Finding Laughter In Difficult Times

Back around 1970, on our block, we began hearing Peter, Paul, & Mary’s Leaving on a Jet Plane.  We liked that song a lot, though decades later I would learn that it was actually written by John Denver. Our friend Gil used to do a mime about the song whenever it came on the radio. He’d pretend he’d open a suitcase, pack it, shut it, then stash it under his left arm and swing his right forearm like a coupling rod moving the wheels on a locomotive as he pretended to walk away.  On very windy, and sometimes rainy nights, he’d pull out the attached hat on his windbreaker, put it on, and tie it.  He’d then pull the jacket up, slipping the hat upwards above his head so it would appear that his head was hollow.  As he mimed the song, the wind would sweep his ‘head’ all over the place and we’d die laughing at his antics!                                                                                       Packing suitcases comes naturally to some people and not to others. Prior to the pandemic, family members made fun of a sister-in-law of ours.  Since her husband died in 2017, she was now traveling everywhere she could every chance she had.  We joked that she never unpacked; always ready for the next journey.                                                                               Back in 1977, I remember the song & lyrics to Diana Ross’ song, Theme from Mahogany.  The first few lines say:                                  Do you know where you’re going to?                                                                 Do you like the things that life is showing you?                                     Where are you going to?                                                                             Do you know?  That particular song played over and over on the radio and in my head as I was going through a real tough situation. I didn’t like where I was going. I didn’t like where I was. I didn’t like what life was showing me. It was the darkest time of my life and it seemed there was no way out. At times, I didn’t want a way out. I wanted life to go back to how it had been. I didn’t like my-then situation at all. It was a time of confusion, a time of tears, and a time of many questions. I learned that life can show us some very ugly things.  It can take us through some dark, rainy alleys.  It can cause us to mime life rather than to live it.  When the winds of change strike hard, our heads can be floating around tossed about as if disconnected from our bodies.  Sometimes, we just want to pack life for good.  We’re done with life.  We want to unpack and never bother with anything or anyone-ever again.  But God is there waiting. His thumb is raised. He wants to hitch a ride with you. Look for Him. He’s there and here, and at every corner and every turn. Don’t miss Him. He knows all about you and He knows where you’re at at every moment of your life. he knows what you’re going through.          Maybe you’re in the group that doesn’t like packing.  They don’t like moving.  They don’t like changing anything.  They just ‘wanna be.’  However, they might be at dangerous crossroads in their lives.                                                                                                  Gil didn’t mime for his benefit, he did it for ours!  He knew we were there. We were his audience.  He knew we enjoyed the antics!  Likewise, God is there with you!  He waits patiently in the shadows, in the dark alleys of our lives.  He waits for us to call out to Him.  He’s ever-ready to save us, but needs to hear us ask for His help, for His direction.                                                          So, do you know where you’re headed?  You can’t go to the nearest gas station or food-mart to get a map for your life. Packed or unpacked, God knows where you should go.  He knows where you need to be this very moment.  Seek Him.  Ask Him.  Raise your thumb and hitch a ride.                                                                                                               We’re told in Proverbs 3:5,6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.” Faster than a jet plane, we’ll be ‘outta’ here when He calls us home.  No suitcases needed.

God Bless!
Sam

For those of you growing up in the mid-sixties, you know the tensions that were related to the popular TV series, Batman & Robin. Weekly, we held our breaths anxiously awaiting the next Tuesday or Thursday night to see if Batman lived to see the new week, or wondering whether the duo might be able to escape the clever claws of the enemy. My brother and I had discussions on how they might make their getaway. We thought of ways we might be able to help them, if possible. “Holy Ka-pow, Batman!” Robin would say, eagerly and screechy as Minute Mouse in pursuit to rescue Poly-Pure Bread. The “Holy” words flowed rather easily from Robin’s lips because he used them spontaneously each time he forgot his lines. Soon an entire generation of American kids were spewing all kinds of “Holy” phrases; some good, some not. It was a sign of the times. There’s another ambiance in which “Holy” is, not sporadically, but incessantly used. It’s not by a dynamic duo, but for the awesome Holy Trinity. Holiness here, is not related to earthly slips-of-the-tongue or Freudian slips. Nor is it a substitute for forgetting one’s lines, though, be assured that once in His presence, you will forget your words, or rather, you’ll fall short of finding words to describe Him. God is described as Holy, Holy, Holy (thrice holy), because there are no words that befit the Holy Trinity. God isn’t into crime-fighting, but He is into rescuing souls. He doesn’t wear a cape and He doesn’t drive a Batmobile. He does ride in His chariot and upon the winds: “Who lays the beams of his chambers in the waters: who makes the clouds his chariot: who walks upon the wings of the wind” (Psalm 104:3). God does everything in holiness. Which is? Holiness is existing and operating in the absence of sin. God is pure and has always resided sinless. It’s difficult for us to imagine this because we’ve only known a sinful life. Thankfully, we don’t have to fret biting our nails wondering how God will deal with sinners, or how He’ll escape the enemies’ destructive claws as they clamor, and viciously attack God’s creation, God’s people, and God’s Word and principles. Nope, He’s not one bit worried. He’s got all things under control. “Why do the nations rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, ‘Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.’ He that sits in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision” (Psalm 2:1-4). Yep, God will laugh at man’s foolish attempts to hurt Him. As for me, I can’t wait to see His chariot and take it for a spin ‘round the block!
God Bless!
Sam

During the summer of ’65, my little brother and I would spend the days with our older brothers’ mom. She’d take care of us. Not one to get hungry, my lunch consisted of a huge 10- cent Ring Ding chocolate cake (this was years before the Ring Ding Jr. came out), and a small 15-cent soda. Twenty-five cents was all I needed to get by. I know, I know, you’re wondering how I was so lucky! Some Fridays, my little brother and I, and another kid named Eddie, would receive loose change from one of my older brothers, Ruben. After work on Fridays, he probably distributed no more than sixty to seventy-five cents total in change to us. Each of us was thrilled to get eighteen to twenty-five cents mostly in pennies, dimes, and nickels! We were rich! We howled, we saddled-up our imaginary ponies, and headed out the door, turn right, dash to the candy store, and grab some of those two-for-a-penny candies! Sometimes, we’d grab five-cent bags of chips, or Drake’s Devil Dog cakes for the same price! Change was important to us kids. We sometimes had our pockets full, but most of the time they were empty but for lint, or a hole starting to form. Some people, though, especially adults, didn’t like change; they liked bills, large bills. Today, forget loose-change, they want credit cards and more. I guess, no time for small change… As we age, we find there’s another form of change; one that is constant. Billions of people world-over, seek ways to reach a state of peace or perfection. They search inward, outward, downward, and sometimes, upwards, all attempts to be at one with either nature, the earth, themselves, or with God. Millions succeed while others fail. It’s great to be at peace with others, with self, and with God. But, there’s something missing…change. “You mean, I’ll need change as in pennies to get in?” “Will I have to pay a fee for happiness?” Will I need a bucket full of change, or a wheelbarrow filled with pennies, like the Chinese man who rolled one to a company to purchase a car? NO! But you will need a different type of change. Every attempt made by man to reach God, to achieve oneness, is one-sided, it’s initiated by man himself; It’s from our perspective. And it’ll never work. Oh, you’ll hum yourself away and you’ll feel serenity, but no change will occur within you. You’ll feel like you’re doing something good, but you’re not. From your stance it’ll look fine and might even cause you to feel good. But what does it look like from God’s perspective? It’ll look a lot different. That’s because it must be endorsed by God Himself. God says in Romans 3:10,12: “There’s none righteous, no, not one. There is none that seeks the Lord.” Isaiah 64:6 reads: “All your works are as filthy rags.” In a nutshell, our best efforts fall miserably short of God’s approval-because we’re sin-based, and He’s Holy and perfect. When He saves us, it’s through the sinless sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, and only God can forgive sin and save us.
Try a different approach; one not available anywhere on earth: ask God to come into your heart and to set up residence there. When He indwells you, He’ll bring about something you’ll never get anywhere else. He will bring change into your life. Lots of it! Not pennies… or nickels…but inner change. A transformation will take place because when you invite the King of the Universe into your heart, you actually marry Him! The two of you become One. Since you’re not changing for Him, it won’t be short-lived. It’s unlike changing for a girl/guy. Once they dump you, or hurt you, you say, “Later for this.” Not so with God. He initiates the changes from inside us. He transforms our personality and changes our attitude. Our outlook on life gets revamped. We begin to see and care for others as He does. We ultimately become like Him because we’ll have a new heart. His. When He changes you, you’ll feel like a kid running to the nearest candy store, except not for goodies (unless you want to), but with an excitement that’ll transform your life. God doesn’t need your loose change, He already bought your salvation and paid for your entrance to heaven. He’s even reserved a ‘pad’ (a residence) for you. Do you have change in the pocket of your heart? Give it to Him and He’ll change your life beyond comprehension.
God Bless!
Sam

That’s a great song by Bob Seager and the Silver Bullet band! One line rings true for most of us: “I’m older now but I’m still running against the wind.” As a track runner, I can recall those days when there was a headwind; it just sucked the life out of you. No matter how hard you pushed it seemed you were standing still. Same thing when I was into cycling. I’d look at my calendar to see my last timing for a certain distance, and then determine how well I felt that particular day to see if I could break that timing. Many times, I just couldn’t do it! The winds were up against me pushing mercilessly. As I sometimes look back, I can see the hardships in my life, the broken promises, the enduring pain. I can see the anxieties that built-up, the insecurities that formed, the tears I shed over a broken heart. Accompanying those tears and hurts were the ever-present lyrics of songs that either comforted me or supported the hurts. Don’t we all have a set of songs that relate to difficult times in our lives? Remember when life was young? Remember when love was true? Remember your vows? Remember those words you promised or were promised to you? How you were this close to tying the knot? This close to happiness? Can you relate to the pains that have brought you to this point in your life? Maybe you’re not out of the woods yet. Maybe just recently you had your heart or life shattered. You might still be bleeding from the stabs; reeling from the hurt, still gathering the broken pieces of your life. You don’t know where to go or how to even put one foot in front of the next. You feel you can’t stand alone. During my runs, both on foot and on bike, there were days when the wind was at my back. Those were days when I could fly! On the track, when running, my long hair flew in the wind as I sped around the track catching runner after runner. On the bike, I remember one day coming off the small bridge from Rockaway beach. It was either North or South Conduit Ave. going towards Cross-bay BLVD. The winds were behind me and I was whizzing by! I was pedaling at 30 mph for five miles straight, considering traffic and traffic lights! When we’re running against the winds, we’re struggling. When our lives went against the wind, all types of hurt and pains were present. We don’t reach a point where the winds are gone. Sometimes they’re calm, sometimes they’re crossways. But they’re usually present. Pains are still present. Many times, I feel like I’m still running against the wind. Nothing I say or do seems right. Things are blown out of proportion. Feelings get hurt and life gets difficult. I find I can’t be around people I love. Fortunately, God makes a way for us. Going with God, is going with the wind. We can give Him our hurts. He’ll take our sad yesterdays and give us glorious tomorrows. He’ll dry our tears. He’ll show us how to shift our focus from unpleasant memories to brighter experiences. He’ll have us running around the track (of life) with renewed hope. He’ll even give us new songs to sing. Not songs of how our hearts were broken or how we were left at the altar, but songs of victory, songs of hope, songs of laying our lives down at His altar of sacrifice. Winds will remain present, but God is on our side. In fact, one thing that motivated us most at track meets, were the cheering crowds. God cheers us on daily. He believes we can make it through to the other side-if we just hold on a bit longer. Like the Irish saying: “May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of your hand.” Go with the Wind!! If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). God is for you! God Bless, Sam

It’s pretty amazing to watch chainsaw carvers. Those with blocks of ice, as well as those with huge tree trunks in front of them, are able to ‘see’ what their stump will become. “Brumm” the saws go chipping away around edges and corners where arms, legs, bears, eagles, or other creatures will appear. After some time, the end result emerges-spectacular! I remember a lady carving an 18’ tall eagle sculpture from a tree and using 250 tools in the process! From such carvings, masterpieces come forth. God’s words to Israel: “See, I will never forget you; I have carved you in the palm of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15,16). Be His masterpiece! Allow Him to chip away at those things He knows need trimming. As he works on you, He’ll present you with a new body when you get to heaven! He’s the Master Craftsman.
God Bless!
Sam

Power has gone out today, Saturday, September 17, 2022 for 15 minutes. We’re getting lots of rain, and it’s very windy.  Power goes out again as winds and rain increase, this time for close to 9 hours.  Power returns at 11:30p.m.                              At 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning, September 18, it’s gone again and hasn’t returned yet. Sunday saw 18-25” of heavy and severe rainfall coupled with 90mph winds. It’s interesting that on this very day 35 years ago, hurricane Hugo made landfall.  Today, it’s hurricane Fiona. Hopefully, Shrek isn’t following behind!                                                                                                It’s now Monday evening and it’s very unlikely power will be restored, not for at least several weeks. Of over a million people here, supposedly, 46k currently have power. There’s no water either due to several rivers running their banks and polluting it.  Since some generators are used to provide water, and there is no electricity, there’s little water.        Such are storms.  They wreak havoc in our lives.  They’re unpredictable.  They rain trials upon and winds of adversity whip us into exhaustion.  Such weather patterns cause us to flee to higher ground lest we experience flooding and risk getting washed away.                                                         During hurricane season, June 1^st– Nov. 30^th, we prep ourselves seeking refuge in higher ground, moving to safe locations, purchasing non-perishable, stocking up on water, having backup power of sorts, phones charged, and stocking up on necessary things like meds, diesel, gas, candles and matches. Not only do we experience seasons of change in our daily lives, but storms as well. Where are you these days?  Experiencing hurricanes, tornados, blizzards?  “God (Elohim) is our Refuge (Machseh) and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).  “The name of the LORD (Yahweh) is a strong tower (Migdol-oz): the righteous run into it, and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10).                                                                 Seek Him in higher grounds. Hiding in Him is your safest bet. You can’t perish in Him.  He’s the River of Life offering Living Water. There’s power in His Name, so you’ll always be charged.  He’s “All, and in all” (Colossians 3:11), simply put, He’s all you need.  No need for batteries or candles or to have your power restored, cause… “Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). God Bless, Sam Update: Saturday, September 24, 2022, power was restored after eight days.  We had water for less than a day.  Went thrice to purchase diesel at a few stations for our generator, and learned there was a shortage on the island because the ports were closed. Today’s news reports 700 containers have arrived with enough diesel for all who need it.  However, there was none until the next day. Further update: Some towns were affected more than others with some getting up to 35” of rain.  Power was restored to almost 90% of residents Saturday, October 1^st. No FEMA help available yet.  President Biden came to “see” conditions two weeks after the damage.  I guess he expects people to leave everything as is so he can attest to the deplorable conditions.  That’s life in PR.

With the introduction of Superman back in the 1950s, Superheroes have been known to aid us in difficult times. Some wear capes, others wear boots, and some have all types of talents and powers to save mankind.

Last month, my wife and I spent several weeks with two pint-sized Superheroes, our grandkids! With horse-care training camp, swimming lessons, gymnastics, recreational swimming, tutoring, and other activities, they were quite busy exercising their abilities! Our granddaughter was pretty impressive giving directions.

When Abuela (Grandma) went to drop them off for the swimming lessons, she wasn’t quite sure how to get there. Little Ms. Super-Duper Girl directed her all the way! “Take a left here…. a right there…go straight…” And they arrived! Equally impressive, Captain Amazing America, improved significantly in his swimming abilities, and the putting away of his toys in record time! Additionally, making his bed, dressing himself, and eating breakfast, all proved that remarkable powers were at work!

But, as we’ve all seen in movies, Superheroes have their weak moments too. They can get lassoed, over-powered, or nearly-defeated by some gut-sucking chemicals or rocks. Everyone can use a helping hand now and then.

Sometimes we’re Superheroes too. We help where needed, do house chores, job-related programs, counsel, lead in various capacities such as praise and worship, preach, or teach. Sometimes, we end up running out of juice. Gratefully, someone comes along, helps us to our feet, and sets us in motion once again. Once rested, we set sail again. We can then soar, battle opposing forces, lift the spirits of others, and help set them on God’s path.

Where are you these days? Down and out? Hung up your cape and tossed your boots in a corner? Has Kryptonite zapped your strength? Lost your X-Ray vision? Even your regular eyesight’s dimming? Is your hearing almost gone? “Heh? Say what? Make use of the gift of Discernment available through the Holy Spirit.

Has the enemy blindsided you? Prayer is your answer. Fellowship is your restorer. Praise is your strength. Worship, your endurance. Communion with God hides your flaws and your identity. When others look at you, they see Him because we’re hidden in Him. He’s our mask. Therefore, rest in His loving arms.

It’s time to take on the world again! Common,’ don the boots, fling the cape ‘round you. Hide behind your mask and fly in the strength of His might. Strengthen and encourage others. Point them to Christ our Savior.
Psalm 46:1-3 reads: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and the foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” God, is a hand indeed.
God Bless!
Sam

“Yep!” “Flew over tall buildings, swam across the seas, battled some gators…And I’m ready to go again!”

Kids have a special way of tugging at parents’ hearts, especially girls. When our little ones were five, three, and two I built a cushioned-prayer kneeling bench so I could pray with our three kids before night-night. As they got older, they were tucked in, read to, and prayed-over each night. It was hard the first time the two older ones left for an entire week to summer camp. We received their post cards the very next day! The cards shared the wonderful times they were having! Years later all three went off; our son to the Army, & the girls to study in the states. We had an empty home. After a few years they returned for a few months. My wife had been wondering what we’d do once we became empty-nesters. How would we manage their absence? In a whirlwind, they had returned & left before we could figure out what was happening. For two years after our girls left, I’d go into their room each night as was customary and I’d “see” them there ready to sleep. I could hear them saying, “Bendicion Pa!” and “Bendicion Papiiiiii!” “Bendicion” equates to “Please Bless me.” But of course, they weren’t there and we now had to face what we dreaded: an empty home. Needless to say, we shed lots of tears during those lonely years. Last week we came across five hard-working young men and seven, equally industrious, beautiful girls that visited our home with the intention of helping us with some projects. For two days they became our adopted kids! They were fabulous! They tackled all types of projects! They’re the type that if you scold them saying, “Go to the field and do some chores” they’ll say, “Really, gee, thanks dad, you’re the best!” The more we asked them to help us with, the more they thanked us… leaving us scratching our heads! Young guys come in really handy lending a hand around the land, and girls will always tug at our hearts. This group was a thrill to have around! They exuded a sweetness that proceeds from God, our heavenly Father. How does God see us? He sees us through a Father’s eyes. A father watches his kids and delights in their idiosyncrasies, especially, when we imitate or reflect his ways in some form. In God’s case, when we do His will, we please Him. He’s pleased and glorified when we love as He loves; when we lend a hand as he does; when we forgive as he forgives, and when we encourage others just as He encourages us to persevere. In terms of our ‘adopted’ kids, they showed their love to God as follows:
How Do I Love You?
I love you Lord when I can lend a hand to clear my brother’s land.
I love you Lord when I can cut down trees, or scrub dirty tiles down on my knees.
I love you Lord when I can take down a deck
And leave windows sparkling clean without a speck.
I love you Lord when I can bring down a balcony
While working with others in harmony.
I love you Lord when with, or without a tool
I can put together a long-awaited pool.
I love you Lord when I can sort-out pieces of wood
And praise you all the more for the provided delicious food!
Today, be the best son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter you can possibly be. Share your love with your father or with a father-figure. He’s not around? Share it with God. He’s been watching you, tucking you in, and reading to you every night for so many years. He’s even adopted you into His kingdom. “In love, He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with His pleasure and will” (Ephesians 1:5).
Happy Father’s Day!
Sam
Our Adopted Young Men & Women!

God Bless!.

Sam

Are you bound somewhere? There are a great many stories of people bound on quests. Some, to climb, others to cross, still others to discover. People have succeeded and people have failed. It’s part of life. Do you know where you’re headed? Or, are you bound by your past or by unhealthy relationships?

Lazarus was dead and buried four days when Jesus paid him a visit. “With a great voice, He cried, Lazarus, come forth,” and he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound with a napkin” (John 11:43, 44). Lazarus though dead, heard the voice of God and came forth. Bound by death, he was called back to life. However, he needed to be set free from the cloths wrapped around him.

Today, this very day, in fact, this very moment you can be brought back to life. “Say, what? I’m alive” you might say. Anyone who doesn’t serve God is dead, spiritually dead and bound by sin. Tell God this moment that you want to live! Tell Him you want to feel alive! He will call your name out from among the (spiritually) dead, and you’ll come alive. You’ll still be bound by cloths or chains of sin which with Jesus’ help, will fall off!

“Behold, now is the day of salvation” (2Corinthians 6:2). “Today if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts…” (Hebrews 3:15a).

God Bless!

Sam