Don’t Get Angry; Get Creative

I must hand it to my wife for being resourceful — and not getting irate at me.

While on vacation in Iowa recently, I bought Patty a couple of nice-looking made-in-the-USA organic cotton outfits. The clothes, despite being on the sales rack, were not what one would call inexpensive. Unfortunately, after we arrived home, Patty put the new duds in the washing machine with a pair of shorts in which I had left an ink pen. Not until she removed the clothes from the dryer did she notice that the pen had exploded, leaving all sorts of unintentional blotches on her new outfits. Patty tried to remedy the situation by using a variety of homemade methods to remove the stains, but nothing worked. Even a professional cleaner told her not to bother; the outfits were ruined.

But rather than accept defeat, Patty got creative. She bought some dark dye to cover up the blotches on the dress and some camouflage spray paint to mask the blemishes on the blouse. The results are quite stunning.

Respecting Our Leaders

I continue to be amazed at the number of Americans who disrespect the president. Disagreement is a hallmark of democracy, but those taking to the Internet to rant are doing more than objecting to policies. They tell malicious lies and spread false rumors. I’ve been disappointed in the Obama presidency; I had high hopes for him when he entered office. But no matter what I think of him, I’m not going to trash him in public.

Scripture commands Christians to respect their rulers. Titus 3:1-2 says, “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” The Bible also tells followers of Christ to pray for those in authority over them. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, the Apostle Paul states, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Many of my churchgoing friends disregard such commands. Isn’t asking God to help our national leader make wise, moral decisions more Christ-like than praying for his failure or demise?

I remember more than 30 years ago when I worked at a grocery store in Columbia during college. A co-worker shared the news with another that President Reagan had just been shot. The two young men stocking shelves exchanged high fives. The action revolted me. I hadn’t voted for Reagan, but such disrespect grieved me. Compassion for a leader’s life should always come before political persuasion. Alas, the ignorance of the masses has only increased as radio talk-show hosts spew venom about those with whom they disagree. The vitriolic climate today foments hostility. No matter what I think of a person, I don’t wish him or her harm.

Joining the Smartphone Set

finally gave in earlier this month and purchased a Smartphone. I long resisted, figuring I didn’t need one. But in taking a couple of trips, one a vacation and the other for business, it sure came in handy. Instead of a map I pulled out the phone. I didn’t need a phonebook to figure out what restaurants were located on my route. And checking Facebook and email accounts on my phone proved satisfying, especially considering I gave up a laptop years ago. The danger with any technology is becoming so enamored with it that we miss out on real human interaction. That’s what happened to my wife and me. We spent evenings sitting side-by-side poking away at laptop keyboards, never communicating with each other. We ditched the laptops. Of course there is a similar temptation with a Smartphone and all its available apps. I have friends and acquaintances that can’t make it through a lunch or a church service without repeatedly checking their handheld device. Thankfully I’m somewhat technologically challenged.

The Old Stomping Grounds

My wife, Patty, and I trekked back to Fairfield, Iowa, last week for our first visit in six years. I grew up there, we both graduated from high school there and we began raising our sons there. Still, we have no relatives left in Fairfield, or in all of Iowa, for that matter. And much has changed since we moved away 22 years ago. The oddest thing about the populace of 10,000 is the number of people who still live there, yet are married to different spouses who also lived there — but with another mate. The landscape is a lot different from my childhood, of course, but there are many other changes from the last stay in 2006. Then, the town square had vacant storefronts in about half the buildings. Now, thanks to shops owned by transcendental meditators, business is booming. There are several healthy grocery stores, restaurants and natural supplement shops dotting the downtown area that contain restored 19th century wooden floors, brick walls and tin ceiling architecture. Flowerbeds and brick crosswalks add a nice touch of outdoor beautification. There also is a bike and walking trail around the entire perimeter of Fairfield. In addition to being able to see water birds and other creatures, the paths feature picnic tables, benches and even a gazebo. An impressive arts and convention center has been built that contains a 522-seat theater. TMers such as Donovan and Mike Love have performed there. And where else can you visit a farmer’s market featuring wares from Amish, transcendental meditators from Ethiopia and longtime Iowa farmers?

Amazing Sight and Sound

Recently I had my first exposure to the Sight & Sound Theater in Branson, Mo., where the production Joseph opened in April. The experience included a behind-the-scenes tour from Fraser Armstrong, one of the nearly 200 people who is employed by the theater to make the biblical epic come to life. In addition to serving as a tour guide, Armstrong — like many of the other actors — plays multiple roles in a two-hour production that requires numerous scenes with extras. His biggest part is that of the pharaoh that entrusts Joseph with saving the land from famine. Unlike some passion plays where the actors are merely mouthing prerecorded dialogue, the 17-act Joseph has 48 live microphones that must be cued at the appropriate times. The play also features three dozen live animals, from a white rat to camels. The costumes, choreography, musical number and sets — built on site — are worthy of Broadway. Some of the action takes place not only on the center stage, but also on the stages to the left and right of the audience in the 2,085-seat theater. Armstrong, 25, explained that he enjoys working at the explicitly Christian theater because he didn’t have to compromise his standards to get hired. The company has been around for 35 years, putting on shows in the past about biblical characters such as Noah, Daniel, and Ruth. Jonah is next in line for the twin theater based in Lancaster County, Pa. The 339,000-square-foot Branson complex opened in 2008. The mission statement is explicit: “Our purpose is to present the gospel of Jesus Christ and sow the Word of God into the lives of our customers, guests, and fellow workers by visualizing and dramatizing the Scriptures, through inspirational productions, encouraging others and seeking always to be dedicated and wise stewards of our God-given talents and resources.” The production poignantly brings the story of Joseph (covering Genesis 37-47) to life. A broad range of human emotions and behaviors is on display: parental favoritism, sibling rivalry, pride, jealousy, temptation, miscommunication, abandonment, disappointment in God, compassion for fellow humans, sense of loss, emotional baggage and restoration. With a the sparkling script, quality acting, soaring musical numbers, enchanted pageantry and the story itself, Joseph brings timeless biblical truths to modern audiences in a meaningful way. Few will leave the house without shedding a tear or two.

Fun Down the Highway

In the past, every time I’ve visited Silver Dollar City near Branson, Mo., it’s been for my own enjoyment. There are plenty of shows, rides, food and shops to keep a middle-aged guy entertained. But recently my wife, Patty, and I took our granddaughter to the theme park for her first visit. As a result, I found a whole new reason to appreciate the family-friendly attraction that is located less than an hour south of my house, amid the rolling hills and trees of the Ozarks. I never had spent time in the Grand Exposition area of the park before, but Lael, who is about to turn 3, found the place fascinating. Lael rode in the Happy Frogs, Ladybugs, Elephant March, Grand Exposition Coaster, Racing Regetta, Wings of Wonder, Royal Tea Party and even the Mighty Galleon. These are all age-appropriate rides, some of which she could enjoy by herself, some accompanied by Grandma or Papa.

Lael had no qualms about riding the American Plunge log ride with me. We also hung out at Geyser Gulch, where there are net mazes to climb through, water guns to squirt and air balls to shoot. We also found time to take a trip on the Frisco Silver Dollar Line steam train, walk across a swinging bridge and ride a carousel before Lael conked out from eight hours of nonstop fun. With the Christian values established by brothers Jack and Pete Herschend, Silver Dollar City remains a safe and enjoyable place to spend a wonderful day. Employees are routinely friendly and helpful. The whole experience reminded me of a time of innocence that our nation sorely misses. The Herschend brothers say the Silver Dollar City mission is to “create memories worth repeating.” With my family, they certainly succeeded.

Getting a Word in Edgewise

Last week I expressed my frustrations about sources that want to rewrite my articles when given an opportunity. Another problem I infrequently encounter as a journalist is the source that takes control of the interview. Again, I think insecurity is a chief factor. Most interviewees are content to let me, as the journalist, ask the questions. They know it’s my job to write the story based on the information I obtain from them. I have a list of questions prepared before each interview to guide me and conversations normally go smoothly. But once in a great while I will come across a source (often a professor or other professional “expert”) that wants to manage the interview. He has an agenda. He has been granting interviews so long he thinks he knows what I will ask so he proceeds to blather. Instead of waiting for the actual query he takes off on a rambling line of rhetoric that isn’t the information I’m seeking. He tosses in clichés every few sentences. I had one of my absolute worst experiences in a phone interview this month. I couldn’t even ask my first question before the fellow began ranting about the subject at hand. He didn’t take a breath for 15 minutes. In cases like this, I know I might as well give up trying to ask a specific question. He won’t respond with what I’m looking for anyway.