Monthly Archives: September 2023

Discipline Yourself. Live Longer.

A recent CNBC online article states the that number of people living to be 100 years old has doubled in the past decade.

The article states that many who reach this milestone often credit their positive attitude for their longevity.

103 year old Roslyn Menaker told The Guardian that “happiness, joy, appreciation … a positive outlook,” are why she has lived so long Continue reading

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The Ultimate Purpose of Growth

What drives your life? What is your aim in life? Your purpose? Your ultimate goal?

The answers to those questions will provide the motivation and reason for your spiritual growth.

This year we have written 36 posts on our theme Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth. We’ve discussed “the what” and “the how” of growth, but it has suddenly occurred to me that we have not specifically addressed “the why” of growth. Continue reading

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Hawaiian Posts Recap

Greetings from Beverly Hills, FL

Yes, we’re home.  Contrary to facebook rumors we did not move to Hawaii.

However, we did enjoy an incredible, once in a life time, extended stay celebrating our 55th anniversary.  While taking the first week off from blogging, we did manage to produce 8 new posts during our stay. All of these have some basis in our trip.  Something we saw. Someone we met. Something we did.  So, if you missed any of these, this recap is a good way to help you catch up.  Arlo I’m including a bonus post at the end. Continue reading

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Watch Out For Wild Animals

The other, day driving the road from Hilo back to Waikoloa, we saw signs constantly warning of us about wild animals crossing the road.

I don’t know how many signs we saw, but it seemed like every 2-4 miles we saw another sign with the same warning. Finally, I quipped to Norma Jean, “They could save some money with just one sign that said, “Wild Animals Crossing. Next 50 miles.” Continue reading

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Genesis 6:1-9

“How did Noah find grace in the eyes of God?” asked the guest speaker, Rufus, at the Kona church Sunday morning.

It’s an intriguing question considering the sorry state of the world in Noah’s day.

The Bible says, “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Continue reading

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Worshiping When Traveling

Yesterday, Norma Jean and I worshiped with the brethren on the Big Island of Hawaii in Kona. Two weeks ago we were with the Leeward church in Waipahu on the island of Oahu.

In addition to the opportunity to engage in Lord’s Day worship, we thoroughly enjoyed meeting the local brethren, as well as other guests from the mainland.

I figured that I’ve attended over 10,000 worship services and Bible studies in my life time. If I factored in Gospel meetings, special classes and personal in-home studies it would be many more. Continue reading

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One Person Can Make a Difference

It’s been one month since the raging wild fires completely destroyed the historical town Lahania on the island of Maui.

As is the case with any disaster, this tragic event has elicited heart felt compassion from people who genuinely desire to help those in need.

Before any government aid began, we heard about the people on the neighboring island of Moloka‘i who began sending boat loads of food, water and basic necessities to their neighbors. One store owner related seeing impoverished people donating what little they had because they cared.

Just yesterday while on Kauai, I learned about the story of 5 year old Edison Juel. Continue reading

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The Paradox of Life

Yesterday morning while enjoying my early morning coffee overlooking the Pacific Ocean, I opened my facebook page to learn that my friend and preaching colleague, Tony, had passed from this life.

I knew he was fighting a tough battle against cancer, but didn’t expect this. Not now. It was too soon. He had so much more to give. To share. And to use his voice to make a difference in the Kingdom and in the world.

Soon other facebook notifications popped up. Birth announcements. Birthday notices. Anniversary celebrations. Others like us, enjoying vacations in far away places. Continue reading

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The Purpose of Work

I suppose it’s ironic that I’m writing about work while enjoying an extended Hawaiian vacation.

However, as I noticed several businesses in Kaunakakai with signs saying they would be closed on Labor Day, the thought occurred to me–I hope some people are working. We are leaving Moloka‘i today and flying to Kauai. I need a ticket agent, a baggage handler, and especially a pilot. Continue reading

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Respecting Differences

This week we were scheduled to be vacationing in Maui. Then the unthinkable happened. The entire town of Lahaina was destroyed by a raging fire fueled by fierce winds.

Technically, we could have traveled to Maui. But it didn’t seem prudent. Or respectful. Our travel agent agreed. And, of course, the residents of Maui were asking tourists not to come. So here we are on the island of Moloka‘i.

However, yesterday I learned that Hawaiian Airlines is promoting a special from LAX for only $82. Their web page urges people to visit Maui to support their economy. Continue reading

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