A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Doctor

Over two years ago I had pain coming from my lower abdomen. I started to wear a stomach belt hoping it would eventually go away. Wrong! On my next checkup, my doctor felt the bulge and told me I had a hernia — a hole in my stomach. If you have been reading my TGIF joke email for a while, you might recall I shared my appointment with Doc Hollywood who put a mesh on that sucker. This is a follow up story.

The operation went well. Unfortunately, the pain returned after the anesthesia wore off. My doctor said my discomfort was normal and that the pain would go away after a few weeks. Months rolled by but the pain got worse and I went back to wearing that stomach brace.

I went back to my regular doctor who felt the same hernia plus another one on the other side of my stomach — “you have a double hernia!” he declared. He said I should get an ultrasound before the surgery.

Because of the Covid situation, I never had the appointment made until a few weeks ago. All the while, the pain was on my side and I was wearing this band around my mid section for fear that hole would tear all the way open.

At the ultra sound room, the two attendants jabbed their probe up, down and side to side around my belly It took almost an hour. All the while I’m pointing where the pain was but all the while also wondering why it didn’t hurt anymore.

Back at home, I’m telling my wife I didn’t feel any pain anymore … maybe I should cancel the surgery. She looked at me strangely. The next day I get a confirmation from the doctor who analyzed the ultra sound images.

“I don’t know what to tell you Mr. Pascual … I do not see any hernia.”

“Doc, you may be right because I don’t feel any pain anymore.”

He couldn’t explain it. I couldn’t explain it. Dare I say I experienced a miracle?

The Pharisees (the religious leaders) asked the the blind man:  “how can this Jesus, a sinner who did not follow our religious laws, perform a miracle that made you see?” It was illogical, unbelievable, impossible. All the blind man could say was “I was blind but now I see.” (John 9)

I have no explanation. “I had a hernia … but now it’s gone.”

Miracles still exist. There is no formula. It is nothing we can boast of. God just gifts it to us. Please don’t minimize the miracles in your life. When we recognize these heavenly presents, we gain a greater understanding of how amazing HE is and how undeserving WE are. Count your blessings (your family, your work, your health … I’m sure there are a lot of them), bask in his warm embrace and share your joy and give hope to those who need it. We have an awesome God.

TGIF people!

Raoul

“Jesus said ‘For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.’ ”  — John 9:39

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. for sharing this joke.

Video: It’s Friday Mufasa

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines
I never saw someone so happy that it’s Friday.

Video: Getting a Room

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC for this very quick video

Parting Shots

Thanks to Mel of Washington, DC

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

Another one from Peter Paul

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

The post It Snowed this Morning appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Onward to Glory We Go!

The notorious Covid year has come to a close. With the vaccine finally out, fear and apprehensions are easing up. Kudos to the people who made this miracle drug available in record time. Unless some new evil genius out there tries to pull another fast one, we will be safe(r) for now.

Pondering on what’s ahead this year, my mind raced back to the last chapter of the book of John. Jesus had already been crucified, buried for 3 days and had risen from the dead. The disciples knew he was alive because they had seen him walking and talking with them. But Jesus was no longer like them because He would bodily come and go as He pleased. They would never see Jesus go to sleep, wash his face, groom his hair… things were definitely different. After 3 1/2 years of incredible made-in-heaven escapades, their leader was gone and life was back to a boringly normal existence. How do you top those miraculous years? What were they to do now?

Then Peter, the leader of the pack said “let’s go fishing!” No one had any better idea so they picked up their nets and jumped on their boat. But the fishes weren’t biting. All they were getting was an early morning tan. And then a stranger on the beach cried out to them to throw their nets towards the right side of the boat. Weird! But following the unorthodox advice, suddenly there was so much fish their nets were about to tear. John was the first to realize that was no stranger — that man was their Master!

I imagine the victory song of Don Quixote from the Broadway musical of “Man of La Mancha” playing in the background as Peter, exuberant with rekindled joy, jumped out of the boat to greet Jesus — ever ready for the next chapter of their great adventure. “Here we go! The team is back!”

After their hearty breakfast, Jesus pulls Peter (originally named Simon) to the side for some heart to heart talk:
“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

It took a few more hints from Jesus until finally Peter realized, there was indeed another adventure in store. But this time, Jesus wasn’t going to be with them physically but spiritually. Their training was over and they were to make their own decisions now. They were to feed their own sheep/disciples. Like any adventure there was going to be struggle mixed with hope and joy … BUT definitely NOT boring. They were to be ambassadors (representatives) of their Master. Their mission was to teach the world the wonderful truth of God’s love and the blessings (oh the many blessings!) for those who carry the torch.

This New Year, we have a choice: Life as it was in 2020 or life as it could be … filled with REAL joy. If you’re a believer and have no joy, you probably missed the secret spice of the adventure because there SHOULD be joy no matter the circumstance.

Be safe, be healthy, and remember: Don’t die without embracing the daring adventure your life was meant to be. TGIF people!

Raoul

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”
— Henry David Thoreau Walden

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA  for sharing this joke.

Video: Chest Hair Removal

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Video: One English Word Puzzle

Thanks to Debbie of Moreno Valley, CA

Video: Do You Love Me?

Thanks to Mike of New York

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC who sent this pun

Parting Shots

Thanks to Naomi of N Hollywood, CA

Thanks to Tony of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Mel of Washington, D.C.

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

The post Happy New 2021 appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Oh Happy Day!

A Merry Christmas to you all. I know, I know — to many of you, it’s an isolated Christmas. But there are many ways we can still celebrate Christmas without a face-to-face party. Among them some of the many Christmas jokes I’ve been collecting (thanks to all who sent a ton of emails).

I’ve sent my kids their presents and my wife said she got everything she wanted … so at least for now, it’s peace on earth. Need I say more?

Happy Hanukkah! Feliz Navidad! Maligayang Pasko! メリークリスマス
Buon Natale, Joyeux Noël, Vrolijk kerstfeest, Giáng Sinh vui vẻ, Veselé Vánoce, Feliz Natal, Wesolych Swiat,  聖誕快樂, С рождеством!, Superkalifragilistic Expialidocious   — It’s a great day in any language. For unto us a child is born.

Be safe, be healthy, and remember: Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Because of Christ, there is hope and wonder. TGIF people!

Raoul

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.“
— Isaiah 9:6 — A prophecy written 740 years before Christ’s birth.

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA  for sharing this joke.

Video: Covid Christmas

Thanks to Toti of Manila, Philippines

Video: Santa Interrogation

Thanks to Tony of Los Angeles, CA

Video: Salvation Army Christmas Concert

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA
A classic Christmas music collection

Video: The Little Drummer Boy

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC who sent this pun

Parting Shots

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.
Funny:

Thanks to Mel of Washington, D.C.
Funny:

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA
Funny:

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

The post Christmas Courtroom appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Recorded Miracle

I pondered about what to share this Friday before Christmas. I wanted it to be special. So, how about a miracle? Do you want to literally hear one?

Duane Miller was a pastor in Texas. He lost his voice after a bout with a virus that attacked his vocal chords. It took a lot of effort for him to speak and his raspy voice caused him to lose his leadership position in church. They say he went to 63 medical specialists but the sad prognosis was that he would no longer be able to speak in a normal voice again.

One Sunday, (over 3 years after he lost his voice) the regular Sunday school teacher was unavailable and Miller was asked to step in. The church fitted him with a microphone to help pick up his squeaky voice. He was to teach on Psalm 103 (about God’s forgiveness of sin and miracles). And then it happened — in front of 200 people, a miracle was recorded for all to hear.

CLICK HERE to listen to Miller’s voice before and after the miracle. Listen to him in mid-speech wonder what was happening and the crowd applauding in the background.

Isn’t it wonderful that our loving God is still in the business of granting miracles? There is no formula. There is no guarantee. There is only God who gifts our needs. In all miracles, the glory goes to God alone.

It’s the season of joy and miracles. This Christmas, there’s no harm in praying for the gift you’ve always wanted. I’m sure God already knows what it is. I believe He will grant you what you need … not according to your standards but His. He knows you better than you know yourself. And that’s a very good thing.

Be safe, be healthy, and remember: A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles. TGIF people!

Raoul

“My soul, praise the Lord
and never forget how kind he is!
He forgives all our sins
and heals all our sicknesses.
He saves us from the grave,
and he gives us love and compassion.”
— Psalm 103: 2 – 5

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA  for sharing this joke.

Video: Another Kind of YMCA

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Video: Tom Cruise Impersonator

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA

Video: Mixing Fun and Exercise

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC who sent this pun

Parting Shots

Thanks to Debbie of Moreno Valley, CA
Sensitive:

Thanks to Mel of Washington, D.C.
Funny:

Thanks to Sang of North Dakota
Funny:

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA
Funny:

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

The post Eggnog appeared first on Traveling Archive.

A New Beginning

I just finished my final class in my Biblical Counseling course. It’s been inked in my Thursday evening schedule for over 3 years. Now I am free to do other things. Strange feeling.  I’m a baby bird kicked out of its comfortable nest to start flying.

I’ve learned about different personality types, the horrors of ungodly relationships, the corruption in the pharmaceutical industry, the unscientific basis of modern psychology, a deeper understanding of God and His creation and how we fit in all this. I do feel inadequate to counsel anyone and I understand that full competency will only evolve with experience.

My wife and I decided to take this course because people, going through struggles, would come to us for help and we felt we needed to be more equipped in order to bless them. I’m not doing this for the money. I’ll do it for free. There’s a confused world looking for fixes. I certainly don’t have all the answers but fixing isn’t my responsibility … speaking God’s truth in love is. Fixing will follow. The glory goes to God never to myself.

Do you know people going through emotional difficulties? I’d love to help. And if the problem is more than I can handle, I can connect them to a team of experienced counselors. Isn’t this why we are called to support one another?

Of course this is just me.

Be safe, be healthy, and remember: We live in a fallen world but we don’t have to live there forever.  TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA  for sharing these jokes.

Video: Christmas Fireworks

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC who sent this pun.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Laer of La Habra, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

Thanks to Mel of Washington, DC

The post Airport Closure appeared first on Traveling Archive.

The Two Boys

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA  for sharing this joke.

Video: Dog Apology

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA
The cutest apology between siblings.

Video: The Practical Man

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.
 Follow the logic.

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who sent this pun.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Mel of Washington D.C.

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC

Thanks to Mel of Washington D.C.

The post Indian Bank Loan appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Roller Coaster Decade

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.  for sharing this joke.

Video: Did You Steal My Makeup?

Thanks to Bok of Quezon City, Philippines
You don’t have to teach them how to lie.

Video: Chinese Village Couple’s Joyful Dance

Thanks to Ernie of Fresno, CA
Uplifting film of a farming family who just love to dance.

Tom’s Puns

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA who sent these puns.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Mel of Washington, D.C.

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

One more from Peter Paul

The post The Zipper appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Joy in the Morning

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Ed of Studio City, CA for sharing this joke.

Video: When China Meets India

Thanks to Ray of Burbank, Ca, USA.
This got me laughing for several minutes. Love the last comment of the guy in tech support.

Video: Venn Diagram Career Path

Thanks to Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.
Hilarious logical way of deciding one’s career path.

Video: Blacks Attack Chinese Couple

Thanks to Chris of Cebu, Philippines who shared this video. This might upset some viewers.
Restricted. Proceed with caution.

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who sent this pun.
Dean Martin’s unrecorded verse.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Raffy of Buena Park, CA

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

Thanks to Maling of Caloocan City, Philippines

The post Car Blinker appeared first on Traveling Archive.

The Lesser of Two Evils

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for sharing this joke.

Video: School Teacher’s Corona Virus Song

Thanks to Ray of Burbank, Ca, USA.
The News Reporters break down with laughter when they hear her original composition.

Video: Pizza Slices

Thanks to Roger of Greater Manila, Philippines.
This is why we have to open our schools again.

Video: Eating Twinkies With God

Thanks to Nani of San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines.
A feel good video.

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who sent this  pun.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Thanks to Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

The post The $30 Suit appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Angry America

(I’m in a spiritual mood so please skip if you aren’t into these kinds of things.)

Like most of you, I have been troubled by the murder of an unarmed man and the anarchy that followed in the streets across America. Hard to believe that there is so much evil in the hearts of men: The systemic abuse of power exemplified in broad daylight and goons paid to create havoc. These shameless animals on both sides of the fence! Above it all I saw an evil puppeteer pulling the strings …. pressing all the sensitive buttons. Everybody shouting. Nobody listening. Shattered glasses. Stolen merchandise. Teargas. Bullets. Anger. Pain. Fear.

Last night I wanted to pray but I didn’t know how. I grabbed my Bible and I was led to Romans 8:21:

“For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.“

These words were written as if today, but actually written by the apostle Paul in the first century amidst the tribulations of his time. Paul reminded me that prayer sometimes cannot be spoken in logical coherent words but in (what is called) “praying in the spirit” (Praying in the Spirit is prayer with divine help. It’s trusting in faith and relying on God to hear, understand, and act. Praying in the Spirit is a gift to be received through faith in Jesus.)

So I closed my eyes, allowed myself to just make utterances … no words … just groanings of sadness … and allowed the Spirit to take over. No. It wasn’t speaking in tongues (no language was invoked). It was ecstatic prayer. And you know what? It felt good …real good. A burden was lifted. In its place was a reminder that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28

No definitive answers but a clear acceptance of what God is allowing to happen. Imagine that! God scolded Israel (His beloved chosen people) when he declared:

“All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” — Romans 10:21

God has been stretching out His hands, bending backwards patiently to an America that has been going in the wrong direction for so long. The events of today were/are inevitable. (When you go to the edge of a cliff, don’t blame anyone if you fall off). We may not like it but be at peace that this is part of God’s plan to bring the nation back to Him or to force it to its knees.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  — John 16:33

I’m sorry for the heavy stuff. (Hey, I told you to skip this.) Of course, this is just me.

Stay safe, keep healthy and vent your frustration peacefully. TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. for sharing this joke.

Video: The Rotary Phone

Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Video: Thank You Teachers

Thanks to Mike of New York for this video.

Video: Adorable Drill Instructor

Thanks to Vanessa of Hacienda Heights, CA.

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.who loves puns.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA. Nothing else kneads to be said.

Finally, here are two from Don of Kelowna, B.C.

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