Raoul’s 2 Cents
There’s a Train Coming
Where does your security rest? On your career? On your insurance? On your retirement benefit? Your savings? I’ve been following the news lately and I’ve been concerned how quickly the godless global value system seems to be spreading. A Japanese animator went “postal” and burned an anime studio. There’s a Hollywood movie where the kids are exploited to be already sexually aware — they think it’s comedy. As usual, politicians spew ridiculous declarations and believe their own lies. Technology is advancing so rapidly that the laws that safeguard our security and privacy are non-existent. Somebody opened “Pandora’s box,” now every year we move closer to self destruction. It’s easy to drown in fear and worry.
Fortunately, I’ve found comfort studying the book of Daniel. He’s the guy who interpreted dreams and who was rescued from a den of hungry lions. Many who study the book dig into the details of his prophecies but I stepped back and looked at the big picture. And I saw a Daniel who was distraught by the visions of calamity but he calmed down when he understood God’s big agenda. Daniel never compromised his faith and he never deviated from his role as a steward of God. He not only survived several kingdom take-overs but also retained his top political position no matter who was in power. We can complain all we want, start wars and save the environment — but the bottom line is — God’s plan will carry through. There may be a delay due to prayers but the dreaded apocalypse is inevitable. It will be swift and it can happen within our lifetime. It can happen tomorrow. Where is our security then?
This reminds me of a provoking song written by Curtis Mayfield called “People get Ready.” CLICK HERE for the complete lyrics.
People get ready, there’s a train coming.
You don’t need no baggage, you just get on board.
All you need is faith to hear the diesels humming.
You don’t need no ticket, you just thank the Lord.
If you’ve never heard it, there are a lot of musicians who have played it. Here’s one I just discovered by Matt Anderson where I thought the lyrics were clear. CLICK HERE.
Listening to the lyrics you could easily come away with a defeatist attitude — “the world’s coming to an end so I might as well drink and be merry.” But that’s not the intent of the song. Neither is it the intent of Daniel’s prophecy. Instead, look at it as a warning. God’s train is inevitably coming. You have a choice. You can be stubborn and demand your way and refuse to get on board just because the train doesn’t conform to your agenda. Or you can humble yourself, admit there is something bigger than you, and get on that train.
Life may get worse and unpredictable but as long as you hope in the Lord’s provision and ride that train you will be secure. You don’t need no ticket … you just get on board.
TGIF people!
Joke of the Week
Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA for sending this joke.
Video of the Week
Tom Rush: The Remember Song
Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.
Don’s Puns
From Don’s collection of puns
Parting Shot
Thanks to Ed of Studio City, CA who shared this.
People from all over the world send him jokes and Raoul sends those jokes back with his original sketches. 
Marilyn
August 16, 2019 at 10:05 am
Raoul,
You always make me smile!
My security lies in Jesus Christ.
As a Catholic I also resonate with the LDS.
😊😊 You do a good thing with your column.
TGIF
Raoul
August 16, 2019 at 10:07 am
Thanks Marilyn.
Awesome that you trust in Christ. Many think they have to work and add
to Christ’s sacrifice. They don’t realize our debt was paid in full and
it is not anything that we did or can do that would entitle us to boast.
We don’t deserve the blessings we are given.
Help me spread the good word.
TGIF!
Marilyn
August 16, 2019 at 10:08 am
Amen.
TJ
August 16, 2019 at 10:05 am
Loved the songs and advice contained therein. Einstein used to come into my Dads Market on N. Hill Ave. in Pasadena. You would never guess he was a celebrity as he was quite the opposite. I was young and working for $1 a week and loving the experience.by age 14 I could run the store and my Dad would take vacations and leave me in charge.
Served about 500 customers a day; Loved ever minute 7AM to 11 PM
Thanks for the reminder.
Raoul
August 16, 2019 at 10:13 am
You knew Einstien? That’s wild!
What store was this? A grocery store? What did he used to buy? Did you
get his autograph? Tell me more.
TJ
August 16, 2019 at 10:15 am
He was almost shy, always dressed very casually and my Brother noticed at times his shoes did not match. Should have obtained an autograph but did not. He would buy Bread, Milk and produce items. And most always looked serious.
I think he was working at Cal Tech.
A very quiet demeanor most times. There was another notable science guy who championed the use of Vitamin C.
He was much more fun and outgoing. I can still visualize them in my mind.
Our Marker was at 280 N. Hill Ave in Pasadena, named Joyce’s Market. 1936 to 1972 when the 210 Freeway took it in an Eminent Domain Case. Groceries, meat, produce, beer and Wine plus Health band Beauty AIDS.
April
August 16, 2019 at 10:06 am
Thank you for your continued testimony through this platform. It’s always a joy to realize and hear from believers from all parts of this country, even indeed from throughout the world. I’ve watched a lot of connections being made, sometimes with people we wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the way God has been knitting together His Body for several years now. I believe this is part of the preparation of His bride. While you probably don’t remember me, we did meet through Tom Lenzo while I was still in CA. (I’m now living in Spokane, WA.) Anyway, I just thought I’d reach out and thank you. Your TGIF emails are clearly a great tool to reach many in these last days, and your openness and wisdom are appreciated.
I agree the train is coming and may be coming a lot faster than many people expect.
April
Raoul
August 16, 2019 at 10:09 am
What a nice encouraging letter April, Thank you.
I hear Spokane is nice and chilly. Lots more trees than here in CA.
Let’s hope that the non-believers start getting serious about their faith because indeed,
the last days are upon us.
TGIF!
April
August 16, 2019 at 10:10 am
Yes, we get snow here, and yes, the trees are great. It also surprises many
to learn the rest of the year the temps are pretty mild, sunny and
gorgeous, with crystal clear blue skies . and the cloud life here is utterly
amazing. It’s fun to see a moose wandering the parking lot at the local
Target, the bison in the field at one special intersection, and the families
of quail tripping along outside my window. God’s creation is sometimes
beyond words. I’ve taken up fishing again and earlier this week had an
incredible translucent dragonfly hovering over and over again on my fishing
pole. I don’t care if I catch fish, but I do feel renewed and refreshed
just having the opportunity to sit in the quiet and enjoy His creation.
Furthermore, He gave me a series of dreams indicating I’m to be involved as
one of the “fishers of men”. Will have to see how that plays out. I do
already volunteer teach a class for ladies in the Union Gospel Mission’s
Women’s Crisis Shelter, and am on the board of fledgling ministry that will
be mentoring young women who age out of the foster care system, but I think
He has something more He intends for me to do. I’ll never reach as many
people as you can and do, and I so admire the way you do it. It’s got to be
having much more impact than you probably think.
As to the rest of life, I host a weekly bible study, was able to get
connected with a good church, a ladies life group, another Connect group,
and re-establish a whole new life here after so many years of hard work and
leaving behind so many friends and contacts in Southern CA after 52 years.
Both of my adult children, spouses and my grandchildren are in WA too, which
is a real blessing. My experience with the challenges of a long-distance
relocation and putting life back together again has been very good, despite
some of the difficulties. There’s no doubt, however, that one has to be
deliberate about making the effort to meet people and build a whole new set
of relationships.
I bore you with all these comments but they actually have a purpose, and
that is to lead up to this question: Have you ever thought of bailing
SoCal? I’ve been encouraging many to do so, for a variety of reasons, not
just earthquake risks. I believe there will come a time when it’s too late
to get out. I always thought I’d be there to “go down with the ship” after
the “Big One” and help as many as I could during the troubled times to come.
But you know how it is, God often laughs at our plans. He had something
much better in mind for me. If your calling remains in CA, He will somehow
protect and provide for you, but I just wanted to put the question on your
radar though, in case it’s never crossed your mind. “For everything there
is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes).
Blessings to you!
April
Raoul
August 16, 2019 at 10:11 am
WA does seem to be a paradise here on earth. No wonder Microsoft is
based there.
So encouraged that you are active in your role as an apostle. Praise God!
Moving? Yeah, I’m open. I don’t really like it here in CA anymore. Too
many taxes and too many crazy politicians. My wife’s work is a big
factor why we stay.
April
August 16, 2019 at 10:12 am
Microsoft is in Seattle and west coast parts of the state. Spokane is
inland, about 30 minutes from the Idaho border and not too much south of the
Canadian border, just FYI.
You cite some of the other reasons I advocate for sensible people leaving
CA. It’s going to implode, sooner or later. I know several who are waiting
for spouses to retire or to get enough ahead to get out. Keep the faith!
Art
August 16, 2019 at 10:07 am
Good message Raoul!
Happy Friday.
Art