What Is Priceless To You?

Written by BPK on Saturday March 13, 2010 at 0900!

"Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back." — Harvey MacKay

What do these hats with a lake in the background have to do with my time being priceless?

How should a person spend a "rainy" winter day in South Florida?

Rogers Hornsby gave me a hint when he said, "People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window & wait for spring."

Even though the so called weather experts predicted a 40% chance of thunderstorms throughout the day & a 60% chance of the same throughout the night, I was off on a journey to Jupiter at 0930!

Arrival in Jupiter was at 1120! Memories of Jack Buck on KMOX filled my mind & even though many Cardinals fans would think of "Go crazy, folks. Go crazy!" I remembered the heartfelt poem Jack wrote just days after 9/11.

Jack Buck’s Tribute to America after 9/11

September 17, 2001 @ Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri

Rick Weinberg

Special to ESPN.com

Six days had passed since the horrific, unspeakable terrorist attack that took the lives of more than 3,500 people and destroyed extraordinary buildings in ugly clouds of black and gray dust and ash.

Only six days had passed, and the world was no longer the same. For certain, America was no longer the same. Hearts were heavy. There was still disbelief in the air. Sadness too. Fear and anger, as well.

But life, at some point, had to return to some kind of normalcy. The anger and sadness felt for the families of the victims, for all the heroes of 9/11, will never subside, ever, but life still had to go on. Family beckoned. Work and chores too. Living life as it should be, the way it’s supposed to be.

The entertainment and sports world had to get back to work too. People had to start laughing again, even though it hurt a little, even made you feel a little guilty. Sports was needed, only if to take your mind off that unforgettable day of horror, despair and helplessness.

THE MOMENT

It’s September 17, 2001. Baseball returns. In St. Louis, the Cardinals prepare to take the field against the Milwaukee Brewers. Sadness permeates the air. Broken hearts need mending.

Everyone in the stadium wave small American flags. Nearly 500 firefighters and police officers line the warning track from the left field line to first base, honoring the heroes who perished six days earlier. There are tears in their eyes, emptiness in their hearts.

As firefighters unfurl a huge American flag in center field, a video tribute plays on the scoreboard accompanied by the beautifully chilling Lee Greenwood song, "Proud to be an American."

Then longtime Cardinals Hall of Fame broadcaster Jack Buck, wearing a bright red jacket with an American flag pin on his lapel, strolls to the microphone. There is total silence in the huge stadium. Buck is shaking because of his infirmities and the emotion of the night, the despondency of the moment. He looks out at the crowd, normally a sea of red but on this night it is a pulsating, patriotic sea of red, white, and blue.

Buck reaches into his pocket and pulls out a piece of paper. He leans forward, puts his lips to the microphone and begins reading a poem, a moving, spectacularly heartwarming and patriotic poem that he wrote.

Since this nation was founded…under God

More than 200 years ago

We have been the bastion of freedom

The light that keeps the free world aglow

We do not covet the possessions of others

We are blessed with the bounty we share.

We have rushed to help other nations

Anything

Anytime

Anywhere.

War is just not our nature

We won’t start…but we will end the fight

If we are involved we shall be resolved

To protect what we know is right.

We have been challenged by a cowardly foe

Who strikes and then hides from our view.

With one voice we say, "There is no choice today,

There is only one thing to do."

Everyone is saying — the same thing — and praying

That we end these senseless moments we are living.

As our fathers did before…we will win this unwanted war

And our children…will enjoy the future…we’ll be giving.

His voice cracks as he utters the final words of the poem. His eyes are watery. So are the eyes of everyone in the stadium. Tears are shed. Then, following a poignant "21 gun" salute sprinkled with fireworks above the stadium, the game begins with players wearing US flags on their jerseys, helmets and caps.

Leo Durocher said, "Baseball is like church. Many attend, few understand."

I understood as I relaxed on the berm at Roger Dean Stadium as the Florida Marlins hosted the St. Louis Cardinals.

REALLY? It almost seemed like I was back in St. Louis enjoying a Cardinals home game as red was worn by 90% of the people.

A pitching duel with numerous sparkling defensive plays, reminded me of what former LA Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda said, "No matter how good you are, you're going to lose one-third of your games. No matter how bad you are you're going to win one-third of your games. It's the other third that makes the difference."

After 6 innings there was no score but the Marlins scored a run in the 7th & another in 8th to make a Cardinals win unlikely.

Not so fast my friend. Let’s not forget Yogi Berra who grew up on "The Hill" in St. Louis. He said, "It ain’t over ‘til it’s over."

This game was a perfect example of why I don’t leave games early as the Cardinals scored 5 runs in the 9th to take the lead.

Surely the Cardinals were assured of a victory, or maybe not?

What was going on in the mind of the Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa as the Marlins scored a run in the bottom of the 9th & had the winning run at the plate?

I hope it wasn’t another Yogi Berra quote like this one, "90% of baseball is mental. The other half is physical."

The final score was the St. Louis Cardinals 5 & the Florida Marlins 3!

Was it time to make the 2 hour drive back to Homestead?

Have you already forgotten the photo of the 2 hats with Lake Wolfe in the background only 10 yards from my patio?

The Cardinals baseball cap has "STL" on it & the unmistakable "[]_[]" is for the University of Miami Hurricanes.

So I went to another baseball game?

"College football would be much more interesting if the faculty played instead of the students, and even more interesting if the trustees played. There would be a great increase in broken arms, legs, and necks, and simultaneously an appreciable diminution in the loss of humanity." — H.L. Mencken

Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale was the place to be that night for the 2010 Spring Scrimmage of the University of Miami Hurricanes Football Team.

In addition to enjoying the athletic talent on the field, I was encouraged as a quote from the coach who won the first 2 Super Bowls came to life while young men battled their teammates on the field.

"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will." — Vince Lombardi

How did that quote come to life for me?

If you check out my Facebook photo album "The Storm Emerges!" you will hopefully see in a sequence of 20 photos how powerful the will in a young man is!

The will to be great has been a common trait among former Hurricanes players that are now enjoying success in the NFL such as these former CANES "Flashing The []_[]" after this years Pro Bowl at Sun Life Stadium in Miami!

Vince Lombardi did not believe that perfection was attainable but that did not stop him from trying to be perfect. "Gentlemen, we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence."

So how did someone like me who was born in Minnesota, who began ice skating at 2 & started playing ice hockey at 3 become a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals & the University of Miami Hurricanes?

It didn’t hurt that I have spent more time living in St. Louis than any other one place & that I currently am on my second stint of living in South Florida.

BUT, the main reason may be the Cardinal Nation & “The []_[] Family" that exist.

HOW SO?

Former Cardinal players are always welcome in the clubhouse or spring training & I saw the best base stealer of all time & the player who made me a front row in the left field bleachers fanatic…#20…Lou Brock!

"The []_[]" takes the family aspect to another level as former CANES who are playing in the NFL regularly workout together on campus during the summer & helping out at spring practices is also a common happening.

A recent example of this was on Saturday March 6 when former QB Ken Dorsey, Safety Ed Reed from the Baltimore Ravens, & Linebacker Jon Beason from the Carolina Panthers were all part of practice.

"The []_[]" family is not limited to just players as former Wide Receiver Coach at "The []_[]" & current Wide Receiver Coach for the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints Curtis Johnson was a guest speaker on Friday March 5.

What is my conclusion?

For me . . . it's virtually impossible to find anything better than enjoying Cardinal Baseball or Hurricane Football & to enjoy both on the same day . . . priceless!

But if you don't like the St. Louis Cardinals or the Miami Hurricanes, don't fret . . . there is hope for you!

Whatever is important to you is worth spending time doing as it helps to fill your life with memories that last a lifetime & that my friends is truly priceless! 

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In The Midst Of A Miami Storm!

When I first lived in Miami from 1991-1993, there were always trials & tribulations for me before &/or after significant spiritual moments in my life but we have a choice as to how we respond.

"While we may not be able to control all that happens to us, we can control what happens inside us." — Benjamin Franklin

A few years ago I found a folded up piece of notebook paper with SCRIPTURES hand written in cursive.  I wrote those verses 20 years ago after a second car of mine was stolen within a year.  At that time, a friend had driven down to visit me in Miami & I had all my clothes in my car as I was going to do laundry that day.  I also had all my Christian music, pictures from my various mission trips, etc., as I sometimes was asked by coaches to lead BIBLE studies or give a devotion on the spur of the moment.

Basically, I got a flat on I-95 as I travelled home from Miami Senior High School to North Miami-Dade County.  A flat tire shouldn't have been a big deal but I had a flat the day before & did not have time to get that repaired, so I made my way home & my buddy drove me back to where the car was.

Unfortunately, my car was gone in less than the 20 minutes since I had left it.  All of this happened shortly after the devastation of Hurricane Andrew & I vividly remember the majority of people crying & screaming that they had worked their entire lives for their homes/things & now it was all gone & they didn't know what to do.

However, there were a few people who thanked the LORD that they still had a relationship with JESUS & their families were safe.

I often thought to myself, "It isn't too hard to be thankful in situations like that!" 

Word of advice, be careful what you say or think as the LORD may test you to see if you are able to handle losing all of the things you call dear in this world.

Now I had to get my bicycle fixed in order to pedal the 20+ miles to work the next day as it had been damaged in a hit a run accident when I flew over my handlebars & slid across the pavement on my knees.

That night was horrendous for me but I wrote out SCRIPTURES in cursive on the front & back of a piece of notebook paper as I knew that I had to read those truths over & over, even if I didn't feel like they were true at the moment.

I know that ALL of the BIBLE is TRUE . . . but I didn't feel like it was true at that moment. 

What's the difference? 

Feelings are never wrong . . . they are as many say, "It is what it is."

So, even when I am feeling frustrated & vexed, I am making the choice to believe that the LORD is still in control & HE has a plan for me.

Please believe that those SCRIPTURES I wrote so long ago, would encourage me & you whenever we are discouraged & in the midst of an emotional or mental or physical or spiritual storm!

Why do I believe that something like that is possible?

The day after I wrote those SCRIPTURES, I was asked to go to the bleachers on the practice fields at Miami High to be in charge of detention so that any students who were late to class or disciplined by their teachers would be punished by sitting out in the hot Miami sun.

Wouldn't you know that 3 of the toughest, most disrespectful students spent a couple hours out there with me. 

One of them asked me, "How are you doing today?"

I replied, "I'm not doing too well as my car was stolen yesterday." 

This student look puzzled & said, "Quit teasing me, your car was not stolen." 

I replied, "Yes it was.  I wouldn't joke to you about something like that."

What happened next is something that I will never forget. 

"There is no way that your car was stolen because you are the same today as you were yesterday. How is that possible? You should be angry & mad but you're the same as you always are. How do you do that?"

I sure didn't feel the same as I had spent many hours crying out to the LORD!

As tears began to well up in my eyes & my hands began to tremble, I asked them if they really wanted to know why I am different, they should read this & I pulled the folded up piece of notebook paper out of my pocket & gave it to them.

They sat down to read & as they did it was all I could do to keep myself from uncontrollably sobbing as there were 3 young people who were reading GOD's WORD with the desire to understand the truth.

Who cares if I had to have another car stolen?  

At that moment, I began praying for the HOLY SPIRIT to open up the minds, hearts, souls, & spirits of these students to understand that our HEAVENLY FATHER loves them & cares for them.

They never would have listened to Billy Graham or Martin Luther King or Tony Evans or whomever you think is one of the best evangelists/preachers/teachers in the world!

They had never been to a church & they sure wouldn't have read these SCRIPTURES out of a BIBLE . . . but they were reading the WORD of GOD.

I had spent many nights crying out to the LORD, asking HIM to do whatever it takes to make the young men & women understand that JESUS is our SAVIOR & HE is also our LORD.

I believe that the only time the HOLY SPIRIT gives people who don't yet have a relationship with JESUS discernment & wisdom about SCRIPTURES, is when they are seeking the truth!

These young people were reading BIBLE verses to understand why I was the same today as I was yesterday.

Let me tell you, I didn't feel the same at all.

But guess what?

"JESUS CHRIST is the same yesterday & today & forever." ― HEBREWS 13:8

They weren't seeing me at all!

They saw JESUS in me & HE never changes!

May the truths of these 11 SCRIPTURE passages that I wrote on a simple piece of notebook paper many years ago, once again encourage me & may they also be a blessing to you, if not now, then sometime in the future when you are frustrated & feeling down.

"The LORD GOD is my strength; HE makes my feet like the feet of a deer, HE enables me to go on the heights." — HABAKKUK 3:19

JESUS replied, "You do no realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." — JOHN 13:7

When HE heard this, JESUS said, "This sickness will not end in death.  No, it is for GOD's glory so that GOD's SON may be glorified through it." — JOHN 11:4

"Grain must be ground to make bread; so one does not go on threshing it forever.  Though he drives the wheels of his threshing cart over it, his horses do not grind it.  All this also comes from the LORD ALMIGHTY, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom." — ISAIAH 28:28-29

"O house of Israel, can I not do with you as the potter does?" declares the LORD.  "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in MY hand." — JEREMIAH 18:6

"MY sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow ME." — JOHN 10:27

"Sing to the LORD, you saints of HIS; praise HIS holy name.  For HIS anger lasts only a moment, but HIS favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." — PSALM 30:4-5

"GOD is not a man, that HE should lie, nor a son of man, that HE should change his mind.  Does HE speak and then not act?  Does HE promise and not fulfill?" — NUMBERS 23:19

Although the LORD gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them.  Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice saying, "This is the way; walk in it." — ISAIAH 30:20-21

"I know your deeds.  I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.  I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept MY word and have not denied MY name.  I am coming soon.  Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown." — REVELATION 3:8 & 11

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the ROCK." — MATTHEW 7:24-25

May we all be filled with the JOY of the HOLY SPIRIT, the LOVE of JESUS, & the PEACE of our HEAVENLY FATHER!

GOD has commanded us to be strong & courageous!

"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law MY servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your GOD will be with you wherever you go." ― JOSHUA 1:6-9

Whether we believe it nor not, there is a spiritual battle going on & we must be equipped to be victorious!

"Finally, be strong in the LORD and in HIS mighty power. Put on the full armor of GOD so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of GOD, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the word of GOD. And pray in the SPIRIT on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." ― EPHESIANS 6:10-18

We are able to stand in spite of whatever the devil may throw our way & in standing, the LORD is glorified because there is no earthly reason why we should still be filled with faith, grace, hope, joy, love, & peace.

Recently there have been moments of tears that almost overwhelm me.

"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than 10,000 tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief & unspeakable love." ― Washington Irving

Be encouraged in the midst of trials & tribulations though as satan is not omnipresent like our Sweet Heavenly FATHER, so he has to choose his battles carefully & he will only spend time pestering people who are making a difference in the spiritual lives of others or are destined to do so!

Count it all joy!

"I pray for you, that all your misgivings will be melted to thanksgivings. Remember that the shadow a thing casts often far exceeds the size of the thing itself, especially if the light be low on the horizon & though some future fear may strut brave darkness as you approach, the thing itself will be but a speck when seen from beyond. Oh that HE would restore us often with that 'aspect from beyond,' to see a thing as HE sees it, to remember that HE deals with us as with sons." ― Jim Elliot

An amazing passage from the book "Shadow of the Almighty" was shared with me as I was preparing to live overseas to serve the LORD however HE so desired & it's by Jim Elliot who also wrote the last quote. This is from a letter written to his future bride when he thought getting married might get in the way of what the LORD's plans were for both of them!

"Dearest Betty, I charge you in the name of our Unfailing Friend, do away with all waverings, bewilderment, & wonder. You have bargained for a cross. Overcome anything in the confidence of your union with HIM so that contemplating trial, enduring persecution or loneliness, you may know the blessings of the 'joy set before.' 'We are the sheep of HIS pasture. Enter into HIS gates with thanksgiving, & into HIS courts with praise.' And what are sheep doing going into the gate? What is their purpose inside those courts? To bleat melodies & enjoy the company of the flock? No. Those sheep were destined for the altar. Their pasture feeding had been for one purpose, to test them & fatten them for bloody sacrifice. Give HIM thanks, then, that you have been counted worthy of HIS altars. Enter into the work with praise." — Jim Elliot

How can I do anything but praise the LORD after such profound words were shared with me so many years ago?

"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Hallelujah!" — PSALM 150:6

I shall continue to praise the LORD through the storms that are sure to come.

"The storms of life are sure to come but a world without them would not be the same. As thunderstorms are necessary for flowers to bloom & trees to grow, they also light up the sky in a truly awesome light show. Yet, the sun shall break through the clouds, causing that which has just been watered to grow. May the SON break through all of our storms, causing us to shine & grow!" — BPK 

"Ready for the Storm" by Dougie MacLean

It's now Thursday October 23, 2014 & my wife & I are living in Key West, Florida exactly 18 months from when I originally posted this on my blog.

Rain, rain, & more rain has been falling throughout the Florida Keys the last few days & will probably do so for at least a couple of more & that is why I felt an urge to not only share "In The Midst Of A Miami Storm!" again but also to add a bit more which I pray will bless at least one person. 

"LORD make my way prosperous, not that I achieve high station, but that my life may be an exhibit to the value of knowing GOD." ― Jim Elliot

I hope & pray that the precious children that my wife & I were blessed to care for now understand the value of knowing GOD!

We did not not shove the gospel down their throats but we tried to live our daily lives in such a way that the house we all lived in became a "HOME!" where our sons & daughters not only felt safe physically but enjoyed being there despite their horrific circumstances because they felt joy & peace.

The first several months we were house parents at the FKCS, we would work 6 days & then have 3 days off as the respite house parents would be at the home.

However, they were eventually let go & I worked 5 months without a day off until I went to the STL for my Mom's funeral.

That left my wife caring for our children until I came back but that only lasted a couple of weeks before I had cervical surgery & 2 days later lumbar surgery which I only did so I could be more active physically with our sons & daughters.

I returned to work at the FKCS less than a month after my surgeries & that same day my wife & I were told that the FKCS no longer wanted us to be house parents.

That was extremely difficult & stressful & if I ever needed a hero, that was the time!

There is a man who was murdered 10 years before I was born & if I would call anyone a hero in this day & age, he would be it!

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." — Jim Elliot

Edward McCully, Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Peter Fleming, & Roger Youderian were speared to death on Palm Beach in the jungle of Ecuador in 1956.

"FATHER make me a crisis man. Bring those I come into contact with to decision. Make me not a milepost on a single road. Make me a fork, that men must choose one way or the other when facing CHRIST in me." — Jim Elliot

May the FATHER, JESUS & the HOLY SPIRIT be working in us & through us causing "Another Hallelujah" on a daily basis to be echoing throughout heaven as our lives profoundly touch yet another person with wisdom & understanding.

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BPK’s JAMAICAN JOURNAL

May 11, 1991 11:55 AM  Saturday

I am now sitting in the Daniel Iverson center for Christian Learning.  We are now supposed to be writing our personal testimony.  I really need to talk to Jim before I try to put together my testimony.  On May 8^th I drove from St. Louis to Nashville to have dinner at Grace Presbyterian Church where I have the privilege of working this summer.  On the 9^th Mr. & Mrs. Snider, Ben, Cheri, Andy, Stacey, Travis and myself left Nashville and headed toward Covenant College on top of Lookout Mountain.  Besides us picking up April & Shawna, I got the joy of seeing William Hudson Brock.  We then drove to PEF headquarters in Atlanta.  Our plane trip to Miami left at 9:00 PM & included a brief stop in Jacksonville.  We arrived in Miami around 11:35 PM & were picked up & taken to the house where I am presently.  If I were to step out of the front door I would be able to see the Orange Bowl which is two blocks away.  I am the leader of my friends Ben, Travis, & Andy.  We are staying at an apartment that is about ten minutes away.  As we go from here to the apartment we pass the building which is the headquarters of “Miami Vice.”  We ate at Cuban restaurants last night & this morning.  We spent a few hours at Miami Beach yesterday and are planning on going to Key Biscayne later today.  As we prepare for our Jamaican trip, my desire & prayers to serve God in all that I do are becoming reality instead of dreams.

May 15, 1991  2:52 PM  Wednesday

As I write today I have a ton of things to get caught up on.  On May 11^th, the last time I had an opportunity to write, I did something that has been difficult for me to do in the past.  We went door to door in an apartment complex in one of the rough neighborhoods of Miami and handed out the “Wonderful Words of Life.”  After my initial hesitation I found myself enjoying it more & more each second.  I was even feeling comfortable as we began to go to the second door.  I met a man from Honduras there & had a short but interesting conversation.  Later that night we went to Key Biscayne & enjoyed a nice run on the beach.  We ate dinner in Coconut Grove along with about five thousand other people.  On Sunday May 12^th, we went to a park where many homeless people live.  I was chosen to give my testimony in between singing & Greg’s preaching.  God, please bless those people & soften their hearts.  Lord, I also need you to continue to fill me with joy as I attempt to serve you above everything & others next.  We went to church at one of Mr. Snider’s former churches.  After lunch we watched “First Fruits” a movie about the beginning of the Moravian missionary movement.  Sunday evening we had a service at the center.  I met Eddie, who is from Nicaragua, & was blessed to spend close to an hour chatting with him.  I also, finally, had a fun talk with Leonora who lives at the center & is also from Nicaragua.  She had a beautiful girl of five years whose name was Javiara.  I am now more excited than ever for reaching & serving people FROM or IN Latin America.  Bill Iverson returned from Jamaica on Sunday & I asked him if there would be a chance to chat.  He asked me to help him make breakfast on Monday morning.  As he & I made breakfast, I shared my testimony & the reasons why I do not want to continue in the normal method of learning.  I expressed to him my desire to learn one on one in a situation where I will be able to use what I learn on a day to day basis.  My prayers of Sunday night were answered as Bill gave me an invitation to come to Miami & study.  There are sections of Miami that are literally mini-versions of countries.  In fact, the apartment we stayed at was in the middle of Little Havana.  The plane trip from Miami to Montego Bay took about an hour & twenty minutes.  Cuba looks very boring from the air.  A bus took as from Montego Bay to Runaway Bay where we stayed the night at Sunflower Villas.  Ken Snider arrived & took us to Ocho Rios to eat dinner at Shakey’s.  Cheri & I had a sharing & fellowship time Oceanside with lightning in the distance and the waves crashing against the rocks by our feet.  As I headed towards my villa, I saw one of the security guards & I was going to go talk with him until I saw another one.  After brushing my teeth, I went back out to share the Good News.  Out of a conversation between me & Clive, there were soon six other guys who were hearing what Jesus means to us.  I say us because eventually Andy & Ben joined in.  About an hour after the initial contact, I went to get the girls.  Fifteen minutes later I got Travis.  Travis & I woke up Ken to get some tracts & he looked delighted to see us.  All told, I spent around three hours with my new friends.  On Tuesday we went to Dunn River Falls & had a great time in the water.  Ben & I left the tour guide & the chain of people & went straight up the most difficult gorges we could find.  Even the guide said we were crazy to climb up the spots that we chose.  Of course we were barefooted.  We had fifteen minutes to spend at the market in Ocho Rios but it took me over thirty minutes to do all that I had to do.  We stuffed all our things into Ken’s vehicle & began our trip to Bethany Manse.  The countryside is similar to El Salvador but has its own very unique characteristics.  A lot of the people call us whities.  The view from Bethany Manse is simply awesome.  When we left to go to the houses we are staying at we left Andy or forgot him because he had ants in his pants.  Hasta luego.  Yeh Man.  Irie.

May 17^th, 1991  8:08 AM  Friday

On Wednesday May 15^th, Mr. Hyman drove Andy & me from his house to Bethany Manse.  We worked on crafts in the morning & finally had some free time to relax & let everything we have done & experienced soak in.  That night we had a service at Devon Missionary Church.  Andy gave his testimony(which is not really about him.)  I was filled with joy at hearing praises from the Jamaicans .  Yesterday was filled with plenty of exercise.  We walked from the Hyman’s to Bethany Manse.  Made wristbands in the morning followed by planning Bible studies for next week.  We then took a long walk to Devon school to invite the children to the service at 6:30 PM.  Ben & Shawnea tried to play cricket but instead got a lot of laughs out of the children & myself.  We handed out the “Wonderful Words of Life” there & on the way back to Bethany Manse.  We then ate lunch which included Red Snapper.  After lunch, we went to visit Bethany school & teacher Smith rounded up the children for an assembly.  The kids sang some songs, one being the Jamaican National Anthem.  All of us but Andy sat overlooking the valley & sang songs.  We decided to sing “Open Our Eyes Lord” at the service.  Ben, Shawnea & I wrote two more verses.  Many children from Devon school came to the service.  Dancy & I walked back to Bethany Manse.

May 20^th, 1991  7:47 AM  Monday

On Friday, we went to visit the New Vision Children’s Home.  Before we helped them make leather name tags, I gave my testimony in story form.  During our short stay there, God rekindled my desire to someday be a house parent.  Brother Benson invited me to come down & spend some time working with him.  There are doors being opened to me now like I have never experienced before.  This has happened because I have finally given up all my wants in order to do whatever God’s will for me is.  The service at Devon on Friday night was very good.  The youth choir from Bethany sang five songs & sounded beautiful.  On Saturday, we went to Discovery Bay with about forty of the youth from Ken’s three churches Bethany, Mile Gully, & Top Hill.  It was a wonderful day with scattered clouds, a cool breeze, refreshing clear water, white sandy beaches & young people filled with joy & enthusiasm.  I swam for about an hour & played keep away for about three.  Sunday’s church service lasted almost four hours.  We quickly ate lunch & had a youth meeting & service that lasted until 9:00 PM.  Mr. Benson brought a movie & some of the children from the home.  Everything is irie.  Yeh man.

May 20^th, 1991  8:58 PM  Monday

The walk up to Bethany Manse this morning was much cooler than yesterday.  We gave a devotion at Bethany school before breakfast & will do the same tomorrow & Wednesday.  It rained off & on all day long.  At times it rained so hard I thought we might wash away.  After breakfast, we bagged up beans, flour, & rice for the poor people of this area.  We had eight one hundred pound bags that Ken got on a trip to Kingston last week.  We returned to the school after lunch to lead a Bible study & make crafts.  It was quite an experience to keep a few hundred kids calm.  The service tonight was very small but quite effective.  Pastor Gary from Assembly of God in Christiana was the preacher & gave a well needed sermon on giving all to Jesus & trusting Him even when it does not look like He is working.  I had a chance to talk to a couple of girls who say they are working at becoming Christians.  I asked them to come to tomorrow’s service & told them to arrive early so we could talk.  They want to sit with me.  Lord, please give me the right words & fill me with a spirit like that of Jesus.

May 21^st, 1991  8:48 PM  Tuesday

Tonight my joy & happiness has momentarily been turned into sadness because of my apparent unsuccessful attempt at being able to share with Shawna & Donna.  They arrived late, so the pew I was sitting in was already full.  They still showed some interest after the service but Shawna’s grandmother had to leave only three minutes into my conversation with them.  I need to focus more on God & His plan instead of my own.  I get so excited when things happen but fail to keep my spirits high when events move slower than I would like.  God, please grant me peace & happiness no matter what the circumstances.  This morning, Andy & I walked up to the school during a light rain.  We played cricket for a few minutes before we continued on to the Manse.  It has rained for two days straight with several downpours.  Paul, Cheri & Travis went down to the school to work on crafts.  I had time before dinner to work on some crafts for Ricky & Tena from the New Vision Children’s Home.  On Sunday, I had my picture taken with Tena.  I hope & pray that I get a chance to visit the Home again.  May God bless our last week here in Jamaica.

May 23^rd, 1991  8:00 AM  Thursday

Praise God!  Yesterday was one of the most exciting days of the trip.  The rain continued until sunrise.  This caused teacher Smith to cancel school due to low attendance.  Andy, Dancy, Shawnea, Stacy, & I went to Greenville to pass out food & tell about the good news of Jesus Christ.  I talked to Ricky even though he had told Dancy that he did not want to see anyone.  I chatted with him for at least forty-five minutes.  He can not read so I told him I would try to send him the Bible on cassette.  I enjoyed the walk back as I took pictures of flowers & the kids playing in the mud.  The service last night was the best yet, as many of my prayers were answered.  I had a nice conversation with Elsa before the service.  Then to my surprise, she told me brother Benson had just arrived.  I hurried outside & have hugs to all my little friends.  I was especially happy to see Tena so I could give her a bracelet I had made for her.  I also showed her the name tag which is almost finished.  We sat together & enjoyed watching God’s Holy Spirit work in many lives.  Of the many people who came forward to pray were Shawna & Donna.  May I never again judge how the Spirit will move.  Prayer does change lives.  (Jillian, Kevon, Omar, Chris, Ricardo)

May 24^th, 1991  7:47 AM  Friday

Yesterday was a glorious day here in Jamaica.  Scattered clouds and a cool breeze made being outside very enjoyable.  After breakfast, Cheri, Shawnea, Travis, & I took food & New Testaments to some children who are interested in joining the church.  I had the pleasure of meeting with Kerian.  On the way back to Bethany Manse, some girls who go to the Church of God asked me to take their picture.  I obliged & then told them about myself & the love God has for them.  They told me they would try to make tonight’s service.  In the afternoon, we attended a funeral which was very uplifting.  The service last night was very powerful.  The Bethany Youth Choir sang some songs & I again gave my testimony.  I read some verses from the book of Isaiah & the two preachers who followed me made mention of the same passages.  I seem to be feeling more comfortable with the people & have told many of them what a glorious day it will be when we are all together in heaven.  Ricky was at the service & I pray that God will touch his heart.  I finally got a picture wit Jillian & Violet.

May 25^th, 1991  8:08 AM  Saturday

The days here in Jamaica get better & better each & every day.  Katherine, Millie, Shawnea, Stacey, & I went to Christiana, Mandeville, & Mile Gully.  The market was packed & included the meat section with every part imaginable in plain view.  It was a very long day as we returned to Bethany Manse at 3:30 PM.  Laverne fixed us our lunch & I ate until I could eat no more.  I went over to the church early to spend time with my many new friends.  My ability to be accepted by so many people is due to the Holy Spirit living & acting in my body the same way Jesus would.  I took a walk before the service with some of the youth choir.  We strolled down the road to the Shoppe running into Gary on the way.  After returning to the Manse, I had a long chat with Gary & I hope & pray that he will hear God’s voice speak to him.  I again sat with the choir during the service.  The girls I had met on Thursday did make it to the service & I had a very emotional conversation with one of them.  I am to visit her & her family after breakfast.  May God continue to use such an unworthy soul as I to proclaim His Holy Word!

May 26^th, 1991  Sunday

It is now Sunday which means we have only three more days here at Bethany Manse.  Time does fly when you are having fun.  My visit with Narda Palmer & her family was very interesting.  I went with her to the Church of God to meet her father.  On the way back, I had an opportunity to share with Eugent who is an older man with a drinking problem.  May the Lord open his heart to the love & peace that Jesus has to offer.  Saturday afternoon was spent with the Bethany & Top Hill youth.  We started the day with a Love Feast.  Other events included crafts, Bible study, & recreation which were led by Andy, Shawnea, & me.  I was more of the photographer early than I was game leader.  There were about eighty-five children who participated.  Life here in Jamaica seems relatively simple but in fact is very complicated in the family.  Out of all the youth here yesterday, Ken told me that only one family all attend church.  May God work in the lives of the youth to show their families the need of being in the much larger & more important family of God.  As I write, I look out the dining room window, across the valley I see another church on top of a hill.  May God use these churches to spread the saving grace of Jesus to the people.

May 27^th, 1991  9:26 AM  Monday

We have just returned from leading a devotional at Bethany school.  Yesterday was a long & productive day.  Stacey, Travis, & I were the teachers for ages eight thru twelve.  At the morning service, I read the Scripture reading which was 1 Corinthians 13.  After the service, many of the members came forward to rededicate themselves to Jesus Christ.  For lunch we went to Elaine Shields’ house in Mile Gully.  There were at least fifty people with plenty of food to spare.  Tonight we are to eat dinner  at Rocky Shields’ house in Mandeville.  We returned to the Manse around 6:00 PM.  This gave me some time to spend with the children.  At the service last night, the movie “A Cry from the Mountain” was shown.  It stressed the importance of having Jesus Christ in your life in order to have a successful family.  Several people came forward to admit to God how much they need Him in control.  In fact, I had the joy of talking to Ricky’s wife Beryil.  She apologized to me for not speaking to me the day I met Ricky.  We prayed together & God sent me His peace for my part in proclaiming His Word.  God, please continue to grant me the peace & joy I receive from You by following Your will & not my own selfish motives.

May 28^th, 1991  10:30 AM  Tuesday

Devotions at Bethany school were very emotional this morning.  Tears came to my eyes as I said farewell to all the children.  Lord, keep those who believe strong & those who don’t, send Your Spirit to enter into each & every one of them.  Yesterday, we cleared some rocks off the road which had fallen down the hill.  Andy, Ben, Travis, & I played baseball before lunch with lots of blood shed on my part.  We returned to the school to finish the leather wrist bands after lunch.  It was quite an experience to stain a few hundred bands.  I asked Jello to sing a duet with me.  We practiced for a few minutes & will sing “Father I Adore You” in both English & Spanish at tonight’s service.  We had dinner at Rocky Shield’s house.  He has one of the most beautiful homes I have ever seen.  On the way there & back, Shawnea sat on one knee & Cheri on the other.  Sadness & happiness are intertwined in my whole being.  My sadness includes this being our last day here in the mountains of Jamaica.  An even deeper sorrow is for those who still do not believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins so they might have eternal life.  My joy is from God who has blessed me with an inner peace that is as calm as this majestic countryside.

May 29^th, 1991  7:57 AM  Wednesday

Mr. Hyman just drove Andy & me up to Bethany Manse.  Yesterday was our last full day here in the mountains.  After lunch, a few of us walked to the crossroads to catch a taxi.  We went to visit the Children’s Home & I had the opportunity to play soccer with the children as well as talk to Brother Benson.  Several of the children rode with us back to the Manse.  I am really going to miss all of my many new friends.  The service last night was filled with many great songs.  Even some of the Jamaicans have caught on to my style of dancing.  I wish we would have kept going all night long.  My tears were all shed at school in the morning which enabled me to be happy on our last night.  Shelly, who goes to Bethany school, accepted Christ last night.  May God continue to work in the lives of those we have had contact with.  I pray that His Spirit will fill those who believe with a desire to tell others about the “Wonderful Words of Life.”  My lack of sustained sadness might be due to the fact that I will return very soon to Jamaica.  May God prepare me for what lies ahead & continue to reveal to me His will.  I have deep feelings for the people of this Island & know that God will use the experiences I have had here to further the expansion of His glorious Kingdom.

Tuesday July 16^th, 1991  7:17 AM

It has been quite a long time since I last wrote.  I have been working at Grace Presbyterian church for a month & a half.  Besides going to Peg’s wedding last weekend, I had an opportunity to spend time with both Peg & Paul a couple of weeks before their wedding.  I am presently sitting at a picnic table in Henry Horton State Park.  We are here with nine girls & eight boys.  In the past, I have been unhappy about where I am because of my longing to be a missionary overseas.  I have been trying very hard to be joyful wherever I may be.  Instead of feeling depressed about not being where I would like to be, I have been trying to make the most of the time that I have for learning more about God & His plan for my life.  I have been spending a large portion of my money to acquire books that are helping me to become a better servant of God.  I am hopeful that by the end of August I will have an extensive library with a wide variety of topics & issues.  I have followed up on the opportunity to work at the New Vision Children’s Home in Jamaica.  I really hope to return to Jamaica but I have faith that whatever is God’s will for me, I will accept it & do my best to glorify His name.

Wednesday July 17^th, 1991  7:15 AM

Surrendering all to Jesus is definitely more than a one time thing.  It is even more than a once a day thing.  It seems like I am in a continuous battle between the Spirit of Jesus which is inside me & the flesh.  Until I release hold of my desires & anxieties, I will not enjoy the joy & peace of God that is available to all of us.  Lord, I want to love You & trust You more & more each day.  The words of Daniel J. Iverson should be dwelled on.

“Spirit of the Living God”

Spirit of the living God; fall afresh on me.

Spirit of the living God; fall afresh on me.

Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.

Spirit of the living God; fall afresh on me.

We are in a constant process of surrendering our wills to that of a higher calling, the expansion & betterment of God’s glorious Kingdom.  Every minute of every day, we have to make a choice as to who we are gong to serve.  Are we going to serve the world & try to satisfy our sensual desires?  Are we going to serve God & put Him in front of all else?  I choose to serve God & deny myself of the temporary satisfaction that is readily available in this country.  My life, when I am living with the Holy Spirit as my guide, is one of excitement, adventure, & challenges.  Praise the Lord! 

"Above All" by Michael W. Smith

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