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.

The post Einstein’s Driver appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Early in the week, JJ, asked me if I wanted to go with him on an adventure. For a split second I recalled the few other times he popped this question. Each time I found myself in some life-changing far off place being used to help others. So when he the question came up, I knew it was going to be something unusual … something crazy.

“Do you want to come with me to Mexico and sail on my new yacht up to Long Beach California?” JJ asked. Keep in mind, JJ isn’t rich but he knows his way around these kinds of arrangements so I was pleasantly surprised at his new bag of tricks. After checking with my wife, I told him I was game enough to go. I started planning what I was going to do. I was dreaming of Marlin fishing, communing with the dolphins, getting a tan on the deck, composing music with my guitar, illustrating on my iPad, enjoying sushi from my own catch. I invited my son who would definitely love this adventure.

But last night, JJ called and said he hired a professional inspector ahead and the news wasn’t good. The inspector deemed the ship needed major repairs amounting to several thousands of dollars. JJ had to turn down the purchase offer. It is a good decision but we’re still both disappointed.

Even though it didn’t happen, I feel so honored to have wacky friends like JJ who can dream of opportunities like this and invite me to enjoy it with them. You’ve had friends like them, right?

Throughout my life God has blessed me with amazing friends. They’ve come in all shapes, sizes, nationalities and interests. Very recently, I rekindled my friendship with Choy, my Grade School classmate, who found me through LinkedIn. About the same time, I re-bonded with my buddy Ed (one of my spiritual mentors) who is a fireman-turned-missionary. I coaxed him to start contributing articles about his missionary misadventures in TravelingBoy.com. You should read his stories, they are extremely funny. This morning, I hit it off with a new set of friends — a 30-ish Ju Jitsu instructor, and a 80-ish retired Navy Seal. Next week we are jamming at the Art Gallery of La Habra. Come and join us!

Of course the list doesn’t end there. I’ve got my high school and college chums, my friends from my old job, my church mates, my fellow artists, my current batch of amazing business friends, etc.. whom I can pick up conversations as if it were yesterday. It’s true that love and true friendship has no boundaries … no limits in time. When you give of yourself and expect nothing back in return, there is an overflow of undeserved kindness. I betcha, YOU can say the same about YOUR friends.

One day we will be in heaven comparing notes on how we lived our lives. One day we will be thanking our Lord for providing us good people who encouraged us and made living here on earth a joy.

Let’s rejoice for having friends … always remember that they are a blessing from up above.

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this — to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
— John 15:12-13

TGIF people!

P.S.
If you will be in the area, I could use your support. I will be one of the readers for the Grace EV Free Church his Sunday from 6 to 8 pm. I will be reading the lines of the “cup bearer.” I’m nervous but excited. Be sure to say hello.

Eye Exam

Shared by Tom of Pasadena, CA

Three Ways to Fail A Drunk Test
Sent by Mike of New York

Kinda glad that the police got these drunks off the street before they caused any harm to themselves and others.

WATCH VIDEO

Playing a Giant Piano with Their Feet
Sent by Don of Kelowna, BC

Playing Volare! in Feet Major.

WATCH VIDEO

Amazing Sheep Light Video
Sent by Tom L of Pasadena, CA

This is an old video but I thought it was still pretty amazing how these sheep herders pulled off such a high-tech stunt with the help of their sheep dogs.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shot

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA who shared this photo

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