Poor Advertising (LB)

LOOKING BACK - Repeating a blog that I first published on October 9, 2008.

         Earlier this week I was coming home from Park City when a little old lady - maybe my age - pulled out from a bank, right in front of me.  Fortunately I was able to hit the brakes to avoid hitting her.  I then had to follow her until we reached route 741.  Then, with no traffic in front of her, she took off going at least 55 mph in a 35 mph zone.  I quickly lost sight of her.  The interesting thing, however, was her huge bumper sticker.  It said JESUS, in very large letters.  It was either poor advertising or an acknowledgement that she really needed Him when she was driving. 
         That reminded me of another story which I read recently.  A man is being tailgated by a stressed-out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly the light turns yellow just in front of him. He does the right thing and stops at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection. The tailgating woman hits the roof, and the horn, screaming in frustration as she misses her chance to get through the intersection with him.
          As she is still in mid-rant, she hears a tap on her window and looks up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer orders her to exit her car with her hands up. He takes her to the police station where she is searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a cell.  After a couple of hours, a policeman approaches the cell and opens the door. She is escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer is waiting with her personal effects. 
          He says, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him.  I noticed the "Choose Life" license plate holder, the "What Would Jesus Do" bumper sticker, the "Follow Me to Sunday School" bumper sticker, and the chrome plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk. Naturally I assumed you had stolen the car."  Oh yes, another case of poor advertising.  
          While we might laugh at that story, maybe sometimes we as Christians are guilty, too, of false advertising.  An old song says, "What you are, speaks so loud, that the world can't hear what you say.  They're looking at your walk, not listening to your talk, and judging from your actions everyday."  How good is your advertising? 

1. My life, my love, I give to Thee,

Thou Lamb of God who died for me;

Oh, may I ever faithful be,

My Savior and my God!

I'll live for Him who died for me,

How happy then my life shall be!

I'll live for Him who died for me,

My Savior and my God!

2. I now believe Thou dost receive,

For Thou hast died that I might live;

And now henceforth I'll trust to Thee,

My Savior and my God!

I'll live for Him who died for me,

How happy then my life shall be!

I'll live for Him who died for me,

My Savior and my God!

3. Oh, Thou who died on Calvary,

To save my soul and make me free;

I'll consecrate my life to Thee,

My Savior and my God!

I'll live for Him who died for me,

How happy then my life shall be!

I'll live for Him who died for me,

My Savior and my God!

Incredible!

          It was a very nice Christmas gift - two tickets to Sight and Sound in Lancaster to see the spectacular performance of "Jesus".   We really looked forward to attending.  But health problems made it difficult for us to do so.

          We knew we were running out of time since the last show in Lancaster would be October 5.  With all of our appointments there were only three remaining shows for which we could get seats.  So we made a purchase trusting the Lord that we would be well enough to attend.  And we were!

          Our tickets were in the very last row in the balcony.  We sat in that area before and found the seats to be excellent because you could clearly see everything in the wrap around stage.  But we were younger and in better health when we sat there before.

          The balcony is very steep and the seats were low to the floor.  The backs of the seats in front of us were at our shoe level.  The rows were narrow with very little leg room and there were no rails in front of us or behind us to help us get up.  Once we were seated I began to question how we'd ever get out of our seats to go home.  With our physical problems it is often hard to get out of any seat in a normal situation.  Would I fall trying to get up and roll down a few rows? Could I get on the floor and crawl out until I could reach a rail to pull myself up? You normally don't think of these challenges when you are young with good balance. 
          But at the end of the show, after four attempts using my cane, I was finally able to stand and get my balance.  Then I was able to use my arm to help my wife stand.  We made it.  We had to - we couldn't afford to stay and pay for more shows.

          In the opening announcements they asked everyone to turn off their cell phones - taking pictures was prohibited.  However, when the lights went out, from our high location we could see dozens of phones still lit up throughout the audience. People, especially tourists, can be rude.  Fortunately, during the show most of the lights/phones/cameras were off.

          Now the show was spectacular and the scenes touched my heart.  It was amazing to see the stories from the gospels portrayed so vividly and thoughtfully.  Their professional performance was outstanding.

         One of my favorite scenes was that of the disciples in the boat on the sea during a storm.  The water looked real.  The thunder and lightening made you feel that you were in the storm.  And then Jesus appeared and walked on the water and commanded the storm to stop.  Incredible reminder and portrayal of the power that Jesus had over the elements.

          But maybe the most impressive scenes were those of Jesus being taken prisoner, His trial, His crucifixion, His burial and then His Resurrection.  You had to be touched as you watched this portrayed.

         And from a performance standpoint it was amazing to watch an actor, dressed as a angel, descending and ascending to the stage from the fourth floor of the auditorium.

          Throughout the performance I was often stirred to pray for the nearly two thousand throughout the audience who were hearing about Jesus, maybe some for the first time.  I asked the Holy Spirit to descend upon their hearts and lives.  Hopefully some will come to the Lord as a result of being there.

         Hopefully you too will have a chance to experience this portrayal of the Gospel before it closes on October 5.  Probably only a few seats in the balcony remain - but you can handle that location - we did.

(1)     Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word.

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

Tell how the angels in chorus,

Sang as they welcomed His birth.

"Glory to God in the highest!

Peace and good tidings to earth."

Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word.

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

(2)    Fasting alone in the desert,

Tell of the days that are past.

How for our sins He was tempted,

Yet was triumphant at last.

Tell of the years of His labor,

Tell of the sorrow He bore.

He was despised and afflicted,

Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word.

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

(3)    Tell of the cross where they nailed Him,

Writhing in anguish and pain.

Tell of the grave where they laid Him,

Tell how He liveth again.

Love in that story so tender,

Clearer than ever I see.

Stay, let me weep while you whisper,

Love paid the ransom for me.

Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word.

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

Modern Frustrations

          Did you ever wish that you might have had a different career or occupation?  And if so, what would it have been?

          Now I can't say that I would have done anything else than work as a public school educator.  I thoroughly enjoyed my 39 years doing that.  And I thank the Lord for leading me that way and giving me the wisdom, strength and guidance that I needed to both do a good job and to enjoy what I was doing.  I would not change any of that.

         However, there is one area in which I wish that I had a better background - technology.   Technology developments - especially for computers - advanced so quickly in the latter part of my career.  I tried to keep up.  I went to Florida State for 12 credits in computer science.  I established the first computer lab in a high school in Lancaster County.  I introduced my students to hand calculators and programming.  I especially enjoyed programming. I even won a national award from a computer magazine. All of this was considered to be on the leading edge at those times. 

          Our school district was also a leader in the area in using technology and regularly offered excellent workshops for staff members.  I really felt on top of things .... until I retired.  Then all of those opportunities ended.  And 17 years is an eternity in technology development

          In the years that followed retirement I have continued to use Apple products.  They are expensive but easy to use and without problems that PC's experience.  I have run websites, done blogs, kept all sorts of records and done many things that I felt were creative and interesting.

          But then the problems began.  My computer suddenly would not support or use  modern browsers.  And it couldn't be upgraded to do so if I wanted to continue to use many of my valued software products - at least that is what I have been told.  Now that wasn't a major problem until suddenly I couldn't open or use some websites.

          The first major problem was with two of my investment sites.  That was a critical problem but I did find a way around that and that is still working for me at present.  The same came when the Awana site was changed but I found another browser which has been working for that.

          But my major blow came suddenly a few weeks ago when I could no longer reach my website host, BlueHost.  As a result I can't change or update my Awana site, fbfawana.com, which I have used for almost 20 years.  It is now dead.  I  spent hours talking with service techs at BlueHost, trying to understand all of their technology terms.  Did you ever try to talk to a computer expert?  Usually impossible.  They told me to try all sorts of things like Filezilla, and I did, without any success.  They claimed they had not recently made any changes in their site.  But an advertising e-mail which I received a few days later shared the "advantages" of their updated site and offerings. So much for the truth. They were of no help even though I have been their client for almost 20 years.

          What can I do about it?  Probably nothing other than purchase a new computer and new software and start all over.  That involves a lot of money, a lot of time, plenty of technology knowledge which I don't have and much energy.  Is it worth it?  Right now I don't know.

          But the problem will continue.  For several years I have been using the site Dropbox to send the powerpoints for Dianne's offertories to the technicians at church.  Suddenly my browsers aren't recognized by that site.  Incidentally they just upgraded their site as well.  I have been given some alternatives by the fellows at church but they also speak a different language than I do, suggestions I just don't understand.

          And what will be next?  Probably more frustration and disappointments.  If only I had somebody who spoke my language, understood computers and had the time to help me.  But i don't.  I've shared my needs with many without any responses or help.

         Maybe if I hadn't retired when I did, or maybe if I had taken more computer courses, or maybe if I had friends who were computer experts ...  maybe, maybe, maybe.

(1)   When your heart is aching, turn to Jesus,

He's the dearest Friend that you can know;

You will find Him standing close beside you,

Waiting peace and comfort to bestow.

Heartaches, take them all to Jesus,

Go to Him today,

Do it now without delay.

Heartaches, take them all to Jesus,

He will take your heartaches all away.

(2)   There is joy for every troubled sorrow,

Sweet relief for every bitter pain,

Jesus Christ is still the great Physician,

No one ever sought His help in vain.

Heartaches, take them all to Jesus,

Go to Him today,

Do it now without delay.

Heartaches, take them all to Jesus,

He will take your heartaches all away.

(3)   Jesus understands, whate'er the trouble,

And He waits to heal your wounded soul.

Will you trust His love so strong and tender?

He alone can make your spirit whole.

Heartaches, take them all to Jesus,

Go to Him today,

Do it now without delay.

Heartaches, take them all to Jesus,

He will take your heartaches all away.

A Birthday Adventure

        We seldom do anything to celebrate our birthdays.  In fact, most summers we have been working at Pinebrook Bible Conference on my wife's July 11 birthday.

          However this year we found ourselves at home on her birthday so we discussed the possibility of going somewhere for her free meal.  Now we seldom visit buffets anymore since we really can't eat enough food to make it worthwhile.  But there were two buffets which got our attention.  The first was Yoders where they have a nice buffet that isn't too expensive.  The second choice was the famous Shady Maple which might have the largest buffet in the world, or at least in this country.

         We debated the choices - Yoders, Shady Maple, home ... or maybe even Wendys.  While Shady Maple was more expensive than Yoders, the difference in price wasn't very much and their selection was bigger.  So even though we hadn't been there in years, our choice was Shady Maple.

          Now our next bad choice was arriving there a little after noon.  Not too smart!  The parking lot was packed - definitely no handicapped spots and no other spots as well.  We should have known then to leave and go to Yoders.  But we looked and looked and looked.  Finally we saw two couples leaving and we tracked them to get one of their spots.  Well they then stopped decided to talk to each other for about ten more minutes and when they finally started to leave the women returned to talk some more.  Finally we were able to follow the one couple to their car where we waited again and had to even block off some other drivers who wanted that spot.  But we finally were able to park and with our canes slowly amble to the entrance.

          Fortunately it didn't take too long to pay.  Then we waited in line for a booth.  When we finally reached the front of the line the attendant was very nice.  She saw our canes and worked very hard to find us a booth close to the buffet lines.

          We noticed several things while we waited.  First, if you weighed less than 300 pounds you were probably out of place there.  Second, if you couldn't carry two heaping fulll plates, at the same time, you were at a big disadvantage.  Third, if you had good manners or were shy you were definitely at a disadvantage!  And fourth, no matter how folks acted, Shady Maple would not run out of food.

          Then the real adventure began.  The lines - actually there weren't lines - were packed.  People stepped in front of you and blocked you when you tried to get some food.  For example, the pork and sauerkraut were to the right of the mashed potatoes.  Dianne got hers and then three different folks butted in between us to get theirs before I could get mine.  Did any of then say excuse me or thank you?  Heavens no - they had to get their food just in case it ran out ...  or at least that was the way they acted.

          There were numerous folks on electric wheelchairs.  At first i pitied them.  But I soon learned that they could take care of themselves and their chairs were actually a weapon.  I waited to get a scoop of dried corn and some harvard beets.  But one lady with her chair blocked my side of the counter while a friend, also in a wheelchair, blocked the other side.  And then they had a conversation about the food while blocking the way of us customers as well as the server who was trying to refill the buffet.  Rather than taking anything to eat they just discussed what each item was. I finally gave up and moved on.

          Then suddenly another hungry bus group arrived and they maintained a long solid line blocking the rest of us from the buffet.  Many football teams would love to have a line like the one that they made. Unfortunately I had left my cane back at my table.  Otherwise I might have been able to use it to butt in and get some food.  By now I was exhausted and discouraged.

          Then I saw somebody walk by with a hot dog.  At that point even a hot dog even looked good.  I saw that they were at a grill in another location so I was able to get one.  Besides the chocolate milk, it was the best thing that I had there that day. 

          That was enough for me.  It was an adventure and I had had enough of the rude crowds.  I don't ever intend to go back to Shady Maple no matter what deal they have on our birthdays.  Yoders is a much better choice for us!

          Oh yes, when we left it was pouring outside.  And maybe that was an appropriate ending to this experience.
          Bu† there is one "buffet" that I do look forward to.

1.     Jesus has a table spread

Where the saints of God are fed,

He invites His chosen people, "Come and dine";

With His manna He doth feed

And supplies our every need:

Oh, 'tis sweet to sup with Jesus all the time!

"Come and dine," the Master calleth, "Come and dine";

You may feast at Jesus' table all the time;

He Who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine,

To the hungry calleth now, "Come and dine."

2.    The disciples came to land,

Thus obeying Christ's command,

For the Master called unto them, "Come and dine";

There they found their heart's desire,

Bread and fish upon the fire;

Thus He satisfies the hungry every time

"Come and dine," the Master calleth, "Come and dine";

You may feast at Jesus' table all the time;

He Who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine,

To the hungry calleth now, "Come and dine."

.

3.     Soon the Lamb will take His bride

To be ever at His side,

All the host of heaven will assembled be;

Oh, 'twill be a glorious sight,

All the saints in spotless white;

And with Jesus they will feast eternally.

"Come and dine," the Master calleth, "Come and dine";

You may feast at Jesus' table all the time;

He Who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine,

To the hungry calleth now, "Come and dine."