Called Out of Darkness ~

As you walk past your local park, one thing that will not be visible … a man hanging from a cross.

Perhaps you respond with, “Gross”, or, “How could you even say that”? True! But, that fact is nonetheless relevant. We often say, “We are living in the darkest of times.” And so it often seems.

Second Corinthians has been a source of frequent study this past month, and in particular chapter four. From verse seven, “We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power is of God, and not of ourselves.” Or, verse seventeen, that says, “This light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”

Yet today, the verse that I’d like to reflect upon is verse six. The ‘Treasure’ that we have from verse seven, is found directly above. There Paul says, “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” ESV

As dark as the present days, here in the year 2023, seemed to be. They were dark some two hundred years ago, as well as two thousand years and beyond. And I’m sure, that some twenty or two hundred years from now, the ‘darkness’ will appear even darker. Perhaps they will be! But, here’s what I know … what I believe.

That our Creator, the One who created light … who created the sun, the moon and even the stars … is The One who shines out of that darkness. He is The One who shines in our hearts to give that light of the knowledge of the glory of God. Might I, might we … knowing that if we follow Christ, that we will NOT walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

I don’t know about you … but, this gives me hope. This, provides a purpose for a day in which there seems to be little, or at times, none. Let’s walk in the light … Let’s be children of the light … that together, we can bring light into a dark world. Amen!

 

 I wrote these words on Memorial Day weekend 2023. Thinking of sacrifice, given for our freedom. Yet, the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom was provided by our Savior, Jesus Christ. He, is the 'Light' of the world. 

When ‘Humpty Dumpty’ Is Put Back Together

Zach A & Zach R

 Though times spent together were no where near as often as I would have desired … nonetheless, there are memories in which I will always cherish.

Da Boyz

There were lessons while loading firewood into our trailer. Lessons of hard work, diligence, teamwork and relationship. There was watching the ‘Soap Box Derby’ in Salem, Oregon. Or, playing in the water at Virginia Beach. A unique young man, with special gifts of voice … and of kindness.

Of all the memories … the one that ALWAYS reminds me of Zach Ryan, is likely one, in which he doesn’t even remember. We were working together on a project to beautify our woodshed. Only moments before, we had departed from Home Depot. Having just purchased a six by eight foot fence panel, we were returning home along State Street, east of Salem. I still remember the salesman questioning whether I wanted to purchase both panels now, for some reason, I said, “Not at this time”.

His dad a fish ... He, a Starfish

As we headed south, sitting in the Red 95’ Ford Explorer, from my rear-view mirror, I caught a glimpse of something moving from the trailer. As a firefighter, I know the utter importance of “securing” a load. But these are heavy panels. Surely, they don’t require to be secured! Immediately, I thought, “Oh, no!” Looking ahead for any oncoming traffic, I was relieved that the closest vehicle was more than a half mile away. Less than a second later, my next glance was to my side mirror. When, like ‘Mary Poppins’, I saw ‘Humpty Dumpty’ lift itself out of the trailer and come crashing to the ground.

What seemed like minutes, were but a mere couple seconds. The entire panel, now torn completely apart, slid rapidly into the ditch, north of the road.

With not a vehicle behind, and the one ahead around a curve, no one … other than Zach and myself ... knew what had just occurred. Well, no one, other than the hundreds of whom I’ve shared this story with. And now … you!

~ Humpty Dumpty ~

I pulled the Explorer and trailer to the side of the road. Breathed a sigh of relief. Thanked God, that timing was such, that there was litterally no harm, no foul. Well … except of course of my pride! Zach assisted as we placed ‘Humpty Dumpty’ back into the trailer and returned to Home Depot. The salesman, was quite surprised that we returned so soon. I offered no explanations, as we carried the new panel to the trailer. “Securing” our load, once again we headed home.

Upon our arrival, Zach and I, together, we installed the panel. And the next day … well, surprisingly, I was able to put ‘Humpty Dumpty’ back together again. Only one very small piece of wood was missing. Today, he continues his place along side his fellow panels. Just last week, receiving a much needed facelift, in order to survive another decade. And you know … it didn’t even take all the Kings horses and all the Kings men.

Ten days from today … Zach Ryan … you graduate with your Bachelor’s of Biological Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. What an accomplishment grandson! There are more chapters remaining in your life. Might you continue to take each with the same continued diligence. And as the Creator has so blessed you with a beautiful physical heart, I know that your heart of kindness will make an amazing impression to wherever life leads.

With love, Gpa & Gma Williams

So, go out and 'Do Something' young man :) ~ Ephesians 2:10 … 

 

Three Blocks, but 180 Degrees

His face beaming like he just received the most precious of gifts. Then, as quickly as he had arrived, slowly he walks away with his ‘Candy Corn’ colored balloon hat, sitting upon his head. The sweet three-year old girl, stands patiently, as she waits with joy, the art that is placed onto her precious face.

Their expressions portrait great fear, as they preform a drama that tells the story of the struggles of life, and the answers found in faith. Their eyes were often motionless, but the tears gently sliding down their face spoke of hearts that have been touched … hearts that have been changed.

A crowd slowly gathers. Watching as two guys perform acrobatics on BMX bikes. Most are smiling, some sense the danger, all enjoy the show. Then music begins, with instruments and voices giving way to joy, singing and worship. The gospel is proclaimed, prayers are given … and hearts are listening.

Only a mere three blocks a heavy bass flows through the air. Without intent, though with attempt to overwhelm the festival at hand.

As day gave in to night, the music continues to blare, yet now only yards from our place of lodging. What is this band, who are their followers? A walk requires not a simple exit from Hotel Teresa. No, discovering the passageway would be a journey of several blocks. One last turn, onto Francisco Menéndez, and there, its entrance was found. Passing the obvious spot that was expecting a ‘Cover charge’, I walked a mere thirty feet into the ruckus arena. It was not the sound, only slightly more ear deafening than within my own room, that brought sadness. No, it was what I observed.

Three blocks ~~ broken hearts … and broken lives were found on both Menéndez and at Concordia Park. One, unfortunately continued to further rent those hearts. The other … found many whose desire was to repent. Hearts that heard through song … through prayer … and through preaching of the good news of Jesus Christ … That there’s hope in the midst of the noise ~~ in the midst of the commotion.

The world and its ways will forever endeavor to offer an answer … the solution. And, for a season, this was my life. But now … my heart breaks for those for whom the ruckus, the noise, continues to be their means to satisfy the hunger. The path through life is not without struggle. At times the pain … almost unbearable! Yet, I can’t imagine a greater pain than that of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who took three nails for you … and for me.

Grateful that the answer … at times is but a mere three blocks … yet 180 degrees in the opposite direction. 

 

                                            

                                                    And this ... was my journey in Ahuachapan ... February of 2023                                            

Pictures: Drama and BMX Bikes by Hannah Calkins©

BROTHERHOOD ~ Where Christ is Center Stage ~

Abilities, talents, gifts … Some, almost don’t even require baiting the hook in order to catch fish. Others ~ like me, we’re better off just going to the restaurant. Ha! Most ~ we’ve sat in the fuselage of the aircraft, traveling across the country … or across the world. But, you’re best off to keep me out of the cockpit … Just saying! Music ~ we have different genres ~ and rarely do you find a person who does not like to listen to ‘their’ music. And playing ~ I can handle a guitar. But, a concert at ‘Red Rocks’ ~ yeah, you won’t find ‘moi’ on stage.

So MANY gifts that proceed from each of us. One that will NEVER be mine, is what I recently saw in El Salvador, as two fine brothers in our Savior preformed acrobatics on ‘kids bikes’. Aka … BMX! Danny and Vic, your abilities, your talents, those gifts which you've been blessed with … they bring a smile to my face. And my reality ... of solely being a spectator. Indeed!

But ~ an ability … a gift ... that I’ve been blessed to enjoy … is that of reading scripture as it was originally written. But, let me be honest. I meet with three other brothers weekly … And I’m pretty much the High School student amonst the ‘Professors’. None-the-less, to be able to go to the source of those early New Testament authors. How cool is that?

So you can imagine my surprise when I asked Danny about his ‘BROTHSRHOOD’ sweatshirt. You see the S in the middle is that of the Greek Sigma ~ So here you had a guy who has this ministry which has Christ as the center … and he wasn't aware of the fact ‘Christ’ was right there in the center of his shirt. Yes, S is the first letter of ‘Savior’ … Sωτήρ … What was simply a fancy ‘E’, has become so much more!

Danny & Vic ~ School in Ahuachapan

Perhaps the MOST important part … is that Christ is in the CENTER of their, of our lives. Amen to that! And though, like all … we have those days, when like Peter on the sea … we’re sinking more than believing. Still, we are grateful for this ‘BROTHSRHOOD’ ~ that in those times where we might be sinking ... that He the Sωτήρ is always faithful! And the ‘BROTHSRHOOD’ ~~ being His instruments, using those gifts in which He has so blessed each of us with ~~ we stand as brothers in support of the other.

To Danny & Vic … Love you guys!

 

 

 

Danny Valdez 

Vic Murphy 

 

Please follow the links below to see what Baja Christian Ministries are doing only a few miles south of the California border. One of those ministries is building 

a 'Bodega' for 'Brotherhood' ministries in Baja ... 

 

  Donate to the Bodega Construction ~ Brotherhood Ministries Bodega

 

... BCM ~ Baja Christian Ministries

 

 

 

 

Note: On Tablets and Cells Phones ~ The S looks solely like an English 'S'

 

 

 

 

~~ Two Hundred ~~

Two hundred blogs … Sometimes we never know where a                                                               particular goal will take us, and what it will

A Favorite Sunset ~ Indeed

look like years from its beginning. That is the case for this blog which I began now fifteen years ago. My simple goal was to write … to journal … to blog about something that was on my mind. Something about my journey. That which both has significance and often is unique to this old guy.

I gave it the title, ‘Viajero...blogging Rick’s Journey’. Viajero means traveler in Spanish. I have seen no reason to change the name … for that is what God has so blessed me with.

Though it began at a snails pace … only five blogs in the first four years, my hope is to write at least one a month. I peaked a decade ago, beginning in 2012, as I determined to conclude the final fifty shifts of my firefighting career, by telling the story of that journey. I then continued in 2013 with what I called … ‘People, Places and Praises’, as I ventured on an amazing thirty-day ‘bucket list’ motorcycle trip.

2017 Coast to Coast

Personal highlights have been many. But they include: of course that first, ‘Go Vertical’, about climbing the Sears Tower. As well, my other stairclimb blog that I wrote in February 2022 called, ‘Thanks ~~ For the Pace’. That climb … was at the Empire State Building. Who gets to do this? I have been so blessed!

Some personal favorites from those fire blogs are: ‘Matters Not how a Man Dies’, ‘Jerry, and the Wild Diabetic’, ‘Bear Hug…Leaves a Lasting Impression’, or there was ‘Vick and the Zap!’, to the last, ‘A Grateful Firefighter says...Goodbye’. Other favorites include: ‘People, Places and Praises...Day 18...A Most Difficult Day’, Sequoia 2011, No ‘Step’ in this Dad, Around the Next Corner, Mom, ‘World Influencer’, or ‘No Tombstone...My Tribute to Mom’. As well there was, ‘Oregon ABCity Tour' … Exploring Our State, One Letter at a Time’, ‘Smell of the Mitt’, ‘I Tell You Rick’, ‘A Short Courtship’, ‘The Greatest Week’ and ‘Gizmo ~~ A Very Good Friend’.

Adventure & Reflection ~ Might they Continue

Each, are so much more than the titles given. Yet, I have found that those titles in fact have provided the very synopsis for each one. What stands out most … each were related particularly to a relationship or personal adventure. Some, are about my mother, or my father and my step-father. There have been those about my lovely wife, Karen. Others about uncle Ron, my children and very close friends. And of course last, but far from least … writing about this amazing journey called life, and the MANY ways that our Heavenly Father has literally guided my steps. I have been reminded often, and likewise encourage others, with what I concluded the blog called, ‘It’s Just A SIM Card’, saying, “Travel slowly, listen deeply and wait for much more than one can even imagine.” In doing such, I believe that your life can likewise be so very blessed!

Will I continue to write for another fifteen years, another two-hundred blogs? I would not dare ~ to be so bold. What I hope … that those who read would be encouraged in doing such. And perhaps, even comment. That, for some reason, has been few. And … What I know … Life provides amazing adventure. And if I’m so blessed to live to seventy-nine, and blessed to continue to write about this journey in which our Father has orchestrated … then, and only then … will blog four-hundred be written.

 

                                       Bebo Norman ... 'Nothing Without You'

 

 

A Beautiful Place, Yet Even More

                                                                            by Chuck O’Rear©

What comes to mind when you think of beauty? Most often we think of a place. For some that place is Paris. For others New Zealand. My screen saver has produced countless of places that I’ve seldom or never heard of nor seen. Apparently this phenomenon began with Chuck O’Rear with his photo, rightly named ‘Bliss’, from California’s wine country. It is said to be the most viewed photographed of all-time.

I wrote this blog when Karen and I were in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in November of 2022. The sites there, as well, are in such amazing abundance. The most impressive sunsets, captured by hundreds, no more likely by thousands who watch the evening spectacle called the sun, as it slowly dips beyond the horizon on the great Banderas Bay. And there’s more ~ watching whales, dolphins, mantas, from the shore, on a boat or better yet from underwater. Like any place on earth, there are rivers, waterfalls, and jungles that boggle the mind. There are mountains, trees and flowers and birds that make simply sitting a spectator sport all its own.

Yet, this morning I once again was pondering ~ what do I like most about Vallarta? And the resounding answer came back ~ people! While walking to pick up a new friend to join other men as we search the purpose found in scripture, I listened as construction workers and a garbage man whistled, truly while they work. There are conversations with Taxi & Uber drivers. Perhaps my favorite is watching children play. No cell phones or tablets near. Only imagination, with sticks, or rocks, an imaginary friend, with a brother or sister.

~ Mural on Juarez in Central PV ~

Yes, there are people back home in my state of Oregon. People in the twenty or so countries in which I’ve been so blessed to make their acquaintance. And yes, the beauty of creation is always ever so present. None-the-less, my favorite wherever my travels have brought me too, is watching & enjoying people. Especially those little people ~ as they so freely play.

Life requires much from us as adults. Perhaps no greater than providing an environment for which our children can always have the freedom to play. And for us ‘OLD’ adults ~ to learn to set aside work at times. To allow ourselves to have the simple freedom of play. Yes, that is what I like most about Vallarta. That is true beauty!

 

Matthew 19:14 “Jesus, let the children come onto me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

 

 

 

  

Thank you Randy Stonehill ~ You give us such beautiful songs ... Beautiful stories such as 'Little Rose'

On This Day ...

 

Have you ever done a web-search on one of those ‘This Day in History’ sites? I’m sure that most have.
But let me ask … Does any one historical event come to mind for this day, December 31^st? Of course, with exception, that it's New Years Eve. I’ll provide the year momentarily. Though one added note about this particular year … Only twenty days prior, Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt became that last astronauts to walk on the moon. No help, huh?

I was quite disappointed to discover how little some ‘Day in History’ sites offered in regards to this individual. At times their only contribution was the DOB, occupation and date of death. Most of those sites are mainly about advertising, more than 'history'. While other sites were quite generous, providing material that I had not even known.

December 31st, 1972

This person, OK, l’ll give it away, guy … was originally signed by my own Brooklyn Dodgers. Kind of like our Portland Trailblazers not signing this little known fella … named ... Michael Jordan. Ouch! Also on that Dodger team was a pitcher by the name of Tommy Lasorda. Our mystery man was a U.S. Marine and his last name is Walker. But, I’m almost positive that this name will not be of much help. He wore a number on his shirt made up of the total letters of his name. So cool ... and original! And his batting coach was the great George Sisler.

He was once asked about racial and ethnic tensions, to which he responded, “I don’t believe in color”. This he said, was the way that we were taught as children.

It was said by a close friend, Luis Mayoral, that he was to Latinos what “Jackie Robinson was to blacks”. As well, he would become the first Latin American player selected to baseball’s Hall of Fame. They even waived their five-year rule because of him.

When he was in his home country, he played for the Cangrejeros (Crabbers). In 1956 he hit baseballs lone walk-off inside the park home run. And a month before my birth he accomplished a rare feat of hitting three triples in a single game. He became an annual winner of baseball's Golden Glove award (Best defensive player at his position), as well as a fifteen-time All-Star. Once he was the league MVP, as well as being the 1971 World Series MVP.

And his very last at bat of his career, was his illustrious three thousandth. For those non-baseball fans (Will Horton), this is one of baseball’s most elite accomplishments.

So … lot’s of facts about one of my childhood favorites. One, whom, as a young boy, I would often pretend to be ... along with others, like Sandy Koufax and Willie Mays. This gentleman, number ‘21’, stands above all. Hard, diligent play has always been very important to me as a ballplayer. But above this … is sportsmanship! This man displayed both ... to the extent that baseball’s award presented annually to a Major League player for exemplary sportsmanship and community service is named after him.

His name … ‘Roberto Clemente Walker’. Known by most without his maternal family name of Walker. Early in December of 1972, Roberto had visited Managua, Nicaragua. Three weeks later, on December 23^rd, an earthquake stuck the country. Roberto began arranging emergency relief medical flights. Though, with concerns that the supplies from the first three flights never reached the intended victims, he determined to accompany the fourth flight into the country. His motto was, "If you have a chance to help others and fail to do so, you're wasting your time on this earth".

Fifty years ago today, on December 31st, 1972, Roberto Clemente boarded that plane in the evening, flying only briefly, before crashing into the ocean. It is said that a fellow Puerto Rican friend describe this news as the “night that happiness died”.

Mr. Clemente, most of the above are trivial facts of your life as one of baseball's greats. As amazing as they are, nothing compares to how you lived your life. It is in honor of that life that I leave this blog. Thank you number ‘21’. Thank you for showing us what compassion looks like … Thank you for showing us that we “don’t need to believe in color”. Might we all go out "And live the life of a common fellow".

 

With Admiration … 

 

 

 

 

 

 Roberto's last interview ~ https://youtu.be/RFEH5nxSoKc ~ (Life, Racial and Baseball)

About the plane ... and crash ~ https://youtu.be/CC4V_1aJzzc