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Now that I have been retired from my secular job for quite a while and as I continue to step into each day with a purpose of making the most of another God given day, my curiosity has not been dimmed by reality. I love to look at history firsthand not dished out by textbooks or hearsay which in itself is very dangerous. The news feeds do not usually get it right in case you are not aware. Do not believe everything you hear or see on the 24-hour breaking news cycles. Why? Because like most things, new media have been so commercialized that they have compromised their standards to report what sells to their audience. Gone are the days that news is reported strictly based on facts. They also spin it on who they consider to be their listening audience. Has history changed? No, but reporting of such has sadly. I am listening to an unabridged story of Winstin Churchill from his childhood and throughout his life. He was hated, mocked, ridiculed, ran out of office, then back into office at the most crucial time in our modern history not because the politicians and news media of the time wanted him, but the people needed him because he spoke the truth regardless of the naysayers of the time. God has given each of us a gift to spend our days on this ball of earth anyway we choose. We can make a total mess of the days, learn from our mistakes and if it is His will, finish our days strong for those who are left behind when our days are done. Take one day at a time and make the most of this God given gift. Here are 17 days in my continuing story.

After a nice week with our son and his family down in Florida, we met our cruise ship called the “Island Princess”, on Saturday, January 24^th and sailed away. If you have ever been on a cruise, you know that it takes a few days just to find your cabin, where to eat and where to walk to see the best scenery. This first day was all about exploring the ship. Of course, the first place to find is where is the buffet so you can eat like you have never been fed. By the end of the cruise, you may wish you had not visited this first, but that is all part of the fun of letting go and enjoying oneself.

After stuffing yourself and watching the ship depart Ft. Lauderdale, we found the theater for a comedian named Gary DeLena to make us laugh. What a great start!

Day 2 included more eating, then we watched amazing but true tales and learned a little about Cartagena and Fuerto Amador, hung around the pool, ate some more, watched the comedian again, tuned into the NFL playoff games and ended with a Broadway musical by Lovena Fox.

Day 3 was more eating. You get the picture that eating was at least 3-4 times a day. My advice is to lose about 40 pounds before you embark on a cruise. Maybe I will take my own advice next time. We enjoyed a talk about the history and building of the Panama Canal. The speaker, Mr. Gary Shahan, has made his mission about this magnificent engineering feat for over 30 years. He shared with me his presentation and an awesome video clip of the canal from beginning to end. We ended our day with another awesome theatrical performance called “Encore”.

On day 4, we disembarked at Cartagena, Columbia for a long excursion on a bus through the new part of the city then the old city & historical museum. According to the Princess brochure, the city’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country of Columbia is one of the largest flower producers in the world importing 70% to the USA including 1,500 orchid species. The Cartagena Folklore performance was a nice feature added to our visit.

We are back onboard for another day at sea, before we entered the Panama Canal. Apart from the eating which I will skip talking about, we watched a true story about the life of a Caribbean Pirate and more about the Panama Canal, today and tomorrow. Here are a few things Mr. Shahan shared in-depth on a flash drive he gave me after his talks.

The journey through the Canal on day 6 took all day and covers 50 miles of waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It was completed in 1914 culminating from a dream in 1513 when Balboa became the first European to cross the Isthmus of Panama. In 1880 Ferdinand de Lesseps and the French Canal company who were the builders of the Suez Canal began construction. They failed due to lack of disease control, cost overruns and engineering problems put them in a situation where they had to take a loss and sell their stakes to the USA for $40 million dollars losing $247 million dollars. The US began in 1904 completing the project in 1914 for $387 million. They had three problems to overcome. First, was the engineering required to carve out a channel through the Continental Divide, thus creating the then largest man-made lake. Second, they had to overcome sanitation problems that impacted those working in insect infested plus yellow fever among other diseases due to unclean conditions. Third, they had to get a handle on how best to organize such a feat outside the USA, so they had to build international support. During the USA ownership until December 31, 1999, they did not charge vessels traversing the Canal more than their cost to operate. After 1999, the Panamanian government was given back control, and they have made a lot of money charging vessels ever since.

Before the canal was built a railroad was constructed, taking 5 years to build from 1850 to 1855. A 47-mile journey costing up to 12,000 lives in the process.

The French effort was doomed from the beginning as they tried to use the same concept as the Suez Canal which was a sea level crossing. They did not account for the huge differences between the Atlantic and Pacific sea levels. They wanted a flat dry solution and that was far from reality. The jungles and the effort to excavate through such terrain left them in dept with around 22,000 deaths due to accidents and disease. They could not appreciate engineering difficulties and resolve disease issues. Their effort was not all lost as 40% of the excavation was completed.

In 1902, the US Congress debated between Panama which was part of Colombia at the time and Nicaragua which had active volcanos. A vote was taken and Panama won by four votes mostly because just prior to the vote Mt. Pelee erupted in Martinique killing 30,000 people. Between the fear of volcanos and the amount of money already invested in Panama it won just barely. Politics was in play I am sure back then as it is now. It was still not a done deal as Colombia was playing hard ball with negotiations. The US did not negotiate with them. Instead, they supported a Panamanian revolt against Colombia and had offered US Naval support. The US paid Panama $10 million up front and paid rent of $250,000 annually. US also gave Colombia $25 million in 1921 for helping Teddy Roosovelt broker the deal. Sounds a bit fishing to me but goes to show you politics has not really changed over the years. Just the names. Was Teddy a hero or a thug?

John Wallace was the first Chief Engineer between 1904-5 then quit some say due to the bureaucracy of the time. Makes sense, especially if he thought it was a suicide mission. Maybe he did as he brought both his and his wife’s coffins to Panama. John Stevens took over from 1905 to 1907. He rebuilt the Panama Railroad, improved sanitation, built housing, recruited workers, improved dirt removal/disposal.

Dr. William Gorgas was a sanitation expert who improved conditions further by paving roads, removing standing water, introducing fumigation and increasing public awareness that mosquito bites cause malaria. John Stevens quit after 2 years. Not sure why but Teddy was not a happy camper. He replaced John with Major George W. Goethals to finish the job. Teddy became the first standing president to leave the US on a diplomatic mission.

The work was still hard, but the engineering feat is still a marvel. The Pacific tides are 20 feet where in the Atlantic at 1 ½ feet. They made it a success with three locks on both sides utilizing fresh water from the man-made lake called Gatun. The lake is completely restored with enough fresh water to service the locks with the excess water going out to sea. It took 4 years to build an 85-87 feet deep lake to allow a constant supply of fresh water. 43,000 workers with 6,000 deaths but job done just in time for beginning of World War conflicts. Navy ships used the canal during those conflicts. The USS Missouri Battleship passed through in 1945 with 1 foot to spare on each side of the locks. It met its demise at Pearl Harbor as you may recall.

Panama riots on January 9^th, 1964, made the involvement in the Canal a political football so President Carter started the process of getting out of the Panama Canal business. A treaty was signed in 1977 with the gradual control of the Canal to Panama by December 31, 1999, allowing a permanent neutrality with the US retaining the right to defend it. Was that a good deal? Some say maybe and some say not. Only history will eventually tell the facts. One thing is for sure; the Panamanians make a lot of money charging vessels. Technology is growing as well as moving cargo techniques so there will no doubt be a time when the Canal is not crucial. When will that time be? Who knows, but in the meantime, it is a vital passageway when you look at the alternatives.

It saves three weeks of time and 8,000 miles going through the Panama Canal versus going around South America starting in Florida and ending in California. Over 1.2 million ships have passed through the Canal since its opening. Remember, the USA did not make a profit on the running of the Canal whereas the Panamanian government collects a lot of profit and is steadily growing. 2023 they made $2.5 Billion, 2024 $3.45 Billion. The numbers for 2025 are not reported yet but are steadily growing. The new locks allowing bigger vessels to take advantage of the shorter route opened June 26, 2016. Not only is this an engineering marvel, but it is also very lucrative for the Panamanians.

On day 7, we found ourselves at Fuerte Amador situated in the Pacific entrance to the Canal. It is a man-made peninsula extending out into the Pacific Ocean. There is a one-mile causeway built from the excavation efforts for the man-made lake and connects four small islands creating the city.

Day 8 we are at sea enjoying a relaxing day. (Eating too much. Yes.) Then day 9 we are off to visit Puntarenas, Costa Rica, known by the Spanish explorers as the “Rich Coast” due to its rumors of gold and other treasures. It is also known as the Switzerland of the Americas. It was very nice to see young dancers in traditional dress perform while we clapped to the music then a walk through a butterfly enclosure. While we drove through the city streets for just this day only an election for a new president was being held. What a contrast to how we elect folks. The results appear to be in now with Laura Fernandez declaring victory dominating the votes due to her right-wing populist stance. They gather in the streets, cast their votes via picture at one of many voting stations and may take a few weeks before results are confirmed to announce a winner. Is our voting better? Maybe, we should look at how we can get to honest elections without media bias. Is that possible?

We were back on the ship for day 10 for more, you guess it, eating, then enjoyed time at the pool before watching a few shows. Day 11 we saw Puerto Chiapas, Mexico which is the southernmost part of Mexico and the town of Tapachuta meaning “Flooded Land” founded in 1486 by the Aztecs. The boarder of Guatemala is nearby, and we saw many signs of military patrols keeping the illegal drug traders away. We visited the Izapa archaeological site, where stone carvings reveal connections to the early Mayan calendar. At Tuxtla Chico, we learned the history of the sacred cacao bean and watched how that bean which when roasted, ground up, added sugar, and cinnamon to make chocolate. The bean is enclosed inside a nice tasting soft white substance, but the hard bean is not very good to eat until it is roasted and tastes like a burnt peanut before ground and sugar added to make the final product.

Day 12 we decided to stay on board instead of going on an exertion to Huatulco, Mexico. This place is made up of nine bays bordered by 36 beaches so not really our thing. We watched a folklore performance called the heart of Huatulco on the ship which was very nice. Day 13, at sea again, where we did the usual but did watch a very interesting talk on the history of Route 66. The speaker shared his presentation with me giving me a lot of insight to this peace of American history. Here are a few notes about the first presentation with more to follow on our next day at sea. It started out as an unpaved dirty road before being paved in 1930 to become an early freeway. Route 66 started in 1926 from Chicago to Los Angels at approximately 2300 miles. It was fun to listen to the old classics as the presentation was going on like “Davy Crockett/song, underwear! “and “King of the Wild Frontier”. Songs in 1955. Also, remember Chubby Checker. Also, John Steinbeck’s 1960 movie “The Grapes of Wrath” about the 1930 novel of Okies traveling the route for better conditions escaping the depression and dust bowl conditions. It reminded me of my mother who found herself in California looking for a better life with her family. The music of those days around the route 66 was awesome like “Get your Kicks on Route 66”. Remember Wolfman Jack, the song “Big Girls Don’t Cry” TV shows like “Father Knows Best”, and “Beverly Hillbillies”.

On day 14 we disembarked at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico which was a sleepy little village but no more. It is now an international resort city made famous by film director John Huston and his hit “Night of the Iguana” starring Richard Burton. He brought his then girlfriend Elizabeth Taylor to share time of well, you know. We visited the Church of Our Lady of Guadelupe, the beautiful Mosaic tile park, and finished with a nice meal after Mexican traditions of tequila tasting. Someone got to try it so that was I. LOL

Day 15 and 16 back at sea doing the usual overeating, watching shows, listening to awesome music. One band in particular was very entertaining playing all kinds of music from Beatles to all sorts of rock and roll. They were called the “Tide Breakers”. We got to meet them and found out they are all from England riding this cruise ship back and forth through the Panama Canal then staying onboard to sail to Hawaii, then Australia and New Zealand before finishing their gig. It is a long time, but the lead guy says it pays the bills back home.  We watched a show called “On the Bayou” reminding us of New Orleans passing a good time. I watched the NFL Superbowl where the Seahawks beat the Patriots. Nice to watch the game though I had no skin in the game but enjoyed the fans going crazy. We also watch more about the story of Route 66.

As all things must come to an end, we had to pack up on the night of day 16 to get ready to disembark in Los Angelas on Day 17. We headed to the airport for a long wait before our flight back to New Orleans arriving by Mid-Night.

What a trip! This one is now off our bucket list. Now, we are looking for more adventures enjoying life one day at a time.

Who am I? Who are you? Have you ever considered these questions? When you are young, it may be a challenge to be part of a peer group. Afterall, most of us do not want to be left out. Some find sports, others find music or drama, or some intellectual group where you can be creative in using your brain. But what if you just do not fit any peer group. I read a true story the other day where a young boy found his solace while searching the web. That led him to radicalization and eventually became a threat as an online terrorist. His family had no idea until he was arrested for masterminding a huge attack on the anniversary of 911. Luckily, they stopped the attack before it happened. How many individuals who do not seem to fit in are being manipulated into similar events that may impact us in the future? Please check on your kids to understand who they are or who they may be becoming. They may be having an identity crisis which is “a period of confusion and doubt about one’s sense of self, often triggered by major life changes or transitions” according to a quick search on its definition. It can happen to anyone at any time. The young may be vulnerable but what about other ages?

I have been an avid reader since my earliest years and that has led me to become a writer in my later years. It seemed like a natural transition to fill up my time now that I have retired from my secular job after 35 years and needed to fill up my new discretionary time. This is a good thing, but what I have discovered is that I may have been just replacing my busy schedule I had for years with other busy work in order not to lose my identity as a productive member of society. Just recently I read an eye-opening book called, “Envy Enlighted” where I discovered envy can be healthy if used to make you a better person to understand what makes you who you are. It can get away from you and you can spend negative time beating yourself up. You can grow angry about what the other person has or has done. That is not good, or you can grow out of what is making you envy another by positive thoughts. It is all about controlling your emotions.

Now, I am getting to the main focus of this message I would like to share with others. A second book called the “Pursuit of Happiness” had an even more profound effect of my identity crises I am currently going through. What is your definition of the pursuit of happiness? Do you think our founding fathers had a firm understanding? No! They were far from understanding, yet they composed several of the greatest documents ever written by mere humans. The declaration of independence and the US constitution are still documents that have been tested over time and have proven to be solid. Are they perfect? No, but without divine guidance these documents would have been shelved as another failed effort. Did these remarkable men and women have challenges with anger management, political bias, ego, envy, pride, let alone their definition of the pursuit of happiness? There is no mention about the pursuit of happiness in the US Constitution as it was a document framing our form of government and protecting our rights through the bill of rights. Before the constitution was the declaration of independence adopted in 1776 and states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” This statement, written at an earlier time in our history, is full of hypocrisy as considered in today’s time. First is the reference to men. What about the identity of women? Did they not get a chance to be free?  They could not even vote until the 19^th Amendment became law in 1920. Another glaring failure was that all men were not created equal until the abolition of slavery on December 6^th, 1865, by the 13^th Amendment. Time does not stand still for anyone and neither do human conditions. The founding fathers fought about phrases like being equal or what makes a person happy. Most of them had slaves in their households until they died because they justified their belief that it was okay to maintain their lifestyles and the commerce of the day. Can we judge them now that we have a new perspective? We can, but what would have been your stance on this if you lived in this time? I encourage you to read for yourself about the dynamics of the time and do not fall into a greater than thou mentality as all our founding fathers were still mere humans, great as we may think they were.

Washington had a temper though rarely seen but when seen stop all proceedings. Jefferson held onto to his slaves until he died and they were sold to cover his debts. Madison was no angel even if you believe he was based on the play about his demise by the hand of Burr. Both Adams, father and son, served as president but were they conflicted about the pursuit of happiness, and did they have identity challenges?  Every founding father had anger management challenges which is why many spent a lot of time in reading scripture and self-evaluation meditation. Some were stoic in nature and others protagonist. They all had big egos whether reserved or wanted all the credit. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were good friends during the development of the Declaration then fell apart regarding the roles of government then back together as they both near their life’s end. They were constantly corresponding with each other and died on the same day on July 4^th, 1826. They overcame their animosity to become brothers in Christ.

What I have learned in my own life is that life is too short to hang on to things that really do not help but prevent your pursuit of happiness. When I was young and building my career, I was focused on accomplishing my goals. You start with a dream, build a set of steps to accomplish the dream, plan to execute those steps, move up one step at a time until you reach your goal. I credit my biological father for giving me the grit to endure the hard steps but without my heavenly father guiding me I do not think I would have made it. Along the way I did a lot of soul searching, asking myself, is the sacrifice too much for me and my family? Looking back, I still have some doubts as to making the right moves, but time continues so you do the best you can. I believe our founding fathers struggled, whether what they created was the best result. In fact, some thought later in their lives that maybe it would not last. So too have I considered my identity now that I am over 70. My secular career is done. I still give myself to my ministry and my desires to document my life in my writings, but I still question, who am I?

Most of the founding fathers based their disciplined life of stoicism. What is that? Look at the synonyms like impassiveness, patience, endurance, indifference and fortitude. All of these words I must admit have failed to be a constant discipline in my life. Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger usually known simply as Seneca, was a philosopher, a statesman, and became famous for being Nero’s tutor in ancient Rome. He created many plays, essays and other works of art all based on his stoic approach to all things. Hercules was one of his masterpieces.

I am not saying be a stoic in it truest sense but adapt the attitude of great thinkers who consider their actions before acting. I just finished a book called “Discipline is Destiny” where many of the great leaders of the past and present have adopted the stoic philosophy. At this writing, recognizing I am still alive will learn more on the subject in the hopes of making me a better person and overcome my present identity crises.

No matter what age you are, I encourage you to stop and take a look at who you are and where you are headed from time to time in you life. Take time for spiritual strengthening by spending time in prayer and meditation about your pursuit of happiness. Adjust along the way through divine guidance and keep on moving towards your pursuit of happiness until you reach your ultimate victory.

T   

Trip down memory lane

Trip as a verb means to fall over or lose your balance so why would I indicate trip down memory lane? Maybe it is appropriate as memories are rarely created on a solid footing. Trip as a noun is a journey or excursion so either way you look at, we fall into memories while we journey through our life.

How good is your memory? Is it clear or is it tainted by falsities or made-up stuff to bridge the gap between the truth and fiction. My wife and I recently made a trip down memory lane while we traveled to England, then to Malta, then back again to England before heading home. We made new memories as well as went back into our past along with the past of many generations who have traveled their journey of life.

Our first trip was across Portsmouth Harbor by ferry from Gosport to walk along the town and reminisce with friends to enjoy the beautiful day. We found my wife’s mom and dad’s stone along the walk in Gosport to the ferry.

On Father’s Day, June 15, 2025, we are on our way to Malta. Here are a couple quick facts about Malta. First, it was controlled by many outside invaders before becoming a sovereign nation, mostly because of its strategic location in the Mediterranean. Second, it was controlled by the Romans when the Apostle Paul shipwrecked on the island or did he? I will get back to some theories about where he actually shipwrecked, but for now let us stick to the predominate belief. Third, Malta was the most bombed island during WWII. Fourth, Malta is where strategic planning by the allies and the offensive on Scilly occurred. How did the occupation of Scilly by the Italians and Germans help save many British soldiers at Dunkirk? Allow me to take each of the above individually.

It is believed Malta was inhabited since 6400 BC first by hunter gatherers then by farmers from Sicily around 5400 BC until they had depleted the land and left. Another group came around 3850 BC until they left around 2350 BC. Durning the Bronze Age it was occupied by warriors. Colonization began around 700 BC by the Phoenicians until the Romans took over in 218 BC. Arabs took over in the 11^th century and the Kingdom of Sicily took over in 1091 where Christianization grew. Spain took over as a state of Sicily.  In 1798, the French took over, but the Maltese rebelled in 1800 then became a British colony in 1813. Finally, in 1964 Malta gained its independence and is now a member of the European Union. The Maltese have a lot of connections with other nations as you can see and thus is a true melting pot of different cultures, traditions and proudly independent. How many countries do you know that have such a variety of history than in Malta. (Check out Wikipedia for more details.)

The second fact or is it fiction is where did the Apostle Paul really get shipped wrecked? I started this blog post stating that falsities or made-up stuff bridge the gap between the truth and fiction. We may indeed trip down memory lane not knowing. The question is how accurate is our memory? If the ancient historians have trouble separating truth from false evidence, what chance do we have? If you are interested in reading more about the evidence whether based on truth or assumptions read more in the article, “Paul was Never in Malta”, Dec 23, 1988; Bible files and common translations of the Acts of the Apostles must now be revised; By Agnes Seppelfricke (translated by Eric Metaxas) found with a quick google search.

For my purpose here, I am not going to even try to dispute as so much history in Malta reveals Paul’s 3 months on the island that it is hard not to believe. Read for yourself.

Instead of getting hung up on the site of Paul’s shipwreck, let us move on to his journey. There is another article from a Google search called, “When your life’s a mess, think of St. Paul’s shipwreck”. Again, not going to bore you with all the details as a good read for your own knowledge, but the previous Pope said, “Of all the gifts brought to these shores in the course of your people’s history,” “the gift brought by Paul was the greatest of all, and it is much to your credit that it was immediately accepted and treasured.” The article continues to say, “But it came about because of a catastrophe. It is a perfect example of what Paul himself would explain in his letter to the Romans (8:28): “All things work together for good.”

Paul’s mission after his encounter with Jesus and his acceptance of salvation was to share the good news wherever he went. Even in captivity everyone he encountered was an opportunity to convert those from believing in false gods to believing in the one true God. Even within the first few days of crawling up from the shipwrecked destruction to dry land, Paul witnessed God’s majesty by surviving a snake bite. The inhabitants thought for sure he would die, but he survived and then they began to believe. Paul was shipwrecked in the year 60 AD, and for those three months he established Christianity on this small island before he was later sent to his trial and death in Rome. It is from St. Paul’s Grotto in Rabat where it is thought he preached and spread the word, but I suspect he used any and all opportunities to share the gospel wherever he found himself. That is a message to us all to not wait for an opportune time but anytime for “all things work together for good”. What excuse do we have? Did the arrival of Paul solidify Christianity in the Island of Malta? No, it did not spread like fire, but the seeds were planted for the growth to take place. If we witness our faith to someone, are we assured that person will grow into a new creation? Maybe, but maybe not, so we should keep on moving and allow God to tend to the seeds planted. Perhaps God uses our ungraceful trips to create a miracle of his Grace.

The third fact about Malta was the most bombed island during WWII per square kilometer than any other. The German and the Italian forces wanted to demobilize the Allied strong hold in the Mediterranean Sea. Despite the intense bombardment, Malta endured to continue playing a vital role in the allied victory. One vital role occurred during Operation Husky explained in the next fact.

The fourth fact about Malta is the strategic planning by the allies and the offensive on Scilly called “Operation Husky” in July and August of 1943. The Allies spent a lot of time preparing for this offensive which involved 150,000 troops, 3,000 ships and 4,000 aircraft according to the Imperial War Museum records. The objective was to stop Italy from continuing in the war and to weaken the German forces of which both managed to happen. Sicily was captured, the Italian government folded, and the Germans retreated back weakened into the main fight in Europe. The allies now had total control of the Mediterranean which meant the Germans were being surrounded. This strategic victory near Malta perhaps helped save many British soldiers at Dunkirk in the summer of 1940 three years earlier. The Germans were fighting to save Sicily and take Malta for years, so troops were spread out too thin. Malta’s stronghold way down below Italy proved too much for the Germans to overcome once they were on their own.

There was another secret project the USA Government collaborated during the planning of Operation Husky that involved the Italian American Mafia and the Jewish organized crime figures. The code name was “Project Underworld” designed to counter the spies on the other side but played a role to collect data like maps and intelligence about Sicily. We truly do trip our way down memory lane not only in our individual lives but human history.

I digress a little at this point to build on the theme of our journey. We are all led, I pray, by faith and not be stopped in our travels by fear. I tend to cringe when I hear the news media as they paint an ugly picture causing us, if we are not careful, from exploring our history for ourselves. Even now that I am back home in the USA, we are all heavy burdened with the tragedies of the flooding in the Kerr County Texas Hill country. The death toll continues to climb while the division has already started in the blame game. Those who lost their lives went on their last journey and are now eternally linked to all those who have gone on before them. Their journey here on this ball of dirt is now completed as they have won their eternal wings. May they fly way above the insanity of our human existence.

Also, while back in the USA, I see the parallel between the Nazi’s and Hamas. The big difference in my opinion is Hamas does not have a huge nation to deceive like the Nazi’s did in Germany. Whether you believe this thought or not, we are all deceived by false evidence appearing real. The Germans believed Hitler was their hero defending their rights from the evilness around them. The danger today is not much different than years ago. We humans are in conflict with other humans who do not believe as we do. The fundamental challenge we all have is to journey through life building as much on truth as we can and not lean on our own understanding but rely on God’s wisdom and guidance for the ultimate source of truth or direction. (Proverbs 3:5)

The trip to Malta had a profound impact on my thoughts about my own journey. Malta as a country has survived much. Paul’s impact on that country was only one, though very important, impact but as you have read Malta played such a crucial role in our surviving the craziness of Nazism. What other things did I learn during our trip down memory lane?

When we got back to England, we had a wonderful time with a group of folks who have spent time in Malta like my wife. That was a great experience now that I can relate more based on my experience. We continued our trip remembering the best in-laws I could have asked for as we look out towards the Isle of White standing along the shore at Lee on Solent. What a beautiful place to remember wonderful times walking along the shoreline.

As we celebrated my 70^th birthday tripping down memory lane, we also made new memories. Do you know what makes Henley on Thames so popular? The river Thames is a bit curvy like a snake but in this area is characteristically straight. The first Henley Royal Regatta was held in 1839 and has been held every year since only being disrupted by World Wars. We had a chance to see firsthand the various rowing teams practicing the time-honored event.

We continued our next day visiting Benjamin Disraeli’s Victorian Mansion which was also used as a secret World War II mission. This secret place was not discovered until just recently. Known as the Hillside at Hughenden, ordinary people from the local community with a talent for art was used to fine tune the maps crucial for the bombs to fall on Germany where it would make the most impact. The targets intended did not always land correctly until these map makers fine-tuned the maps for direct impact where intended. It was an emotional effort as documented by those who went to work each day knowing what their mission was even when nobody else could know. For many the secrets went with them to their graves, but a few lived to tell the story and now it is part of history for all to admire.

Have you ever heard of Morris Motors? Did you know William Morris was later named Lord Nuffield. He was a Mechanical Engineer which hit my interest button immediately as a kindred spirit. What impressed me even more was his passion to give back to the community. Did you know he mass produced the Iron Lung in his British motor factory? Each finished Iron Lung was donated to local hospitals to help many patients with Polio to survive. That is what I call giving back.

As we planned our trip back home, I feel so blessed to share our trip down memory lane with you and pray you enjoy your trips or journeys. Finally, my advice is to go and do likewise. (Luke 10:37)

T

The worse two words in the English language in my opinion is “I assumed”. Let’s break it down. First, the word “I” implies that you had no input from anyone else before you made your statement. Second, the word “assumed” is a verb meaning “to accept something to be true without question or proof”.  Let me take a few examples and see if you are guilty of making one or more of these statements. For fun, put a “G” for guilty or “I” for innocent to each statement below to grade yourself.

1. I assumed you were pregnant since you had gained so much weight.
2. I assumed you had moved since I have not seen you around.
3. I assumed Yucatan was a location in Mexico.
4. I assumed you were picking up the kids.
5. I assumed you were married.
6. I assumed you could read.
7. I assumed you believed in the same politics and the rest of us.
8. I assumed you loved me not material treasures.
9. I assumed you had gotten over that thing or that person.
10. I assumed you heard what I said.
11. (Bonus question) I assumed………. (fill in the blanks)

If you scored 90% or above guilty, I assume you are honest with yourself. If you scored under 50%, I assume you are either a Saint which is highly unlikely or not honest with yourself. No replies on the test please as only for self-awareness.

I believe more countries, families, religious or political opposing groups, etc. have battled based on assumptions not all together true with no resolution. There are entire countries around the world that base their existence on conflicts from centuries old assumptions. Sad isn’t that we as humans make so many assumptions!

By the way if you assumed the Yucatan was a location in Mexico you get partial credit, but do you know what it means? Early Spanish explorers made a fundamental assumption way back as the story is told. They heard the natives speak in a language they could not understand. When asked for the name of their country the pronunciation sounded like Yucatan but was simply the natives saying in their language “I do not understand what you are saying.” If you do not understand what a person is saying do you just assume or do you try to understand more?

A gas station attendant overhears something and assumes. He is out taking a break and sees an odd-looking couple searching for something. They are new to America having just came in from Germany. There English is not very good and when by themselves they resort back to their native tongue. In German, the lady is asking her husband where is the “toilette”? He then points where it appears to be from the picture on the door. That was simple, but the attendant is now listening to their conversation and then the husband says in German he is going to get some “Benzin”. The attendant’s ears have picked up another meaning assuming a drug deal is about to go down. So as any law-abiding citizen would do, the police are contacted and within minutes they are upon the man who is trying to figure out what is happening.

This scene reminds me of so many times when I have been traveling to other countries, the challenge in hearing words that may seem to mean one thing really means another. I remember working in Scotland and being asked for a “Fag”. What would you assume? You would probably assume incorrectly as fag in Scotland is slang for a cigarette. Thank goodness I do not smoke anymore because while in Scotland the habit was to share which meant you smoke at the pace of the heaviest smoker. Not good! My wife and I have been married for 46 years now. She is English and we still have language challenges. I wonder if that is differences in language or is it a guy thing not listening properly. I could assume both are partially true. Back to the gas attendant.

Gas in many countries are considered petrol when pumping into your vehicle. In Germany it is Benzin. In France it is I ’essence. Us Americans tend to assume everyone speaks our language but not so. It may seem trivial to assume what your brain is hearing but not if it directly impacts another. The German couple was questioned for hours based on the overheard word the gas attendant assumed as an illegal drug. He heard in the news about all the illegals coming into the country that he assumed this was his chance to due his duty as a US Citizen. He assumed from their actions talking to themselves that something illegal was about to occur. How many times have miscommunication in your family caused a grudge maybe never to be reconciled?

The police officers were responding because they have known the gas attendant for years and have always been an honest person, so they assumed this was a real deal. They came in hot and constrained the couple until they could find their stash of drugs.

After several hours on site at the gas station then down at the jail house, the truth finally came out. It took another person who recognized the German word for gasoline to explain the bad assumption. The gas attendant was mortified that he had made such a reaction. If only he would have stopped to search the truth before acting. The couple were on vacation and not in any hurry to get to their destiny, so they met with the attendant, his wife, the police officers and their spouses for a nice evening meal and a great laugh. The result could have been much worse, but the couple will share their story with their family and friends when home. Hopefully, this event does not deter other tourists from visiting our great country.

I encourage you all the take a step back from the mass hysteria of “breaking news” we see hourly on the news media and search the facts for the real truth. A small fraction of people who drive a fancy car are evil so why react to the innocent? Likewise, many people outside of this country have a totally different perspective of our government system. Are they wrong or just making assumptions without learning the facts?

I have been blessed to travel to many different countries and my assumptions have been proven wrong so many times before I am led to the truth. Therefore, in this day of polarization, may we begin to see things not from what we have overheard whether at a gas station, airport, grocery store, or anywhere else to form an assumption but consider an alternative in a search for the real truth.

Perhaps in the future, we can live in harmony with each other thus making the whole world a better place to live. Until that time, learn to listen with the intention to understand what another is saying. Do not just overhear something and assume. Allow what you hear with your ears to be processed by your mind before you react. What if the gas attendant had asked the couple if they needed help? Isn’t that the neighborly thing to do? Since he is serving as a representative of the gas station establishment, shouldn’t he reach out to help customers? I hope this experience has expanded his ability to listen with the intent to understand and never assume what your ears hear until confirmed with your heart.

Peace to you all.  

Many words have two meanings depending on their application. Take the word perspective as an example. It could mean drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface to show height, width, depth and position in relation to another seen from a particular viewpoint. Most of us consider another definition as being a point of view according to a particular attitude toward something. To highlight the second definition, consider the following words. Man, women, right, left, trans, slavery, critical race theory, pride, and status are all words that may strike a view according to your perspective. The following is a journey my wife and I recently took to celebrate our 46^th wedding anniversary just to get away but opened our eyes to history and different perspectives according to what side you find yourself in understanding past realities.

Our anniversary falls on March 17^th where most of us relate as St. Patrick’s Day. You may not believe this, but this day is more of an American day than an Irish day. Yes, it highlights the Irish man who in the 5^th century became a missionary and eventually a bishop credited for bringing Christianity to parts of Ireland. That was in the past. Now, it is a big celebration second in size to Mardi Gras in many areas of the USA. When we got married in Scotland, March 17^th it was a day the hotel could offer us for our celebration. It was not until our friends from American came to the party that we realized why they were dressed in green. Their perspective was to remember St. Patty’s Day while celebrating with us on our wedding day, but we were shocked to think that we would be sharing our day year after year. Fast forward 46 years and it is still a funny story. O well.

We decided to drive to Hilton Head via Montgomery for our anniversary. Little did we know at the time how our perspective may be changed by that stop in Alabama. First stop was the Wetumpka Impact Crater site. Almost 85 million years ago, a crater was created by a meteor. It made a crescent shape and is visible once your perspective changes from just natural terrain to that formed quite dramatically by an external force. “Because the area would have been under sea water at the time of impact, it is said to be “one of the best-preserved marine impact craters in the world”.” (www.wetumpkaimpactcommission.org) Did you know?

Our next drive was out to see Edmond Pettus Bridge. It is just a bridge, right? That could be your perspective if you have buried your head in the sand for half a century. A freedom walk started on that bridge in Selma over 50 miles away from Montgomery where it was concluded. That was amazing to see but what made it more relevant in our perspective shift was the Legacy Museum, the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice all on Montgomery for a mere $5 entry fee. It was the best 6-hour exposure to the price of freedom we have ever spent. One of the curators said to me as I was leaving, thanks for coming. My reaction was pure emotional. I encourage you all to experience this peace of historical reality for yourself and then maybe your perspective may well be changed as we were. How many reasons does it take to lynch a slave? Walk along the museum and grounds at the National Memorial and you will be shocked what prompted a lynching.

We left Montgomery and headed to Hilton Head with a better understanding of what many of us may think of as someone’s opinion until we saw the reality for ourselves. At Hilton Head we just wanted to chill out along the beach and enjoy the festivities of St. Patrick’s Day on our anniversary. We did make a trip to the Discovery Museum to see some beautiful artwork of a resident in her late 90s still able to display her perspective in wild colors with each one telling a story. As we were leaving Hilton Head, we checked out Harbour Town Lighthouse. Again, a perspective change, as was not just another lighthouse but a whole community of things to see and do. Strongly recommend and allow yourself several hours to explore. After our exploration, we headed back home through the country to Marianna, Florida for a night’s rest then home the next day.

The drive was a bit monotonous, but we listened to an audio book called “12 Years a Slave”. You may have seen the movie version, but we listened with our new perspective as we finished our journey. We thought it was just a getaway for our anniversary. Reading in good ole google, the bible does not use the word perspective, but the emphasis is on the importance of seeing things from God’s viewpoint trying to understanding the bigger picture. As humans, are we able to see the future or bigger picture? Isaiah 55 indicates that God’s ways and thoughts are beyond us. However, Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust the Lord with all our heart and lean not on you own understanding. What is life in biblical perspective? Life is action, faith, belief and relationship full of emotion, miracles and realities at our time in history. There are hundreds of other references so I will stop here and allow you to ponder for yourself this one final question. Are we acting according to the will of God or according to our human condition controlled by our present-day perspective?