uses to change hearts of the foolish.

Miracles in the Rain, Part 1 (New Material!!!!)

2008-07-30T15:49:00.002-05:00

On an early afternoon in the fall of 1990, I was about to leave the cafeteria at the commons on the Texas A&M campus. It was a fairly long walk to my dorm, then across campus to my next class. As soon as I stepped outside, the clouds sent forth a flood, comparable to the days of Noah. We didn’t stand a chance, instant drenching. Running for cover would do no good, for there was no cover that could protect us from the magnitude of this kind of deluge. So I kept walking. Five seconds latter, I could not get any wetter if I were fish food. Totally drenched.

About 5 minutes latter, a car pulled up next to me, the driver rolling down the passenger window and shouting, “Hey, do you need a ride?!”

How do you respond to that? I mean, what’s the point. I’m soaked, dude. A ride is not going to help at this point. One second after the flood started, maybe, but now, you’re a bit too late.

But, after a moments hesitation, something within led me to accept his kind but misguided offer. I got in, adding much moisture to the interior of his Monte Carlo. After he inquired to my destination, we were on our way.

I noticed he had a cross hanging from his rear view mirror, and a sticker of some sort with a pithy Christian saying on the dashboard. (Odd place for a sticker, but, oh well.) He also had one of those HUGE bibles on the seat next to him. He asked me, “Do you know who Michael W. Smith is? That’s him on the radio.” Oh, thanks dude. Haven’t a clue.

He didn’t say another word on the 2 minute drive.

We pulled up to my dorm, I got out and thanked him, He said goodbye, and that’s it. Never saw him again.

The rain let up. Great timing. I went inside my dorm and climbed 4 flights of stairs to the 4th floor. For a big boy, this takes some effort, and I’m winded after the third. As I was ascending, my thoughts started to gel. The cross, the sticker, the Bible. That guy was a Christian. And surprisingly, he was not a jerk. (Keep in mind, at this time in my life, I am in rebel mode. All things Christian were “the enemy” to my lifestyle.) In fact, he didn’t preach to me one bit. He served me. Hmmm. That’s what Christians do. They serve. Or at least they’re supposed to. This one got it right.

It was a God moment. At that point in time, my perspective on what Christians were all about did a 180. I began to see Christians and the church in a more positive light. It was a paradigm shift of the highest order.

I never saw that guy again. But I will see him again. One glorious day, I will have the opportunity to find him, and say, “Hey, do you remember that ride you gave to that random guy during the rain? Well, I’m Here because of you.”

His random act of kindness laid a major brick on the foundation of my faith.

So, never doubt your act of kindness. It may send someone on a new path.

2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2

Part Tres, Becoming a Member of Something Bigger than Myself

2008-07-30T00:15:00.002-05:00

Original MySpace blog posted February 21, 2008

That evening, at work, I "heard" God speak again. "Go to church on Sunday, Steve's church, Parkside, and join. Be baptized." I didn't wrestle with it at all, I was there the next Sunday, two days latter, and went forward during the invitation at the end of the sermon. Couldn't tell you what the sermon was about. But I knew what God was speaking to me. I said I didn't wrestle with it, maybe I did. For a moment, the Enemy was doing all he could to keep me back. There was a small civil war going on in my mind. But God won. I don't remember the walk forward to the altar, but I remember shaking Pastor Dennis' hand.

The following Sunday, I was baptized. And two weeks later, Steve was transferred to Peoria, Illinois through his job, so he could be closer to his daughter. His work here as a servant of God was done. He has since remarried and has two more kids. But I praise God because of the huge impact Steve had in my life.

I immediately got involved in the life of the church. Discipleship was very important to me. I wanted to learn how to be a disciple, or student, of Christ. I got involved in a bible study called Experiencing God, which taught me how to listen for God's voice more closely. Mike Dickson met with me one on one for about six months, encouraging and teaching me. I tried out different ministry roles, such as teaching 9th grade boys, or helping out in the boy's Royal Ambassador missions program. I was and still am involved in the Single's ministry. I also learned I had a knack for drama, and was involved in many parts and roles in our drama ministry. I even directed 2 Christmas pageants, no small thing for our church. But I was given the opportunity to try many things, and fail at many things, in order to find my place.

To back up a little bit, on March 20, 1994, I discerned God's call on my life to do something more for His Kingdom. I've never like the distinction between the laity and the clergy, because I feel we are all ministers, and the pastors are there to equip us for the work of the ministry. Nonetheless, I felt God was calling me to be involved at a pastoral level. To what extent, I did not, and still do not know. I feel a burden to plant churches, and neither of the traditional nor contemporary type. 1st century churches met in homes, without buildings, budgets, or huge staffs. The church was God's called out ones, gathering together to build each other up and to encourage one another in ministry. We are so far removed from that today, but that is a slice of the vision of what I discern God is calling me to do, to get back to a simpler model of being and doing church. I love Parkside, and that is where I am for now. But God has called me to keep my ear to His mouth and to be prepared to follow His lead.

There is much more I could write about "my" story. I hope my little story points to His story. It is that story that has the potential to turn a world upside down to being right-side up again. I hope my story might encourage your story to point to his story as well. God Bless.

My Story, Part 2

2008-07-29T14:53:00.002-05:00

Original MySpace Post on Thursday, February 21, 2008

I was AWOL from church for 7 years after that. But God found me on the campus of Texas A&M. That was a place where I found myself to be very insignificant. God had a mouthpiece by the name of Jeff Fitzhugh, a guy who lived in the room next to mine in my dorm. It was through Jeff that I began to see what a Christian looked like. One day Jeff used a phrase like, "I'm just trying to find out what God's will for my life is." That phrase got me thinking. God having a will for our life, or even my life? That was a concept that was just too big for my pagan mind to wrap itself around. But it got the ball rolling. Jeff was a wonderful example of a Christian servant, for whom I am very thankful I met. He had a profound impact on my life.

This would be the section that I would include the two "miracles in the rain" in my testimony, but because of space concerns, I will include them in my next blog.

I failed miserably at Texas A&M. Environmental Design was my major, which is the Aggie way of saying architecture. Since I was a little boy, I always wanted to be an architect. But at A&M, I discovered that I didn't cut the mustard when it came to the artistic side of design. I was very dejected when I saw my hopes go down the drain. Because of financial problems, I returned home feeling like a failure.

Upon returning home, I rekindled a friendship with a former co-worker, Steve Iafelice. He, too, just returned home, having gone through a divorce. But, he was rekindling his relationship with Jesus Christ. And that's what I saw, and that's what I wanted. I saw that he had every reason to feel like a failure and be dejected and depressed, despondent. But it was just the opposite. He had a peace while in the middle of the storm. He had joy and purpose, and that's what I wanted.

Over the next few months, Steve began to invest his life into mine. He asked me questions, and he answered mine. We studied the bible together. He shared the good news of Jesus Christ repeatedly with me, or at least, he shared the Christian life with me that was relevant to my everyday problems. We went to church a few times together. He was a member of Parkside Baptist Church. All of this took place between the months of August of 1991 to November of 1992.

On December 18, 1992, at !:40 pm, I was taking a walk in my neighborhood. And God began to talk to me. Now when I say God talked, I am not speaking of an audible voice. I am talking about a level of conviction of the heart and mind. But what I discerned God asking me was this: "Will you die for me?"

Some folks would interpret this as a physical death that He was asking of me. And maybe that is part of the request. But what I know He was asking me at that time was, "Would you deny yourself, take up your own cross, and follow me?" (Luke 9:23) I didn't even know of the verse at the time. But I knew the essence of it. God was asking me to crucify my Self, my sinful nature, (the beast within) by receiving His gift of forgiveness, and identifying with Him in His death. His death became my own. I no longer lived, but Christ would begin to live through me. It was a onetime event that led to a daily commitment of dying and surrendering to his life.

So, I said yes.

God was also asking, "Will you start doing things My way?" Would I turn from myself and selfishness, and turn to Him? Would I start living in His Kingdom, according to His purposes and ways? Again, I said yes. I said yes to everything God had to offer, because essentially I had nothing, and could do nothing apart from Him.

So, in the jargon of the church, that was the moment I was saved. The little prayer I said when I was 11 years old suddenly took on flesh. Or maybe, it was given life.

Next Week, Membership

My Story, Part One

2008-07-27T18:29:00.009-05:00

Original MySpace post on February 21, 2008

Sorry so late, about 3 months.
Ah, yes, where to begin .. .

When I was growing up, on Sundays my mom used to take me to Sunday School. For the most part, I hated it. I was a shy kid, and didn't have too many friends in my Sunday School classes. Hardly any , if none, of the kids in my Sunday School classes attended the elementary schools I went to. So I just didn't enjoy the Church thing because I was an outsider. I would go and participate in the activities, and somewhat learned the Bible stories, but even at a young age the idea of "love one another" didn't come across as too important, especially when you didn't feel the love from your classmates.

Looking back, my feelings now, and my perspective, is that I don't feel ill will toward any of them. Many of them have grown up to be fine, Godly Christian men and women, many of whom are my friends now. When we're teenagers, we can all be punks. We lived in a hormonal, peer-pressured jungle. It's a battleground for the mind when one is a teen, and sometimes, God's Kingdom loses out on that round. (All the more importance for an engaged children's and youth ministry, in my opinion.)

I digress. At the age of 11, my Sunday School teacher at the time, an older gentleman, of whose name at the moment eludes me, gathered all of us boys together, and asked a very important question. "How many of you boys want to go to Heaven?" ……. Well, duh, we all raised our hand. I knew there was a Heaven, and I knew there was a Hell, and I definitely didn't want to be roasting in eternity after I died. Our teacher then proceeded to tell us a very child friendly version of the Cross. When he wrapped it up he then said something along the lines of, "Now, bow your heads and repeat after me. Say this prayer, and mean it in your hearts." He then proceeded to lead us in a sinners prayer, something like this:
'Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, I believe that you died on the cross for my sins, please come into my heart and forgive my sins…Amen."

I really didn't understand the significance of what was happening to me at the moment. And no explanation of repentance was given. But, I do know that at that time I understood that Heaven was all about Jesus and the Cross. I knew that Jesus' death was very important, and central to getting our butts into heaven.

A few years passes, and I still disliked going to Sunday School. Mom took me to "Big" church a few times, and I thought that was kinda cool, but long and drawn out, and the preacher was boring. My understanding of the things of God were getting clearer, but I just didn't understand some of the stuff of the Bible. It just seemed so upside down.

My freshman year in high school was one of those fork in the road moments for me. I had a Sunday school teacher who seemed to give a darn about me, I remember he invited me to a few Sunday School events. I thought he was cool because of that, and I remember him to this day. (Thanks, Lee Terrell.) But for the most part I still didn't fit in. So, one Sunday I begged mom to not take me to Church. And she gave in. And the next Sunday, and the next, and the next. Soon, church was a thing of the past. Mom stopped going altogether, too. And I feel guilty about that to this day.

I do remember one guy, named Michael Howell, who tried to get me back to Sunday School. He made an effort to invite me back, told me that I was missed. That has forever made a mark on me. He was the only one, other than Mr. Terrell, who stepped to the plate and noticed that someone was missing. I'll always have an immense amount of respect for him because of that. We never became close friends or anything like that, probably never spoke another word after that for 4 years. But the memory remains.

Next Post, The College Years

Not Just a Ticket to Ride

2008-07-27T12:23:00.004-05:00

Original MySpace blog posted on Thursday, November 8, 2007

Hello!

So, did you think about the question I asked you two weeks ago? If you were to die tonight, and were standing before God Almighty, and He asked you, "Why should I allow you into my heaven?" how would you respond?

Some folks answer, "Well, I'm a good person. I've never done any really bad things, like stealing, or committed adultery. I've never killed anybody, like Jeffery Dahlmer."

Well, that's all fine and good, but the bible says in Isaiah 64:6 "We are all infected and impure with sin. They are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall ,and our sins sweep us away like the wind."

Maybe you would say, "Hey, I've done all these good things, like give to the Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity. I mow old widow Jones yard every week. And I help out every Thanksgiving with the homeless dinner."

Again, that's a good list of things, and you're to be commended. But God's Word says, "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it." Ephesians 2:8-9

Maybe you'll answer, "I've lived my life on my own terms. It's my life." Bold statement to be telling the Almighty. But the Almighty say's in His Word, "There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death." Proverbs 14:12

I say boldly, and with no apology, there is only one correct answer this question, (although its truth can be expressed in many ways.) The answer is simply, "My faith is in Christ alone. Because of Jesus Christ and what He has done for me, may I enter your Heaven."

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Have you had this experience in your life? Maybe as a young child or teenager? Or even an adult, but you've walked away from it, because you didn't understand, or wavered in your belief? Has there been a moment in your life where you were one on one with God, and you had that heart to heart talk with Him, recognizing that you were a sinner and you needed His forgiveness?

If you have, great! You can rest in our Fathers grace and continue to seek his direction in your life..

If not, do you want to. I'm here to help. Message me. I'll respond, as long as you're seriously seeking.

Next time, my story….

Something Heavenly!

2008-07-27T01:06:00.005-05:00

Original Blog posted on MySpace, Thursday October @5, 2007

Hello, back again. So, we're about to wrap up the acrostic. Let's recap.

F is for forgiveness. We can't have eternal life without God's forgiveness.

A is for available. God's forgiveness is available, but it's not automatic.

I is for impossible. It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven.

T is for Turn. We must turn from our sin and selfishness and turn to Christ and trust Him alone.

H is for Heaven.

Heaven is here, right now! Jesus said, "I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10b. Think about that! Is your life characterized by abundant life? Is your life characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control? The life that Jesus offers is. It's a life filled with hope, lived in the awareness of God on a moment by moment basis. It's not Pollyanna, pie in the sky naiveté, it accepts that bad things happen and struggles still takes place. But it acknowledges that God has resources available to deal with those challenges.

Heaven is also the Hereafter. Jesus also said, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself: that where I am, there you also may be." John 14:3 Jesus was telling this to His disciples just hours before His crucifixion, when they didn't have a clue about what was about to happen. Jesus dies, and is buried for 3 days, is resurrected, reveals Himself to the disciples, and for 40 days teaches them new things about the Kingdom of God. He then Ascends into heaven. Jesus is in heaven right now preparing a place for us. Exactly what all that entails I don't know, but what I do know is that we will feel at home in heaven.

Some folks have said they want no part of heaven because they feel it will be boring, sitting on a puffy white cloud with a harp, singing 24/7, eternally. Or they envision an eternal church service. But this is error. Heaven is described as a place where there is no sin, death, pain. And this has several implications.

Think for a moment your life as it is right now, but with the absence of sin. Not just in you, but in everyone you encounter. Think about it. No war, no jails, no prisons, no hospitals, at least not like we have them or how they're used today. No insane asylums, no drugs, no cemeteries, no funeral homes, no insurance dealers, no military, no OSHA, EPA, NAFTA, OPEC, or FDA. No United Nations. All the institutions of man that have been created to deal with the insufficiency of man to live here on earth in harmony with man will not be needed, for there will be no sin. This will be what it is like in heaven, and also in the new heaven and earth to come.

Heaven will be a place of learning. We will continue to learn the many aspects of life that we have not discovered while we were here in the now. You have heard that we only use 10% of or brains? Well, I believe that the other 90% will be awakened upon entering heaven.

We will be creative, and have more opportunities to use our creativeness. We will have sanctified imaginations, so the art we create will be pure, reflecting God's glory. We will still be entertained, for the entertainment will be stories that point to God and reveal the beauty of His character.

We will be explorers. We will explore the depths of the seas and the far reaches of the galaxy, even universe. We will not be as hampered by our physical limitations. Imagine diving into the ocean and swimming for hours underwater on one breath of air!

And this just scratches the surface……

A lot of what I just wrote are ideas I gleaned from a book entitled "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn. I suggest you go buy it, or borrow it, and devour it, for it clears up a lot of bad ideas we have about heaven, and gives us some good ideas that are more freeing, yet bible based. I can't do it justice here. But it piqued my interest in a view of heaven that makes me anticipate it more.

Well, there we have it. The beast within can be slain by a simple yet profound thing called FAITH, but not just faith in any old thing. Not faith, like optimism or positive thinking. Those are really great things and are needed in the Christian life. But it's a faith in Jesus Christ and His saving work on the cross.

So what about you? Where do you stand is the journey of faith?

Next week, I want to explore where you are. Think about it now. If you died tonight, and stood before God, and He asked you, "Why should I allow you into my heaven?"…. How would you respond? You've got a week to think about it…

Next week, Not Just a Ticket to Ride…

1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea existed no longer. 2I also saw the Holy City, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.

3Then I heard a loud voice from the throne:

Look! God's dwelling is with men,

and He will live with them.

They will be His people,

and God Himself will be with them and be their God.

4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Death will exist no longer;

grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer,

because the previous things have passed away.

5Then the One seated on the throne said, "Look! I am making everything new." He also said, "Write, because these words are faithful and true." 6And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give to the thirsty from the spring of living water as a gift. 7The victor will inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son. 8But the cowards, unbelievers, vile, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars—their share will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." Revelation 21:1-8

Beautiful Tree

2008-07-26T11:23:00.002-05:00

Original MySpace Blog posted Thursday, October 17, 2007

Well, I suppose I'm back. Been a rough few weeks. Still dealing with a lot of loose ends. But I'm hanging in there.

Before I get to the letter H in the Acrostic FAITH, I told you I would tell you about the cross.

Where to begin….

God created heaven, the earth, and everything on the earth. And that includes man. He started with Adam, and declared that it was not good foe Adam to be alone, so He created woman, and then He declared that it was good. This is important, on another note, because it shows that we need relationship to one another, not just male/female relationship, but relationship in general. But this is another sermon.

God liked to chill with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. That's cool in itself. God liked being with Adam and Eve. This was the true order of things. God spending time in a love relationship with His crown creation, Adam and Eve. This was the design. God and humanity, together, no conflict.

God had one rule, one command: Don't eat the fruit from the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Why, you ask? That's beyond my current knowledge of theology, but I bet it has something to do with the fact that knowledge has a lot to do with being in relation to. If you eat the fruit of this tree, you are now not only in relation to good, but evil as well. Before there is only one choice for evil, eating the fruit. Once eaten, a whole smorgasbord for evil was set before them, for they now knew what evil was. But I'm jumping ahead of myself and diving too deeply. God told Adam don't eat.

A serpent comes along and starts to stir it up with Eve. "Did God really say…" "If you eat the fruit, you will be like God!" And lo and behold, Eve eats. She then gives some to Adam, he eats too. And then they realized, hey we're nekked, imagine that, and they sheepishly make coverings for themselves out of fig leaves.

God comes by to chill, but there not there, they're hiding, and this disappoints God. "Why are you hiding?" "We're nekked." " Who told you that you were nekked? You've had a snack, haven't you? A very bad snack." And by bad, I don't mean it tasted bad, because all sin tastes good.

So God mixes it up a bit by cursing Adam, Eve, and the serpent, and kicks them out of the garden. But here's the kicker. Something changed in Adam and Eve's spiritual DNA. The beast within was born. And all mankind since then, save One, has inherited that beast within. Not fair, you cry? Can't explain it or justify it, it's a fact. You've got a beast within, we've established that back in my first blog, and that beast has your name on it.

I'm gonna attempt to make a very long story a whole lot shorter. Adam and Eve had children and they multiply. Eventually, out of a whole lot of people, God chooses a people for Himself, out of a dude named Abraham. Abraham's children multiplied, and they found themselves in Egypt, where their King, the Pharaoh was a jerk, and enslaved the children of Abraham, now numbering in the hundreds of thousands.. God had one of his servant's Moses, lead his people, the Jew's, out of Egypt, and because the were cowardly whiners at that phase of their existence, they wandered the wilderness for 40 years until they entered the promised land, present day Israel. During this time, God, through Moses, gave them the Law, and established the priesthood, and the sacrificial system that I explained to you in Blog 3. This sacrificial system is important, because it is foreshadowing of a sacrifice to come. You would sin, and you would repent by going to the priest with an animal sacrifice.. The priest goes before God on behalf of you, the sinner, and slays the animal, and sprinkles its blood on the altar. Sin demands your life, however, God allows a substitute to go in your place, and in this case, it is the animal you brought to the priest. That animal is part of your livelihood, you worked hard to raise it, it cost you something. Through all of this, you would be looking forward in faith to the coming Messiah, who would restore order to this fallen world.

Jump about 1500 years to about 33AD. The Cross. This was no plan 2 in God's story. It was part of God's plan all along. Why Jesus, and why did He have to die? I can't explain it as well as the first time it "clicked " for me. I was reading it in James Dobson's book, "Straight Talk" that I read about 15 years ago. I'm gonna reprint that here.

"But in spite of God's great love, His justice required complete obedience. It demanded repentance and punishment for disobedience. So, herein was a serious conflict with God's nature. If he destroyed the human race, as His justice would require in response to our sinful disobedience, His love would have been violated: but if he ignored our sins, His justice would have been sacrificed. Yet neither aspect of His nature could be compromised.

"But God, in His marvelous wisdom, proposed a solution to that awful dilemma. If He could find one human being who wasn't worthy of damnation--just one individual in the history of mankind who had never sinned, a man or a woman who was not guilty-- then the sin of every other person on earth could be laid upon that One and He could suffer for all of us. So God, being timeless, Looked across the ages of man from Adam to Armageddon, but He could not find anyone who was innocent. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23,KJV) it would be latter written. There wasn't a person who was worth of assuming the guilt, blame, and punishment for the rest of us. Therefore, the only alternative was for God to send His own Son to bear the sins of the entire human family. And herein we see the beauty of God's plan and the reason Jesus had to die. When He was crucified here on earth, Jesus harmonized the conflict between God's love and justice and provided a remedy for fallen mankind.

"Thus, Jesus said a s He was dying, 'It is finished!' meaning, 'I have carried out the plan of salvation that God designed for sinful man.' And that's why God turned His back on Jesus when He was on the cross, prompting Him to cry in anguish, 'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46. KJV). In that moment, Jesus was bearing the punishment for all human sins down through the ages, including yours and mine."

That, my friends, is the reason for the cross, and the death of Jesus. The appeasing of both God's love and His holiness.

So I'm gonna leave it at that this week. Next week, something heavenly.

13 See, my servant will prosper;

he will be highly exalted.

14 But many were amazed when they saw him.

His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human,

and from his appearance, one would scarcely know he was a man.

15 And he will startle many nations.

Kings will stand speechless in his presence.

For they will see what they had not been told;

they will understand what they had not heard about.

1 Who has believed our message?

To whom has the LORD revealed his powerful arm?

2 My servant grew up in the LORD's presence like a tender green shoot,

like a root in dry ground.

There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance,

nothing to attract us to him.

3 He was despised and rejected—

a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.

We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.

He was despised, and we did not care.

4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;

it was our sorrows that weighed him down.

And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,

a punishment for his own sins!

5 But he was pierced for our rebellion,

crushed for our sins.

He was beaten so we could be whole.

He was whipped so we could be healed.

6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.

We have left God's paths to follow our own.

Yet the LORD laid on him

the sins of us all.

7 He was oppressed and treated harshly,

yet he never said a word.

He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.

And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,

he did not open his mouth.

8 Unjustly condemned,

he was led away.

No one cared that he died without descendants,

that his life was cut short in midstream.

But he was struck down

for the rebellion of my people.

9 He had done no wrong

and had never deceived anyone.

But he was buried like a criminal;

he was put in a rich man's grave.

10 But it was the LORD's good plan to crush him

and cause him grief.

Yet when his life is made an offering for sin,

he will have many descendants.

He will enjoy a long life,

and the LORD's good plan will prosper in his hands.

11 When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,

he will be satisfied.

And because of his experience,

my righteous servant will make it possible

for many to be counted righteous,

for he will bear all their sins.

12 I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier,

because he exposed himself to death.

He was counted among the rebels.

He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.

Isaiah 52:13-15, Isaiah 53

A Peculiar Distraction

2008-07-25T07:17:00.004-05:00

Original MySpace posted on Friday, September 14, 2007

(Note to readers: Just to remind you, this post is about 11 months old, and I include it here just to keep the posts consistent. Although I have made many adjustments in my life since the event written about, I am doing quite well, God has richly blessed me.)

It's been a rather difficult 2 weeks.

I'm not here to whine, just here to tell you what's happened recently.

On September 1, 2007, at 12:45 am, I found my father dead, face down on the living room floor in our mobile home. To our best deduction, we think he died of a heart attack. He had diabetes, high blood pressure, and various other health maladies. His recent check up a week and a half earlier went well, good blood sugar levels, very good blood pressure readings. He was told by his physician to discontinue a certain medication, for it was recently determined by the health and food administration that this medication when taken with other medications increased the risk of heart attacks. It is my speculation that dad got confused and continued to take the medication.

The funeral was Tuesday, September 4th, at my church, Parkside Baptist Church. It was a very uplifting service, both God glorifying and honoring to my father. Steve Allen played "Amazing Grace" on his trumpet, we sang "Old Rugged Cross" and "Great is Thy Faithfulness", Delbert Vest sang "Fall on my Knees and Cry Holy", Chet Haney preached a very evangelistic sermon, and the congregation viewed the body and left the sanctuary to a Dixieland version of "When the Saints Go Marching In". Dad was a Jazz trumpeter, and played in a variety of Big Bands throughout his life. Music was a huge part of his life.

When mom died 11 years ago, August 10, 1996, I led my dad to the Lord. I know without a shadow of a doubt that dad and mom are together in Heaven with Jesus. So I have peace about that. Yes, I do have my moments, it comes and goes. I don't fight the tears, neither do I force them. It's hard to go home in the evening, knowing he's not there to greet me. It's equally difficult waking in the morning, have to come to the memory that he's no longer here. (I lived with dad for the purpose of taking care of him; his diabetes had produced several wounds on his legs that had to be dressed every other night. But at the same time it was free rent, so it was a mutually beneficial arrangement.)

I have a lot of great friends who are supporting me during this time with encouragement and other means of support. Steve Allen let me stay at his place for a week while I adjusted to the idea of Dad's passing. Chris Garrison is letting me move in with him as a roommate. Jessica Lytle gave me a free haircut. Dana comforted me when the tears came by asking me to tell me a good story about my dad. Dwight, Rich, and me went camping for a few nights. Old and new friends expressed their condolences in kind ways. Got to see my good friend Pat Calhoun for the first time in about 10 years. Trish, Kim, and Barbara brought by a chocolate chip cookie cake. Sherryl Allen ironed some shirts and a got the wrinkles out of a sport coat. Tim Shafer store used a white shirt and some black slacks since there weren't any dry cleaners opened on Sunday and Labor Day. The lady at U-Store-It waived the late fees on my storage unit. People were kind and supportive, for which I am grateful.

Dad did not have a will, and was in considerable debt. He was very disorganized in his later years, so we had to scramble to find the insurance policies. I will be moving out of the mobile home because I can't afford to live here and be responsible with my own debt. The mobile home will probably go to probate court to be sold and the funds, what little they are, be distributed to dad's many creditors. Although I will miss the "Home" aspect of where I have lived for the past 26 years, it's really not home anymore without dad here, and I need a fresh start. I will be looking forward to moving in with Chris for a season.

It is a possibility that in the first summer term of 2008 I will again be pursuing my education. I hope to be attending The College at Southwestern, the undergraduate school at Southwestern Theological Seminary, in Fort Worth, Texas. On that note, for those of you who are pray-ers, here are a few requests:

1. Pray that I trust in God for my financial situation.

I really can't see the light at the end of the table right now.

2. Pray that Southwestern accepts me. My financial situation is a few strikes against me. I, too have

considerable debt, not as bad as my dads, but enough

of a challenge. Plus my credit kinda sucks.

3. Pray that I continue to adjust to the loss of my

Dad.

By the way, dad's name is David Loren Ray. My family is small, just me, my sister Debra Mankins, her husband Tommie, their daughter, my niece Mollie. I also have a second cousin, Robert Stubbs and his wife Jennifer, who I have discovered in the past years. There are distant relatives who I don't know and have never met. But that's it.

On Sunday night, before the funeral on Tuesday, My best friend Richard's mom, Judy Pate had a heart attack. She went to the critical care unit at WNJ Hospital, and I promptly excused Rich from the funeral, he needed to be with his family. Judy fought a rough fight over the next 3 ½ days, but lost her fight on Thursday morning. Her funeral was this past Monday, and Dwight, Pat, and I went to our second funeral in less than 1 week. I think it is so surreal that Rich and I lost a parent so close together. His mom was like a second mom to us sometimes. She was awesome cook, and made awesome cakes!

Well, that was my past 2 weeks. But God is good, and he has pulled me through, and will continue to do so. I covet your prayers, for I need His grace on a daily basis. There's a lot of uncertainty in my future, but that does not scare me. Uncertainty is a part of life, even for those of us who trust God on a day by day basis. We are not uncertain of his presence and promise, but of what lies ahead when things seem so dark. I trust His guidance and protection in days ahead, yet I do feel what all folks feel when faced with similar challenges. I am a bit overwhelmed.

I hope I did not depress you too much. For the most part, my days are pleasant. I still laugh and smile. I am dealing the best I can. Sometimes it sneaks up on me, for a momentary season. But I return to the moment at hand. This ain't the end……

1"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4And you know the way to where I am going." 5"No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 7If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!" John 14: 1-7

(For those who are wondering, I will not be attending seminary this fall, and when I do return to school, I will be finishing my bachelors at another educational institution.)

Nervous in the Classroom!

2008-07-25T07:07:00.003-05:00

Original MySpace Blog posted on Monday. August 27, 2008

My friend *MoNiCa* sent me this as a message, she received it as a bulletin post. Thought I'd plagarize it and post it in my blog. thanks Monica!

SCIENCE AND GOD

"Let me explain the problem science has with Jesus Christ." The atheist
professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new
students to stand.

You're a Christian, aren't you, son?"

"Yes sir," the student says.

"So you believe in God?"

"Absolutely."

"Is God good?"

"Sure! God's good."

"Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?"

"Yes."

"Are you good or evil?"

"The Bible says apart from God, I have evilness in my heart..."

The professor grins knowingly. "Aha! The Bible!" He considers for a
moment. "Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and
you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?"

"Yes sir, I would."

"So you're good...!"

"I wouldn't say that."

"But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could.
Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't."

The student does not answer, so the professor continues. "He doesn't, does
he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to
Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that
one?"

The student remains silent.

"No, you can't, can you?" the professor says. He takes a sip of water from
a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.

"Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?"

"Er...yes," the student says.

"Is Satan good?"

The student doesn't hesitate on this one. "No."

"Then where does Satan come from?"

The student falters. "From...God..."

"That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in
this world?"

"Yes, sir."

"Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?"

"Yes."

"So who created evil?" The professor continued, "If God created everything,
then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle
that our works define who we are, then God is evil."

Again, the student has no answer. "Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred?
Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?"

The student squirms on his feet. "Yes."

"So who created them?"

The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question.
"Who created them? There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks
away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized. "Tell
me," he continues onto another student. "Do you believe in Jesus Christ,
son?"

The student's voice betrays him and cracks. "Yes, professor, I do."

The old man stops pacing. "Science says you have five senses you use to
identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?"

"No sir. I've never seen Him."

"Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?"

"No, sir, I have not."

"Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have
you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that
matter?"

"No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't."

"Yet you still believe in him?"

"Yes."

"According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol,
science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?"

"Nothing," the student replies. "I only have my faith."

"Yes, faith," the professor repeats. "And that is the problem science has
with God. There is no evidence, only faith."

The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of His
own. "Professor, is there such thing as heat?"

"Yes," the professor replies. "There's heat."

"And is there such a thing as cold?"

"Yes, son, there's cold too."

"No sir, there isn't."

The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room
suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain. "You can have
lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white
heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We
can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any
further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be
able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees."

"Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits
energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy.
Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is
only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold.
Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not
the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it."

Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding
like a hammer.

"What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?"

"Yes," the professor replies without hesitation. "What is night if it isn't
darkness?"

"You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of
something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing
light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called
darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word."

"In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness
darker, wouldn't you?"

The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be
a good semester. "So what point are you making, young man?"

"Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start
with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed."

The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time. Flawed? Can you
explain how?"

"You are working on the premise of duality," the student explains. "You
argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God.
You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can
measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought."

"It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully
understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be
ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death
is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it."

"Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from
a monkey?"

"If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes,
of course I do."

"Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?"

The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where
the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.

"Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot
even prove that this process is an on-going endeavour, are you not teaching
your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?"

The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has
subsided.

"To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me
give you an example of what I mean."

The student looks around the room. "Is there anyone in the class who has
ever seen the professor's brain?" The class breaks out into laughter.

"Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the
professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears
to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical,
stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all
due respect, sir."

"So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?"

Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face
unreadable.

Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. "I guess you'll
have to take them on faith."

"Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,"
the student continues. "Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?"

Now uncertain, the professor responds, "Of course, there is. We see it
everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in
the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These
manifestations are nothing else but evil."

To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does
not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like
darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of
God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man
does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes
when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light."

The professor sat down.

Roadtrip!!!!

2008-07-24T04:56:00.009-05:00

Previously posted on MySpace, August 23, 2007, Thursday

F.A.I.T.H.

F is for Forgiveness

A is for Available, All, and not Automatic

I is for Impossible

T is for Turn

Remember my closing question from last week? If you were driving down the road, and I were in the passenger seat, and I had the directions to where we were going, and I told you to turn, what would I be telling you to do?

Basically, I would be telling you to change direction. You're heading in one direction, I need you to go in another direction. So I tell you to turn. Maybe I need you to make a 90 degree right angle turn to the left, or right. If you are way off course, I need you to make a u turn. But regardless, you need to make a change in direction.

The bible has a word for this change in direction. It's called repent. Some people mistakenly define this term as "stop sinning", and that is only a small portion of the definition.

To repent means change the direction of our life. We turn from something, our sin nature and selfishness, our attitudes that spit in the face of God, and we turn to Someone, we turn to Christ alone. This turning to Christ is a trust relationship. We trust Him alone for our forgiveness. The word trust and faith are very similar. One is a verb/noun, the other is a noun. We trust Christ, we place our trust in Christ, we place our faith in Christ.

If we're driving down the road, you being the driver, and I having the directions, you would be trusting of me to give you the correct directions, much in the same way I would be trusting you to get us to our destination safely. This is an imperfect illustration because my sense of direction might suck, as well as your driving skills. Yet there is a sense of trust involved. If you get on airplane, you trust your life to several unseen people and their actions, especially the pilot. If you have surgery, you trust the surgeon and the nurses, and the anesthesiologist. If you get your hair cut, you trust the hairdresser or barber. If you have a prescription, you trust the pharmacist and the technicians to give you the right medicine. We are all familiar with the idea of trust. We trust people and things every day, for issues that involve our physical lives. But what are you trusting regarding the health and wellbeing of your spiritual life?

Another idea associated with the word repent is to change ones mind. We change our mind about our attitudes, our actions, our motivations, our lifestyles, our perspectives, our assumptions, our convictions, our worldview. We tend to do things the way the world around us expects us to do them, and to repent means to change that expectation to a Kingdom way of doing things. It's turning from a philosophy of life that is centered in the selfish me-first, screw you, I'm taking what's mine, fend for your own self type attitude, and turning to an attitude of love, peace, joy, and selflessness. I'm not talking about turning into a hippie, but turning to the ways of Christ.

This turning, this repentance, is best expressed in a transaction of faith. This is sometimes the most profound and complex things to describe, I'm not sure I can even begin. Some well meaning folks say that to experience God's forgiveness, we must say with all the sincerity we can muster this little canned prayer, and after that, we're saved. I'm not gonna argue with that, but I truly don't believe that saying a prayer like some magic words is the best expression of repentance. Maybe it starts with that for some folks, I know for many it has. Romans 10:13 says "For 'Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.'" But this is in the context of receiving Him as LORD, which means being willing to do things his way, and trusting his work on the cross as sufficient for the sacrifice that God requires.

In turning to Christ, its important to understand and be willing to acknowledge to God that one is a sinner. That's the big step right there. Then one makes an attitude change about his life of sin, and turn the direction of their life towards Christ. He was walking in one direction, now he's walking in another, following Christ. Some well meaning folks say that following Christ means discipleship, and that's another decision to be made at another time. But I believe the decision to turn to Christ in repentance is also a decision to follow Him as a disciple, which means a follower, or student/learner. That is another sermon for another time.

I realize I have written quite a lot here as usual, so I'll start wrapping up. But I also realize I haven't spoke much about the cross, which is central to this message about slaying the beast within. So next week, before I speak on the last letter, H, I think I'll write about the cross, and its role in this transaction.

So, forgiveness is not automatic, but it is available for all who turn from sin and turn to trust Christ alone.

Next week, the other transaction…

9If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. ¹¹As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced." ¹²Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved."

^{14But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!" Romans 10:9-13}

Isaiah 55

Invitation to the LORD's Salvation

1 "Is anyone thirsty?

Come and drink—

even if you have no money!

Come, take your choice of wine or milk—

it's all free!

^{2 Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength?}

Why pay for food that does you no good?

Listen to me, and you will eat what is good.

Not Automatic for the People

2008-07-23T16:30:00.001-05:00

(Originally posted on MySpace Blog, August 16, 2007, Thursday)

Back again!!

F.A.I.T.H.

F is for Forgiveness.

A is for Available.

God's forgiveness is available. And it's available for all.

Probably the most well known verse in the bible is John 3:16.

"For God so loved the world, He gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

If you watch sports, this is the verse that rainbow head has on his sign in the end zone or behind the goal. You know, that funny guy with the multi-colored wig? And for good reason. It say's it all. Well, mostly. God loves us. He loves the world. Not just us Christians, but those who don't believe as well. He loves us all so much he was willing to part with his son . He freely gave his most precious for us. This verse also gives a means unto which we come to him, " that whoever believes in Him." I want to focus on the word, "whoever."

Whoever means just that, whoever. You, me, Billy Graham, Brad Pitt, the Pope, Martha Stewart, Jeffery Dahmer, Hillary Clinton, the terrorist in Iraq, the thug in Compton, the businessman on Wall street, the Klansman in Alabama, the student at Baylor, the housewife in Atlanta, the athlete, the rock star, the homeless woman, the orphan, the multi-millionaire, the pastor, the priest, the rabbi, the monk, the ima, the construction worker, the scientist, the atheist, the wiccan, the cultist, the Satanist, the right winger, the leftist, the republican, the democrat, the homosexual, the bisexual, the hermaphroditic, the transsexual, the criminal, the drug junkie, the alcoholic, the dying on the deathbed, the convict on death row, and the wally-world employee. Whoever means whoever. There are no exceptions to who is included in the invitation. Whoever can come to Jesus to believe in Him. The invitation to forgiveness is available to all.

Having said that, this forgiveness that is Available to all is not Automatic. It doesn't just happen. You don't just live your life and forgiveness is a given. A Sunday School teacher of 6 year olds asked them, "Class, how does somebody go to heaven?" and a little boy answers, "That's easy, you have to die first!"

Well, nice try, sounds good, but unfortunately, not true. It seems to me that a lot of folk are going through life just assuming that heaven will be the natural result after dying. Yes, this forgiveness, which results in eternal life, is available, just like all the goods in a grocery store. Yet just like the goods in a grocery store, they're just not ours to claim without some kind of transaction.

Now, Jesus paid the price for the transaction. But there's a part you are responsible for. We'll get to that next week.

Some folks think that they are just so good that they don't really need this forgiveness. Their beast within has been tamed, or caged, or only lets out little whimpers rather than roars. Or there are some religious folks out there that think that they've done enough good things or religious deeds that God might be impressed with them. Nope. Sorry. Wrong answer. Thank you for playing. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.00 dollars. Jesus says something quite different.

21"Not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. ²²On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' ²³But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God's laws.'" Matthew 7:21-23

This verse is kind of tricky, because it sounds like Jesus is saying that you got to do a lot of good stuff to make it into heaven. But Jesus is telling certain folks who are doing a lot of showy stuff to impress Him that he doesn't see in them the transformed heart that is the result of forgiveness. This transformed heart will cherish God's will and make every effort to follow God's ways. This transformed heart is the result of that transaction that we'll talk about next week.

So, if this forgiveness is available for all, why isn't it automatic?

This portion of the blog is brought to you by the letter I.

I is for Impossible. It is Impossible for God to allow sin into heaven. That's why we need forgiveness. But before we talk about the transaction next week, we need to get a better picture of God.

God is Love. I think I have talked about that quite a lot. We all like to talk about God's love. I am eternally thankful that our God is a God of love. Remember John 3:16, For God so loved the world… but…

God is Holy.

Holy. That's a word we don't really know a lot about. We say "Holy crap!" a lot , or worse, and don't really think about what we're really saying. I could spend blog after blog trying to define the word holy, and theologians have wrote volumes on the idea. In relation to us and certain things, the term holy means "set apart, for God's use." In relation to God, it means pure. Well, even that is not a worthy description or definition. Transcendent. Otherness. Good. God is Holy. He is transcendent in his purity, goodness, and otherness. Perfection in moral character. Without fault. Without sin. In fact, God's holy nature can't tolerate sin. God allows no sin where he is fully present, in heaven. Heaven is totally holy, without any hint of sin

And man is sinful. Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." There's that word all. And all means all. You, me Billy Graham, Brad Pitt, the Pope, Martha Stewart, Jeffery Dahmer, Hillary Clinton, the terrorist in Iraq, the thug in Compton, the businessman on Wall street, the Klansman in Alabama, the student at Baylor, the housewife in Atlanta, the athlete, the rock star, the homeless woman, the orphan, the multi-millionaire, the pastor, the priest, the rabbi, the monk, the imam, the construction worker, the scientist, the atheist, the wiccan, the cultist, the Satanist, the right winger, the leftist, the republican, the democrat, the homosexual, the bisexual, the hermaphroditic, the transsexual, the criminal, the drug junkie, the alcoholic, the dying on the deathbed, the convict on death row, and the wally-world employee. I'm not leaving anybody out in the definition of all. We've all got that beast within, that sin nature. God hates sin. Yes, he loves the sinner, I don't want to belittle God's love. In the same breath, I don't want to belittle God's holiness, either. In some mysterious way beyond our finite minds to comprehend, his love and holiness coexists.

So, how can a sinful person enter heaven, where God allows no sin?

He must enter a faith transaction, which we will talk about next week…

So, to sum it up thus far, we have an available forgiveness over a sin that is impossible for God to allow into heaven. It's not automatic, because a transaction must take place.

Sneak peak: if you were driving down the road, and I were in the passenger seat, and I had the directions to where we were going, and I told you to turn, what would I be telling you to do?

Tune in next week….

1There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. ²After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. "Rabbi," he said, "we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you."

^{3Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God."
4"What do you mean?" exclaimed Nicodemus. "How can an old man go back into his mother's womb and be born again?"
5Jesus replied, "I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.7So don't be surprised when I say, 'You must be born again.' 8The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can't tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can't explain how people are born of the Spirit."
9"How are these things possible?" Nicodemus asked.
10Jesus replied, "You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don't understand these things? 11I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won't believe our testimony. 12But if you don't believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. 14And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.
16"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
18"There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. 19And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants." John 3:1-21}

Slaying the Beast Within

2008-07-22T07:58:00.002-05:00

(Note to readers: these first few blogs are backlogs from my MySpace blog written over the past year, so if you're a MySpace friend, give it about 10 posts for new material.)

I’m back!!! Here as promised.
I've done some research on blogs, and I've found that blogs are best kept more shorter than longer. I'll try to work on that. I get carried away sometimes.
Okay, where were we. Yes, that ugly beast. Our selfish nature. Our unbridled egos. The bible calls it our flesh, or our sin nature. Ooooooooh, there I said it, the dreaded s-word. The four letter word condensed down to three. We like to sweep that one under the carpet because let's face it, we all got a list of sins that we love. Those fun sins. Those little somethings that we love to indulge in. And those big ones, too. But , hey, supposedly size doesn't matter, right? (Maybe another sermon for that one, if I can wrap my head around it.) Sin is our rebellion. Rebellion against God's best for our lives. The word sin is actually an archery term. It means missing the mark, as in missing the bulls eye. We all do it. You know it.
Of course, you might not believe in God, or you might not believe the bible to be God's word. Sorry, can't convince you right now, don't know if I could anyway. But you have to admit you've had some pretty crappy moments that if there was a God, you know you wouldn't be up to snuff in His sight. (He still loved you and still loves you.)
So the point is, this raging beast is our sin nature. It's not some imaginary thing within us that we are not responsible for. Sin is born out of our choices and decisions. We are responsible. It just certainly feels like a civil war inside us sometimes. But we can't come out and say, "The devil made me do it." Cop out.
Not only does this sin keep us from a fullness of life here on earth, but it keeps us from an eternal life after we've bit the big one. I'm not prepared to rage on about hell right now. Don't know if that's the best way to get your attention. But I'd rather share with you God's solution to this sin problem.
Let me ask you a personal question, if I may. In your opinion, what do you understand it takes for a person to go to heaven?
I don't know how you answered that. But I would like to take the next 3 weeks or so to share with you how the Bible answers this question.
There is a word we can use to answer this question: F.A.I.T.H. That truly is the answer, but we can break it down a little further. Each letter of the word FAITH stands for another word. Bear with me, I know this seems a bit juvenile or over simplified for such a weighty subject. But it helps me get a handle on this weighty subject.
F is for Forgiveness.
We can not have eternal life or heaven without God's forgiveness.
The bible says, in Ephesians 1:7a, "In Him (meaning Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins."
To make a long history short, back in the bible days, before Christ, the Jews had a religious ritual that required them to take an animal, like a bull, lamb, or dove, and sacrifice it. That animal was a substitute in that moment for the person offering it in sacrifice. I'm gonna suck if I sit here and try to explain this to you on the fly, so here is an excerpt from the Holman Bible Dictionary on the subject of blood sacrifice.
"Even when the Old Testament speaks of animal sacrifice and atonement, the sacredness of life is emphasized. "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul" (Lev. 17:11). Perhaps because an animal life was given up (and animals were a vital part of a person's property), this action taken before God indicated how each person is estranged from God. In giving what was of great value, the person offering the sacrifice showed that reconciliation with God involved life—the basic element of human existence. How giving up an animal life brought about redemption and reconciliation is not clear. What is clear is that atonement was costly. Only the New Testament could show how costly it was."
So, blood was required for this reconciliation between man and God. Seems kinda crude, I know, and I'm sure the PETA people would be up in arms, but that was what God required.
Let me explain two more words. In that excerpt from Holman's, there's the word atonement, which in a nutshell means reconciliation. Think of two parties estranged from each other making amends. The other word is in the verse Ephesians 1:7a, and that is redemption. To redeem means to purchase. Jesus Christ purchased our forgiveness by his death on the cross. All those animal sacrifices in the old testament times ultimately pointed the way to the death of Jesus on the cross. They were a symbol of things to come.
I know when I piss someone off by being a jerk, or when hurt I someone's feelings, and when I genuinely recognize the hurt I've caused, it sure is assuring to hear the words, "I forgive you." God wholeheartedly wants to offer that forgiveness to you.
So, in a nutshell, forgiveness is something that God wants to give to us, and it is a forgiveness that was purchased with a high price by God Himself, the death of his Son, Jesus Christ. A reconciliation takes place between God and ourselves.
But….
Yes there is some more to this. Not a trick or small print, but this concept of eternal life is more than just an event that happened and therefore we're all good with God. No, a transaction must take place. And that, my friends, is what we'll talk about next week.
Sneak peek: This Forgiveness is Available, but not Automatic.
Tune in next week…..

11To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: "A man had two sons. 12The younger son told his father, 'I want my share of your estate now before you die.' So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.
13"A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.
17"When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, 'At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18I will go home to my father and say, "Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant."'
20"So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.£'
22"But his father said to the servants, 'Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.' So the party began.
25"Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, 26and he asked one of the servants what was going on. 27'Your brother is back,' he was told, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.'
28"The older brother was angry and wouldn't go in. His father came out and begged him, 29but he replied, 'All these years I've slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!'
31"His father said to him, 'Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!'"