Wish We Could All Be More Like Pauline Jacobi

What would you do if someone got in your car with a gun with the intention of robbing you? Ninety-two year old Pauline Jacobi found herself in that situation, and her response could teach us a thing or two about trusting the Lord, living without fear, and loving our enemies! Just watch...

Our First Annual Inter-Generational Derby Race

Though not as serious in tone as our annual RA Race for Meals on Wheels, our race on May 6th was a fun time for all, and introduced our youngest members to the ups and down of speedway competition!

And part two...(there is a limit to how many pictures you can put in a slide show!)

A Tribute to My Mom

Anyone who knows me already knows that my mom is an amazing mom just to have put up with me for all these years. Until now, however, I have kept secret many of her accomplishments as her humility forbade my coming clean with her true past. I can no longer keep secret the wonderful accomplishments of my mom, so I have compiled this video that touches on just a few of the many, many ways my mom has made life on this planet better for all of us!!! (Note: It may take a few seconds to load, but it will be worth it!)

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The Setting of the Sun

I caught the sun going down last night (050508) in Bamberg. Thought it was cool to have the "Horizon" sign with the real horizon. If you need a verse to go with this one, how about...

"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised."
Psalm 113:3

Seeing Reminders Everywhere

Recently I was trying out a new camera in Columbia, and got these shots which reminded me of these verses in Scripture.

Downtown with Finley Park Fountain

" Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13,14

Riverside Park

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:5

As I looked at this old dam and generator, it reminded me of how often we don't really "get it" with regards to being meek. One of the uses of the Greek term was power under control with a purpose. It was the term used to tame a horse so that it could be used. Water sustains us biologically, it gives beauty to our cities, but when it is channeled properly, it can generate great power with new and almost infinite possible uses...sort of like the untapped energies in our lives.

When we trust God to "channel" our personalities, talents, resources, etc. in the right ways, all sorts of new energies are unleashed; and with those energies come exciting new purposes. As a wise believer once said, "there is power in submission." God is smarter than we are; more loving than we are, and more powerful than we are. Since He has our best interests at heart, it only makes sense to let Him channel us for the best possible life.

Another verse that comes to mind with these pictures is this one...

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Cor. 4:7-9

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."Acts 1:8

This reminded me of how we as the church are called by God to be transmission lines of His love and power! He doesn't give us all this energy just so we can entertain ourselves, but to bring His light to a world struggling in darkness!

World Missions Conference and Friends

Right after (like three days) I returned from Florida, I joined with our church and other churches in our association for an On Mission Celebration. Randy and Kittie Trail, long time friends, came to be a part of this emphasis on missions.

We had a great time together, and they both did an excellent job in telling folks about their mission experiences in Africa and Mauritius and in letting them what mission experiences are available through our International Mission Board.


I did scare one of the toddlers from my church in the Liberian tribal gown Randy conned me into wearing at the missions fair. I must admit it IS pretty scary!

100+ Years And Counting

This year I was privileged to be one two of my church members on very special birthdays. Mr. Beaty and Miss Adeline are 100 and 103 respectively! Mr. Beaty still has the same positive attitude he's had ever since I've known. His advice to young people...DON'T SMOKE!

Miss Adeline still knows me enough to say, "you need to lose some weight and stop eating so much rice!" Oh, Miss Adeline is on the right, Elizabeth is another church member who went with me to wish Adeline a happy 103rd birthday. And, yes, Adeline is our oldest member!

Was I Crazy or What?

As if you didn't have enough reasons to doubt my sanity, here's another one... that's me in the third seat from the left, top row. (Click on image to enlarge; and no I'm not completely bald, but the sun glaring off my head makes it look that way!) I am "hanging" at the top of a 200 ft. drop...a second later, I took the plunge! I am proud to say that I rode this thing and still managed to hold on to the contents of my stomach! This video doesn't really give you a "feel" for the experience, but it can give you another reason to doubt my sanity! (WARNING: Turn your volume down some as there is a good bit of crying and screaming! I haven't heard any out right profanity so don't listen too closely! One rider sums up the experience with repeated WOW....WOR...HA HA HA!!!!)

And You Thought Your Job Was Depressing!

When you think your job is depressing, think about these guys. I took this at Busch Gardens, and I couldn't help but think, "what are 'they' thinking about?" I thought about how unfair it seemed to have what are obviously "thinking" creatures who don't deserve to be a tourist attraction. I hope I'm wrong and that they aren't thinking sad, depressing, "why are these people staring at me" kind of thoughts, but I don't think so. So no matter what kind of job you find yourself in, it could always be worse!

I'm in Florida!

I'm in Lakeland, Florida! Here is my spokesman, Bruce the shark...






Here is Moffit Cancer Center where my friend, Val, is head of the pastoral care dept. This is their new research facility.

While Valerie was on the phone, I took some macro pictures of some kosher pastries in her office leftover from a rabbinic conference they had had earlier in the day. The things we do when we're trying to amuse ourselves.




We then went to see her new house which she hasn't moved into yet, and I played around with different angles of her 80's chandelier.



Jeff just came home early from work, so we're off to do the tourist thing. More later....