Until We Meet Again …

Years ago, when we started our little church, we had a core group of people who shared our beliefs. I think there were maybe 10-14 people. We were a Bible believing Grace church.

I remember the first time I taught Sunday School and there were new faces in the seats. I was actually a bit nervous. I don’t recall what I was teaching, but I do remember afterward being introduced to Greg. Actually, he introduced himself to me.

It didn’t take but a few minutes to know that he and I would quickly become friends. His wife Wilma and the friends he brought with him to church (Ann, Porsha, and Jay) would also become lifelong friends. I can remember many times he would stop by the house during the day and we’d chat about the Bible or what we studied that week. My oldest son was only about 2 or 3 at the time and he loved to see “Mr. Greg.”

There were coffee dates with the men from church. We would sit at McDonald’s with our Bibles and run verses by each other and pose questions to each other. Those guys quickly became brothers to me. They still are.

At some point, my ex decided that she wasn’t getting anything out of church, so she stopped going. I was still teaching when I was able to, but with my job and a new schedule working Saturday overnight, it became very difficult to stay up and teach Sundays. I did that shift for quite a few years and eventually the conversations with the men slowed. Greg and I would still chat on the phone or via e-mail chatting about Biblical things. He would wind up moving to Texas and those became the only way we got to chat.

As I went through my divorce, it seemed like I was being pulled this way and that way. He was always supportive and understanding as to why it was so long between conversations. He always had a verse or a pep talk to pick me up when I needed it.

I received a call a few months ago from Ann from church. She wanted to me know that Greg had ben diagnosed with an aggressive lung cancer. As soon as I hung up with her, I called him. He tried to play it off like it was nothing. I asked him if he needed anything. I told him I was here for him if he needed to talk. He said he was going to be fine.

I emailed him 4 days ago and he answered right away. He was going to check on something for me and he said he’d get back to me.

On Sunday, Jay from church sent me a text with a screen shot that Ann had sent him. It said that Greg was in his final hours and they were keeping him comfortable with morphine. I was completely shocked. I had no idea it had gotten to that point.

I found out that he had been in the hospital recently and had been on oxygen for a while. He taught a Bible study earlier that day and after that he took a turn for the worse. It was Monday night when I got word that he had passed away.

There had been plenty of text messages throughout the day and afterward to keep every one abreast of Greg’s status. Some of those were texts of unbelief, some of them were sharing stories from church, and some of them were messages of support to each other.

This morning I sat out on the side porch. As I sat with a cup of coffee, I looked at the beautiful sky and the bright sunshine. It was the perfect start to the day. I thought of Greg and smiled. I imagined the joy he was currently experiencing. I know that I’m going to miss him here, but I also believe that I will see him again.

I remembered he wanted to start a choir at our church. He gathered all of us together for practice. He had no music, he just sang our parts for us. He sat at his keyboard and would play the melody or the notes and we eventually got to where we all knew the song. It was pretty amazing to start from the top and put everyone together and hear how it magically all came together.

I smiled today because I pictured my brother in Christ walking with the Lord. He is free from pain and probably trying to lead the choir of Heaven. This makes me rejoice for him.

I had texted Wilma before he passed and told her to tell him I loved him and that I would see him on the other side. She said that she would. I’m sure he will be waiting to put me in the tenor or bass section of the choir when I join him up there.

I remember one week at church our pastor was out of town and I preached the message. After we sang hymns, there was always special music. That week we brought in Chris Rice’s Untitled Hymn. Greg loved it. I remember him singing it at his keyboard a few weeks later for us. I thought of the last verse when I heard he passed away:

With your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory’s side

And fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live

In the Mercy Me song, Homesick, the lyric says, “In Christ there are no goodbyes” and I believe that. It’s not goodbye my friend, it is “see you later.” I love you, my brother. Thank you for being a part of my life.

The Importance of the Resurrection

Happy Easter to my friends who celebrate it!

I don’t often share things of a religious nature. I realize that not everyone believes what I believe. Feel free to skip today’s post your beliefs and mine don’t line up.

Today, I am celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That event is so important to my faith. It is THE most important thing to my faith.

A pastor friend of mine posted this on his blog/social media page. I found it so good, I wanted to share it. By doing so, others can read it and I will be able to find it at a later date if needed.

From Pastor Bryon Ross:

As we reflect on the cornerstone of Christian faith – the resurrection of Jesus Christ – we are confronted with a profound truth that has shaped history and continues to transform lives today. The empty tomb stands as a testament to the power of God and the fulfillment of His promises.

The apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, emphasizes the critical importance of the resurrection. He states unequivocally, “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:17). This bold declaration underscores the centrality of the resurrection to Christian belief. It’s not merely an add-on to the crucifixion; it’s the very foundation upon which our hope rests.

But what evidence do we have for this extraordinary claim? Paul provides a compelling list of eyewitnesses: Peter, the twelve disciples, over 500 believers at once, James, and finally Paul himself (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). These weren’t isolated incidents or individual hallucinations. These were multiple appearances to various groups over an extended period.

Yet, from the very beginning, there have been attempts to explain away the resurrection. The earliest “hoax theory” comes from the Gospel of Matthew, where the chief priests bribed the Roman guards to spread a false narrative that the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body (Matthew 27:62-66). This account reveals that even in the first century, there were efforts to discredit the resurrection story.

Over the centuries, skeptics have proposed various theories to explain the empty tomb without acknowledging a miraculous resurrection. Let’s examine a few:

The Hallucination Theory: This suggests that the disciples were all deceived by hallucinations. However, hallucinations are individual experiences, not shared by large groups. The varied nature of Jesus’ appearances – to individuals, small groups, and crowds of 500 – makes this theory implausible.

The Wrong Tomb Theory: Some propose that the disciples simply went to the wrong tomb. But this ignores the fact that both the Jewish authorities and the Romans knew exactly where Jesus was buried. If the disciples had claimed a resurrection from the wrong tomb, it would have been easily disproven.

The Swoon Theory: This theory suggests Jesus didn’t actually die on the cross but merely fainted and later revived. However, this ignores the brutal reality of Roman crucifixion and the professional expertise of Roman executioners. Moreover, a battered and weakened Jesus could hardly have overcome the guards and rolled away the stone.

The Stolen Body Theory: As mentioned earlier, this was the first attempt to explain away the resurrection. But it fails to account for the transformation of the disciples from fearful deserters to bold proclaimers of the risen Christ.

When we examine these theories critically, we find they all fall short of providing a satisfactory explanation for the empty tomb and the subsequent spread of Christianity.

The reality is that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical claim – it’s a life-changing truth with profound implications for every person. As Paul argues, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” (1 Corinthians 15:19). Our hope extends beyond this earthly existence because of the resurrection.

The empty tomb is more than just an absence of a body; it’s a powerful symbol of victory over death. Jesus becomes the “firstfruits of them that slept.” (1 Corinthians 15:20), paving the way for all who put their faith in Him. This is why Paul can confidently declare that just as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22).

This resurrection hope transforms how we view our mortality. Our bodies, described by Paul as “vile” or perishable, will one day be changed. In his letter to the Philippians, he writes that Christ “who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). The resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee of our own future resurrection.

As we contemplate the empty tomb, we’re faced with a decision. Either Jesus rose from the dead, marking it the greatest miracle in history, or it’s the biggest hoax ever perpetrated on humanity. There is no middle ground. The evidence, both biblical and historical, points strongly to the reality of the resurrection.

This truth isn’t just for intellectual assent; it’s an invitation to a transformed life. When we put our faith in the finished work of Christ – His death on the cross for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection – we receive the free gift of eternal life. This isn’t based on our own efforts or religious performance, but solely on what Christ has done for us.

The empty tomb stands as a silent witness to the power of God. It proclaims that death has been defeated, sin has been conquered, and a new life is available to all who believe. As we reflect on this incredible truth, may we be filled with hope, joy, and a renewed commitment to live in light of the resurrection.

In a world often filled with despair and uncertainty, the message of the empty tomb rings out with clarity and power. It’s not a “fool’s hope” but a living, blessed hope that has the power to change lives and destinies. As we embrace this truth, may we, like those first disciples, be transformed from fearful followers into bold witnesses of the risen Christ.

The empty tomb invites us to step into a story bigger than ourselves – a story of redemption, hope, and eternal life. It challenges us to examine our own beliefs and to consider the implications of a risen Savior. What difference does the resurrection make in your life today? How does it shape your view of the future?

As we close, let’s remember that the power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power available to us today (Ephesians 1:20). May we live in the light of the resurrection, filled with hope, empowered for service, and looking forward to the day when we, too, will experience the fullness of resurrection life.

Pastor Bryan Ross

Grace Life Bible Church

April 18, 2025

Thankful – 2024

The final weeks of 2024 are upon us. On this Thanksgiving day, I find myself thinking of the things I am thankful for. I know that many readers will think, “Oh boy. Here we go again. Another list from Keith.” Let me ask you – How do you feel? I have found by reflecting on the things I am thankful for, I gain a new sense of happiness. You can too! Try it, and see.

I am thankful for:

My wife. Her love, patience and understanding mean so much to me. She is the glue that holds our family together. I fall in love with her over and over again.
My children. I have been blessed with 4 of the most amazing children. Each of them is so different from the other. Each of them a distinct personality. Each of them smart, beautiful, handsome, and funny! Thoughts of them fill my heart daily.
My Faith. I am thankful for the Bible and the knowledge I gain from reading it.
My Savior Jesus Christ. The never ending and unconditional love that He showed for me at Calvary’s Cross, well, there is no way to express how thankful I am for that.
My father. I am so grateful to still have him around. His guidance, his advice, his influence, and his laughter are things I truly appreciate.
My brother. For two kids who beat the snot out of each other growing up, we are very close. Closer than ever, actually. His support and love for my family overflows. I treasure the little texts or pictures we send to each other, many that need no explanation.
My friends. There are many people that fall into this category. From my best friends of over 50 years to radio friends, college friends, church friends, and more. Friendship is something I do not take for granted. Thank you for being my friend.
Memories. Again, there is so much to place into this category. The memories of loved ones who have passed away. The memories of the bad times, which makes the good times even more special. The memories of special events. The memories of joy and the memories of sadness. The memories that come with a book, movie, TV show or a song. The memories that an old photo bring to mind.
My job. I am grateful to have found a line of work that allows me to provide for my family. I am also thankful that I get to help people while doing it.
Our home. We are blessed to have a warm bed to sleep in. A couch to snuggle on. A kitchen to cook in. A roof under which happy memories are made.
Modern technology. While not all of it is good, I do like being able to spellcheck my work. It is also nice being able to search just about anything on Google.
You. I am thankful that you are reading this. I am thankful that you read and react to my blogs. I am thankful for you willingly choosing to follow this page.

The above list is small portion of my list of things to be thankful for. In I Thessalonians 5:18, the Bible says simply, “In everything, give thanks!” Doing that will change your heart. It causes you to look at things differently. You find it easier to cope with things. I aids in your understanding. It is also one of the hardest things to do. But I trust that it is what we all need to do. Give thanks in everything today and always.

May you and yours have a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

Your friend,

Keith

Did Jesus Die on Friday?

I don’t post this to start any kind of religious debate. As a matter of fact, I don’t post much about my faith on this blog. If matters of faith bother you, you may skip this blog entry. If you practice a particular religion or belong to a specific denomination, I am not here to diss on it. I am merely sharing what I found to clear up something.

As an Italian, I was born and raised Catholic. I guess I was around 15 or 16 when I began to question some of the things I was being taught in church. A buddy I worked with was going through the exact same thing and he would often share things he learned in his journey. Long story short, I no longer am a practicing Catholic. I believe in God and I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

Reading my Bible opened up so many new things to me and also debunked many of the false truths that I had been led to believe. All that being said, Facebook, Instagram, and the internet were full of Good Friday photos and posts. In my Bible classes, the topic of Christ’s crucifixion was examined in great detail. So did Jesus Christ die on a Friday? Not according to Scripture. Here is a brief look at why Friday doesn’t work….

Was Jesus Christ really crucified on A Friday?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Did Jesus Christ really die on Good Friday? Or is that merely church tradition? While some may argue that this issue is insignificant, the fact is that anything that is not in the Bible is not of faith. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). What if God’s Word did tell us on what day Jesus died? Would we care to know what God says about the matter, or would we be content to merely believe what we presumed the Bible to teach?

In Matthew 12:40, the Lord Jesus Christ said, “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” During the three days and three nights between Christ’s death and resurrection, His soul went to the heart of the earth. In Luke 23:43, Jesus called the place “paradise.” This is “Abraham’s bosom,” the same place mentioned earlier in Luke chapter 16. Jesus Christ never went to hell’s torments. Hanging on Calvary’s cross, Jesus declared, “It is finished,” so His suffering was complete before He died (John 19:30). After three days and three nights were accomplished, Christ arose on Sunday, victorious over sin and death.

Let us examine Luke chapter 24: “[13] And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. [14] And they talked together of all these things which had happened. [15] And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. [16] But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. [17] And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? [18] And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? [19] And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: [20] And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. [21] But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.”

Notice in verse 21 that, on resurrection day, Sunday, it was said that that day “was the third day since these things happened [since Christ suffered and died].” If we go back, Saturday would be the second day since Christ died, and Friday would be the first day since He died. That would make Thursday the crucifixion day.

Another way to look at it is like this: Jesus Christ died around 3 p.m. (“the ninth hour;” Matthew 27:46,50; Mark 15:34,37; Luke 23:44-46). The Jews count days from evening to evening (6 p.m. to 6 p.m.), rather than the Roman/Gentile reckoning of time (midnight to midnight). The only way for Jesus to be dead three days and three nights and resurrect on “the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), Sunday, is to be crucified on Thursday. Thursday is the most plausible day of His crucifixion—a Friday crucifixion would be only two nights to Sunday, not three nights, and this would not fulfill the prophecy of Matthew 12:40. Furthermore, if we consider Jewish reckoning of time, Thursday evening and Friday morning were the first day, Friday evening and Saturday morning were the second day, and Saturday evening and Sunday morning were the third day, and Jesus rose Sunday morning. Three days and three nights from Sunday would be Thursday, and Sunday could only be the “third day” if it was a Thursday crucifixion. See diagram:

So, if the Bible indicates a Thursday crucifixion, why do many people talk about “Good Friday?” The main reason it is assumed that Jesus was crucified on Friday is that the Bible says that the day after Jesus’ crucifixion was the Sabbath day. John 19:31 says, “The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.” However, the parenthetical statement says that that Sabbath day was not the weekly Sabbath (Saturday), but “that sabbath day was an high day.” It was a special Sabbath—“that sabbath”—not “the sabbath.” Israel did not have merely weekly Sabbaths (Saturdays) to observe, but Sabbaths (other days of rest) associated with feasts observed throughout the year as well (Leviticus 16:31; Leviticus 23:24,32,39). The Sabbath of John 19:31 was the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately followed Passover.

Just something to think about….

My Christmas Wish To You

With Christmas just days away, I thought I would take a moment and write a Christmas wish to you. Yes, you. Many of my followers are friends on Facebook, however, there are many of you who only know me from this blog. I wanted to be sure to extend holiday wishes to you before I got too busy with Christmas things.

I really had hoped to come up with some deep and meaningful wish, but I can’t seem to find the right words. Let me start with this: For my blogger friends – I appreciate you. I am glad to have made your acquaintance through mutual likes (movies, music, TV, etc…). I hope you enjoy reading my blog as much as I enjoy reading yours. I may not get the chance to comment or “like” each one of them, but I do find time to read them.

For my family and friends who are connected through Facebook or social media, I am grateful for you, too. Even though we do not get to see each other face to face, I laugh at your funny posts, I smile at your family photos, I pray when you request special prayers, and I cry when you experience sadness or tragedy. I send my love to each of you.

For Christmas 2021, I wish for you:

C – Carols and music. May the sounds of the season accompany your holiday gatherings.

H – Health and happiness. May you be blessed with good health and an over abundance of happiness!

R – Rest and relaxation. May you find time to rest, relax and recharge before heading back to the grind.

I – Innocence. May you take in things that are so often overlooked with the awe, wonder, and innocence of a child. Notice those things – and treasure them.

S – Surrounded by family and friends. May you share all of your holiday season amongst those who mean the most to you.

T – Traditions. May you enjoy old traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation as well as start new ones to pass down next year.

M – Memories. May you make many happy memories together and recall memories from Christmases gone by.

A – Appreciation. May you celebrate this Christmas with an appreciation for all you have, no matter how big or how small.

S – Savior. May you celebrate the Savior this Christmas. Yes, the world is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, but it is also important to remember that the Baby in the manger grew up to be a sinless Man. That sinless Man, was crucified for you and for me. He bore all of our sins on the cross so that we could have eternal life.

I Corinthians 15: 1-4

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

²By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

³For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

⁴And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

A Musical Wish

I have never heard of Katherine Jenkins. She is a Welsh opera singer who performs operatic arias, popular songs, musical theatre, and hymns. I was scanning through channels of Sirius XM and heard this song this week. I felt like it was a good one to share and conveyed what I might not be able to put into words.

I wish you starlight on fields of snow
The winter’s morning light and evening’s glow;
I wish you candles that shine from every tree
So all the world can see
The light that there could be

I wish you music, I wish you song
With voices echoing, Joyous and strong;
I wish you church bells, ringing true and clear;
I wish you Christmas, a merry Christmas
A merry Christmas to remember all the year

Old friends smiling
Thinking of times gone by;
Young friends laughing:
Christmas is here
Spirits are bright
And hopes are high

I wish you loved ones around your fire;
May Christmas bring you all your heart’s desire
I wish you children to make the season new
With dreams you help come true
Just like it was for you

I wish you blessings, I wish you love
The sound of angel choirs from high above;
I wish you laughter, happiness and cheer:
I wish you Christmas, a merry Christmas
And may its joy and peace be with you through the year

I wish you music, I wish you song;
I wish you harmony your whole life long;
The warmth of memories that long remain:
I wish you Christmas, a merry Christmas
And may God bless you till we all shall meet again

Merry Christmas from your nostalgic Italian friend,

Keith

What the Dickens?

Last night I finished my yearly reading of A Christmas Carol. I have been reading it every year since junior high school. I blogged about that here:

A holiday tradition since 1982 …..

As many times as I have read it, I sometimes feel like I read things I don’t remember. A few years back I purchased The Annotated Christmas Carol. Throughout the story, there are notes off to the side regarding things that Dickens has written about. Some notes are as simple as a definition of an archaic word, while other notes are more in depth. Some notes are fascinating as they compare things in the story to other stories that Dickens wrote. I highly recommend it!

Now that I have read the book again, I will begin to watch some of the various movies. Before I do that, however, I listen to Patrick Stewart’s one man performance of the story. I originally bought the cassettes of this, but I was able to find it at Barnes and Nobel on CD a few years back so I can still listen to it on my drive to work.

My next book is one that I had in my library many years ago, but lost it in a move. It took me a bit to find again, and I am glad to have it again. It’s been on my shelf for a few months, and now that we’re in the Christmas season, I will read it again.

I think we can all agree that Jesus Christ was not actually born on December 25th. As a matter of fact, a study of the Bible actually proves that He wasn’t. (He was probably born around October.) This book was one I stumbled on many years ago and I am excited to reread it.

So much death …

For 5 days, I have opened my blog with every intention of writing. I have stared at the blank page, not really knowing what to write. How do I begin to even tackle what has been on my mind? I mean, I didn’t even tell my wife about it until just a couple days ago. I guess I didn’t realize just how much I was thinking about it until a couple weeks of constant dreams and a discussion with my therapist.

Maybe it is the “rising Covid numbers.” Maybe it is the fact that I am now required by work to get vaccinated or lose my job. Maybe it is the fact that death just seems a whole lot more common on my Facebook news feed. I’m not sure, but it seems like I am thinking a lot about it.

I have sleep apnea and wear my CPAP every night. That should allow me to sleep through the night without waking up every couple hours due to apnea. I have checked the CPAP app on my phone and according to it, I am not having enough apneas to wake me up, so why am I up every hour? It’s bad enough to constantly wake up, but when you lay there and fight to go back to sleep, it can be aggravating.

Even trying to fall asleep, my mind will not shut off. My prayers are interrupted with random thoughts. As I close my eyes, I begin to have bizarre thoughts. I find myself screaming inside my head “STOP THINKING ABOUT THAT!” I have tried those apps that play music and “talk” you to sleep. I have tried to put myself in my “happy place,” but my mind just doesn’t want to shut off.

In the past year, I have seen too many people pass away. Not all of them had Covid, but some did. Heart attack, sepsis, old age, cancer, and other illnesses have claimed the lives of friends, former teachers, and former co-workers. Just this week a friend from high school lost her life to Covid.

There is that old quote that says something about the only two certainties in life are death and taxes. A pastor friend of mine always says that the “death rate is still one apiece.” In the Bible, it reads: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). In a book I was reading this week it said “You’re only one breath away from eternity.” All of those quotes are true.

I can’t even explain the uneasiness and anguish I have experienced over the past couple weeks. I’m not even sure why! Without getting theological or anything, I will say that I am not afraid of death, because I have settled that issue and know where I am going when I die. That may sound pompous, but I stand by my faith and trust that my Savior, Jesus Christ, died for me.

Despite the fact that I have peace with this, I have found myself laying in bed wondering about things. I have literally laid there with my eyes closed thinking about what I need to write down in a letter to my each of children should something happen or a love letter to my wife. What would I need to tell my dad or my brother? My mind races with these things for absolutely no reason.

As I look around at what is going on in the world, I see things happening that don’t sit well with me. I see such division. I see so much hate. I see (and feel) distrust for the government. There is way too much of the “I’m right! You’re wrong!” mentality. It makes me sad.

I have talked to people “for” and “against” the vaccine. So much uncertainty. I worry. I’m scared. I shouldn’t be, but I am. Is this where it all stems from? God only knows. God give me peace in the days and weeks ahead, please.

Back in Time?

All writers get writer’s block. I am hardly a “writer”, but sometimes stare at the blank page and wonder what to write about. Since I began blogging, I have stumbled on blogs written by others who share some of the same interests as me. I have followed blogs that feature movies, TV, music, nostalgia, positive thoughts & quotes, and more. There have been many instances where I read another blog and an idea will pop into my head. My friend Max and I tend to “borrow” ideas from each other often.

Many ideas I adapt from those blogs. For this blog I am literally stealing the idea, and giving credit, and creating some rules for it. The Anxious Teacher wrote a blog after watching Back to the Future III. You can read it here:

https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/94480307/posts/2458827458

ce4d45958f4c33d62e289e64fbd1b897ad2be45a_hq

What a great idea for a blog! If you had a time machine – where would you travel? As I thought about this, I wanted to limit myself to a few things. First of all, because I have watched the Back to the Future movies, I know that if you go back and change something in the past – it will affect the future. So Limit #1: If I go back, I am simply there to observe. Many of the things I thought I would like to go back and witness happened over a period of time, so Limit #2 – no real time limit. Limit #3 – wherever I go, I will be dressed appropriately as to not raise suspicion. I know, it’s silly, but it’s my blog and my rules.

I actually thought about adding what I would call the “Ebenezer Scrooge” element to this. What is that? Well, remember when Scrooge was transported into the past, present & future? He could witness everything, but he could not interact with anyone. Those events happened and the people were not aware he was even there. Perhaps that would be the best thing, right? That way, if I went back in time, I would not be tempted to change things.

10493_ce254528e55ecddb829073c29a8d3a3a

General times and places

As my blogger friend said, I think it would be very cool to visit the old west. I have watched many westerns on TV and in the movies. I have read many books set in the old west. I think it would be pretty cool to walk through one of those western towns. How cool would it be to visit the saloons, or the general store? I think it would be cool to don a cool cowboy hat, boots & spurs and ride a horse to get from place to place.

I also think it would be cool to visit the ancient times and watch the building of the pyramids, or buildings like the coliseum. Those historic buildings are still standing. How awesome would it be to see just how they put them together?

As someone who has been a huge fan of the 1950’s, I would love to live a year or two in this decade. It’s fun to see how the ’50s are portrayed in movies like Back to the Future, and I would love to see it in person. I would love to hear the old radio stations playing those early rock and roll songs. I would love to see those classic films in a theater. I would love to have a meal at a real 50’s diner or drive a classic car!

I would love to visit the 1940’s, too! The music of the great band leaders, the early music of Sinatra, and of course, those great old radio shows! Of course, World War II was going on, but it would be interesting to see how life in America was at that time.

Everyone wants to visit the future … that peaks my interest, but is it something I would do? I don’t know. I’d be tempted to come back to the present and use the information for personal gain, or to alter outcomes. I’m not sure visiting the future would be something I’d want to do – unless I knew it was something specific I wouldn’t be able to see.

24049c9b7e49caff75c2e77db9eb504a

General People of Interest

I would love to watch Beethoven or Bach (or any composer, really) writing and composing a piece of their music.

I would love to watch someone like Edgar Allen Poe or William Shakespeare writing a poem or story.

I would love to sit on a set and watch them shooting a Three Stooges or Laurel and Hardy film.

I would love to be in the room where the First Continental Congress held meetings and watch men like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and others in action.

I would love to attend a taping of an old episode of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson or a taping of the Dean Martin Show.

I would love to be in the audience at a Rat Pack show in Chicago or Las Vegas. Come on! Dean, Frank and Sammy!!

I would love to be an extra in one of my favorite movies.

I would love to watch Elvis in the recording studio.

I would love to watch Thomas Edison working on the phonograph or the electric light.

362077d0f6e8739f74f96a95ec380a58

Specific Events

I would love to watch the moon landing (on TV or from space).

I would love to watch the first flight with the Wright Brothers.

I would love to see JFK’s inauguration.

I would love to see a Beatles concert.

I would love to see Lincoln deliver his Gettysburg Address.

I would love to witness the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I would love to witness the launch of Titanic on her maiden voyage.

I would love to be in the stands at Tiger Stadium at the final game of the 1984 World Series.

I would love to be in the crowd at 1985’s Live Aid concert.

time-travel

Personal Things

I know I put some limits on what can or cannot happen if I went back in time, but if there were no limits there are a few things I would like to do with that time machine.

I would love one more conversation with my mom.

I would love one more pinochle game with grandma and grandpa.

I would love one more Christmas Eve with grandma and grandpa.

I would love one more radio show with Rob.

I would love one more cribbage game with my grandpa.

I would love to play my trumpet in one more high school band concert.

maxresdefault

Just One Day

For whatever reason, writing this blog made me think of the Nat King Cole song, “That Sunday, That Summer”. The lyrics of the song say:

“If I had to chose just one day, to last my whole life through, it would surely be that Sunday, the day that I met you.”

With a time machine, you could go back to one day. You could pick the day. You could relive whatever happened that day. What day would that be?

I don’t know that I could pick just one.

What I do know is that there are plenty of days that I am looking forward to that haven’t happened yet – the birth of my daughter, the graduations of my sons, etc…. I am perfectly content moving forward and experiencing the days to come.

Here is sit, remembering the past – loving the present – and looking forward to the future.

170510-time-travel-mn-1150_62ae0216673fbd69cc88472ce207045d_fit-760w