Raoul’s 2 Cents
Miracle Amnesia
I think my hernia is growing. It seems to hurt every time I try to get up now. Last week I asked people to pray for a miracle of healing. That got me thinking.
Do we really believe in miracles? Or are we just parroting someone else’s belief? Do YOU believe in miracles?
I was going through the story of Moses in the book of Exodus — you know —- that episode of the movie, The Ten Commandments, where Moses raises his cane and the red sea parts and allows the Israelites to walk on dry land to safety? Now that’s what you call a MIRACLE — an MGM type of miracle … complete with orchestral music and CG effects.
If you were one of those Israelites walking between two raging masses of water, you’d think that vision … that memory would be forever etched in your mind, right? Sadly (except for Moses, Caleb and Joshua) millions of Israelites had a case of Miracle Amnesia.They couldn’t trust God to help them conquer the promised land. They blew it! Instead of faith in God (who already proved Himself) their logical mind took over. They only saw how big and fortified the enemy was and chickened out of the miracle. Because of their unbelief they wandered in the desert for 40 years until they all died off. It was their children led by Caleb and Joshua who entered and took over the land of Canaan.
Again I ask, do you believe in miracles? Some say the parting of the Red Sea never really happened. Some say the Bible isn’t really an accurate historical book. Some say God was different then. So many excuses. So little faith.
I believe the parting of the Red Sea did happen. I believe there are chariots and armor still buried underneath the Red Sea. I believe that the same God responsible for that miracle then is the same God that will allow a miracle today. So God will heal my hernia? Don’t be silly! I’m not saying He definitely WILL. I’m saying, it’s up to Him. I can only request. He’s not a genie in a bottle who grants my every wish.
You got major problems? Pray! He’s got a lot of miracles up His sleeve.
But this is just me. TGIF people!
“The smaller your God, the bigger your problem. The bigger your God, the smaller your problem.”
— Anonymous
Joke of the Week
Thanks to Dennis of Riverside, CA for sending this joke.
Video of the Week
Musical Colonoscopy
Sent by Tom of Pasadena,CA
I think I shared this a long time ago. Because of my upcoming surgery this song is closer to my heart … I mean my stomach.
WATCH VIDEODon’s Puns
From Don’s collection of puns
Heavy Thought of the Week
Sent by Ernie of New Jersey
Parting Shot
Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who shared this.
People from all over the world send him jokes and Raoul sends those jokes back with his original sketches. 
Tom
May 29, 2019 at 4:26 pm
I believe in Miracles and thanks for your reminder. I still marvel at how trees and shrubs seem to know it is the time to bloom.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Tom
Heather
May 29, 2019 at 4:26 pm
The great thing about contacting God, is you never get a busy signal. Have a great weekend
Amy
May 29, 2019 at 4:26 pm
Ha! I loved the aging cartoon! Have a great weekend!
Carole
May 29, 2019 at 4:27 pm
Good morning! Do you really have a hernia? My husband (new one) is in such pain. We saw a fantastic hernia doctor in Burbank last week. I loved him. If my husband has hernia surgery, that’s who will do it. However, the doctor doesn’t think the hernia is causing this type of pain so he ordered a CT scan which showed nothing (thank God) and today we are going to a hip guy in Pasadena. Just thought I’d share😉
Raoul
May 29, 2019 at 4:30 pm
Yup! I really do have a hernia. Almost feels like I’m gonna give birth. Not!
Sorry to hear your husband is going through something similar. Your Dr. sounds like a nice guy. If Doc Hollywood messes things up, I will definitely consider him.
I had an ultrasound and it’s conclusive that I do have a hernia. Whoopie!
If it isn’t a hernia your husband has, I hope it isn’t appendicitis because that could kill ya if not treated early enough (the pain here is on the right side. Hernia is on the left). The fact that you’ve already seen a doctor is a good sign that it isn’t appendicitis.
If you don’t mind, I’ll be praying for a proper diagnosis.
How’s your blood pressure? I discovered something most doctors don’t know yet if you are interested. It’s an Indian supplement called Mukta Vati.
TGIF!
Carole
May 29, 2019 at 4:31 pm
I think he needs a hip replacement.
Raoul
May 29, 2019 at 4:31 pm
Yikes!
No!!! Tell him Noooo!!!
I have a friend who just had one. Pain all over. Went through painful surgery. She’s still back where she started. She has an appointment where she’s gonna ask why she even had to do it in the first place.
Carole
May 29, 2019 at 4:31 pm
He already had one on other hip. Total success. Great doctor but he’s now in Colorado. This guy in Pasadena is also supposed to be good. However, they are only as good as the outcome.
Lee
May 29, 2019 at 4:28 pm
Dear Raoul,
Thanks for sharing your heart and feelings about your upcoming surgery. My wife and I will be praying for you and that the surgery will be successful relieving your pain and getting you back “in the saddle again.” Your cartoons about the differences we have at young and older ages is telling and it is also is a part of life most of us would like to pass on. I’m older than you and know some of the challenges you drew first hand, but I’m still above ground for a few more years (hopefully) with a few more things to do to advance His mission in the ways that I can. You will still have more time to advance God’s will in your many unique and remarkable gifts that God has allowed you to develop.
Many blessings to you and your wife and do let us know how it goes. We will be praying for a successful surgery for you and a speedy recovery.
Lee
Raoul
May 29, 2019 at 4:33 pm
Thanks for your prayers.
Indeed getting old is quite an adjustment. The body parts that held on a
decade ago are now beginning to fall off. I already instructed my kids
to DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) if and when I become a vegetable. The verse
that keeps ringing in my head nowadays is in Phil: “For me to live is
Christ, to die is gain.” I bet you feel the same. I pray we continue to
run the race as efficiently as we are gifted.
Regards and blessings to your whole family.
Lee
May 29, 2019 at 4:35 pm
Thank you Raoul. I agree with your DNR decision, but for now you seem a good time away for such decisions. We have that in writing and told all of our kids the same. I now take more pills than I ever thought I would, but they allow me to keep preaching and teaching and writing (now 30 books and 160 articles) even though there are some pains I did not have a few years ago. I go to the gym regularly and walk 8.5 miles each time (3 times a week) and do a little iron pumping to tone up a bit, but not to get ready for the Mr. America contest.
Thanks for your response and many blessings to you,
Lee
Raoul
May 29, 2019 at 4:37 pm
Wow! You’re so prolific! So when you compliment me, that really means
something now. Wow!
And your health regimen — another Wow! You must be healthier than me.
I never exercise. I will get back to it after the operation for sure.
You inspire me.
Lee
May 29, 2019 at 4:37 pm
Thank you very much for the gracious comments even if they are undeserved. You have so many talents that I admire that are far beyond my abilities, so keep it up as long as you can. You bring joy and thoughtfulness to many people. Good for you AND US! I will be praying for you as you prepare for the surgery. Thank you again for your kind words.
Lee
April
May 29, 2019 at 4:29 pm
Raoul, thank you for your “two cents”. You’ve written truth here, and it
was a refreshing read.
April
Raoul
May 29, 2019 at 4:36 pm
Awww. That’s so nice to hear April.
April
May 29, 2019 at 4:36 pm
Amen, brother! And I’m sure He sees your heart and delights in your
willingness to spread His Name.
Marilyn
May 29, 2019 at 4:29 pm
TGIF thanks
Chuck
May 29, 2019 at 4:32 pm
Good morning Raoul,
Thanks for this and the parting shot! You are in our prayers. If
you ever would like to stop in for prayer on Tuesday Mornings at 9 am. We
meet with a group of diverse prayer warriors at El Camino Mexican Grill from
9 am to 10’ish for group prayer. Several pastors and brothers and sisters
from different fellowships that believe in prayer and God’s miracles. Year
ago at a La Habra Rotary Club meeting (So long ago it was at Buffums Dept.
Store – remember them?} on Imperial Hwy. at the old shopping center. Lunch
meeting and the speaker was a Dr. of colonoscopy. He was quite graphic, even
brought one of his tools to explain and demonstrate the procedure! He had
us all wincing in our seats!
The almost more memorable part of the meeting was afterwards- some of the
old timers were outraged to the point of fuming over that topic for a lunch
meeting! What a vivid memory this video brought back to me – I had seen it
but it was worth seeing again!
Hope to see you soon,
Blessings
(:>}) – Chuck
Lois
May 29, 2019 at 4:35 pm
Today’s newsletter reminded me of the following joke:
A driver is struggling to find a parking space. After 45 frustrating minutes he begins to pray. “Lord,” he says, “I can’t take this any longer. If you open up a space for me, I swear I’ll give up gambling and go to church every Sunday.” Suddenly, the clouds part and the sun shines on an empty parking spot. The man says, “Never mind. I found one.”
Lois
Raoul
May 29, 2019 at 4:39 pm
Cute. I remember that was popular during the Christmas shopping season.
So true too.
BTW, someone emailed me that her husband may be doing a hip operation.
Without mentioning your name, I told her not to do it because it didn’t
do you any good.
But they’re pushing through with it because this will be his second one.
The first one was ok. So I guess you got a bad doctor. I could get the
other doctor’s info if you like.
TGIF!
Lois
May 29, 2019 at 4:39 pm
I really don’t think I have a bad doctor. I have one of the best. He performed other, more serious, surgeries with hardware 15 years ago, which were highly successful. This time, he just did a laminectomy, basically cleaning up bone spurs that have developed since the surgery. I have no idea what this new development is, but I think I overdid the exercise, etc. I have an appointment with my surgeon. Yesterday I got a steroid shot to address any back pain caused by arthritis. The pain doctor who administered it said I wouldn’t notice any improvement until Monday. I’ve circled the date. Today I have a continuing migraine – the first I’ve had in years. It’s not from the shot because it began prior to the shot. If it ain’t one thing, it’s a mother…..
Thanks for thinking of me.
Lois
Raoul
May 29, 2019 at 4:40 pm
Did you intentionally say “It’s a MOTHER”?
That’s pretty good. You should develop a joke around that.
Lois
May 29, 2019 at 4:41 pm
Actually, I said “It’s a mother…. (dot-dot-dot-dot).
Noel
May 29, 2019 at 4:41 pm
Raoul!
This is Fantastic!
Well done my friend 👍
Noel
Rick
May 29, 2019 at 4:41 pm
Hi Bro!
Thanks for the TGIF! The 40 years later was funny and appropriate.
Praying for your hernia and your comfort. Yes, I do believe in prayer and miracles.
Take care and hello to the family,
Rick
Betty
May 29, 2019 at 4:42 pm
The joy of aging! Best regards to your family