treasure island

2005-12-26T19:07:00.000+08:00

Bu… bu… bu… burrrrrrrrr!

Chillin in the states is aggravated by my body being accustomed to the tropics. I miss my swimming pool. I don’t miss the endless mass of humanity and the pollution.

I’m in Carolina today, but have decided that additional warmth is needed. I’m heading south.

Being over fifty and never visiting any of the attractions near Orlando is almost as sad as being a pretty 28 year old who’s never been kissed. I hope to find a theme park with loads of happy people. Perhaps I do miss the endless mass of humanity.

New Year’s is coming! I’ll send pictures.

2005-12-25T05:28:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas!

Add a dash of understanding to your dinner of disappointment this year. It’ll help you sleep.

I can’t remember the last time I gave a gift that was appreciated to the extent with which it was given. Pouring heart and soul into another’s life always leads to frustration when financial limits restrict. However, simplicity and poverty cannot prevent loving gestures!

Many times before, I’ve seen superior cash flow rule. Quantity and quality overshadow gifts of scarcity. Those with abundance steal hearts with dazzling ease. There’s a reason why diamonds are measured.

The value however is in the giving! Give with all your might! Somewhere, someone will notice that your heart is included within the box of cheap shoes.

Well… maybe not this year...

2005-12-22T00:57:00.000+08:00

Dashing with all haste the year is concluding.

Time is irrelevant. I’ll vote it does not exist. Our only valid perspective is to value people – all of them.

In my grand experiment of 2005, I separated myself from friends and family. Would they thrive in my absence? Yes they did. Did their value for me increase? Abundantly! Did my value for them increase? Infinity plus one and a half!

I’ve been home for a few hours and find the biggest change to be within me. In 2005, the biggest humbutt I’ve ever known was transformed. He is making his way out of the swamp! In anticipation as never before, he has enjoyed Christmas and is speeding towards the new year. Let the last week be fun!

2006 offers us all the opportunity to change how we comb our hair. My mother taught me a great lesson. Twice each year she rotated the curtains in her house. How she knew the importance of change I don’t know. But there’s magic in the air when you move to a new office, buy new shoes, or change your mind.

I look forward to changing your mind twice next year! It’s a gift!

2005-12-21T00:43:00.000+08:00

Christmas came on the 20th at my house. Dinner was shabby, but we had plenty.

Family memories are unique. Tonight's dinner was actually extraordinary, but when contrasted with meals of years past, it was modest. We had home-made rolls with burned bottoms. Everything else was fair with the exception of the apple pie that "What's her number" made. The pie was super!

Imperfect efforts disclose love. Mery Christmas!

2005-12-20T12:13:00.000+08:00

Customs officials are a pain!

Passing through immigration in Manila cost me a toothbrush, fingernail clippers, a fingernail file, and my thirty four year old pocket knife. I suppose the knife might be considered a weapon except it was very dull. It was the toothbrush that puzzled me. I’ll put my subconscious mind to work and figure out how it might be dangerous.

When I reached San Francisco, I was chosen for a full bag search and a complete investigation of my computer and all of the files on my hard drive. I stood there for an hour as my files were scanned for illegal software and child pornography pictures. Since I had neither, they let me pass.

Flying all night from California to Dallas was just another packed flight.

Sinus congestion is almost as painful as customs officials. Not only do my ears refuse to adjust, but my snoring is humiliating. Several times, I woke myself from a deep sleep with volume that rattles my own skull.

It’s been two days with only brief naps. My pillows are calling!

2005-12-19T00:22:00.000+08:00

I’m leavin on a jet plane, don’t know when I’ll be back again…

Part of the life adventure is uncertainty. At least I think so. I’m leaving tonight on my way to San Francisco. My arrival is before my departure. I leave Manila at 10:30 PM on Sunday and I arrive at San Francisco at 6:30 PM on Sunday. I believe I spend a few minutes in Monday before I slide back into Sunday. At least I think so.

I was to be met at the airport by Pastor, however he can’t make it so he is sending someone. I am to look for a person holding a sign which reads… “John”. At least I think so.

Christmas this year is on the 20th. The dinner menu is still negotiable. I’ll decide tonight as I fly. Like the flight options, I guess we will have steak or chicken. My cooking will be better. At least I think so. Ribs also sound good.

I have a bag full of Christmas gifts. If the airlines don’t loose the bag, it will be a Merry Christmas. We have outgrown the need for excessive gifts at my house. Curiously I think my daughter-in-law will receive the most gifts this year. Things change. At least I think so.

My captivity here has motivated me to take a road trip. This holiday season, I will be driving for a few days. My route and destinations are uncertain, so some of you may find me knocking. If I miss you, I’ll leave your presents under your tree marked “from Santa”. At least I think so.

2005-12-18T00:56:00.000+08:00

Watching a giant insect swallow a man’s head was unpleasant, but in general I enjoyed the movie. The story is in King Kong’s eyes.

Of course there was the subtle remark that the more a man loves a woman, the more he ignores her. When Kong ignored the maiden, she intensified her effort to be noticed. All this time, I thought you were supposed to gently pamper women. I’m such a goof!

Perhaps I was the only one in the theatre who cried when Kong fell to his death. I wish to be a skilled writer who kisses the girl before the end, but regrettably there’s a chance I’m a big ape who gets shot down as the handsome rogue rides the elevator to the top.

Like Kong, I’m leaving my island home for civilization. Perhaps if I’m a persistent and clever writer, I too will rescue my love before it’s too late. You decide. What’s my future… winning writer or bid dead monkey?

2005-12-17T00:47:00.000+08:00

Foolish as it seems, I still have my dreams!

The big news of the morning was the final resolution of my visa. The taxes imposed on visitors who stay longer than expected have been paid. My Passport is stamped. I have my ticket! In thirty four hours (or so), I hope to find my assigned seat.

Here is a Christmas gift for all of you. It is a suitable for framing photograph of Jhing and I. I seldom allow photographic evidence, so save it to your desktop and impress your friends. Sarcasm is not always funny.

I’m going to attempt to keep my blog alive through the holiday season. The new year may bring some changes, but for now I continue.

There’s a list somewhere of my dreams. One or two must come true!

2005-12-16T02:51:00.000+08:00

In a few days, I will be near people I love. I can't wait!

The visa's almost fixed. The gifts are inferior, but ready to be packed. It's time to fly. Tonight, like Peter Pan, I found my happy thought. I'm soaring!

Take a moment and consider that death and haircuts are unavoidable. What one thing (reference to the City Slickers movies) is most important to you. It, he, or she is your happy thought. Some of you are lucky enough to have trouble deciding, but decide you must. If the grim reaper has you scheduled for Christmas Eve, what is most important? What must be, if next week is the last you see?

Did I mention I was soaring?

It's funny, happy thoughts come and go. If you are granted the great gift of living another year, your one thing might change. It may change tomorrow. Happy thoughts are not reciprocal, but once you know and have clear vision, they are consumptive.

Tonight I had the opportunity to host a family for dinner. In classic error, the husband was away on pressing business. I pray both you and he find the ability to soar sometime soon.

But... avoid extremes!

2005-12-15T12:54:00.000+08:00

Peeved, annoyed, irritated, irked, piqued, upset, put out, infuriated, exasperated, aggravated, wound up, bothered, maddened, frustrated, displeased, provoked, riled, incensed, cheesed off, enraged, and easily burglarized makes for a sour day. Do you think I should post a blog entry?

Well… since none of you are the target of my outrage, I will post. Grrrrrrrrr!

Beating them senseless would be more therapeutic (perhaps not). I’ve been instructed to pray for my assailants. I’ll pray later.

Although I hope not, many of you will experience similar anxiety during the next few weeks. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned! Remember, you’re not the only choo-choo train that’s been left out in the rain, the day after Santa came.

I hate excuses and broken promises. Again, I must wait for tomorrow for the fine to be paid on my visa.

It’s OK… laugh! But when you are irrationally upset next week, remember to laugh at yourself.

2005-12-14T03:54:00.000+08:00

I never saw the ocean.

The view of Manila Bay is less impressive than a casual view of Lake Michigan from the lake shore of Chicago. I don’t count it as really looking at the Pacific. So if that glimpse does not count, I will have flown to the Philippines and never seen the ocean. Even my airplane passings have been in darkness.

I did some research and found that beaches exist and the water is blue. I was curious, since the river water running into it from Manila is Wonka brown. I don’t think they mix it by waterfall. Mostly the sky is LA brown as well. Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam… Or at least somewhere with less pollution.

Santa comes here first, so by the time he gets to you, his suit may be dingy and his beard requiring some serious shampoo. Mommy should wash his mouth before she kisses it under the mistletoe.

2005-12-13T00:06:00.000+08:00

Hang an OU hat upon the highest bow.

It’s interesting how family traditions get started. Traditions are the glue which holds families together. Possibly, traditions become expectations which identify who belongs.

Families change. Members die, leave, or are evicted. New members are born. Families merge. Change is.

It’s a blues riff in B. Follow me and try to keep up at the changes.

In music, chords change. It’s during these changes that musicians find the opportunity to get creative. Thank you Chuck Berry! There’s magic in transition. Go go – Go Johnny go – Johnny B. Good!

Likewise when families change, opportunity exists to impose new traditions. Take thought to the expectations you apply. Be creative. Be unique. Be happy. Be free. Next year brings comfort in the family and traditions that deserve to return.

Happiness is being indispensable next year. I pray for happiness.

2005-12-12T00:32:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas! How common. Have all the good phrases been written?

I’m at a loss this year to express my gratitude. Some of you I’ve never met, but through the network, we’ve touched. I required most of a lifetime to realize the value of touch.

Mistakenly, I believed that it is impolite to touch someone without their permission. A perfect gentleman would never invade another’s privacy. I’ve never been slapped (yet).

Next week I return home. I’m hoping for seven hugs this year. I plan to hug back with unexpected, perhaps uncomfortable intensity. I may get slapped... or not…

Consider emotional nutrition. Each touch transfers encouragement and support. Without words you embrace and enhance mutual self worth. By touching you strengthen another’s soul. Why not get extreme?

Join me in a seasonal game. Hopefully, you will enjoy more than seven hugs. I challenge you to squeeze a little tighter. Hold a little longer. Don’t let go until the fat lady of doubt is singing the high notes. Whisper words of loving encouragement into as many soft ears as you can. Make it personal. With lips of warm moist human breath, invade them.

It’s a game I will win this year. Wanna bet? I win!

Have yourself an ear-lobe-licking Christmas!

2005-12-11T00:18:00.000+08:00

Humble imperfection is beautiful!

2005-12-10T00:39:00.000+08:00

Surrounded! Can you imagine?

I’ve never enjoyed a meal with six women before. Strange conversation flittered as words were spent discussing beauty and oil painting. Compliments came quickly and were a bit common for my taste. Darling, how sweet! My education is severely lacking. I might have had more in common with a group of Martians.

On the bright side, I found four of these women to be single with exceptional desire for Christian morality. I had begun to believe unmarried honorable Christian women were like unicorns, UFO’s, and Bigfoot. Finding four in one room was surprising. Perhaps they congregate in herds.

Tell your friends. A herd of pretty Christian girls has been sighted north of Manila. Their stated objective was to find mature and responsible Christian men. Of course… sometimes (or so I’ve heard) women don’t speak the plain truth. They may also require cute, sweet, loving, charming, handsome, wealthy, and clairvoyance for when they just aren't in the mood to talk. If so… every man I know is quickly eliminated.

2005-12-09T00:22:00.000+08:00

I expected the water cure (a torture used in the Philippine/American War 1899-1913) as part of my interrogation at the NBI today.

Upon arrival I had to surrender my US drivers license. From there we proceeded to a second office to obtain my file. File in hand, we then paused in a modest room which boasted fourteen desks, sixteen employees, three typewriters, zero computers and zero telephones. Each desk controlled either a stack of forms, a quantity of note cards, or a stamp. My file made it to a desk with a person controlling a stamp. After being stamped, we proceeded to the INTERPOL office where I was to be interrogated.

When we entered, Jhing (my pretty young associate) was the focus. The guys with big guns assumed that she was the one who would soon be motivated to talk. They scrambled, but the man with the desk in the back evidently had clout. When he opened the file he found my picture instead of Jhing’s. He was disappointed and quickly became the target of laughter from his associates. Mentally stuffing his leather whip and handcuffs back into his desk, he pulled out a form.

I signed a statement under oath that I was not here in 1988 and did not commit any crimes. He gruffly threatened me with pain and torture if I was telling a lie. Evidently Philippine Interpol only tortures pretty females. They gave me my license back and let me leave. I expect I will be home soon.

2005-12-08T15:53:00.000+08:00

Avalanche! I need to start one.

Brother Roy teaches the power of “word-of-mouth” advertising. It is more powerful than expensive and polished campaigns. We will see.

First I’d like to introduce you to the Jaquiths. From left to right: Charity, Cassia, Daniel, Caleb, Colleen, and Teresa.

I spent most of yesterday with this family. They are of such quality, substance, and value that I am STRONGLY compelled to begin a “word-of-mouth” campaign on their behalf. This family is worthy of an avalanche of unsolicited support. Their mailing address and web site follows:

This family is genuine “salt of the earth”. Quality like this is not accidental.

Frequently we are asked to support churches and ministries who promise to accomplish great things with desired funding. My objective in writing today is to offer you a chance to skip all of the middlemen and provide support to a family that is already doing good. They are true missionaries.

So, I want you to send them some money. I also want you to tell your friends.

If you were on the other side of the world attempting to help an impoverished nation, what would you want to happen? Wouldn’t it be nice if a few hundred people would step up and cover this family’s annual budget? If each of you would send this posting to all of your email friends, and encourage them to do the same, we can help the Jaquiths change the islands.

Please send what you can, tell who you can, pray if you can. Help me bless this family more than they can possibly imagine. Start an avalanche of supply for some wonderful people who are changing the world today!

Every year Daniel gives an apple to everyone who attends church at Christmas. He is a great man who genuinely and gently loves people. My prayer is that some of you catch the vision so that Daniel can give bushels of apples away.

Spread the word. Send them an unexpected miracle.

Daniel and Colleen Jaquith
P.O. box 76
Tarlac City, Tarlac
Philippines 2300

Tel. 045 982 4830
Email: bridge2i@btti.org

Web: www.btti.org

2005-12-07T00:29:00.000+08:00

After dreaming I couldn’t fly home for the holidays, I woke to a reminder that brother Roy had not sent his memo. These were my subconscious and conscious reminders that like a garnish, instability is included without request. Where is confidence?

Frequent encouragement to find confidence within my own ability leaves me cold. Without pausing, I can quickly share stories of failed business plans, sour family relationships, spiritual bewilderment, transparent emotions and inability to achieve happiness. How many of you answer “me too”?

I’ve discovered a treatment! It grows as part of a small evergreen tree in Sri Lanka. To harvest a crop, the tree is coppiced. This means cut off down near the ground. Next year’s growth produces a number of shoots. These shoots are stripped of their outer bark. The inside dries to a long curled strip. These strips are pounded and then distilled in sea water. When oxygen finally interacts, it darkens and becomes cinnamon.

I proclaim by the fiction vested in me that cinnamon is the only sure cure for instability.

Don’t toy with emotions! Night time consumption of cinnamon with a light refreshing beverage like ice tea will soothe your anxiety and clarify your dreams.

Note: Michelle, this is not at all like magic mushrooms and love is never free! Love requires either cash or magic cinnamon cup-cakes.

2005-12-06T00:44:00.000+08:00

Today I received a call from that bald guy. His conversation was encouraging beyond anything I can express in a single blog posting.

In the conversation, he disclosed a wonderful family tradition. For many years the family has produced a holiday video. In this video they would disclose their prayers and concerns for the upcoming year. Each holiday season, they review last year’s movie.

Such a tradition documents the physical growth and changes within the group. But the power of the experience is the vision granted to them of God’s provision. Every year they can look back and see how their concerns were met. Year after year God proves to be sufficient.

Like that bald guy, we all could make a movie about the things that concern us.

God compelled a bald guy to encourage me today. I’m thankful God knew my need. I’m thankful for parents who consistently teach and prove the power of God to their children.

http://www.thatbaldguy.com/05/blog/myblog.html

2005-12-05T00:29:00.000+08:00

They call me “Mellow Yellow”.

In reviewing yesterdays posting, I realized that I groove on the color yellow. This is interesting because I am not now, nor have I ever been a hippie. I’m a bohemian.

It’s been five months since my last hair-cut. Is it possible that hair length affects the mind? Were the school administrators of the early 1960’s actually correct?

I’ll readily admit that short skirts and tight clothing have an irresistible impact on my ability to concentrate. I received a failing grade in second semester calculus. I was concentrating on the volume of Tracy’s curves rather than considering the curves the professor was attempting to explain. Curiously I had long hair when I sat next to Tracy back in 73.

Back in 73 everything was sweeter. Tracy was not the first mermaid I’d known, and she most certainly was not the last. Nevertheless, she was an illusion. I suppose most men can remember or now love a woman that is impossibly beautiful. Is it horrible to desire a woman who is out of your league and just beyond charm’s reach?

Horrible or not, it happens. When it does, you write about liking color and remembering illusions of romance. Of course, it’s not happening to me, but it happened to a close friend of mine. He did not like yellow, so I’m not sure normalcy applies.

Maybe I need a haircut and a new yellow shirt?

2005-12-04T00:09:00.000+08:00

Helen Keller once said “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.

It’s what sunflowers do.”

Yes… some plants move to track the sun. I miss Kansas. Which is more amazing?

I found Helen’s quote when I was reading about happiness. Considering the potential that happiness is a state of mind or a matter of focus, it becomes obvious that free thinkers have a big advantage.

Heliotropism is the motion of plants in response to the direction of the sun. Really smart people have decided that it is a result of potassium ions being pumped by the motor cells of the plant just below the flower. Heliotropism is an inspirational concept.

All happy thoughts exist in right-brain thinking! In the right brain, we can imagine Kansas to be a beautiful place. In illusion, we love the imperfect. Lacking the need to measure, count, and judge, our intuition allows us to follow new dreams. Childlike faith does not exist on the left side.

Wealthy people are happy because they hire others to manage their tedium. Children are happy because parents shelter them. Free thinkers and lovers are happy as they focus. Sunflowers thrive following the sun.

Happiness can’t be found in the dark skies of reality. Tumors on the right side of the brain eat away love, hope, emotion, insight, and happiness. Six years ago, Nancy died from such a tumor. Loved ones, the season of sadness is over! Be happy! Be free! Wink as you follow the sun – today!

Remember me? I love you – I win!

2005-12-03T00:16:00.000+08:00

The illusion of “free will”.

For those of you who are already angry with me, please take a breath and attempt to calm yourself as you consider that you really are a puppet in the hands of God’s sovereignty.

The power of God to influence thought is commonly accepted. Even those who are staunch proponents of “no-puppet-free-will” human existence usually admit that God has the power to inspire thought. If God can influence thought, how can it be possible to dissect your thoughts from the thoughts God inspires.

At the theoretical extreme of free will is a person who is so evil it is unreasonable to believe that God has any influence over his behavior. Evil is “sin”. Sin is “disobedience”. Disobedience results from rebelliously cutting the strings that God uses to influence thought. Fleshly desires motivate such behavior.

God is subtle. He allows those of us who have not rebelled to have the illusion of free will. We think we are responsibly acting on our own. Actually He is lovingly pulling our strings to guide us to our ultimate destination.

If I had free will, I would be on the next flight home. However the Philippine NBI thinks I should stay until they can check me out. So my strings have been pulled to keep me here a little longer.

For those of you who insist God has no strings on you… I’m sorry. Get on your knees and ask to be hooked up.

2005-12-02T00:35:00.000+08:00

Bad Guys! “Nya ha ha!”

The NBI (Philippine FBI) called to let me know they can’t clear my visa. My namesake is wanted for assault and robbery. Next week I must return for an interview where hopefully I can convince them they’ve got the wrong John.

This is not my first encounter with evil namesakes. I was threatened by an Okie who believed me to have stolen a bag of gold coins. He had the wrong John.

Then the brilliant architect put women on the left downstairs with women on the right upstairs. Countless people found the wrong John.

In 1962 “Beany and Cecil” featured John the bad-guy who kidnapped Beany. “I’m comin’ Beanie-boy!” was Cecil the sea-sick sea serpent’s famous line. Evidently “Dishonest John” was the role model for many Johns in my generation.

"What the heck! D.J., you dirty guy!"

2005-12-01T00:33:00.000+08:00

Ice cream!

Yesterday, I was challenged to adjust my focus, quit being a whiner, and write about something other than my increasingly cynical point of view. My friend wants me to step back into a happy loving universe. No… he’s not the one on prescription medicine.

In response, I’ll focus on sweet things. I don’t mean sentimental mush with a grandmotherly, “How Sweet!” I mean things like chocolate. This holiday season, I’m eager for the seduction and pleasure of a few sweet nibbles.

Yesterday, I found some scales to measure myself. Knowing it to be a dismal decision, I reluctantly stepped up. The scales supported my insight by displaying “ERROR”.

My friend thrashed me, an electronic device corrected me, and my intuition tells me that happiness must be at the bottom of a strawberry sundae. I promise - I’ll regain my self-control after the holiday season. If not… “The Devil made me do it!”

2005-11-30T00:07:00.000+08:00

Although it’s been said many times – many ways…

I ran out of gas! I got a flat tire! I didn't have change for cab fare! I lost my tux at the cleaners! I locked my keys in the car! An old friend came in from out of town! Someone stole my car! There was an earthquake! A terrible flood! Locusts! IT WASN'T MY FAULT!

I think men have the most creative excuses. Lifetimes of practice gives us professional status in defense of personal goofs.

Well this year’s best is awarded to an excuse that began last year. This single excuse saga includes motorcycle wrecks, hospital visits, Italian judges, revolting French Muslims, missing documents, ancient divorce papers, business deals in Switzerland, and poor cell phone coverage. I've been blessed with hearing what I believe to be one of the greatest of all time.

So men, Christmas is the time to make promises. Delivery is not required if you dare to contrive an excuse that will slide you safely into 2007. By then, she’ll forget - I promise!

2005-11-29T15:59:00.000+08:00

Our chemical engineer just stopped by with his girlfriend. We enjoyed a pleasant lunch celebrating the granting of her visa to visit his family in Philadelphia. They have ambition to be married soon. He desires his famlies blessing.

Young love is a beautiful thing.

A valid visa is as well - or so I hear. I'm sure my visa will be fixed soon. On several different occasions I've heard that it will be resolved this week.

The last comment was encouraging: "We had the money to fix your visa last week, but we spent it on something else. We will fix it next week."

2005-11-28T00:47:00.000+08:00

Introduction: This blog posting is intentionally strange. If done properly, you may not understand anything, but perhaps, like poetry, you will gather the mood. In total, the words will work (if I do it properly).

Rob hit the Congo. Phil is home alone. Jeff may need a new job. Joe is happy! In a few days we will be together if God allows. Jeff and what’s her face will still be too young for children. Rob will bring what’s her number. I like her. What’s her worth and what’s her weight can’t come this year.

My best friend is in deep. What is the color of choice? Do master’s miracles require a single selection? I don’t like this test!

Another friend wrote to me about happiness. She had just taken some habit forming pain killer, so her advice was the best I’ve read recently. Better living through chemistry!

A married couple is traveling a bumpy road. I may be of value to them, but it will require doses of wisdom. He’s overloaded and she’s a one trick pony. I’ve been both. Did you ever wonder how a work horse might resent the pampering a prancing pony receives? Which one goes to town?

The eggs were all gone at breakfast, so I ate pie. They shot fireworks while I was swimming. I stopped to watch but in the sparkle I drifted away. It was glorious, but brief. When I returned, the water was cold again.

2005-11-27T01:22:00.000+08:00

Sunday Christmas Pool Palms

2005-11-26T10:50:00.000+08:00

In “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” Adam is explaining women to his youngest brother Gideon. Adam claims that all women are pretty much the same. His comment is overheard by Millie (Adam’s wife) who proves his point by over reacting. Well… something like that.

There are exceptional women. My son Jefferson married one. During their courtship, she was not accepted by me or my other sons. She however is a woman who knows what she wants and is willing to fight for it. In her persistence she always wins. There was magic on her wedding day. She now has three overly protective brothers who love her.

Like the movie, if Jeff ever neglects Nicole, I’m sure a younger brother will step up to knock some sense into him.

Winning requires relentless comittment to your desire! Nicole, you're my hero!

2005-11-25T08:00:00.000+08:00

Pictures can’t relate the aroma and fellowship we enjoyed yesterday. Our Thanksgiving dinner was very good. It was my kind of meal! Sixteen people had multiple plates to enjoy with excess. Only a few could resist the flavor of the meal to retain desire for cheesecake or pie.

Mikey’s rolls were a big hit! By that I mean the people enjoyed eating them rather than them being used for an after dinner game of baseball.

On the right side of your screen you will find a link to “Oklahoma Cutie”. It is a blog written by my youngest son Phil. Check it if you wish to see photos of my house decorated for Christmas. I’ve got really great children!

He also writes of trouble in the relationships he desires at age eighteen. So ladies, please give him some feminine flavor. If I tell him to “get tough or die”, he may not feel the love.

2005-11-24T04:16:00.000+08:00

It’s Thanksgiving!

Tonight I received a loving email from a blog reader who took the time to remind me of my negative self image. It’s nice to be noticed! I’m thankful for all of you!

I’m also thankful that my negative self image is not as bad as it has been previously. My negativity may remain undesirable, but it’s getting better. Although none of you commented, yesterday’s posting was hilarious. I’m thankful for humor and the progress it represents.

I may become a recluse. If I do, it’s because in love, I do not wish to pollute the lives of loved ones with prolonged personal exposure to my sour disposition. Time will tell. In the meantime, I’m thankful for Jennifer, Jessica, Cindy, and each of you who have challenged this strategy. Miss me ladies?

When I write of my mermaid, she represents a person who appreciates me for who I am. Consider how nice it would be for me to actually know someone who could lovingly overlook my perspective (or at least challenge it). Wouldn’t it be great if next year I could be thankful for someone who actually wanted to be with me! Although I love her, for now, she does not exist. Nevertheless, I’m thankful for the glimmer of hope that someday she may.

This year, I’ve given several gifts. One particular effort was a multi-media original work of creative art. I consider it to be my most valuable contribution of 2005. It was completely positive. I’m thankful for the gifts I’ve been able to give.

Ah well… as tonight’s email pointed out, I must learn to love myself. For now, I’m thankful I’m alive.

Yesterday a man complimented me on my smile. I’m thankful some of you believe me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2005-11-23T11:00:00.000+08:00

Four people commented on my depression yesterday alone. What’s wrong with these people? Haven’t they ever been depressed?

We have a turkey for tomorrow’s Thanksgiving celebration. The menu will also offer ham, fried chicken, potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, cranberry sauce, rice, dinner rolls, an apple pie, and chocolate chip cookies. It should be ok. Pumpkin pie is impossible here.

Jamie requested that I make bread. I refused. We originally considered having Mikey bake, but they expected me to teach him. What’s wrong with these people? Haven’t they ever made bread before?

Last night, a local missionary stopped for a visit. Almost instantly, we slipped into a contest over the validity of the Old Testament scripture as it relates to our behavior. I suggested that they cannot be applied. We disagreed.

The debate focused on David dancing before the Lord. They didn’t know what to say when I suggested that if Old Testament behavior is to be mirrored, dancers should remove most of their clothing and expose themselves playfully as David did. What’s wrong with these people? Haven’t they ever danced naked before?

Well, it seems obvious to me that the world is in desperate need of honesty. I’m not depressed. Children should be required to learn by experimentation without a teacher! Dancing in worship is wrong unless it’s done to playfully expose body parts while dressed in linnen.

2005-11-22T00:11:00.000+08:00

Ninety-eight people died when the Bastille was stormed on July 14, 1789. They died to overthrow a prison with seven inmates. It was important only as a symbolic act of rebellion.

As a strong believer in symbolic acts, today I turned off my phone. Having already discontinued the use of my internet phone, this act is practically unimportant other than the rebellion it represents.

Recently I voiced my opinion that telephones (cell phones in particular) were evil in their influence on human behavior. My harassers quickly exposed my hypocrisy. Desiring to lead my revolution by example, my phone is off.

Slaves have built pyramids, died as gladiators, rowed galleys, served as soldiers, and picked cotton. Modern slaves pay debts, build companies, promote causes, and sacrifice the treasures of life. Slave drivers no longer require chains to restrain and manage their children... I mean employees.

Nice ring-tone.

2005-11-21T00:36:00.000+08:00

Caution! This posting has morbid content! Sorry Virginia.
……..

Pancakes and pecan pie isn’t a great meal menu unless it’s your last. I fed Nancy her last meal exactly six years ago. It was also our last conflict (who held the fork). I couldn’t tell her she’d lost control of her arms and would be dead next week. Virginia had to finish. Virginia had the dismally gruesome task of feeding her daughter’s last bite.

Tonight I’m angry because I must remember such things. My crime was to love a woman with all my heart. I was a good husband. I was a great husband.

In return, again this year I’m haunted by sick dreams. This year, I’ve had only three – all have been crammed into one week. Old memories of love, sex, hope and desire wake me in bitterness. God, give me a break! I want new memories and fresh dreams, but my subconscious keeps dragging up old ones which can never come true. Insert swear words here for emphasis.
……..

If you allow yourself to deeply love a spouse, a child, a mermaid… anyone, it is critically important that you enjoy your time with them. Make certain to prove your love at every opportunity. Giving love is within your control, so pay attention.

If you are loved, cherish it. Being loved is great treasure! Once lost, recovery is the decision of another and completely beyond your control.
……..

I forgot to mention, the pain of love is worth it! I offer this old photo of my two youngest sons as proof of my genuine twenty-first century gibberish.

Now who can argue with that?

2005-11-20T00:15:00.000+08:00

I believe in yesterday. Yesterday came suddenly. Then poof…

Seemingly a chance meeting quickly and magically became most significant. I wasn’t prepared. In my inexperience, my focus was wrong. I assumed. I’ve assumed before. I should have known better.

Dalle duck mulled these thoughts in her mind. She couldn’t forget the tune the monkey fluted as the zookeeper carried her away. It was wholesome and stimulating. She knew the monkey had vision to see worlds where princesses sleep peacefully in the sun, ants dance in top hats and hippos play basketball. She could only see the fence.

Lucky led her brood to the pond.

Dalle tucked her legs under her beautiful wings, closed her eyes, and concentrated. She saw a single blossom. In a twinkling she realized that beauty would soon pass. Other buds and little ducks refused to wait.

If time wasn’t so busy passing, it would laugh at us all.

2005-11-19T04:10:00.000+08:00

Christmas season is officially open. I’m not sure of the relationship to fireworks, but who am I to question enthusiasm. People are happy.

Today I teetered on the edge of reason over a forty dollar problem. I’m embarrassed that my faith has dwindled so badly. I guess God is exposing my worthlessness. As I am totally unconcerned with appearance, I am willing to expose my flaws. Hopefully someone will learn something.

The Typhoon is now heading more towards China. Manila will probably get some rain.

I may have email problems. If you send me an email without reasonable response time, I’m not avoiding you. Leave a comment. I check them.

2005-11-18T11:12:00.000+08:00

Stagnantly I remain. Yesterday, I noticed a storm headed my way, but as if Manila is protected by a bubble reluctant to allow change of any kind, Typhoon Bolaven did a dance in the Pacific last night. Heading west then turning south-east, followed by a skip to south-west, returning to south-east, then taking a hard left to go north, and finally moving slowly to the north-west has left her about as far away as she was yesterday, only weaker.

I attribute this behavior to some of you. I would bet a fortune that some of you were praying for my protection from this storm yesterday. It was a normal Typhoon until I told you about it. Meteorologists probably have ambition to someday know why storms become unpredictable. I doubt if any of their models account for the power of prayer.

Recently I would testify that my prayers have no power. I believe some of you must have a better connection. I have four prayer requests. Please use your influence to ask God to release his power in those areas. Last night, God played with a Typhoon in the Pacific. Likewise I believe he can cause other problems to go away.

Thanks for asking!

2005-11-17T15:49:00.000+08:00

Can little dogs sleeping on the balcony fly? Is it dangerous to view a typhoon from the fourteenth floor of a building? How good are these windows?

Typhoon Bolaven is headed my way. Storm track has me within my first typhoon experience beginning tomorrow.

For your weather lesson… A typhoon is a hurricane in the Pacific west of the international date line. It’s a hurricane that happens tomorrow.

Does anyone know someone who’s considering skinnydipping during a typhoon as a unique life experience? Hummm… It’s only water. Like a tree which makes no noise in the forest when it falls, if there is no evidence, it didn’t happen.

2005-11-16T05:00:00.000+08:00

Shopping with women as a silent follower is ‘lovely’. We traveled across town to accomplish this trip requiring a driver and a small tank of gasoline to find bargains in a bizarre-like environment called “Greenhills”.

T-shirts were 3 for $4. Watches, blouses, polo-shirts, oriental idols, and shoes filled a maze of shops. Each shop was about five foot square and required two or three vendors. Like a carnival they would call as you approached: “Yes sir, watches.” “Yes ma’am, blouses.”

I spent about ten dollars on a cinnamon scented oil fragrance burner and four other hot gifts. Jamie spent five dollars on a ceramic tea set. Jhing attempted to barter price for me, but otherwise walked with Jamie sharing conversation about countless ‘cute’, ‘precious’, ‘adorable’, and ‘darling’ things.

Later we viewed “The legend of Zorro”. Being rated “G”, it was an amazing film. Previously I didn’t realize that Zorro could fly, horses could drink wine and smoke a pipe, women in fruffy dresses could outrun attack dogs, and hundreds of swordfights could be fought without anyone getting cut.

If I get grumpy and harsh from time to time, please forgive me. I live in a different universe and when I visit yours it requires special glasses or a pretty hat. Sometimes I forget.

2005-11-15T04:04:00.000+08:00

It’s the middle of the night. I thought I would post early today. I checked and it’s been several days since anyone has commented. Interesting.

Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” is playing and somehow makes sense:
“The man in the coonskin cap in the pig pen wants eleven dollar bills, you only got ten.”

Did you ever seem to get stuck continually coming up short of what other people expect from you? Well, I think I’m stuck. Isn’t it believable for a naïve hippo to want to play basketball? Have you never met a writer who is likewise impressed with his vertical leap?

(This is fantasy fiction… not real…)

My mermaid (representing dreams of future love and acceptance) is completely disinterested. She seemingly has no desire to be associated with me. My recent efforts to attract her have gone unnoticed.

I suppose empty promises begin to expose hypocrisy and soon all words, belief and even faith sounds like hollow plastic. The substance upon which I’ve build my life is being proven.

The wise man built his house upon the rock… The rains and storms have beaten down. For a while I thought I was OK, but I’m wondering if somehow I’ve mistaken sand for rock and soon my house will go “splat”.

Well, that’s how it feels.

“You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.”

2005-11-14T12:36:00.000+08:00

For Roy:

Meanwhile, in a serene corner of the St. Canard zoo, Dalle Duck was discussing escape plans with Lucky who was a goose. “Can’t fly out! We’ve been clipped.” Lucky crooned.

“Look! The keeper left the gate open.” Dalle whispered softly toward freedom. Before slipping through, Lucky hollered. “Don’t go! It’s dangerous. What’ll happen?”

“Consequences, Schmonsequences, I’m an actress. Happiness is being rich – living the good life.” Dalle burst away from the peaceful pond, and with a few twitches of her tail feathers, she was on her way.

Avoiding the hot sidewalk, Dalle stopped for a drink. A baby hippo lifted its eyes. “My name is Michael. Would you like to see me jump?”

Dalle paused. She had never considered beginning a conversation on a subject other than herself. After a moment, she replied. “I’m looking for a way out of the zoo!”

“Basketball! That’s your ticket. Watch my vertical leap!” With a massive and impressive shift in hippo leverage, the square jaw pointed up, the shoulders reached back and the baby’s two front legs actually, but barely left the ground. “Uncle John says that with practice I can be a power forward. NBA players have a great life.”

Dalle blinked in disbelief.

Baby hippo looked at Dalle and shook it’s head. “I’m sorry. You’re short.”

"WATCH IT, BUB!!" Dalle scruffed as she waddled away. Moving along, she came to hop up onto a giant tortoise who asked with deliberate annoyance. “What are you doing?” The shell moved slightly and Dalle adjusted her balance as she replied. “I’m getting out of this zoo.”

The tortoise retracted it’s legs in disinterest. “I’m racing and don’t have time for such folly.” Dalle hopped down, thinking he missed that she was the most beautiful duck in history. “You’re not moving, how can you be racing?”

With parental patience, the turtle’s eyes blinked. “Visualization! I’m training for NASCAR. First, visualize! Action follows thought. I was about to make turn three at Daytona when you so rudely disturbed my concentration. If you want to leave, see yourself outside.”

"Obviously I'm dealing with inferior mentalities." Dalle said as the turtle returned to racing.

She noticed a smiling monkey watching from a tree. “What you lookin at?” Dalle posed as she spoke. The monkey scratched himself wrong way about. “You’re standing on the flowers.”

Dalle groaned. “Do you know how to get outside?” The monkey held a small flute and looked at it as he recalled. “I know a song about those yellow flowers by your… feet. It will make you happy.”

Dalle squawked. “Can’t trick me with some old fashioned happy tune! I’m going to be an actress."

In response, a zookeeper flopped a net over Dalle. Scooping her into his arms he said. “Hello baby. Been looking all over for you.”

In the tree the monkey piped a tune as Dalle was toted away and then said “Must be duck season.”

2005-11-13T00:49:00.000+08:00

Bill was a police man whose job was to direct traffic. Being tall, he could stand in the center of a busy intersection and wave cars, stop cars, and smile at the drivers. None of the drivers smiled back.

One morning, Bill noticed that drooping where his smile should be was the frown he saw in passing windows. Frantically he called his Sergeant to request emergency leave. Bill needed his smile. Bill’s boss approved a day off only if Bill would find a suitable replacement.

Hurrying to the zoo, Bill found a monkey to fill in. Back to the house they ran. Dressing the monkey in his uniform and grabbing a ladder, Bill took his replacement to the center of town and dashed off to find his missing smile.

The monkey stood on the ladder to wave cars, stop cars, and smile at the drivers. None of the drivers smiled back. Weary of being surrounded by grumpy people, the monkey waved everyone to a stop. Cars stalled in every direction. With a small flute, the monkey played a simple song about the little yellow flowers that grew at the zoo. At first, the honking of anxious horns drowned the melody, but gradually people began to listen and hum along. As the tune spread, so did the monkey’s smile.

The next day, Bill returned to work without his smile. He waved cars, stopped cars, and couldn’t help but notice that the drivers were all smiling at him as they passed. His smile returned.

At the zoo, the monkey told his friends about being a police man. He tooted his flute and everyone was happy because of little yellow flowers.

2005-11-12T13:33:00.000+08:00

"Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know." …wisdom attributed to Ernest Hemingway.

I woke this morning with a compulsion to make someone happy. Both my targets and resources are limited. I went swimming.

At the pool there is a girl in her early teens who is required to exercise. Her routine is to transport colored toys, matching them to toys at the other end of the pool. “What color?” She replies with only a vacant gaze. Keeping her active, she is repetitively admonished, “Lissa – swim back!” Occasionally Lissa will escape the demands of those who are paid to keep her. Barking like a seal, she gulps a mouthful of pool water, spits, and spashes water out of the pool with both hands.

Returning from the pool I took Simon grocery shopping. I bought chocolate cookies for Jamie, chips for Mikey, several bags of microwave popcorn, and an assortment of required items.

One particular item was a bar of soap for my bathroom.

2005-11-11T13:16:00.000+08:00

In the orient, a young girl places three carnations in her hair to tell her fortune. If the top flower dies first, her last years of life will be difficult; if it is the middle flower, her earlier years will bring the most grief. Worst of all, if the bottom flower dies first, the poor girl will be miserable her whole life.

My first job involved cutting Carnations. I didn’t know I was in the fortune telling supply business. This is the blade I used to cut flowers thirty eight years ago. I have no other relationship with such endurance.

Ok Aesop… what’s the point?

There’s a bit of wisdom to oriental feminine fortune telling. One of the flowers is going to die first, and there is no chance for an easy life.

If we pretend that we all have thirty eight more years, what photograph will you post as your most enduring companion? Will you be responsible enough to achieve it? Will you be tough enough to hang on even if your bottom flower dies first?

2005-11-10T17:13:00.000+08:00

Today I swam in the rain. I thereby worked to improve my physical condition, however my tan line lost a day.

Yes! For the first time in my personal history I have a tan line someplace other than my upper arms. I took photographic evidence.

Although I am proud of my tan line, I won’t display my evidence. I think most of the civilized world would agree with my decision.

However, recently there was a woman at the pool wearing a thong-back-string-bikini. She had no tan lines. I’m curious why humanity seemingly approves of our individual yet opposite decisions.

2005-11-09T15:38:00.000+08:00

Forget Thanksgiving! Spare the turkey or give her to some slob who can’t feed himself. After all, if we honestly express our feelings, none of us are thankful.

There may be a few things you enjoy, but you worked hard for them. The concept of being thankful implies that God has blessed us. I dare you to make a list of blessings you believe God has provided.

When you make your list, you can’t include other people – especially not your children. Other people are merely the result of historical sexual passion. They are your fellow sheep doomed to eventual death and pain.

When you make your list, you can’t include prosperity. Your abundance is a result of another’s deprivation. As you bask in your fortune, little ones hunger.

Perhaps I’m wrong. If you’re thoughtful enough to rebelliously ignore me, congratulations! If you insist on being thankful for your family, friends, and pretty bed linens then you should start planning now to join someone soon for a massive hug! In desperate thanksgiving, don’t let go.

2005-11-08T16:31:00.000+08:00

Foolish sentiment builds the illusion that excess relationship baggage is a required burden. Perfection is required! Phooey!

I said Phooey and I mean PHOOEY!

In all human relationships there is a point where you must decide if a person is worth the “crap” they dish out? It’s difficult when the answer is “no” and the relationship is close family or is a much loved friend. The truth is however that we all need and desire relationships that inspire us to live and walk like a camel. Watch out! They spit.

So what if we spit! If others make heavy burdens light and put a little spunk in your step, they are worthy. If you are loved, your smelly hide, knobby knees, and large bottom will be adored rather than being the target of ridicule.

Find someone who you consider to be the best you’ve ever known and tell them they are the top. Encourage others if you love them. Celebrate the flavor they add to life. Pet their hump and remind them that God placed it there with a purpose.

2005-10-31T15:20:00.000+08:00

This blog is temporarily abandoned.

2005-10-30T05:21:00.000+08:00

Yesterday I gave my first Christmas gift for this year. My cook’s daughter is age eighteen. She is four days away from being kicked out of technical school. The issue is tuition payment which I have now promised to pay.

I bring this up only to explain why I send Sunday Flowers.

Simon’s daughter is changing to improve herself. We all need to follow her example, however God strongly suggested that we “rest” from the pressure one day each week. So today and every Sunday I’m sending this flower with a simple request:

Please stay just as you are. For a single day, just remain. I love you without any pressure of perfection. Like this flower, you are beautiful.

No buts – chill. Buddddddy.

2005-10-29T00:18:00.000+08:00

It might have been a glimpse of death or heaven. It was definitely a vision.

It began with nudity. Not just the lack of clothes, but the lack of flesh as well.

In a munching consumption which appeared at first as a distant tiny spot, but upon examination was large past infinity. Within the consumption were countless other consumptions which boiled in and around each other like a hot caramel. I was instantly engulfed and absorbed yet still remained within my own processing.

Beginning with my fingers and toes I felt myself gradually disappear, yet within the mix I multiplied. I could see others. Each of them being both absorbed, and multiplied and somehow sexually combined into countless simultaneous munching destructions and constructions.

I focused on the consumption of another and felt history and future combine into a knowing of each detail of what she had been. We were joined and became one. We moved on to consume another yet felt ourselves in turn being consumed.

And then we dropped as if we were the size of a needles tip from what seemed to be a measureless height to join into a munching boiling orgy of even larger size. Looking back I saw myself standing whole, clothed and surrounded by others milling together in the light. Being within each of them, I knew them all.

Turning again I felt the munching, I was being known. It was the simultaneous reality of decomposition and multiplication within an ever increasing understanding of insignificance within a yet larger process of the same consumptive mixing that caused me to attempt this description.

In my disappearance, I came to exist. In my knowing I was being known. In ever increasing understanding I was being somehow reborn and reshaped.

I still am captivated by the understanding.

.....

Hi, I wrote the above tonight. It is not fiction, but I can't say it's fact.
It was real.

This is unedited - as remembered. This is not contrived fiction.

2005-10-28T00:29:00.000+08:00

Minnows for dinner?

Oh, it’s a different culture.
No.

They must prefer them to boneless chicken.
No.

Let them eat cake.

Marie would not have understood either. The blindness of the blessed fuels bloody revolutions. All we really lack is a king in silk stockings and pink satin pants.

Don't eat the green ones. They're not ripe yet.

2005-10-27T00:34:00.000+08:00

Behold the power of love.

Today belongs to Phil, yesterday belonged to Joseph. Not mine, another’s.

As the now thirteen year old son of Romy (my driver), he is not surrounded by material wealth. When Romy requested an early evening to celebrate his son’s birthday, I compulsively pulled all of my available cash and sent it along as a surprise gift.

This morning, Romy beamed as he delivered this note from his son. I love happy families!

Today I’m comfortable that many people will likewise bless Phil with all of their available cash. (Phil… at least I tried! – Dig your poem!) If not, I suspect he will be sufficiently touched and loved.

Children, do you see how this “loving others” thing is supposed to work? Plan now! Bless a child on their birthday. Pick a child – any child! Give all the love you have! Be colorfully creative! Go overboard! It may actually change their life! Unexpected love is good seed to plant into a young heart.

Note: Wives, Mothers, and girl-friends are likewise worthy targets, but don’t expect any thank-you notes. (Ladies, please forgive me if you have been responsible in expressing appreciation. My note is intended to smack those who have the illusion that they somehow deserve loving attention.)

2005-10-26T04:27:00.000+08:00

I may take a break in early November from the oppressive strain of treasure hunting and bop up to Singapore. Singapore set the record for the longest human domino chain a few years ago when 9,234 students lined up (stretching 4.2 km – 2 miles) and all fell down.

This is the kind of therapy the world needs. Work-work-work!

Singapore also holds the record for having over 11,000 people line dancing simultaneously. They danced to the theme from Rawhide – the old Rowdy Yates tune. What key? Eight. It’s a good country key.

Baby boy writes his own: http://pjskins6.blogspot.com

Heredity is a frightening thing!

2005-10-25T00:01:00.000+08:00

Weary of truth, I play.

Pancakes with cinnamon topping offered for a switch. No need for syrup or cream, with a firm banana sliced on the side. Juice or tea?

Service with a rare smile, and pretend it is the weekend. It’s just rainin. Ain’t no need.

Jiggy feelings hop to the candy shop. Disease for sale, yet heedless victims purchase with historical cyclical lollypop certainty.

Did you know the secret to world class pancakes is a bit of extra sugar with a wink of vanilla? Stacked snacks needlessly harden.

Humdrum cakes discarded. Watch me wallabies feed mate. Ain’t no need.

2005-10-24T00:26:00.000+08:00

What do we learn from this Dorothy?

Tonight I delivered my second radio program. I spoke on Faith rather than my planned topic of Love. The change was a late afternoon compulsion. There were four other people in the studio as I spoke. Two of them went soundly to sleep while the third watched a silent basketball game being visible from another room.

Fortunately I had my thoughts well organized, so the gentle rumble of Zzzzzz’s only provided my listeners with a sensation of restful peace. The potential audience of eighty four million was likely comforted as well. If I put half of the country to sleep, at least they will start the week with extra rest.

Understanding the power of the Holy Spirit, I conclude that my future direction should not include public interaction. I’m a natural sedative. “Sed-a-give?” Pursuing further radio programming, would require a warning:

For your safety and the safety of others, do not listen to this person while driving a car or while operating heavy equipment.

her·mit (hûr m t) n.
A person who has withdrawn from society and lives a solitary existence; a recluse.
A spiced cookie made with molasses, raisins, and nuts.

Note: This posting contains no fiction.

2005-10-23T09:23:00.000+08:00

Sunday Flowers

2005-10-22T07:11:00.000+08:00

Skipping proudly over the Pacific, today I bring you two images of parental hope. Departing for the sunny side of the world gave me a twinge of anxiety about the development of my sons. I believe my absence has been a good thing. Here’s proof.

Over the past decade, my baby boy (that’s a joke) has been understandably reluctant to smile. He has found a good one since I’ve been gone.

No! Not because I’ve been gone. His freedom and the carefree lifestyle of a High School Senior have allowed it. Life is good.

However, there have been other lessons as well. I approve!

Although I offer no photographic evidence, my personal changes have been similar. I think I’m smiling more on the inside.

There’s been a change in the wind here. Our business position seems to be making headway. I suspect that one of my new readers may have experience in prayer. Or perhaps one of my old readers has finally come to the conclusion that I am “seriously disturbed” and has intensified her efforts.

How would I know it’s a she? Irrational Instinct!

2005-10-21T00:38:00.000+08:00

Truth:
I just finished my first radio program. I spoke on the difference between the law of Moses and the law of Christ. This was a local station meaning that the station only reaches the seventeen million people in metropolitan Manila. On Sunday evening I have been invited to speak on a national radio program. The potential audience grows to about eighty four million. I will try to do a better job on the same message.

Before the show, we stopped by Starbucks and I enjoyed a Grande Mocha Frapuchino. It was very tasty.

Are you bored with straight truth yet? SNORE!

Fiction:
Violence erupted in the Streets of Manila tonight as a local radio station was surrounded by spontaneous protests. Evidently a very ugly American spoke on the unimportance of priests and preachers. He proclaimed that we have direct access to the throne of Grace through Jesus. He suggested that the Holy Spirit had the responsibility to lead us into all truth.

Evidently a majority of the protestors were professional “ministers”, bishops, priests, and administrators who earn their living within the business of religion. No injuries were reported, however several egos sustained severe damage.

One bystander was heard to proclaim: “Whoever that was… he was Whacko-wacko-wacko!”

….

Recently a few of my readers have been confused in their ability to discern my friction from my truth. Tonight I yield to their “pressure” and clearly draw the line. However I have no idea what I will do tomorrow.

….
Truth:
Oh… and for those who might have been confused by my addition of the “extra bouquet” on the delivery of Sunday Flowers, I must explain. Those women are the wives of two business associates. I was suggesting to their husbands that they were neglecting the real value in life. I have no romantic interest or involvement with either of these women. I hope this clarifies my vagueness. I should know about the stupidity of men who neglect their wives because I also was an assuming husband.

Fiction:
I have my heart set on a mermaid. She is a vision. While she represents loving playful frolicking adventure, she can’t possibly exist. After all, we would have nothing in common. But if I was thin and rich, I could build this really fantastic pool where my mermaid could play and be happy. It would be our private little water park. That would be fun!

Heavy sigh!

2005-10-20T08:42:00.000+08:00

She wasn’t wearing any underwear. As this little girl played in a tattered dress with her two sisters and baby brother I realized she didn’t own any.

The parents stood nearby. At first I thought these must be grandparents. Skinny worn faces frequently paused in a vacant stare. These people were past hopeless and now lived as beggars.

My thoughts returned to dancing happy blue t-shirts. I watched the little boy struggle with his sister and realized where the t-shirts had begun. This family would also dance with joy for a stable life in prison.

Pastor was making phone calls to bureaucrats who insisted they must have ID’s before being processed. The system did not allow unidentified poverty.

A few minutes later I found myself drinking Spanish chocolate and munching bread, cheese, and sardines in the oldest club in Manila. The fish head I’d eaten for lunch allowed me just a bit of balance.

2005-10-19T00:26:00.000+08:00

Ejected from my bed by an unexpected sweet odor, I am moved to document the event. I can’t imagine the source and as I can’t find it again, I’m beginning to think it is a figment.

It has been a long time since I’ve enjoyed the smell of a lover’s hair or the aroma of lingering perfume on a soft neckline. It’s disturbing to be reminded of such things when they can no longer be enjoyed. My inability to stay in bed and my compulsion to write about the sensations of memorial fabrications proves the power of love. I remember the gift.

How long will your lover remember your smell? Have you offered yourself selflessly enough to impact mental associations forever? Will the hint of even an unrelated scent trigger an emotional link to you?

Loved ones! Please! Do not mistakenly assume that you will always be blessed with the aroma of love. Today, while you have breath, do something to say “thanks”. Creatively code your passionate irrational insanity into an unforgettable message. When you next rest your head on a fragrant pillow, breathe deeply as you wink into sweet sleep.

2005-10-18T08:13:00.000+08:00

There’s a party going down at the drug rehabilitation compound.

It does not require explanation that these boys are happy. The music wasn’t that good. The dance floor was a partially covered open air basketball court. Guards strolled the fringes and watched from the hill.

No one noticed when I made my way into the dance. There is a theory that if an image is beyond belief, the mind ignores it. Mental filters impose themselves to maintain sanity. I must have been somebody else’s problem (S.E.P.), because my minimal gyration was virtually invisible.

Flashing my camera after the moment that no one noticed attracted a crowd of smiling faces.

I went to a party in prison. I guess we all need a little rehabilitation. Everyone was having a good time.

None of the blue shirts jumped the fence. I guess they value a dry place to sleep, a regular meal, clothes to wear, and the loving care of a Christian medical staff.

I’m your boogie-man!

2005-10-17T07:55:00.000+08:00

Taal is the name of a volcano. It was once a big deal. This photograph is looking down into one of the great tectonic depressions on earth. Looking closely you can see a volcanic cone creatively named “Volcano Island”.

My location is an elevational historical fraction of this once great volcano. However like a collapsing pastry, the interior of the volcano pooped out and the mountain crumbled. We now have a pretty little lake and an occasional eruption on Volcano Island.

I regret that I arrived so late in the day. My image is dimmed by the setting of the sun. However it was nice to leave the city and get a glimpse of rugged island terrain.

The clutter floating in the lake are fish farms. They harvest Talapia and Milk-Fish. If Tall gets excited, these fish may be par-boiled resulting in the largest fish head soup of all time.

2005-10-16T09:34:00.000+08:00

It’s time for Sunday flowers!

I thought I would send you an extra bouquet. It’s a crying shame that neither husband is in the scene. Oh well… some men are slow learners.

I should know!

2005-10-15T11:13:00.000+08:00

Banana Catsup tastes like tomato catsup. The color fooled me and only after my first unsurprising bite did I notice the label. Looking around I became aware of many other cultural differences.

Our lunch was curiously relaxed. Casual conversation however did result in my invitation to teach next week on a thirty minute radio program.

My audience will be some portion of the seventeen million souls in metropolitan Manila. Eighty percent of the people here are Roman Catholic, so my topic selection must be carefully chosen. An unplanned revolution is not my objective. Yet I have a history of sparking heated debate just for grins.

They insisted on serving me a beverage. It contained sweet water in a baby coconut shell. Uncertainty remains how they make banana catsup red, how they fill the coconut with water, and why I’m now a radio preacher.

We were late to the birthday party, but it was a rowdy affair that lasted late into the evening. There was live entertainment and dancing. Dancing?

Tomorrow is Sunday flowers, but look forward to party pictures next week.

2005-10-14T08:50:00.000+08:00

My last haircut was self-inflicted about four months ago. During the early 1970’s I had a slightly longer version of my little boy haircut, but parting on the left with a swept across top has been the single life-style. I still remember the parental admonition to keep the part perfectly straight and expertly selected.

As my mop has become unruly and my attitude tanned by the tropical sun, I’ve decided it’s time for a change. For now, I’m attempting to mimic Jack Nicholson by brushing everything straight back. I am tempted to venture across the street and purchase a new color.

Regularity becomes boringly invisible. Change is possible. Change is good.

Are you a creature of habit? Freedom is possible. Freedom is good.

Now I need a custom chopper and a bandana. Get your motor runnin!

2005-10-13T04:06:00.000+08:00

When my wife died in 1999, what happened to my relationship with her family? The reason I ask, is that today I received a surprise email from what once was my mother-in-law. In that I’m no longer married, do I still have one? Curious!

Whatever she is, she is also a reminder that change is a constant. Nothing remains “straight”. As there are no straight lines in nature, there are no straight paths. Everything bends.

Direction changes daily. Flexibility is preferable to rigidity. Well… it’s true most of the time. The attraction of a sports coupe is how quickly they can safely navigate change.Being a man, it’s natural for me to appreciate the curves. Feelin Groovy!

2005-10-12T09:20:00.000+08:00

Wearing yellow slippers is a cool thing to do when you are lucky enough to have a construction job. Other than the mandatory green long-sleeve, the workers building the wall are free to express their fashion sense.

The wall that previously separated a vacant lot from the sidewalk was demolished with a single hammer and then tossed aside. Piece by piece, brick by brick, busy men have cleared the way for the construction of a new and improved wall.

Gravel was delivered in a truck but transported on workers backs to a new spot. How do you carry small rocks on your back? You put a piece of cloth on the ground, shovel rocks onto it, and finally you lift the cloth “bag” onto your shoulder. Why? It is cheaper than buying a wheel-barrow.

A nearby worker wears plain flip-flops, but boasts blue trousers with a sporty stripe. These men love their job. It allows them to eat.

2005-10-11T06:57:00.000+08:00

She was only a dream. My mermaid dream and I had become close. She was a fun dream, and I loved having her around. I regret that yesterday should be the day it ended, nevertheless she’s gone.

My close friend also nearly lost his dream. His dream didn’t get away, so she can be nourished back to health. But then my friend has a bigger mermaid pool. He is wise enough and has charming skills to keep her. They will be happy.

Dreams are like real people. They must be protected from poison thoughts or else they die. Like the death of one you deeply love, their passing demands a funeral.

There is great wisdom in the jazz funerals of the south. On the path to the grave, the music is a dirge. It is a slow respectful hymn of mourning.

Boom, boom, bim-boom-crashboom signals the joyous return to life. Tempo and vitality reflect that all is not lost. Life remains, and today is another opportunity to dance. For me that means lessons - someday.

I began with a commitment to win. I will always. Today I search for treasure to buy a bigger pool.

2005-10-10T09:04:00.000+08:00

If Russians get their milk from Mos-cows, where do Filipinos get their milk?

It comes from down under. Is that an udder joke?

The milk here actually does come from Australia. It is packaged in a box, sold by the liter (just under a dollar), and has a shelf life of almost a year. What do they add to milk to preserve it for so long? Maybe it’s kangaroo milk?

A mob of boomers were jumping the flyers. The joeys were playing. An aborigine had one hand under a macropod and in the other he held a small white box. “OK Matilda, now jump."

On my trip into the countryside several weeks ago, we drove past a farmer’s cart being pulled by a water buffalo. The cart was loaded with people. The water buffalo didn’t look like he was in the mood to be milked.

I eat my cereal dry.

2005-10-09T09:26:00.000+08:00

Kidnapped was the first word that came to mind when I awoke.

I am “watching” a child of fifteen years. He is the captain’s son. As the captain and his wife are traveling, babysitting is now a part of my duty.

My young ward went to a birthday party last night. He did not return. Both he and security – gone! Fortunately there was no ransom note! Tracking him required several calls. The bodyguards who are bringing him home this morning will earn their wage.

KFR (kidnap for ransom) is a significant problem. Recently in traffic we paused beside a police van labeled “KFR Prevention Unit”. It’s a business demanding a governmental counterpart.

It gives me great pleasure to send you Sunday flowers rather than headlines today!

2005-10-08T05:26:00.000+08:00

Tonight I’m spending time on the balcony. Dreams of mermaid meetings and Christmas dinner have ejected me from my bed.

In early morning review of a foggy city, I observe a gang of boys bravely possessing themselves down the normally crowded sidewalk. Speaking in Tagalog, one disgruntled youth asks: “Where the white women at?”

A trash truck stopped on the back street where towers have piled their daily garbage. The truck is accompanied by a crew of nine.

I’ve never seen a trash-bike before. The side-car like frame is the size of a large pickup truck. Four loaders accompany the cyclist to nearby pilings. Upon returning to the waiting truck, the bags are thrown water brigade style to the front of the truck. The king of the dump-truck mountain leverages each bag onto the growing stack.

Nearby, sitting on a towel, a single man rummages through a promising bag. Eventually he removes treasure and stashes it behind the truck’s cab. These men also are an organized team of treasure hunters. I envy their success.

Rumbling to a smoky start, the truck follows the bike to the next stop. Looking back to the rain cleansed boulevard I notice the traffic never stops.

The solitude of the balcony hasn’t cleared my mind. I consider a pumpkin pie and wonder how large of a swimming pool is required to satisfy a mermaid.

2005-10-07T03:29:00.000+08:00

There are almost four people for each and every square foot in metropolitan Manila. It is the most densely populated city in the history of the world. It’s good people here are small.

Stacking is the key!
They do a little stacking in New York City, but as our most tightly packed city, it can only boast about one person per square foot. Of course, Americans are larger and require more space.

Plant a garden and build a tower. Fly me to the moon!

2005-10-06T00:42:00.000+08:00

Awakened by the latest batch of hate-mail in response to yesterday’s posting, I must respond before someone gets seriously upset!

Brother Roy recently commented that he will introduce this content to a few new readers. In response I needed to update my bio (which none of you noticed). He also wanted me to provide everyone with an explanation to “what am I doing here”. Thus the content is partially rational.

Roy also has recently cautioned me of being overly demanding on my readers. He explained that I must state clearly obvious subjects rather than imagine that my readers notice them.

Allow me a heavy sigh.

I will point out that in the first portion of yesterdays material (as well as in the bio), I describe “historical-fiction”. This means… (another heavy sigh) that what I write is fiction based on history.

It may me obvious only to me that I introduce a section with a claim that I saw a real photograph of a mermaid. None of you challenged that obvious distraction. You didn’t understand that I was making fun of my own perception? I’m sorry! It is so obvious to me.

And then… the worst wound of all.

I ended the posting with the funniest line to be written… No that would be exaggeration (another form of humor). It may not be the funniest joke of the century, but it’s in the top five. I’m referring to the last words of General Custer.

Try to imagine most of the seventh cavalry dead in the Dakota grass. General Custer is down on one knee. He’s wounded. He speaks to his aide… “When theory becomes fact and opportunities are lost, it’s time to write fiction. Ouch! ”

Dear friends, this means that sometimes fiction is required to be written when reality is obviously not going well.

Tragically, some of you are still mumbling… “It’s not funny!”

“Send a wire to the main office and tell them that I said OW!”

2005-10-05T12:12:00.000+08:00

General Custer said it best! “What am I doing here?”

A complex question indeed! To answer requires history. Sherman please set the way-back machine to 1976. No, that’s too far. 198… No, that’s boring. How about 1999? Well, that was a bad year. OK! Let’s just go back to April.

An old friend approached me with a call for help. His company required some technical I.T. support. I had the time, and believe that if we have the opportunity to bless someone, we should.

Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

My contribution to this company instantly resulted in significant operational savings. Helping out was mutually beneficial.

As summer approached, my friend offered me a full time position. I would spend the remainder of the year in the Philippines. My job would be diverse. I would provide technical support to the local staff to enhance security systems, data structures, and communication systems. I would also be responsible to establish the systems required to buy and sell gold from the small-scale miners on the southern islands. Eventually I accepted.

I began blogging my adventure to allow friends and family to join me without need for them to relocate. I decided to write historical fiction with each day’s entry to be fictional based on yesterday’s events.

As usual, things changed. Business strategy shifted and my reasons for being here lost their priority. Daily blog entries hence required more fiction and less history.

I’ve never made it to see the small scale mining operations in the south. There have been several acts of piracy that diminish our business potential. Christmas is approaching quickly. Perhaps the business will transition into 2006 or perhaps my work here will disappear.

….

Yesterday, I saw a photograph of a mermaid. It was not a graphic, but a real photo. I was reminded of another reason I decided to travel to Manila.

I once considered a theory that people I love would be happier if I was gone. As an experiment, I departed. It has been about ninety days (much longer for some) since any of my loved ones have seen me. Without exception, each and every one of them are happier now than they were in June. My theory approaches fact.

My oldest son will substitute for missing parents. He will accompany my youngest son onto the football field to be introduced on Senior night.
….

Rumor is, these are the last words of General Custer: “When theory becomes fact and opportunities are lost, it’s time to write fiction. Ouch! ”

2005-10-04T06:49:00.000+08:00

“…and your little dog Toto too.”

When surrounded by munchkins and yellow brick roads, you realize you’re not in Kansas anymore. Munchkins are cute, but there’s wicked witches to remember. I remembered them last night.

I’m in the mood to follow, follow, follow the road and find McDonalds. It’s been several weeks since I’ve had a taste of home.

There’s no place like home!

If I only had a heart. I had one once… Must have given it away or left it at home.

Courage man. Courage!

2005-10-03T09:24:00.000+08:00

Behold the wonder in the eyes of a child. Still believing, they curiously take in the unusual with curious confidence. When will innocent love become cynically hoarded? Who will first teach these eyes suspicion? Be thankful I’m not God!

2005-10-02T14:17:00.000+08:00

No sleepy eyes today!

Crusing by the mall after church, we saw a body shop. Unfortunately they would not take mine in trade for a new one. Imagine! What's not to love?

2005-10-02T07:54:00.000+08:00

Sunday Flowers

2005-10-02T07:29:00.000+08:00

A Sunday Sermon.

Brevity is good. This posting however is a copy of a sermon I hope to deliver in a few hours. It was written to be heard rather than read. I post it in obedience to brother Roy.

Enjoy!

...........

Approaching the Throne of Grace

This morning we are going to begin in prayer, but we are going to focus our prayer to the benefit of someone none of you know. She is a friend of mine who needs to sell her house.

Mat 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

How many of you believe this scripture? As we pray, I’m also asking that you believe that our prayer will be answered.

Pray here:

Also occasionally I’m going to pause and hold up my finger to God. When I do so, I’d like for each of you to silently thank God for answering our prayer by providing a buyer for my friend’s house.

Example here:

This morning I want to take you on a transition from law to grace. Let’s go way back to when the children of Israel were in the process of possessing the promised land. They had come out of Egypt and wandered around the wilderness for forty years. As a family, they were growing into a nation.

Needing Samuel

Demanding a king was a big mistake, but Israel did it anyway. Since Abraham, God had been the King. For the children of Israel, God wasn’t good enough. God knew in advance what would happen if they chose to follow a human King. He allowed it.

Who or what is your king?

It’s common for us to allow someone or something to rule over us. We serve those things and follow their decrees. Is there someone or something that you are following with more passion than you have for God? Maybe it’s a job, or a house, or a reputation, or sex, or money or power. Give yourself a quick check. What or who have you placed on the throne of your heart?

The children of Israel wanted a king.

In preparation, God first needed to give them a Samuel. Samuel was a special man!

1 Samuel 3:
1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.

19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.

Samuel came at a time when God’s interaction with people was rare. When Samuel grew to have the capacity to converse with God, he provided the nation with vision to the insight and power of God. Through Samuel, God spoke. Without Samuel the people were stumbling in their own blindness and ignorance. If the children of Israel were blind, Samuel was their guide dog.

How did Samuel become so special? It began with God’s preparation of Samuel’s mother. The history of what God did to produce a man who would hear God’s voice is found in 1Samuel chapter one. I won’t read it, but here is what happened.

Elkanah was a man with two wives. Peninnah was one of his wives. She had many children. Hannah was his other wife. She had no children… because the Lord had prevented it.

God set Hannah up to experience years of pain and ridicule from Peninnah. They were described as adversaries. The cultural value of children allowed Peninnah to taunt Hannah.

It was like a basketball game with a halftime score of 68 to 0. Peninnah was winning big! She had no respect for her opponent. She enjoyed being the valuable wife to Elkanah. “Hey… look at me… I’m pregnant! Again!”

Over time, Hannah became obsessively desperate! She literally began to starve herself in her passion to obtain God’s mercy. God allowed her to become bitter. As a result, she made a “deal” with God.

1 Samuel 1:
11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

Her deal was to dedicate her son’s life to serving God if He would bless her with one.

God’s plan needed a mother who was committed to raising a child to be special and totally committed to serving God. God blessed her with Samuel.

So Samuel was born and raised to be God’s man. He judged Israel for many years as the nation’s prophet. Samuel provided fellowship with God. When God spoke, he spoke through Samuel.

So when Israel decided they needed a king, Samuel voiced God’s caution.

In 1st Samuel chapter eight, Samuel told the people what would happen if God allowed them to have a King. He told them of loosing their men to form armies. They would loose their daughters to be the king’s servants. There would be land taken to supply the king’s needs. He predicted annual taxation and the resulting condition of being servants of the King.

Samuel relayed an ugly description of the future government. Nevertheless, the people demanded a King.

God knows the future.

Isa 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

How many of you believe this?

This means that in Chapter 8, God already knows the end of Chapter 15. In chapter eight God gives the children of Israel a chance. They stubbornly require a King. God gives them Saul.

1 Samuel 9:
2 And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.

Saul was a great choice. He was big, strong, handsome and a natural leader. God gave the children of Israel exactly what they requested.

1 Samuel 9:
15 Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying, 16 Tomorrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.

Saul had the illusion that he was looking for some missing donkeys. Actually God was leading him to the man of God who would eventually anoint him as King. Remember Samuel’s job. He was the link between God and people. God used some missing donkeys to introduce Samuel to His choice of king. Saul became God’s anointed through the work of Samuel.

Between chapter nine and chapter fifteen there are battles with the Philistines, we get to meet Jonathan Saul’s son, but most importantly there is warning from God. God speaks plainly that He desires the children of Israel to be obedient. God knows what’s coming.

Disobedience

At the beginning of Chapter fifteen, there is a clear command from God:

1 Samuel 15:
1 Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD. 2 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. 3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

If God told you plainly what He desires for you to do? Why would you do anything else?
For purposes of association, consider that the Amalekites represent sin. God is commanding Saul to eliminate everything. Even the smallest token of sin is repulsive to God, so this comparison is a good one.

It’s also fair for us to compare ourselves to Saul and the children of Israel. God wants us to kill every sin in our lives. Not even the little innocent ones can be allowed to live.

1 Samuel 15:
7 And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt. 8 And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

Saul kept the King alive and he also allowed the best animals to survive.

Before you begin to judge Saul, consider that Adam and Eve did the very same thing. We’ve all done it. We get this delusion that we have a better idea! We know what we want. God must somehow be convinced that this one little sheep won’t matter. I’ll call it a sacrifice and enjoy a good meal. God obviously would not want me to go hungry. I need it! I need it! I need it!

God said kill everything.

But! Saul had a better idea.

1 Samuel 15:
13 And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. 14 And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? 15 And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.

Saul does three interesting things. He lies. He blames others. He attempts to justify his disobedience.

Saul knew what God had directed. He knew! Kill everything. When he saw Samuel, he put a politically charming smile on his face and boasted. We did it! He was trying to trick God.

Trying to pretend you did what God wanted is a big mistake. God knows your heart. He knows your motives. He knows everything! Saul’s greeting to Samuel is a clue to Saul’s character.

Saul next shows he is the son of Adam. He blames the people just as Adam blamed Eve. The people made me sin, or as Adam tried… The woman that thou gave me…

How predictable we are. Who of you could stand before God and take the heat?

Then he tries to justify his decision by twisting it into an attempt to serve God. We kept them alive to offer sacrifice. Isn’t sacrifice to God a good thing? Won’t He be pleased?

Look what happened!

1 Samuel 15:
22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

It was over so quickly. God knew what Saul was going to do. Saul had the chance to obey, but did not. God was waiting to take away Saul’s blessing and fellowship.

But wait, there’s still the matter of sin. Agag, the king of the Amalekites is still alive. Samuel took care of him.

1 Samuel 15:
33 And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.
This was not a quiet, painless, polite death. Samuel took the opportunity to openly hack the man to pieces. Samuel illustrated God’s perspective. I believe the image was graphic enough to the people that the rest of the plunder was also destroyed.

The end the chapter shows us the result of disobedient sin. Saul looses contact with Samuel and thereby looses contact with God.

1 Samuel 15:
35 And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented that he had made Saul king over Israel.

When this verse describes the Lord as “repented”, it means that He was sorry. The Lord was sorry because He loved Saul. He desired fellowship with Saul. Saul’s sin however prevented it. Saul’s disobedience separated him from the presence of God. Samuels mourning is merely a glimmer of the sorrow of God in loosing contact with Saul.

After Saul’s sin of disobedience, he remained king, but he lost the fellowship with God that was provided by Samuel.

Finished With Law

Thank God there is grace.

Things changed when Christ was crucified. Jesus is speaking in:

Matthew 5:
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

What does that mean? Let’s look at the word “fulfill”.

G4137
πληρόω
plēroō
play-ro'-o
From G4134; to make replete, that is, (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.: - accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.

Fulfill means to make replete, not complete. Replete means to be filled to satisfaction or gorged. It’s a glass that is totally full. There is nothing else to be added. The purpose of the law from Moses to Christ was to provide a means for man to have fellowship with God. When Christ was sacrificed, he finished the job and for eternity satisfied all of the laws requirements. The functional job of the law is finished.

The law with the Priests, rules, and sacrificial tradition was important to maintain fellowship with God. When Jesus died that need was fulfilled. There is no longer a need to sacrifice. Jesus paid it all. The law is fulfilled. The job of covering sin with blood sacrifice is done.

When Jesus hung on the cross, his last words were “It is finished”. He screamed it!

What happened next?

Matthew 27:
51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

Under the law, the High Priest would enter the innermost chamber of the temple and offer a sacrifice for the people’s sins. It required specific action, on a specific day, in very specific ritual.

The inner most chamber of the temple represented the presence of God. The veil separated the people from direct access to God’s presence. When Jesus died, the final sacrifice of the Law was provided. The veil that prevented us from direct fellowship with God no longer exists. Jesus paid it all!

Hebrews 4:
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Jesus is now our great High Priest. He knows what you’re going through. He can relate to our suffering. Because He knows, believers can boldly approach his throne for help.

What throne is that? It’s the throne of Grace. What is grace? Grace is what Noah found in the eyes of the Lord. Grace is being saved from the flood because God loves us. Grace is not something we earn, rather it’s something we’re given.

Jesus died to completely satisfy the law. He lives to provide us with direct access to the power of God to provide us with help in time of need.

Speaking to the believers. What is the danger of sin? Does it matter anymore? The answer is yes! We’ve been saved from the condemnation of sin by grace through faith. Future sins won’t change that.

What was Saul’s sin? Disobedience to God will destroy our fellowship. You might say, I’ve only got one little sin. Are you going to follow Saul’s pattern of three? First you deny the sin, then you blame someone else, then you attempt to justify it. Anytime you consider that you have a better plan than the will of God, you are headed for trouble.

If the Holy Spirit compels you to do something, do it. If the Holy Spirit compels you to stop doing something, stop. The danger of sin is not the loss of salvation, it’s the loss of fellowship. With each sin you will realize. I can’t approach God, He will hear those sinful sheep bleating and I’ll be caught.

You’re already caught. God knows your end from your beginning.

Others of you have no idea what I’m talking about. When I talk of sin and disobedience to God, it does not make sense. If I describe the compulsions of the Holy Spirit, you shrug with uncertainty.

If you don’t know Christ, you are headed to eternal separation from God. That’s what hell is. God is love, joy, and peace.

Try to imagine being eternally separated from each and every type of love. Hate will be abundant, and wickedness will surround you forever! Joy? Forget it. Everything you do or think about will bring distress. The little things like sunshine, a cool breeze or even a refreshing drink of water are gone… FOREVER. Peace also is lost. Restless anxiety will fill your thoughts with panic… FOREVER.

I could go on, there’s more, but consider this. Even one little tiny insignificant sin can send you there unless you believe and accept Christ’s sacrifice. If you believe in your heart that Jesus died to cover your sins and ask him to forgive you, then you will be saved from the eternal separation from God. You will be saved from your condemnation to hell.

Not long ago, one of my sons found a spider crawling on the tile floor of his kitchen. He does not like spiders, so he stepped on it. From the corpse, scattered hundreds of little baby spiders.

Sin is like that. You may think you only have one problem. But when you kill it, you find hundreds of other little areas where you are not listening or trusting God. Like God commanded Saul, every one of those little areas of disobedience must die. It may seem like a tiny little harmless sin, but tiny little harmless spiders grow up to be big fat hairy pregnant ones.

I’m about done.

Let’s look back at Hannah. God knew exactly how many years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, and seconds of bitterness it would take to put her on her knees. God loved us enough to inflict that pain on her. God knew we needed to know about Samuel and Saul.

God also knows why you are listening to me today. It’s not an accident. It’s no surprise to God. He knows your end from the beginning.

For you believers who are not ready to admit your disobedience, God knows what it will take to motivate you to kill the things in your life that are separating you from fellowship with Him. He loves you enough to help you identify and kill each tiny little spider.

None of us know what tomorrow will bring. My wife died when she was forty three years old. When she was forty one, she had no idea that a surprising brain tumor would steal her life. It was a sad surprise. Fortunately she was a believer. She is now in the loving presence of God rather than doomed to an eternity of pain.

God knows exactly what it will take to bring you to belief in his son Jesus. I’m inviting you to stand to your feet or kneel where you are. But move! Make a visual declaration that you acknowledge that things need to change. Confess your sins, you know what they are. God will help you kill them. He desires fellowship with you! He's given you the Holy Spirit to be your Samuel. Listen and obey.

If you desire the assurance that the blood of Christ will save you from hell, come down, speak with a pastor, and express your desire to believe and receive Christ’s provision for you.

2005-10-01T08:44:00.000+08:00

In 1801 Humphry Davy was experimenting with laughing gas. Exposure to dissociative anesthetics is a short step from sniffing airplane glue. Humphry felt no pain and his thoughts, emotions, sensations, and memory were artificially separated from the rest of his psyche.

Humphry and his friends Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey enjoyed laughing gas. They concocted an idea to move to America and set up a community where they would share a pleasant life within co-ownership of assets. All they required were pleasant women to cook, clean, and provide them with children. Turn the gas down boys.

Last night I pondered the practical insanity of social progress. Searching for pivot points revealed that Sir Humphry Davy is credited with the development of the Davy lamp which helped spark the development of electric light.
This is the north side of Makati City. As a suburb of Manila, it was inspired in part by laughing gas.

2005-09-30T05:56:00.000+08:00

Wouldn’t that make you throw rocks at the preacher! None of these things go clear to the top. Zee said you could see Insectopia from the top!

Some days it all seems pretty pointless.

2005-09-29T07:04:00.000+08:00

“Lunch Sir.”

Politely knocking on my door, Simon's interruption reminded me how easy it is to become accustomed to being served. As the addiction builds, others become an endless supply of servants who exist solely to satisfy.

Within the realms of the addicted, they are king. A high percentage of their anxious days employ conversations filled with command sentences. “Bring me the phone. Hand me that pen. Where is my this? Get me that. Do it my way.” Their favorite words are ‘me, my, and I’.

The meal looked so yummy, it deserved a picture. It tasted better than it looked. The blending of flavors was almost perfect (touch of excess garlic). Quality is no accident. Years of experience showed, and each bite proved Simon’s mastery of his kitchen.

Simon’s smile was genuine when he replied to my appreciation.

“Thank you Sir.”

2005-09-28T09:46:00.000+08:00

Sleeping outside is an old favorite. I slept out on the balcony for a big part of last night.

The city lights and the architecture of our building restrict my view of the nighttime sky. I have not seen the stars in several months and I’ve only seen the moon once. The fanciful perception of tropical beaches I once anticipated is gone. I have seen old tankers in the Manila harbor, but only while riding in heavy traffic in the company of armed security.

Residents don’t go to the ocean, but rather congregate at secure high-tech water parks. Skiing, boogie boarding, and surfing are all created by machines and sold by the hour.

Similar to the days I spent golfless in the resort golf community, I again find myself in a setting where the ability to personally enjoy the environment is restricted by time and money. I hope to find a beach to walk on before Christmas. I’d also like to swim in the Pacific.

My blog entry that day would be: Sharks, they only bite if…

2005-09-27T11:59:00.000+08:00

GET-E-UP! Here we go!

Recently, I noticed a few women who are being neglected by their men. Frankly, I’m sick of you self-centered masculine types who think their women will loyally hang around and put up with your neglect.

OK…you’ve heard me. Am I beating a dead horse, or do you have some life left in those lazy bones?

Get up! Get busy! Make certain that you have done everything in your power to communicate your love. Leave nothing to hope or chance.

Birthdays, holidays, even Saturdays are opportunities to express your love.

Now, some of you wanted me to mention Halloween as your woman’s day. Well, if so, you can get your witch a fairy-god-mother costume. Dance with your mermaid (an interesting fantasy). Do something special today! Celebrate your love in surprising ways.

Ladies, you are welcome. I trust you will also do your part.

2005-09-26T13:01:00.000+08:00

Many of you are aware of the generational shift that is progressing in the U.S. Things are different here.

I am surrounded by James Bond and Batman style fantasy figures. The daughter of a former President exposes her body on billboards that dwarf anything available in the States. Exposing a fifty foot high picture of feminine flesh still sells here. Because of seemingly inescapable poverty the people crave the illusion of daydreams. They don’t want reality! They want to be taken on a magical mystery tour.

Adults listen to music of the forties. Children listen to Latin versions of Beatle tunes. This morning the car radio played “Lady Madonna”. Sure, there is a little Hip-hop, but it is not widespread. Outside my office a worker is listening to a thirty year old pop remake of “Silent Night”.

Here, pizza is a luxury. The world is dirty, harsh, and cruel, people would rather take flight in imaginary fanciful departures.

2005-09-25T08:29:00.000+08:00

It’s Sunday, here are your flowers. I hope they bring you joy.

Last night I went to a birthday party. It was the first real party I’ve ever attended. There were hundreds of people. Many of them flew around the world to celebrate the birthday of a ninety year old man. They ate, sang, danced, and had a really good time. I was pleasantly surprised to see that no alcohol was available. It was good clean fun.

It’s a bad shot, but I wanted to show you a photo of a ninety year old man singing at his own birthday party. Wow!

They had “professional” dance instructors there. Two very lovely young women offered to teach me to dance. To my own dismay, I had to decline. Decades of personal restriction and inhibition are difficult to overcome.

Learn to dance when you’re young. Enjoy your loved ones and live joyously so you can sing to them when you’re ninety! Swing-it with a feline beat! Actually it was a cha-cha version of "Tea for Two".

2005-09-24T14:43:00.000+08:00

Today’s rain held no memorial sweetness of college romance. Rather it blasted horizontally from the south where the Pacific is unrestricted. I had been reading on the balcony when the change in the wind arrived. I took my book back to bed.

Tonight I have plans to attend a birthday party. I expect old people respecting their elders with unfamiliar language. I would prefer girls in cakes with loud music. Curious. I know such parties exist, but I’ve never been invited to one. My capacity for public frivolity gives me the liveliness of a wet blanket.

What? It's a girl in a cake! I mean really, what kind of a man do you wish me to be?

2005-09-23T14:35:00.000+08:00

Thirty two years ago I invited my girlfriend Laura to go skateboarding in the rain. Laura wasn’t my girlfriend for long. Today’s rain reminds me of her.

It’s curious how young love does foolish things. Even as I write this I sense a wisp of insanity blowing in from the north. Love compels us. Within it’s sparkle we have glimpses of the good things in life. How magical is the memory of raindrops reflecting in a young girl’s eyes to pop in on me after all these years?

Brother Roy speaks of relevance and repetition. We had no repetition, so Laura’s memory must be relevant. How else can I explain the rain?

Today! Don’t wait! Find a friend and take her skateboarding in the rain. If she falls, kiss her and the pain will not be remembered in 2037.

2005-09-22T13:17:00.000+08:00

Last night I was shocked to find strict morality at the dinner table. Our dinner guest was a beautiful young woman who will soon fling into her thirties. She has never been kissed. I’m excluding parental smooches. Everyone everywhere knows they don’t count.

Seemingly within the local culture of conservative Christian families, children are taught that kissing is merely a step towards sexual sin. Our dinner guest is guarding the value of her intimate union at a level I found refreshing.

OK… I’ll admit! It was nice to meet another adult who has not been kissed in a very long time. Her problem however is not being old and ugly. Her problem is that she is in love with a man who is only thinking about himself. Imagine!

I admire her discipline, yet I sorrow her loss. There is a time to love. I recommend doing so before love is no longer valued. Old men sour, so pick a fresh one. Women? Before age eighteen they are protected by law. After age (now some of you are wondering how bold I will be in my selection)… back to my thought… After age eighty eight, women are protected by nature. In between, women are the sweetness of life.

Note: I am making a serious attempt to recruit more women readers. Tell your friends!

2005-09-21T14:44:00.000+08:00

“Hey… Hey… Hey-hey-hey! It’s fun to stay at the…”

Sorry, just practicing.

SKYPE your friends if you love them.

Today I SKYPED my mother and my son simultaneously. Imagine the tingles a grandmother gets when she experiences a VOIP call. She imagines that BIG BROTHER is listening to her conversation. Even without any concept of what a world-wide internet means, she can certainly enjoy hearing voices across the country and around the world.

I also just downloaded the BETA version of SKYPE. It’s sound quality is even better.

SKYPE me as you wish. I’m davisnoah. Some of you are curious about my selection of user names.

It’s simple! Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. He landed high and dry when the flood came. Grace sounds good to me. Is that thunder I hear?

No, I guess it the festival across the street. The town has turned out to celebrate the passing of a political leader. It’s kind of like celebrating the death of Ronald Reagan. What? They’ve started without me! I want to be the Cowboy! “Y M C A”

2005-09-20T10:04:00.000+08:00

There’s no room for Monday Night Football when you watch the score change from the office on Tuesday morning. I just imagined the thrill of Dallas kicking a field goal. My display simply noted the change of score. Being lost in time significantly changes perspective.

Halloween is coming. Being in the tropics again distorts the concept of changing seasons. An interesting cultural note, sometime soon they have a festival. Families migrate to the “houses of the dead”. They bring food, decorate and have an all day party at the grave. Here is a dead-house photo. In the corner is a bathroom. Opposite is a spiral staircase going up.

My conclusion is that when Monday Night Football is played on Tuesday and when the dead have nicer houses than the living it’s time to evaluate how crazy the world has become. Work – work – work… But then… I’m the one not having any fun. What do we learn from this? Go sell crazy someplace else. We're all stocked up here.

2005-09-19T12:11:00.000+08:00

Yesterday made me proud. My young room-mate has learned of my tendency to allow others needs to always be more important than mine. So since both his mother and father were away for the weekend, I allowed him to decide about church. He decided to remain home on Sunday so that our driver could have a day off with his family. BRAVO! I love it when I see Christianity in action.

Also of note: Over the weekend I accompanied my room-mate and his escort (Miss Manila) to the mall. I purchased two shirts in anticipation of my upcoming opportunity to speak at church. In Philippino clothing I’ll look like a very pale native.

2005-09-18T14:17:00.000+08:00

Something... (perhaps the music in the story of my eyes) has corrupted my blog. I've been working for three hours to remedy the polution. So the past few days have been deleted.

Here are your Sunday flowers:

2005-09-15T11:10:00.000+08:00

You were on my mind yesterday. I was praying for you and attempting to find a quality snapshot for your upcoming Sunday flowers. Miraculously I captured a glimpse of God’s glory.

Did you ever enjoy the pictures hidden within pictures in magazines for children? I loved them!

Do you see a large galaxy? Can you find the mature leaf that has been chewed on? Do you see the future blessings God has planned for this butterfly? Do you see the magnificent technology of flight and navigation? Do you see the color?

Do you see yourself?

On the butterfly’s right wing… way up by the tip there is a small cluster of stars between two other smaller groupings. I live on the far side of a planet which is the third rock from a remote yellow sun.

Wish you were here. We could feel indispensable together.

2005-09-14T19:39:00.000+08:00

Work... Work... Work... Hello Boys... I missed you!

Today I visited one of the recovery sites. It is outrageous. Optimism abounds and seeing this site with my own two makes it fun.

Here is a photo of the site guards, a worker, and 'Big Boy' who was our security for the trip.

Oh... sorry about yesterday's entry. My internet access was limited so I decided a personal self portrait would be entertaining.

Remember... Heredity is a frightening thing.

2005-09-13T14:57:00.000+08:00

Today’s lesson is about Donkeys.

Donkeys have a reputation for stubbornness, but this is due to some handlers' misinterpretation of their highly-developed sense of self preservation. It is difficult to force or frighten a donkey into doing something it sees as contrary to its own best interest.

A male donkey is called a Jackass. A female donkey is a Jenny.

If a male donkey mates with a horse you get a mule. If a female donkey mates with a horse you get a hinny.

Hinny’s are not common since prior to breeding, the female frequently kicks the male. Donkey women get rather intense, thereby discouraging the male horse.

Nevertheless, Donkeys are useful to carry burdens and retain their agility on rocky ground.

Today’s Quiz:

Have you ever met a Jackass, a Jenny, a mule, or a hinny?

Eeaw. Eeaww. Eeallways likes it when you stroke his neck.

2005-09-12T11:12:00.000+08:00

Recently Texas defeated Ohio State in an important college football game. I wanted to see the game, but ESPN here offered an ancient tennis match between Jimmy Conners and John McEnrow. Later I thought that I might be able to find a professional football game. I did. Unfortunately it was a replay of Super Bowl XIV. Snore.

Today I can vaguely report we are making business progress. I may soon be able to point you to an official corporate blog.

For the first time in decades, I am looking forward to Christmas. Be sure to send Santa your wish list. Who knows… I may slide down your chimney if you do. I’m already considering a trip to Atlanta. I have a volunteer who will allow me to practice reflexology. Hey Barbara, tell Joe his stinky feet are not sacred.

From an emotional frame of mind I am compelled to remind you of the importance of loving people while you have opportunity.

2005-09-11T11:01:00.000+08:00

Sunday Flowers
I've sent you similar flowers previously, but these were nice. Have a blessed day of peace and love. Give joy to those you love with all your heart!

2005-09-10T11:29:00.000+08:00

Look! A cute little baby tiger.

Lewis and Clark were making their way across the land just south of southern Iowa that led to into Nebraska. They traveled near the northern shore of a dirty brown river. The natives called it the “big muddy”.

One day the explorers came upon a large cat that had become stuck in the mud. It was their first glimpse of a bobcat, so their conclusion that it was a baby tiger was understandable.

They continued their quest to find a passage to civilization in the northwest. When they eventually found more inhabitable land with clear running water, they would comment on the fate of the poor individuals who lived in the land of the ‘great muddy’ where the baby tigers get stuck in the mud while choking on their prey. These people lived in misery.

Such is the history of the tigers in misery. That is… the Missouri Tigers.

Today’s bit of fun is dedicated to my readers who live and dream that their Missouri Tigers don’t choke. Meow... purrrr.... You're a big kitty-cat. Yes you are....

2005-09-09T12:00:00.000+08:00

Never… And I mean NEVER underestimate the power of a woman.

One of my favorite people requested that I better keep writing.

Oh… the humiliation of being a man.

I am unable to deny her request. What do we learn from this?

Women have the power to direct the behavior of men. If men behave badly, it must be the result of apathy on the part of the women who are responsible for controlling their behavior. From the beginning (Adam and Eve)… Well… better not push that one or my women readers may quickly change their mind. It’s their gift!

Here are some extra flowers. It's my gift in return.