Yehodah is a Hasidic Jew traveling from New York to San Francisco. He is returning from a sabatical at the 7 for 70. This group of devout Jews are the followers of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson or as he is called by his followers The Rebbe - "A Prophet in Our Time."
The mission statement of the 7 for 70 is, " Our job is ti increase in acts of goodness and kindness to prepare the world to greet Moshiach!", [The Rebbe 1991]
The way of preparation is to observe the Seven Noahide Commandments given by G-d through Moses at Mount Siniai.These include theseven Universal laws whih are
"The Way To True Peace"
1. Believe in G-d and renounce idolatry.
2. To honor the Almighty by not blaspheming.
3. To respect all human life and not commit murder.
4. To refrain fom immoral conduct: adultry, incest and homosexuality.
5. To respect the propery of others by not stealing.
6. To respect G-d's creatures and not partake of flesh from a living animal.
7. To foster justice by supporting honest courts of law
Yehodah told me these basic laws were given to Noah and then later placed in the code of the them commandments and given to Moses. The flight attendents were very accommodating to Yehodah. He had to store a carry on bag, a laptop, and a tall plant he carried as part of a Jewish riual of bringing a living thing back to his home from his place of worship, or in this case from his sabitical at 7 for 70 in New York.
During my time on the plane on this journey after we got to cruising altitude, I placed my Bible and Arguing With God [AWG] by Tim Donoho on my tray table. I found that this never failed to peak the curiosity of someone siting next to me.
Yehodah was no different; in fact,he had several study guides of his own on his tray table, so it wasn't long into the 3 hour flight that we got into a conversaion. We had taken off at 11:50 PM and were to arrive at JFK 5:30 AM EST. We had both planned to sleep the whole flight, but God had other plans.
We started out talking about what each was doing on this flight. Easy, I was on a simple journey to help others find a personal relationship with God. Yehodah told me that Jews - at least his sect- did not believe; nor had Jews ever practiced proselytization.
"Jews do not have a mandate from G-d to make others Jews." Yehodah explained.
I said,"Jesus taught His apostles to 'go and preach to all nations' and He was a Jew."
"Yes, you are right," Yehoudah replied, " But in my belief, Jesus was a Prophet gone astray." I was shocked by this. I wanted to know the real reason why the Jews had rejected Christ, and perhaps Yehoudah was finally going to satisfy my long search for the answer.
Yehoudah first assred me he had no intention to offend me. He was cautious and concerned that I may become prevoked over what he was about to tell me. I said a silent prayer and asked him to continue in the interest that we fully understand each others beliefs and thus could openly communicate.
He continued," You see, Christians belive all that Jesus taught, yet if you look at His work from the view of the sacred texts given to Moses you will see no menion, ever, of their being many gods." He picked up a small book which I could see was witen in Hewbrew, and continued. "Jesus was a prophet, we agee on that. He was given exraordinary powers by the Almighty, Do you agreee?"
"He performed great miracles and many wonders the like of which were too numerous to mention in the Gospels. He is the Son of God," I answered!
Yehoudah opened the book," And here is where we depart, my friend." His voice was soft and calm and kind. It was like a fathers voice as he explains the mystery of the world to his son whom he loves, and wishes to potect by arming him with right knowledge.
"Where we disagree," He continued, " is with Jesus the prophet making himself equal to G-d." He read a brif passage from his hebrew book explaining that by doing so, Jesus did two things wrong according to the Jews: First he made himself equal with
G-d which was blsphemy and breaks the second of the seven Universal laws. Next he preached of three gods[ as Yehoudah sees it]; adding the Holy Spirit. This breaks the first of the seven laws given to Noaha and Moses in that it is idolatry."
"I will have to look into that and give you an answer," I replied.
"There are many passages I remember in the Old Testiment [Talmud] telling of the coming of the Savior."
"Yes, but none that say he is G-d." Yehoudah replied.
"Ok then who was it who spoke with Abrham?" I said, " I am not a Bible scholar, but I do recall the story of Abram.
"You speak of Abrham, and I see you are reading the Psalms too," he said pointing to a sticky note hanging out of my Bible on the table. " Do you know much about these works?" I have to confess I was in over my head, so I decided no to argue or joust with Yehoudah. Instead I would listen, take notes and learn his view of sripture and pray for guidance. In other words, a small voice was saying listen and learn, and be patient.
"Do you mind," He said piking up my Bible?
He tuned to Psalms,and asked if I knew who wrote the Psalms. It so happened my Sunday morning Bible group the F.R.O.G.S are doing a study in Psalms.
"I know that many think David wrote them, but there were several contributers."
"Exactly," Yehoudah said.
He started to rattle off several. I told him I wanted to take notes. I got out my notebook.
"Did you know that Adam wrote Psalm 139?" he asked?
"No, I did not know that Adam had writen any of the Bible." I answered.
He leafed through my Bible and knew exctly where to go. " OK, let us ake a look," he said turning the pages in Psalms. " Psalm 110: Shem, Noaha's son; Psalm 89 Abram; 92-100; Moses; 88: Hayman; 77 Yedutum; 42 and 44-49: Sons of Korah; and 84-85-87: The Sons of Dathan and Abiram." he continued. "Theses sons were faithful to G-d, but their father worshipped Baal and they and the rest of their clan were swallowed up as the earth opened when Moses returned from Mount Sianai with the tablets he receied from G-d."
Having said all that, Yehoudah then flippd to Genesis in my Bible. " You also had questions about Abram.?" he said turning the pages.
"Earlier we you told me you were a Russian Jew who lived in Jerausalem and then migrated to America." I said. " I asked if you were concerned about the fighing in the Midle East and the fact that Iran now has missiles poined at Israel and has vowed to eradiacate all Jews."
"We believe in peace, and our law preaches peace, much the same the Muslims." He said.
"Well that was my point, The Muslims preach peace, but they are armed to the teeth and are forever threatening violnce." I said.
Just then Karen our Jet Blue flight attendent came up. "Looks like you two are going to talk all night would you like coffee or anything to drink?"
"Wonderful, Karen." I said. We both ordered coffee and Karen also brought some snacks. tJet Blue has the best service of any carrier I've been on.
"Let us look at the scripture." Yehoudah said turning again to Genesis."
"I have to say I am amazed you can get around so well in my Bible, Yehoudah."
"You have to remember the numbering format that was imposed universally by the Christian Council in the Midle Ages became the standard for all printed Bibles when Gutenberb printed the first mass edition. We use the same text, but you see we don't derive the same meaning from the same texts." He explaned.
"Here, look here, You are corect that Haggi and Ishmael were banished from Abrhams tibe. This was at the request of Sarah. Abram did this out of respet for is wife of nearly 100 years." Then he turned a few more pages.
"But look here in later capters and you will see that after Sara, Abram took another wife and fahered 12 sons by her. He gave these sons gifts and knowledge and sent them all to the East." He continued like it was a lesson. It was. Yehouah was reading from my Bible, and I was there taking notes.
"These sons, no doubt strongly influenced the many religions we see in the far East today. Certainly the gifts Abram gave were gifts of knowldge. He knew about natural medicine and accupunctureand and the like. These were spread to theFar East but lost to the West as Christianity spread to Europe and then the Americas." He explained.
"I alway thouht the Muslims were decendents of Ishmael and that is what caused the strife between Jew and Muslim." I said.
"Let us turn to another passage in Genesis." He said. "Look here in Chaper 25:1-7 and you will see that Isaac and Ishmael were united. In fact, they buried heir father Abraham togeter as is right for two brothere to do." He said.
"Again, I see that, but I will have to get back to you as to the signifiance of this." I said.
"Well my friend, you will see that when it comes to the tension between Christian, Jew and Muslim; Muslim and Jew are acutally more closely aligned than many Christians believe." He continued," We both believe that Jesus was a prophet who went astray and let the power that was given to him go to his head. We both believe that he tried to create a multiple god religion which is in opposition to the Koran and the Talmud. We both believe he declaired himself to be a god and opposed the Almighty. When you look at Jesus from our view you must see logically that he flies in the face of all previous Hebrew teachings." He handed by Bible back.
"Yehoudah, now I will tell you how I see it, and I too do not wish to offend your feelings." I then said jokingly," You know in America we always say that one should not discuss politics and reliion with a stranger." I smiled, and so did he.
"We are making the exception here, and I think that is a good thing because if we did not, we would just go on believing only what we were taught and never know what the other guy is thinking or what he was taught." I said.
"You have alredy said you don't believe in guiding others toward a belief that could prevent them from going to eternal damnation. In other words you explined to me why Jews do not believe in proselytizing others to Judiaism. Right?" I asked.
"Yes"
"And you said earlier, you believe we are in the end times and you are eagerly awaiting the coming of Moshiach or in Chistian terms the Messiah.
"Yes" He replied and added, "we are about in the year 5,700 and Moshiah will come prior to the year 6,000. So that means we have roughly 240 years remaining." Then he added, " That is why I am so excied about the Internet."
"You said earlier you were inolved in building the fiber optic network for the internet."
"Yes" I replied.
"Then don't you see, unknowingly, you have helped in bringing Moshiach to us." Yehoudah continued.
"Scripure tells us that all must know and have access to the word of the Almighty prior to his arrival. The internet has excellerated man's ability to gain this critical knowledge of Moshiach. I see the internet as having bugeoned across the world to aid us in the fulfillment of Scripture."
I interrupted, "I am helping in a small way to bring the message of the Messiah to all I meet. Jesus gave us that mandate. It is the 'Great Commission' to tell every one that the Messiah has already come, and He is God and that He does bring hope and Love and all the same things you wish for mankind."
Yehoudah did not become a Chrisian on that flight but we each learn a great deal from each other during those three hours of intense discussions. Yehoudah learned how strongly Chrisians are committed to fulfill and carry out Christ's Great Commission, and I learned to be better prepared and a stronger spokesperson for Christ in my life.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Day 29 of 20/30
I am writing this : Post journey.
I completed my journey and my All You Can Jet [AYCJ] pass expired on October 8Th.
This is an update of my last trip. I visited New York City to close out the ticket. I wanted to spend 1-2 days there because I had to go through Jet Blue's Terminal #5 at JFK many times throughout my 30 day journey. So I decided to go here one last time and actually visit the city and the people of New York.
I took an early AM flight out of Fort Lauderdale [FLL].
Flt #4 FLL-JFK 5:30 Am arriving JFK 8:44 AM.
Flt Deck: Wayne and Wes
Cabin Crew: Nancy, Al and Debbie.
As always for the past 30 days the flight was great,and the crew was perfect. Jet Blue has the most personable people in the air, and on the ground. I don't know what they do or how, but they run a really great airline at a great price, and I will fly them every chance I get.
Sitting across the aisle from me I met Maria. She told me her story about her father being forced from the Dominican Republic during the Allende years [1970's], and so the family moved to New York City. In fact, Maria was on the way to visit her brother who still lives there. Maria had noticed Tim Donohos book, and asked jokingly if I had an argument with God.
"No. Not I.: I said.
I added, "However, there are many people who for some reason or another feel they must argue with God over things in the world they do not like."
"Well, I guess that is me then," she said.
"Do you want to tell me about it, Maria?" I asked.
"Are you with a church or something?" she asked.
"I attend First Baptist in Fort Lauderdale." I replied.
"Every church I see is arguing with each other." Maria said. She was obviously not happy about this.
"I mean," she continued,"If all these churches are preaching about God, Why are they all arguing with each other. It makes no sense." She was opening up to what was bothering her about Christianity, and possible getting in the way of her own salvation.
"I guess it does seem that way sometimes, but a believer can know a church by the Spirit they feel within it." I said.
I added," First, though, one has to know their own spirit and establish a personal relationship with God."
"Have you done that, Maria," I asked?
"I was raised a Catholic, but even they are fighting with the Protestants and themselves." she said.
Maria was very frustrated. She had a Catholic background, but she was not aware of what a personal relationship with Christ meant.
We went over what it meant to have a personal relationship with God. I demonstrated how "Sin" can keep us from God and how Jesus Died on the cross and by doing so took on our sin to remove that barrier to God. She had never heard it explained this way. Maria was very happy to hear this, and she said she never knew it was so simple and uncomplicated. Like many people, God and the Bible seems so complex and far removed from our daily life. Yet when it is made clear and the barriers of ritual and theology no longer clutter our outlook, then God becomes more available to us. He is no longer a being who requires an interpreter to understand. He becomes a personality we can begin to see as someone we can talk and share our thoughts with.
Maria is now able to go directly to God with the issues of "Church" differences.
Also, we had a good discussion about the many arguments people use to stay away from God. I shared a copy of Tim's book with Maria. She was grateful, and only asked if it was available in Spanish. Maria could speak English quite well, but she had difficulty reading it. She told me with a smile, " I will get my daughter to read it to me,and that way she will get the message too.
New York City:
I was amazed to find the public transportation good and very reasonable. As a senior, a bus ticket was $1.10. I quickly found that one had to have about 10 pounds of quarters in their pocket. Exact change only and no paper money accepted.
At Jamaica Tpk. I was advised to purchase an all day pass for rail or bus [good for 24 hours] only $8.75. This was still a good value because I took at least 8 or nine bus and subway rides.
I took the E train to the Twin Towers. I got off and walked to Battery Park. I could have taken the bus, but it was a nice bright and windy sunny day. Besides with my Manhattan map I noticed this would take me past Wall Street and the Smithsonian.
Wow! I love to walk too.
Evey place was historical or famous. I thought of all the movies where I had seen all these places. I was a real "Rube" wondering the city wide-eyed and with my camera on all the time. Only the Japanese tourists were taking more photos than me.
I had a wonderful day there, but the pace is so fast and people are all running around getting to "somewhere" quickly. I don't think they have much time to communicate.
I thought I may have had a moment with a man who got on the train when I was traveling back "Uptown". He had battered milk carton and he made a grand announcement on entering the train. No one was listening. He shouted and pushed his way through the crowded subway. His message was that he was poor and everyone who did not give him money was a sinner destined for Hell. I asked him if he would like to discuss a salvation greater than a small donation. Without hesitation he scowled at me, saying, "Don't mess with my area boy" He was quite angry and I could see he had no intention of having me share Christ's message. I gave him some money as we slowed for the station. He got off and gave me a look of disdain.
A fellow passenger said, "see that sign over there?" I looked. It said "Dial 311 and we will send aid to the homeless. " It had some other instructions which basically said that giving "change" to the homeless will not "Change"their situation, but by calling 311 the city workers would come to the location and find the person and give them real help. The man who pointed this out acted like he had been through this ten thousand times. I still feel that if the person would listen for God's help it would be the best help he could get anywhere.
You can see the Photo Journal for other places I visited in NYC:
Times Square; Rockefeller Center; Empire State Building; Top of the Rock; Trump Tower; Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; Central Park, and the Stage Door Deli; and Stews Fruit stand near the Jamaican Restaurant on Stuphin Blvd. next to Jamaica Station.
I had a good and educational time in NYC. I would like to return, but next time I will nee a whole week to visit the museums and see some shows.
DAY 30 JFK to FLL 10/08/09
Flt 601 7:34 AM FLL 11:11 Arrive
Flt Deck: Rick and Steve
Cabin Crew: Wayne, Jimmy and Marcella
Nothing new to report. The flight and crew was great. I spoke with the pilot on exiting, He said he thinks the AYCJ was a great success and he thinks they will do it again. I hope he is correct. I will be the first in line to buy another ticket!!
I completed my journey and my All You Can Jet [AYCJ] pass expired on October 8Th.
This is an update of my last trip. I visited New York City to close out the ticket. I wanted to spend 1-2 days there because I had to go through Jet Blue's Terminal #5 at JFK many times throughout my 30 day journey. So I decided to go here one last time and actually visit the city and the people of New York.
I took an early AM flight out of Fort Lauderdale [FLL].
Flt #4 FLL-JFK 5:30 Am arriving JFK 8:44 AM.
Flt Deck: Wayne and Wes
Cabin Crew: Nancy, Al and Debbie.
As always for the past 30 days the flight was great,and the crew was perfect. Jet Blue has the most personable people in the air, and on the ground. I don't know what they do or how, but they run a really great airline at a great price, and I will fly them every chance I get.
Sitting across the aisle from me I met Maria. She told me her story about her father being forced from the Dominican Republic during the Allende years [1970's], and so the family moved to New York City. In fact, Maria was on the way to visit her brother who still lives there. Maria had noticed Tim Donohos book, and asked jokingly if I had an argument with God.
"No. Not I.: I said.
I added, "However, there are many people who for some reason or another feel they must argue with God over things in the world they do not like."
"Well, I guess that is me then," she said.
"Do you want to tell me about it, Maria?" I asked.
"Are you with a church or something?" she asked.
"I attend First Baptist in Fort Lauderdale." I replied.
"Every church I see is arguing with each other." Maria said. She was obviously not happy about this.
"I mean," she continued,"If all these churches are preaching about God, Why are they all arguing with each other. It makes no sense." She was opening up to what was bothering her about Christianity, and possible getting in the way of her own salvation.
"I guess it does seem that way sometimes, but a believer can know a church by the Spirit they feel within it." I said.
I added," First, though, one has to know their own spirit and establish a personal relationship with God."
"Have you done that, Maria," I asked?
"I was raised a Catholic, but even they are fighting with the Protestants and themselves." she said.
Maria was very frustrated. She had a Catholic background, but she was not aware of what a personal relationship with Christ meant.
We went over what it meant to have a personal relationship with God. I demonstrated how "Sin" can keep us from God and how Jesus Died on the cross and by doing so took on our sin to remove that barrier to God. She had never heard it explained this way. Maria was very happy to hear this, and she said she never knew it was so simple and uncomplicated. Like many people, God and the Bible seems so complex and far removed from our daily life. Yet when it is made clear and the barriers of ritual and theology no longer clutter our outlook, then God becomes more available to us. He is no longer a being who requires an interpreter to understand. He becomes a personality we can begin to see as someone we can talk and share our thoughts with.
Maria is now able to go directly to God with the issues of "Church" differences.
Also, we had a good discussion about the many arguments people use to stay away from God. I shared a copy of Tim's book with Maria. She was grateful, and only asked if it was available in Spanish. Maria could speak English quite well, but she had difficulty reading it. She told me with a smile, " I will get my daughter to read it to me,and that way she will get the message too.
New York City:
I was amazed to find the public transportation good and very reasonable. As a senior, a bus ticket was $1.10. I quickly found that one had to have about 10 pounds of quarters in their pocket. Exact change only and no paper money accepted.
At Jamaica Tpk. I was advised to purchase an all day pass for rail or bus [good for 24 hours] only $8.75. This was still a good value because I took at least 8 or nine bus and subway rides.
I took the E train to the Twin Towers. I got off and walked to Battery Park. I could have taken the bus, but it was a nice bright and windy sunny day. Besides with my Manhattan map I noticed this would take me past Wall Street and the Smithsonian.
Wow! I love to walk too.
Evey place was historical or famous. I thought of all the movies where I had seen all these places. I was a real "Rube" wondering the city wide-eyed and with my camera on all the time. Only the Japanese tourists were taking more photos than me.
I had a wonderful day there, but the pace is so fast and people are all running around getting to "somewhere" quickly. I don't think they have much time to communicate.
I thought I may have had a moment with a man who got on the train when I was traveling back "Uptown". He had battered milk carton and he made a grand announcement on entering the train. No one was listening. He shouted and pushed his way through the crowded subway. His message was that he was poor and everyone who did not give him money was a sinner destined for Hell. I asked him if he would like to discuss a salvation greater than a small donation. Without hesitation he scowled at me, saying, "Don't mess with my area boy" He was quite angry and I could see he had no intention of having me share Christ's message. I gave him some money as we slowed for the station. He got off and gave me a look of disdain.
A fellow passenger said, "see that sign over there?" I looked. It said "Dial 311 and we will send aid to the homeless. " It had some other instructions which basically said that giving "change" to the homeless will not "Change"their situation, but by calling 311 the city workers would come to the location and find the person and give them real help. The man who pointed this out acted like he had been through this ten thousand times. I still feel that if the person would listen for God's help it would be the best help he could get anywhere.
You can see the Photo Journal for other places I visited in NYC:
Times Square; Rockefeller Center; Empire State Building; Top of the Rock; Trump Tower; Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; Central Park, and the Stage Door Deli; and Stews Fruit stand near the Jamaican Restaurant on Stuphin Blvd. next to Jamaica Station.
I had a good and educational time in NYC. I would like to return, but next time I will nee a whole week to visit the museums and see some shows.
DAY 30 JFK to FLL 10/08/09
Flt 601 7:34 AM FLL 11:11 Arrive
Flt Deck: Rick and Steve
Cabin Crew: Wayne, Jimmy and Marcella
Nothing new to report. The flight and crew was great. I spoke with the pilot on exiting, He said he thinks the AYCJ was a great success and he thinks they will do it again. I hope he is correct. I will be the first in line to buy another ticket!!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Beginning From the End
Now that I am nearing the end of my 20/30 journey, I can better describe the beginning.
I created a “Blog” on my computer which detailed my entire journey. [see: http://www.jettingblue.blogspot.com]. This came about as a way of helping my friends and family know where I was and how I was doing on the journey. It was not intended to be an ego journal, but more of a lifeline to those I left behind.
The origin of the journey would be best described as a “fluke”. It was one of those situations where a lot of things came together at one time and pointed me in this direction. Here are the influences which culminated in me taking this trip into the “Wilderness”:
Over the past five years I have experienced major changes in my life. I went through a divorce, I moved here to south Florida. I had a serious Stroke. Having lost my business due to the stroke I was unemployed and on Social Security. My “Saving Grace” was just going back to my roots and getting involved again in my Christian life. Somehow, I remembered Pastor Homer Lindsey, former head of First Baptist of Jacksonville who has since gone on to be with Christ in Heaven, saying that God is ever faithful to us. He keeps His promise to love and protect us no matter what happens in our lives. God will keep His Word! We have only to do the easiest thing in the world: confess our sins, ask for forgiveness, and profess our faith in the name of Jesus Christ. It is not much to ask for all we receive in return. I mean think about it logically. It takes a minute to say this sinners prayer, and accept Jesus. In return He gives you Eternal Life in a perfect place free from all the cares we must face here in this life. That is THE BEST DEAL of a lifetime!!
Nothing can compare!
First Event: One day in August I was reading my mail, and Yahoo had a short clip advertising a package deal with Jet Blue airways. Basically they were selling an unlimited flight pass for 30 days at one set price. This meant you could fly to any location they serve as many times as you wanted for 30 days. No limit on how many times you flew.
Second Event: I had joined a Bible study group, Selah, which I found to be very Spirit filled. This group had been formed by Pastor Brian Doyle, and his wife Connie. Frank Barrett, a very devout deacon was now the group facilitator. We had just finished the study ‘ Experiencing God” and had started John McArthur’s study, “12 Ordinary Men.” I believe Alice Wright, a leading voice in the group suggested this study. I raced quickly through the book, and could not stop reading it once I opened it.
Third Event: Prior to finding out about the Jet Blue ticket offer, I had felt compelled to go on a mission to Nicaragua where First Baptist has a Medical mission run by Dr and Mrs Sirka. During that trip I was highly influenced by Pastor Doyle. I watched Brian move people toward Christ with such ease and assurance I could sense the Holy Spirit around him as he ministered to the young Nicaraguan teens. I also found a humorous and easy going approach to evangelism in Pastor Mike Jeffries, Addie O’Connell, and Pastor Terry. On that same trip I met Deborah Donoho, Deborah suggested I read her husbands book. “Arguing With God”
Fourth Event: I returned from Nicaragua and picked up Tim Donohos book “Arguing With God” It was a page turner, yet a book I found I had to read and reread finding each time more that I had missed in the original reading.
Fifth Event: Pastor Doyle whom I had connected with on the Nicaragua mission was offering a study in Evangelism titled XEE. I got the book, and read it through and then I viewed the DVD that came with it. I went on line and absorbed all their web site had to offer. Man I was fired up!
Sixth Event: Pastor Larry Thompson came back from vacation and announced that he was going to conduct a study from the book of Nehemiah over the next 52 days. I read Pastors book. “Side By Side” that weekend. There was all sorts of compelling information contained in it that led me toward this journey. The main one was the need to get outside the walls and bring people inside. I looked at my situation. Sure, I needed help myself, but at this point in my life, I was not looking to “compete” in the material world, I had done that for 40 years, and had nothing to show for it. So At this point I had the time to help, and the ticket deal gave me the means to help. I knew my efforts would be limited. Perhaps it was better to just roam the streets of Downtown Fort Lauderdale and find people to share God’s message with, Yet the idea of going to 20 cities all over the country seemed to make more sense. I prayed over this decision. I was in tears thinking about what I could do to best give back what was given to me in the form of Grace and Salvation. I read more about the “Great Commission”. One night in prayer, I was told to make a bold step to cross over from where I was to where I was needed.
Of course, I argued, ‘Where could I possibly be needed? I thought of the Nicaraguan mission and seeing my Pastors minister to others. I wasn’t even close.
I could see Brian kneeling on a baseball field in a little town on the outskirts of Najepa, Nicaragua. Young men were listening intently through Esther our translator. I could see they were all moved by his words, and I was astonished as some of the young men came forward to accept Christ. I did not have the power nor the training to do what Brian was doing. I was being directed to go and follow the simple process laid out in XEE. I could engage people on the plane. We would sit together for sometimes hours. They had nowhere to go. I could invest my time. I am retired. I could introduce them to the Word. I could invite them to accept a gift. Even with my limited knowledge, I could instruct them in the few passages I knew led to a person accepting Christ. It made sense. I accepted. I would go.
So many events were falling in place. So much was happening and I could not ignore it. It was not a series of unrelated events. These things were all somehow connected. I had a dream that final week before departing. I was on the road and I was meeting people and as the result of our meeting they were happy and I had a great sense of joy, Also, I had a sense of peace which I had never felt before in my life.
I had always been a planner [even held the title at one time in my career as Regional Director of Corporate Planning] and took precautions to insure everything was thought out before taking a step. Suddenly, that all went out the window. I felt a rush of energy, and a sense of security and comfort in what I was about to do.
I had only days left to buy this ticket. Being on Social Security I have very limited funds. However, I had placed some money with a long time friend, Esther Scott, because I knew she was honest and good at handling money. I called her and ask that she send a check for the amount of the ticket from my funds. She is such a dear, I had the check in time to purchase the ticket. The following day the tickets were sold out.
Then I announced my intentions. I have to tell everyone, that Pastors Brian and Larry really pushed me over the top. They were each so receptive and supportive of the idea I knew it would be a success. However, when I told others of my idea to visit 20 cities in 30 days they thought I was insane.
“How will you live?”
“God will provide,” I replied.
“You are just recovering from a stroke. This could kill you!”
“I know my limitations, and His Holy Spirit will guide me.” I said.
“You wont have enough money for food and places to stay.”
“ When Jesus sent out his apostles to spread His Word there were no Best Westerns of Mc Donalds, and they survived for years on the road.” Was my response.
“You will run into people who will entice you into sin and you could lose your soul in the process. You are not a strong enough Christian for such a mission.”
“I will pray everyday that you are wrong, and I will ask the Holy Spirit for two angels to guide and protect me.” Was my answer.
Next I put all of these six events together in my mind. I was being drawn toward
This journey, yet The Evil One focused on my doubts. The Sunday prior to my Tuesday departure. I briefly met with Pastor Brian. I was nearly in tears as I agonized over the journey with Brian. He embraced me, and told me to have faith in God. Brian reminded me that this was not my mission, but God’s. I cannot thank Brian enough for his words of encouragement. He told me to forget about how the Evil One is throwing road blocks up, and think more of how the Holy Spirit is with me.
My friend, Herb who had recently accepted Jesus took me to the West Palm Beach airport at 4AM for the first leg of the journey. Herb gave me a jacket. Because he said it is cold on the plane. He also gave me a coin that had an angel stamped on it, and told me it was for me to use on the journey, but that I was to give it back to him when I returned along with the jacket. This was a great gesture of kindness which I will never forget.
I created a “Blog” on my computer which detailed my entire journey. [see: http://www.jettingblue.blogspot.com]. This came about as a way of helping my friends and family know where I was and how I was doing on the journey. It was not intended to be an ego journal, but more of a lifeline to those I left behind.
The origin of the journey would be best described as a “fluke”. It was one of those situations where a lot of things came together at one time and pointed me in this direction. Here are the influences which culminated in me taking this trip into the “Wilderness”:
Over the past five years I have experienced major changes in my life. I went through a divorce, I moved here to south Florida. I had a serious Stroke. Having lost my business due to the stroke I was unemployed and on Social Security. My “Saving Grace” was just going back to my roots and getting involved again in my Christian life. Somehow, I remembered Pastor Homer Lindsey, former head of First Baptist of Jacksonville who has since gone on to be with Christ in Heaven, saying that God is ever faithful to us. He keeps His promise to love and protect us no matter what happens in our lives. God will keep His Word! We have only to do the easiest thing in the world: confess our sins, ask for forgiveness, and profess our faith in the name of Jesus Christ. It is not much to ask for all we receive in return. I mean think about it logically. It takes a minute to say this sinners prayer, and accept Jesus. In return He gives you Eternal Life in a perfect place free from all the cares we must face here in this life. That is THE BEST DEAL of a lifetime!!
Nothing can compare!
First Event: One day in August I was reading my mail, and Yahoo had a short clip advertising a package deal with Jet Blue airways. Basically they were selling an unlimited flight pass for 30 days at one set price. This meant you could fly to any location they serve as many times as you wanted for 30 days. No limit on how many times you flew.
Second Event: I had joined a Bible study group, Selah, which I found to be very Spirit filled. This group had been formed by Pastor Brian Doyle, and his wife Connie. Frank Barrett, a very devout deacon was now the group facilitator. We had just finished the study ‘ Experiencing God” and had started John McArthur’s study, “12 Ordinary Men.” I believe Alice Wright, a leading voice in the group suggested this study. I raced quickly through the book, and could not stop reading it once I opened it.
Third Event: Prior to finding out about the Jet Blue ticket offer, I had felt compelled to go on a mission to Nicaragua where First Baptist has a Medical mission run by Dr and Mrs Sirka. During that trip I was highly influenced by Pastor Doyle. I watched Brian move people toward Christ with such ease and assurance I could sense the Holy Spirit around him as he ministered to the young Nicaraguan teens. I also found a humorous and easy going approach to evangelism in Pastor Mike Jeffries, Addie O’Connell, and Pastor Terry. On that same trip I met Deborah Donoho, Deborah suggested I read her husbands book. “Arguing With God”
Fourth Event: I returned from Nicaragua and picked up Tim Donohos book “Arguing With God” It was a page turner, yet a book I found I had to read and reread finding each time more that I had missed in the original reading.
Fifth Event: Pastor Doyle whom I had connected with on the Nicaragua mission was offering a study in Evangelism titled XEE. I got the book, and read it through and then I viewed the DVD that came with it. I went on line and absorbed all their web site had to offer. Man I was fired up!
Sixth Event: Pastor Larry Thompson came back from vacation and announced that he was going to conduct a study from the book of Nehemiah over the next 52 days. I read Pastors book. “Side By Side” that weekend. There was all sorts of compelling information contained in it that led me toward this journey. The main one was the need to get outside the walls and bring people inside. I looked at my situation. Sure, I needed help myself, but at this point in my life, I was not looking to “compete” in the material world, I had done that for 40 years, and had nothing to show for it. So At this point I had the time to help, and the ticket deal gave me the means to help. I knew my efforts would be limited. Perhaps it was better to just roam the streets of Downtown Fort Lauderdale and find people to share God’s message with, Yet the idea of going to 20 cities all over the country seemed to make more sense. I prayed over this decision. I was in tears thinking about what I could do to best give back what was given to me in the form of Grace and Salvation. I read more about the “Great Commission”. One night in prayer, I was told to make a bold step to cross over from where I was to where I was needed.
Of course, I argued, ‘Where could I possibly be needed? I thought of the Nicaraguan mission and seeing my Pastors minister to others. I wasn’t even close.
I could see Brian kneeling on a baseball field in a little town on the outskirts of Najepa, Nicaragua. Young men were listening intently through Esther our translator. I could see they were all moved by his words, and I was astonished as some of the young men came forward to accept Christ. I did not have the power nor the training to do what Brian was doing. I was being directed to go and follow the simple process laid out in XEE. I could engage people on the plane. We would sit together for sometimes hours. They had nowhere to go. I could invest my time. I am retired. I could introduce them to the Word. I could invite them to accept a gift. Even with my limited knowledge, I could instruct them in the few passages I knew led to a person accepting Christ. It made sense. I accepted. I would go.
So many events were falling in place. So much was happening and I could not ignore it. It was not a series of unrelated events. These things were all somehow connected. I had a dream that final week before departing. I was on the road and I was meeting people and as the result of our meeting they were happy and I had a great sense of joy, Also, I had a sense of peace which I had never felt before in my life.
I had always been a planner [even held the title at one time in my career as Regional Director of Corporate Planning] and took precautions to insure everything was thought out before taking a step. Suddenly, that all went out the window. I felt a rush of energy, and a sense of security and comfort in what I was about to do.
I had only days left to buy this ticket. Being on Social Security I have very limited funds. However, I had placed some money with a long time friend, Esther Scott, because I knew she was honest and good at handling money. I called her and ask that she send a check for the amount of the ticket from my funds. She is such a dear, I had the check in time to purchase the ticket. The following day the tickets were sold out.
Then I announced my intentions. I have to tell everyone, that Pastors Brian and Larry really pushed me over the top. They were each so receptive and supportive of the idea I knew it would be a success. However, when I told others of my idea to visit 20 cities in 30 days they thought I was insane.
“How will you live?”
“God will provide,” I replied.
“You are just recovering from a stroke. This could kill you!”
“I know my limitations, and His Holy Spirit will guide me.” I said.
“You wont have enough money for food and places to stay.”
“ When Jesus sent out his apostles to spread His Word there were no Best Westerns of Mc Donalds, and they survived for years on the road.” Was my response.
“You will run into people who will entice you into sin and you could lose your soul in the process. You are not a strong enough Christian for such a mission.”
“I will pray everyday that you are wrong, and I will ask the Holy Spirit for two angels to guide and protect me.” Was my answer.
Next I put all of these six events together in my mind. I was being drawn toward
This journey, yet The Evil One focused on my doubts. The Sunday prior to my Tuesday departure. I briefly met with Pastor Brian. I was nearly in tears as I agonized over the journey with Brian. He embraced me, and told me to have faith in God. Brian reminded me that this was not my mission, but God’s. I cannot thank Brian enough for his words of encouragement. He told me to forget about how the Evil One is throwing road blocks up, and think more of how the Holy Spirit is with me.
My friend, Herb who had recently accepted Jesus took me to the West Palm Beach airport at 4AM for the first leg of the journey. Herb gave me a jacket. Because he said it is cold on the plane. He also gave me a coin that had an angel stamped on it, and told me it was for me to use on the journey, but that I was to give it back to him when I returned along with the jacket. This was a great gesture of kindness which I will never forget.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
DENVER
9-27-09
JET blue FLT 625
ORD-JFK
Flt Deck: Brian, Austin
Cabin Vandays, John, Jen
Fellow Traveler: John
Ground: Charlie
9-27-09
Jet Blue 900
JFK-ORD
Flt Deck: Joe, Mike
Calib: Justin, Rosie, Sharie
Fellow Traveler: Janet Going to Chicago. Her and friend travelling on weekends on AYCJ. Going to Nassau soon. Advised her to go to Cable Beach. Wonderful girl. Educated professional. Loved the lord, and was interested in Tim's book. Wrote down title for her brother. Had a genuine interest in the journey I am on.
Next to me were a couple going to a Cubs game and spending a week in Chicago and area visiting friends. Not possible to engage in conversation about God. Too busy watching TV and talking to each other
Houston:
I Met Charlie while awaiting the bus to downtown Denver.
Charlie works in car rental place at the airport. e has lived in Denver
all his life. Charlie understands the joy of nature. He is really thrilled by all of God’s creations. Charlie had a sincere air about him when we spoke of the world around us.
I engaged Charlie with a discussion in Isaiah 40. We spoke at length about our God who is our all powerful creator
We spoke about an hour discussing Tim Donohos book, “Arguing With God.”
Charlie understood that people are all using excuses not to believe in God. Charlie believes, but is not religious.
“Not into all the church thing”, as he put it.
I engaged him in a discussion of all the wonders of the universe.
“Makes sense God created all this,” he said.
Charlie Honors God, but …”no messin with church.”
Again, his basic argument had to do with how so many ministers on TV get rich “Selling God” and Charlie is not buying what they are selling. His beliefs are more basic and sincere.
I shared the XEE pamphlet with Charlie, and asked that he focus just on the scriptures, and forget what he sees on TV. He Agreed and said he would try to make God his personal friend, but he was not sure if God was, ‘..interested in me [him] with so many other people having trouble these days.”
“God loves each of equally,” I told him, and he knows each of us personally. He can do that because He is God.” I said. Charlie smiled.
I felt very positive about our brief encounter, and I prayed that Charlie would really begin reading the scriptures again, and read them. as I suggested, as if he were reading a letter from a friend.
Charlie gave me good directions for Downtown Denver, and he pointed out some sites on the map that he thought I should see. Main Street Station and the water dance over the trolley line was great.
Thanks Charlie!
I went to the city on the bus and spent the remainder of the day visiting
JET blue FLT 625
ORD-JFK
Flt Deck: Brian, Austin
Cabin Vandays, John, Jen
Fellow Traveler: John
Ground: Charlie
9-27-09
Jet Blue 900
JFK-ORD
Flt Deck: Joe, Mike
Calib: Justin, Rosie, Sharie
Fellow Traveler: Janet Going to Chicago. Her and friend travelling on weekends on AYCJ. Going to Nassau soon. Advised her to go to Cable Beach. Wonderful girl. Educated professional. Loved the lord, and was interested in Tim's book. Wrote down title for her brother. Had a genuine interest in the journey I am on.
Next to me were a couple going to a Cubs game and spending a week in Chicago and area visiting friends. Not possible to engage in conversation about God. Too busy watching TV and talking to each other
Houston:
I Met Charlie while awaiting the bus to downtown Denver.
Charlie works in car rental place at the airport. e has lived in Denver
all his life. Charlie understands the joy of nature. He is really thrilled by all of God’s creations. Charlie had a sincere air about him when we spoke of the world around us.
I engaged Charlie with a discussion in Isaiah 40. We spoke at length about our God who is our all powerful creator
We spoke about an hour discussing Tim Donohos book, “Arguing With God.”
Charlie understood that people are all using excuses not to believe in God. Charlie believes, but is not religious.
“Not into all the church thing”, as he put it.
I engaged him in a discussion of all the wonders of the universe.
“Makes sense God created all this,” he said.
Charlie Honors God, but …”no messin with church.”
Again, his basic argument had to do with how so many ministers on TV get rich “Selling God” and Charlie is not buying what they are selling. His beliefs are more basic and sincere.
I shared the XEE pamphlet with Charlie, and asked that he focus just on the scriptures, and forget what he sees on TV. He Agreed and said he would try to make God his personal friend, but he was not sure if God was, ‘..interested in me [him] with so many other people having trouble these days.”
“God loves each of equally,” I told him, and he knows each of us personally. He can do that because He is God.” I said. Charlie smiled.
I felt very positive about our brief encounter, and I prayed that Charlie would really begin reading the scriptures again, and read them. as I suggested, as if he were reading a letter from a friend.
Charlie gave me good directions for Downtown Denver, and he pointed out some sites on the map that he thought I should see. Main Street Station and the water dance over the trolley line was great.
Thanks Charlie!
I went to the city on the bus and spent the remainder of the day visiting
Friday, September 25, 2009
Said No to ONO Today!
20/30
Day 19
Update:
It is amazing that Pastor Larry's "Side By Side" book keeps coming up on this journey!
Yesterday morning I opened my laptop as always to do my blog and post some photos and a video clip. However, instead of the nice friendly blue screen welcoming me to Windows, I was facing a black screen asking me to "Insert boot disk ..REBOOT".
Last night I took it to the Geeks at Office Depot. They gave me no hope.
"Find the master boot disk." was all they could say. If I have it after 4 years in which I moved 3 times it would be a genuine miracle. To send to e machines for one takes a month. I have less than 2 weeks on my journey.
Should I give up and just go home? Was this a message for me to quit? Was this an affirmation that the journey was foolish in the first place as some people told me?
Doubt!
Doubt!
Doubt!
I opened my daughter Natalie's refrigerator to get some orange juice at 5:15 Am this morning. There in a little square frame was this message from Marilyn vos Savant:
"Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent!"
Then I read day twenty-seven of "Side By Side". The Pastor's challenge was a "right in your face" challenge. "Have I been distracted from the ministry God called me to accomplish?"
Next I recalled our recent daily readings PSALM 109 a Song of Victory and Triumph.
Then 2 Corinthians 12:10 "...For when I am weak then, I am strong"
"OH NO!" I answered.
So I go on, and look for library PCs or airport kiosks. I will finish.
I am sending this out on my daughter, Natalie's, PC.
My oldest daughter, Jennifer is on the way to take me to lunch and then to the airport for my next stop: Portland, OR.
Day 19
Update:
It is amazing that Pastor Larry's "Side By Side" book keeps coming up on this journey!
Yesterday morning I opened my laptop as always to do my blog and post some photos and a video clip. However, instead of the nice friendly blue screen welcoming me to Windows, I was facing a black screen asking me to "Insert boot disk ..REBOOT".
Last night I took it to the Geeks at Office Depot. They gave me no hope.
"Find the master boot disk." was all they could say. If I have it after 4 years in which I moved 3 times it would be a genuine miracle. To send to e machines for one takes a month. I have less than 2 weeks on my journey.
Should I give up and just go home? Was this a message for me to quit? Was this an affirmation that the journey was foolish in the first place as some people told me?
Doubt!
Doubt!
Doubt!
I opened my daughter Natalie's refrigerator to get some orange juice at 5:15 Am this morning. There in a little square frame was this message from Marilyn vos Savant:
"Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent!"
Then I read day twenty-seven of "Side By Side". The Pastor's challenge was a "right in your face" challenge. "Have I been distracted from the ministry God called me to accomplish?"
Next I recalled our recent daily readings PSALM 109 a Song of Victory and Triumph.
Then 2 Corinthians 12:10 "...For when I am weak then, I am strong"
"OH NO!" I answered.
So I go on, and look for library PCs or airport kiosks. I will finish.
I am sending this out on my daughter, Natalie's, PC.
My oldest daughter, Jennifer is on the way to take me to lunch and then to the airport for my next stop: Portland, OR.
JFK- Jacksonville, Fl.
20/30
Day 18
Jet Blue Flt 519
Flt Deck: Bob and Gabriel
Cabin Crew: John, Longo and Brian
Nice smooth air night flight. On time and with great service as always. I was excited while on the approach recalling the many times I had landed here both as a private pilot in the cockpit and as a passenger in the cabin. My mind was doing a mental check list and lining up of the runway. I had lived in JAX for 35 years, and now I was returning for a brief visit.
I'm taking a short break from travel to visit my family in Jacksonville, FL. So you wont hear much for day 18 and 19.
My two grown daughters live in Jacksonville: Jennifer and Natalie. Natalie recently married Daniel, and they are trying to get a house and establish their new family. My Grandson, Christian, is there following my blog and mapping each of the places I visit.
While I was at JFK awaiting my flight to Jacksonville, I was sitting at the PC counter Jet Blue Provides with free Internet in Terminal 5. This is their new terminal, and it is first class. Peter was sitting next to me on his PC awaiting his flight to Texas. He noticed my blog posting and began a conversation.
Naturally this gave me an opportunity to exercise my XEE training.
Peter was a frustrated gentlemen in his mid 40's. He was generally negative about many things in his life. His outlook on life and business and living was very skeptically negative. I sensed his glass was always half-empty. He had no job: " No one is hiring someone over 40 these days," he told me.
"What line of work are you looking for?" I asked.
"Oh, I don't know. I have had a lot of marketing training, and I am still going to school." He replied.
"What vision do you have for your life, Peter?" I asked.
He replied with a question to me. "Who is you favorite piano player?"
"Well, by genre I would start with jazz piano, and work toward Classic." I replied.
"Did you know that Brubeck is still playing?" I asked.
His eyebrows shot up." I can't believe that. He must be 100."
"Well not quite that old," I replied. " I saw him perform live in 2004 on his 80Th birthday." I said. " Still strong as ever," I continued. " In fact, I am a member of the NPR Jazz link, and Brubeck was featured last month. I think it was at Newport?"
Peter then proceeded to tell me how music keeps a persons mind alert and alive.
"Look at Rubinstein...",he added.
"Yep, I had him on my list for you as my favorite classic player." I said.
"He played until almost 100." he said.
" Yes, and a lot of that is attributed to his faith and dedicated wife." I said.
"You know they had a strong faith and a very close personal relationship." I added.
"Didn't know about that.." said Peter.
"Well, Peter, Sounds like you have some very good interests in life. On a scale of 1-10. how would you rate you life at this point?" I asked.
"We don't have enough time between now and my flight time to answer that one, But I would like to tell you more...but it would take some time" He continued. " see I'm depressed and I can't find myself sometimes."
" I may have something for you." I said.
"What I really need is a job." he said.
"How about peace of mind?" I asked.
He jokingly asked, " How much does it cost?"
"A few moments of your time..."
Peter Listened.
"OK," I replied. "See this site." I pointed to my laptop opened to my blog which I had been updating. " It is my blog. Here is a card with my email and the site URL."
Peter thanked me, we chatted almost another hour more, and then he had to get on his flight. I believe I'll hear from him again. The Spirit was with me in speaking with Peter, and I was pleased I had met him on this day.
An hour later I was on my flight to Jacksonville, my former home town where I had lived for 35 years.
Day 18
Jet Blue Flt 519
Flt Deck: Bob and Gabriel
Cabin Crew: John, Longo and Brian
Nice smooth air night flight. On time and with great service as always. I was excited while on the approach recalling the many times I had landed here both as a private pilot in the cockpit and as a passenger in the cabin. My mind was doing a mental check list and lining up of the runway. I had lived in JAX for 35 years, and now I was returning for a brief visit.
I'm taking a short break from travel to visit my family in Jacksonville, FL. So you wont hear much for day 18 and 19.
My two grown daughters live in Jacksonville: Jennifer and Natalie. Natalie recently married Daniel, and they are trying to get a house and establish their new family. My Grandson, Christian, is there following my blog and mapping each of the places I visit.
While I was at JFK awaiting my flight to Jacksonville, I was sitting at the PC counter Jet Blue Provides with free Internet in Terminal 5. This is their new terminal, and it is first class. Peter was sitting next to me on his PC awaiting his flight to Texas. He noticed my blog posting and began a conversation.
Naturally this gave me an opportunity to exercise my XEE training.
Peter was a frustrated gentlemen in his mid 40's. He was generally negative about many things in his life. His outlook on life and business and living was very skeptically negative. I sensed his glass was always half-empty. He had no job: " No one is hiring someone over 40 these days," he told me.
"What line of work are you looking for?" I asked.
"Oh, I don't know. I have had a lot of marketing training, and I am still going to school." He replied.
"What vision do you have for your life, Peter?" I asked.
He replied with a question to me. "Who is you favorite piano player?"
"Well, by genre I would start with jazz piano, and work toward Classic." I replied.
"Did you know that Brubeck is still playing?" I asked.
His eyebrows shot up." I can't believe that. He must be 100."
"Well not quite that old," I replied. " I saw him perform live in 2004 on his 80Th birthday." I said. " Still strong as ever," I continued. " In fact, I am a member of the NPR Jazz link, and Brubeck was featured last month. I think it was at Newport?"
Peter then proceeded to tell me how music keeps a persons mind alert and alive.
"Look at Rubinstein...",he added.
"Yep, I had him on my list for you as my favorite classic player." I said.
"He played until almost 100." he said.
" Yes, and a lot of that is attributed to his faith and dedicated wife." I said.
"You know they had a strong faith and a very close personal relationship." I added.
"Didn't know about that.." said Peter.
"Well, Peter, Sounds like you have some very good interests in life. On a scale of 1-10. how would you rate you life at this point?" I asked.
"We don't have enough time between now and my flight time to answer that one, But I would like to tell you more...but it would take some time" He continued. " see I'm depressed and I can't find myself sometimes."
" I may have something for you." I said.
"What I really need is a job." he said.
"How about peace of mind?" I asked.
He jokingly asked, " How much does it cost?"
"A few moments of your time..."
Peter Listened.
"OK," I replied. "See this site." I pointed to my laptop opened to my blog which I had been updating. " It is my blog. Here is a card with my email and the site URL."
Peter thanked me, we chatted almost another hour more, and then he had to get on his flight. I believe I'll hear from him again. The Spirit was with me in speaking with Peter, and I was pleased I had met him on this day.
An hour later I was on my flight to Jacksonville, my former home town where I had lived for 35 years.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Denver - JFK
I have to confess the cold Colorado air just knocked me out, and I fell dead asleep.
I had spent my day in Denver walking all over the city. The downtown area was very enjoyable and pedestrian friendly.
Train and bus transportation was clean, fast and easy to navigate. Though it is a very long way from the airport to downtown, I didn't mind the trip. Denver Mile High Airport is just that: a mile high, and it is so far out on the planes that you think you are in another state.
I really enjoyed everyone I met. It was like being in a western where they all wore white hats. In fact, there are "greeters" around the terminal who actually wear white hats, and they are just filled with information and tips on how to enjoy their beautiful city. There is much Denver pride about the Broncos or the vast array of things to do in and around Denver. Of course I had only a day, so I set my sites on the Botanical Gardens, The Capital area, the Convention Center, and Molly Brown's residence.
I got off the bus at 15Th and California, and walked a block following a "Visitors Center" sign to 16Th street. I did not find the Visitors Center, but I did not need to. I am ever armed with maps and pamphlets I pick up along the way. I was a private pilot and Air Traffic controller, so I am usually confident that I'll find what I'm looking for wherever I go, and no matter how foreign the territory.
The area along 16Th street Mall in downtown Denver is a Promenade lined with trees and beautiful street lamps. It is restricted to foot traffic, though free trams constantly ply their way slowly up and down this promenade lined with shops and restaurants other outdoor cafes. Since the trams are free one can hop on and off all along the route and save a lot of walking. At the western end of the line is the famous Union Station. A mecca for travelers when rail travel was as essential and popular as air travel is today. Of course earlier on this was the same rail which carried gold and silver from the mines and put Denver on the map along with Mr and Mrs Brown. The Browns were actually in Leadville just a short way from downtown. However, because of my time limitation I did not get to see Molly's famous house.
Just down from Union Station is the Platte River. Nothing compared to the mighty Colorado. The Platte is a slow moving muddy river that runs WSW of town. At the end of the line for the tram you can walk over the bridge which crosses the Platte river, turn left on Platte St which winds and turns into water street. SW of the bridge on Water St is the downtown Aquarium.
Back to downtown along the same route I got off the tram at California Av, and walked down tot the Convention Center. next to this beautiful Center is an older building which is the Denver Center for the Preforming Arts. SW of there along Champa St is the Met State College of Denver.
Back to the 16th St Tram for a ride ESE to Broadway and Colifax where you will run into Civic Center Park and the Colorado State Capital Espelande.
I was tempted to go a bit further East and visit the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. However, I feared missing my flight and with the thought that the airport is almost on another planet; instead I walked back to the tram and headed to WNW to the bus station on 16Th and Wazee between the famous Tattered Cover Book Mall and the old Oxford hotel touted as the oldest and most haunted in Denver. It is sometimes compared to the famous Philadelphia landmark Hotel The General Wayne Inn which I have also visited several ties.
On my way out of town we stopped at the Black American West Museum. It reminded me of a story my father -in-law a real native of Florida used to tell about the Black cowboys who used to work the large cattle ranches on which Disney and many other Orlando attractions have since erased.
Jet Blue was on time, but I was worried about making it to the gate since TSA had the alert status up to ORANGE, and the lines at Security were quite long and very slow.
Flt 126
DEN- JFK
Flt Deck: Irv and Wayne
Cabin Crew:Jennifer, Mago and YAYA
As I said I slept most of the way and in row 10 I was surrounded with AA employees getting back to JFK.
Toward the end of the flight, and interesting thing happened. I had Tim Donoho's book "Argruing With God" sitting on my tray, and a man across the aisle asked if he could see it. I told him it was very interesting reading, " Sounds like what I'm reading" he said handing me a book by Dr. Maurice Boyd former pastor of City Church, New York.. The book is called " The Fine Art of Being Imperfect." We swapped books and Tom, my fellow traveler. Said. "...very similar in nature wouldn't you say?"
I leafed through it, and there were similarities. However, Dr. Boyd's book was a compilation of weekly radio shows. Tim's book had much more humor.
I was relieved and pleased to meet a fellow believer in my travels. Tom was just returning from Denver where he visited his Dad. Also,he was attending had just attended the funeral of a good friend. Tom had a custom cane pole split into 3 parts so he could carry it on the plane. His best relaxation and way to ease his burdens seemed to be fishing the pristine streams of Denver. He was a native whose work placed him in New York. Tom was a Christian, but we did not have time to delve into weather he was having a personal relationships. I did sense a calmness about him,a nd a I felt comfortable in his presence. It is short encounters that gave me energy and inspiraation to contuinue this journey.
My daughter Natalie picked me up at the airport. I was happy to see her again, and thanked her for picking me up at nearly midnight. Christian and I walked to school this morning, and today is "early Release" day so I will walk over and get him at 1:30.
Before we left for school, he gave me a precious hand made card which said "Happy Grandfather's Day." I will treasure it always.
I'll be here until Friday when I leave for Portland, Or.
I had spent my day in Denver walking all over the city. The downtown area was very enjoyable and pedestrian friendly.
Train and bus transportation was clean, fast and easy to navigate. Though it is a very long way from the airport to downtown, I didn't mind the trip. Denver Mile High Airport is just that: a mile high, and it is so far out on the planes that you think you are in another state.
I really enjoyed everyone I met. It was like being in a western where they all wore white hats. In fact, there are "greeters" around the terminal who actually wear white hats, and they are just filled with information and tips on how to enjoy their beautiful city. There is much Denver pride about the Broncos or the vast array of things to do in and around Denver. Of course I had only a day, so I set my sites on the Botanical Gardens, The Capital area, the Convention Center, and Molly Brown's residence.
I got off the bus at 15Th and California, and walked a block following a "Visitors Center" sign to 16Th street. I did not find the Visitors Center, but I did not need to. I am ever armed with maps and pamphlets I pick up along the way. I was a private pilot and Air Traffic controller, so I am usually confident that I'll find what I'm looking for wherever I go, and no matter how foreign the territory.
The area along 16Th street Mall in downtown Denver is a Promenade lined with trees and beautiful street lamps. It is restricted to foot traffic, though free trams constantly ply their way slowly up and down this promenade lined with shops and restaurants other outdoor cafes. Since the trams are free one can hop on and off all along the route and save a lot of walking. At the western end of the line is the famous Union Station. A mecca for travelers when rail travel was as essential and popular as air travel is today. Of course earlier on this was the same rail which carried gold and silver from the mines and put Denver on the map along with Mr and Mrs Brown. The Browns were actually in Leadville just a short way from downtown. However, because of my time limitation I did not get to see Molly's famous house.
Just down from Union Station is the Platte River. Nothing compared to the mighty Colorado. The Platte is a slow moving muddy river that runs WSW of town. At the end of the line for the tram you can walk over the bridge which crosses the Platte river, turn left on Platte St which winds and turns into water street. SW of the bridge on Water St is the downtown Aquarium.
Back to downtown along the same route I got off the tram at California Av, and walked down tot the Convention Center. next to this beautiful Center is an older building which is the Denver Center for the Preforming Arts. SW of there along Champa St is the Met State College of Denver.
Back to the 16th St Tram for a ride ESE to Broadway and Colifax where you will run into Civic Center Park and the Colorado State Capital Espelande.
I was tempted to go a bit further East and visit the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. However, I feared missing my flight and with the thought that the airport is almost on another planet; instead I walked back to the tram and headed to WNW to the bus station on 16Th and Wazee between the famous Tattered Cover Book Mall and the old Oxford hotel touted as the oldest and most haunted in Denver. It is sometimes compared to the famous Philadelphia landmark Hotel The General Wayne Inn which I have also visited several ties.
On my way out of town we stopped at the Black American West Museum. It reminded me of a story my father -in-law a real native of Florida used to tell about the Black cowboys who used to work the large cattle ranches on which Disney and many other Orlando attractions have since erased.
Jet Blue was on time, but I was worried about making it to the gate since TSA had the alert status up to ORANGE, and the lines at Security were quite long and very slow.
Flt 126
DEN- JFK
Flt Deck: Irv and Wayne
Cabin Crew:Jennifer, Mago and YAYA
As I said I slept most of the way and in row 10 I was surrounded with AA employees getting back to JFK.
Toward the end of the flight, and interesting thing happened. I had Tim Donoho's book "Argruing With God" sitting on my tray, and a man across the aisle asked if he could see it. I told him it was very interesting reading, " Sounds like what I'm reading" he said handing me a book by Dr. Maurice Boyd former pastor of City Church, New York.. The book is called " The Fine Art of Being Imperfect." We swapped books and Tom, my fellow traveler. Said. "...very similar in nature wouldn't you say?"
I leafed through it, and there were similarities. However, Dr. Boyd's book was a compilation of weekly radio shows. Tim's book had much more humor.
I was relieved and pleased to meet a fellow believer in my travels. Tom was just returning from Denver where he visited his Dad. Also,he was attending had just attended the funeral of a good friend. Tom had a custom cane pole split into 3 parts so he could carry it on the plane. His best relaxation and way to ease his burdens seemed to be fishing the pristine streams of Denver. He was a native whose work placed him in New York. Tom was a Christian, but we did not have time to delve into weather he was having a personal relationships. I did sense a calmness about him,a nd a I felt comfortable in his presence. It is short encounters that gave me energy and inspiraation to contuinue this journey.
My daughter Natalie picked me up at the airport. I was happy to see her again, and thanked her for picking me up at nearly midnight. Christian and I walked to school this morning, and today is "early Release" day so I will walk over and get him at 1:30.
Before we left for school, he gave me a precious hand made card which said "Happy Grandfather's Day." I will treasure it always.
I'll be here until Friday when I leave for Portland, Or.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
JFK-Denver
9/21-22-2009
Flt97
First inconvenient flight with Jet Blue.
Flt Deck: Jeff, Kevin
Cabin: Stephen and Regina
Gate 8 Capt Jeff comes out to announce there are problems with the aircraft.
We are all directed to move to Gate 5 to get on a new plane.
Much confusion and delay due to the fact hat we were ticketed on an Air Bus 320 and at gate 5 there sat an Embrair 190. Like going from a Limo to VW MICRO BUS.
Baggage was a major problem, and most normal carry on would not fit in the Brazilian flying VW.
Finally we're in the air over an hour late. I hate to say that the cabin crew was shook too, and it showed in some of Regina's unprofessional announcements. But The passengers held up; including me. I have much comfort on this trip, so a slight delay will not deter me. Just reporting the facts for the blog post.
I sincerely believe Jet Blue did the best they could facing major equipment failure, and they did it for passenger safety. Like any numbers game, a winning streak ends at sometime. Mine just came on a late night Red Eye to Denver. To boot, I was coming from nice sunny warm Aruba to Mile High 53 F Denver at what is now 3AM on the East Coast. Because I had to check my back pack due to the limited space on the Embrair 190, my jacket went into the "belly" so I froze until I retrieved it in Denver.
Tomorrow I have a day planned at the zoo, museum and Molly Brown House,then on to Jacksonville via -Yep JFK.
Flt97
First inconvenient flight with Jet Blue.
Flt Deck: Jeff, Kevin
Cabin: Stephen and Regina
Gate 8 Capt Jeff comes out to announce there are problems with the aircraft.
We are all directed to move to Gate 5 to get on a new plane.
Much confusion and delay due to the fact hat we were ticketed on an Air Bus 320 and at gate 5 there sat an Embrair 190. Like going from a Limo to VW MICRO BUS.
Baggage was a major problem, and most normal carry on would not fit in the Brazilian flying VW.
Finally we're in the air over an hour late. I hate to say that the cabin crew was shook too, and it showed in some of Regina's unprofessional announcements. But The passengers held up; including me. I have much comfort on this trip, so a slight delay will not deter me. Just reporting the facts for the blog post.
I sincerely believe Jet Blue did the best they could facing major equipment failure, and they did it for passenger safety. Like any numbers game, a winning streak ends at sometime. Mine just came on a late night Red Eye to Denver. To boot, I was coming from nice sunny warm Aruba to Mile High 53 F Denver at what is now 3AM on the East Coast. Because I had to check my back pack due to the limited space on the Embrair 190, my jacket went into the "belly" so I froze until I retrieved it in Denver.
Tomorrow I have a day planned at the zoo, museum and Molly Brown House,then on to Jacksonville via -Yep JFK.
Aruba-New York
9-21-09
Jet Blue Flt 756
Flt Deck: Ron & Curtis
NY Based Cabin Crew: Donna, Tammy, Sally
Great crew and nice flight. We had no snags and smooth air all the way.
Service was tops as I have experienced throughout this journey.
Fellow Travelers: David and his friend bothe in the retail food services industry.
Both were intense on Killing the 4 hour trip laboring over a crossword booklet.
David was somewhat curious about Tim Donoho's book "Arguing With God".
I am so happy Tim has allowed me to use his work. It is always a great conversation starter.
I went over some of the thought provoking chapter headings with David. That got him to open up a bit about his experiences with "Religion". Pastor Brian has said many times that Christians are sometimes their own worst enemy. Here is an example:
David, like me, was raised in a Catholic home. Yet at a very young age, his family fell apart, and I had the feeling this deeply effected David's outlook on life. He lost faith in a lot of things because of this trauma.
As a teenager, David went to 'Confession'. At the end of his confession his priest told him that he could tell David did not like God. This was shattering news for a young man who was newly seeking answers for his Spiritual direction. His family was falling apart. His faith was shaken. His belief system was in shambles. He went to "Church" to seek guidance.
The answer he received was, "Sorry, You do not like God."
It was obvious that this rebuke hardened David's heart, and made him fear exploring his faith. He told me he has thought about it, but that he kind of put it on the back burner after the "Confession" incident.
I pointed out that the Gospel tells us we need not have a mediator to tell us about our relationship with our Creator. I quoted out several passages from the Bible I had out showing we have but to Profess our Love in the name of our Savior Jesus and communicate our love for Him directly. No Confession; No priest; no church can stand in the way of a personal profession of our faith. We talked about the need to have a personal relationship with God. Just like we have personal relationships with friends. I mean it has to be real and interactive. We have to talk to God as we are now talking to each other.
Further, I explained that sin stands between us and a right relationship with God, and that Jesus has taken that sin by His death on the cross, thus allowing us to be accepted by God.
There was no instant confession or profession, but I could sense that David was sorting this out, and he did take my Blog card to further seek this information.
I used to watch Perry Mason all the time in the 60's and I really did not believe people would just confess to everything just because Perry intimidated them on the stand.
I also believe that just as it was for me, Coming to Jesus and accepting Him sometimes is a process of revelation. Yes the light comes on, but for some of us it just takes time.
Arrival in JFK was smooth,and as always I love the new Terminal 5 there. Jet Blue has one of the best travel facilities in the country, and I speak from 53 airports of experience.
Also of note this trip: The guy sitting in front of me was from Columbia, and is doing the All You Can Jet Pass Also. He was doing four trips,and felt he was getting his money's worth at that. He wanted to see my blog, and I gave him a card too.
Jet Blue Flt 756
Flt Deck: Ron & Curtis
NY Based Cabin Crew: Donna, Tammy, Sally
Great crew and nice flight. We had no snags and smooth air all the way.
Service was tops as I have experienced throughout this journey.
Fellow Travelers: David and his friend bothe in the retail food services industry.
Both were intense on Killing the 4 hour trip laboring over a crossword booklet.
David was somewhat curious about Tim Donoho's book "Arguing With God".
I am so happy Tim has allowed me to use his work. It is always a great conversation starter.
I went over some of the thought provoking chapter headings with David. That got him to open up a bit about his experiences with "Religion". Pastor Brian has said many times that Christians are sometimes their own worst enemy. Here is an example:
David, like me, was raised in a Catholic home. Yet at a very young age, his family fell apart, and I had the feeling this deeply effected David's outlook on life. He lost faith in a lot of things because of this trauma.
As a teenager, David went to 'Confession'. At the end of his confession his priest told him that he could tell David did not like God. This was shattering news for a young man who was newly seeking answers for his Spiritual direction. His family was falling apart. His faith was shaken. His belief system was in shambles. He went to "Church" to seek guidance.
The answer he received was, "Sorry, You do not like God."
It was obvious that this rebuke hardened David's heart, and made him fear exploring his faith. He told me he has thought about it, but that he kind of put it on the back burner after the "Confession" incident.
I pointed out that the Gospel tells us we need not have a mediator to tell us about our relationship with our Creator. I quoted out several passages from the Bible I had out showing we have but to Profess our Love in the name of our Savior Jesus and communicate our love for Him directly. No Confession; No priest; no church can stand in the way of a personal profession of our faith. We talked about the need to have a personal relationship with God. Just like we have personal relationships with friends. I mean it has to be real and interactive. We have to talk to God as we are now talking to each other.
Further, I explained that sin stands between us and a right relationship with God, and that Jesus has taken that sin by His death on the cross, thus allowing us to be accepted by God.
There was no instant confession or profession, but I could sense that David was sorting this out, and he did take my Blog card to further seek this information.
I used to watch Perry Mason all the time in the 60's and I really did not believe people would just confess to everything just because Perry intimidated them on the stand.
I also believe that just as it was for me, Coming to Jesus and accepting Him sometimes is a process of revelation. Yes the light comes on, but for some of us it just takes time.
Arrival in JFK was smooth,and as always I love the new Terminal 5 there. Jet Blue has one of the best travel facilities in the country, and I speak from 53 airports of experience.
Also of note this trip: The guy sitting in front of me was from Columbia, and is doing the All You Can Jet Pass Also. He was doing four trips,and felt he was getting his money's worth at that. He wanted to see my blog, and I gave him a card too.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Phoenix-JFK-ARUBA
Phoenix-JFK
9/19-19/2009
Red Eye
Another Sleeper Uneventful but smooth. All were sleeping the moment we were seated.
JFK -
This was a close one! Arrived at 6:15 AM Aruba Flt 755 leaving
IT appears that Jet Blue delayed for 20 min so other connecting flights could make it.
Bravo Jet Blue!!! These guys are really good. Fly them and see…
Flt Deck: Stephen Walker and Stephen Barnwell?
Cabin Crew: Rich, Jennifer and Kate
Superb cabin service- Kudos to Rich; 1st officer opened with some great humor which put the cabin in a great mood. BTW they got a great well deserved round of applause on landing in
Fellow Travelers: Enrico and Elsie
Elsie is a certified Real estate professional, and also works in the Pharmaceutical business. Her company is headquartered in
Enrico was also staying at a time share in
Enrico is an IT Professional Project Manager also in the Pharmaceutical business – unrelated to Elsie’s work. I did not ask if he had PM certification, but I kind of thought he may have. We shared some stories about the business. At one time in my career, I managed IT projects too. However, I also told Enrico of my exploits as a Network Engineer. As he said, “Oh yea! The guys we are always waiting on to get service up.”
“Guilty,” I said.
Actually I did a lot of different WAN networks as they relate to
“You ought to chat with my Dad.” Enrico commented,” He retired from ATT.”
Getting more to the point, we discussed Tim Donohos book “ Arguing With God” I have only to review the various chapter headings to facilitate a meaningful discussion about where one is heading in life and how they view the deeper more meaningful side of life.
Enrico was no exception.
He told me of a life changing experience he had in his life recently. After looking at his work and his one sided focus on the job about a year ago he decided that this year ,2009, he was making a commitment to refocus and begin to think about the broader aspects of his existence. Life was not all about the job. “Oh, I still do a good job,” he said,” and I am as conscientious as ever, It is just that it is no longer the only thing in my mind.” He said.
“Yes, I understand,” I added. “I went through a similar change, and I knew I had to begin to experience my relationship with God to more fully understand why we are here and what our purpose is in life .”
Enrico and I were both raised Catholic and each rejected the ritualistic service to God in a formalized church setting. We each sought a more personal communication with our Maker. At that point I knew we were on the same page with our discussion. I spoke a bit more about closing off the internal dialog and listening more for God’s input. Enrico was very receptive to the idea.
I gave him this blog address and my email. I will send him AWG and I also recommended some other books.
Great flight, and Great company!!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
New York - Phoenix,
Hi, Will here:
20/30
Jet Blue
Flight Deck:Dale, Jay
Cabin Crew: Rene; Amy, Virginia
Fellow Travelers: Stu and Eileen
We had a great discussion all the way over. Renee was running like the "Energizer Bunny". Like all Jet Blue crews she served with great enthusiasm and a great deal of positive personality which put everyone at ease.
Stu was a very enlightened gentleman who was investing in real estate in Phoenix.
[ BTW let me interject that I don't use the actual names of the people I meet, and in some cases these characters are a composite of more than one individual I've shared The Word with, but their story remains intact].
Stu was New York raised and bred in the tough street smart setting of the Big Apple. He had a keen sense of right and wrong, and he could pick out "real" from fake better than anyone I've met.
He is a strong and well disciplined man who told me briefly his story.
It seems at a young age he had a lot of anger and need to express himself physically. He had
always played street ball with older guys, and only when they found out that he had guts and gumption did they let this "Kid" in their game. Yet they never cut him any slack.
Because of this, Stu became toughened and self disciplined.
Apparently he still had anger problems that required fixing or re-direction. In school he had a coach who directed his anger and physical prowess in a positive direction.
Stu was channeled into sports: football in particular. He excelled, and played High school ball and then went to College on a scholarship playing Football in Virginia.
He must have been very good because he was picked to play semi pro football after college.
I got the distinct impression Stu had picked up on more than just physical discipline. I saw in this Young man a genuine interest in fairness and right living. In discussing God, we went over the chapter headings in Tim Donoho's "Arguing With God". I could tell Stu was genuinely interested in the way Tim describes how people view God and their relationship with Him. I shared my blog info with Stu, and told him if he would write me, I would send him a copy of Tim's book. We shook and left with a smile and a small seed of hope that Stu follows up and reads the book and receives the blessings of God's powerful testimony as laid out in Tim's book.
I will be here visiting my good friends Sam and Lourdes until tomorrow evening. Friday evening I am off to Aruba for the weekend. I have to confess that part of the trip is a personal reward, but I never know who the Holy Spirit will bring me into contact with. I just know I am ready and energized by His Holy Power to proclaim the message of Hope from Jesus to all the innocent by -standers I meet.
20/30
Jet Blue
Flight Deck:Dale, Jay
Cabin Crew: Rene; Amy, Virginia
Fellow Travelers: Stu and Eileen
We had a great discussion all the way over. Renee was running like the "Energizer Bunny". Like all Jet Blue crews she served with great enthusiasm and a great deal of positive personality which put everyone at ease.
Stu was a very enlightened gentleman who was investing in real estate in Phoenix.
[ BTW let me interject that I don't use the actual names of the people I meet, and in some cases these characters are a composite of more than one individual I've shared The Word with, but their story remains intact].
Stu was New York raised and bred in the tough street smart setting of the Big Apple. He had a keen sense of right and wrong, and he could pick out "real" from fake better than anyone I've met.
He is a strong and well disciplined man who told me briefly his story.
It seems at a young age he had a lot of anger and need to express himself physically. He had
always played street ball with older guys, and only when they found out that he had guts and gumption did they let this "Kid" in their game. Yet they never cut him any slack.
Because of this, Stu became toughened and self disciplined.
Apparently he still had anger problems that required fixing or re-direction. In school he had a coach who directed his anger and physical prowess in a positive direction.
Stu was channeled into sports: football in particular. He excelled, and played High school ball and then went to College on a scholarship playing Football in Virginia.
He must have been very good because he was picked to play semi pro football after college.
I got the distinct impression Stu had picked up on more than just physical discipline. I saw in this Young man a genuine interest in fairness and right living. In discussing God, we went over the chapter headings in Tim Donoho's "Arguing With God". I could tell Stu was genuinely interested in the way Tim describes how people view God and their relationship with Him. I shared my blog info with Stu, and told him if he would write me, I would send him a copy of Tim's book. We shook and left with a smile and a small seed of hope that Stu follows up and reads the book and receives the blessings of God's powerful testimony as laid out in Tim's book.
I will be here visiting my good friends Sam and Lourdes until tomorrow evening. Friday evening I am off to Aruba for the weekend. I have to confess that part of the trip is a personal reward, but I never know who the Holy Spirit will bring me into contact with. I just know I am ready and energized by His Holy Power to proclaim the message of Hope from Jesus to all the innocent by -standers I meet.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Seattle- New York JFK
Will Again
20/30
Quick turn around and back to New York
Jet Blue.
Funny thing. This was the same Fort Lauderdale crew I had come over from Boston,
And just great as always.
Fellow Travelers were from Kazakhstan. Remember Borat? I had a very hard time understanding them. They were a very young couple who had no interest in anything I had to say. They were fascinated with the fact that they could ask for food and drinks and they were always available. The crew was very accommodating to these young people who obviously were in the US for the first time.
We made great time to JFK, and it was a smooth flight with no incidents.
I am here for the night and then in the morning I will head to Phoenix to see my long time friend Sam. I will stay there a night and rest up before heading to Aruba via JFK for the weekend.
20/30
Quick turn around and back to New York
Jet Blue.
Funny thing. This was the same Fort Lauderdale crew I had come over from Boston,
And just great as always.
Fellow Travelers were from Kazakhstan. Remember Borat? I had a very hard time understanding them. They were a very young couple who had no interest in anything I had to say. They were fascinated with the fact that they could ask for food and drinks and they were always available. The crew was very accommodating to these young people who obviously were in the US for the first time.
We made great time to JFK, and it was a smooth flight with no incidents.
I am here for the night and then in the morning I will head to Phoenix to see my long time friend Sam. I will stay there a night and rest up before heading to Aruba via JFK for the weekend.
Boston-Seattle; Seattle New York
Jet Blue
20/30
Flt Deck: James and Mark
Cabin Crew: Pat, Craig and Pascal
These folks were very helpful. Based out of Fort Lauderdale. All were very pleasent. Pat was very interested in my journey, and she was very supportive of the idea. the whole crew, like all Jet Blue Crews gave me a wonderful flying experience.
Boston-Seattle.
While on the Silver Line from downtown to Logan I called my new friend Robbie.
We agreed to contact in case we could hook up at JFK and go to New Orleans together.
Robbie, as it turns out was in New Orleans and back in Long Beach while I went to Austin and Boston. Serendipity again. Robbie was headed to the airport to visit his son in Seattle. We would arrive within an hour of each other. He invited me to meet with him.
Robbie Jr. Picked us up at the airport and we drove to his house. I met his family and Robbie Sr's. Granddaughter. Robbie Jr. lent his dad the van for us to use. Robbie and I set off.
"Listen," Robbie said as we headed down the road. " It is a shame you will be here only a short time. I wanted to show you the city. I lived here 25 years." He turned onto the expressway. "I can drive you around now and you can get an idea of what's here. " So we drove around the city and Robbie pointed out the highlights of a city he was very proud of. And a beautiful city it is.
I saw the Sea Hawks stadium, The Boeing Plant, the docks where Robbie has worked as a crane operator for many years. Then we went to the east side of the Sound and I got a spectacular view of the city and the Space Needle landmark. I thanked Robbie for taking the time to show me Seattle.
Then Robbie and I went out to eat, and he dropped me back off at the airport. I thanked God to have sent me such a good friend in and fellow in Christ.
20/30
Flt Deck: James and Mark
Cabin Crew: Pat, Craig and Pascal
These folks were very helpful. Based out of Fort Lauderdale. All were very pleasent. Pat was very interested in my journey, and she was very supportive of the idea. the whole crew, like all Jet Blue Crews gave me a wonderful flying experience.
Boston-Seattle.
While on the Silver Line from downtown to Logan I called my new friend Robbie.
We agreed to contact in case we could hook up at JFK and go to New Orleans together.
Robbie, as it turns out was in New Orleans and back in Long Beach while I went to Austin and Boston. Serendipity again. Robbie was headed to the airport to visit his son in Seattle. We would arrive within an hour of each other. He invited me to meet with him.
Robbie Jr. Picked us up at the airport and we drove to his house. I met his family and Robbie Sr's. Granddaughter. Robbie Jr. lent his dad the van for us to use. Robbie and I set off.
"Listen," Robbie said as we headed down the road. " It is a shame you will be here only a short time. I wanted to show you the city. I lived here 25 years." He turned onto the expressway. "I can drive you around now and you can get an idea of what's here. " So we drove around the city and Robbie pointed out the highlights of a city he was very proud of. And a beautiful city it is.
I saw the Sea Hawks stadium, The Boeing Plant, the docks where Robbie has worked as a crane operator for many years. Then we went to the east side of the Sound and I got a spectacular view of the city and the Space Needle landmark. I thanked Robbie for taking the time to show me Seattle.
Then Robbie and I went out to eat, and he dropped me back off at the airport. I thanked God to have sent me such a good friend in and fellow in Christ.
San Diego- Boston
Hi Will Here 20/30
Catching up on updates here at Jet Blue Terminal 5 in JFK. Best air terminal location so far.
I have been working on a non-scientific evaluation of all the terminals I've visited. This is based on my personal impressions of Ease of access, Food, Service, Restroom facilities, and Internet access and other communications and transportation [ bus-train etc] for the traveler passing through.
I will publish this at the end of the trip after I have been to all stops. Remember I am stopping in 20 cities but I have to pass through 53 airports to get there; not all flights are direct.
9-14-09
San Diego-Boston
Flt Deck: Mark Flanders; Peter Vogel
Cabin Crew: Jennifer, Virna and Tony.
Fellow Traveler: Rhina traveling from Africa back to Boston
Rhina could not speak much English, but I did get that she was Hindu, and that she embraces all religions. I left her my card, and she will explore my blog.
Crew was very good, flight smooth and comfortable. This was a red-eye and the whole plane was asleep [except cockpit and crew]. We made it in good time, and I got right into the city on the Silver Line.
In South Station, I was directed to take Red, Green and Blue lines to get to the Commons and the main library in Copley Square. Then I remembered the Kingston Trio Song," The Man Who Never Returned" Recall the lyrics,"... He may ride forever neath the streets of Boston. He's the man who never returned." With that song going through my mind, I found a map of downtown on the "tourist Info" stand. There it was, a map of Downtown Boston.
I looked around and found that the places I wanted to go were all within 10-12 blocks of the station. Thinking I could navigate this with my 15 LB back pack and 8 LB laptop bag, I took off. Well they were long "Blocks" , and all streets are not N-S; E-W. I did it with few instructions from the locals who all started out by directing me to the hole in the ground :," ... and then take the red line to xxx and the blue line to xxx and..." no "Charlie" did that in the song. I had another mission, and could not get trapped beneath the Streets of Boston. My next flight was at 4 :30.
"God, please direct me, and give me the straight." Soon I found myself in the middle of the Commons a large park in the center of a city of tall buildings and busy traffic streets.
I followed the map to F.R.O.G pond. I remembered "Fully Relying On God. That was what I was doing, and it was working. The other side of the Commons was the beautiful Botanical Park built in 1837, and a few blocks more Trinity Church, Copley Square and the Main Library. This was a beautiful building; a work of art. and WOW! free Internet with an Ethernet port a each station. I was able to catch up on my blog, enjoy the Library [Always loved being in a great Library since I did a lot of research at Temple U and the U of P], and Boston Public was the best.
One thing did disturb me. At the top of each column holding up the ornate ceiling which resembled a Roman Cathedral was the name of some famous thinker: Plato, Cicero, Dante, Augustine, Homer, Socrates, et al. I wondered? Where is Jesus ? How could the builder and architect miss the greatest Creator of all. Just a thought.
I finished, packed up, and began navigating my way back to South Station to get the Silver Line back to the airport. I was not going back through the Commons because it looked longer on the map. Along Columbus Ave. I saw a mailman getting out of his truck, and for re-assurance asked if I was going the right way to South Station. " yes, take the Red Line...." He began.
"Excuse me, I am walking there."
He looked at me like I was from another planet, "Walking? Walking? Do you know how far that is? " He was puzzled, "Well, then you are on the right street, just turn at right at Stuart, but you can get the bus right down those stairs over there."
The song was playing in my head again. I thanked him and started to walk faster to the station following my map. 20 minutes later I arrived and then did go down into the tunnel to catch the Silver Line to the airport. With a map and help from God I was back in the airport headed for San Diego.
Catching up on updates here at Jet Blue Terminal 5 in JFK. Best air terminal location so far.
I have been working on a non-scientific evaluation of all the terminals I've visited. This is based on my personal impressions of Ease of access, Food, Service, Restroom facilities, and Internet access and other communications and transportation [ bus-train etc] for the traveler passing through.
I will publish this at the end of the trip after I have been to all stops. Remember I am stopping in 20 cities but I have to pass through 53 airports to get there; not all flights are direct.
9-14-09
San Diego-Boston
Flt Deck: Mark Flanders; Peter Vogel
Cabin Crew: Jennifer, Virna and Tony.
Fellow Traveler: Rhina traveling from Africa back to Boston
Rhina could not speak much English, but I did get that she was Hindu, and that she embraces all religions. I left her my card, and she will explore my blog.
Crew was very good, flight smooth and comfortable. This was a red-eye and the whole plane was asleep [except cockpit and crew]. We made it in good time, and I got right into the city on the Silver Line.
In South Station, I was directed to take Red, Green and Blue lines to get to the Commons and the main library in Copley Square. Then I remembered the Kingston Trio Song," The Man Who Never Returned" Recall the lyrics,"... He may ride forever neath the streets of Boston. He's the man who never returned." With that song going through my mind, I found a map of downtown on the "tourist Info" stand. There it was, a map of Downtown Boston.
I looked around and found that the places I wanted to go were all within 10-12 blocks of the station. Thinking I could navigate this with my 15 LB back pack and 8 LB laptop bag, I took off. Well they were long "Blocks" , and all streets are not N-S; E-W. I did it with few instructions from the locals who all started out by directing me to the hole in the ground :," ... and then take the red line to xxx and the blue line to xxx and..." no "Charlie" did that in the song. I had another mission, and could not get trapped beneath the Streets of Boston. My next flight was at 4 :30.
"God, please direct me, and give me the straight." Soon I found myself in the middle of the Commons a large park in the center of a city of tall buildings and busy traffic streets.
I followed the map to F.R.O.G pond. I remembered "Fully Relying On God. That was what I was doing, and it was working. The other side of the Commons was the beautiful Botanical Park built in 1837, and a few blocks more Trinity Church, Copley Square and the Main Library. This was a beautiful building; a work of art. and WOW! free Internet with an Ethernet port a each station. I was able to catch up on my blog, enjoy the Library [Always loved being in a great Library since I did a lot of research at Temple U and the U of P], and Boston Public was the best.
One thing did disturb me. At the top of each column holding up the ornate ceiling which resembled a Roman Cathedral was the name of some famous thinker: Plato, Cicero, Dante, Augustine, Homer, Socrates, et al. I wondered? Where is Jesus ? How could the builder and architect miss the greatest Creator of all. Just a thought.
I finished, packed up, and began navigating my way back to South Station to get the Silver Line back to the airport. I was not going back through the Commons because it looked longer on the map. Along Columbus Ave. I saw a mailman getting out of his truck, and for re-assurance asked if I was going the right way to South Station. " yes, take the Red Line...." He began.
"Excuse me, I am walking there."
He looked at me like I was from another planet, "Walking? Walking? Do you know how far that is? " He was puzzled, "Well, then you are on the right street, just turn at right at Stuart, but you can get the bus right down those stairs over there."
The song was playing in my head again. I thanked him and started to walk faster to the station following my map. 20 minutes later I arrived and then did go down into the tunnel to catch the Silver Line to the airport. With a map and help from God I was back in the airport headed for San Diego.
Alone, and Facing Criticism
Just after shooting the video at Frog Pond, I met John, a poor person who was holding a sign for food in the Beautiful Botanical Gardens across from the Commons. I sat with him for a time and he told me of loss and despair, and his inability to overcome his situation.
I spoke the message of Jesus to him. I don't know all the scriptures, but I did remember Pastor Terry telling my friend Herb to read Rom 10:9. So I opened a bible and read it to John. We said the sinners prayer together. I had left a small offering in the book of John [seemed appropriate] John accepted the book gratefully. We prayed together for a minute. It was moving to me, and to him.
Today's message from Pastor Larry's "Side By Side" speaks of overcoming despair and doubt and detractors. I find on this journey it is better to ignore the detractors[ including that small devil in my mind who tries to tell me this is a fools mission not planned or well financed]. Then I go on and Pray for support from the Holy Spirit and He does amazing things that I could not do on my on with my limited Physical abilities, limited funding, and limited knowledge.
In all truth I confess that I feel I am doing things that I am "not Doing." If you know what I mean
No video today. I am in Seattle, and leaving for JFK in a few hours. I met up with Robbie, the fellow Christian traveler from Long Beach. We met his son and family. I think I will see Robbie again in Puerto Rico.
I spoke the message of Jesus to him. I don't know all the scriptures, but I did remember Pastor Terry telling my friend Herb to read Rom 10:9. So I opened a bible and read it to John. We said the sinners prayer together. I had left a small offering in the book of John [seemed appropriate] John accepted the book gratefully. We prayed together for a minute. It was moving to me, and to him.
Today's message from Pastor Larry's "Side By Side" speaks of overcoming despair and doubt and detractors. I find on this journey it is better to ignore the detractors[ including that small devil in my mind who tries to tell me this is a fools mission not planned or well financed]. Then I go on and Pray for support from the Holy Spirit and He does amazing things that I could not do on my on with my limited Physical abilities, limited funding, and limited knowledge.
In all truth I confess that I feel I am doing things that I am "not Doing." If you know what I mean
No video today. I am in Seattle, and leaving for JFK in a few hours. I met up with Robbie, the fellow Christian traveler from Long Beach. We met his son and family. I think I will see Robbie again in Puerto Rico.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Test of Fire Brings Fire to Your Soul
Hi Will here :20/30
No flights today. As it turned out. I arrived yesterday and my next flight is to Boston tonight at 10:30 PM San Diego time. That puts me in Boston eastern time at 6:30 AM.
So, today I had time to catch up on reading, posting, and doing some mingling in San Diego. I would call this a blessed day. However, I did not really meet anyone who was in need. I had help from two people in my travels and in casual conversation discovered two faithful believers.
The reading in Pastor Larry's Side by Side spoke of challenges which make us stronger, and the need to pray for those going through such trials. then in the daily reading the same theme was there in II Corinthians. Both messages conclude that our passing the test shows God's power and glory, and then we become His. II Cor.22, "He appointed us, set His seal of ownership on us. and [most importantly to me]put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come"
Thus, a test of fire followed by Fire infused in our hearts. This is such a wonderful message.
I sat by a large boulder on Coronado beach mulling this over, and in the morning air, after a plunge in the 60 something Pacific I knew it. "Authentic" learning as Pastor Brian calls it. This was it! I have been trying to rebuild the rubble of my own life after sin destroyed me and my family. It has been a powerful test in the crucible. I think that part is over, but I am looking at the rubble, and it is impossible for me to put it all back together. Only God could fix such total destruction.
I laid back in the soft sand and looked over the beauty of my surroundings, snd thought," My God can make all this beauty and majesty, He can fix my small wall."
To Him be he glory in performing such mighty tasks!
Wow!, Now could relax and enjoy this trip all the more.
I would like to add that I am meeting 70% non-believers and 30% who have a personal relationship with Jesus. I have gathered over 25 stories in this first week, and that is about how it breaks down.
Since I was a bit tired from reading and working on the blog I thought I'd spend most of the day getting out and about. After all that is where the souls are.
Early morning I went to Coronodo Island, and took a swim in the ocean in front of the Del Coronodo. Lunch there, and then using my all day bus pass ($5.00 Fantastic value)I went to the Zoo, Maritime museums and Balboa Park.
After I finish this I'll post the photos. Enjoy!!
No flights today. As it turned out. I arrived yesterday and my next flight is to Boston tonight at 10:30 PM San Diego time. That puts me in Boston eastern time at 6:30 AM.
So, today I had time to catch up on reading, posting, and doing some mingling in San Diego. I would call this a blessed day. However, I did not really meet anyone who was in need. I had help from two people in my travels and in casual conversation discovered two faithful believers.
The reading in Pastor Larry's Side by Side spoke of challenges which make us stronger, and the need to pray for those going through such trials. then in the daily reading the same theme was there in II Corinthians. Both messages conclude that our passing the test shows God's power and glory, and then we become His. II Cor.22, "He appointed us, set His seal of ownership on us. and [most importantly to me]put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come"
Thus, a test of fire followed by Fire infused in our hearts. This is such a wonderful message.
I sat by a large boulder on Coronado beach mulling this over, and in the morning air, after a plunge in the 60 something Pacific I knew it. "Authentic" learning as Pastor Brian calls it. This was it! I have been trying to rebuild the rubble of my own life after sin destroyed me and my family. It has been a powerful test in the crucible. I think that part is over, but I am looking at the rubble, and it is impossible for me to put it all back together. Only God could fix such total destruction.
I laid back in the soft sand and looked over the beauty of my surroundings, snd thought," My God can make all this beauty and majesty, He can fix my small wall."
To Him be he glory in performing such mighty tasks!
Wow!, Now could relax and enjoy this trip all the more.
I would like to add that I am meeting 70% non-believers and 30% who have a personal relationship with Jesus. I have gathered over 25 stories in this first week, and that is about how it breaks down.
Since I was a bit tired from reading and working on the blog I thought I'd spend most of the day getting out and about. After all that is where the souls are.
Early morning I went to Coronodo Island, and took a swim in the ocean in front of the Del Coronodo. Lunch there, and then using my all day bus pass ($5.00 Fantastic value)I went to the Zoo, Maritime museums and Balboa Park.
After I finish this I'll post the photos. Enjoy!!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Love and Mature Faith
Sunday morning. I hope I can get to the Internet and see Pastor Larry's web cast.
Salt Lake to San Diego
Jet Blue
Flight Deck: Capt. Bill and Tony
Cabin Crew: David, Caesar and Jodi
on time, and with a good crew. Excellent service. The cabin crew each made it a point to greet me, and the captain welcomed AYCJ [All You Can Jet]passengers.
I have enjoyed each flight to date. The crews are sincere about making each passenger safe and comfortable. Seats have plenty of room; your own TV, and they serve snacks and drinks. You can order food too.
Fe low travelers were the Rays: Harold and Lou Ann. Right off They wanted to know what my mission was about. I had not mentioned "Mission" but they knew. Each had done some mission work, as do many Mormons. It is not required, but most people serve some time in the field. The rays have 4 grown children and three have served out of the US. Mr. Ray has always held multiple jobs. The Rays were on a vacation they won here in San Diego.
All the way over we talked about mission work, and the fact that Mormon families financially support their children when they are in the field proselytizing.
Mr. Ray also has a family convenience store, and is active in the Boy Scouts as a leader. He and I both agreed it is so important for young people to have a solid role model to help shape them into godly people. Here is a strong and mature faith of dedication and good example in living the principals of the Word. Mr. Ray knew the BSA oath and the pledge which he rattled off at 77 like a kid 7.Both he and Ms Lou Ann have strong moral convictions as evidenced by their 55 year marriage.
They were a very cute couple, going to San Diego like two young newlyweds off for the weekend and some great renewal of their life long love and fidelity.
God blesses by both teaching and example, and he is giving me plenty of both this trip.
In the AM I will get a $5.00 all day pas on the bus and head for downtown, Coronado and the zoo if I can get it in before 1:30 PM.
Off to Boston tomorrow.
Salt Lake to San Diego
Jet Blue
Flight Deck: Capt. Bill and Tony
Cabin Crew: David, Caesar and Jodi
on time, and with a good crew. Excellent service. The cabin crew each made it a point to greet me, and the captain welcomed AYCJ [All You Can Jet]passengers.
I have enjoyed each flight to date. The crews are sincere about making each passenger safe and comfortable. Seats have plenty of room; your own TV, and they serve snacks and drinks. You can order food too.
Fe low travelers were the Rays: Harold and Lou Ann. Right off They wanted to know what my mission was about. I had not mentioned "Mission" but they knew. Each had done some mission work, as do many Mormons. It is not required, but most people serve some time in the field. The rays have 4 grown children and three have served out of the US. Mr. Ray has always held multiple jobs. The Rays were on a vacation they won here in San Diego.
All the way over we talked about mission work, and the fact that Mormon families financially support their children when they are in the field proselytizing.
Mr. Ray also has a family convenience store, and is active in the Boy Scouts as a leader. He and I both agreed it is so important for young people to have a solid role model to help shape them into godly people. Here is a strong and mature faith of dedication and good example in living the principals of the Word. Mr. Ray knew the BSA oath and the pledge which he rattled off at 77 like a kid 7.Both he and Ms Lou Ann have strong moral convictions as evidenced by their 55 year marriage.
They were a very cute couple, going to San Diego like two young newlyweds off for the weekend and some great renewal of their life long love and fidelity.
God blesses by both teaching and example, and he is giving me plenty of both this trip.
In the AM I will get a $5.00 all day pas on the bus and head for downtown, Coronado and the zoo if I can get it in before 1:30 PM.
Off to Boston tomorrow.
Dead Ground - Fertile Ground
Late night Long Beach to Salt Lake City
Jet Blue---
Ground Ops:Terry, Ruth
Flight Deck: Frank Drew, Chris Thomas
Cabin: Susan.Charlotte, Mark?
Fellow Traveler: Alliy
Made only a few contacts in Vegas. Ground was very dry there. However, I did leave a Bible with a young lady at the airport. She did not wish to share much. I got the impression she was skeptical about someone asking to share information in Vegas. She may have thought I was cop.
The flight to Salt Lake was great. Fellow traveler was Alliy, and did we ever share some stories. Alliy is a life long Mormon, and she is also the Mission servant in her church. She openly shared stories of Mission work she was involved in.
I asked if she would not minding helping me understand the Mormon doctrine.
We talked or almost two hours about the bible, and Mormon history. We went over the polygamy thing, and John Smith and Young. We covered the formation of the church, and its enormous world mission. It was very enlightening. Alliy was a very good woman, and she was very enthused to share he mission experiences as well as bringing me up to speed on a few issues.
The Holy Spirit really does the unexpected. God is really working everywhere.
We had a discussion on when Monogamy came to be and talked about Isaac and Ishmael.
I was amazed at all she knew. I was more amazed at her faith and goodness I felt emulating from this young woman. I gave her my card, and she said she'll log in and see how I progress.
I had not planned it, but I arrived late Saturday night in Salt Lake. I woke early Sunday morning and wanted to see the Tabernacle before I left at 10:30. Bus service is freely provided by the saints, but not until 9 AM. So around 6AM after I had my coffee, I started to look for alternate transportation.
Before leaving I was set to post this, but I ran into trouble with getting into the Internet. A young man there had just signed on, and I asked if he could help. As it turns out he was from the Ukraine, and I got a chance to use the 3 Russian words I learned last week. Valery was very proficient with the PC. He is here on a work visa, and has been in US four months. He and I shared stories. I found he was a Cristian who had strong convictions. He was intrigued with my journey. because of my old wireless card he could not get me on, but Valery offered to let me use his PC to get my mail. A very kind and generous gesture when he is waiting to do his own PC work between flights.
Next, I ran into a young man from Uganda. His name is Onek. He told me it would be dark, and the doors would be locked, but he said he'd take me there to the Temple. Onek drove me into town and around all the buildings of the church and downtown. It was like a visit to the UN. He was right. It was dark and the sun didn't come up until I had to start back to the airport. However, it was a very moving experience seeing this wondrous structure bathed is flood lights jutting majestically upward from what was once a desert floor covered with sage brush.
Onek was most polite, generous and accommodating. He told me he is the product of Mormon mission work. He is from a poor family in Uganda, and missionaries helped him out and saved him by sharing the message of Grace and eternal life. He was only glad he could help me in my journey.
I found very fertile ground in the center of a desert as contrasted to the desert of Vegas where only buildings grow.
Now, on to SAN Diego.
Jet Blue---
Ground Ops:Terry, Ruth
Flight Deck: Frank Drew, Chris Thomas
Cabin: Susan.Charlotte, Mark?
Fellow Traveler: Alliy
Made only a few contacts in Vegas. Ground was very dry there. However, I did leave a Bible with a young lady at the airport. She did not wish to share much. I got the impression she was skeptical about someone asking to share information in Vegas. She may have thought I was cop.
The flight to Salt Lake was great. Fellow traveler was Alliy, and did we ever share some stories. Alliy is a life long Mormon, and she is also the Mission servant in her church. She openly shared stories of Mission work she was involved in.
I asked if she would not minding helping me understand the Mormon doctrine.
We talked or almost two hours about the bible, and Mormon history. We went over the polygamy thing, and John Smith and Young. We covered the formation of the church, and its enormous world mission. It was very enlightening. Alliy was a very good woman, and she was very enthused to share he mission experiences as well as bringing me up to speed on a few issues.
The Holy Spirit really does the unexpected. God is really working everywhere.
We had a discussion on when Monogamy came to be and talked about Isaac and Ishmael.
I was amazed at all she knew. I was more amazed at her faith and goodness I felt emulating from this young woman. I gave her my card, and she said she'll log in and see how I progress.
I had not planned it, but I arrived late Saturday night in Salt Lake. I woke early Sunday morning and wanted to see the Tabernacle before I left at 10:30. Bus service is freely provided by the saints, but not until 9 AM. So around 6AM after I had my coffee, I started to look for alternate transportation.
Before leaving I was set to post this, but I ran into trouble with getting into the Internet. A young man there had just signed on, and I asked if he could help. As it turns out he was from the Ukraine, and I got a chance to use the 3 Russian words I learned last week. Valery was very proficient with the PC. He is here on a work visa, and has been in US four months. He and I shared stories. I found he was a Cristian who had strong convictions. He was intrigued with my journey. because of my old wireless card he could not get me on, but Valery offered to let me use his PC to get my mail. A very kind and generous gesture when he is waiting to do his own PC work between flights.
Next, I ran into a young man from Uganda. His name is Onek. He told me it would be dark, and the doors would be locked, but he said he'd take me there to the Temple. Onek drove me into town and around all the buildings of the church and downtown. It was like a visit to the UN. He was right. It was dark and the sun didn't come up until I had to start back to the airport. However, it was a very moving experience seeing this wondrous structure bathed is flood lights jutting majestically upward from what was once a desert floor covered with sage brush.
Onek was most polite, generous and accommodating. He told me he is the product of Mormon mission work. He is from a poor family in Uganda, and missionaries helped him out and saved him by sharing the message of Grace and eternal life. He was only glad he could help me in my journey.
I found very fertile ground in the center of a desert as contrasted to the desert of Vegas where only buildings grow.
Now, on to SAN Diego.
Highs and Lows in Vegas
Se La Vie Las Vegas
Saturday September 12, 2009
I’m outta here!
Jet Blue is now taking me back to Long Beach, and for a layover prior to Salt Lake
Crew:
Flight Deck: Jason Brid and David
Cabin Crew: Warren, Heather, and Giles
Also, many thanks to Scott Williams and Tiffany Supervisors of Ground Operations. Scott took my photo last night and asked all about my journey. He came to the waiting area today to see me off. He sent an e-mail, but I have not gotten it yet. I think I’m doing better than my Laptop on this trip. Tiffany was very excited about the journey, and she expressed the sentiments of other Jet Blue Employees. Several have told me they envy my trip and that they wished they could get off enough time for the journey.
My fellow Traveler was Joy. I was very impressed with this young woman. She was not afraid to profess her faith and integrity. I reflected back on my recent mission trip to Nicaragua, and the many wonderful young people I met. Our group was split about 50/50 with youth. Ranging from say 9 to 19 I was very impressed with the deep spirit these young folks possessed. I could feel the joy and love emulating from their hearts as they sang and played a wide range of Christian songs. Each one possessed special talents in singing, playing instruments and ministering to the youth of Nicaragua.
I was probably the odd man out in the group. The other adults mostly were the parents of these wonderful youth. For no good reason I was there by myself. I had hoped my children would come from the village, and I did make contact with a few even though I do not speak much Spanish. I hear so many people talking about how young people have no morals, they have no respect for anything, and they are all on drugs.
Had these people met any of the youth of First Baptist, Fort Lauderdale they would sing a different tune. These young folks are very talented, very smart, and very involved in experiencing their Savior. They are a strong testimony to their parents and to the leadership of our church.
Joy reminded me of the young folks in this group. She was respectful and told me she could not go to church every time she would like to, but she does have a fundamental belief in Christ. I did not get the sense Joy is putting off her commitment, but that she will take stronger action in the near future; Her “church” is in her heart.
I loaded down my Vegas photos, and I will rest for the next 3 hours prior leaving for Salt Lake.
Met a fellow AYCJ traveler: Seth. Scott had taken my photo last night, and today they stopped Seth and took his photo before getting on in Vegas. Jet Blue is really going out of their way to make passengers feel good!
More later, and I’m working on the photo site. No internet connection here in the waiting area. Tomorrow or tonight in Salt Lake,
Saturday September 12, 2009
I’m outta here!
Jet Blue is now taking me back to Long Beach, and for a layover prior to Salt Lake
Crew:
Flight Deck: Jason Brid and David
Cabin Crew: Warren, Heather, and Giles
Also, many thanks to Scott Williams and Tiffany Supervisors of Ground Operations. Scott took my photo last night and asked all about my journey. He came to the waiting area today to see me off. He sent an e-mail, but I have not gotten it yet. I think I’m doing better than my Laptop on this trip. Tiffany was very excited about the journey, and she expressed the sentiments of other Jet Blue Employees. Several have told me they envy my trip and that they wished they could get off enough time for the journey.
My fellow Traveler was Joy. I was very impressed with this young woman. She was not afraid to profess her faith and integrity. I reflected back on my recent mission trip to Nicaragua, and the many wonderful young people I met. Our group was split about 50/50 with youth. Ranging from say 9 to 19 I was very impressed with the deep spirit these young folks possessed. I could feel the joy and love emulating from their hearts as they sang and played a wide range of Christian songs. Each one possessed special talents in singing, playing instruments and ministering to the youth of Nicaragua.
I was probably the odd man out in the group. The other adults mostly were the parents of these wonderful youth. For no good reason I was there by myself. I had hoped my children would come from the village, and I did make contact with a few even though I do not speak much Spanish. I hear so many people talking about how young people have no morals, they have no respect for anything, and they are all on drugs.
Had these people met any of the youth of First Baptist, Fort Lauderdale they would sing a different tune. These young folks are very talented, very smart, and very involved in experiencing their Savior. They are a strong testimony to their parents and to the leadership of our church.
Joy reminded me of the young folks in this group. She was respectful and told me she could not go to church every time she would like to, but she does have a fundamental belief in Christ. I did not get the sense Joy is putting off her commitment, but that she will take stronger action in the near future; Her “church” is in her heart.
I loaded down my Vegas photos, and I will rest for the next 3 hours prior leaving for Salt Lake.
Met a fellow AYCJ traveler: Seth. Scott had taken my photo last night, and today they stopped Seth and took his photo before getting on in Vegas. Jet Blue is really going out of their way to make passengers feel good!
More later, and I’m working on the photo site. No internet connection here in the waiting area. Tomorrow or tonight in Salt Lake,
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Short Trip to Vegas
It was a short trip from Long Beach to Vegas. Jet Blue was delayed an hour. My first delay this trip. No problem. I am not in a hurry to go and put money into the pockets of the casino owners.
Flight Deck:Capt Matt Roff
Cabin: Alexi, Will and Laura
Nice Airbus. Good service for such a short hop less than one hour.
I had plans to go to Boulder Dam. However, I could not get the early AM bus, so leaving at 10 AM puts me back downtown Vegas an hour too late to make my flight.
I will roam around the casino area and see if I can meet someone who will admit to the fact that loosing your money on a chance to make more is a bad deal when the odds are not much in your favor. Logically one has to admit that all thse elaborate buildings were actually built by losers; all the people who lost money here on false hope. Sin is savery, and gambling is a slave addiction when you it becomes your god. The obsesson to win blocks out all logic, and you spiral down as each card turns; a dice rolls or a coin drops. Tough message here, I'll admit!
My fellow traveler over here was convinced his whole life would change once he "Hit it Big"
He did not have a good answer for where he was going ona scale of 1-10. His response was that once he hit the jackpot he would be in heaven, and since he was only 25 he'd worry about the other Heaven [if there is one] when he "Got to be an old dude like [me] you."
Well I asked for it playing before a rough crowd like this.
No problem. At least I can say I got several very good inexpensive meals.
I did get to leave a Bible with a young lady setting next to me asking what I was writing about. Don't know if it will take, but se did put the Bible in her bag and thanked me.
Leaving this afternoon for Salt Lake City.
PS I'm still trying to post the video I made in Bermuda, but having trouble uploading. I will try to add one from Huntigton Beach CA after I post this. So don't worry if things are a bit out of order.
I started to post photos of each city on my Picasa Web site. I'll publish the URL for you all to look at once I get it better organized.
See you in Church tomorrow on the Web Cast.
Flight Deck:Capt Matt Roff
Cabin: Alexi, Will and Laura
Nice Airbus. Good service for such a short hop less than one hour.
I had plans to go to Boulder Dam. However, I could not get the early AM bus, so leaving at 10 AM puts me back downtown Vegas an hour too late to make my flight.
I will roam around the casino area and see if I can meet someone who will admit to the fact that loosing your money on a chance to make more is a bad deal when the odds are not much in your favor. Logically one has to admit that all thse elaborate buildings were actually built by losers; all the people who lost money here on false hope. Sin is savery, and gambling is a slave addiction when you it becomes your god. The obsesson to win blocks out all logic, and you spiral down as each card turns; a dice rolls or a coin drops. Tough message here, I'll admit!
My fellow traveler over here was convinced his whole life would change once he "Hit it Big"
He did not have a good answer for where he was going ona scale of 1-10. His response was that once he hit the jackpot he would be in heaven, and since he was only 25 he'd worry about the other Heaven [if there is one] when he "Got to be an old dude like [me] you."
Well I asked for it playing before a rough crowd like this.
No problem. At least I can say I got several very good inexpensive meals.
I did get to leave a Bible with a young lady setting next to me asking what I was writing about. Don't know if it will take, but se did put the Bible in her bag and thanked me.
Leaving this afternoon for Salt Lake City.
PS I'm still trying to post the video I made in Bermuda, but having trouble uploading. I will try to add one from Huntigton Beach CA after I post this. So don't worry if things are a bit out of order.
I started to post photos of each city on my Picasa Web site. I'll publish the URL for you all to look at once I get it better organized.
See you in Church tomorrow on the Web Cast.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Day Five Huntington Beach, CA.
Day Five Long Beach, Ca. – Las Vegas
September 11, 2009
Pastor Larry’s book “Side By Side” spoke of Spiritual Inventory on day 12. This speaks directly to me. Did I “ Plan without praying?” Am I well balanced on this journey? Should I be more focused on issues close to me before seeking out others needs? Am I a baby Christian going into a tough world where I could do more harm than good?”
after all there are many new people I will meet; people with all kinds of perspectives. Many have provided good strong arguments for Ignoring God or “Putting off” God till later in life.
Last night I chatted with my daughter Natalie, and we prayed for success in her and Daniel getting a house. She is helping my grandson, Christian, follow my journey by tacking pins on the large map in every city I visit.
Next I spoke to my oldest daughter Jennifer. She was driving to Orlando, and hopefully mending some fences with Jerry. It sounded like things were going better for her, and that she had some work Monday.
Both messages were prayers answered. I am really working hard to keep my balance as I grow more in the Lords work, and care for my family.
Yesterday I met a very good man from Long Beach he was traveling back home. He bought me a beer in Frisco between flights. Hew is very well traveled. He told me not to get all shook about differing points of view. He told me He and I were on the same page with God. His name is Robbie Robinson. He was looking for a travel partner because he is on the All You can Jet pass too. We may see if we can work something out.
Our God is an awesome God who provides like nothing we could imagine.
Robbie’s wife and granddaughter picked us up at the airport. Then Robbie suggested I let him drive me to Huntington Beach, and he showed me some places to stay. [ more on that later].
On the way to the beach he said he was hungry and asked if I had eaten. I said had a small salad before leaving Austin. Robbie stopped in a nice restaurant and we had a fine meal and great fellowship. We were as one on Jesus and salvation. We agreed on many other secular issues. I told him if I get back to FLL before he is tarveling there I would repay the kindness.
On a lighter note, I also took inventory of my personal items in my back pack. After only 4 days, dirty clothes outnumber clean ones 2:1. So my first stop this morning is the Long Beach Laundromat and perhaps I’ll meet and share the Word with someone there.
Hold it! Chris just walked in and we began to talk about our story. Chris is a busy working student, but he had an interest in finding out more. I gave him a blog card, and he will follow. He will be on any further updates,
Checking off reading assignments: 1) Daily Word; 2) Side By Side; 3) 12 Ordinary Men study guide and book [Scott those disks are saving my life-Thanks]; 4) Songs of Life reading in the Psalms.
OK Clothes are dry. I’ll call Robbie who is picking me up and taking me back to Long Beach airport. Off to Vegas after I don my Spiritual armor.
Almot Forgot: At 4 Am this morning I met a homeless person, Joe, on the beach. He was being shuffeled by the police. He received a bible, and some cash to help him make it another day. I told him of the bread of live and the living water. He will read from John.
September 11, 2009
Pastor Larry’s book “Side By Side” spoke of Spiritual Inventory on day 12. This speaks directly to me. Did I “ Plan without praying?” Am I well balanced on this journey? Should I be more focused on issues close to me before seeking out others needs? Am I a baby Christian going into a tough world where I could do more harm than good?”
after all there are many new people I will meet; people with all kinds of perspectives. Many have provided good strong arguments for Ignoring God or “Putting off” God till later in life.
Last night I chatted with my daughter Natalie, and we prayed for success in her and Daniel getting a house. She is helping my grandson, Christian, follow my journey by tacking pins on the large map in every city I visit.
Next I spoke to my oldest daughter Jennifer. She was driving to Orlando, and hopefully mending some fences with Jerry. It sounded like things were going better for her, and that she had some work Monday.
Both messages were prayers answered. I am really working hard to keep my balance as I grow more in the Lords work, and care for my family.
Yesterday I met a very good man from Long Beach he was traveling back home. He bought me a beer in Frisco between flights. Hew is very well traveled. He told me not to get all shook about differing points of view. He told me He and I were on the same page with God. His name is Robbie Robinson. He was looking for a travel partner because he is on the All You can Jet pass too. We may see if we can work something out.
Our God is an awesome God who provides like nothing we could imagine.
Robbie’s wife and granddaughter picked us up at the airport. Then Robbie suggested I let him drive me to Huntington Beach, and he showed me some places to stay. [ more on that later].
On the way to the beach he said he was hungry and asked if I had eaten. I said had a small salad before leaving Austin. Robbie stopped in a nice restaurant and we had a fine meal and great fellowship. We were as one on Jesus and salvation. We agreed on many other secular issues. I told him if I get back to FLL before he is tarveling there I would repay the kindness.
On a lighter note, I also took inventory of my personal items in my back pack. After only 4 days, dirty clothes outnumber clean ones 2:1. So my first stop this morning is the Long Beach Laundromat and perhaps I’ll meet and share the Word with someone there.
Hold it! Chris just walked in and we began to talk about our story. Chris is a busy working student, but he had an interest in finding out more. I gave him a blog card, and he will follow. He will be on any further updates,
Checking off reading assignments: 1) Daily Word; 2) Side By Side; 3) 12 Ordinary Men study guide and book [Scott those disks are saving my life-Thanks]; 4) Songs of Life reading in the Psalms.
OK Clothes are dry. I’ll call Robbie who is picking me up and taking me back to Long Beach airport. Off to Vegas after I don my Spiritual armor.
Almot Forgot: At 4 Am this morning I met a homeless person, Joe, on the beach. He was being shuffeled by the police. He received a bible, and some cash to help him make it another day. I told him of the bread of live and the living water. He will read from John.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Day Three - Austin -Frisco- Long Beach, CA
Had a great flight from JFK to Austin.
Jet Blue Crew was great. Thanks Tiffany and Jeff and second seat Alex.
Austin was uneventul. Did not met anyone of interest there. I read and prepared for the next day.
I do remember meeting Captin King, and I noted that he made the smoothest landing I ever experienced in a large commercial carrier.
On the way off the aircraft I found that he had been the charter pilot who carried then Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin around during this past election.
I have been very happy with ther service and the employees of Jet Blue.
My fellow traveler was Kevin. He had a lot to say about the morals and work ethics of Americans. He is a hard worker and a dedicated family man. He told me he has thought much about eternal life. He believes people should work hard and help themselves to build character. I felt no great need to share much more with Kevin. He was there and doing well. Kevin is a softwqare Marketing Guru who alos happens to have a gift for languages.. He could speak russian in High School. I'm struggling with basic words at this point, but He did tell me he was losing some of it by not using it.
Have to go Library is closing. Tomorrow I am off to Las Vegas.
Jet Blue Crew was great. Thanks Tiffany and Jeff and second seat Alex.
Austin was uneventul. Did not met anyone of interest there. I read and prepared for the next day.
I do remember meeting Captin King, and I noted that he made the smoothest landing I ever experienced in a large commercial carrier.
On the way off the aircraft I found that he had been the charter pilot who carried then Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin around during this past election.
I have been very happy with ther service and the employees of Jet Blue.
My fellow traveler was Kevin. He had a lot to say about the morals and work ethics of Americans. He is a hard worker and a dedicated family man. He told me he has thought much about eternal life. He believes people should work hard and help themselves to build character. I felt no great need to share much more with Kevin. He was there and doing well. Kevin is a softwqare Marketing Guru who alos happens to have a gift for languages.. He could speak russian in High School. I'm struggling with basic words at this point, but He did tell me he was losing some of it by not using it.
Have to go Library is closing. Tomorrow I am off to Las Vegas.
Day Two - Bermuda-JFK-Austin, TX
Light morning rain as I headed to the Bermuda airport. God answered my prayers, and I slept under stars and not in rain. No Starbucks in Bermuda. No Wi FI service. I will post from JFK when I arrive.
Whoa! Having big PC problems. It can't travel as well as I. I did a video in front Fort St. Catherine which is right on the beach at St Georges, Bermuda. Now I can't find it to post.
The main point was in reading Pastor Larry's Side By Side and sleeping on the beach at the foot of the fortress walls reminded me of the families who helped Nehemiah rebuild the Walls of Jerusalem. I looked at those walls and was in awe of the work it must have took to build. Then I think of the walls in Jerusalem and think of how much more that task was. Yet God accomplished it through His faithful. It just led me to think of all the potential each of has if we would only be quiet like Nehemiah and listen for God's instructions.
Whoa! Having big PC problems. It can't travel as well as I. I did a video in front Fort St. Catherine which is right on the beach at St Georges, Bermuda. Now I can't find it to post.
The main point was in reading Pastor Larry's Side By Side and sleeping on the beach at the foot of the fortress walls reminded me of the families who helped Nehemiah rebuild the Walls of Jerusalem. I looked at those walls and was in awe of the work it must have took to build. Then I think of the walls in Jerusalem and think of how much more that task was. Yet God accomplished it through His faithful. It just led me to think of all the potential each of has if we would only be quiet like Nehemiah and listen for God's instructions.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Day One Boston- Bermuda
September 8, 2009
Jet Blue: Boston to Bermuda
Flight Deck: Capt. TR Woods
Cabin Crew Ron and Brita
Fellow Traveler: Andrew
I have been really impressed with Jet Blue. This is a discount airline that runs like a first rate air carrier. I find the serves great, and the drinks and snacks refreshing [no pun]. I mean other discount carriers like Spirit treat you worse than a UPS package. Forget service, and even a glass of water. They hardly give you the time of day.
Brita handled our section this trip and she is a gracious and efficient host and a definite positive advertisement for Jet Blue.
Andrew sat with me and was a very good conversationalist. We both had a lot in common: like to travel; highly motivated; at one time I was training to be an underwriter. Andrew is one. We hit it off. His home is in Connecticut, but he lives in Bermuda.
He gave me his contact info and I will send him “Arguing with God”. Although Andrew has a good secure job and he travels as he wishes he feels his life is somewhat unfulfilled. He knows that money does not make people happy. I sensed he is looking for more. I think e will become a blog Follower. He said he will leave me with his email and phone contacts. I believe we will make more progress in the future. Andrew encouraged me to make a book out of the travel log, and to write up all my Skype Chats into a book connected with various chats with people I speak with all over the world. I told him I think it is a good idea and I will work on both when I complete this journey.
Ducked into the K & C Royal Artillery club over looking Drews Bay, St . George, Bermuda House rule #1 is that you must remove your had before you go into the restaurant.. Met some interesting locals there. They asked where I was staying, and I pointed to the beach. “Bravo” they all cheered, after making a slew of comments about “Will Rodgers”.
After a beer I headed to the beach. It is at the foot of Fort St. Catherine. Achilles beach was deserted on both sides of the fort. I had the entire place to myself. Earlier in the day I took a dip in another small cove off Rose Hill. I later saw a sign posted that it was a private beach. However, this was deserted too, so who was to know.
Had a great sleep under the stars listening to the soft waves lap on the shore. Beautiful full moon rising, kept things light all night. The moon along with the lights bathing St Catherines Fort made me feel secure out in the open. It was wonderful. I prayed for a cool dry evening, and God was good to me. I awoke to a breathtaking sunrise Directed by our Great Creator.
Took the bus after a 3 KM walk from the beach back to the airport. Leave at 1PM for JFK and on to Austin, Tx. this evening.
Jet Blue: Boston to Bermuda
Flight Deck: Capt. TR Woods
Cabin Crew Ron and Brita
Fellow Traveler: Andrew
I have been really impressed with Jet Blue. This is a discount airline that runs like a first rate air carrier. I find the serves great, and the drinks and snacks refreshing [no pun]. I mean other discount carriers like Spirit treat you worse than a UPS package. Forget service, and even a glass of water. They hardly give you the time of day.
Brita handled our section this trip and she is a gracious and efficient host and a definite positive advertisement for Jet Blue.
Andrew sat with me and was a very good conversationalist. We both had a lot in common: like to travel; highly motivated; at one time I was training to be an underwriter. Andrew is one. We hit it off. His home is in Connecticut, but he lives in Bermuda.
He gave me his contact info and I will send him “Arguing with God”. Although Andrew has a good secure job and he travels as he wishes he feels his life is somewhat unfulfilled. He knows that money does not make people happy. I sensed he is looking for more. I think e will become a blog Follower. He said he will leave me with his email and phone contacts. I believe we will make more progress in the future. Andrew encouraged me to make a book out of the travel log, and to write up all my Skype Chats into a book connected with various chats with people I speak with all over the world. I told him I think it is a good idea and I will work on both when I complete this journey.
Ducked into the K & C Royal Artillery club over looking Drews Bay, St . George, Bermuda House rule #1 is that you must remove your had before you go into the restaurant.. Met some interesting locals there. They asked where I was staying, and I pointed to the beach. “Bravo” they all cheered, after making a slew of comments about “Will Rodgers”.
After a beer I headed to the beach. It is at the foot of Fort St. Catherine. Achilles beach was deserted on both sides of the fort. I had the entire place to myself. Earlier in the day I took a dip in another small cove off Rose Hill. I later saw a sign posted that it was a private beach. However, this was deserted too, so who was to know.
Had a great sleep under the stars listening to the soft waves lap on the shore. Beautiful full moon rising, kept things light all night. The moon along with the lights bathing St Catherines Fort made me feel secure out in the open. It was wonderful. I prayed for a cool dry evening, and God was good to me. I awoke to a breathtaking sunrise Directed by our Great Creator.
Took the bus after a 3 KM walk from the beach back to the airport. Leave at 1PM for JFK and on to Austin, Tx. this evening.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Passport Required
I am on the way. It is interesting that today's passage in Side By Side required Nehemiah to have safe passage to the Holy Land.
He was given a passport and an escort by the king.
As I waited at the Jet Blue Check in, Kathie fumbled and had to enter my passsport several times [nt her fault i sur]. I am going to Bermuda today. As she did so, I said a silent prayer. God, no errors please. Just that second Kathie smiled, and I knew everything was OK.
I made it, and now I am on my way to do His will.
He was given a passport and an escort by the king.
As I waited at the Jet Blue Check in, Kathie fumbled and had to enter my passsport several times [nt her fault i sur]. I am going to Bermuda today. As she did so, I said a silent prayer. God, no errors please. Just that second Kathie smiled, and I knew everything was OK.
I made it, and now I am on my way to do His will.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Serendipity
What is it? The act of discovering something wonderful and fulfilling while looking for something totally unrelated. [OK Esther, grade me...HAHAHA!]
I had been getting a few bad vibes about my trip, and I sought some advise not knowing what I'd find. Unsolicited, I received an e-mail form my daughter Natalie:
WHEN YOUR HUT'S ON FIRE
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?'
Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?,' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.
The Moral of This Story:
It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives.... even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.
OK, my hut was on fire from doubt, and despair was creeping in.
This morning I got a call from good friend who is a prominent local Eye Doctor [Like my friend Herb this man is also Jewish] He is a man of great character and much love and compassion in his heart. He wanted to see me before I left. We met, and he gave me a large bag of snacks for the plane, and a generous cash gift for food along the way.
More importantly, he gave me great words of support and encouragement. He told me to stay focused on this mission, and that he would be following me. He further offered me any support I would need for the trip.
Yes, I was looking for something else when something good found me. That is Serendipity; or in simpler terms for an ordinary guy like me this is God saying "You have my blessing."
I had been getting a few bad vibes about my trip, and I sought some advise not knowing what I'd find. Unsolicited, I received an e-mail form my daughter Natalie:
WHEN YOUR HUT'S ON FIRE
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?'
Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?,' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.
The Moral of This Story:
It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives.... even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.
OK, my hut was on fire from doubt, and despair was creeping in.
This morning I got a call from good friend who is a prominent local Eye Doctor [Like my friend Herb this man is also Jewish] He is a man of great character and much love and compassion in his heart. He wanted to see me before I left. We met, and he gave me a large bag of snacks for the plane, and a generous cash gift for food along the way.
More importantly, he gave me great words of support and encouragement. He told me to stay focused on this mission, and that he would be following me. He further offered me any support I would need for the trip.
Yes, I was looking for something else when something good found me. That is Serendipity; or in simpler terms for an ordinary guy like me this is God saying "You have my blessing."
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Message of Hope and Support from Herb
My daughter, Natalie, sent me a moving story of hope, help and grace[see below]. I shared it with my Jewish friend, Herb. He told me that it moved him so much that he cried. More importantly, he said that if this is what accepting Jesus does for people, then he was beginning to get the feeling of having Jesus in his heart.
Keep up your prayers for him.
Here is the story that moved Herb, and it moves me too:
Think of this phrase, and then read this story.
'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on this sentence... 'The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.' Something good will happen to you today; something that you have been waiting to hear.
>"Hello!!!"
>
> The man slowly looked up. And it was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.
>
> "Leave me alone," he growled... To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows.
>
> "Are you hungry?" she asked.
> "No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president.. Now go away."
>
> The woman's smile became even broader.
>
> Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone.
>
> Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked..
>
> "No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"
>
> The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"
>
> "See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."
>
> "Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up.
>
> "Let me go, officer. I didn't d o anything.."
>
> "This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it."
>
> Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived.
>
> The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked."What is all this, is this man in trouble?"
>
> "This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.
>
> "Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business."
>
> Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."
>
> The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?"
>
> "Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."
>
> "And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"
>
> "What business is that of yours?"
>
> I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."
>
> "Oh.."
>
> The woman smiled again.. "I thought that might make a difference."
>
> She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a laugh. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"
>
> "No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty."
>
> "Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"
>
> "Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice."
>
> The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."
>
> The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said.
>
> "That was not my intent... Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."
>
> She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.
>
> "Jack, do you remember me?"
>
> Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar."
>
> "I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."
>
> "Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.
>
> "I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment.. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I
> saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."
>
> Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."
>
> "I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my
> food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right."
>
> "So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.
>
> "I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered.." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll
> find something for you to do around the office."
>
> She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always open to you."
>
> There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he asked.
>
> "Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. He led me to you."
>
> Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways.. "Thank you for your help officer," she said.
>
> "On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget, And thank you for the coffee."
>
> Have a Wonderful Day. May God Bless You always and don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you. God is so big He can cover the whole world with his
> Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart.
>
> When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go.
>
>
> Only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!
>
> The power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor.
>
> God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close..
>
> If you need God to open some doors for you...share this with a friend.
>
> Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing...
>
> "The Task Ahead of Me is Never as Great as the Power Behind Me!!"
I shared this story with Herb, and in it he saw God, and he began to understand the story of Grace and the power of Jesus. Herb knew I was taking a trip to share Jesus message with fellow travelers.
He gave me a light jacket and told me I'd need it because, " these planes are just too darn cold." Herb then told me to reach in the right pocket. I did and there I found a small kind of oval solid Sterling Silver medallion. It was like an old Roman coin: imperfect; not round like a modern minted coin, It was more like a lump of silver hand made ... a coin from ancient times. Stamped on the face of it was an angel.
"Take it with you. and keep with you throughout the trip. I found it in that jacket. I never knew it was there."
Then he told me, " Now don't forget to bring it back. Remember, it's just for the trip."
I knew this meant a lot to Herb because he has a wonderful collection of silver coins which he cherishes. So I kind of doubted that he just found it in the jacket pocket, but I took him at his word.
"Thanks, Herb. I'll carry it with me as a reminder of your goodness and your big heart. God Bless you!"
Keep up your prayers for him.
Here is the story that moved Herb, and it moves me too:
Think of this phrase, and then read this story.
'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on this sentence... 'The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.' Something good will happen to you today; something that you have been waiting to hear.
>"Hello!!!"
>
> The man slowly looked up. And it was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.
>
> "Leave me alone," he growled... To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows.
>
> "Are you hungry?" she asked.
> "No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president.. Now go away."
>
> The woman's smile became even broader.
>
> Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone.
>
> Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked..
>
> "No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"
>
> The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"
>
> "See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."
>
> "Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up.
>
> "Let me go, officer. I didn't d o anything.."
>
> "This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it."
>
> Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived.
>
> The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked."What is all this, is this man in trouble?"
>
> "This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.
>
> "Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business."
>
> Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."
>
> The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?"
>
> "Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."
>
> "And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"
>
> "What business is that of yours?"
>
> I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."
>
> "Oh.."
>
> The woman smiled again.. "I thought that might make a difference."
>
> She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a laugh. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"
>
> "No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty."
>
> "Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"
>
> "Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice."
>
> The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."
>
> The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said.
>
> "That was not my intent... Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."
>
> She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.
>
> "Jack, do you remember me?"
>
> Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar."
>
> "I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."
>
> "Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.
>
> "I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment.. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I
> saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."
>
> Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."
>
> "I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my
> food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right."
>
> "So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.
>
> "I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered.." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll
> find something for you to do around the office."
>
> She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always open to you."
>
> There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he asked.
>
> "Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. He led me to you."
>
> Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways.. "Thank you for your help officer," she said.
>
> "On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget, And thank you for the coffee."
>
> Have a Wonderful Day. May God Bless You always and don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you. God is so big He can cover the whole world with his
> Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart.
>
> When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go.
>
>
> Only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!
>
> The power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor.
>
> God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close..
>
> If you need God to open some doors for you...share this with a friend.
>
> Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing...
>
> "The Task Ahead of Me is Never as Great as the Power Behind Me!!"
I shared this story with Herb, and in it he saw God, and he began to understand the story of Grace and the power of Jesus. Herb knew I was taking a trip to share Jesus message with fellow travelers.
He gave me a light jacket and told me I'd need it because, " these planes are just too darn cold." Herb then told me to reach in the right pocket. I did and there I found a small kind of oval solid Sterling Silver medallion. It was like an old Roman coin: imperfect; not round like a modern minted coin, It was more like a lump of silver hand made ... a coin from ancient times. Stamped on the face of it was an angel.
"Take it with you. and keep with you throughout the trip. I found it in that jacket. I never knew it was there."
Then he told me, " Now don't forget to bring it back. Remember, it's just for the trip."
I knew this meant a lot to Herb because he has a wonderful collection of silver coins which he cherishes. So I kind of doubted that he just found it in the jacket pocket, but I took him at his word.
"Thanks, Herb. I'll carry it with me as a reminder of your goodness and your big heart. God Bless you!"
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