Past & Present

On November 22, 1963, a happy little 4 year old boy went to a "Wild West Day" taping of The Old Rebel Show in Greensboro, NC.  This classic of local TV children's programming was a big deal in those days, and I was dressed in my best cowboy outfit, ready to enter the quick draw contest that was the highlight of Wild West Day.  The show was taped in the morning and the broadcast in the afternoon, by which time I would be with all my friends at Mrs. Poe's daycare.  One by one the competition was eliminated and I was named the champion of the quick draw contest.  I was given a  badge and a few prizes, and I left the studio bursting with pride and joy at my accomplishment.  I couldn't wait for my friends to see me in action.  The appointed time arrived, and Mrs. Poe turned on the little black and white TV she had so we could all watch.  But The Old Rebel Show was not on.  Something strange was happening.  For some reason, the news was all that was on that day...


It seems that in far away place called Dallas, another man had been playing with guns that day and had done something awful.  Our president, John F. Kennedy, had been shot and killed- and coverage of that story was all that was on TV.  I was 4 years old.  I didn't understand what an assassination was, or who JFK was.  I just knew The Old Rebel was not on.  I cried and cried.  In fact, as the next few days unfolded and our country fell into a time of unbelievable grief and pain, the coverage of the event just went on and on.  And my moment of glory was never aired.  It seems so insignificant now, but to a 4 year old it was a really big deal.  48 years ago today a part of our nation's hope and future died in Dallas.  48 years ago today a part of my childhood died in NC.  After all,  you only get one shot at winning a quick draw contest on TV.  After all, you're only a kid once...


Or are we?  Even at my rapidly advancing age, there are still moment that make me feel like a 4 year old again.  Every time I walk down Main Street at The Magic Kingdom.  Every time I watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  Tomorrow, we all get a few days to honor the child that still lives in us all.  The Muppets arrives in theaters.  Do not miss this chance to remind yourself and your family of what simpler times and true joy feels like.  Do not miss this chance to let your inner child come out and play!  If you need any more incentive to get your family and friends out of the house and into the theaters this weekend. here it is...





We often talk about "the good old days" as if they were all peaches and cream and today is all dark and scary.  Sometimes it is the other way around.  Be thankful today for the blessings of your world.  Enjoy every moment.  Don't let your inner child become sad and bitter like a 4 year old whose big TV moment just passed him by.  It still hurts a little bit to think about, because I have to tell you- I looked GOOD in my cowboy costume.  Thursday I will watch the parade and feel the rush of childhood excitement.  This weekend I look forward to letting Kermit, Gonzo, Piggy and the gang help me get a piece of my childhood back.  However you choose to do it, I hope you will all do the same.  "...and have faith like a child."


Because of Jesus,

Unexpected Joy

Many of you know that I wake up most every morning excited (and sometimes obnoxiously perky!) to face the new day.  There are just so many things to be happy about!  But some days are even better than others. Yesterday was one of those days.  It really shouldn't have been.  My family is still travelling, and that can be a bummer.  In a conversation on Twitter Saturday night, my dear friend Stacey (@NomadStacey) was reminding me that when things get tough, I can always turn to the wisdom of Kermit the Frog for help.  We were mostly joking, but turns out that the wisdom of Stacey was dead on- Kermit helped make my day.  So yesterday, my dog let me sleep until 6:30 AM.  That's late for him, and a great start to any day!  After a nice walk with him, I returned to post my blog, and as I proof read it one final time I realized that what I had written was not what God wanted me to share.  I just "knew" that I was supposed to share John Fisher's Bleeping Jesus.  Never mind that I had done it before- I was supposed to do it again.  So I did.  I then sat down to a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.  How can you not smile when you're eating Cinnamon Toast Crunch?  Next came my morning prayer time, where I was reminded of the incredible blessing of the love of my family and friends.  I lifted prayers for friends who are travelling, student ministries on mission trips and my dear friend Ashley who was heading out to Haiti.  And finally, I prayed for myself- that God would continue to use me in whatever ways He sees fit.  I just want so serve Him in Jesus' name.  With my prayers done, I took a shower and headed off to church- the first time I have gone without my wife since our lives turned upside down over 4 years ago.  After getting my praise on, I came home, walked the dog again, and then headed out to see Captain America, having been given permission by my son the night before- he had finally seen it!  The movie absolutely ROCKED!  I came home, made a sandwich and jumped on the computer and responded to a few friends, and then...I clicked on a Twitpic from one of my Disney friends and found a surprise.  You think you know what things in life will bring the biggest smiles to your face, but the truth is, you can always be surprised.  And THIS...this made me smile big-time!

The Muppets are coming back to the big screen in November. I already knew it, but this poster just reminded me that it's real, and it's coming.  There is indeed joy in the journey.  Almost nothing makes me smile more that Kermit- and my friend Stacey called it ahead of time!  As the afternoon went along I worked in a nap, one more dinner with my dear friend Lisa Jewett before she leaves town, some TV and some ice cream.  Later on in the evening it was my privilege to e-mail with and pray for a special friend who is dealing with some very stressful circumstances right now.  By any standard it was a great day.  Throw in The Muppets, and it became an extraordinary day!  Joy is like that.  Life with Jesus is like that too.  It surprises and overwhelms you- if you are open to it.  Count your blessings today.  Live with unexpected joy!


Because of Jesus,