• Amer. Bible Society Presents
ABS has a weekly thirty-minute Television program called The American Bible Society Presents. The program attempts to feature various ways that ministries use the Word of God to reach out to others. They filmed a fifteen-minute documentary that featured our Los Angeles Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians group and how we use the art of illusion and the performing arts to present the gospel. It was filmed at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA. It was first aired in April, 2007. Then it was rerun in November, 2007. You can see it here.
It was an honor to be included in this documentary, if you look closely you will recognize my involvement.
• Estonia-Kid Mission-2004
It was the summer of 2004 that I joined a team of thirty-three that went to Tartu, Estonia to build a playgound for children. Pictured here is our team from Whittier Area Community Church, along with some teachers and new friends, who helped at the site.
In one week the playground was completed. It was so nice and all the children loved it.
Although I was part of this construction team, my main role in going was to conduct children’s meeting everyday and train two puppet teams. You know, sharing the Puppet Fever. (Ha)
I had gone to Estonia the year before…
• Faith & Tension
This picture captures the essence of Faith and Tension. This was the cover on our Sunday Church Bulletin. I just liked the image with the caption “Faith and Tension.” One can easily imagine a boat that is anchored with strong rope to the edge of the dock by a dock cleat, but the water maintains the tension on the rope. The twists and turns of the water’s movement creates the constant “tug” on the secure “post-like” cleat. As long as the rope is fastened around this linchpin, it can withstand the constant activity of the waves, thus the boat is “tethered” within reasonable limits to move, but not too far.
In reflecting more upon this image, I began contemplating just how my “life of faith” is illustrated by this graphic….
• On-Line Coaching Update
Yahoo! We now have FOUR “On-Line” protege’s in the Kidology Coaching Program. This is exciting for me, because I have invested so much effort in the last four years in writing and developing this mentoring model. I have been mentoring over twelve students “face to face,” from the Los Angeles area, but now we are transitioning into a national arena with this “on-line” model of coaching.
I am finding the “on-line” program is very different than the “face-to-face” model, but with modern technology…
• Latte, the Therapy Dog
Well, her name is Latte. She is a Maltepoo, a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle. This toy breed is a great lap dog and does not weigh much. Of course, Latte is still a puppy, but at eight weeks, she is a mere two pounds (dripping wet). Latte joined our home this last week.
• A “Sign” from God?
I tend to read signs while I am driving. While I was returning from store on my last trip to Palm Springs, I caught a glimpse of this sign as I was passing a Bus Stop. Did it say what I thought it said? I was so intrigued by that thought, that I turned around and and went back, to be sure. Then I took this picture. A funny-fun foto? Was it what I thought it was, sure! It was a message signed by God.
It caused me to think just how God is using people to establish a witness for Himself in the most unlikely places. It made me wonder…”is anybody listening to God?” If you were seated at this bus stop, this sign might give you pause, someone surely read it. I was driving by and I read it. It does make you ponder in thought?
First, I thought this approach was cleaver, then creative, then just ironic. It surely is attention getting, which I think would be the reason for posting it. Secondly, the average non Christian is not expecting a message on a sign from God at the bus stop, rather a church marque or something like that.
As I returned to my car, having thought these thoughts, I proceeded back to my place. Then it happened…
• My Favorite “View Spot”
I started the New Year out right with my monthly Writing Retreat to Palm Springs. I was reminded again just why I like coming here. It is not the weather, which was just gorgeous, no clouds, no heat, no wind, no rain, no snow and it was wonderful. It was also really quiet. My favorite part is not that I am very productive here, which is usually the case, even this time. I was able to finish many writing projects that put more articles into my mentoring program. Rather, I think the best part is the “view.”
This photo above captures the “view spot” from the second-floor porch of the place where I go to write in Palm Springs. I have been coming here monthly, for almost four years now. Frankly, I take some inspiration for this “view spot” every time I come. It has taken me a while to understand this, but this “view” has become my favorite tristing place for every trip. The world seems to stop here, for me. Just sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee, a book or a notepad and pen, I get charged up for writing. Some great ideas have come from this spot.
I thought you might like the see a sample of the changing vistas that I experience in a day from this View Spot. Take a look at these photos to see what I mean…
• Mexico Combo Photos
Here is a collection of photos taken on our last Kid Mission to Mexico. The above combo set of photos were all taken of our work in the La Mesa Jail the weekend prior to Christmas. (You can click on the photo for an enlargement.) A narrative account of this trip is located on this blog site (www.kidhelper.com/?p=456).
Here is another photo for you.
• What is an Atlapedia?
An Atlapedia is a blended description of an Bible Atlas and an Encyclopedia for children produced by the creators of Veggie Tales. This was one of my Christmas presents this year. My children are now buying me resources, I think, so that I will be equipped to be the best grandfather I can be, for their children. It makes sense to me. I am just loving being a grandpa these days. However, I am called “Papa!”
It might be helpful to tell you a little more about my great Atlapedia, just in case you want one.
• Riddle #7, What Am I?
Riddle me this, What am I?
Life has started all over for me–
The young years of happiness
Have come again in a sweeter form
Than a mother could ever guess;
The love and devotion I gave my child
I thought I could give no other,
But life held a lovely surprise for me–
When I became a _________________
From Life’s New Loveliness by Kay Andrew
Submit your answer in the comment box.
Winners will be notified in the comment box.
