Groundhog Day

Well, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, hence, according to "official" Groundhog rules, more winter! Before I delve into my real subject matter, I have always thought this tradition was a bit backwards. "If" the groundhog sees his shadow that means that the sun must be shining. With that in mind, it would seem to equate the sun shining with warm weather. But, it means we'll have more winter instead.

Okay, I admit I'm not a football fan. Oh, I might follow an occassional Green Bay game but that's about it. I didn't know who was even in the Super Bowl! So, I watched one of my old favorite movies last night, "Groundhog Day" with Bill Murray. Yes, we know that it's a comedy but there are certain scenes that were extremely sad. When Bill Murray finds out that the homeless man had passed away, he made sure the next day that the man was fed! To me the whole emphasis on the story is how one man finally gets it right! To me, that's what the whole epiphany is about.

Some trivia notes. By the way, I am one of those that read "liner notes" from CD's, watch all the credits at the end of a movie, ad infinitum. Most of the movie was actually filmed in Woodstock Illinois. Woodstock is just east of my old stomping grounds of Rockford where I lived for ten years. I really liked Rockford! Now, in Rockford there is a quarry there. From my understanding, the scene where Bill is in the truck with the groundhog and decides to drive it over the edge into the quarry was filmed in Rockford. Every time I would drive past that quarry I would think about that scene.

It was great to watch that old movie again. Yep, I passed up the Super Bowl to watch the movie. However, the Steelers might have a "Groundhog Day" thing happening. Is it the sixth time they have become Super Bowl champs? Go figure. Well, kiddies, that's it for today. Stay warm and have a good week.

25 Random Things

This has been passed around and I thought I would use it for my post today. It basically deals with "25 random things about me." And it's supposed to be written randomly and not in any chronological order. Well, you heard the phrase, "it's all about me." I guess today, it is! haha. I read some pretty interesting things from other bloggers. So, here goes.

Random Things About Me (this is totally off the cuff!)

1. I am a huge Peter Strauss fan. Ever since I saw him in "Rich Man, Poor Man" in 1976 I have been enthralled with his acting.

2. I have a love for maps. I can sit and look at a world atlas and eat it up. I like looking at how far it takes to get from one place to another and so forth.

3. I chuckled at Cindy's comment on not wanting to be in a hardware store. I have the same feeling about being in a fabrics/crafts store. Oh, the pain, the pain.

4. My favorite novels of all time are "Rich Man Poor Man" and "Beggarman Thief" (the sequel) both written by Irwin Shaw.

5. Cannot stand winters. I am definitely in the wrong state. We just got hammered with a lot of snow. I am like a bear, I can definitely hibernate inside during this time of year.

6. I love to travel. I've been all over the US and fortunate to go to Germany twice! Nurnberg is a geat historic site.

7. I don't like clowns. I don't like circuses either. There's a troubling aspect for me with the clown thing.

8. Even though it is cheap, my favorite cologne is "Aspen." However, if I am around anyone that has too much of a fragrance on, it gives me a headache.

9. My favorite foods are chili, steak, potatoes, vegetables and fruits. I don't like cassaroles of any kind at all. I get sick even thinking about it.

10. I love all kinds of music except for rap. The only exception might be "DC Talk" if they use a lot of melody in a song.

11. Other than the aforementioned novels that were written in the seventies, I don't care for novels. I would rather watch a good movie over a novel. I prefer non-fiction books and love biographies.

12. I was born a blonde. I had long curly locks of hair. Well, it turned dark. I keep my hair short. If it gets longer it tends to become wavy. I like straight hair.

13. I have many things that I wish I could do but don't have the talent for. The biggest one is being a singer or musician. Thankfully, my speaking voice held up and I got paid to play music. Most of my heroes have been musicians.

14. I'm very fond of aviation. I'm always in awe of a plane in flight. When I do travel, half the fun is flying. However, now with all the security some of the fun has been taken out of it.

15. I enjoy movies that deal with politics. "Breach", "In The Life Of Fire", "Dave", "The Sentinel" and others are big favorites of mine.

16. I love the smell of wood burning. When I was in the fifth grade, we were going outside for recess and some home nearby had a wood burning stove going. It was sunny that day and I felt so alive. To this day, that is my favorite smell.

17. One of my all time favorite states is Texas. I really like warm weather and I can take the heat better than the cold. Plus, I visited my friend Roland there a few years back when he lived outside of Dallas. What a great time.

18. I'm left-handed. They say that there are ten to fifteen percent of people who are. It is a disadvantage. Everything seems to be made for right-handers. When I was in school I had to make sure I took my ball glove for recess. Many kids would borrow other friend's gloves. However, there aren't that many lefties and that kind of left me out. My grandfather on my father's side was left-handed as well.

19. I favor Coke over Pepsi. However, I drink Pepsi. For some reason if I drink too much Coke, it causes pain. The Pepsi doesn't. Go figure.

20. The very first 45rpm (or any music) I ever bought was "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" by B.J. Thomas. I think I was ten years old.

21. The very first CD I ever bought was in 1989 and it was "Holm, Sheppard and Johnson."

22. My favorite types of cars are the BMW and Mercedes. Also, I really like the old classic Mustangs. You could say I have a steak taste on a hamburger budget!

23. I don't like board games. The only board game I do like is Chess. I'm not good at it, but I do like the game itself. Plus, I don't play video games. I'm terrible at them. It's awful when ten year olds can beat me at them!

24. My favorite colors are hunter green and navy blue.

25. I really like the History Channel, Discovery and Biography channels.

Well, that's it! Be well all.

Background Vocalists

There's a very old song written by G.T. Haywood that goes:

I see a crimson stream of blood, It flows from Calvary, Its waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me.




My favorite version of this song "I See A Crimson Stream" had background vocalists Judy Rodman and Ellen Dockery. It was recorded around 1983. This happens to be my all-time favorite gospel song. I did some checking and found out that Judy Rodman has a list of credits so long it's incredible. She's recorded jingles, sang background for so many artists it would be difficult to name them all, and also does a great biz as a vocal coach!

I admit I'm a huge fanatic (in a good way, grin) about reading liner notes in CD's. Even before radio was a career for me, I always read the back of album jackets at who produced the record, who sang harmony, who was the backing vocalists and the musicians that played on the recording. I feel too many times that the background vocalists and musicians don't get their fair share of the credit. When you listen to your favorite artist, think about all that goes into a recording. Everything has to be right. Everything from the producer, arranger, engineer, bgv's, musicians, and more. So, today, I just wanted to honor those that have done a great job at making projects soar! If I remember right, "First Call" got their name because they were originally session artists that would get the "first call" to come in and record. By the way, Marty McCall is a great guy.

Judy Rodman and I chatted about how great her vocals were when she sang chorus on my favorite gospel song. She has one incredible voice. So, hats off to the unsung heroes (well, they did sing, uh...I'm sounding like Hank Kimball from Green Acres now). Hats off to those behind the scenes in the recording industry. Also, those in radio behind the scenes deserve credit too. Those who sell ads for the station, that do the billing, keep the engineering up to date and so much more! Have a great day everyone!

Here's a sample of Judy's MTM days with her number one single "Until I Met You"

90 Minutes In Heaven

This book was recommended to me. It didn't take very long to read. Really, I didn't want to read it at first. Maybe because I am not given to extremes it caused me to shy away from this book. I consider myself evangelical, moderately Calvinistic and have leanings to the Baptist faith. Don Piper, the author himself, is a Southern Baptist. So, I thought I'd give it a shot. I think too, that the TV guys on TBN many times gives the true gospel a black-eye. At the same time, I didn't want to rule out something that could have really happened. Years ago there was some guy that showed up at the radio station claiming he went to heaven. This guy had some weird ideas. I guess that event left me a bit skeptical. But, I thought I'd give this book a chance.

The book itself deals not so much of the ninety minutes Don spent in heaven as it does dealing with life here and now. From that perspective it really did touch me from that angle. Don Piper went through a horrible ordeal when an eighteen-wheeler crushed his '86 Ford Escort he was driving. Now, I owned an Escort and believe me, those things are small. At any rate, I have kept an open thought process to what happened to him. In chapter ten he wrote:

In spite of my stubborn resistance to showing emotion, the months of intense pain finally crumbled my resolve. I broke down and cried. I felt worthless, beaten down and useless. I was convinced I would never get better. "God, why is it like this? Why am I going through this constant pain that never seems to get better?" Again, I prayed for God to take me. I didn't want to live any longer. I wanted to go back home, and now for me, home meant heaven. (End of quote.)

I know many can relate to how Don felt. For, I too, have been there. Four years ago I developed physical pain that sometimes seems unbearable. Each month it seems like it is getting worse. And I haven't been anywhere near the pain that Don Piper must have been through.

You may ask, "Do you believe he did or did not go to heaven?" I'll answer it this way. I have reason to believe he did. That to me, is really between him and the Lord himself. I wasn't there. I do know that I have viewed some things in this life that I cannot physically explain. I have seen some healings. We had a lady that worked in our sales department who had a vetebrae problem. She showed me the before and after x-rays and there was no doubt she was healed! I have prayed for loved ones that were healed. Plus, in 1990 I almost died twice in a matter of three days. God spared my life. And just like Don Piper, there were people that were in my life during those two miserable weeks in the hospital. It's comforting to have those around when you really go through the fire! I know that Don Piper was so appreciative of those that stood by him. I remember the ones that were there for me when I thought I had "bought the farm." Ginger, Joel, Josh and Diana from the station immediately come to mind. I'll never forget their kindness.

If you get a chance, read Don's book. I do know this, heaven is real! Someday mortality will put on immortality. These aching bodies will ache no more. Those who live with chronic pain understand this all too well. Don's book was an encouragement to me as I deal with my pain. And...if you by chance, just happened to come across this post by accident, and you are in need of hope, give Don's book a chance! May the peace of Christ be with you all.

Grace To You

Today I just wanted to give credit where it is due. For years, Dr. John MacArthur and his program "Grace To You" has been a strong staple in my spiritual life. I first heard of John back in 1987. I don't know why I hadn't heard of him sooner. But, better late than never.

In today's Christian world there are so many voices that fill the airwaves. It would do us wise to check out anyone that we listen to. Obviously, Paul the apostle also said that those who teach will be held to a higher standard as well. John MacArthur fits the model to me of a man of faith, theologically sound and loyal. Of course those who know me, know where I stand theologically.

Recently John has made many of his sermons available to those who would like to download them via mp3. What a blessing. It's great too, if you take your Ipod and load it up with those sermons and play them on long trips in the car.

There are some ministries that I really believe in, and "Grace To You" is one of them. So, if you find the time, check out www.gty.org. I'm a bit biased but I think his study bible is one of the best ever. There was an old credit card commercial from years ago that said, "don't leave home without it!" I kind of feel that way about John's study bible.

I just wanted to take a few moments today and give credence to a man that I believe has stood the test of time and is a loyal man of God. In this day and age, especially now, we need sound doctrine more than ever. So, if you find the time, check out the "Grace To You" website. The link is on the right. Be well all.

Those Crazy Sayings

Tonight, I got to thinking about some crazy things people say. Not only in real life but the movies too! Some just don't make any sense to me. Here are a few.

Ali McGraw (Jennifer) says: "Love means never having to say your sorry." Ah, excuse me! Really, that has to be one of the worst movie lines I've ever heard. In my estimation, true love means you do say your sorry at times. So, in Ali's case, whomever loves her better be perfect and not mess up so the poor dude doesn't have to say he's sorry and his carcass thrown out the door! Plus, she'd better never have a faux pas and have to swallow her words and say, "I'm sorry."

FDR says, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Really? That quote still advocates believing in some kind of fear. I think he meant well. Maybe it could have been better quoted as, "Do not fear." Period.

Ice Cube in "State Of The Union" says that he's getting ready for World War 4. Hmmm...was number three past and we missed it? Gotta love the movies.

"God helps those who help themselves." This is an old one. Of course, by now, most people know that this isn't in the Bible. This quote belongs to Ben Franklin. Two quick points. One: God does for us what we couldn't do for ourselves and that is to save mankind. Two: We are created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Plus, I do believe that God will give people faith to carry out his commands and he will bless those who do. The bottom line is simply, God did for us what we couldn't do for ourselves.

"Revelations." Yep, "revelations" plural. Now, for fun, I'm getting a bit picky here. But this does irk me. Some well meaning believer says, "You know it says in the book of Revelations...." I know they must mean well, but c'mon. It's also commonly mistaken to call it John's Revelation. To clear this up let's get the proper syntax. "The Revelation of Jesus Christ To Saint John." One revelation in totality given by Christ TO John. Enough said.

Now, for some of those that show no respect for God Almighty or his Word. "The man upstairs", "the Good Book" and those things are just plain bad. Plus, the Word of God does include good things but it is also filled with violence, murder, war, mistrust and other nefarious deeds.

Christy Lane's commercial: "All the songs you ever wanted." This was mentioning her Christmas CD. Hmmm...I'm sure glad the ad execs polled all the U.S. citizens and found out the exact Christy songs we always wanted. Ha.

There's one old CCM song that said: "Jesus was born on Christmas day." What?! Okay, so they are saying that Christmas day was always around and thankfully Jesus just happened to be born on that day. What a horse laugh. Go Mr. Ed.

"Cosmic Cowboy." With all due repects to Barry McGuire and him hanging around old Monkee Mike Nesmith, my Lord shouldn't be referred to as some caricature.

One local charismatic pastor quotes, "the gifts of the Spirit will be in operation." He is referring to his upcoming services. How can he be so sure of what God is going to do on any given day?

Now, this one is from years ago. I still chuckle at this news story. I don't remember the exact details but the news reporter on TV was talking to a man about the tough times that the city was facing. So, the man postures himself to look good and says, "Sometimes you're just caught between a rock and a hard stone!" Man, I still laugh at that one. Aren't they the same? Okay, it was a gaffe. But, this dude tried to look so impressive. And to believe I remembered that from over twenty years ago.

And yes...to be fair, I'm going to close with my own personal crazy saying. Years ago at a radio station in Illinois, I was training a lady named Diana in the billing department. Well, I remember we were in discussion about some vital info she'd need and I made the statement "If I don't remember, I'll forget!" Diana burst out in laughter and tears. I think she finally became composed ten minutes later. It was a location thing. In other words, it may not sound funny to you, but maybe it would have been if you had "been there."

Sure, Art Linkletter said that kids say the craziest things. But, many adults have followed suit. Be well.

Let Him Go

Obviously the big news is the auto makers problems. A few observations. One, let the CEO go. Seriously, giving this man money to revive GM is like handing a drug addict another dose of heroin. If he can't do the job why would you give him more funds? I've wrestled with this one. I think that if the government loans the big 3 money, then fire the top execs. They aren't getting the job done. I also feel that if the union leaders weren't so greedy and driving up the costs of a company, they too, should be held responsible.

Finally, are people crazy? This whole debacle of a store employee and a pregnant woman being trampled upon for a Walmart blitz is incredible if not ridiculous. It's reprehensible that people would trample over a lady that is pregnant so they can get the latest gadget. As my chiropractor's office manager said, "Anymore, in this country, it's all about us!" She is right. People are so into themselves anymore it isn't even funny. Even Christians. We'd rather be entertained than ministered to. We'd rather be ministered to than minister! It really is a sad state. It seems so many have become obsessed with self. I have harped home this point so often: We will fall like Rome did. It's only a matter of time. May the Lord Jesus Christ have mercy upon us all. For those who are truly living selfless lives, I applaud you. Paul the apostle said it best, "I count all but loss except to know Christ and him crucified." Yes, he did say it the best.