SNAKE EYES!

As my mates and I were recently approaching the Hindu temple at Goa Gajah on the island of Bali in Indonesia, we went into instant 'Red Alert!'  To our horror, we spotted this fellow all wrapped up in the clutches of a huge Python constrictor! What to do? No Red Cross or disaster relief training had prepared us for this particular challenge. But, as we drew near, the assumed victim didn't seem to be in as much trouble as we had presumed. Whew! To our amazement this guy not only was OK being entwined by the reptile, he actually enjoyed it and began rambling on about his 'friend' and their symbiotic relationship. He explained how his 'seeing eye snake'  would line up with his bad eye and when perfect alignment was achieved, he could actually use snake vision on the right side which was transmitted through bodily contact allowing him to see perfectly well....Amazing! He went on and on about this and we were enthralled... Well, we were pretty sure that's what he said. Our Balinese isn't very good......

Some details could have been lost in translation,

Tom

LIKE A LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER...

What! No Easter Carols?

I was just remembering how in Sri Lanka for at least a month after Christmas you can hear carols being sung and played in public places, and that's a Buddhist country! This year I was in Indonesia in January and noticed in that Muslim country, they were playing Christmas carols up until the Chinese New Year in late Jan...

I'm not aware of many Easter carols, but as the dust settles on yet another public and religious holiday, I've been reminded once again of how there is always more than meets the eye, especially in this case! The dynamics and significance of the terror and subsequent victory on Calvary has little to do with tradition or religion. It is written that 'had the rulers of this world known the secret wisdom of Elohim (Almighty God), they wouldn't have crucified Adonay (the Lord of Glory).' But, the purposeful plan was revealed and is still being worked out in our midst. This truth is indeed stranger and more marvelous than any fiction.

As rebellion requires recompense, those with 'eyes to see' marvel at the restoration of all things! Today, we see men scrambling, taking issue and taking sides, as everything which can be shaken is at least wobbling and I have a feeling we haven't see anything, yet...signs of the times.

So, a few take the advice and kiss the Son, choosing to get with the program and walk in His light...

...as angels sing in joyful assembly

...every day's a holiday in the Kingdom of God...

.......till all His enemies are under His feet!

Shalom,

Tom

SHIYANI'S GETTING MARRIED!

Here we are sending Shiyani Refuge blessings for a wonderful day on Saturday, the 18th and sweet marital bliss for all her days ahead with Ben. Sorry I can't be there in Sri Lanka for the event, but I'm sure it'll be a great time for everyone. Ben's a lucky guy! Shiyani is a true beauty inside and out and has always been a joy to work with and to be around...a great friend!  She lights it up wherever she goes. Here are a couple pix of Shiyani, and she just happens to be my homepage cover girl at the moment. http://www.tidballphoto.com/

God Bless,

Tom

FIELD OF DREAMS

Play ball! I drove down to Kansas City on Saturday with a few baseball headed friends, to see fellow Lincolnite, Joba Chamberlain, pitch for the Yankees. To our disappointment, Joba, who was scheduled to throw, didn't take the mound until the next day, so we were relegated to staying warm as the evening chill set in and finding other ways of justifying our trip. I must say the newly renovated Kauffman Stadium, the KC Royals Ball Park, is a gem. What a beautifully manicured field and stadium! Seems Derek Jeter even liked it a lot.  I hope the Royals give the KC homies something to shout about this year. Speaking of fandom, my mates and I all agreed how million dollar contracts, free agency, constant trading and commercialization have made it hard to be fan these days of any one team unless you are from that city. And what has happened to the hard-nosed hustle and lively character of the baseball we grew up on. Speaking of characters, how about these names which came up on our round tripper... Dizzy Dean, Pee Wee Reese, Nellie Fox, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Hammerin' Hank Aaron, Duke Snider, Willie Mays... Those were the days! 

touch 'em all,

Tom

It's in the genes!

All my life I've heard about the amazing Sandhill Cranes who have been migrating through central Nebraska's Platte River valley this time of year for centuries. Last week I went to check them out. Sure enough, there they were! Amazing!...nearly 80,000 of them flocking up and down a small stretch of river where they roost for the night, rest up and refuel for a month before resuming their epic journey north to vast breeding grounds in Canada, Alaska and Siberia. These big birds funnel into Nebraska from far-flung wintering grounds in northern Mexico, Texas and New Mexico. The arrival of Sandhill Cranes on the Platte River along with millions of other migratory birds that visit each spring is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the continent! 

In the fall of each year, over 80,000 Big Red football fans flock instinctively on home game days to Memorial Stadium in the SE Nebraskan city of Lincoln. This  spectacle is one of national admiration drawing fans and curious observers from the far reaches of the globe. To this Football Mecca they reliably return every year, where they're able to satisfy their football fix before returning to their natural breeding grounds. It's in their blood...

Go Big Red!