2025 December Travel Blog

On November 23, 2025 Harold and I loaded up the car and headed south toward Galveston, Texas for a one night hotel stay, to board a 10-Day cruise the following morning. This was a last minute booking which we just booked a few days earlier and our first trip on the Carnival Legend. So this month I decided to write about our trip and to do it in a daily travel blog + faith format in lieu of my regular monthly blog. Travel has long been a part of my life with my 30+ years in the airport/airline industry as well as the 20+ years my husband and I worked together in the RV business. Sharing my faith all along the way has been a part of my life since the late 1980s.

Our Itinerary:

Galveston – Monday
Fun Day at Sea – Tuesday
Cozumel, Mexico – Wednesday
Belize City, Belize – Thursday
Mahogany Bay, Roatan Honduras – Friday
Fun Day at Sea – Saturday
Ocho Rios, Jamaica – Sunday
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – Monday
Fun Day at Sea – Tuesday
Fun Day at Sea – Wednesday
Galveston – Thursday

Sunday, November 23, 2024: Car drive to Galveston, Texas.

Bible Study: Amos 3

Devotional: “Let it Shine” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “Ye are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14 (KJV)

Our drive was under clouds most of the way with only a few sprinkles here and there. We stopped at the Buc-ee’s in Madisonville, Texas for fuel but encountered a fuel pump problem and the inside was so crowded that the line to the ladies restroom was winding around to the drink dispenser! So we decided just to go across the street to the Shell gas station, and I’m glad we did. Sometimes little inconveniences and detours lead to unexpected blessings. It was here I gave the cashier a British Invasion Million Dollar Bill. This bill has a photo of the Beatles on the front and the gospel message on the back and a link referral to NeedGod.com and LivingWaters.com for more information. I got a thousand of these (actually by mistake as I didn’t mean to order this many) in October for a planned trip to see Paul McCartney in concert in San Antonio. I had a bunch left over so I’ve been passing them out ever since, and everywhere I go, including our October trip out to Phoenix and back. I’ve been getting my gospel sharing tools over the past several years from Living Waters Ministries. I have other bills made by Living Waters but I really like the British Invasion Million Dollar Bills because I think they draw more reactions. Or, maybe it’s because I’m old enough to remember the Beatles when they first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show back in 1964 plus I really liked their early songs. Anyway, this particular young girl was so excited to receive it she thanked me a couple of times. She told me that she’d like to give it to her dad and so I gave her another one. It made my heart smile; it was so encouraging to see her receive it with such joy. It actually set the tone for the rest of our trip. When we got to Galveston Island we stopped at a KFC to get a couple of chicken dinners to-go and gave a British Invasion Million Dollar Bill to the lady at the pickup window. Just a smile and a thank you but you never know what a simple sharing of the gospel message will do in a persons heart. From there we drove to our hotel which was only a few minutes away. The Seabreeze Hotel is a newly constructed hotel and it was only $98 for a one night stay. It’s a nice, clean, and new hotel that’s located just a block from the Galveston Boardwalk. It’s so close to the cruise terminal we could see our ship from our hotel window! In the early evening I walked over to enjoy the ocean up close and take some photos while Harold watched a football game on TV.

Day 1, Monday, November 24: Embarkation

Bible Study: Amos 4

Daily Devotional: “The Same Message” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “We should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Titus 3:1 (KJV)

The hotel breakfast was pretty good. It included sausage and scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, muffins, dry cereal, oatmeal, and waffles. I left two British Invasion Million Dollar Bills inside the room Bible and one for the maid along with her tip. This has been one of the various ways I’ve shared the gospel in the past, but since the Paul McCartney concert in October I determined in my heart that I would try to share them more intentionally by interacting with people instead of just leaving them here and there for people to find. We left the hotel at 11:00 a.m. and drove over to Lot B Parking which only took about five minutes. We tipped the bag porter and included a British Invasion Million Dollar Bill. Once onboard the ship we dropped off our carry-on bags in our cabin and proceeded to the buffet for a salad lunch. After our cabin was ready we did an old fashioned outdoor muster station drill for 30 minutes although it seemed a lot longer. A lot of people were noticeably annoyed which I suspect was because in the past few years the muster drill has been accomplished within a couple of minutes by just stopping by your muster station, showing your boarding pass, and agreeing to watch the muster station drill information on your cabin TV. After this muster drill was over we walked around the ship for a while to get familiar with our new surroundings and then we went back to our cabin to rest. We got in a nice afternoon nap, watched some TV, and then went to the PG comedy show at 6:30 p.m. Our scheduled dinner time was at 7:30 p.m., which is a lot latter than what we usually choose but the “Early Dine” and the “Your Time Dining” was sold out by the time we booked this last minute cruise, so we didn’t really have a choice. We met our dinner partners, Gloria and Harold, in the Truffles Restaurant tonight. After dinner we located the Pixels area and bought our embarkation photo and then went to the 9:30 p.m. Welcome Aboard show in the Follies main Lounge. I hid 2 ducks (from Lunmon at Amazon with faith statements such as “Jesus Loves You”) + Ten Commandments Coins (from Living Waters Ministries) this evening on our way back to our cabin for the night.

Day 2, Tuesday, November 25: Sea Day

Bible Study: Amos 5

Devotional: “Do it Heartily” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily.” Colossians 3:23 (KJV)

We went to the Sea Day Breakfast at the Truffles restaurant and within a couple of minutes of being seated, we were given two tiny Jesus figures by the couple seated next to us, and I responded by giving them two British Invasion Million Dollar Bills, to which they seemed pleasantly surprised to receive. We didn’t get to talk with them very much during breakfast as he was very busy working on his laptop and she was helping him. I do have to say, while I appreciate the intentions of those who pass out or hide tiny Jesus figures on cruise ships, I don’t particularly like this as an evangelism tool. Simply put, I think it’s disrespectful of the glory and honor we should have for Christ, but that’s just my opinion. After breakfast we went to the Lido Deck to get some steps in and to see the ocean views. We then got two sandwiches to-go to take back to our cabin for our afternoon lunch. I spent some time working on this month’s blog, “Let’s Make a Deal” and then we watched the Family Feud Auditions in the Follies theatre on Deck 4 near our cabin. After a short afternoon nap we dressed for formal night (actually less formal for us) and we had pictures taken, went to watch the karaoke singers in the Red Frog Pub, and then headed off to dinner in the Truffles restaurant. This evening we met two new dinner partners, Diana and Michael Burke, which was good as Harold and Gloria were a no-show this evening. After dinner I hid one British Invasion Million Dollar Bill on the way to the Truffle Lounge to watch the Playlist Production called 1970’s NYC. When we got back to our cabin around 10:00 p.m. we learned that our Cozumel Excursion scheduled for tomorrow was cancelled due to low booking count. We were a little disappointed but there was nothing we could do about it at this late hour. Whenever I’m a little disappointed about something I try to think on the bright side as there’s really always something to be grateful for. In our case, I decided I was grateful that we didn’t have to set the alarm to get up tomorrow! Interestingly this ties in nicely with tomorrow’s devotional title. Note: Our current daily devotional is titled, Count Your Blessings and Stop Stressing” by Ray Comfort 2024 Edition.

Day 3, Wednesday, November 26: Cozumel, Mexico

Bible study: Amos 6

Daily Devotional: “Silencing the Alarm” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “God is greater than our heart.” 1 John 3:20 (KJV)

Wednesday Wisdom: “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

We had a one hour time change forward this morning in Cozumel which worked out really good because I didn’t sleep well last night so I ready appreciated that in addition to not having to onshore at any particular time since our excursion was cancelled. I hid a duck + Ten Commandments Coin on a hallway telephone on our way to breakfast in the buffet. We got off the ship around 11:30 a.m. and walked around the port shops, took a some photos, and then headed back to get on the ship. I gave away one British Invasion Million Dollar Bill to a man who offered to take our photo together. We caught a ride on bike taxi and got a funny photo of me pedaling the bike taxi with Harold as my passenger! I gave a British Invasion Million Dollar Bill to our bike taxi driver along with his tip. I then talked with a man from Germany who was standing outside of a ship, Meinschiff, that was docked across from our ship. He spoke good English and I gave him and another man, who was standing behind him, two British Invasion Million Dollar Bills, which they both received with huge smiles. We then sat down outside of our ship to rest a minute and I struck up a quick little convo with an older lady who was sitting there with her elderly brother in a wheelchair. I said I was thankful for a cool glass of water and a place to sit in the shade to which she replied, “Amen.” Our convo turned into a mini praise session about the goodness of God and then it took on more depth as she secretly motioned to me, by pointing to her brother while hiding her pointing finger with her other hand, stating that “Not everyone believes in Jesus,” I wondered if he overheard some of our conversation, but didn’t know. At this point we got up and started back onto the ship. I wondered if I should have tried to engage him in a faith convo but I was hesitant. He was avoiding looking towards me. I think the sister was actually wanting me to pray for him so later I prayed for him and I also asked God to give me more discernment and to help me be more bold. Back on board the ship I hid one British Invasion Million Dollar Bill on a little shelf on a craps table and gave one away to a lady who was searching for ducks in the military lounge. We ate a light lunch in the buffet and then rested in our cabin before it was time to get ready for dinner. We went to the PG comedy show and then to the Truffles restaurant and had a nice dinner with Michael and Diana. We then went to the 9:30 p.m. Michael Wordly Viva Variety Show in the Follies Lounge. It was really an enjoyable show. He had a great voice and a nice background story about his grandmother who helped him get voice lessons after he found out he had a heart murmur when he was young. He had to stop playing football, which was something he really loved, but she helped him find something else to love and to do, that eventually led to being his career.

Day 4, Thursday, November 27: Belize City, Belize

Thanksgiving Day

Bible Study: Amos 7

Daily Devotional: “Heaven’s Reality” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “I go and prepare a place for you.” John 14:3

We had breakfast in the Truffles restaurant and Harold gave away one tiny pink duck to a little girl at a nearby table. We grabbed an umbrella (it was raining earlier) and headed to the meeting place for our excursion in the Follies Lounge. We proceeded to the tender boat that took us to the Belize City Port Terminal 2A after a smooth 15 minute ride. We boarded our excursion wildlife cruise boat and spent two hours on the water. We saw crocodiles, a turtles, a monkey, a bunch of iguanas, and an egret. On our return tender boat it started to rain. As I was getting out a British Invasion Million Dollar Bills to put with our tip and the lady across from us asked me what it was so I gave her and her husband two of them. That led to me giving some to the ladies sitting next to them, and so on as I sent a handful to the people behind us which they passed on as well. In total I passed out around 30 British Invasion Million Dollar Bills today to the passengers, a boat worker, and also a bathroom attendant, along with a tip. Back onboard the ship we had a salad for lunch and one cookie each. (Watching our calories!) After our afternoon nap we got ready for dinner and stopped to get photos together before dinner as it was Elegant Night. When we got to the Truffles restaurant we were happy to see Michael and Diana and our other dinner partners, Harold and Gloria, as they hadn’t been to dinner since Monday. We ordered a traditional Thanksgiving meal and I got the waiter to take a photo of our table afterwards. We ended the night by seeing part of the Rock show in the Follies Lounge. I didn’t care for this show so we left after a couple of songs. I hid one duck + 10 Commandments Coin on the way back to our cabin.

Day 5, Friday, November 28: Mahogany Bay, Roatán Honduras

Bible Study: Amos 8

Daily Devotional: “A Good Sleep” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse “He gives to his beloved sleep” Psalm 127:2 (Amen, as I sometimes suffer from insomnia but had a good nights sleep last night!)

After our breakfast at the Truffles restaurant, we disembarked to get on our excursion which was all about Monkeys, Sloths, Iguanas, Macaws! To begin with, the funniest thing was the tour van! It was made in Japan for tiny people! The aisle was so narrow! We all cracked up laughing as everyone, one by one, wrestled to get by the seats. Harold is such a good sport; he let me take a funny movie of him struggling to get by the seats, and he even let me post it on Facebook. The actual excursion and all animals and birds was very enjoyable and fun. I got photos with an iguana on my shoulder and a macaw on my head. We also shopped at a Chocolate factory store. We passed out around 12 British Invasion Million Dollar Bills at this little shopping center and also gave one to our bus driver and our tour guide along with their tips. On the return bus trip the tour guide began singing Christian songs at random and many of us joined in to sing with her on the ones she sang in English. It was a sweet surprise and a highlight of this trip that I will not soon forget. Back on board we ate dinner at the Truffles restaurant and watched the Family Feud Live Show. I hid one duck + 10 Commandments Coin on the way back to our cabin.

Day 6, Saturday, November 29: Sea Day

Bible Study: Amos 9

Daily Devotional: “Faithful Prayer” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “She coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” Luke 2:38 (KJV)

Breakfast at Truffles restaurant. After breakfast we went to the Beatles “Guess that Song” trivia contest and I passed out around 45 British Invasion Million Dollar Bills! Knowing that the people who were there were very likely Beatles fans made it seem so easy to walk around handing the bills to them. After I left, I was so encouraged when I walked by teenage girl who was reading the back of her bill out loud to a group of her friends. It was so sweet to see them listening to her as she was reading the gospel message out loud, and with a smile on her face. After lunch I signed up to join the ship’s FB group after running into the “Mrs Ropers” and “Stanley Ropers” (Three’s Company TV show) bunch. I got some photos of them and posted them on the ship’s FB group page. Back at the cabin, Harold took a nap while I finished writing and publishing my November blog, The Other Side of the Door. After dinner at the Truffles restaurant, I hid one faith duck + 10 Commandments Coin and we went to bed early.

Day 7, Sunday, November 30: Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Bible Study: Obadiah 1

Daily Devotional: “Seal my Heart” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will do them good and not turn away from them; and I will put in their heart a fear and reverential awe of me, so that they will not turn away from me.” Jeremiah 32:40 (AMP)

We had a leisurely breakfast in the buffet as our debark time was delayed about an hour. The captain wanted to first offload the relief supplies they were delivering due to Hurricane Melissa damage to the island in October. We were understanding of the delay and glad that Carnival was doing this. As a result the captain extended our stay by one hour as a courtesy due to the debarking delay. Although we’ve been to Jamaica before, this was our first visit to the port of Ocho Rios. We got off the ship and headed to our excursion meeting point and boarded a bus which dropped us off just a few minutes away at Mystic Mountain Escape. In order to get up to Mystic Mountain you have to travel up the mountain on a sky lift. Our stomach’s were a little queasy as we rode up the mountain on the Sky Explorer. Not that we’d never been on a sky lift, it was because it was so old and it went up so high! Once we got there we were glad to be on solid ground! We enjoyed the beautiful views and walking through the cave. A hummingbird buzzed right by me in the hummingbird garden but it was too quick for me to get a photo of it. The return trip down the mountain was not as harrowing as the trip up the mountain because it rode closer to the ground. I gave out five British Invasion Million Dollar Bills with tips to five of the workers on thiis excursion. Back at the cruise port, Harold bought a $10 Jamaica ball cap and we ate a light lunch once we got back onboard. Afterwards I hid one duck + 10 Commandments Coin on our way back to our cabin. We ate dinner in the Truffles dining room with Diana and Michael and headed back to our cabin after dinner. When we returned to our cabin we found a notice that our Glass Bottom Boat excursion for tomorrow at 9:45 a.m. had been cancelled. This time they rebooked us on the 8:15 a.m. excursion but we decided to return our tickets to Guest Services and request a refund as we prefer not having to rush in the morning to get on an early excursion.

Day 8, Monday, December 1: Grand Cayman, The Cayman Islands

Bible Study: Jonah 1

Daily Devotional: “Blessed Patience” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “We count them happy which endure.” James 5:11 (KJV)

After breakfast in the buffet, we took the water shuttle over to the Port of Grand Cayman. I shopped for a magnet and found one I liked for only $7. We walked around the shopping area a bit but returned after only a short time because Harold’s stomach was getting upset. Thinking about our canceled excursion at this point made us thankful that it was cancelled. Back on board we took an afternoon nap and then went to the Shore Excursion Desk to verify our refund for today’s cancelled excursion. I ironed Harold’s blue tropical cotton shirt to coordinate with my blue top I was planning to wear tonight. We got photos taken with the ship’s photographers and proceeded to the Truffles restaurant for dinner. We ate alone tonight but had a nice night anyway. Our waiter spent more time talking with us and he made a “swan” out of a napkin in a water glass for me and we got a photo together with it. After dinner we watched Guess that Groove in the Follies Lounge and also Deal or No Deal. I hid one duck + 10 Commandments Coin on the ship and gave away 2 British Invasion Million Dollar Bills today in Grand Cayman, and one to a cashier on the ship when I was getting change.

Day 9, Tuesday, December 2: Sea Day

Bible Study: Jonah 2

Daily Devotional: “ The Light of the Bible” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet.” Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

A leisurely Sea Day breakfast at the Truffles restaurant this morning and then we went to the Platinum Diamond Reunion in the Follies Lounge. After it was over, a girl, probably in her mid 20s, came up to me to thank me for giving her a British Invasion Million Dollar Bill at the Beatles Song Trivia game the other day. We spoke for a short while about the Living Waters Ministry and Ray Comfort. I mentioned how I like how he asks people if they’re a good person and how so many say, “Yes,” because they think they are, until Ray starts asking if they’ve ever told a lie, ever stolen anything, ever taken the Lord’s name in vain, etc. Explaining that is when they start to realize that they’re not actually a good person. She smiled and nodded yes, and told me she had read the back of the (British Invasion Million Dollar) bill and agreed with what it said. She then mentioned how traveling and seeing the beauty of God’s creation was especially inspirational to her. I told her that God’s creation was God’s general revelation of his existence, and that it alone should be enough to make people realize that God is the creator of everything. I said “all of God’s creation attests of his glory” and that “man has no excuse” concerning understanding that just seeing all of what God has created proves that there is a creator. She was again in agreement with what I was saying. After we were done talking and as she was walking away I then wondered then if I had should have actually gone through the “Good Person” questions with her instead of talking about it. I was assuming she was a Christian. I prayed that if I wrongly assumed she was a Christian that hopefully at least a seed was planted. We had dinner in the Truffles restaurant with our dinner partners Michael and Diana and then went to bed early after I hid one duck + Ten Commandments Coin.

Day 10, Wednesday, December 3: Sea Day

Bible Study: Jonah 3-4

Daily Devotional: “He Knows His Own” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “The Lord knows those who are his.” 2 Timothy 2:19

Wednesday Wisdom: “The fear of mankind is a snare, but the one who trusts in the LORD is protected.” Proverbs 29:25

Our last Sea Day on the ship we had a late breakfast at the Truffles restaurant and then an afternoon nap. I selected our digital debark time of 9:30 a.m, for tomorrow debarkation. As Carnival Platinum cruisers we’re eligible to take the earliest time slots but we prefer the very last time slot as it gives us more time in the morning. We had our last dinner in the Truffles restaurant with Michael and Diana who we really enjoyed getting to know on this cruise. I exchanged FB contact info with Diana and we connected within a couple of days. We went this evening to the Playlist Production, Flick, with intention of only watching it just a few minutes as we’ve seen it before, but soon after it started it had a production problem and they cancelled the rest of the show anyway. So our last evening on the ship was another early evening for us, after hiding one duck + Ten Commandments Coin.

Day 11, Thursday, December 4: Disembark Day

Bible Study: Micah 1

Daily Devotional: Godless Traditions, “[Make] the word of God of no effect through your tradition.” Mark 7:13

We had breakfast at the buffet at 8:30 a.m. and were off the ship by 9:30 a.m. We gave away two British Invasion Million Dollar Bills to the bus driver and bag porter along with their tips. We stopped twice on our way home and I left a British Invasion Million Dollar Bill at both places. We got home around 3:15 p.m. and we were both tired but decided to go watch our 7th grade grandson play a 5:00 p.m. basketball game that was about an hour away from our house. After the game we were glad to get home, and thankful for a wonderful cruise, the joy of having more intentional interactions with people, and for another safe trip home.

The Other Side of the Door

As I’ve mentioned in my earlier writings, I watched a lot of TV when I was young. One of my favorite game shows was Let’s Make a Deal which first aired back in 1963, staring Monte Hall. Initially the contestants wore street clothes but within a short time people began wearing costumes to try to increase their chances of getting picked as a contestant. Monte would often start off with giving a contestant cash or a prize as they answered questions and/or as they would win a game. The catch was that after they had been given cash or a prize he would then offer them a deal to trade it for another prize, which was an unknown prize. Making a deal for an unknown prize was what this show was known for. The prizes were hidden in envelopes, boxes, or behind a curtain, but were most famously known for being behind a door. Sometimes the prizes were actually a gag, aka a “Zonk.” The contestants always hoped they’d make the right choice, but of course, and as life would have it, sometimes they made the wrong choice.

At the end of the show The “Big Deal of the Day” was offered to the top two winners. These two contestants were given the choice to pick one of three doors: Door #1, Door #2, or Door #3.

In December of 2016, two of my daughters and I were audience members on the Let’s Make a Deal game show in Los Angeles. Michelle was a Minion, Mackenzie was a Tourist, and I was a Cheerleader.

We didn’t get picked as contestants, but it was fun being in the audience, and we were in several of the background camera shots. Wayne Brady, who began hosting it in 2009, was the host of our Lets’s Make a Deal taping and as of this writing, he still is.

Monte Hall, the original host was also a co-creator of the original show. He was affiliated with future Let’s Make a Deal shows in various capacities, including several guest appearances on Let’s Make a Deal with Wayne Brady. Monte Hall passed away on September 2017, at age 96.

So, as I often do, I write about my past experiences through the lens of life in Christ.

As a Christian I know that one day, in God’s perfect timing, I will pass from this life into the next, into eternity with Christ. I don’t have to fret or worry about what’s on the other side of the door. My eternity is not unknown. My eternity is not a guessing game. My eternity is in Christ. Jesus paid the price. He took the punishment that I deserved and took my place. The day that I repented of my sin and trusted in Him and His sacrificial death on the cross on my behalf, I became a child of God.

If you haven’t already done so yet, you too can know what’s on the other side of your door by repenting of your sins and placing your faith and trust in Jesus Christ today.

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9-10

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”Revelation 3:20

This is the Day

It’s that time of year again; Halloween. Boo!

Fall is my favorite time of year. The temperatures drop, the air is crisp, and the beautiful season of red, orange and yellow colors emerge from trees, each leaf declaring the glory of God. The season also includes Halloween. I have a lifetime of memories surrounding this cultural and now perhaps controversial holiday within the Christian community.

In my childhood my brothers and I would dress up in homemade costumes and walk around our neighborhood getting candy!

In my teens and early 20’s I’d go to Halloween parties and haunted houses with friends; screaming and running out as fast as we could!

As a mother in my late 20’s and early 30’s I’d buy cute costumes for our two daughters and walk them around the neighborhood to get Halloween candy.

As a mother of three daughters in my early 40’s our pre-teen and teenage daughters would typically dress up and go to Halloween parties with friends. Our young daughter would dress up in a cute costume and we’d take her to church fall festivals for games and candy.

As a grandmother in my 50’s and 60’s I’d take photos of the grandkids dressed up in their costumes, pass out candy and gospel tracts to the neighborhood kids, take them to church fall festivals, and help with our church’s “Trunk or Treat” programs. I also made the mistake of agreeing to take a group of our youngest daughter’s friends to a haunted house. I immediately regretted it. It was sponsored by group of local firemen and I mistakenly assumed it wouldn’t be too scary. I hadn’t been to a haunted house for many years, have not been to any since, and don’t plan to go to any in the future.

The one time I can remember wearing a costume for Halloween as an adult was recently in October of 2023 when Harold and I were on a 14-day Carnival cruise. He wore his Peyton Manning Indianapolis Colts Jersey and I wore a makeshift Indianapolis Colts cheerleader outfit. It was fun for both of us! I think especially for me, as I always wanted to be a cheerleader when I was young.

Now at age 71 and reflecting back over the years, I remember when I was first convicted that Halloween was not just all fun, candy and games. I was in my mid 30’s and had recently experienced a remarkable growth in my personal walk with the Lord. It was like a light had been turned on in my head; all of a sudden I started wondering about the dark side of Halloween. We were living in Brandon, Florida at the time; new to the area and attending Providence Baptist Church. I asked a couple of the ladies in my Sunday School class if their kids went “Trick or Treating” and they replied, “Of course.” I resolved to ease up on my negative thoughts about Halloween. I let the girls pick out some Halloween costumes, as we had always done in the past, so they could go “Trick or Treating” in our neighborhood. I was reassured I made the right decision upon receiving an early knock on our door on Halloween evening and hearing the words, “Trick or Treat!” It was the associate pastor and his family at our door.

However, over the many years since then I’ve steadily seen more and more Christians speaking out against the evil of Halloween activities. I actually think this was a catalyst back in the early 2000’s as more and more churches began sponsoring Halloween alternative activities during this time. I don’t recall this being an option when I was young.

In more recent years, however, I’ve been seeing some pastors and Christian leaders speaking out saying that churches should not be sponsoring Halloween alternative activities. To this I have mixed emotions as I’m of the opinion that any opportunity to share the gospel and the love of Christ is a good thing, even during Halloween.

I remember one Bible verse in particular that helped me get through this years ago:

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24

While this verse is referring to the Sabbath, I personally took this verse to heart and decided to apply it to my everyday life. I resolved that the devil doesn’t get to have the honor of any one particular day. It is our Lord that makes and blesses our days, including October 31.

I could go on with a list of all of the evils associated with Halloween but I’ll leave that for others to do. Instead, here’s a list of Bible verses to help guide us in our daily choices. These verses, and the whole of the Bible, are meant to guide us each and every day in our life, not just on one day in October.

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. Ephesians 5:11-12

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 1 Corinthians 10:23

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:21

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

In conclusion, I believe God has given parents the awesome responsibility of raising our children to adulthood. We are to love them, provide for their needs, and protect them from harm, but most of all it is our responsibility to “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) With that said, personally I would not take my young children out “Trick or Treating” today unless it was to visit neighbors that you actually know, friends, and family. I would not allow them to wear any type of costume that appears evil or that glorifies murder or evil characters. I would allow them to go to church fall festivals and “Trunk or Treat.” Bottom line, there is no Bible verse that specifically states we are not allowed to do these events. Christians have “Christian Liberty” which is the discretion to make personal choices in areas of life that are not explicitly forbidden in scripture.

And remember, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”Philippians 4:16-17

The Workers

This past summer one of our grandsons asked if he could do some work for us to earn some money, so we asked him to come over to trim a garden tree. After he started my husband thought it’d be a good time to ask another grandson to go pick up some bags of mulch to spread in our garden. So we asked the first grandson to stay and help spread the mulch too. A couple of hours later our other grandson delivered the mulch to our house and both grandsons worked together to spread the mulch. We paid them both the same amount.

Later, the first grandson, humbly asked me if he should maybe get paid more because he started working earlier in the day by trimming the tree. I smiled as his request immediately brought to mind the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard in Matthew 20:1-16. I lovingly declined his request and told him that this would better serve as a biblical lesson as this was very similar to one of Jesus’ parables. I also reasoned with him that although the other grandson did start later in the day, he got to rest on the couch while waiting for the other grandson to bring the mulch. The other grandson also had to drive his truck to the Home Depot from his house which was about 12 miles away, wait for the pick-up order to be ready, load 25 bags of mulch, and deliver it to our house.

In the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard the landowner hired groups of workers at different times throughout the day and at the end of the day he paid them each the same amount, regardless of how long they worked. The workers who started working earliest complained that they should get paid more than the ones who started working late in the day. They accused him of being unjust. The landowner explained he paid them fairly, and that as the landowner he has the right to choose whatever he wants to do with his money, and with that which He owns.

The workers in this parable represent both believers in Christ and Pharisees, or at very least, those who do not yet understand the grace and mercy of God. The landowner represents God. The landowner, whose decision to pay all the workers the same amount was actually an act of mercy, not of injustice. God’s grace and mercy are shed abundantly upon all those of His choosing. “For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”Romans 9:15. In addition and most certainly, God’s grace is more than sufficient to redeem all those who believe.

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ So the last will be first, and the first last.” Matthew 20:1-16

Essentially, the message of verse 16, “the last will be first, and the first last,” is that no matter how long or how hard a believer works during his lifetime, the reward of eternal life is the same for all believers in Christ. While there’re also scriptures that teach of additional rewards in heaven based upon an individuals service to Him, the ultimate reward of eternal life is equal for all believers in Christ regardless of length of service.

“For He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.’ So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” Romans 9:15-16

God’s Wrath Revealed

When I saw a preview of Chip and Joanna Gaines’ new television show last month I was a little taken aback. The show, “Back to the Frontier,” features three families who are temporarily living as 19th-century homesteaders, without modern conveniences, including electricity. At first glance, you’d think it had all of the makings of a wholesome new family show. However, it didn’t take long to figure out that in place of a traditional family, one of the three families includes a homosexual male couple with adopted twin boys. Why would a couple, who claim to be Christian, choose to do this?

So, I did what I often do when something weighs on my mind, I wrote about it. I titled it “Someplace Wonderful,” which was based on a quote from one of their books. I have a signed copy of that book from when I met Chip back in 2017. I had long been a fan of their “Fixer Upper” TV show, Chip’s humor, and Joann’s creative decorating style. I used the quote with the hope that they would perhaps consider their ways; reconsider their decision and take a biblical stance on homosexuality. I also hoped that they’d take this opportunity to do a work for God; to “build” something for Him. Sigh….

But, enough about Chip and Joanna.

When we see people attempting to normalize that which the Bible condemns as sin, our first thoughts may be that it’s a sign of the times, which very well may be true. However, sexual sin and immorality have long been around. In fact, the apostle Paul, addressed these same concerns with the early church. Paul was God’s chosen instrument to carry God’s name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. (Acts 9:15)

So, this month I’m continuing on the same topic but with specific emphasis on what the Bible has to say, particularly Romans 1:18-32. In short these verses apply to all unbelievers, aka pagans. Although written initially to the Gentiles, these verses explain God’s wrath, the sins and guilt of the unbelieving Gentiles and their decline from idolatry to depravity.

The overall theme of Romans 1:18-32 is, “God gave them up” as God’s wrath was a wrath of divine abandonment. He gave up all those who were dishonoring Him and gave them up to dishonor their own selves. Essentially, He set them free to do what they ought not to do.

While one may think it a great thing to be free to do whatever you want to do, there is actually no greater slavery than to be given up to one’s own lusts.

Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” John 8:34

Ten things to consider about Romans 1:18-32

First, God revealed the truth of who He is.

“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” Romans 1:19-20

God revealed the truth of who He is by general revelation of His invisible attributes.

He also made His existence and character known through divine nature.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” Psalm 19:1-4

Second, they suppressed the truth of God and Third, God’s wrath was revealed.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” Romans 1:18

The suppression of God’s truth was a result of man’s ungodliness and unholiness. It’s not that people were ignorant of the truth of God. God had already made His truth known through His revelations, nonetheless, they chose to suppress the truth of God.

God’s wrath is a holy, just, and righteous anger. The suppression of God’s truth produces the wrath of God. The Bible explains that a society’s moral decay is evidence of God’s wrath being revealed.

Fourth, their hearts were darkened.

“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans 1:21

“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” John 3:19-20

Those who love the darkness are offended by the light. In particular, they like their sin and don’t like it being called out as such.

Fifth, they failed to acknowledge God.

“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.” Romans 1:28

When people ignore God, they’re essentially denying Him. All while choosing not to believe, thank, honor, worship, or even acknowledge Him.

Sixth, they worship idols instead of God.

“Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.” Romans 1:22-23

Those who choose not to acknowledge God, invariably choose to believe and worship someone or something else.

And, they “worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.” (Romans 1:25)

The worship of anyone or anything other than God is idolatry, which God will not tolerate. All those who worship something other than the true God are guilty before God and they are, as in the words of verse 20, “without excuse.”

Seventh, they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and Eighth, God gave them over to sexual sin.

“Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.” Romans 1:24-25

Ninth, God gave them over to degrading passions.

“For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. Romans 1:26-27

Tenth, God gave them over to a depraved mind.

“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Romans 1:28-32.

The essence of a depraved mind is found not only in the sin, but in the continuance of the sin, the affirmation of the sin, and the strive to give approval to others to do the same sin, all while they suppress the truth of God.

In summary,

God revealed the truth of who He is.
They suppressed the truth of God.
God’s wrath was revealed.
Their hearts were darkened.
They failed to acknowledge God.
They worshiped idols instead of God.
They exchanged the truth for a lie.
God gave them over to sexual sin.
God gave them over to degrading passions.
God gave them over to a depraved mind.

God gave them up. He left them to do what they ought not to do.

In short, the bad news is,

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

And, “the wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23a

But the Good News is,

“The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23b

It is when we realize that we are a sinner in desperate need of the Savior, and have turned from sin and turned to Christ in faith, and by the goodness and loving kindness of God that we “are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:24)

In God’s perfect plan of salvation, Jesus took our place and paid the penalty for our sins. It was by His precious blood shed on the cross that He made a way for all who will believe.

At my age, I’ve lived through the sexual revolution of the 60’s and 70’s; the women’s movement, the homosexual revolution, and the subsequent HIV/AID’s epidemic of the 80’s and 90’s; the increase of the acceptance of premarital sex and same-sex sexual activity and increased feminist activism of the 2000’s. All the way up to today where we have legalized same sex marriage, transgender dysphoria in adults and children, drag queen story hours, etc. and, all of which and more, are seemingly growing in popularity.

We also have a growing number of “Christian” leaders who have departed from the truth of the Bible in exchange for the ways of the world. It’s so much easier to go-along to get-along, isn’t it, but at what cost?

So, I realize the topics and the verses I’ve shared here are not popular in today’s society.

however,

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16

Summer Days and Daisies

“The greatest surprise in life to me is the brevity of life” #BillyGraham

In late May or early June of 1975, John H Starkey from the Indianapolis Star contacted me asking if I’d be interested in doing a one day photo shoot. He explained that it would be scheduled in June and that it was for a July Sunday Star Magazine story titled, “Summer Days and Daisies,” to which I agreed. I was 20 years old, working full time at Olson Electronics, and living in Indianapolis, my home town.

On the day of the shoot we actually didn’t find any daisies but did find plenty of Black-eyed Susans. Thus, the writer edited into the article the Black-eyed Susan connection, as it was originally planned to be an article about daisies. The article included my name, comments about the connection between Black-eyed Susans and daisies, and several stock photos of daisies. So yes, it was fun and no, I don’t remember the name of the young man in the background; he was just one of John Starkey’s friends.

In retrospect, improvising the use of Black-eyed Susans, and the writer having to re-write his story was a providential life lesson for me, although I didn’t recognize it at the time. That is, our lives don’t always fit a planned script, and many times things turn out differently than what we may have originally planned. In any case, and I what I came to learn few years later, when we make Jesus the Lord of our life, His plans are always perfect; in all things, in the joys of life, in the sorrows of life, and in our everyday life. God is sovereign over all.

Just as July 27, 1975, was on a Sunday years ago, so it is on July 27, 2025, a Sunday. Exactly 50 years have passed and yet in my mind, 1975 seems like just yesterday. It actually is hard to believe how fast time flies, but it most certainly has.

The Bible warns us that, “Man is like a mere breath; His days are like a passing shadow.” Psalm 144:4

Yet, the good news is that, “The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? ” (John 11:25-26)

#JohnHStarkey, #ElaineQueryCrandell, #SummerDaysAndDaisies, #Daisies, #BlackEyedSusans, #IndianapolisStarMagazine, #July1975, #Faith, #Plans, #GodsPlansArePerfect, #InAllThings, #JoysOfLife, #SorrowsOfLife, #EverydayLife, #GodIsSovereignOverAll, #ManIsLikeAMereBreath

Someplace Wonderful

Chip and Joanna Gaines’ new television show, “Back to the Frontier” has caused quite a stir on social media this month, particularly among Christians. The show features three families who are temporarily living as 19th-century homesteaders, without modern conveniences, including electricity. The controversy is that one of the three families include a homosexual couple with adopted twin boys

While homosexuality has been around since biblical times, the amount of people who identify as homosexual, and the acceptance of homosexuality in our society has definitely increased in the past few years.

We’re living in a much different world today than when I was young. I’m old enough to remember when homosexuality was something that was often likened to something that was hid in a closet. People recognized that it was a sin and used to try to hide it. Fast forward to today where is not just out and in the open, it’s celebrated. It’s weaved into television shows, movies, advertising, etc., and is one of the favorite topics of the DEI, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion agenda.

While I can somewhat understand the emotional connection that a homosexual might feel for their partner, from a purely companionship perspective, I do not understand the physical connection between two people of the same sex. It goes against God’s natural order and laws of attraction, and to put it simply, it doesn’t make sense. What does make sense to me is that non-Christians engaging in homosexual relationships do not see their relationship as sinful, simply because they’re not Christian. They see “love as love” and frankly, many of them are likable, friendly, sensitive, and caring individuals.

I think what I’m most disappointed in is the progressive “Christian” churches of today. Somewhere along the way they took a left turn; they left their first love and instead of defending the gospel, they defend social issues of the DEI agenda as if it were a part of the gospel. They teach that homosexuality isn’t a sin. They oppose the word of God and preach a false gospel. Jesus came to save us from our sins, not to condone them. The Bible clearly teaches that a person cannot be a practicing homosexual (or thief, or swindler, etc.) and enter the kingdom of heaven.

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

The good news is that God loves and offers forgiveness to all those who will repent of their sins and trust Christ as their Savior.

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7

I was convicted to write about this topic after seeing several comments on social media about Chip and Joanna’s new show. One comment in particular stated that “apparently Joanna is a trans woman or a transvestite.” I do not believe that is in anyway true.

What I do believe is that she (and Chip) need to stop and consider their ways. Now is the time to seize this opportunity to cry out to the Lord, in repentance and faith in Christ alone, and make Him the Lord of their life if they have not yet done so.

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

I also believe that instead of posting critical and/or false remarks, Christians should pray for Chip and Joanna’s repentance concerning the same sex couple, and also for their salvation if they’re false converts. Imagine what a witness they could be for Christ if they repented and trusted in Him now. Imagine if they actually halted the “Frontier” TV production or removed the homosexual “family” from it. Imagine if they declared that according to God’s word, homosexuality is a sin and that, marriage is between one man and one woman.

Actually, Chip and Joanna have a quote, in all caps, on the back cover of their book, The Magnolia Story, that they would do well to take to heart today:

“SOMETIMES THE MESSIEST STUFF AND THE BIGGEST MISTAKES CAN TAKE YOU SOMEPLACE WONDERFUL.”

I have that book, and actually I met Chip in 2017 at the Texas Motor Speedway. He signed the last page for me.

I was happy to meet him and have long felt that Chip and Joanna are talented, creative, hardworking, and very likable people. Chip’s humor combined with Joanna’s calm and loving demeanor toward him is heartwarming. However, they also have presented themselves for the past several years, on a very public platform, as a Christian couple. I believe it’s time for them to reflect on their worldly “Christian” beliefs and stop to consider their ways. They’ve acquired much fame and fortune for the houses that they’ve so beautifully renovated, redesigned, and redecorated, but they’re far and away from the house that God commanded to be rebuilt in the Book of Haggai.

The Book of Haggai talks about rebuilding a house for the Lord, a temple actually. Overall, it begs us to stop and consider our ways, to examine our priorities, and to submit to the Lord’s priorities, in His timing, and not necessarily ours.

Charles Spurgeon also reminds us to consider our ways:

“It does not matter whom we please if God is not pleased, or who gets honor from what we give, if God is not glorified as a result.”

Some questions for Christians to consider:

Are we only interested in doing our own thing or are we willing to instead do a work for Him?
What are we actually building here on earth; wood, hay, or stubble? Or, have we ever done a work or built something that rightfully brings Him pleasure and glory?
Do we fear doing a work for the Lord when we know it goes against the world and its popular agendas?
Are we willing to humble ourselves, admit our selfish desires are sinful, and that we need to prioritize God’s will in our lives?
Is our faith so shallow that we do not trust that He will be with us always and that He is in full control of our circumstances? Are we not willing to trust God, no matter what?
Do we not know that He will more than bless us when we actually step out of our comfort zone, in faith, to glorify and serve Him?

“Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. “Thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the LORD.” Haggai 1:5-8

Paradise

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, my husband Harold and I visited Honolulu, Oahu, which was actually our 4th time here. We visited Honolulu 3 times in the 1990’s-2000’s, back when I worked for Delta Air Lines. I learned back then that Waikiki is really just a big city in the middle of “paradise” and full of people in need.

On this visit I was once again struck with the sight of so many hurting people set against the backdrop of the beauty of Waikiki Beach. My mind flashed back to the last time we were here years ago, when I noticed what looked to be a prostitute pushing a toddler in a stroller, and an abundance of people walking around dazed and confused, likely on drugs and/or alcohol.

This visit wasn’t much different.

While waiting for our bus to Waikiki Beach a man came up to Harold and me (and another couple) begging us to let him take the 4 of us to Waikiki for only $10. He looked rough and I immediately sensed he was on drugs. When we each politely declined he suddenly began violently cursing at us. He walked away angry and cursing. It was pretty intense.

When we got to Waikiki Beach, there was a woman out in the middle of the street who was screaming obscenities at a man who was walking away from her as fast as he could. He initially ignored her for the most part but then he stopped, turned around and started screaming obscenities back at her, all within earshot of walkers-by including young children. It was quite a scene.

When we walked over to the public restroom, which was connected to the Waikiki Beach Police Department, there was what looked to be an elderly homeless man lying on the ground shaking. He was within 25 feet of the police department. Then we saw a young woman sitting outside of the police station smoking marijuana. She was very pretty, looked healthy and young, and she did not appear to be homeless.

I found the condition of the ladies restroom so repugnant I nearly got sick just being there a minute or two. It was the filthiest restroom I have ever been in my entire life. I walked over to talk to someone at the police station but the door was locked. There was an intercom but the man who answered the intercom was of no help.

We managed to get in a short visit at the beach and a few photos, but didn’t stay long. We left, thinking about what the ravages of sin has done to so many people, in the middle of the beauty, in the middle of “paradise,” in the middle of Waikiki Beach.

To be honest, I was afraid to accept that man’s offer to drive us to Waikiki Beach. I feared if we got in his car he would pull a gun on us, or that his car interior might have traces of fentanyl in it.

I was afraid to look into that woman’s eyes who was screaming obscenities on the street for fear of her walking up to me and attacking me.

I was afraid to try to help the elderly man lying on the ground by the police station for fear he might be sick with something contagious.

I was afraid to say anything to the young woman smoking marijuana just outside of the police department for fear of what she might say or do to me.

But,

I’m not afraid to write about it, and to pray for God to help these people with their addictions and with their anger; and to bless them with the gift of repentance and faith in Him, before it’s too late.

For the wages of sin is death, but, the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

True paradise is not found at Waikiki Beach, or any beach for that matter. It is found only at the end of our life on earth to those who have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

To the thief who trusted in Jesus at the cross,

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

His Name

While eating lunch on one of our recent cruises I overheard a buffet worker talking with a guest as she was gathering up the dirty dishes from a nearby table. Her English was pretty good (most of the workers are foreigners) but what caught my attention was that she was spewing out the Lord’s name carelessly (and excessively) as she was talking about something they had in common. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that she must have said His name around 10 or 15 times in the course of 1 or 2 minutes. She was smiling and being very friendly but obviously had no idea she was taking the Lord’s name in vain, and for no good purpose; it was insanely repetitive and disrespectful. Not just to me or any nearby Christians, but to God.

I thought to myself that if she comes near our table that maybe I could strike up a conversation with her and then mention it politely to her that she was taking the Lord’s name in vain, and then ask her if she knew this was against one of the 10 Commandments. So as I was eating, I grabbed my iPhone and looked up the chapter and verse I wanted to share with her, and to use it as a reference:

You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. Exodus 20:7

After I finished copying the verse onto my notepad, I looked up but I didn’t see her anywhere. So then, I contemplated that when I saw her again that maybe I would just get up and go over to her to say something to her.

I never saw her again.

I left a little duck and a Living Waters 10 Commandments Coin on the table, hoping that she would be the one to clean our table, but I’ll never know for sure. In retrospect I wish I would have just gotten up and walked over to talk to her while she was still there, but I didn’t. I could have handed her the 10 Commandments Coin in person and pointed out the third Commandment to her, but I didn’t. Why didn’t I think of that in the first place? Probably because it’s much easier to leave some type of an evangelical message for random people to pick up than it is to actually walk up and speak to people in person. Ya think?

So, throughout the rest of that cruise and also the next one, I became a little extra sensitive in overhearing random people in different settings taking the name of the Lord in vain. Random people, casually throwing the name of our Lord around in common catch phrases, like “Oh my …” and “Oh …,” etc., although it wasn’t in repetitive excess like that buffet worker.

And to be clear, this wasn’t the first time I’ve been sensitive about people taking the Lord’s name in vain. I’ve been sensitive to this ever since becoming a follower of Christ and learning that it’s a serious offense that God doesn’t take lightly.

I used to say His name in vain without a blink of an eye,

But,

He changed me from inside out when He saved me by His amazing grace many years ago. I know, as a Christian, that God’s name should only be used with reverence and love. Throughout the Bible the names of the Lord God are clearly presented as Holy, precious, and powerful. Those who misuse His name in trite conversation and in blasphemous anger greatly misunderstand His greatness and glory.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness. Psalm 29:2

In Exodus 3:14 He chose to reveal His name to Moses as “I Am Who I Am” declaring His sovereignty, His self-sufficiency, and the fact that He is self-existent.

In Exodus 34:6 He chose to reveal His glory to Moses by revealing His name to him: “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious.”

So, did I ever get around to saying anything to those people taking His name in vain on these cruises? No I did not, but, I am praying for God to give me more opportunities in the future and in His perfect timing. I pray for boldness, sensitivity, clarity, discernment, and strength to speak up when given the opportunity, and also for more creative ways to share the gospel and His word.

And, in the meantime I’m doing what I often do when something weighs on my mind: I’m writing about it. Writing ✍🏻 is so much easier….

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

Some photos from our January and February 2025 cruises. We cruised 14 days on 3 cruises on 2 different ships, out of Cape Canaveral and Jacksonville, Florida. Our destinations were all in the Bahamas: Freeport, Nassau, Bimini, and Princess Cays. We had already visited Freeport on 3 previous cruises but this was our first visit to Bimini, and to Princess Cays. It was also our first visit to Nassau on the January cruise and then we got to stop there two more times in February. Truth be told, no matter where we go, Harold and I really would be happy just cruising, relaxing, and enjoying the views and the food. Harold and I are incredibly thankful to be able to enjoy our retirement years together. Lord willing, we have several more cruises planned this year.

The Word Became Flesh

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1 -5

When our youngest daughter was around 6 years old I was convicted to change the way our family talked about Santa. I began emphasizing to her that Santa is for fun, but Jesus is for real.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

That year our daughter eagerly shared this matter-of-fact information with a few of her first grade classmates at school one day. Apparently that didn’t sit well with the mother of at least one of her classmates, who interestingly attended the same church as we did at that time. I heard about it through the grapevine, so to speak; actually it was one day while at church. One of the ladies in my Sunday School class let me know about it. She told me that the mother of this little boy was not happy with Mackenzie or me. It was an interesting moment, to say the least. We no longer attend that church, but not for this reason.

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:18-23

I realized back in the early 2000’s, that teaching my young daughter that Santa is for fun but Jesus is for real was was in direct opposition to what was considered widely accepted and traditional Christmas norms of the day, which was to basically tell a “white lie” to our children about Santa. I, like most of us, have fond memories of childhood Christmases which included the mystery of Santa Claus. In fact, I continued that tradition with our first two daughters, who are 15 and 11 years older than our youngest daughter, but as I matured and grew as a Christian I became increasingly uncomfortable with this tradition. In particular I was (and still am) very uncomfortable with the use of the word “believe” used in any reference to “Santa” and also the word “magic” as used in the phrase, “the magic of Christmas.”

I thought a lot about this and asked myself, why would we, as Christian parents, expect our children to believe in Jesus Christ, after years of perpetuating a “white lie” about Santa Claus while they were a young child, and especially during Christmastime!?

To be perfectly clear, I’m ok with the legend of Santa Claus and the connection with St Nickolas, but I am not ok with perpetuating the “white lie” of telling young children that Santa Claus is real.

“Bah humbug!” Some may say, but truth be told, a “white lie” is still a lie. The Bible is full of warnings about lying.

Jesus said, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44

The fact is, Jesus was born, to save sinners like me and like you. Jesus is real and sin is serious business. Sin has been around since Adam and Eve began their conversation with the serpent in the Garden of Eden.

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” Genesis 3:1

It’s a big problem. Actually, it’s a huge problem; what began in the Garden of Eden has infiltrated every aspect of life here on earth. The truth is, if you never see yourself as a sinner in need of a Savior, you will die in your sins one day and spend eternity separated from God, and that’s putting it gently.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6,

And, unless you have humbled your heart, acknowledged your sin, and turned to Him in repentance and faith in Him alone, the “merry” in your “Christmas” is coming to an abrupt end one day and it won’t be pretty or nice. No amount of good intentions or good works will grant you a “get out of hell” card.

And while, good works may be a sign of salvation, the process of becoming saved has nothing to do with being “good” or doing “good things.” Salvation is by grace through faith in God. Similarly, obedience is not required for salvation, it’s a result of salvation.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

Or, whether you’re “naughty or nice.”

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23.

Salvation has everything to do with the One who took our place on the cross and paid our sin debt in full. He made a way. He who was born and who died so….

that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:15-21

Merry Christmas 🎄

Treasure In Jars of Clay

My life story and journey of faith.

Tag: #LifeStory