Sunday, March 22, 2009

Wolfman


I've had this really bad sinus thing going on for days. You know the signs. Head feels like it's going to explode from being plugged up, running nose, sneezing and a very bad sore throat with a cough. My throat feels like it's being sand-papered. So, the doc has me on antibiotics which upsets the dietary system, not good. Along with that I'm taking Theraflu syrup, cough drops, zinc and garlic and tons of water. Naturally I'm keeping a large amoung of Kleenex near me since my nose decides it wants to be Niagra Falls. And...my normal voice is about shot right now.

With all that being said, I thought I started sounding a bit like Wolfman Jack. Wolfman isn't around anymore. So, my voice is shot right now anyway and I needed an activity. Instead of doing serious work on my computer I goofed off and created an ad-lib "Randy imitates the Wolfman" spot. I know, it's childlike but it did pass the time. So, don't roll your eyes too much. But, for some fun, here goes. And...fellow babies as Johnny Fever would say, pray I get better! Thanks.

Wolfman

Friday, March 20, 2009

On My Knees

Jaci, Me, 1996

Looking over my posts from the past really woke me up to something. Mainly, most of them are serious. I know that even with most Christians these days, people want fun and frivolity. It seems many want everything to be an "upper." Sorry, if that is the only thing in life, we've missed the point. Sure, being a "downer" all the time isn't the route to go either. But, let's remember, when reading the Psalms you see King David crying as much as he is praising God. We are in dark times. No doubt about it. I try not to be too maudlin. I know the older I get, I'm kind of become more "sober" in my thinking. I still love to laugh, but even Paul said to watch out for foolish jesting. With that being said, this week has been a tough one.

I haven't been sick in ages. This week a sinus infection has gotten the best of me. The antibiotics don't agree with me and I wonder if the cure is worse than the infection. So, between battling that and hearing bad news this week, just kind of got me down.

My heart went out to my friend Kevin Johnson this week over losing a friend by the name of Tom Rowe. Then, he finds out that his daughter-in-law may have cancer. However at this point I don't know if it's conclusive or not. My heart just went out to him and those involved. Also, two actors died this week. I absolutely loved Ron Silver and his acting. He was only 62 and succumbed to cancer. Then, Natasha Richardson of "Parent Trap" had this freakish accident on a ski slope. She got up from the fall and seemingly was okay. Later, she died. She was only 45.

Last night, I couldn't get all of this out of my thoughts. As I laid in bed I was telling the Lord that I just didn't understand the random things that happen. And like the Psalmist I cried out, "How long Oh Lord, how long?" I went on to tell the Lord "How can you just sit by and watch all of this stuff go on and DO nothing?!" I had to remind myself that "he" is God and I am not. His ways are not my ways. I still have to trust even when my understanding is finite and limited.

Today, I couldn't get the Natasha Richardson thing out of my thoughts. I wanted to be angry. Later though, I was standing over my desk with my hands resting on the surface and I just bent over and was overcome with emotion. I was lamenting for people that I didn't even know! I hate loss! Well, who really likes it? It seems the older we get we keep losing things and people. My sadness came in many degrees. I was thankful for those that know the Lord even though we'll miss them here. However, I was shaken over those that may have not known him. Did Natahsa know the Lord? Really, people, this is serious stuff. Enough of the games we play. I'm talking to myself more than anyone else.

So, today, even though it was the first day of spring, it became cold again. It was warm yesterday. I tried to rid my sadness by taking the back roads to another town to go to a bookstore. I drove a bit too fast, had the Bose System cranked on Don Henley singing, "Long Way From Eden." I wanted to push the thoughts away. It only helped for awhile and the sunny day added to the few minutes of numbing I felt I needed.

Later, back home I finally came to the conclusion that my best response was right there before me. Pray! And pray some more. Jaci Velasquez's song "On My Knees" came to mind. As I listened to the mp3, it reminded me how I need to be on my knees more than ever. This world is going to hell at a rapid speed. Remember, Nero fiddled while Rome burned! Don't get me wrong. Enjoy God's blessings. Thank him for health, family, fun and faith. But, equally, let's look at a world that is dying without hope in God. We have that hope. And right now, my hope is when I'm on my knees remembering my creator. I remember him as much as I did as a youth. And the scriptures teach us to do that. In closing, I'm sorry (in a way) that this post seems so dark. However, someday, God will wipe all the tears from our eyes! We serve a God that is bigger than all of the troubles around us. May God bless you.

On My Knees

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Natasha Richardson


Today's post will include two entries. First off, I'm very saddened at the passing of Natasha Richardson. (Just this week, Ron Silver, a fav actor of mine also passed away.) Natasha was great in the remaking of the "Parent Trap." Yeah, I'm one of those guys that can like a syrup-coated movie! I know these people are actors, but they are still human beings. It just makes me really sad.

Two: What is up with AIG and all this Tim Geithner stuff? Is this new administration doing anything constructive? I know it's easy to be an armchair critic. But c'mon, giving retaining bonuses for execs that can't manage. And...the gov giving money to the company and then trying to get it back? So goes the show.

That's it for today. I'm in sinus valley and got hit with a bad sinus cold. I'm really trying to fight this thing off. Have a good day everyone!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Ron Silver


I'm saddened that one of my favorite actors Ron Silver has passed away from cancer on Sunday. Even though he was a democrat, 9/11 changed all of that. He switched and stood up for George Bush. Even though "The West Wing" was more of a liberal show, Ron Silver appeared on it frequently. He got a lot of ribbing for it. Also, because of his change in politics, it cost him a lot of work in Hollywood. Go figure. I remember him best in an old Jean Claude Van Damme movie, "Timecop." I still fond of that movie to this day. Of all things, Ron Silver played a crooked politician running for the presidency. Although I don't know more about him personally, there was something intriguing to me about his acting. He was sixty-two. I'll sure miss his acting.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Kate Or Juliet?

Juliet

I find it amusing in a way that my friend Cindy's daughter doesn't care for either Kate or Juliet on "Lost." This is a side note, but why are women so hard on other women? I've noticed this most of my life.

Kate

Okay, I'm doing what Cindy does and talking about fictional characters now. I know, I know, they are just characters. But people read novels all the time. And...TV and the movies are the "new" stages that actors use to perform with compared to the ones of old where the actors performed before live crowds.

From one guy's perspective here's my take. Of course my view may be entirely different from others. I like them both. Both of them have qualities that endear me to them for differing reasons. I love Kate's adventurous side but I also like Juliet's focus. In my experience in the dating realm I've seen many personalities. I don't know why, but I always seemed to end up with the Kate's in life. The outgoing, spur of the moment kind. Those types were more daring like the cheerleader girlfriends I was with. I wondered why? I do have this "wild" streak in me that only a very few have seen. Maybe it's that they brought out the "life" in me.

Conversely, though, it seems too, that I am drawn to the Juliet's in life. The focused, stay on course and stable ones with a purpose in mind. With men and women there are as many personalities as there are people. I could write a book on experiences. I think back to some with joy, some with sadness and one in particular that stays in the deep recesses of my heart.

Sure, it's a show. Really, even with dating aside, let me hit one more angle. Aren't we all looking for connection in life? People that we can love? Friends, family, co-workers, all of us, wants to be accepted. I think all of us in life are looking for a few of the most common things. Acceptance and love would be the top two. I know "Lost" is a show. But, it does touch on the human condition. I would venture to guess that everyone we rub shoulders with on a daily basis has that inner need of being accepted, loved and appreciated. Today, that is just food for thought. Be well.

Fox And The Ratings

Well, from February's ratings, Fox News ranked number three. YES! For all of the lefties, let that be a lesson that normal everyday folks prefer Fox over CNN. Okay, I'm done ranting. But even with that said, can the news be more foreboding?

I get up, grab my glass of water, down my vitamins and turn on Fox. Now, I like Fox but they have to report the news. And these days, there's not a lot of good news to be found. After about thirty minutes I've had about enough. But, really, are we seeing the beginning of the end?

I'm in alignment with my friend Joel. I'm still pre-tribulational, but I wonder how bad things will get before God calls us out before the great and terrible day of the Lord? This new administration is all over the place and the guy has been in office less than 50 days. The auto makers take billions of dollars and still report losses greater than what they took. People can't get elected to the cabinet because of unpaid taxes? C'mon! And, they are governing us? I could go on, but you get the drift.

Well, it really boils down to this. It's easy for me to sway off target and look at the mess and get discouraged. But, my GOD is still GOD. I really don't know how people make it without him. Even in our uncertain days, our Lord is still residing in us through the power of the Spirit. May I not ever lose that focus. Be well.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Praise Unspoken


I've laid my head upon my pillow
Late at night so many times
With a song unheard by others in my heart
Caught away in all your goodness
How the tears of joy would roll
My unspoken praise ascending
In the stillness, in the dark





That's the second verse of Gordon Jensen's song, "Praise Unspoken." I'm up early. Well for me anyway. As I was checking my emails I had Gordon's CD "Tuesdays and Thursdays" playing in the background. Then, this song came on. I had to stop typing for a few moments as the song overtook my thoughts and feelings. I found myself reflective. Actually I've been this way for over a few days now. Today's post might not have any continuity to it. Just some rambling thoughts on a Tuesday morning.

It's easy for me to get disgruntled in traffic, to get impatient in a grocery store line and let the little insignificant things bother me at times. Certainly I could blame it on the fast paced society in which we live. But, really, it could be that I haven't settled my spirit inside me for the day ahead. That's where the song comes in.

Over this past weekend, my brother Terry, my sister Julie and myself were going through some old photo albums at Dad's house. Dad wanted us to go through some of the old photos and take some of the ones we wanted for our collection. It should have been a happy time. And...some of the pictures brought back some very good memories. However, some made me incredibly sad. Mom passed away seven years ago next month. As I looked at some of the older photographs it reminded me of how much she sacrificed for her family.

On one hand, I felt gratified that she cared for us and also led my brother Terry and me to the Lord. For all the home cooked meals, clean clothes and love that she lavished upon us. On the other hand, I felt guilty! My mind the past few days were of thoughts: "did I thank her enough for what she did?", "did I tell her I loved her enough?" So, when I popped in the CD this morning and that Gordon Jensen classic started playing I was overcome with tears.

Why is it that it's so easy to grumble and complain about things? Why is it that I don't praise God more and complain a lot less? All I know is that for a few moments I just thanked God for his goodness. I thanked him for my mother and my father. A set of parents that had it hard but raised a family anyway. Then, I had to ask the Father above to forgive me for not praising him enough.

I do know in my own spiritual life I need to be in an "attitude of gratitude" a lot more than what I do at times. Okay, so a car cuts me off in traffic, the clerk at the store was in a foul mood, whatever! God has been so good to me. As I looked at those old photographs it just reminded me of how God has brought me through. It's like the old hymn, "God Leads Us Along." Some through the fire, some through the flood, some through the waters, but all by the blood! How true.

So, this morning as I had to repent for my lack of praising God, I ended up praising him! Oh, Lord, how I need to do that more. Gordon and I have known each other since 1979. We've been able to communicate over the past six months and catch up on things. I could never thank him enough for songs that have gotten me through some pretty rough times in my life. So, as I end this post today, I thank the Lord for his goodness. I give him my unspoken and yet at times, my spoken praise. I know when I focus more on the Lord and less on what's around me, a gentle peace comes over me. It seems everything reminds me of a song. I think of the old one, "Wonderful Peace." As I close, listen to the first minute or so of this classic by Gordon. I hope your day is filled with the peace of God!

Praise Unspoken

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Sawyer Speaks About Time


Obviously my favorite show is "Lost." Well, for those who don't follow the show I'll have to improvise at this point. The bottom line comes down to a question. Sawyer has a friend who's worried that the woman he is with doesn't forget her old husband who died from three years ago. He asks Sawyer about it. Sawyer gives his answer in this clip:

Sawyer Speaks



Well, maybe in some cases that is true. Later though, Sawyer gets a glimpse of the one he loved: Kate. We'll have to wait and see what transpires next. My take? In some ways time does erode memories to some degree. Other times, they don't. I can tell you this much: There are those that have loved so deeply it will take a lifetime for them to ever forget what that person meant to their life. We all are different that's for sure. Closing thought: The scenes with Sawyer, Jack and Kate are the best ones on "Lost." I love most of the characters but those three really hit home with me in a special way. Sure, its a show, but it can also mirror real life at times. Have a good Thursday!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

The Seventh Sola


Today's post will be quick and to the point. For as long as I can remember I have posted Joel Griffith's link to his blog, "The Seventh Sola." Of course the five solas are Latin phrases that emerged out of the Protestant Reformation. Since seven is God's perfect number, we have, Joel's "The Seventh Sola." If you stop by my blog you'd do yourself a favor by stopping by Joel's blog. This man has a great handle on the exegesis of the Word of God. You'll get no "spin" from Joel. You'll get the truth. Also, check out www.Contender.org. Kevin Johnson is a well-versed theologian and you will learn a lot from what he has to say. I have the privilege of knowing Kevin as a friend as well. You can count on a true treatment of God's Word. Have a great day everyone.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled


"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me." This verse out of John 14 should be a comfort to us. Especially in these troubled days in which we live. Just today I talked with a friend that is fearful he may lose everything he's worked so hard to get. I also talked with a technician at my doctor's office that is concerned her husband will be laid-off from work.

Also, when we look around us we can definitely see the a lot of things in crisis. Wall Street taking a dive, housing is down, the auto makers wasting billions, and the list goes on. These are times that we need to remind myself that we are God's. He has taken care of us in the past, I need to trust him now as we live in uncertain days.

Of course the historical context of this passage was where Jesus was comforting his disciples. He knew what was ahead. He told them to not be troubled. He had to go away. He also said he would go and make a place for them. Then, he would come back and receive them unto himself. Jesus wrapped it up by saying he is "the way, the truth and the life."

Now from a inspirational perspective, I think it would be good for us to remember that we can rest in him. He will come back and receive us unto himself. We don't know the day or the hour he will come. But, rest assured, we have that hope, we have that promise, he will come again. In the meantime we can put our faith, hope and trust in the one who called us unto himself.

I've written nothing new today. Nothing that hasn't already been written so many times before. At times though, we need to be reminded of simple truths. Well, I know that I do. I think when John the Beloved was on the isle of Patmos and saw all the things that was to come upon the earth, I'm sure it must have been amazing to see into the future. But, as he finished the book of Revelation, he leaves us with the words: "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." That's where my faith is anchored. There's no better place to be than in the arms of our Lord! Be well.