An Old Connection

Today I got re-connected with some wonderful memories of the past.

Back in the 80's I had friends in South Florida who were native Jamaicans. On a vacation and visit to the homeland, they discovered one of the orphanages was is in tremendous need of help. Upon their return they rallied a few of us to return with them and help out.

A small group (I think 8) made a trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica with this couple, and made our way in a rental van up the mountain to Blossom Gardens. What we discovered was nothing short of emotionally"devastating". Somewhere I have a VHS video of our arrival, and every time I watch the video brings me to tears.

During our stay in Jamaica, we were able to repair plumbing (fix toilets), rebuild a gate (to keep free-roaming livestock out), and install their very first electric clothes washer for all the diapers (previously washed by hand). We made about 60 children and a few staff workers very happy. People there were not resistant to our help like the typical American. They welcomed us with open arms (literally). We all cried several times during our visit. It was a life-changing experience. And I will never forget it!

A Special Visit

Yesterday I had a new friend over for lunch. This beautiful fox stopped by to dine on apples in my back yard. Since the house backs up to lots of undeveloped acreage, we often see deer passing through. But this was the first visit by a fox. And "boy" was she hungry!














After lunch I asked if she could stay a while. Mrs. Fox made herself right at home and found a comfy place against a warm rock. Though she wouldn't let me near, I'm wondering if she may have been a pet at one time. She didn't seem to mind me checking on her and taking a few pictures ... as long as I kept my distance.














She must have felt at-ease. She moved over to some taller grass and curled up for a nice long siesta. As the sun went down she could still be seen curled in a ball and snoozing away. It wasn't until late at night that I shined my flashlight and noticed she had moved on. It was one of those simple events in life that does the heart good.
"Thank you", Mrs. Fox.

The Existence of God

Virginia Visit

We had a WONDERFUL TIME gathering again for the Thanksgiving holiday at Doug & Michele's. As usual, the food was FANTASTIC and there was plenty of it. I know full well there are many families suffering a financial crisis right now. And knowing too - many military families are separated for the holiday, I feel "We are truly blessed".


















Josey and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with our son and daughters ... and I was back with my little buddy (Ethan) again. Being a grandfather is much more fulfilling than I ever expected. I can't explain it! I am so excited about it, I had to grow a gray beard to be authentic. There's just 'something' about seeing my own flesh and blood reproduced in a second generation that brings great reward. And my daughter, Faith is SUCH a good mother.


















Then there is my fishing protege', Cassy. She "whooped" all the guys in a fishing contest at the pond behind the house - by cranking in two beautiful Largemouth Bass. My daughters are both gorgeous gals that know how to bait a hook, and are not afraid to get their hands fishy. I love that my girls enjoy fishing. That was a family activity we often enjoyed while they were growing up. And they are good at it!

Big Bang some more ...

So, once again the Hadron Collider is coming back on line. I blogged about this about a year ago because I was quite excited about the possibilities. Unfortunately, some flaws in the prototype showed up the first few times it was fired up.

But after a year's worth of repairs and a 'bizzilion' more dollars, many in the scientific community are 'buzzing' again. There is also great interest among scientific theologians who seek to merge their belief in God with geological evidence for an "old earth".

Specifically, the interest among these scientific theologians is in what has been called, "The God Factor" within Big Bang Theory. Consistent with classic Design Theory, the God Factor would suggest that a Designer (capital D) hurled the heavenly bodies into space with such precision so as to survive millions of years without major collisions and eminent destruction. Questions about THAT have perplexed many astronomers and mathematicians for a while now.

I'm no physicist or mathematician. In fact, I wasn't sure I could spell "physicist" until just now. But an answer to this question about the precision of the cosmos points to what is called by people like me, a miracle ... certainly something "supernatural".

So, will these experiments produce undeniable evidence for God? We shall see! For me, it would just be one more evidence for what I already believe to be true. God exists ... OH YEA!

The Lady with Three Hairs

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today." So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror, and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. "H-M-M," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today." So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror, and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror, and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. "YEA!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"

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Somewhere in grieving the loss of a loved one we must begin again seeing our glass "half full" - not half empty. Naturally speaking, dying is part of living. We have little control in the aging process, and ultimately NO control of immortality. Seems to me, most of the matter has to do with maintaining a good attitude and positive outlook.

So today I choose to Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly....... Leave the rest to God.

Carpe Diem!