The Jubber Journal

The Jubber Journal has moved

2009-05-13T16:50:00.002-07:00

Here is a quick shout out to all those who haven't yet updated your bookmark for the Jubber Journal:

WE HAVE MOVED OVER TO A NEW PROVIDER:

THE JUBBER JOURNAL Now lives HERE: CLICK ME

Thank you blogger for the 4 years of support, no doubt we may be back one day!

Iran & Zimbabwe

2009-05-03T08:14:00.004-07:00

Sitting here today sipping my coffee before we head off to church, reading the news online, This headline popped right off the screen at me:

Iran, Zimbabwe to establish air links

Johannesburg - Iran has expressed its willingness to establish air links with Zimbabwe to improve accessibility between the two countries, the Herald reported on Friday. The newspaper cited Iranian ambassador to Zimbabwe Rasoul Momeni as saying that the creation of air links would greatly assist in rejuvenating Zimbabwe's flagging tourism sector. "The importance of establishing airline links between the two countries cannot be underestimated," he was quoted as saying. Currently, Air Zimbabwe flies to Dubai where it parks its aircraft for about 18 hours "yet Iran is only an hour away", the Herald said. Momeni underscored his government?s desire to assist in turning around the fortunes of Zimbabwe?s tourism industry. He told the newspaper that Iran was ready to "exchange experience and establish co-operation in the area of tourism and hospitality", adding that there would be a renewal of all tourism memorandum of understanding. Iran, he said, would not only offer funds to Zimbabwe but it would assist with the provision of experts in various fields of tourism. The envoy, however, emphasized the need for Zimbabwe's local tourism industry to offer quality service and reasonable rates.

Such an unlikely partnership don't you think? The question beckons ~ during a time where Zimbabwe is trying to get back on her feet what is Mugabe thinking, partnering with Iran, even if it is under the guise of boosting tourism? Tourism? Partnering with a known outspoken blatant terrorist will do Zimbabwe a huge injustice in her ability to garner support on the international platform.

What kind of tourism boost will this be? Come to Zimbabwe to see potholes, starvation and cholera epidemic running rampant. Visit Iran to see how nuclear weapons are made, where they store their plutonium and learn how to ride a camel...

And then we wonder why a government of national unity will not work?

A Scritpural Reflection

2009-04-21T20:01:00.003-07:00

So often for those who are firm believers in Christ we tend to think that 'once saved - always saved'. I guess this viewpoint widely depends on your own personal growth and foundation in the Lord as well as individual knowledge of the bible.

Many times over, I have encountered my own dilemma in regard to salvation, and have often questioned the theology of such a belief system. What I have learned is that it is impossible for me to judge what anyone believes. It is also impossible to force what I believe upon anyone who has their own belief system by which they live out their lives.

What concerns me on a grander scale is the current state of the body of the church, as we already are aware of the seasons and signs of the times that the end is being plotted and it won't be long before we see a great unleashing of scriptural manifestation to that end. A number of scriptures come to mind, and I would like to share a few in my journal entry with you today.

Matthew 7:13-14 says "Enter through the narrow gate; For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Yes the Lord is all-loving, and gracious and desires that none fall away, but that all come to know Him as their personal savior. However, reading this scripture tells me slightly more than the obvious facts. We have a free will, freedom to choose which gate we will walk through, which road we will navigate life on, and what kind of numbers will be involved within the decision we make. Before I came to know Christ as my savior, I can honestly say that I entered the broad gate, and many were traveling that road, filled with lust, deception and depravity. It was a very easy road to journey on. But at the age of 16 when I gave my life to the Lord, I embarked on a mission of finding the small gate, and the narrow path, with few traveling thereon. I haven't always walked that road but with maturity came an opportunity to decide how much further I would want to desire to be on that narrow road. Has it always been easy? NO! Do I walk it daily? NO! Is it my heart's intent and desire to walk it? YES! It concerns me almost with a grave sense of expedience to populate this narrow road with people that are in my life, by way of family, friendships and relationships. There are moments deep in my soul that I am beset with a deep sense of urgency to go out there within my sphere and circle of influence and latch onto hearts and bring them into that journey which will lead to eternal life in Christ.

The question has been asked through the ages; "how do you eat an elephant?" The answer is easy - "one bite at a time". Will we save the world? Nope. Will we reach everyone effectively in our circle of influence? Maybe not. Should we stop trying in fear of failure? Certainly not! That leaves us with the elephant solution, one bite at a time = one soul at a time.

I will probably draw criticism for this next portion of thought provoking scripture...

Luke 12:42-48 says "The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

When I came across this portion of scripture I saw a couple of different facets, and parallels that I want to share with you.

The Lord requires us to be watchful. Especially in the times we are living, there is a greater sense of responsibility upon us to not only shine as lights for the Lord but also to walk according to the blueprint He has given us through His word. We sometimes lose direction and thank the Lord that His word always sets us back on solid ground. The Lord is the master in the opening verse. The faithful and wise manager, are those in ministry and leadership, and the servants are in essence the sheep. And so as we see two forms of reference taking place. The wise manager who does what the master required of him, and the other who does not fulfill what the master required of him. What really popped out at me was verse 47 & 48. We read that the servant who knows his master's (the Lord) will, and doesn't do it, will be rewarded with many blows. And the one who does not know and does things deserving of punishment will receive few blows. This should concern the church. This is not a time to sit under a shady tree in the spring air with a gentle breeze wafting b, while we sing "Kum Ba Yah". We should ready ourselves, and be girded up ready to do battle, ready to do what He has called us to do, and in so doing when He returns and we face the judgment seat the blows won't be as severe but the reward will be worthwhile.

Finally the Lord says to whom much has been given, much will be required, and so those who are faithful and wise managers, stewards of the gospel, and servants of the master, a time of heartfelt examination should be requisite as we journey on this narrow path.

Do you know anyone who is searching and currently walking that broad road? Are they perhaps standing at the entry to the wide gate? If there was ever a time to reach out to those that the Lord impresses on our hearts it would be such a time as this. Let us be encouraged to be counted as wise and faithful managers of the life that the Lord has entrusted to us. Let's not shrink back thinking we have no abilities, no etiquette, to simply say something that will ignite a spark of enthusiasm in a lost soul.

One thing I am fully at peace and aware of is that the Lord doesn't require for us to do everything all of the time. We plant a seed, someone will come along and water it, and Christ will give the increase and cause growth. His method of farming and crop rotation cannot be perfected, it is a proven system that has worked since Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected.

I love the freedom of journaling the thoughts I have in my heart, and hope that the Lord will provoke you, draw you closer and deeper into a relationship with Him, especially now as we near His glorious return.

May Her Soul Rest in Peace

2009-03-06T15:47:00.002-08:00

Waking this morning to the news coming out of Zimbabwe that the Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai had lost his wife in a road accident all but brought back haunting tales of the Mugabe regime in it's attempt to rid the Zimbabwean political front of any form of insubordination and opposition. Some will call this a tragic accident others will know the extent to which the truth surrounding the events, on that road at 4:00pm Friday March 6th 2009, that led to the untimely passing of Susan Tsvangirai. Below is an excerpt from a trusted source, and I quote:

The turmoil in Zimbabwe intensified last night when Morgan Tsvangirai, the new Prime Minister, was injured in a car crash and his wife was killed.

There was no immediate evidence to suggest that the crash was anything but an accident, but Robert Mugabe’s Zanu (PF) henchmen have staged car crashes to eliminate opponents before and Mr Tsvangirai has previously been the target of assassination attempts. “Conspiracy theories will abound,” one Western diplomat said.

Officials of Mr Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change said that his car was hit by the trailer of a large lorry as it swung out in front of it. Mrs Tsvangirai was on the side hit by the trailer and suffered terrible injuries.

A hospital worker was told by Mr Tsvangirai’s chief security aide travelling with him in a Toyota Land Cruiser, that Mrs Tsvangirai was thrown out of the vehicle and fell a long way off. The aide and Mr Tsvangirai were trapped inside, but as soon as the aide managed to extricate himself, Mr Tsvangirai called to him: “Help my wife, help my wife!”

Mr Tsvangirai was in a stable condition in hospital, an MDC spokesman said but even if the Prime Minister has escaped serious injury, the death of the woman to whom he had been married for 31 years, and with whom he has had six children, will be devastating at a time when he is struggling to establish Zimbabwe’s new coalition Government in the face of stiff resistance from Zanu (PF) hardliners.

“I don’t imagine he will be able to give much thought to running the country or the legislative agenda for a while,” the diplomat said.

The accident happened about 30 miles south of Harare as the Tsvangirais were returning to their home district, Buhera, for a rally tomorrow. Mr Tsvangirai’s spokesman, James Maridade, said that the Prime Minister’s car rolled over three times.

“The accident happened between 16.00 hours [14.00 GMT] and 17.00 hours but the details are still sketchy,” one party official said. “The driver of the truck appeared to be sleeping.”

Other reports suggested that Mr Tsvangirai’s Land Cruiser had suffered a burst front left tyre and then rolled.

Mr Tsvangirai was taken to the private Avenues Clinic in Harare, severely bruised and cut, where he was later visited by Mr Mugabe and his wife, Grace. An aide was also injured. “Morgan is talking, and he has been sedated,” said Eddie Cross, a member of the MDC’s national executive. “Last time I spoke [to hospital staff] he didn’t know about Susan’s death. He will be devastated. They were a real team.” The two-lane road leads to Beitbridge, the main border crossing into South Africa, and is notoriously dangerous. It is deeply potholed. It is used heavily by lorries bringing goods into Zimbabwe, many of them seriously overloaded. It was unclear if the Prime Minister had a police escort, but his car and driver and two accompanying security vehicles were provided by the MDC, not the Government, which would also seem to militate against the idea that this was an assassination attempt. Mr Tsvangirai has used the MDC Land Cruiser with a two-vehicle security escort for several years, usually with four officials in each car, and a security guard in the front seat next to the driver in the Land Cruiser, with Mr Tsvangirai usually sitting in the rear seat. Since becoming Prime Minister, he has been issued with a new Sclass Mercedes-Benz, which he uses for official business.

In December last year Elliott Manyika, a party youth wing boss, was killed in a suspicious accident and in November the air force commander Perrence Shiri was shot and injured in circumstances that have never become clear.

Mr Cross said an MDC team that reached the scene before the police was subsequently detained. “When police turned up, they arrested them and confiscated the videos and pictures they had taken,” Mr Cross said. Asked if fould play was suspected, he replied: “That’s the big question. We don’t like that [the arrest of the MDC team] but we have to wait and see. We will demand complete transparency and a thorough investigation.”

Mr Cross also confirmed that earlier this week the new Mercedes-Benz limousine just issued by the government vehicle pool to Lovemore Moyo, the Speaker of the House of Assembly and the MDC chairman, had had a blowout on the way from Harare to Bulawayo. Mr Moyo had travelled by air while his driver took the vehicle. “A brand-new vehicle with brand-new tyres. This is too much,” Mr Cross said. “There is something amiss.”

Mr Tsvangirai has been the target of at least three previous assassination attempts, most spectacularly in 1997 when an eight-man assassination squad burst into his tenth-floor Harare office and tried to force him out of the window. He has also survived numerous death threats, arrests and beatings, one of which left him with a cracked skull, and a two-year treason trial that could have led to the death penalty.

Yesterday’s crash also took place at a critical moment in Zimbabwe’s continuing crisis. Mr Tsvangirai took a huge political risk by entering a unity government with Mr Mugabe last month, but Zimbabwe’s generals and other Zanu (PF) hardliners opposed to sharing power with the MDC have been conspiring to destroy it. They refused to release MDC activists who had been abducted and detained without trial, had Roy Bennett, one of Mr Tsvangirai’s ministers, arrested and organised further farm seizures.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued a statement last night expressing deep sadness at Mrs Tsvangirai’s death.

Was this indeed a tragic road accident? Call it a coincidence? Is there perhaps a conspiracy theory at play here? You decide...

We offer our deepest sympathy to His Excellency Morgan Tsvangirai, and their six beautiful children, The Lord strengthen and uphold you during this difficult time and senseless loss of your wife, and mother, Susan Tsvangirai.

With a Twist

2009-02-19T17:44:00.003-08:00

Every now and then I will look at a situation and draw my own conclusion to it. My comments might be right, they may be wrong...

Every Thursday I go along to an early morning Bible study, called S.O.A.P group. Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. Today we touched on some of the passages in the book of Leviticus with regard to certain sins of the body. During the discussion we started talking about the current global financial crisis as well as the impact of the bail out that was passed and signed into passage this week.

What struck me as an interesting sidebar note was that in essence when the bill was signed by President Obama, in theory and for all practical intent and purpose he took upon his shoulders the ownership of the bill, the nation's debt and the proposed plan to get the economy back on track. I am not going to go into any finger pointing here, but in light of these developments I have to wonder a few objective points;

1. Where is all this money coming from? 2. Who is really going to benefit from it? 3. Who is ultimately accountable for it's equitable distribution? 4. Who is going to pay for it? 5. How long will this cycle last?

I know this is a time in all of our lives that we have not planned for, there was no instructional operators manual, and yet we all are having to make some life crunching decisions with regard to the present and the future. What really dawned on me is the possibility that the responsibility of the entire bail out long term is going to fall on the shoulders of the next generation. Who is that? That is our children! They are being thrust into a scenario that they had no part in deciding.

It is a concern to me as parent. I have to think in real terms about the repercussions of the current global morbid financial crisis. An entire nation filed bankruptcy at the close of 2008. Banks have collapsed, industry leaders are scaling back, large corporations are folding. At the end of January we lost 598000 jobs, this trend has set the precedent since September. Alarming don't you think?

So, during our S.O.A.P meeting this morning, we concluded that whilst the situation is indeed dire, we do have a responsibility as the leaders of our homes and families. We have the ability in the midst of the storm to go to the One who actually does have all the answers. And whilst we know that we are on the edge of a long haul, we do draw a comfort and strength from knowing that we can go boldly to the throne of grace, and He promised to meet us there in that place and answer us. Of equal importance is the need to educate our children (no matter how old they are) on financial wisdom and how to plan for the road ahead. We can't afford to have our children walking aimlessly into the storm that is awaiting them, and so to be forewarned is part of the multifaceted solution of which Christ has to be the foundation. I don't mean we have to be walking talking Bibles now, but I do advocate educating our children with Godly principles and wisdom so that when we are no longer present they will have a strong foundation to work off.

I often wonder if there is this amount of stress in the world today - what more going through all of this without the Lord?

Here comes one of my twists...

For the longest time I have wanted to have an online e-commerce website. As many of you know, the printing industry has been my mainstay for 24 years. I have watched this trade change in massive ways since 1985. I still remember during my apprenticeship using chemicals that today are outlawed across the globe. Flammable material that given the right combination of science and creativity would be dangerous in the wrong hands! The printing industry today has made massive leaps forward in achieving high standards that compliment the environment and protect certain aspects of the echo system. To that end, and in view of wanting to take a hold of information technology and exploit it, I have embarked on fulfilling that vision and goal. I have partnered with a facility that exists on both the east coast and west coast of the United States, and will soon offer the exact same service fulfillment internationally to clients wanting to use our facility and take advantage of our "GO~GREEN" echo friendly service. As an incentive going green when you use our online ordering system you will be assured of better pricing, higher standards in quality and service truly second to none. You will be able to place your order, send me your artwork, or upload your own, pay for the printing and shipping all in one easy simplified process.

Many people may think this is the wrong timing for such a venture. Sure it might be. I am not a good gambler, I have taken some pretty wild chances in life, and have lived through a few that have made for great stories around a dinner table. I am inviting you along on this adventure, and want to share with you that the bigger picture to having this fully functional stand alone e-commerce facility is intended to grow to the extent that funds can be channeled to ministry. Those of you that know this family will know that part of our heart is tied to Africa, and how else do we empower a vision to become reality other than to actually put shoulders to the plow, and begin working the field so that promised harvest can be gathered.

This is the plow that I desire to put my shoulder to...and I know that in time the harvest will come!

So when the new site goes live, I will be sending out the URL for you to stop by and browse, take a look at it and encourage your corporate office, headquarters, office manager, purchaser to take a look at our list of products which will continue to grow through 2009.

I believe this is called positioning for success. Do I want to be wealthy? No! But I do definitely want to be one of the tiny gears in the big machine that facilitates spiritual growth and security in the things of the Lord, enabling those who are called to do the work, to have the means - partner with me...

Prime Minister Tsvangirai's Inauguration Speech

2009-02-12T10:21:00.001-08:00

The Inauguration Speech of the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe,
His Excellency, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai.

Your Majesty, King Mswati III, the Chairman of the AU Commission, Mr Jean Ping, President Mugabe, former President Mbeki, Your Excellencies, Honoured Guests, People of Zimbabwe,

Today is an historic day for our country. As we form this transitional government, we look back with reflection on the difficult journey that has brought us to this day, and look forward with determination to the road that lies ahead.

To my fellow African leaders, there can be no turning back on the political agreement which each party has signed, knowing it is not a perfect agreement but still a workable one. An agreement that if implemented with good faith, will deliver a peaceful way forward toward a stable economy, a new constitution and free and fair elections. Brothers and sisters in SADC and the AU, we are counting on you to be our partners and to ensure that this agreement is upheld as we face the challenges of rebuilding our country in the days ahead.

Though today’s ceremony marks a very significant milestone on our democratic journey, it is only the beginning. On this day 19 years ago Nelson Mandela walked free from Victor Verster prison, an historic step on South Africa’s long road to freedom.

But former President Mandela’s release did not signify the end of his people’s struggle for democracy. His personal liberation showed that the victory of freedom over oppression was near. But on February 11th 1990, make no mistake, freedom had still not arrived. Only with the courageous effort and compromise by all parties was a peaceful transition finally possible.

With the formation of this transitional government, President Mugabe, Professor Mutambara and I have pledged, in the sight of God, to deliver to the nation a new political dispensation.

This is our promise to you, to our children and to the future generations of Zimbabweans. This is the debt that we owe to our liberation heroes and our democratic heroes who paid the ultimate price so that we could all live together, free from fear, hunger and poverty.

For too long, Zimbabwe has endured violent political polarization. This must end today.

For too long, our people’s hopes for a bright and prosperous future have been betrayed. Instead of hope, their days have been filled with starvation, disease and fear. A culture of entitlement and impunity has brought our nation to the brink of a dark abyss.
This must end today.

Economic collapse has forced millions of our most able to flee the country seeking menial jobs, for which they are often overqualified but underpaid. They have had to leave their children behind to be cared for by the elderly, who do not have the resources to feed them and watch in despair as these flowers of our nation wilt and die.
This must end today.

People of Zimbabwe, I have a vision for our country that will guide me as Prime Minister. I will work to create a society where our values are stronger than the threat of violence, where our children’s future and happiness is more important than present political goals and where a person is free to express an opinion, loudly, openly and publicly without fear of reprisal or repression. A country where jobs are available for those who wish to work, food is available for those that are hungry and where we are united by our respect for the rights and dignity of our fellow citizens. This is the Zimbabwe that I am working towards.

To achieve this vision, my priorities are very clear.

Firstly, we must implement our democratization agenda.

Through parliament, the people’s representatives in the MDC and Zanu PF, will pass legislation to restore the people’s freedoms, create the mechanism through which a people’s constitution can be created, reestablish the rule of law and promote the independent media. Our liberation war was fought to provide political freedoms to all Zimbabweans and we intend to restore them as a matter of urgency.

As I stand before you, more than 30 innocent people continue to languish in jail months are being abducted and illegally detained. While I will not interfere in the judicial process, I will make it a priority to ensure that the law is upheld and that the justice system deals with their cases in a fair, equitable and transparent manner in the shortest possible time frame

People of Zimbabwe, I call upon all of us to put aside our differences, to begin a process of national healing within every community, to work across party lines and look forward together with hope, while learning from a sad past that has so devastated our nation and our people.

Our second priority is tackling the humanitarian crisis with every means possible.

In the immediate days ahead we will focus on the cholera crisis. We will urgently reduce both the number of outbreaks and the unacceptably high mortality level by tackling the causes of the epidemic.

We will also ensure that every Zimbabwean has access to emergency food aid regardless of tribal or political affiliation. In this regard, we will ensure that the people can access humanitarian food aid on a non-partisan basis. I call upon the chiefs and local councilors to work together to ensure that all those that are deserving can access the help they require.

To all of the international relief agencies and donors who have assisted us, let me say thank you on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe. It will be the mandate of this government to do all we can to make it easier to help alleviate the suffering of every Zimbabwean as we tackle the humanitarian issues gripping our country. In this regard, I will ensure greater impact and efficiency in the distribution of emergency and development aid by appointing a senior member of my cabinet to coordinate emergency and development efforts.
In addition to emergency food distribution, the transitional government will make food more available and more affordable by removing all duties on foodstuffs imported into the country. In the short term, we will convene a food summit of all relevant stake holders to help us ensure that no Zimbabwean goes hungry. We will introduce incentives to resuscitate and rehabilitate the local food manufacturing industry and we will move towards self-sufficiency in food production beginning with the next agricultural season.

The third priority is to stabilize the economy.

Out of the 20 fastest growing countries in the world, 15 are in Africa. Indeed, despite the overall economic gloom in the world today, the International Monetary Fund predicts a growth rate of 6.3% in sub Saharan Africa in 2009. As the world slows down, much of Africa is still growing. This is good news for us as we all know, if we work together, Zimbabwe has the skills and resources to contribute to this hopeful trend.

To get our economy going again, we must get the country working again. This starts with an educated and healthy workforce. Our schools, once amongst the best on the continent, can be restored to that standard of excellence. Similarly, our hospitals must be places of healing, with the staff and resources to prevent and treat disease.

The professionals in our civil service are the backbone of our government, making sure that policy decisions are carried out and delivery of government services moves efficiently and accountably. Today our public service has ground to a halt as many of our patriotic government employees can no longer afford to eat, let alone pay for transport to their place of work.

If we are to successfully address our nation’s humanitarian crisis, we must first address the urgent plight of our civil servants.

As Prime Minister I make this commitment that, as from the end of this month, our professionals in the civil service, every health worker, teacher, soldier and policeman will receive their pay in foreign currency until we are able to stabilize the economy.

These hard currency salaries will enable people to go to work, to feed their families and to survive until such time that we can begin to sustain ourselves as a country.

My Fellow Zimbabweans, as we work together to rebuild our country, all of us must do our part. This will sometimes require sacrifices. In this respect, I ask every school be re-opened, and that every member of the civil service is behind his or her desk on Monday providing service to Zimbabweans.

As your Prime Minister, I will ensure that there is a clear distinction between the party and the state.

As your Prime Minister I will be open and honest with you.

It will take time, commitment and unity of purpose to rebuild our great country. I appeal to all Zanu PF supporters and MDC supporters, to recognize the legitimacy and contribution of the other party to our nation’s history and our nation’s future and work together to restore our pride in our people and our country.

We will need help from the international community and I ask them to engage with us to rebuild our nation and to work towards reestablishing a relationship that is not based on humanitarian assistance alone.

People of Zimbabwe, we face many challenges but we are brave and resourceful. By uniting as a nation and a people we can succeed. If you match our efforts with your own, we will succeed, if you match our desires with your own, we will succeed, if you match our dreams for Zimbabwe with your own, we will succeed.

At each point in our proud history we have looked forward not backwards, we have stood for hope not fear, we have believed in love not hate, and we have never lost touch with our democratic values or sight of our democratic goals.

People of Zimbabwe, I ask you to support me as your Prime Minister and the efforts of our new transitional government. I ask you to share my vision for our great country, to work with me to rebuild our nation and to walk with me on this promising phase of our journey to a true and lasting democracy.

May God bless you and May God Bless Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe Unity Government

2009-01-30T17:17:00.004-08:00

Some quarters around the globe will view this latest topic coming out of Zimbabwe as something magnificent and worthy of making headline news. MDC the political opposition party in Zimbabwe has signed a unity accord, allowing for the transition of total Mugabe regime leadership to be shared with their thorn in the flesh ~ Morgan Tsvangirai.

To a large extent this is a welcome shift of total control of power from Mugabe's zanu pf, however, a little too much a little too late, don't you think? In essence with Morgan Tsvangirai being sworn into office as the new Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, holds little to no credence in my personal opinion. I guess I will be challenged on this negative statement, and yet, I will stand my ground based on the cyclical evidence of a failed unity government in the 1980's shortly after Mugabe took to the helm of ruining Zimbabwe.

Here is my reasoning, and let me just say that this is my personal opinion, and in no way am I advocating racialism or malcontent for what is happening in Zimbabwe. Coming out of a history embedded in the life of four generations that saw many a change take place, I do believe I qualify in sharing my viewpoint, be it right or wrong, share it I will.

After Mugabe gained independence in 1980 and renamed Rhodesia - Zimbabwe, an underlying power struggle was brewing between zanu pf and zapu pf, the latter being lead and controlled by Joshua Nkomo, an Ndebele. For centuries the two affluent tribes comprising the Mashona and Ndebele were at odds with each other. To this day although there is tolerence there is little harmony and quiet diplomacy between the two factions. In 1987, a civil war errupted in Matabeleland, zanu pf 5th brigade (Chinese trained) warriors invaded Matabeleland north province and systematically killed an estimated 20 000 Zapu combatants. What followed was the absorption of zapu into zanu pf, resulting in the dissolving of the Ndebele faction as it became ingested by Mugabe and his cronies. Mugabe successfully eliminated the opposition without batting an eyelid for the blood that was shed.

What followed was a gradual process of elimination of any form of opposition. Mysterious illnesses, sudden car wrecks with fatalities, concrete swimming trunks, abandoned mine shafts used as a dumping ground for bodies ~ you name it, such was the demise of anyone who even as much as dared to question Mugabe and his antics. And so the rot began to set in. Africa's bread basket slowly began to fade away.

Today we see 94% unemployment, 80% of the total population rely on food aid (total of 7 million people), inflation is estimated at 11 million percent, cholera has killed 3200 innocent lives with more than 60 000 cases being treated; the list goes on and on....

So couple the catastrophe unfolding on a humanitarian basis, along with a complete breakdown in political management a hope for a brighter future is somewhat dimmed. Is there no more hope? Of course there is. But facing reality is sometimes a bitter pill to swallow. A government of national unity could be the first of very many steps toward delivering healing in Zimbabwe. There is no overnight fix. Many years of rebuilding lay ahead for the people of Zimbabwe, as well as for those who will continue to partner with her in her road to self sustainability, recovery and ultimate true independence from the tyrant who has ruled with an iron fist, even likening himself to a modern day 'Hitler".

I think when one has experienced first hand some of the atrocities that have plagued Zimbabwe, it is extremely difficult reconciling the fact that MDC and/or others will ever take charge at the helm of this definite titanic. Will the world come to her aid in her hour of need? Sadly I am of the opinion Zimbabwe's hour of need has lapsed without much acknowledgment from either the OAU, the UN the EU and all western powers. There has been much a do about nothing with no world leader truly stepping up the anti against Mugabe for fear of being politically incorrect. And so the madness continues, shrowded in the misconception that a government of national unity will solve her problems.

Of course we ought to be optimistic, and as we approach February 26, Mugabe will turn 85, February 6th will see Morgan Tsvangirai sworn in as Prime Minister, two days later Ministers will be sworn in, of which the majority by one seat will be held by MDC. So legislation can change, national debts might be forgiven, food aid can be stepped up, medical infrastructure can be repaired, and the economy can begin to recover. Positives? Yes! Possible recovery? Yes!

Taken from a reliable source "Tsvangirai is going to attract rich nations like the United States of America and Britain to help rebuild our country," said Sithole. That is the hope. Once again, Zimbabweans must await the reality. "

So, hope is ultimately in the Lord, but Zimbabwe will turn to the West for help through her newly elected Prime Minister - Morgan Tsvangirai, and this time I truly hope and pray the cries of the people on the ground that have endured this megalomaniac despotic leadership, will be heard and that help will not be afar off...for the sake of the people that have endured untold suffering I pray this madness will end, and relief will come...

2008 Ramblings in Perspective

2009-01-09T11:57:00.007-08:00

I sit today and contemplate this past year with a numbness and almost an indifferent attitude.

What happened during 2008 that significantly affected my life? Was there anything I could have done differently, or did I do what I thought and felt was right? What percentage of my life was able to impact anyone's life within my "circle of influence"?

The more I contemplate these questions the harder it is to answer them with clarity and honesty. When thinking of myself, I will have a natural bias to favor my own good responses, but then that is unfair and nonsensical in my approach to define who I am.

In retrospect 2008 was a difficult year for many. Some decisions regarding survival had to be made under circumstances that were seemingly out of touch with reality. Nonetheless, here we are today navigating a new year with a whole new set of opportunities. Some events were interesting, some were unavoidable, most were endured regardless of what we planned for.

In February, I had the second Cardiac Ablation procedure which corrected the irregularities in my heart. For the rest of the year physically I often felt as if I was not myself. My energy levels dropped and any zeal to do anything was severely compromised with an unreal lack of desire to do anything. It was like living a dream, knowing and seeing everything that was happening, but having no control or ability to change anything. I might add that this type of dreaming is not good, and is in fact detrimental to real life survival.

In March, I glanced at the calendar and remembered that in 2005 Mom passed away and went to be with the Lord. When I spoke with her on the phone she would ask "son - what is America like?" I would tell her often that "the next stop is Heaven..." I would describe what I was seeing here, the warm sun shine, the palm trees, the blossoming jacaranda trees, beautifully manicured gardens and clean streets, rolling blue waves crashing on the shore, and miles of clear beaches. At the end of our conversations she would sound peaceful and content after seeing through my eyes the things I spoke of. Little did I know that March 20th the Lord had a completely different plan, and that He would prepare her for eternity and usher her into His presence. It stands to good reason that the Lord is very clear about His thoughts not being our thoughts, nor His ways being likened to our ways in the slightest!

Then April rolled around and I recalled the events of the year prior 2008. On May 5th it was Dad's turn to be called home to the Lord. Miraculously the Lord provided for me to go and bury him alongside my brother Bill, and sister Karin. The memories are etched in my mind and heart with clarity and a realism that cannot be denied. I remember vividly, after the service we prepared for the internment and as we stood by the graveside, I peered into the ground, and was struck with a deep sense of attachment. I knew that just a few inches below the soil, Mom's casket lay embedded and compacted in the earth. Knowing that they had been together in life, and would now be together in eternity brought an incredible sense of peace and acceptance for the Lord's mercy and grace displayed in their lives, how He prepared each of them for what was to come.

Business began to falter during the course of the year. Some sectors didn't feel the decline as quick as others. We predominantly printed for the real estate industry, and as the year dragged on, figures began declining month by month, then week by week, then day by day. We had to act fast. The titanic was beginning to sink, and the life boats were in a state of disrepair. Decisions were made to scale down our little "mom & pop" print shop. We off loaded leased equipment, and began farming work out to trade suppliers. In the process we discovered that this was actually a lucrative way to sustain business, and allow the vendors to carry the bulk of the costs, while servicing our requirements. The key to survival rested upon driving volume to the business. Did we get the volume? No. So we had to diversify and include different complimentary services to the business. One such inclusion was building and hosting websites.

Politically on two fronts significant events took place in history. The first being presidential elections in Zimbabwe. Any form of outside monitoring was banned by ZANU PF - Mugabe's despotic ruling party. The MDC actually won with an aggregate percentage of 51.6% which in any true democratically elected government would signify defeat and a transition of power to the winning opponent. For four months no official results were announced. A run-off election was declared by Mugabe, and the MDC declined to partake in any farce of a so-called run-off. Mugabe declared himself the winner. Tsvangirai began pushing the OAU and the UN for intervention to unseat Mugabe - all to no avail. To save face Mugabe agreed to pressure within to include Tsvangirai in parliament as the Prime Minister - since the elections in early 2008 he is yet to be sworn in. The MDC unseated the house majority and claimed almost every ministerial seat - they too are yet to be sworn into office. A complete farce of an election if you ask any reasonably intelligent person. With the collapse of infrastructure across Zimbabwe, lack of foreign currency and inflation running in excess of 11 million percent - yes that is correct, it was a matter of time before sickness and disease started spreading in urban areas. The capital city and all major centers failed to treat water supplies and Cholera reared its killer head, and to date has wiped out over 1700 innocent lives who were unable to receive adequate treatment for their survival. The megalomaniac Mugabe began ranting and raving blaming the west in particular the British government for using "terror" tactics to deploy Cholera as a means of chemical warfare to oust the Mugabe regime. What a pathetic statement! I could go on like a duracell battery but giving Mugabe any more credence is completely unjustified.

For the first time in history the USA saw the presidential election swing in favor of electing our first black president - Barack Obama. At one point it almost seemed a credible fight was being staged by the Republicans, but in all honesty they couldn't match the funding and coverage of the Democratics and seemed to lose momentum as the race neared the end. Polls continued to show Obama as the favored winner. There is always going to be a multitude of reasons, pro's and con's, as to who won, who lost and why. I found myself asking the question "how significant if at all, is this result to me?" I looked back on my activism within the MDC, and began to understand that my opinion is insigficant when facing such a political and worldly giant. I also felt a deepening sense of shifting my personal focus while being in the midst of these changes, not allowing them to change the person I am. I admire activists who commit to the charge of changing the world, but in retrospect have began to decline in my desire to over commit to situations I know I can never alter. So what does it mean to me as we go into 2009 with Barack Obama as the President of the United States of America? It means I ought to be vigilent and take note of the changes going on around me, but I ought not to allow such changes to negatively impact my life. Will this new administration be the answer to all the wrongs that need to be righted? I doubt it. But what I can do, regardless of who holds office is pray for our leaders, that they make informed decisions, that they be guided by the Lord and that they hold true to the office they have been called to serve the people of the United States of America.

I know that my perspective will differ greatly with many, and that is the beauty of being able to express and communicate what we as individuals believe and accept as our values.

Truthfully though, I do sometimes get rattled particularly when I see the plight of my fellow countrymen in Zimbabwe. They have no choice, no freedom, and definitely no ability or means of escaping the maddening circumstances they are presented with daily. And so I will vocalize my heart in that respect.

On the other side of the coin, I know that in all of these events around the globe, we ought to be paying attention to the seasons, and noting that especially now with Israel pounding Gaza in her attempt to rid the region of the Hamas, the scriptural significance should trigger a response from us who believe that Christ is preparing to return soon. One such response is to pray for Israel first and foremost. This is where Christ will make His triumphant entry and all will see Him.

In hindsight let the world run herself as best as she can. More and more I think of what means the most to me when everything else seems to be spiraling out of control. What comes to mind is building on a foundation that I know will never perish. That foundation is Jesus Christ. How? Making the decision to constantly follow Him despite the trials and temptations and tribulations that come my way. Trust me for those who know me personally I have had a few. Refusing to back down in the face of all spiritual opposition regardless of the method of attack. By knowing who I am in Christ is a comfort when the enemy feebly attempts to dislodge my walk on that narrow path. In building upon that everlasting foundation, I think of what kind of material can be used, and the most infallible answer that constantly glares at me is - HUMAN BEINGS. Someone took the time to pray for my salvation, someone took the time to invite me to Church, someone took the time to pray the prayer of salvation with me. Someone! Am I not therefore that 'someone' who can do the same for a person who comes across my path? Scripture says 'one sews the seed, another waters, but Christ gives the increase...' That now makes me want to examine my effectiveness and ability to reach out to those around me.

We have heard it often enough - the glass is either half empty or half full. For 2009 I choose the half full metaphor. How about you?

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T08:36:00.003-08:00

CHRISTMAS comes but once a year. While this day induces excitement and wanton spending and merry-making, it must be a time to reflect on the man on whom this day is centered. This is our Lord Jesus Christ.

Although I do not intend to sermonize, those celebrating Christmas must reflect on the events that led to God allowing Jesus to come in the form of human flesh and dwell among us.

The ultimate purpose of his being born was to eventually bear the consequences of a sinful world and die on the cross to save humanity.

For those who may not know, when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, God laid a plan of redemption and the ultimate sacrifice would be his only begotten son.

Even when he was born, Christ knew the cup he was to drink from and he endured all his suffering willingly knowing that at the end of it all, his mission of saving humanity would have been accomplished.

And so as we celebrate this day, we should celebrate God's redemptive powers and mercy that he showed to humanity when he allowed Jesus to be born and die for human beings who were otherwise destined for eternal death, because of sin.

Living for the moment leads to carelessness and impaired judgment as is seen with the increase in fatal road accidents, usually caused by drunken drivers and regrettable actions such as indulging in unsafe sex with its known consequences.

Let this Christmas be spent with family, reflecting and thanking God for having brought us this far when several of our family members and friends have gone.

Love and blessing be yours this day. Have a merry Christmas!

Oh the Grace

2008-12-06T19:08:00.002-08:00

On Wednesday July 30, 2008 I posted an entry that touched many lives across the globe.

As an online blogger who shares events and stories across a myriad of platforms that touch my life and in turn hopefully touch yours too - it is my responsibility to be aware of stories and issues that either change or continue to develop and shape the way information is disseminated whether the content be good or bad.

For the most part it is my intention to share in honesty and to keep my entries as accurate as possible so as not to distort the truth in any shape or form, knowing that the consequences of doing so would compromise truth, honesty and integrity. That being said I know for sure I fall short of the mark that I am called to attain, but in knowing that truth, I do not relent, I do not give up, and I will continue to share for as long as this technology and ability to do so exists.

Mike Guglielmucci is a Pastor, composer and musician. In 2006 he made a public announcement that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, and that he was receiving treatment for his diagnosis. His story touched my heart personally because my father was diagnosed around the same time, and we watched him go through changes that altered his life tremendously finally culminating in his passing and going to be with the Lord last year in the month of May. I came across Mike Guglielmucci's youtube announcement and statement in front of the Church in Australia, which was followed by an amazingly anointed worship song titled "Healer".

Recently stories have been running across information platforms announcing that Mike Guglielmucci's diagnosis was in fact not cancer, and that whilst he was sick no diagnosis was ever confirmed and he in fact does not have cancer. He has however, gone public with a confession as to why he said he was diagnosed with cancer. Many people have become enraged by his public confession, because during this time frame Mike Guglielmucci was receiving royalties from the music, and people were sending donations for the cause. His public confession can be viewed by clicking this link: Michael Guglielmucci Video Confession.

I continue to believe that despite this brother's confession, the music is anointed and has its' place in touching the lives of those who are seeking the Lord in their own moments of distress. What is the viewpoint of the Church? I don't know. I can't answer that. What I can say is that turning to the Gospel will always answer the questions that man fails to address. I could think of a number of scriptures to apply when a brother or sister is either found out or confesses sin in seeking repentance, but I think what becomes of greater importance is not in hearing the details, but in examining our own hearts as to how we respond in such situations, knowing that since we belong to Christ we have His mind. The old cliche applies ~ "What would the Lord do?".

Galatians 6:1
Brothers and sisters, if a person gets trapped by wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should help that person turn away from doing wrong. Do it in a gentle way. At the same time watch yourself so that you also are not tempted.

This to me sums up what the Church should do when such a circumstance comes to light. So, for me personally, my heart is not changed toward my brother in Christ. Because it now becomes my responsibility to pray for him, to restore him lest I myself be tempted. That simple!

Times; they are a changing

2008-11-13T12:57:00.003-08:00

I went back over the entire Journal and saw a repetitive speech forming with regard to the lack of posting and updating, and figured I wouldn't even bother mentioning that I have slipped out of contention and broken the one month no post rule!

The idea of being a practically open book and journaling for the world to read, can sometimes be dangerous. I considered the danger long ago, and can safely say that the benefits by far outweigh the risks of posting matters of the heart. The world is such an imperfect place isn't it? Dangerous but strangely beautiful.

Looking back over 2008 how has this year faired for you? The goals that you set at the beginning - have you achieved any of them? Did you have a chance to modify any of them? How many are left for you to achieve? Or did you take the easy route, and simply amble into the start of a new year hoping it would turn out right, and not bring any drama across your path? I know there are people that live their daily lives by appointment setting, and serious time keeping. While that might work for many across a myriad of platforms, I have to be honest and say "been there, done that" and don't think that I was cut out to be a pen pushing schedule maker let alone keeper. I guess my reasoning is based on personal experience and understanding that in my own life I need to be flexible. If something is not achieved today, then perhaps it wasn't meant to happen, and I shouldn't compartmentalize my life only to be faced with disappointment through lack of set goal achievements.

Speaking from a personal point of view and experience, I am learning to put more of my life in the hands of the Lord and let Him be the one to adjust my goals, give me a heart to achieve them and allow me the grace to accept failure when I do not attain the mark. There is always a cloud that surrounds the word failure, but I truly believe there are two ways to fail, and I know I mentioned them in a previous post. I prefer to fail forward. I know that if I have allowed the Lord to set the course for my life then it means that He not only is walking with me, but because He set the course then He has to be in front leading me - hence the fail forward mentality I subscribe to. If I have charted my goals in my own strength, and storms come along and wipe me out, destroying my man made foundation then I simply fail miserably. Think about it, which option would you be more comforted by? Understand that any failure hurts. But knowing which preferred option is better to hold on to will determine how quickly your goals can and will be achieved.

The USA went to the polls last week, and by now the world knows who the 44th President will be in January 2009. The seat that he will occupy, the office that he will hold has been slated to be the most critically difficult office in the entire history not only of the USA but of the world. For some the results were obvious, for others the results were not desirable. But in the larger scope of things how relevant would either outcome be? Simply look at the state of the world, and realize that perhaps some things need to happen, which are largely beyond our control anyway. Check out this scripture;

James 4:3
You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.

For the longest time I wondered the true meaning of this scripture as it pertains to certain requests I personally have made to the Lord. Grasping the intent of its' meaning helped me understand that sometimes what I ask for, doesn't come through, because I really am asking out of my own selfish desires. What if I were to use the small mustard seed of faith, and go to the Lord and lay my requests at His feet, and then pray in this way - "Lord let my motives be pure, let me ask that your will be done in this situation, so that the glory can be returned to you". Easier said than done, but I am certain the results will be wonderful, life-giving and true.

So, looking at the state of the world, and the hints and slights of global recession/depression, and nations facing bankruptcy, should this surprise us? Should we be asking the Lord to fix it? Or....alternatively, should we be saying "Lord these are the signs you warned us about in your word; even so...continue to set your stage and triumphant entry, let Your will be done." Even if it means evil prevails, this should not surprise us. I guess what I am saying with sincerity of heart, is that I am not phased, neither am I surprised regarding any electoral outcome, be it here in the States or across the oceans in Africa or elsewhere. I think what we ought to be doing is seeking the Lord even more fervently, that His will be done, and that the Church across the world rise up, take her stand and not be beat down any longer. I really believe it starts with you and me, knowing who we are in Christ, and collectively holding to the virtues we believe in and boldly sharing them even in the face of persecution and opposition.

Such a comfort knowing the Lord has our best interests at heart!

Ahh, the internet is a wonderful tool, resource and soap box where we can have our say, and be able to disseminate information!

Life Journal Entry

2008-09-17T21:17:00.002-07:00

While in Yosemite last week, I spent the early mornings sitting out on the deck with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, waiting for the sun to rise, and watching the deer forage for their breakfast. It was a perfect setting to spend time with the Lord. You know how people often say "...and the Lord spoke to me"? Well, I haven't audibly heard His voice yet, and quite honestly am not entirely sure He speaks face to face with His kids - but I know a day is coming when that will happen. While sitting there, turning to the Psalms and beginning to read, nothing seemed apparent until I read Psalm 9:10 in particular...

This is my written journal entry for that morning, which I would like to share with you;

Knowing, Trusting & Seeking

Psalm 9:10
Those who know Your name, trust in You. For you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

His name to me is Redeemer, Savior, Comforter, Friend, Provider, Healer, Creator, Majesty, Peace, Love. His names are endless and true. Lord am I one of those who knows Your name? As I sit here at the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park, I take this moment to repent, turn from evil, confess my sin and re-dedicate my body, soul and spirit to You on this glorious day.

Because I know Your name - I can trust in you as David did when he confronted Goliath. To know You is to trust in You. The depth of knowing You cannot change the level of trust I have in You - it simply means where I am in all my limitations, knowing Your name in my life is enough to trust You with my life.

Why do I sometimes feel forsaken by You? Your promise is to never forsake those who seek You. My mind is a stumbling block. Your word is true! You will never forsake me when I seek You.

Lord you make this serving You easy - all I have to do is "know You", "trust in You" and "Seek You". Lord help me to have childlike faith - when You say 'come, go, stay' let me hear You, let me know You, let me trust You and let me seek You.

Your promise is to never forsake those who seek You, so help me daily to know You, to trust in You, and to grow in my desire to seek You more.

Lord thank You for leading me to Your word today. I am strengthened in my spirit, excited for the future, and comforted in knowing you as my Savior, knowing Your name - trusting in You, I seek You!

Sometimes we think passage of scripture and a rhema word is for us alone, but I wanted to take this opportunity to share my personal entry with you, in the hope that whatever you are facing or dealing with, these words will give you courage to face each obstacle with boldness knowing that whatever you are navigating you do so not alone. Many of you know through reading the entries in the Journal that I have faced and continue to face interesting situations, and were it not for the Lord ~ failure would be imminent, but I know for sure, that He is in control, and if He can bring His word through scripture to illuminate my path then I know because we walk the same narrow path He will light your way too.

Sharing Yosemite With You

2008-09-12T11:53:00.067-07:00

I looked at the photos I took while on vacation in Yosemite and trying to describe reality with digital images is simply impossible to do. Looking back over our week away from San Diego the memories are burned into our hearts and minds with each day packed full of adventure and fun more so than we have had in a very long time.

Our last mini-vacation to Joshua Tree was brilliant, but truthfully this trip to Yosemite was simply awesome. Jack and Mary joined us on this trip, we left together early on Sunday morning and began our long drive northward stopping in Bakersfield for breakfast. Something about an IHop breakfast that simply makes the start of the day great! Driving through Fresno I remembered Frank and Linda telling us about life in this city. It looks small on the map, deceiving, because it has a population of 483000 people...! Exiting Fresno the roads narrow down and become a two lane highway - something we are used to coming from Africa. Highway 41 eventually brought us to the small town of Oakhurst (population 14000) which is situated at the south entrance to Yosemite.

Our first day was more of an orientation. Finding our little cabins, establishing where the stores are located and what the general area had to offer. You know the internet is a fantastic resource, and sometimes a website and reality can be distorted. Saturday night before our trip began I looked at the facility where we were going to stay, and imagined it to be rustic, maybe home from home. Reality didn't let us down. The cabins were nicely laid out, appliances were in good condition, and the back yard scenery was pleasant. We even had a family of deer that would come walking through every morning and evening which added to the calm of being in the wild.

Monday we drove to Bass Lake. It was seriously packed full of people, cars lined the banks of both sides of the lake, which I might add is the largest lake I have ever seen. Actual waves were crashing on the shore! Looking back now I know those waves were being edged on by the boating activities.

Glen and Toni had us over for dinner the previous Friday and Glen put me through a crash course in fishing. The last time I fished was a good 17 years ago, so the lesson intrigued me and I couldn't wait to get out there and see if I would have any success. Vicky opted to sleep in so Tammy and I woke early, loaded the car with all the gear, drove into town and got some Starbucks before heading out to Bass Lake. Greg who works in the deli of a local supermarket on the banks of the lake is the fisherman 'guru'. So we stopped by and asked for his advice on where to go, what bait to use etc. He pointed out a few spots on the lake itself, which we tried, but after a couple of hours and not even a single bite we decided to try a different lake altogether which Greg admitted was less frequented and had an excellent stock of rainbow trout.

I don't usually get lost, but trying to find this lake turned into a bit of a mission. Winding twisty mountain roads, little one street towns, and beautiful landscape finally brought us to Manzanita Lake a quaint little lake fed by Bass lake tucked away almost out of sight. We scoped it out, and decided to give it a try. While I was unpacking the car a gentleman arrived and we chatted a little. He suggested a few spots we should try on the lake and so - knowing the locals have a good idea of what's going on we set up our fishing poles - I had to look at the diagram Glen drew for me...I might scan it for you all to have a grin! That piece of paper became my bible for the day! I found a spot, Tammy found her spot and within minutes she pulled out a 12 inch trout.

A few moments later Jack, Mary, Nancy and Vicky arrived to watch us fish for a while. I moved to Tammy's spot and cast my line into the lake, and BAM...I had a trout on he end of my line! I need to add that the biggest fish I have ever caught was no larger than 4 inches in length. So as this trout was being reeled in, my heart was pounding, I lifted it out of the water, and you guessed it...he wasn't having any of it, and spat the hook out and vanished! Vicky made her way over to us, and I baited the hook, and gave her the fishing pole - she too had never caught a fish, so this was going to be a first for her. A moment later, she said "I have something...it's pulling the line" reeling it in, she landed a 13 inch rainbow trout - part of her wanted to throw it back, but the thrill of the catch spurred her on to fish more.

If you go on vacation and need an excellent navigator Mary is your best pick! She figured a short way back from Manzanita Lake to Bass Lake...and when I look at the map, the time and distance saved was huge! We took a break for lunch, driving to "The Forks". The burgers at the water front diner were absolutely delicious. They brought back familiar memories of the hamburger nights we used to have with Mom and Dad back in Zimbabwe. The fishing bug had bitten the girls (and me) and so we gulped the burgers down, and excused ourselves from the table heading back to our spot on the lake. I think what impressed us was the fact that we were the only people there, and were able to find spots freely and enjoy the afternoon fishing. A few hours passed and nine rainbow trout later...we decided to head home for the night. Yes - we took the fish with us. Glen had given us a fishing bag that conveniently had a measuring rule printed on it, so we were doing everything by the book, measuring to ensure we were within the 12 inch limit. The girls attempted to gut one fish each but couldn't stomach it, so I prepped them all and froze them. We are going to have a follow up photo shoot of that once we put them on the BBQ!

Wednesday was Nancy's birthday so with Jack and Mary having driven to Bakersfield to visit their son Josh who is an airline pilot, we decided to take a scenic drive for the day. We loaded the car up with water and snacks and set out on a wilderness adventure that amazed us. We found a spot on the map pointing the the geographical center of California and decided while we were in that general direction we should visit. Little did we know that it appears to be a less frequented ara, the road was poor, the altitude was frightening having climbed to well over 5500 feet. At the crest of the geographical center we stopped and looked down into the valley - and there what appeared to be thousands of feet below was the Redinger Lake. We were so high up that it almost looked as if we were flying over it. back in the car we continued to climb higher, and came upon another vantage view point that over looked Mammoth lake. We pulled in to Mile High Vista and looked down into the valley floor to see the most amazing lake reflecting blue for the sky, surrounded by mountains, rivers and trees...very inspiring view.

Glancing over the map and judging the angle of the sun, we knew it was time to start heading back to Oakhurst and so we set out from Mile High Vista looking for Grizzly Road. This was a short cut across mountain farm land that would connect us with the main road that would filter down into Bass Lake - eventually! Little did we know this grizzly road would turn into a narrow one vehicle pathway for what seemed like endless miles. The girls were uncomfortable, fearing a bear sighting or attack...Nancy and I however were less intimidated and continued along the winding curves taking in the beauty that surrounded us. I remember at one stage we were rounding a corner and heard something below in the ravine - did we stop to investigate? No! We all were of the same mind that it could have been a bear. A little further down this narrow road we saw cows crossing the road - this is at an altitude of 6000 feet. No wonder they say happy cows come from California...looking at the plush vegetation and awe inspiring views, it is no wonder they are happy! I must mention that this day trip took us 5.5 hours to complete a distance of only 91 miles...

Thursday was one of the most memorable days in Yosemite. Jack and Mary hired a pontoon for the day on Bass Lake, and so we packed the cooler boxes and loaded up. Remembering how busy Monday was we arrived at the dock and to our surprise and blessing discovered the lake was practically empty! If there were more than 10 boats on this vast expanse of water then that was a lot. So...we loaded the pontoon, and Jack piloted us out of the harbor to begin our day of water adventures. I took the wheel for a moment and then Tam piloted us. They only allow counter clock wise movement on the lake so we basically traveled the entire lake in search of a quiet spot to BBQ. Yes - the pontoon came equipped with a BBQ! We found a decent spot kind of in the middle but more to the east end of the lake were we dropped anchor, BBQ'ed and swam. The initial shock of getting into the frigid water was soon forgotten and we were able to cool of and splash around for a while. Something about being on the lake, with good food, good friends and family just made for a really special day in Bass Lake!

Having been in Yosemite for five days we still had not actually gone into Yosemite proper. Friday was penned as the day to drive into Yosemite. If you get motion sickness then I suggest you take something prior this trip because whilst the views are totally amazing, the winding twisty roads will mess with you before you get to the Yosemite valley village. You know, having traveled a fair amount, I am yet to experience what we experienced this trip. Already at an elevation of over 5000 feet, we were shadowed by El Capitain, half Dome and every other notable mountain in the park. We went on a guided tram ride - a distance of only 12 miles lasting 2 hours. El Capitain towers above on the right of the main road. At the foot, is a camp ground which is home to a team of rescuers who are world famous and renowned for their rescue abilities. They live there in white tents all year round and are flown around the wold to rescue and search for missing persons. The Park guide told us some very interesting facts about what we were looking at. Back in the day, there was an explorer who decided he would climb El Capitain. His first attempt took him forty two days! Reason being that he loved his drink, and so would climb...get thirsty and come own to drink. Once he sobered and put the drink aside he managed the climb in two weeks. On average El Capitain now takes two and half days to climb, and climbers will peg sleeping hammocks on the face of the rock and sleep for the night before resuming their endeavor. The youngest person to ever climb this mountain was a 7 year old french boy, a lady who was told she would not live long, had a heart transplant and climbed El Capitain, one section of the face is actually now known as "triple bypass". The rescue crew who live there all year round however, can scale the top of El Capitain in 2.5hrs....!

Saturday was another amazing day. We had heard of these giant trees that exist and so took a drive into the park for a second time and drove to the place where the most amazing trees grow untouched in the park. The giant sequoias. The photos hardly do justice to the enormous size of these trees. Their story is quite remarkable. They live for thousands of years - some date back as far as 3500 years. They do not die. Insects cannot harm them. Fire doesn't destroy them. Their seed pods can stay on the tree for 20 years before falling to the ground. It is estimated that a single sequoias holds enough seed to germinate 2 million new sequoias. This particular grove that we were in has a sequoias population of 500...do the math! Scientists have been unable to establish what gives these trees the ability to withstand the elements, to live infinitely. There is fossil evidence that these trees lived across the USA, but with changing climates only a few groves remain intact today. Researchers are studying the sequoias in the hope of unlocking their secret to longevity so that the same formula can be applied to mankind - like we really need to longer than we do already! You will see a picture of a sequoias that has been burned in the shape of an upside down Y...the opening that you see on this tree is large enough for two small vehicles to drive side by side through it. I looked up at the towering trees some over 350 feet tall, and could almost picture the Lord walking through this area in the cool of the day. Just seems like a place He would want to grace with His presence.

Sunday came all to quickly. Before we knew it a week had passed, and we were on our way back home. The roads were good, only the traffic in and around Los Angeles was crazy as it always is. We all agreed that we need a vacation from our vacation, seems you always arrive home feeling more tired than before going on a trip. Nevertheless, we had a truly wonderful time, enjoying peace and quiet and taking in the beauty of the Lord's creation at Yosemite.

As a sidebar I am developing a new website and will include a gallery of the Yosemite pictures, I took in excess of 450 and need to sort through them before posting them online. Some of them are spectacular and if you would like to use any in their original format please let me know and I will send them off to you.

Can we Pray for you?

2008-08-23T08:57:00.002-07:00

Life is very hectic at the best of times. Ever notice that there are many out there who always have the right answer during a crisis? Sometimes being honest and not knowing how to answer is a good place to be.

If you are facing a crisis, situation or circumstance we would like to extend to you our hearts simply to pray with you through whatever it may be.

This isn't a fishing attempt for information, there is no desire to delve into personal matters, rather, just to ask you:

"Can we pray with you and allow the Lord to do what He does best?"

If your answer is yes, please send an email to the address below, there is no need for any explanation or depth of details, simply let us know that we can pray with you...

jubberjournal@gmail.com

Walking together in prayer and navigating the path ahead with the Lord always yields His perfect plan, no matter how dark the road ahead is.

In Season...be prepared always...

2008-07-30T22:27:00.003-07:00

Every morning on the way to work, I listen to KWAVE, and usually at that time Pastor Greg Laurie from Harvest Ministries is preaching, or sharing a word for the day. Well, today Pastor Greg shared about a devastating moment in his life...take a listen and watch this video clip...

I am touched that even in a moment such as this, where a life has been lost, this man still reaches out with grace and mercy to fulfill what God called him to do, and that is preach the Gospel in and out of season, always ready to give an account of the hope of Christ living within. We do rejoice in the knowledge that Christopher is in eternity now, and offer our condolences to the Laurie family during this difficult time.

HEALER

2008-07-30T22:21:00.003-07:00

This youtube post contains two videos that I came across recently. The first is a narration of a young man by the name of Mike Guglielmucci from Hillsong Music, a song writer who shares something about his life...

The second video Mike sings the song Christ gave him...

Such a touching moving testimony...to God be the glory!

Wretched man that I am!

2008-07-27T15:08:00.004-07:00

It's no wonder there is such an abundance of frustration in the world today. The purpose of this entry is not to judge anyone, but rather to look a little deeper into my own life and try and find some semblance through scripture as to some of the trials being faced and endured.

Romans 7:14-24
We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. ~ This is the dilemma that causes frustration. I totally get it. I fully comprehend the state of my life, and yet echo the same truth of the scripture in my life. Why is it so incredibly easy to do what I do not want to do, yet struggle to do that which ought to be done? Such a frustration! Strange as it may seem, if we are totally honest each of us will experience the same dilemma. We will do easily the thing that we know is wrong, yet struggle with immense difficulty to do what is right. In many aspects of my life I have made definitive internal changes, and have small victories in certain areas, but others rage out of control and cause great inner conflict.

Paul often spoke of a thorn in his flesh. I wonder what it was for him? I know mine, and sometimes I wonder if it is indeed a thorn and not a sword? How is that the same mountain will be circled day after day, week after week and so on? At what point will victory come? Is it given to each of us to carry a thorn in the flesh and wage a war against sin that easily camps at our heart's door? I think the answer is a resounding yes. There is no person alive on the face of this earth who is perfect, nor has attained total victory in every area of life, and is walking in total and absolute victory. I do not believe this is possible - yet! Only when Christ returns then we shall be like Him according to His promises.

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! Herein lies the answer. Only Christ can rescue me from my own body, rescue me from myself, rescue me from the perils of sin and bondage and the thorn that is hard pressed in my flesh, that leads me to do what i do not want to do, and hampers my ability to do what is right.

I find one of the simplest commodities in life is seriously lacking, that of being honest. In passing conversation rarely will anyone go into any depth or detail as to how they really are doing. Some people will be like an open book, and let you read their life story without hesitation. Others will give you the proverbial nod and smile, and assure you they are "fine". Can you imagine if we were transparent and open, honest and desiring of growth to the point where we can say it like it really is? Then there are those who will let you know how they are doing in truth, and suddenly people will distance themselves from "problems" for fear of what it may cost them. Don't get me wrong, people always relate personal problems to "what is this going to cost me". Will this cost me in terms of time, effort, resource, finance...what cost will I incur if I stick around listening to your problems? And so the cycle of frustration spins another revolution.

Sometimes life circumstances will confront you and demand change. For the longest time I was quite the fussy slash picky eater. I was impatient and had what could be termed as a short fuse, becoming angry at the most ridiculous unmerited issues. If we visited somewhere, and were offered a meal, I would simply mask the flavor by dousing the entire plate in salt. Was any of this good behavior? No. But that was me! Something had to happen to get my attention and give me the correct perspective of my poor behavior and attitude. So, what happened...?

The journey of coming to the USA, starting life over, and learning to adapt and survive were a part of the process. A larger portion of the inner change in my life really started in 2005 when Mom was diagnosed with an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. I was totally convinced the surgery would be a breeze. She would go in and come out within the prescribed twenty one days, and then work on her strength and visit us for Christmas! What could go wrong? I mean come on, let's be real, Mom loved the Lord, He would be with her, bring her through this life threatening surgery, and she would have an amazing testimony...yeah right! Mom had the surgery January 27th 2005, and on March 20th 2005, Mom went to be with the Lord. Then came the news on December 26th of 2005 that Dad was not doing well, a visit to the Doctor would reveal NSCC (non-small-cell-carcinoma) lung cancer. Having lost Mom a year earlier, I knew this would be a time of drawing near to God and trusting Him for whatever outcome would be according to His will. The walls in my life began to come down and I realized that I could never manipulate the Lord. I would simply have to put my trust in Him and accept His plan for Dad. Well, May 5th 2007 Dad went home to be with the Lord. **I will be writing an entry about Mom and Dad in a dedicated article**

The passing of Mom and Dad impacted my life greater than I ever thought possible. You know how sometimes you can think to yourself that you have it all together? I soon realized I didn't have it together and needed Him to put the pieces back together in my heart. Suddenly, sharing a meal with someone became special and appreciated, what used to irritate me no longer drew my attention, anger subsided and the desire for peace and humility enshrouded my heart.

Life circumstances will get your attention to change, if you let them.

July 4, 1776

2008-07-02T20:42:00.003-07:00

Drafted by Thomas Jefferson between June 11 and June 28, 1776, the Declaration of Independence is at once the nation's most cherished symbol of liberty and Jefferson's most enduring monument. Here, in exalted and unforgettable phrases, Jefferson expressed the convictions in the minds and hearts of the American people. The political philosophy of the Declaration was not new; its ideals of individual liberty had already been expressed by John Locke and the Continental philosophers. What Jefferson did was to summarize this philosophy in "self-evident truths" and set forth a list of grievances against the King in order to justify before the world the breaking of ties between the colonies and the mother country.

On July 4, 1776, America claimed her independence from Britain and Democracy was born.

Democracy is a beautiful thing if applied as to the letter of the law. Look over the world today, the two greatest nations are by no coincidence Britain and America.

One of the reasons we felt a pull and draw in our hearts to come and settle in the USA, was for the very reason above. True democracy! Having lived all my life in Africa, first under white rule in the then Rhodesia, with Ian Smith as President, and then Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe's leadership, true democracy was a figment of the imagination. It was simply a word, used only in the context of wooing foreign investors, and holding forced political rallies to be used as a public display of so-called "freedom".

Today I stood chatting with an American, Brazilian, and me a Zimbabwean! We spoke of this coming weekend and what it meant for each of us. The resounding echo we all agreed on was the fact that in a society that upholds the civil rights and liberties of its' people, and stands upon true democracy, the economy may falter, may dip but if these principles are steadfast then the cycle will correct itself in time and the rights of it's citizens and residents will be respected, whether under a Democratic or Republican leadership. The freedom exists within the bounds of the law to be who you want to be.

For me that means I can practice my beliefs and not have to look over my shoulder and be concerned who is watching, who is making note of my steps and getting ready to report me to the governing authorities. Sounds preposterous, but happens throughout the world. Take Zimbabwe, prime example. It is against the law today to meet in groups larger than three people. That even means walking down the road innocently in a small group is prohibited. The government is hell bent on breaking up any form of political opposition even if it means disrupting Church gatherings and places of worship. This is only one example of a failed democracy and the demonizing of leadership on innocent people!

Skimming back over the issues taking place in Zimbabwe, I am drawn to the untold stories. The children who have been born in the last 15 years. What do they know of freedom? What do they know of eating three nutritional meals every day? What do they know of playing joyful at the park with a football? When they get sick, will they ever see the inside of a clinic or hospital to receive care and treatment that should be made available to them? What about their parents - what legacy is being left for these children? The average age of life expectancy has declined from 64 to 36. One in 15 woman in Zimbabwe will not survive childbirth. AIDS/HIV is wiping out an entire generation...a staggering 6500 people die on average every month. Some disturbing facts...

I digress easily! This week is our 6th year celebrating the 4th of July. Having integrated into this new society, we uphold those values and stand by them. And thank the Lord for leading us to a place where we would have the freedom to worship, the freedom to live our lives as Christ purposed. To contribute to society, and to expand on ways of helping those less fortunate than us.

Happy Birthday America! You are 232 years old!

The "run-off"

2008-06-27T20:46:00.006-07:00

Not quite sure what to make of the Zimbabwean situation. It has been a dreadful week trying to anticipate the movements on the ground. Give him his dues, Mugabe is no fool. He is a master statistician, and can out play many a foe. So the MDC backed out of the run-off election, leaving one candidate to stand for President. The world called for the postponement of the June 27 election, Mugabe pressed ahead. Most of the super powers have openly admitted they will no longer recognize Mugabe as the leader of Zimbabwe.

Total political sham! What was Robert Mugabe thinking? Going ahead with the "run-off" to prove a point that he will always be the duly elected leader of Zimbabwe? News coming out of Zimbabwe is almost unbelievable. Mugabe had the gall to send his military junta door to door in rural settings and urban centers alike, to force march people to the designated voting stations across the nation. Once inside the stations, the voters were escorted to the booth and made to vote in the presence of the police - while they looked on...The only reason to legitimately explain Mugabe's insistence at going ahead with this "run-off" election would be to ensure his place in granting him safe passage and permanent exit from politics in Zimbabwe. Do you think that could be it?

Speaking of looking on, perhaps now the AU, UN and SADC will rise to the occassion and insist on a negotiated transitional shift of power that will exclude Mugabe form the table, and see Tsvangirai leading an MDC based government that will include three factions from within Zanu PF that had already begun negotiating their protection and immunity once they knew Zanu PF had lost the March 29 poll. If the above regional and international bodies do garner enough influence to speak sense into the situation, then perhaps the two western backers will make provision for the transition to occur financially. Don't really see any logical other solution.

In the larger scope of things, even if this were to be the case, by virtue of the shear volume of gross human rights abuses that have been chalked up by Zanu PF, spanning back to the Gukhurahundi in 1983 - we may see Mugabe's plan ultimately failing with the possibility of him and some of his right hand men making a forced trip under escort to The Hague.

So, we know how long the release of the first results were in being announced. I reckon it would be safe to hold your breath as the "run-off" results will be discharged by the ZEC without haste. Ok, give or take a couple of days, citing the "logistics" but I can assure you the results will already be known by sunrise June 28th...

And the winner is - BUT not for much longer.

The Madness Continues

2008-06-25T11:25:00.002-07:00

Finally the world is taking note that they will not embrace Mugabe as the "self=proclaimed" leader of Zimbabwe. That however, does not solve any issues on the ground. It is possible that Zimbabwe is on the brink of anarchy and civil unrest by way of war. It is now common knowledge that Mugabe is no longer in control, but is being propped up by his military mechanism. This is the nature of the beast in African politics...the very ones that he placed in commanding roles of leadership have forced him into a corner where nothing makes sense, no solution is in sight, and he has to follow the military JOC that is pulling the strings.

Could the end to this tyranny be insight...? If so, then at what cost...?

Muzzle the Ox

2008-06-19T17:15:00.003-07:00

Zimbabwe is about to have a 'run off' election June 27. I don't think anyone credibly believes this vote will be remotely close to free and fair. Mugabe has stepped up his violence against MDC and anyone associated to it. The Mayor elect for Harare city, has experienced brutality just this week, with his wife being abducted at the hands of zanu PF military junta. She turned up burnt and dead! Story after story can be recited at the atrocities befalling people in Zimbabwe who have the right to democratic free and fair elections and yet, as the world watches from afar the evil perpetuates...

So then, the question is raised "will anyone actually step in and bring resolve to Zimbabwe?". I would have to be among those who believe the answer is emphatically no! What does Zimbabwe have to offer? Nothing. If you call innocent children, starving and being deprived of a normal lease on life, nothing. Maybe the women, and seniors who have lost their husbands and children to AIDS/HIV, nothing. Resources such as gold, platinum and tobacco -nothing. Quite sad really, when you pause and think about it all.

Sometimes I try and distance myself from the events, but while the spotlight shines brightly, this is becoming a difficult task to perform. We have family still living there. Are they safe? Are they eating sufficiently? Are they able to work? What is the state of their health? Are they being subjected to the intimidation? Will they safely navigate through the circumstances they encounter daily? So, simply turning the radar off from afar doesn't help.

I know that the Lord is ultimately in control. He knows the beginning and the end. He knows each one by name. He will recompense when the accounts are tallied. If no nation is willing to step in, then it must be that the Lord has a plan. Wouldn't it be easier if we knew the answer to that question? I think this is what being sifted is like to a large extent. Knowing you believe in One who is more than able at the blink of an eye to change destiny, and yet year after year, that change doesn't come. Could it be that we ask a miss? Maybe an answer is already on the way, but the spiritual warfare being waged is hampering the delivery of the answer. Yes that is scriptural! I believe nations have powers and principalities that enslave territories under them. I also believe these can be broken once identified, and removed from their domain in the name of Jesus Christ.

The church in Zimbabwe is united on every front. Many who didn't associate with certain denominations now find that the common ground they share is crying out to the Lord in this time of despair and need. Those who took a silent approach are now voicing boldly their opinions, and the church is garnering support and gaining momentum. Incredibly and rightly so, brothers and sisters are coming together like never before, and if there was an appropriate stage being set for revival Zimbabwe cannot be discounted. For the church this is an exciting time, because the Lord is active and evident even in the midst of hopelessness. People are being stretched. Resources are being pooled.

It's hard being optimistic and positive but what other option do we have? I am convinced the Lord is working even though the situation looks blatantly pathetic. There is a scripture in the book of Romans 5:5 that says "...and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." So we continue to hope, against all odds, and the One who said it will not disappoint! Ultimately this whole fiasco will pass, Mugabe will not live forever, and he like the rest of humanity will stand before the throne and give an account. No riches, wealth, body guard, armored vehicle or secret tunnel will be able to spare any from that day which is rapidly advancing.

Crazy sometimes, what my mind thinks of. For the most part all recent posts to the Journal have been laced with politics. Rightly so, I come from there, am a Zimbabwean by birth and thrice over through ancestry going as far back as the late 1800's, why wouldn't it concern me? But then I have this tug of war in my heart and want to see the situation resolved instantly. Life doesn't work that way, and that is where I see my lack, and absolute need for the Lord to be the One who leads and guides me. If it were not for Him, who knows...but one thing is for certain, nothing lasts forever in this life, and equally comforting is the truth that nothing catches Christ by surprise in as much as it pertains to our lives -if we live for HIM.

Hopefully as June 27 comes and goes, attention will shift, and my ramblings will encompass a wider range of current and interesting muses. But then again, this is my online journal, and I am hopeless at using the pen, prefer the keyboard and will tap away here at what catches my attention.

Thanks for giving up a few minutes to read this. Hopefully more and more people are reading between the lines and noting the call to prayer for Zimbabwe...may the Lord richly bless you!

Much as I try, the Zimbabwean Ox needs to be heard, it cannot be muzzled...

Gruesome Torture in Zimbabwe

2008-06-10T19:29:00.007-07:00

You know there are times when I just lower my head in pain and disgust at the government of Zimbabwe. The very people that Mugabe liberated in 1980 are the very people he is now systematically and brutally torturing, maiming and murdering. As much as I don't want to post these graphic pictures I find myself stuck in the dilemma of "should I: shouldn't I" My mind is saying no, but heart is pounding a resounding yes!

The world needs to see what a barbaric dictator by the name of Robert Mugabe is capable of doing, at the hands of his paid henchmen and spineless military junta. It saddens me immensely, and my heart is broken to see both young and old, male and female and more specifically children being tortured into voting for a government that has raped and plundered the nation of Zimbabwe. Please be advised these pictures below are real, they are graphic, they are the images of a people experiencing the breaking of their spirit while the world sits in their ivory towers and winks and nods at these deplorable acts of terror. White collar crime is being perpetrated in the most abysmal form, and getting away with it yet again.

I wonder...what will it take to remove this mad man from power along with his generals and commanders and chiefs? Why won't just one nation rise and step in and remove these despots with utmost urgency? They did it in Rwanda, they did it in Sierre Leon, they did it in Kenya, They did it in Sudan...why the distancing from relief in Zimbabwe?

What kind of legacy is being left for the nation of Zimbabwe and her children? And at what cost is this legacy being bestowed upon these beautiful innocent stars that are trying to shine bright in a seriously depraved situation...come on people...we have got to do something! Just view these graphic images and then ask yourself how you would cope if these were your children, your family, your brother, your father...suddenly reality takes on a new meaning...or so I hope...

Again, I ask...would you sacrifice a few minutes each day to cry to the Lord for these souls, they be healed physically emotionally and spiritually, they be strengthened and the madness stops and those guilty of such actions be brought to book in a court of law, preferably the Hague for war crimes, terrorism and gross human rights violations.

Just for the record, Robert Mugabe was in attendance at the Rome Food Summit last week. My question is why was he not arrested on foreign soil for the above violations? Wrong seems to be right, and right is pronounced wrong. Oh because it was a UN sanctioned gathering, thereby offering this megalomaniac immunity...WICKED!

Memory Lane and the Question

2008-06-03T13:10:00.001-07:00

Have you ever looked over your life and wanted to go back to a certain time and place that stood out in your mind? I seem to be doing that rather often lately. I remember a time in my life when everything was good. I couldn't have asked for more. So, in the next few posts I think I will pull a few memorable experiences out of file 13 and share them with you.

I remember as a kid, going to the ZITF to watch the "mini-monaco" - gokart racing around the fairgrounds. At that point in my life I didn't understand the relevance of the name of that particular race weekend. In 1993 the world of Formula One motor racing grabbed my interest, and one such event was (and still is) hosted in the principle of Monaco, and features a road race through the winding curves of the city. I make no secret about my passionate support of Ferrari, along with their historical champion driver, Michael Schumacher. Little did I know that years later I would own a red stock gokart, that would draw the attention of kids on race weekends, they would admire the familiar paint work and always gather around my kart. Was I any good at racing? No. In my short stint as a kart racer, I think I came in third only once. Every other race was dismal. Once my drive chain shattered at the bottom of a straight, ending my race weekend. Another occassion, racing Wayne Williams through the s-bends accelerated my nerves, only to see me trying to outbreak my buddy at the end of the straight, tramping on the break peddle with such force that the cable snapped, sending me through the bails of hay, flying over a ditch and eventually coming to a stop in a cloud of dry african dust at the newly resurfaced kart track on the outskirts of Bulawayo. Mini-Monaco was my first official race. I always seem to learn the hard way. Race weekend was upon us, the family had come out to watch me hurtle around the track in the hope of winning. Yeah right! The third and final heat of the day was interesting. My family was seated just down from the pit area, at the corner entry, and I would make note of them cheering me on with each passing lap. Ahead of me (of course) a few racers were jostling for position, and one of them spun out after clipping a hay bail. I grinned and pumped the air because with him out that gave me an extra point position. One lap to go, and my first race weekend would be under my belt. Little did I know what was about to happen. I came screaming down the road, and flicked my kart into the very same corner that faced my family, and the scene of the previous lap's retirement, my wheels hit the hay that had been knocked onto the track, sending me into an uncontrolable slide...BOOM...right in front of he family, my kart slammed into the curb, ejecting me out of the seat. I knew there were karts rapidly nearing the same corner, so I jumped up, pulled my kart off to the side of the track, and sat there waiting for the race to finish. As I sat there, and took my helmet off, I started feeling pain in my right side. I didn't pay much attention to it, but it grew worse. I don't know what hurt more, my side, or the fact that I spun out right in front of my family! What I did know is that something wasn't right in my side, and so Monday moring I was off to the doctor - you guessed it - one broken rib thank you very much!

I look back on moments like that and want to go back to that weekend. The fun, the excitement, the rush of being a kid all over again, and having the full support of my family, those are the moments in life that are hard to exchange for almost anything. But there were many more such moments that I cherrish and hold locked in my memory archive, revisiting them in moments of hardship always bring a smile to my heart and face.

It is weird sometimes what the mind can do in terms of its' ability to pull out memories that you thought no longer existed. At the moment, I seem to be remembering some eventful episodes that always go back to Africa. What is this connection with Africa? Sure I was born there. Lived my entire life there. Experienced everything there. But what is the draw to remember all these events afresh? I don't know the answer to that. I gladly share some of my memories, because they are fun, and also because it gives you a sneak peak into my life. Who I am, what I am about, and where the Lord is leading me at this point in my life. I have to include Jesus Christ. He has saved me, not only as a point of reference to my eternal life promise according to His word, but in many instances as I have navigated life, Christ has been there sometimes way ahead of me to bail me out of the foolishness that was bound up inside of me, and sometimes just to lead me through tough stuff. I have often wondered why me? Why would He choose me? But then I realize He has a plan, and wants to reveal it to me if I will listen and obey. Do I really want to listen and obey is the $64 question...?

Winds of Change

2008-05-19T09:44:00.004-07:00

2008 has thus far been interesting. I haven't written here for almost a month, so I figured today would be a good day to set aside some time to catch up on a few of the more interesting items that caught my attention since the last post.

I am constantly amazed that by sitting in front of my computer, rambling about things that interest me, and sharing it across a platform of plastic, cables and cyberlinks many lives get to read about what would normally be considered a private journal. Nonetheless, I am really encouraged by the feedback I receive, and am amazed that we are nearing the 11000 visitor mark! So, if that many people visit the Jubber Journal, surely that means that within the realm of cyberspace this presents a platform to disseminate information. The question is what kind of information would be constructively useful if someone came upon my Journal? Well, I focus a lot on a few topics that interest and grip my life consistently. The Lord, life in general, and the plight of the people of Zimbabwe...

Ok, let's look at what has happened since the last post in the areas of interest above. Zimbabwe continues to spiral out of control. The arms cache that was purchased by the Government, met with a large international outcry against docking the ship in port and making delivery of ammunition and weapons. The Chinese ship turned off it's transponder, and managed to evade radar detection for almost three weeks, and then even after the Chinese government made a statement to the effect that due to the attention surrounding the political mess in Zimbabwe, and regional unwillingness to handle the shipment, the cargo would return to China. Sources in Harare have now confirmed the ship was allowed to refuel in South Africa, and the cargo has since arrived in the capital. The violence nationwide in MDC strongholds as well as Zanu PF zones has been increasing at an alarming level, deaths are being reported across the country, and Hospitals have been instructed not to treat any MDC loyalists who seek treatment following rampant Zanu PF beatings and torture ahead of the run-off vote tabled for June 27. A run-off election that really should have never happened. Mugabe himself has admitted his party was dealt a defying blow of defeat by the MDC as people voted for change in March. No official results were ever published yet the government pushed forward for a re-run...it would take a fool to see the logic behind such a scheme that has hood winked the nation and people of Zimbabwe. Morgan Tsvangirai has been unable to return to Zimbabwe following confirmed assassination plans on his life by the military and police mechanisms who are sworn into office by the oath "to protect and serve". Inflation is in excess of 185000%, mortality continues to drop, now averaging 33 years, AIDS/HIV continues to ravage across the nation with death tolls, keeping up with these figures is daunting in that the reality is horrific. Unemployment is at 85%...the woes and tales go on and on for Zimbabwe, and still it looks like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. It seems each time I post on the events they appear worse. But in the light of the reality there is a base and force that has not been recognized until now. The Church across Zimbabwe has begun stirring the hearts of people. Where no hope exists the Church is bringing hope, shelter, comfort, and peace. People across the nation are calling on the Lord like never before, there is a unity that is being solidified through every trial, the Church is rising up, through prayer and intercession, and lives are being transformed daily. On the one hand it is incredibly sad to see the people suffer, but on the other, I am dumbstruck at the commitment of the people to seek the Lord and to seize each day as a new opportunity. Many a lesson can be learned through these people. I urge people everywhere to set aside a simple 30 seconds each day to pray for resolution in Zimbabwe, for peace, for stability and for the Lord to reveal Himself more and more through the fiery trials the nation is experiencing. I think that unless you are on the ground, it really is difficult to pen the words of what is really being experienced, but coming from that background I know this is an incredibly difficult time for Zimbabwe.

Here in the States, life has been interesting. Just last week a Federal Judge repealed a law banning gay marriage, thus allowing same sex marriages to take place. Only one other State allows this. Right has become wrong, and wrong has become right. I really don't want to digress too much into this, but suffice to say that it is becoming evident that the end is in sight. I look at a number of other issues that seem to point in that direction, for example illegal immigration. I know all about wanting a better life, and desiring change, but there is a right way to do it. Having walked through the process legally, it is disconcerting to see illegal immigrants draining facilities that legitimate immigrants are denied of. I could sight numerous instances but won't go there. Healthcare - need I say more. You go to the doctor, they find something that needs treatment, suddenly your insurance provider decides this condition that has been diagnosed is actually a "pre-existing" condition and so deny all claims, forcing families into financial ruin and untold hardship. This does not make sense to me at all...

As far as tragedies go, the month of May has been abysmal. Myanmar has been devastated by weather conditions that literally destroyed land areas as in the Tsunami, as well as untold loss of lives. Then last week China rocked the scale with a massive earthquake leading to huge losses especially with children trapped in substandard buildings, while government buildings stood through the entire event.

I look at all of this and don't get it. Why is the world filled with such injustice and heartbreak lined with wickedness? Very hard to decipher what is going on but for sure all these events signal the times we are living in. I am convinced the earth is groaning, and getting set for the return of Christ. Much of this mayhem cannot continue at the rate it is unfolding for too much longer.

The big question is are we ready? Are you ready? Have you given any of this thought as to what happens after all is said and done? It pays sometimes to look at what we perceive as the future, could it be that we have a purpose and plan to live out, and need to find what it is in order to complete the task we are called to? I think so!

One thing that has become a reality to me and my family is that no matter what you go through in life, no matter the hardships that may come our way, if you love the Lord, you are in a good place regardless, and nothing catches Him by surprise concerning your life. My Dad had a saying whenever things seemed unfair, or impossible, or crazy - "it will all come out in the wash". Pretty much where we all are at some point in life don't you think?

Pray for Zimbabweans

2008-04-27T16:55:00.005-07:00

It is no secret what has been going on in South Central Africa in the nation of Zimbabwe. The year is 2008, the nation held elections on March 29, and today is April 27 without an official result. Mugabe and his cronies demanded a recount on a result that was cast by the people, but never announced to the people. What do you make of that? I stress 2008 because in this day and age how can an entire nation cast their vote within a space of 12 hours alloted for the process, and the results take almost to the day 672 hours to announce? Google any news feed on the situation in Zimbabwe and you will be horrified to read what is going on back there. This matter pains me deep in my heart, and will not do any justice to highlight any of the events taking place, because for the majority of the world, having not lived there, it will just make for a good story. to me and my family it goes deeper than that. It is a personal matter that pains us as we read how children are suffering. Never knowing what a vaguely normal childhood consists of, because they are tending to their siblings either dying from AIDS/HIV or related illness or malnutrition, or have been orphaned by the same. Some of these realities are too dreadful to even mention, because they trigger emotions deep within the very essence of my being.

I could rattle off a host of articles, stories and events that have been taking place literally daily in Zimbabwe, but I wonder what purpose it will serve to do so.

Of greater importance is calling on all believers globally who stumble upon this blog and journal entry to set aside as little as 30 seconds to offer a prayer up to the Lord to intervene by His mercy and have grace on the people of Zimbabwe in their dire moment of need. The crisis is real, the situation is horrific, the events unfolding are frightening...could I urge you to pray today for those children who have no hope, for those mothers who have no means to feed their children, for fathers who are being beaten by police and army, who took an oath to "protect and serve" the people of Zimbabwe? Would you consider asking the Lord to reach down and stop this mayhem, to bring a peaceful solution to a situation grossly out of control?

It is absolutely clear that Mugabe and Zanu PF at large overwhelmingly lost this general election, hence the delays. Their tactic is to use violence and brute force to beat the innocent people of Zimbabwe into "their" submission to solidify their 28 year iron fist rule. MDC can offer Zimbabwe hope, a chance to rebuild what has been ruined by Mugabe and his henchmen. We can't all go and fight, neither can we respond and retaliate with violence, but we can unite in force and ask the Lord to intervene...

Please - all I ask is 30 seconds of your time to pray for the situation to miraculously be upheld by the Lord to bring freedom to the nation of Zimbabwe, and to stop this wickedly evil chain of events that continues to spiral out of control.

Simply Google Zimbabwe and you will be enlightened, I could go on and on, but that is simply duplicating what is already out there...

Thank you for taking a moment to read this and to PRAY for 30 seconds for innocent lives to be spared in Zimbabwe...

ZIMBABWE - the stolen election

2008-04-08T10:41:00.012-07:00

What a fiasco. Presidential elections staged on March 29th. Today, ten days out and no official results have been announced. The ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commitee) are holed up inside the prestigious Rainbow Hotel in Harare, the capital, six of their officials have been detained by the Police for supposedly rigging results, and the High Court has finally decreed that the MDC has a legitimate appeal to force the ZEC to release results immediately.
.
Interesting to note that in all prior elections, results were announced within a twenty four hour period of the closing of polls. Of course during that time frame ballot boxes were moved to regional centers and stuffed with pro-party counts. This election period was different. SADC, the UN and OAU insisted Mugabe alter legislation and allow votes to be cast and counted at over 9000 polling stations across Zimbabwe. Thinking he would once again overwhelmingly win, he agreed.
.
In the run up to the elections he had Fidelity Printers working around the clock printing copious amounts of worthless dollars to bribe rural folk, warvets and youth militia. In addition to that little exercise he donated 450 vehicles to junior doctors at all major hospitals and clinics in a bid to buy their vote. What craziness is that? Zimbabwe has no fuel! I have been given a vehicle but can't use it...where is the logic?
.
Today we see zanu PF actively going back to the 2000 war veteran styled attacks on the remaining white farmers. In the last 24 hours we have seen 60 white farmers forcefully removed from their farms, and the rhetoric resounding across the Zimbabwe airwaves is being vehemently spewed with indignant hatred and instilling fear across the nation once again. Mugabe and his cronies are once again using the "whites will take the land back if you let MDC win" tactic to forcefully remain in power should a run off vote be inevitable.
.
Morgan Tsvangirai met with Jacob Zuma Monday in Pretoria, where discussions were held in closed session. Note that prior this election year, getting any kind of meeting between Mbeki and Morgan proved almost fruitless. Jacob Zuma earlier won the leadership of the ANC and although Mbeki still leads the country as President, his term will expire in 2009, and no doubt Jacob Zuma will become the new South African President. I draw your attention to the significance of this development. Zuma leads the ANC, Morgan leads the MDC. Both are in absolute agreement that Mugabe is old news, and needs to vacate State House and retire. MDC have from the onset of their formation proclaimed that Mugabe can retire peacefully in Zimbabwe, in his elaborate mansion without fear of being brought to book on his human rights abuses. Almost sounds too good to be true doesn't it? African politics will indicate that fear ranks extremely high in leadership circles. There is no trust. Therefore it becomes a selfish fight for survival at all costs and rulership is not easily relinquished. Siding with Mugabe is the army top dog, Chiwenga, and the ZRP (Zimbabwe Republic Police) mainstay, Chihuri. Both are more than reluctant to allow any kind of change to the presidential status of Zimbabwe. They are of course fearful of reprisal, fearful of being sent off to the Hague for their part in human rights abuse. So, the intention is clear - hold on at all costs. Drum up more hate towards the west, towards the few remaining white farmers, instill fear in the majority and command their vote be cast in a run off to thwart the MDC from presiding over Zimbabwe.
.
I could link each statement in this post to a news article, but that would be fruitless. Updates are occurring hourly, and by the time you read one article the facts have significantly changed. In ten days more than 3000 articles have been published online, doing a quick calculation will reveal that 300 articles are posted daily.
.
What we do know as fact is this;
The legislation changed, allowing votes to be counted and posted at polling stations.
By Monday morning last week, the results were already "unofficially" known.
MDC won the majority of the senate and parliamentary seats.
Morgan Tsvangirai overwhelmingly beat his opponent, incumbent Mugabe.
The ZEC has not released any results pertaining to the Presidential vote.
Mugabe has demanded a recount of the votes.
.
What people fail to see is that it is impossible and legally questionable for zanu PF to demand a recount on results that have not officially been announced. Does this mean Mugabe has been privvy to the outcome? YES! You need to understand that certain officials have been given farms, land, and business enterprises, in exchange for ruling party support. Don't you think it is strange that the results have not been announced ten days after the elections? Don't you think it strange that the High Court is stalling and buying as much time as possible to delay an injunction against the ZEC to release the results? Don't you think it strange that warvets are stomping across the nation again, kicking the last handful of white farmers off the land?
.
Everyone has a story or comment about these elections as well as the situation in Zimbabwe. Speaking from first hand accounts and experience, the fact of the matter is clear. Mugabe needs to go, he needs to relinquish his hold on the country that he championed to independence in 1980. Inflation is sitting at 168000%, making Zimbabwe theoretically the poorest nation in the world. Shops are seriously empty. No basic commodities, let alone staple food and medicine are available. Average life expectancy has dropped from 63 years to 37.5 years....these are catastrophic signs of impending doom. The largest thriving business today across Zimbabwe is that of digging graves; people are dying at the rate of 6500 every month. AIDS/hiv and related illness along with malnutrition is claiming lives at an alarming rate. The time for change is now. It is one thing getting the message out there, it is another actually fighting democratically for change to be effected.
.
The region of southern Africa cannot afford to have Mugabe in power for another 5 year term. South Africa has over 3 million illegal aliens that have escaped the perilous life in Zimbabwe in search of freedom and the right to survive across the border. Neighboring countries are affected, yet remain silent on the ousting of this madman. Mbeki - you are heading up the committee that is speaking directly with Mugabe. The world urges you to step up to the plate, and encourage this megalomaniac to concede victory to the MDC. After all it is in your economic best interest - FIFA may take your winning bid to host the World Cup soccer to Australia...that will dent your economy in gargantuan proportions. Do what is right for South Africa, and have mercy on the innocent people of Zimbabwe...intervene!
.
We watch, we wait, we pray...

Twenty two verses, that's all it took...

2008-03-26T12:07:00.004-08:00

Life sometimes comes screaming around the corner toward us and slams us with insurmountable problems. Just when you think everything is going good, surprise....it isn't so! Or is it?

There is a life lesson and amazing story of one such a person who had such an encounter in the Bible. Job was his name. He had three qualities that endowed him with greatness on a spiritual plain. And he had physical attributes that associated him with greatness beyond measure in his time.

In the material world Job had much. Seven sons and three daughters. Seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred donkeys. He was well known and was the greatest of all men of the east. Often his children would feast or party and Job would make sacrifices to the Lord to atone for their sin. Spiritually, Job's qualities were amazing, he was a man who was perfect, upright, fearing God and hating evil.

The book of Job is an eye opener. The very first chapter, speaks of unparalleled greatness and success of one man, and within the space of a short twenty verses everything is gone! One day, Job receives one of his messengers, and is told of how his oxen and donkeys were destroyed. At the same time, another messenger arrives and tells Job that fire came and burned up all the sheep and servants, and yet again the messenger comes and tells Job the worst news of all...his seven sons and three daughters have been killed!

Twenty two versus is all it took...but consider this;
Satan was going around the earth, to and fro. The Lord asked him "have you considered my servant Job? - do what you will with him, only do not touch his life".

Verse one starts out proclaiming Job's greatness and asset register. After all the calamities befall him, verse 22 concludes: In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

I know that for many of us, the curve ball of life and all she throws at us, can be very disconcerting. Seems like troubles come our way relentlessly and we feel that we are unable to cope with another day of hardship. For many it is a health issue, a diagnosis you never dreamed would touch your mortal life, suddenly becomes reality when you go for a routine check up. For someone else it is a financial nightmare that you just didn't see coming. Others, it is an economy doing strange down turns that spiral your nest egg into peril. A child gone astray perhaps, or even a foreclosure on property you banked on spending the rest of your life in. Or the loss of income by default of a lay off.

It would be foolishness to make light of any of these very real difficulties, because they do happen, and they touch people that are near and dear almost too often to imagine.

What is the secret to being able to cope with calamity when it strikes? And strike it will! I glance over at Job and read of his wealth, and that looks appealing, but achievable? I don't know. I look at his spiritual qualities, and then I see a glimmer of hope. I believe his material greatness came by way of his spiritual obedience. Is this a standard we can achieve? In our own strength, no. But if we were able to walk through life with perfection, being upright and God fearing wouldn't that be something to be desired? I believe it is attainable. Through a belief in Christ and what He accomplished on the cross at calvary, by taking the sin of the world upon Himself, he made a way for us. Does it mean then when we come to Christ in our frailty that we too will have to endure such hardship as Job? Maybe not. It will not be easy, there will be difficulties to encounter, but the promise we have is that "He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can endure". Job was the perfect example making it attainable for even us today. He had it all. He lost it all. He never once denied God, never once blamed God, bore an incredible testimony of trust in the Lord and was rewarded over and over for his stand in faithfulness and worship to God.

If Job paved the way, then we too can expect hardship, bad news, poor outcome of circumstances, the list is endless, but if our hope and faith and trust is in the Lord then losing what we have is worth gaining what has been promised to us by Christ - eternity in paradise.

Zimbabwe Elections 2008

2008-03-24T10:47:00.002-08:00

Six years down the road, clear of living in Zimbabwe, it is that time once again where the nation heads to the polls, to elect their new leader 28 years post independence. Sometimes, when you are in the thick of the forest it is hard to see the wood for all the trees. The only way to get a clearer perspective is to literally step outside and look in. Alternatively, for many it has meant exiting Zimbabwe in order to get that view into perspective.

I have a lot of ideas of what could, what should, and what won't happen in Zimbabwe, as I am sure do many millions of others who have left voluntarily, under force, driven by fear or simply made their escape good while they could. In a perfect world, Mugabe would not have served as leader by default for the past 28 years. He would have sat in office for a maximum two terms, and vacated the building handing the reigns to his subordinates, or allowing a new party to step into office. Neither idea has come to pass. Everyone and their grandfather has been blamed for every evil under the sun in Zimbabwe, by the ruling Zanu PF.

The depth of the crisis that has not only been looming but has actually been advancing in it's state of decomposition is the alarming rate in which the nation as a whole is falling into depths of certain chaos. Inflation is now a daily rising factor, quoting figures is basically of no importance now, except to say everything everywhere goes up daily, if you can get it. The health care system is in absolute dire straights. It would be fatal to be involved in a simple fender bender requiring a visit to the ER. There are no doctors to adequately care for you. No medication to administer treatment, and equipment is either absent or beyond a state of competent repair. A prime example is of someone close to us, who was doing a minor repair job on their home a couple of weeks ago, the person was working on the roof, and on climbing down the ladder, lost footing, slipped and fell, injuring themselves on a sharp rusty piece of metal. This required immediately medical attention, and upon arriving at the ER, to their shock, horror and disbelief, no treatment could be given. No Doctor. No medication. No facilities. A special trip had to be made to neighboring South Africa to purchase a tetanus shot to avoid infection. Amazing to think that in your own capital city in the largest medical facility in the nation, a simple tetanus shot was unavailable. A flight to neighboring South Africa, with all the associated costs had to be engaged to make this simple yet absolutely necessary medication available.

Other evils that prevail, are the rampant cases of HIV/AIDS related deaths that continue to spiral out of control reducing the average life expectancy to figures lower than almost any civilized nation on planet earth. Malnutrition is a major contributing factor to the overall sustainability of life. Usually you would encounter this problem in rural settings, but think again, all major urban centers now have the exact same level of problems as do rural undeveloped parts of Zimbabwe.

Try buying gas, fuel or as we know it; petrol. This is a whole other nightmare. You can forget about the good old days of driving up to a gas station and pumping a tank of gas. That does not happen anymore. You have to know someone, who knows someone to be able to have the shear luxury of driving your vehicle. Then comes the associated crime that also rears itself in times of economic hardship. No longer is it safe to simply go about your own life in a peaceable manner. Even if you are the poorest of the poor you will still fall prey and become a victim of unnecessary crime. In the old days of crime, thieves and criminals would lie in wait for you to leave your home before breaking and entering. Forget that notion...in Zimbabwe, you can be asleep in your own bed, and be woken by criminals demanding valuables. There is an element of brazen "I am taking this, it now belongs to me" attitude sweeping the nation that safety is truly coming under definite scrutiny. Calling 911? Forget it...they are either involved in these acts of crime, have no transport or are too busy beating innocent people into submission to following the ruling party.

I have long since aired my views, and make no bones about the fact that none of the impending doom taking place in Zimbabwe has anything to do with anyone, other than the ruling party. Blame rests solely upon them. The accountability being racked up is terrifying as judgment looms.

Even if the elections were to be remotely free and fair this time round, I doubt Mugabe would relent and walk away. He is too far gone down that slippery road of tyrannical megalomaniac leadership. And so are his cronies. I take my hat off to Simba Makoni. Making his exit from Zanu PF and running for president all but 6 weeks before the elections. All major southern rallies scheduled for Zanu PF have been canceled by the powers that be, because of disenchantment and support leaning toward this new runner for leadership.

What does this mean for MDC? If only they had remained united and not allowed inter party squabbling to bring division! That said, it is good to know that recent rallies held by MDC and Morgan Tsvangirai have bolstered large crowds and support across the nation...so have they finally got their act together?

If we were to take a 50 / 50 view of better the evil you know than the one you don't, then in all honesty any change right now is better than none. Therefore if Simba and his crowd can legitimately pull off a new leadership victory, that change will be welcome. If MDC step up to the plate and take charge and win the elections, perhaps this would be a better gamble. International aid is in the offing if they win, and most of the national debt which is embarrassingly high, will be forgiven, giving the nation of Zimbabwe a clean start.

My loyalty will still rest with MDC. That won't change. It makes no difference what happens. My association and long standing relationship remains unmoved. Change will come, and will come soon.

For the moment, could we all pray that by some miraculous intervention Mugabe is stripped of his reign of terror, and that change comes to the government of Zimbabwe, by way of new blood, fresh ideas, and a responsibility to care for her sons and daughters who have relentlessly given their lives for the betterment of Zimbabwe? Join with me, and millions of others across the globe as these elections draw near, let us unite in our goal to touch the hem of the Lord to hear the cry of the innocent and bring hope, mercy and healing to a nation that has been long forgotten. This is the perfect opportunity to see what prayer can do for a land in need of blessing....pray with us.

...and so the clock ticks

2008-03-17T19:10:00.007-08:00

Unbelievable to think that an entire month has gone by, and although I check the Journal, I haven't had a moment to update it...

Here we are three months into 2008, and already time to sit down and reflect and make certain this year started the way we thought it would. Well, has it? For some yes it has, for others definitely not.

A brother in the Church here experienced grief a couple of weeks ago. His brother was shopping in a local grocery store, collapsed and died due to massive heart attack. Hearing that certainly puts life and the end thereof into sharp perspective doesn't it? My immediate thought was "I wonder what happened, and why in a store of all places?". The next thought I had was a little more reflective on how fragile life is, "Where in eternity is he now?".

Many people take life for granted. Waking in the morning, going through the day setting and achieving goals. Doing the things that ultimately make us happy. Since I became ill in June 2007, I have developed an appreciation for the fragility of life. Not only that, but a respect for those who suffer various ailments beyond their control. Until something affects you personally it is literally impossible to appreciate someone else's predicament.

I had my first check up last week with the Specialist who performed both catheter ablations. He showed me on a model what he did, and explained that larger catheters were used because the focal point where the problem was located was surrounded by a fatty tissue layer, making access difficult with regular catheters. For safety reasons he had me wear a 24hr holter monitor device which is basically a mini-ekg unit recording every single beat the heart makes during a consecutive 24 hour period. The results take between four and seven days to decode.

This week marks a couple of very special moments in my life, one being easter...

Food for Thought...

2008-02-17T08:06:00.014-08:00

A picture, in this case several, is worth a thousand words...the stark contrast between life and death is glaringly obvious...

Clear for take off...

2008-02-12T11:04:00.000-08:00

Wednesday February 6th has come and gone!

What a title heading - clear for take off?! Sometimes navigating life is like embarking on a journey to an unknown destination. The past 8 months have been such a journey. Sitting like a passenger in the economy section of a boeing 747 taxiing down the runway, not knowing if bad weather or turbulence would be part of the flight. Buckling up glaring out of the window, wondering if the storms of life would pass me by or slam into me head on. That would summarize a part of this extra ordinary trip I have experienced.

We arrived on time at UCSD-Hillcrest to check in for my RF Catheter Ablation. I sat between Nancy and Tammy, watching the clock, waiting for 7:00am so we could go to the pre-op lab. A few thoughts crossed my mind, wondering to myself if this was going to be the turning point in the health debacle that has impacted us as a family. The nurse handed me a plastic bag containing a gown, pants and socks, so I changed and sat down while she ran my vitals. Next she started an IV. One of the Surgeons came over and sat with us as a family and began explaining the procedure in detail informing us of the possible risks that might be encountered. Stroke, Heart Attack, Open heart surgery - stuck in my mind for a moment. Could this really be happening? Would I suffer one of the above ailments and face a life of impending hardship? After hearing this narrative description I signed the consent to proceed form and chatted for a few moments with Nancy and Tammy. I felt dreadful - this was the day 21 years ago that Tammy came into the world, it was her birthday, and here I was preparing for surgery...

As soon as the nurse indicated that the Anesthesiologist would be talking to me in a few moments, I bode farewell to Nancy and Tammy hugging them both as if I were indeed going on some far away journey! They left, and I felt sad. When the Anesthesiologist arrived he explained what his role was going to be and what I was to expect. They were going to begin the procedure with me sedated and awake. Reason for this they said would be to ensure that my heart was in a state of arrhythmia so they could locate the problem. Well, if anyone knows what my heart was doing it would be me - I confirmed that I didn't want to be present or awake for anything and that my heart was in a constant state of Ventricular tachycardia. They took a listen and concurred! First I felt a slight warm sensation in my right arm...then I was told to breath deeply into this mask they put on me. I felt the gas entering my lungs...my eyes began watering, I tasted it briefly and ..... poof ... into dreamland I drifted.

What felt like 30 seconds turned out to be 5 hours. I was awake. I wasn't in the OR anymore, I was being moved from the gurney onto the bed in my ward. It came to me instantly - "I have just come out of the OR...how am I doing?". I felt my heart racing. "Oh no", I thought "...it didn't work. Hold on...the racing feels bad but I don't feel the arrhythmia..." IT WORKED!!! They nailed it!! In my semi-comatose state I reached for my pulse and felt the beats - REGULAR, strong, hard and fast. Thank You Jesus...

I lay there for what seemed a moment, and out of the corner of my eye I saw two familiar faces. Frank and Linda Thomas had arrived to visit. How incredible was their timing. Seeing them brought such a joy to my heart, knowing that there were folk praying and here they were taking time out of their day to visit with me to find out how I was doing. Linda left a booklet with me "Quantim Faith". I began reading it when they left and was encouraged because the Lord sometimes requires us to believe and trust in those things not seen, the things not yet revealed as if they were immediately present. I couldn't see my heart, but I knew it had a problem. I had to express faith, quantim faith...in the Lord to trust Him and believe Him to make good the thing that was bad. He needed me at that moment to read that booklet to enhance and solidify His promise to me to bring healing in His wings. How gracious is the Lord...?

Nancy will tell you if there is one thing I struggle with it is sleeping in a strange place! I tossed and turned all night long in my bed. They gave me something to help me sleep, but me thinks it had the opposite effect. I must have slept for only 2 hours at the most. What compounded the issue is that they didn't use Angio-seal this time, and I had to lay still for 6 hours! Across the room in the other bed, lay Tony Whiteaglson, a 76 year old man, from Bolivia. He had escaped from that country during it's oppression, and found his way to Southern Africa, and lived in a small Sovereign nation called Lesotho. We shared our African stories for hours. Funny how a common item of interest can spark an instant friendship. I lay there wondering how I could help this man in his pain, discomfort and illness. Pray for him, that is all that kept going through my mind and heart, pray for him. Of course that is the answer, I obviously could do nothing for him...but the one who saved me and fixed me could do it all...if only someone asked., so I prayed.

After breakfast the Surgeon came to visit. He walked in with a big smile on his face. I knew he was the bearer of good news. He told me that the procedure was difficult. The faulty electrical pathway was difficult to access because veins and arteries were in the way. He had called Nancy and Tammy and told them this during the surgery, not very comforting but he assured them they would have success. He said they were able to use Radio Frequency to ablate or scar the pathway thereby destroying its' ability to generate electrical faults. He said that through out the night they monitored my heart rate and not a single PVC, irregular beat or palpitation surfaced. This procedure has been successful were his words. I knew it to be true because I knew exactly how I felt prior, and how I was now feeling. The contrast is huge. You have to have been there, got the t-shirt and felt the experience to understand the discomfort an irregular heartbeat causes. A follow up consultation is scheduled for March 3 and March 11 with both Surgeons who performed the procedure. Of course this is just a brief synopsis of the events of February 6th and 7th but being able to share with you all that my heart has not skipped a beat since then is just too marvelous for words, my heart, my inner being is over joyed.

Robert Ludolph and Nancy came to fetch me at 11:00am, I was excited to see them, knowing that I was going home to begin the recovery process. Getting dressed I looked over at Tony. His journey is not yet over, he has some turbulence going on right now - I walked over to him, took him by the hand and told him I will be praying or him. The look in his eyes flawed me. I saw his vulnerability, his fragility...it touched me.

If only we stepped back a few yards, and looked at the bigger picture. We might see that sometimes circumstances arise, situations affect us, our lives are touched, could it be for our purpose only? Somehow I don't think so. Sure I was in pain, I had 'stuff' going on in my life, but that shouldn't stop me from being able to, in any situation, "shine" for the Lord who lives and indwells my life. If it were to catch my attention only it might be in vain.

I am six days clear of the surgery - my heart feels awesomely good. The after effects are still bugging me a little, but that is to be expected. To God be the Glory...He truly knows my heart!

Zimbabwe Inflation Nightmare

2008-02-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

How is it possible to have once been called the breadbasket of Africa, now to top the charts of world wide inflation pegging the "official" rate at 24000%? We all know that it is easy to make this statement and mask it as the "official" rate...but the people on the ground, who are fighting for survival know the real rate of inflation and reliable sources are realistically pegging that at a staggering 150 000%....

Buying a chicken if you can find it in the store will cost you zw$15 000 000.00 - what a concept!

Violence is never a solution! But, to the North of the Zimbabwean border, beyond Zambia lies a nation that has similar factions in political circles that often bump heads. Recently that country held it's presidential elections. The people wanted change, they wanted the opposition to gain power and bring change to their land. Did it happen? NO. The people have responded with an outcry that has caught the attention of nations worldwide. Sadly, in the process of speaking out, rising up in unity, and making a bold stand against corruption and rigged elections, innocent lives are being lost daily. The government retained power through scamming the elections and committing fraud at the polls.

Zimbabwe heads into her elections in a matter of weeks. It is inconceivable to think that Zanu PF again endorsed Robert Mugabe. How can this individual wield such power to the extent that within his own party disgruntled leadership still cowers at the sound of his voice? Those who almost publicly indicated they would run against their despot leader have had threats come to them openly from the throne of wickedness hinting they would lose their business investments, properties, and if need be their own lives...

What made the difference in Kenya? Herein lies the solution for Zimbabwe...

Kenyans decided enough is enough! The people on the ground, yes at grassroots level began to unite within hours of the election results. They took to the streets in utter disbelief, and displayed their outrage at the ruling party attaining power through fraudulent means. They revolted a day after the elections and have not stopped from making it known they do not, will not, and cannot accept this result and want the opposition to be set in office.

Then I started thinking...let's look back in African history. Particularly centered around Zimbabwe. Two dominant tribes - Ndebele and Shona. Always at war with each other dating back to precolonial times. Mass slaughtering, and killing sprees that would horrify our modern day concept of war. These men were trained killing machines, going to battle was their prime objective. From early childhood, training was instilled and skills were attained and ranks were created to abolish their enemies. Of course both tribes had the same objectives, and both were mighty in battle. Throughout history there have always been tribal factions. Even at Independence in 1980, friction was constant and a lot of compromises were made to include both tribes in government. When the Leader of the Ndebele tribe (Joshua Nkomo) passed away, their inclusion waned and they were tolerated less and less in leadership roles. Joshua Nkomo incidentally worked with my Dad on the Rhodesia Railways...that is a story for another time.

Looking at history and the battles that were waged by these two tribes, I marvel at the state of the country today. These two formidable tribes found common ground, and unity across the nation of Zimbabwe began to take form, and has actually strengthened in unity the last few years. What was the common denominator? HARDSHIP, STARVATION, DESPAIR, SQUALOR, BONDAGE.

Inflation in Zimbabwe has rocked the charts through out the world, average life expectancy has dropped to 33 years of age, the AIDS pandemic is reducing the population at a staggering number of 6500 people every month. Parents are dying, infants are dying, Grandparents have the burden of caring for their children's children. In the major urban areas, there is no electricity, no running water, no basic staple food...the list is endless. First hand reports out of the capital city Harare say that they have gone without electricity for close to one month! Crime is at an all time high as people resort to any means possible to survive. You know...if you haven't been touched by any of the above plights, then this is just a story electronically penned in cyberspace. When you have lived through watching a loved one die from AIDS, experienced the anguish of their suffering, your life cannot be the same, you are changed. It is a gut wrenching nightmare, seeing this happen and know that the government you once voted in to power, refuses help from the western world because it feels threatened that outside help is a form of sabotage to it's so called sovereignty. When did human life become more valuable than holding office?

Quite a backdrop isn't it? So...back to my original thought and musing about the people of Kenya. If they from within a stable economy can unite and revolt against a fraudulently acquired government - then I beseech the people of Zimbabwe to look at their counterparts up north and unite in similar fashion. Tribal differences aside, if there is a time to come together it is now! Therein lies the solution to end this madness....UNITE...as a people, as a nation, stand up to the evil that is prevailing for the moment, take the victory away from this wicked megalomaniac despot ruler who has himself admitted he is Zimbabwe's modern day Hitler! Change is definitely in the hands of the people...come on Zimbabwe...unite...take your country back...end this madness. You have the power, rise up...

I am note abdicating that violence is the answer. There is however strength in numbers, and it has been said "all that remains for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing". By allowing this ruler to carry on lording it over the beautiful people of Zimbabwe without end, is that exact quote being fulfilled. Yes he is a ruler...not a leader!

Zimbabweans...take head of your neighbors...they have united, and in so doing though loss of life has been incurred, they have caught the attention of the international community. For as long as you do not rise up, no one will bother, no one will pay attention...help is on the way, this will not go on infinitely.

The Horizon

2008-01-29T11:29:00.000-08:00

Had my follow-up visit with the Surgeon who performed the first procedure. The Nurse ran a new EKG and the silly irregular beats popped up! Well...they didn't just pop-up they basically were not fully contained during the first procedure. I sat waiting for the Doctor to come and discuss the road map forward, and this is what was discussed...

During the first procedure known as "Electrophysiology Study" he located an area that was generating irregular beats. He was able to "ablate" - laser burn most of it, but the majority of the conduction system problem was located very close to my "Sinus Node" this is the heart's natural pacemaker that generates the pulse that beats your heart. He felt that it was too close and if he had continued would have had to insert an artificial pacemaker. During the procedure the 3D image mapping of my heart revealed an "RBBB" which is a "Right Bundle Branch Block" which typically is not an issue and a large number of people go through life without even knowing they have it. This is a defect in the conduction of the impulse in the bundle branches of the ventricles. In some cases coupled with an irregular heart beat it can be very disturbing, to the point of nausea, passing out, weight loss, fatigue...the list goes on, going into great detail isn't really important. During the mapping procedure he discovered that some of the arrythmia is focused on the outside muscle of the heart.

After being told all of this, the Doctor scheduled a second procedure which will be performed next week on February 6th. Happens to be Tammy's 21st birthday...arghhh - talk about timing!! The same Doctor will have his Mentor in attendance who specializes in dealing with external muscle ablations. This procedure is a little more complex, in that they will enter the groin area again, but also make an incision in my chest to access the outer heart muscle. The catheters in my groin will be used to generate the 3D mapping image, and once accurately located - the external procedure will be performed to ablate the arrythmia.

The scientific name for this is called: Radio Frequency Epicardial Ventricular Tachycardia Catheter Ablation - try say that ten times. Basically means performing the first procedure initially, but then instead of using catheters to ablate the heart internally, a small incision is made on the chest, giving access to the external wall of the heart to perform the ablation.

So...what does all of this mean? Well, simply said it means that they have figured out what has been going on with me for the past 8 months, and are finally zeroing in on the issues that need to be fixed.

At The Father's House - our fellowship, the word for the year is "Breakthrough". What does breakthrough mean for you? Do you even need breakthrough in any area of your life? Here is a revelation the Lord showed me...in order to attain "breakthrough" in areas in my life, I need to experience brokenness. Well, what does that mean? My life is given to the Lord, and in order for Him to bring me to the point of breakthrough in areas that need to be touched by Him, I need to experience brokenness, in order to receive breakthrough - am I willing to walk that path? Yes...no question about it.

This made me chuckle

2008-01-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

Every now and then I come across something that amuses my sense of humor. There is an online game that many people play from across the globe. The characters within the game speak some kind of weird language, which makes no sense at all. So, after doing a little search online I came across this funny youtube clip and whilst it may not make many people laugh - it brought tears to my eyes. This will give you a sneak peak into my sense of humor...

Post-op Update

2008-01-10T10:43:00.000-08:00

So, December 24th has come and gone, and so has 2007! I have had a barrage of questions from people wanting to know how the surgery/procedure went, and I have given some feedback over the last two weeks, but not a whole lot.

We arrived at the Hospital at 5:15am, and checked in. The nurse took my blood pressure, ran an EKG, weighed and measured me, and then had me remove all clothing, and had me put on the standard issue hospital gown - you know the one that is open at the back...awfully uncomfortable. I went through to the waiting room, and said my farewells to the girls and Nancy, and then was escorted through to the pre-op facility. The nurse started the prep work, by shaving me from my neck down to my ankles, front and back...I know exactly what a chicken feels like without its' feathers. Once that was completed I was drenched in an antiseptic solution and not allowed to get out of bed. The Anaethetist came and chatted with me, explaining to me that instead of using a cuff to monitor my blood pressure during the procedure he was going to plug a fat needle into my wrist directly into my pulse pathway for 100% accuracy. He wasn't kidding about the fat needle, it was huge...and hurt like crazy. Then he connected another needle into my forearm and told me this is where they were going to administer the anaesthetic. The nurse came and introduced herself to me, and then the Surgeon came and looked over my vitals, and told me that "we are going to take care of these little boogers" referencing to the arrythmia in my heart. I remember being wheeled into the OR, listening to a few songs that were playing on the CD player, seeing three nurses, the Anaesthetist, the Surgeon and his assistant...and the next sensation was "pain" and nausea. Waking up in the ICU, I turned my head to look at the monitor immediately and saw a regular rythm on the screen, I felt good about seeing that, but then my body wasn't doing to good with the after effects of the medication and I became violently sick, throwing up, and trying not to move too much was very difficult. The nurse was very good to me, I told her I was incredibly thirsty, and she said "no food food for you friend, I can let you have a few mouthfuls of crushed ice, and if you stop being sick, and behave I will let you have a full cup on your own..." My mouth was dryer than the Kalahari desert, and the crushed ice was the most soothing snack ever. Being in hospital and trying to sleep through the night is practically impossible. I am one of those people that in such an environment find it difficult to sleep, because of the noise, the lights, people coming and going etc. So I there until 10pm and finally asked the nurse for something to help me sleep - did it work? No. At one point I felt desperate for the bathroom. I had this sensation that I was constantly "going"...and asked the nurse to help me get up to "go" and she actually chuckled and explained the sensation I was having was because I had a catheter...! I do not wish that sensation on anyone, it is one of the most uncomfortable feelings you can imagine.

Christmas Day arrived...looking out of my window I could see people walking on the Torry Pines Golf course (world class tournaments are played here, including the Buick International with Tiger Woods & co.) Breakfast was served, and it wasn't half as bad as what hospital food usually is. I had a cup of coffee (decaf.) scrambled egg, french toast with syrup and peach slices, cereal and a biscuit. I wolfed it down in a matter of seconds, I was so hungry.

The Doctor came by, took a look at my chart, asked how I was feeling, and commented that I was free to go home at lunchtime. The nurse got me "unplugged" from the monitors and helped me out of bed, and walked a few laps around the ICU to get my balance back, and then propped me up in the chair in my room while I waited for Nancy and the girls to arrive.

The drive home was good. I was relieved to be going home, and to spend Christmas Day with my family, all be it in a state of weakness and drowsiness, being home again was wonderful. The rest of the week I spent in bed, could hardly rouse myself to do anything at all. On Thursday I called the doctor back and told him that I didn't feel good, so he had me come in immediately. They did an EKG, and an Echocardiogram, and the arrythmia was acting up again! He mentioned that this is normal, and can take anything from 6 weeks to 3 months to correct itself back into a normal rythm. That speech didn't encourage me at all. Went back home, and stayed in bed for the next three days. On Saturday, Nancy took me out for a drive to the office, and in the car, everything started going blurry, and foggy, almost like I was in the middle of a snow storm, followed by a violent headache. I told Nancy I wasn't feeling too good so I went and took a nap, waking up to the most incredible pain in my chest, tummy and lower back...I hobbled downstairs, and told Nancy something was wrong, I literally fell on the floor in pain, and had no idea what was going on. She didn't hesitate and called Bob from down the street immediately and within 3 minutes he was there, dressing me and took me off to the ER. Once in the ER the pain subsided, they ran my blood work, did a chest xray, and did a liver panel. They hooked me up to a drip, and fed me huge tablets to raise my potassium level - it had dropped to a dangerous level resulting in the near blackout, and intense pain. Four hours later we were back home...

I had a follow up visit with the Doctor last week, and a new EKG was performed, and the arrythmia was still rearing its ugly head. He has now introduced a new medication to counter the irregular beats, and will want to see me again on January 17th.

The question is: was this procedure successful? At this juncture I would hesitate to affirm the success. I do feel probably 80% better and each day there is an improvement. Only time will tell, and the Surgeon has indicated that usually two procedures are required to fully eradicate this type of arrythmia. Does that concern me? No. These people are highly skilled, and blessed with such incredible insight and knowledge that at this level, "doctor" really does know best, and so what ever the results show, coupled with his insight and how I feel will determine the level of success already achieved or yet to be achieved.

If there is anything I have learned in this short space of time, it is the fact that our bodies our fragile, the Lord has gifted people with intelligence to fix us, and it happens to the best of us. Some of the dynamics in my life have begun changing. What was important a year ago no longer carries the same weight today. The very things that were a stress to me previously are no longer wrapping my mind up. I find myself asking a different set of personal questions; 2007 is gone, but not forgotten, teach me Lord the lessons of 2007 so that 2008 and beyond might be different.

Teach me Lord to go THROUGH situations and not UNDER, AROUND or OVER...but THROUGH! This way I can "fail" forward in You and bear witness to Your provision in so doing. When I "fail" in circumstances excluding You, then I backslide, but when I "fail" forward in Christ, I do so in the glory of witnessing for the King.

This is a win - win situation...and we can all be in on it!

Edit: Special thanks to some precious people who called to check up on Nancy the girls and I...Debbie in New Zealand, Veronica in UK, The Naude's in Ireland, Karin in Adelaide, Bill in Holland, Linda in Zimbabwe...and of course a host of folks here in the USA! Countless emails have been coming in too. To be loved is one thing, to feel loved is another...bless you all!

Happy New Year 2008!

2007-12-31T23:06:00.000-08:00

May we look back on 2007 with fond memories, during many trials and tribulations, and recognize that with a new year upon us, 2008 will be filled with goodness, blessings and incredible events that will change all our lives in ways we never dreamed of...

Happy New Year to you all!!!

Christmas Eve Experience

2007-12-21T20:03:00.000-08:00

This Journal has sure taken some interesting avenues over the last couple of years! The aspect I love is having the ability to digitally pen my thoughts and experiences and know that at the click of a button a message is broadcast to a wide audience. What a resource this is...

2007 is about to end, and for many this has been a year action packed with adventure of some sort.

I would like to share one such adventure that has been interesting, challenging and sometimes disconcerting. After returning home from Dad's funeral in May everything was going good, until June 22nd. Driving home from the office with Nancy and Tammy I suddenly felt a weird sensation as if I was going to black out. Arriving home, I felt disoriented, dizzy, and fatigued...lay down for a few hours and tried to figure out what had just happened. Tuesday, I still wasn't feeling right, so Nancy made an appointment for me to see the Doctor. I explained what had happened the previous Friday, and he immediately ran an ECG which revealed an irregular pattern. He looked at it for a short while, and then looked at me and said "...I think you have had a heart attack, for your safety I am calling 9-1-1 immediately and sending you off to the ER for further evaluation" ~ I sure was surprised at his urgency. Within minutes I heard sirens blaring, and soon I was on my way to the ER strapped to the gurney. Further tests were done, blood work processed and shortly after I was discharged. Had I experienced a heart attack? According to the ER physician - no. According to my Doctor - yes. This began to play on my mind, and all the while the constant dizziness, nausea and fatigue was not leaving, and I lost an incredible 35lbs!

For the next six weeks, I began to progressively feel worse, losing my appetite, constantly fatigued, and plagued with extreme nausea that kept me in the bathroom constantly. I would go to sleep and barely be able to get out of bed in the morning - being a morning person, this seemed out of the ordinary for me. Nancy and I would arrive at the office, and within 15 minutes I would be laying on the floor at the back of the shop wrapped in a sleeping bag fast asleep for hours at a time. This carried on for a few weeks, until August 15th, 9.30am ~ I stood up from my desk, and felt an incredible heavy sensation across my chest, followed by an extreme lightheaded feeling and immense uncontrolled shaking. It was intense to the point that I told Nancy to call 9-1-1. A second trip to the ER resulted in me spending a week in the intermediate care unit. The symptoms that were being experienced pushed the doctors to run various tests to establish diagnosis. In four days I had 5 MRI scans of my brain, neck, spinal cord, and chest. Attention shifted to my heart, and I underwent a stress test, echocardiogram, carotid ultrasound, nuclear thalium test of the heart and extensive blood work. Everything was coming back negative, apart from the ECG which showed an arrythmia (irregular heart beat), and some lesions that were found in my brain. The Neurologist continued her evaluation and hinted that the two lesions found in my brain were symptomatic of MS (Multiple Scleroris). A further MRI is scheduled in a couple of months.

Attention then shifted to the arrythmia, and after three months of different medications the Cardiologist indicated that medication was not compensating enough to rid my heart of the irregular beating. After running further tests and ECG she accelerated a referral to an Electrophysioligst/Surgeon at Scripps Green Hospital in San Diego. I saw this Specialist on December 7th, and after yet another ECG he took one look at it, and indicated that I was a perfect candidate for a "Cardiac Catheter Ablation". This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where catheters are inserted into the groin - femoral artery, and the neck, these catheters are then moved into the heart through the aorta and a 3D image is generated on a screen. This 3D mapping image locates the arrythmia, and once the surgeon has moved the catheters into the exact position of the faulty electrical passage, an electrical charge is delivered to the area, burning the fault, thus eliminating the problem. The procedure today has a 85% success rate ~ 10 years ago this procedure involved open heart surgery. If you would like to read more about this procedure here is the link: Cardiac Catheter Ablation.

The procedure has been scheduled for Christmas Eve, Monday December 24th! I am checking in to Hospital on Monday morning at 5:30am and the procedure will begin at 7:30am. This is a long procedure and will take as long as 6 hours. I will be monitored for another 6 hours, and will probably be allowed to return home on Christmas Day.

You know, when things like this happen they grab your attention. In my mind I have been concerned and have had a million questions to ask. Why me? How did this come to be? I thought I was healthy? The mind is an amazing tool. It can run wild, or stand still and do nothing. I have discovered that perfect peace lies in the knowledge of knowing Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and that whilst we journey through our mortal lives here, a greater destiny awaits, and many challenges have to be confronted and dealt with ~ the good news is we don't have to do it alone. There is no doubt in my heart and mind that the Lord is in control. It isn't for us to ask why...but rather...how can I share with others what the Lord has chosen to do in my life through circumstances that are seemingly beyond my human control? Can what I experience, if I step out and testify ~ help someone else in greater need than I?

I am guessing that many of you will be surprised at this post, and wonder why I haven't said anything earlier. Let me be real for a moment...sometimes we face situations that for a season we have to walk through, we have to navigate them selfishly with the Lord, until His perfect peace is instilled in that perfect moment, and for me that moment is here, and now. So I have the freedom to share my experience with you now. It is much like being one of those little sheep on the ledge awaiting deliverance. And so if you read the previous posts you will discover the method in my madness...I share what I feel is appropriate in "real life experiences", and relate the reality and knowledge of the Lord being our deliverer from life's trials and tribulations.

May this Christmas Day be filled with peace, blessing and love for you all. An update will be posted following my return home.

Having a "sheep moment"...?

2007-12-17T10:15:00.000-08:00

I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut forever. But you, O LORD my God, snatched me from the jaws of death!
Jonah 2:6

Sometimes we have to experience the feeling of death before we can know the freedom of life. In a spiritual sense we have to give up before we can be raised up. When we realize there’s nothing more we can do, then God can intervene and save us. When Jonah gave up the hope of surviving, God intervened and saved him. Jonah had to die to his own desires before he could live.

In the highlands of Scotland, sheep often wander off into the rocks and get into places that they can’t get out of. The grass on these mountains tastes very sweet, and the sheep like it. They will jump down ten or twelve feet to a ledge with a patch of grass, and then they can’t jump back up again. The shepherd hears them bleating in distress. The shepherd may leave them there for days, until they have eaten all the grass and are so faint that they cannot stand. Only then will the shepherd put a rope around the sheep and pull them up out of the jaws of death.

Why doesn’t the shepherd attempt a rescue when the sheep first get into the predicament? The sheep are so foolish and so focused on eating that they would dash away from the shepherd, go over the precipice and destroy themselves.

Such was the case with Jonah. And such is the case with us. Sometimes we need to experience a little bit of death before we can enjoy the abundance of life. The Lord will rescue us the moment we have given up trying, realizing that we can’t liberate ourselves, and cry to him for help.

And at that moment God does something miraculous. He offers a gift - a gift of grace and mercy. Just like salvation came to Jonah, rescue will come to us.

This is such a blessing, knowing that as often we face situations and think there is no escape, the Lord is all the more ready to rescue us in our folly. His grace and mercy are truly everlasting...

Ever wondered...?

2007-12-11T12:06:00.000-08:00

I think what has been really amazing to me is the advent of the internet. Who would have thought ten years ago that we could sit in the comfort of our home, in front of this mass of plastic, cabling and graphics and be able within the click of a button to capture an audience with our thoughts, perspectives and musings?

I started the Jubber Journal in 2005 with the intention of sharing events and challenges that presented themselves to us as a family. Some of the entries have been funny, sad, joyful and interesting. A lot of my focus has been centered on the situations that continue to besiege Zimbabwe, the plight of the innocent in the aftermath of a dictator who is leaving a trail of destruction in his wake of evil leadership. As we head towards closing out 2007, the thought that has struck me deep in my heart is "how can I best use this resource as a tool to proclaim the goodness of God, and somehow shine through this technology as a beacon that will draw more men unto Him"?

2007 many have labeled the year of jubilee - Lev. 25:10 - celebrated typically every 25 - 50 years. Known as a year of remission of sin, in which slaves and prisoners would be freed, debts would be forgiven and the mercies of God would be particularly manifest. I have seen the Lord working wonders through this year...

In May my father went to be with the Lord. Many doors were opened that enabled me to travel to Holland, some of the circumstances were impossible, yet the Lord opened many doors, and through sharing that event with many visitors to the Journal many lives were impacted. One such testimony that comes to mind is a reader who sent me this comment below on October 29, 2007:

"Praise God, That is a wonderful post, I just read about the cancer being gone. I just had to find a way to tell you. I do not know how to post a comment on your site. Sincerely, Rex Orr"

I do not know this man, never met him, but thank the Lord that he stumbled on the Jubber Journal and was able to find comfort and blessing and see the Lord working in a life altering situation. We communicated via email briefly and then I received the following email on November 11:

"The Founder/President of our company, Rex R. Orr, passed away on November 11, 2007."

Sometimes, we take lightly what we say and do, and how we perceive the awesome power and ability God gives us in the hope that we navigate life with Him in all our adventures. I stand in awe of the Lord, knowing how perfect His timing is, that He leads people across our path for a reason and purpose, and that if we only took a moment we would hear His still quiet voice and be responsive to the nudging of the Holy Spirit.

As we close out 2007, consider this, in your circle of influence how can you impact someone's life, and bring them hope and encouragement even though your own circumstance might be challenging you beyond what you think you are able to handle. You will be pleasantly surprised to see how much of a blessing it is to shine for the Lord...

This will get your attention...

2007-11-23T09:42:00.000-08:00

Not much is known concerning the exact hour and time of the return of the Lord, but return He will.

Seriously consider this life altering question; Are You Ready...?

Ian Douglas Smith: 1919 - 2007

2007-11-20T18:03:00.001-08:00

It is with regret that I submit this post. Today in Cape Town, South Africa, the former Prime Minister of the then Rhodesia passed away after suffering a stroke.

He will be sadly missed, fondly remembered, and loyally respected for his leadership 1965 through 1980.

God's speed Ian, Hamba khule...

Zimbabwe's Monumental "Black Friday"

2007-11-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

Today marks a significant day in History for Zimbabwe. On November 11th, 1965, Ian Smith signed the Unilateral Declaration of Independence of Rhodesia from the United Kingdom. The move was frowned upon by the British, the Commonwealth and the United Nations because they condemned the move as illegal. Rhodesia kept her allegiance to Britain, until independence in 1980, when ZANU PF gained control from Colonial rule, and changed her name to Zimbabwe.

Sitting here in my tiny home office, contemplating the last five years away from Zimbabwe, it struck me that this coming week, November 14th in particular is a significant day for Zimbabweans throughout the world, read on and you will understand why;

Zimbabwe marks the 10th anniversary this week of "Black Friday", when its currency plunged a record 72%, an episode widely regarded as the precursor of its subsequent economic meltdown. Under pressure after street protests by former guerrillas who were demanding payment for their role in the 1970s liberation struggle, President Robert Mugabe ordered unbudgeted payouts for 50 000 of the war veterans. The Zimbabwe dollar fell by 71,5% against the greenback, while the stock market crashed by 46% as investors rushed for the United States dollar. Since then, it's been downhill all the way, with inflation the highest in the world at nearly 8 000% and widespread shortages of basic commodities such as fuel and sugar in a country that had been a regional breadbasket.

Emmanuel Munyukwi, chief executive of the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE), vividly remembers the events of November 14 1997. "I remember people crying on that day because then 25% to 30% of our investors were foreigners, and when these foreigners started offloading their shares, our stocks got hammered," he said. Since then, the overall value of stocks on the ZSE has been stuck at about $2-billion. "In fact, we haven't moved in real terms since that day," Munyukwi added. Many analysts saw the events of a decade ago as a clear signal of the government's willingness to buck the laws of economics for short-term expediency, a trend that continues to this day. "We have been consistently doing things economically wrong for the past 10 years," said Bulawayo-based economist Eric Bloch. "It was irrelevant whether or not they [war veterans] deserved the compensation; that wasn't the issue. It was beyond the country's means."

Quite sad to think that Zimbabwe was once considered Africa's breadbasket ~ today ravaged by a handful of intently selfish megalomaniacs, she plummets further into oblivion while the world stands by watching less appropriate or seemingly unimportant events occur across the globe, simply because Zimbabwe has nothing to offer...simply sad!

***Megalomania (from the Greek word μεγαλομανία) is a psychopathological condition characterized by delusional fantasies of wealth, power, genius, or omnipotence - often generally termed as delusions of grandeur. The word is a collaboration of the word "mania" meaning madness and the Greek "megalo" meaning an obsession with grandiosity and extravagance, a common symptom of megalomania. It is sometimes symptomatic of manic or paranoid disorders.

October 25th - SAN DIEGO FIRE UPDATE INFO

2007-10-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

Here are two important items of information to track the Fire situation live. One is the Google Map that is being updated as events occur. The other is a link to our local news channel that is covering all situations across the region as the news becomes available. This is an interactive map, by clicking on any of the icons you will receive updated information.

View Larger Map

CBS NEWS 8

President Bush touched down at Miramar Air Base a few moments ago, and will be touring the area during the course of today. This has officially been called a disaster area.

San Diego Wild Fire Update

2007-10-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

Hard to explain what is going on here right now. this is like a scene out of a movie, with spectacular effects. More than 500 000 people have been evacuated. Over 2000 homes and businesses have been totally destroyed. The Santa Ana winds have eased, there is now an onshore wind that is good and bad, good in the sense that the fires are not traveling west at this time, bad in the sense that the fire is now unpredictable in terms of direction. Since Sunday we have not seen the blue sky, the air is toxic and dumping ash 24/7.

We are staying home, are ready to leave at a moments notice, and are following the news constantly. I salute the State and Federal Agencies that are and have done a spectacular job with their commitment to fighting this disaster and for the highest possible professionalism that is being used around the clock to keep residents informed, safe and out of harms way.

Monster Fire - California Ablaze

2007-10-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

In 2003 there were some pretty devastating fires that wiped out 100's of homes in San Diego county - what caused it? A hunter who became lost from his party tried to get their attention by starting a small fire.

Fast forward 2007 - within three days of the anniversary of that bad fire that cost the State of California a few billion dollars - and here we are once again with an unfolding tragedy taking place.

It started out yesterday, when we heard there was a small fire in Ramona which is quite a ways up the road from us toward the desert. Next thing we know - door bell is going constantly, and someone banging on our door at 2:30am this morning! Our Neighbor - alerting us that the fire has become a monster and is heading our way. We woke up, turned to the local news channel, and started to follow this impending disaster taking place. At 4:30am we received our "reverse 911" phone call urging us to pack, get ready for evacuation and sit tight waiting for the Authorities to give the word to get out.

It is now 11:00am - the sun is completely hidden by the thick smoke and the fire is 0% contained due to high Santa Anna winds that typically come howling towards the coast off the desert. This wind is strong - 50 miles an hour constant gusts, usually dies down at sunset but this time it has been unrelenting, howling through the night adding fuel to the fire.

We took a drive to the office, and couldn't believe the difference in temperature and visibility. Clear blue skies, not a breeze at all, very strange.

Being back at home now, we have been informed that if it becomes necessary the authorities are going to turn off the gas and electric for safety issues. Added to that we have been asked to stay off cell phones to leave as much of the airwaves free and open for the crew that are battling this monster. Sadly, the aircraft that do the drops are unable to take off due to these raging winds, and poor visibility. Crews and resources are being flown in from neighboring States, and by tomorrow will have more than 15 helicopters in the air doing drops, as well as fixed wing - if the wind stops.

We live in San Marcos, so you will see one of the visuals of the area below that will give you some idea as to location and spread of the fire. The current wind direction is westerly which is in our path. So...we are sitting tight, waiting for the evacuation orders to come from the authorities. The news is grim, many homes have been leveled - the stats are going to be high...

Here are some images I have taken today starting with early morning to current (11:00am)

Prayer For Zimbabwe

2007-10-18T22:13:00.001-07:00

This is real, and I ask you to take a moment to listen and pray and agree with this particular post:

I am working on a post that is close to my heart, with regard to the Zimbabwe situation. The freedom of the internet is powerful, and I hope to use it as a tool to bring an awareness of the plight of innocent people and the saving grace of Christ at work throughout the world today.

Be blessed always!

We Remember...

2007-09-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

Today, September 11 we respectfully remember the events of the same day in 2001. Those who lost their lives in the event and the aftermath are remembered and never forgotten.

If you would like to download a image of respect please go to this link, it is free.

Respect September 11, 2001

May the Lord continue to strengthen those who suffered loss, there may be a battle taking place, but the war is already won.

Be blessed...

Great Listening

2007-09-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

I have been searching for quite a while for a good Christian Radio online. Yes there are a bunch of great ones out there, but I came across one that not only has a cool website but they have a great selection of new releases and contemporary music which I enjoy. I have added it to my links - so check them out when you get a chance. It is simply called AIR1 and is based here in California, but being web based I am pretty sure you can listen. Let me know if it works for you!

In other news - the heatwave currently sweeping across Southern California is proving to be unbearable. I thought it got hot in Africa (which it does...) but right now the heat is crazy! We have resorted to sleeping downstairs because the heat is just not easing off as it should during the night. In theory summer is ending and fall is kicking in so that should bring some relief and cooler weather over the next few days - that is what we hope...going to the beach over the weekend was an option, but thousands of others had the same plan, so traffic and space was at a premium. Across the city "cool zones" were set up in malls, libraries and senior centers. Great idea for those folks who don't have aircon to go and relax in cool surroundings for a few hours.

Tiny Updates

2007-08-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

So, last night the skies were crystal clear here in California. Going to bed I wondered in the back of my mind if I would by some chance get up and see the lunar eclipse taking place. Well - at 3.30am I was wide awake, and it dawned on me to peep out the window - there it was a blood red moon! Nancy got up too, had a glance up into the sky and went back to sleep!

Good news regarding the Revival Center website - the original URL is live:

www.rcm.co.zw

I listen to a fantastic online Christian radio station, and came across this link that I thought would be of help to folk searching for answers and scripture references:

New Living Translation

I will list this link in my favorites as well so if you need it in the future just click and go.

Lunar Eclipse 2007

2007-08-26T20:55:00.001-07:00

This just in - hope you are ready for a spectacular event this Tuesday! A lunar eclipse will be taking place and will be best viewable in the Northern Hemisphere - sadly Africa will miss this one. Apparently the best views will be down under in Aussie...so hope you folks have your cameras ready. For us here in california it looks like it will be an early event which most of us will miss.

Lunar Eclipse - August 28th, 2007

I know to a large extent this is random, but for anyone who doesn't know - it could be shocking to see the moon turn blood red for approximately 45 minutes...

Enjoy it, and have a great week!

It's a Beautiful thing

2007-08-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

I have totally been slack with my posting on here lately. I seem to always come up with an excuse and yet each day is filled with events that are worth sharing. How do you limit what you share and with whom?

One thing for sure is that since returning from Holland in May, life hasn't been the same. Actually more to the point this year, the year of jubilation, 2007 hasn't really gone according to plan. The 64 thousand dollar question is who's plan is being followed? Mine or the Lord? If it is my plan then I can understand why it has been tough, if it is the Lord's plan then how do I determine that and walk it through? Thought provoking isn't it...

This is such a resourceful place to vent, you would be surprised when honesty is employed how many people will identify with truthful statements that occur in daily life. Sadly most people are a closed book, under lock and key.

This Sunday Nancy's sister leaves for Johannesburg, South Africa with her baby son Joshua, and his Granny. Reason for the trip? This little gift from the Lord was born with a cleft palate and is scheduled for corrective surgery over the next three weeks. We know that this is a milestone for this little chap, but he is such a bundle of joy, and loves life to the fullest. Of course his big sister Kristen won't be going with sadly, because of school commitments, but she understands and is excited for their return.

Even in a nation of extreme hardship, where the rich and the poor meet together on the same level for survival, and inflation is currently hovering around 7200% (hard to imagine...) those with the will to survive make do with each challenge as it surfaces. The shortages are inhuman. Antiretroviral drugs used in the treatment of AIDS/hiv are in short supply and medical imposters are selling scammed drugs for profit - how sad is that? What level will a person go to in order to profit off the misery and sickness of the parentless? When will this madness end one wonders? Yet the fat cats continue to prosper and do exceedingly well making multi million dollar deals for selfish profit.

There is a nucleus, a remnant that remains focussed, dedicated and faithful to the needs of mankind in Zimbabwe - the Church. Despite the difficulties, the Gospel is being preached, lives are being transformed and people are finding hope where none exists by turning to the Lord. It is amazing that when there is no gas, no electricity, no basic staple food, unsafe drinking water, sickness and disease, people still find peace and comfort in their service and commitment to the Lord. Reminds me of Paul who said he learned to be content in whatever circumstance he found himself in. He knew what it was to have much, but was content in having nothing. This New Testament passage of scripture is being lived daily by those who belong to the Lord in a nation that is being punished unfairly for a season.

Recently, we established contact with a good brother and friend back home. He pastors the church I came to know the Lord in way back in 1980! They have stepped up their campaign to spread the gospel by going electronic - yes - a website! We chatted about helping out and are blessed to be able to host the site on our server. There are a few technical difficulties we are working through to make it happen so it will share a dual URL for the times when there are issues in that neck of the woods. To visit Revival Center Ministries website your options are below in order of preference:

1. www.rcm.co.zw
2. rcm.bcsg.org

When you get a moment check the site out, it is packed with info and teaching that will knock your socks off.

In other news, I have had quite a trip of late with my health. I spent 4 days in hospital, had every kind of test run on me, and everything checks out. That is good news. The other good news is that I have lost a fair amount of weight (30lbs), and Nancy is making sure I eat healthy and stay in shape. Sometimes we let go of ourselves and don't ever think there will be consequences later on, but trust me - the price will have to be paid. I have stopped drinking sodas and coffee and am drinking green tea, water, and fruit juices as well as changing my food intake to consist of more organic food stuffs. Tastes the same actually...and is far more healthier!

Enough rambling - it is Friday and the weekend is here - hope you all have a good one, take care out there and be blessed in all that you do!

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THE POLL AT THE END OF THIS PAGE AND SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSE...THANKS !

I must share this with you

2007-06-27T20:46:00.001-07:00

Sometimes strange things happen to our bodies without us knowing what is going on. With all the events that have been happening lately, I haven't felt too good, and it culminated in me having to see my doctor on Tuesday. Let me back up a little here and you will begin to see where this is going...I have not gone into deep detail as that is not necessary.

Friday after work on the way home with Nancy and Tammy I suddenly felt as if I experienced an electrical shock through my brain. It was a dreadfully weird feeling, to the extent that I was out of commission for 4hrs eventually falling asleep at home. I had a relatively quiet and relaxing weekend after that experience until Monday. On the way home in the car the same feeling occurred - this time not as sever but bad enough for me to pull the car up in traffic and ask Nancy to carry on driving.

At the Doctor, he asked what I experienced and what I felt, and was uncomfortable with my description of the events of Friday and Monday, so he got the Nurse to check my blood/sugar level for diabetes, that was clear. My blood pressure was high 148/96. Then he ordered an ECG and the results alarmed him significantly to the extent that he expressed concern that he felt I had actually experienced a Heart Attack. Looking over my ECG he notified me that to be safe he felt it best that I be rushed to Hospital and called an Ambulance. Nancy was told the exact same story that "I think your husband has suffered a Heart Attack, and it is necessary that he be taken to Hospital for validation and further tests..." Shame - Nancy couldn't believe what was going on, and was overwhelmed, she called the girls, Vicky came to the doctors office to be greeted by an Ambulance in the parking lot. The Paramedics hooked me on to oxygen, and a monitor and were talking me through everything they were doing, as well as asking me questions to establish my coherency (dates, time, city, year, date of birth etc.). On the way to the Hospital I couldn't quite believe or come to terms with what I had just been told, and even more difficult to believe I was being rush to Hospital for this sudden heart condition. Yes - I was gripped with fear, because nothing was making any sense. How could this be, I kept asking myself.

At the Hospital, I was wheeled in and immediately had people milling around me, hooking me up to a monitor, and then another ECG was performed, and blood samples taken, as well as a chest xray. A short while later Nancy, the girls and their friends (Sam & Shannon) arrived and of course seeing them all, I was relieved but also didn't want them seeing me in such a state. Jerry also came by on her way home from the Ministry Center and I was blessed that she was there and prayed. A short while passed and the Doctor came back bearing good news. My blood is clear of heart issues, my xrays indicate a healthy heart and clear lungs! The best news I had ever heard! Of concern was the blood pressure, and lightheaded experience . However, after sharing a little while with the Doctor he summized that the onset of the events over the last 5 days is a culmination of stress.

Amazing that no matter how much faith you can have, no matter what your belief values are, no matter how calm you think you might be...stress can kreep in, and the body has a mechanism that will kick in when the load is great, and remind you that you are reaching your threshold.

I thank the Lord for His grace and Mercy and for being with my family through a difficult time such as this.

In addition to what was a scare - I do want to share a huge blessing. Today when we arrived home from work at the front door was the largest fruit & vegetable basket I have ever seen in my life, along with two wonderful books for me to read on health. I do not know who blessed us with this basket, but I know one thing for sure in my heart, the Lord will bless abundantly the hands and hearts that have blessed us. may the Lord shine upon you and bless you always for your caring loving hearts!

Build it & they will come...

2007-06-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

Today marks the first month since Dad's passing. It is said that time flies when you are having fun. Well, what happens when it isn't fun anymore, and time still gallops like there is no tomorrow?

The events of the month of May still seem distant, almost as if it were a dream. Nonetheless, time is at work, and life goes on. There have been some really personal, special times of reflection, and I have been blessed to recall some very special memories.

Ironically, this past weekend TFH men's camp centered around "Leaving a Legacy". I always knew one day would come for me to sit down and figure out what legacy I was going to build and leave for my children. I think many people build their legacies around material substitutes. At one point that was one of my attaining goals in Zimbabwe, to build a successful powerhouse business that would one day be left to my children. It was on track and success was on the horizon. Then plans changed and we found ourselves across the oceans' floor in the States! No problem...material legacies can be built anywhere, anytime and will usually succeed. If the well being of your children is important then you will make a plan and your legacy will take shape.

Watching Dad for the past three years walk the road that he was called to walk, brought a different perspective to me as far as legacy is concerned. As a family we watched Dad go through the loss and heart break of losing Mom. Being in Holland, not fluent in Dutch, adjusting to a new lifestyle very different to the typical African counterpart, and then being diagnosed with stage 4 NSCC (Lung cancer) Dad successfully adjusted with a few hard knocks along the way. I looked at Dad and wondered what his legacy to us would be when the Lord called him home.

I became acutely aware of the spiritual aspect of what it means to "leave a legacy..."

Dad embraced the Lord with all his heart, and began studying the Bible, watching every possible Christian broadcast he could find, ordering CD's and DVD's to fill his hunger for his search for the Lord. He carried two Bibles - an english and dutch version, and was soon known in his senior's home as the "African Man of God". He would tell everyone his life story, and even while undergoing chemotherapy treatments, would share with the nursing staff, doctors, and patients of how great the Lord is. He never complained, never became lost without hope, never feared the future that lay ahead for him. He never grumbled, and never argued. Those who would visit him were in awe of the peacefulness surrounding Dad. He expressed an astonishing desire to be with the Lord, and knew without a shadow of doubt that his eternal life was secure.

Being at TFH men's camp this year, I equated what we heard and learned to that of Dad's newfound legacy that he left us: To be a man of God; To shine as a light for Christ; To always be ready to give an account of the hope and calling that we have in the Lord in our hearts; To think of others more highly than we do of ourselves; To hunger and thirst for the things of God more than any material possession we can attain and achieve in this life; To not shrink back in adversity, but to stand firm and know that this is a journey and we ought to walk life out in such a way that we draw others to Christ, by example; And finally, to make it one of our life's goals to bring our families both near and far to the throne of grace so that we might all partake in the riches and fullness of Christ that is to come.

So - Legacy, sure the material legacy is important and wise, but I believe the spiritual legacy is of greater importance than the material.

One of these will pass forever, and one will remain after testing forever...

Many events took place that will be kept in the family vault as far as Dad's journey in the last 3 months is concerned, but the most outstanding event is that of how he turned 180 degrees from a life without God to one overflowing with God - that is Dad's Legacy to us, and we receive it, and walk it out, and will build on it and pass it on to our family and so the seed of his legacy will remain, and continue.

EDIT: Take a listen - really great lyrics

Back Home

2007-05-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

What a week! Here is an adventure packed story if there ever was one. Started of course with great sadness in hearing that Dad had passed away and gone home to be with the Lord. Then the next objective was to get to Holland in time for the funeral and to be with Billy & Karin. I literally raced up to Los Angeles to the Dutch Embassy to get a visa and must say that the staff were truly fantastic in taking care of my application. After securing my visa the next hurdle was going to be finding a way to Holland - this is where provision and a huge miracle took place. A few weeks prior "S~C" emailed me and offered their air miles as a means of getting me to Holland to be with Dad. At the time it seemed unlikely that I would travel for various reasons, and so I made the call and within 20 minutes "S~C" had arranged the flight for me. I was totally amazed! Sitting at the airport I contemplated what lay ahead upon my arrival. I hadn't seen any family members for 5 years, 'what a moment to meet again...' I kept thinking. Usually any kind of trip has a level of expectancy, excitement for what lies ahead, yet this trip I had nothing - just the reality that I was on a mission graciously provided for, to go and help my family bury our Father. Landing in Houston was interesting - the flight was on time, but the distance between terminals seemed like an endless marathon. I made it to my departure gate 15 minutes before take off and settled in for the flight ahead. The weather in Holland was chilly and raining, made for an interesting landing! As I walked out of the Customs area I heard Karin yell out my name, and when I saw her and Billy and little Rebecca standing off to the side, my heart was filled with joy and emotion. It felt good to see family again! Driving back to Billy's house, we chatted in the car about Dad, and caught up a little. Arriving at the cemetery, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, other than to go through the motions of a funeral, only this time it was special - the significance of this day was awe inspiring for me. I was going to see Dad for the last time, and I was going to have the ability to pay my respects to Mom who passed in 2005. I was scheduled to be the last speaker and this was a personal honor. As I stood and looked over all the people who had gathered, it struck me that I was looking at two unique families. My blood family, namely Karin, Billy & Linda who had for the last 3 years looked after Mom and Dad, and over the last number of months been with Dad on a daily basis almost. The other family was of great significance. Dad's Church family, and now by spiritual adoption my family. These folks had come to Dad's side and were with him like my blood family right up until he was called to rest. It was really great for me to meet with each person who loved and cared for Dad. I have had much email communication with them all, but meeting them in person was awesome. Actually it was special, because they all resounded what a blessing Dad was, and how they loved to be with him. The average Dutch funeral lasts probably an hour ~ we concluded everything a staggering 3.5hrs later. The afternoon seemed to go by in a flash. Saturday we had a great day, we went to Utrecht to visit Lisa and to see her kids - vanity fixed her eyes on me and the two of us clicked! What a beautiful soft natured baby! Damien was a bit shy, but came out of his shell at the end of the visit and waving goodbye was sad as we drove off. Sunday Billy and I went to Dad's Church - Het Kruispunt, and I felt really welcome and at home. To be in the same Church that Dad had fallen in love with was special. Everything was just like being back here in Church. Same worship, same joy and genuine love, a real place to fellowship. After service we had lunch with Pastor Marinus, Mattie his wife, and all the brothers and sisters who were close to Dad. It was a very special time. Sunday night we drove to Apeldoorn, to meet Tante Nel, Oom Henk and Tante Ann for Chinese dinner. The irony of it all - Billy indicated that the very table we were sitting at was the same table they had sat together with dad for the last time! Monday was a rush day, I had to go to the Foreign Police, then we went to Dad's old home, and cleared out a few more things, visited Tante Nel and Oom Henk, this too was a unique visit. Tante Nel is Mom's sister, and so we chatted for a while catching up on the years gone by. I remember as a boy, living in Holland in the 1970's I would go often with them for long walks in the Dutch forests. We would pick edible mushrooms, and berries and those memories seem as if it was yesterday. Amazing what events impact your life growing up. Monday night was a real treat, Linda made a delicious Indonesian dish, which I gulped down savoring the flavors. Tuesday came all too quickly, and no sooner had I arrived then it was time to leave again. We stopped off at the cemetery on the way, and I had a moment to bid my farewell, it too was a special moment. The drive to the airport seemed to go fast, and suddenly the reality hit me that I was already on my way back home to the States. Farewells are always touching. I thought to myself "wonder when I will see my family again..." no one knows those answers. The flight back to New York wasn't full so I had a row to myself. In the terminal the line was huge, and it was a race against time. Believe it or not, I was actually the last person to board for the last leg of the trip into San Diego. At one point my legs felt like a mass of jello, but somehow I made it just in the nick of time. Coming in to San Diego I looked out the window and there was a Padres ball game in progress, at that moment I knew I was home. And now it is Friday night, and to be honest, it feels like a dream. The events of the week right now are a blur, I can't believe all that has happened. I do want to make special mention of the following people: "S~C", Pastor Marinus, Mattie, Ineke, Evelyn, Catriena, Ina and every single person who impacted Dad's life in Holland. I sincerely pray the Lord bless each of you abundantly, as you all have blessed my family, I am truly thankful for each of you, and humbled to be a part of your lives.

Dreaded Moments Glorious Rejoicing

2007-05-06T15:17:00.000-07:00

This has been a very difficult weekend. Karin took the step to fly to Holland to be with Dad for two weeks, and it was a dream for me to travel too, just to bless Dad and be around him for a little while. Over the months he has been struggling with his health, but through it all has stood firm and bold in the knowledge that the Lord is in full control. Dad came to fellowship at a Church in Voorthuizen called Het Kruispunt where he truly became a part of the family of God. Over the months and weeks, the brothers and sisters surrounded Dad with love, prayer, scripture and worship. Well, as Karin arrived in Holland a phone call from the Hospice notifying Bill that Dad was not doing well. He was able to see Karin walk in the door, to which he exclaimed "I can't believe it - you are actually here..." The Church brothers and sisters had also gathered together with our family and at 15:50 Saturday Dad went to be with the Lord. I am in the process of preparing to go to Holland to be with my family to bury a man that had a profound impact on my life - my Dad. I watched Dad transform from a sinner to a believer, and have been blessed and count it an honor to have witnessed the goodness of God working in and through Dad. He didn't understand or see it in this life, but unknowingly he touched many people through his example and faith. He has completed his race, he has won the prize - eternal life in glory with the Lord. Yes we are devastated and sad but our hearts rejoice because Dad graduated and has gone home to be with Mom and all the other saints who have gone before. I don't have too much else to say right now, but will be adding to the Journal when I return from Holland.

Face of Adversity

2007-05-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

I heard it once said somewhere in London every so often, you can stand on a box above British soil, and rant and rave and let it all out. Otherwise known as Free Speech. Whether that is still allowed or practiced I am not sure.

Lately the "Face of Adversity" has seemingly been gaining ground and yet through it all we continue to see the faithfulness of God. All of us at some point in life will face adversity. Be it work, family, self; someone else perhaps - adversity in some shape or form will be your friend.

So, my little soap box, rant and rave for today is that I dislike adversity. I wish it on no human being. Wouldn't it be easier to plain sale through life without difficulties? Trying to understand why adversity comes is futile. The only reason I can summize it happens is; personal inner growth.

Talking about the "face of adversity" - I was touched by the American Idol season channeling support and much needed help into adverse situations in Africa and back home here in the States. To see the emotional side of Simon Cowell culminate in carrying a terminally ill woman to Hospital (...she passed away two days later from AIDS) does show that if we take focus off our own lives and look to someone who has perhaps a greater need than us, we will note that our face of adversity is not as bad as we like to tell ourselves. I think what is remarkable that through this level of entertainment and global challenge to help suffering people - American Idol 2007 has raised over $70 Million Dollars for aid in a matter of less than 14 days.

Something I keep wondering is; what if there is more to life? Is money going to fix it all the time? Surely not! What if there was a greater help that could be offered. Something that isn't materialistic in its' form. Say, something that has eternal value. Fact is we are all going to pass one day. So, if I am staring into the face of adversity but have inner peace surely that would be the greatest of help? I think coming to the table as entertainers and helping out of personal abundance in many respects is easy. But giving something of eternal value to someone who has a material need, surely outweighs the temporary level of physical suffering. So to me the eternal value can be summed up in offering God's salvation through Christ's death on the cross to generations of people who might be glaring into the face of adversity. Food for thought...

I am working on a post to catch up on the weeks that I have missed, but sitting here at work today, I suddenly realized that I skipped the entire month of April.

MDC - the awakening has begun...

2007-03-16T18:38:00.000-08:00

I like to think that I am by virtue still a Zimbabwean, and therefore inclined to support events that take place locally, industrially, commercially and foremost politically on home soil. Any news search online this week will no doubt list the events taking place in Zimbabwe at the moment. In as much that last weekend the MDC called for a prayer meeting, and subsequently what took place in general consensus is the beginning of the end for the powers that be. The 'police' attacked MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, shot and killed an MDC activist and imprisoned and brutalized countless unarmed supporters of the MDC. I came across this youtube link ATTACK ON MDC and encourage you to open the link and hear and see first hand what took place last weekend.

I have often wondered when the MDC would spring into action, but now I can see that the only real way that true democracy will be re-established in Zimbabwe is when the people themselves reach their threshold, when the people collectively come together and say 'enough is enough' and force~change the situation. Will the government kill everyone? Surely not! Unite, come together Zimbabweans, usher in the new beginning...the power for true change is in the power of the people, rise up and take back your nation. Then let the MDC and others bring back sovereignty in it's honorable form back to Africa's once famed breadbasket.

Of interest is the manner in which the government is responding to international outcries - this is the beginning of the end, the final unraveling of a despot and his henchmen.

Our heart, thoughts and prayers are with you all - you are not alone!!

CHINJA MAITIRO ~ GUQULA IZENZO

Some links relating to events as they are currently unfolding:

Zimbabwe is Africa's Shame
Zimbabwean Defiant After Police Beating
Zimbabwean Opposition Leader: I was a victim of beatings
Mugabe Arms Police
Rivals Vow to Drive Mugabe Out
Mugabe Tells Critics to "go hang"

Now would be a good time for a western nation to come to the table and respond to the threat being presented - help the people of Zimbabwe, time for change is now!!

About time!!!

2007-02-03T19:04:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed how fast time is going? I dawned on me today that I have not updated my blog once this year - how sad is that? So - how has 2007 started for you? Too many questions at the start of a post don't you think?

No seriously, I love blogging - it is a way of letting people gather a glimpse of a "day in the life of..." and sometimes that can be a good thing, sometimes a bad thing. Over the time life of this blog I have had some wonderful creative ideas spring to mind on how to make this a platform for sharing information, staying in touch with friends and family, and for making new friends. I must say that I have had the blessing and honor of establishing contact with long lost friends and one in particular I would like to expound on. When I started high school a few years ago (yeah right...) there were two seniors who took me under their wing so to speak, one now lives in Mauritius, the other in South Africa. Ken and I over the years became best friends, and one hobby we shared was building bicycles and perfecting the art of "popping wheelies" - the art of riding your bicycle on the back wheel for as long and far as possible. We really became good at it, and at the local shopping mall we often would attract a small audience who would cheer us on, and watch how far we could go. Those were the fun days...!

Well Ken and I lost contact many years ago, probably early 80's when he left Zimbabwe for South Africa and so to have been able to re-establish contact lately has really been wonderful. One thing that is scary is when you are a kid, and time passes by, when you see your friends from school days you get a sudden shock and reality check of what the aging process does to our bodies as we grow old. Recently Ken rode his motorcycle up to Zimbabwe, and whilst there he took a few photos and sent them on to me. It touched my heart to see pictures of places that I had frequented as a kid, my old school and finally to see pictures of Mom & Dad's home where we grew up. Memories came rushing back, and I would like to share a few with regard to the pictures below.

The first few pictures is of a place called "Hillside Dams". In the 70's and probably earlier too, this was a family picnic get-away on weekends. There were two dams, - upper and lower, and lots of nature paths to walk on, with descriptions posted along the way educating you on the flora and fauna. The upper dam allowed you to fish, usually catch and release, no boating was allowed and during the rainy season we always placed a bet on how high the dam would rise, and whether in our lifetime we would see it overflow - well of course it did overflow many times! The lower dam is usually where the crowds would gather. You could hire a boat and paddle across the dam, along the edge of the water bank you were allowed to feed the ducks, and fish. I remember the fish actually stealing the bread from the ducks as fast as it landed on the water - funny how childhood memories stick in your mind so vividly. The lower dam also had an attraction in the form of a live band that would play music under a gazebo, and a well stocked candy shop offering treats. Looking at the pictures below, and reading some vague descriptions of what used to happen here would make it seem this was a major figment of my imagination. Sadly most people who lived in our city should they read this entry will add their amen! Now this once prolific sanctuary has become overgrown, frequented by fishermen catching for food, not for recreation. It is a place that is unsafe to visit alone usually resulting in crime, and the memories of yesteryear have all but vanished into the depths of those who have sought life outside of Zimbabwe...how sad.

This house brings back memories. The funny thing is none of us have been there for years, and yet it still is the same color Mom & Dad painted it many many years ago. I never thought it would still look exactly the same but it does. This is the house that I knew as home for many years of my life, as well as my sisters and brother. It was home! The tree that is almost over shadowing the entire house was planted by Dad - something he carried out of his car and dug a small hole and planted - well look at it years later! To the right of the house is what used to be a lockup garage. It took on a few different purposes over the years, from keeping Dad's car safe at night, to housing my first motorcycle. Then it became a living flatlet that was used by a few members of the family in transition to their own homes etc. I remember on the roof of the garage one day I became creative...having come across a can of white spray paint I decided to write something on the galvanised corrugated roofing. This is what it read "JESUS CHRIST IS..." and then there was nothing more ever written. At the age of 16 I became a Christian and so one day I remember thinking to myself - "...airplanes fly over the house every day...what if I write that Jesus Christ is Lord on the roof, perhaps someone will see it and their life will be changed...". What a concept. Years later I remember one comment Dad made...and this is what he said to me: "son...you should have finished what you started on the garage roof that day". Isn't life like that? We start many things and don't seem to have the energy to bring to completion many of the projects we embark on.

Gifford High School was less than 5 minutes walk from home. I remember my first high school day as if it were yesterday. Stiff starched uniforms heavy, back pack with books, and big kids being nasty! Little did I realize that in time to come, I would become one of those kids towering over cowering kids on their first day of High School. The pictures below will show you the prized Rugby Field where only the Headmasters First Team would play. No other levels in the school were permitted on that field during Rugby Season. I do remember my first high school rugby game though. It was the first sport I chose to get involved with, because I loved the nature of the game, the seriously rough and tumble manner in which it was played, with zero protection. My first game was amazing - my parents were there in support and the inevitable happened. As the whistle blew for kick off, I raced towards the defense knowing I had an audience (Mom & Dad) reaching the defense with the intention of ripping the ball from his hand and darting to the other end of the field to score a "try" everything ended almost as fast as it started!!! I crashed into this kid at full speed putting my knee out, ending my career instantly on the rugby field. The pain was mega excruciating and trying to put on a brave face was impossible! Today as you can see in the pictures this is not the flamboyant field it used to be. Behind the field you can see a building with the roof ripped off. That used to be the music and art block...I sat in those classrooms honing my skills - or should I be more honest and say "goofing off" just like 99% of the other kids. Music was one of the most painful experiences for me. Mrs. Hughes was the most strictest teacher I had ever come across - we had to sing, and sing properly - I hated it with a passion. She once caught me riding my bicycle in the suburbs with my school socks down below my ankles - she pulled me over, yelled at me, and told me i would be visiting the Headmaster (Mr. Menee) the next day to explain my tardiness outside of school. I received two cuts with a bamboo cane for this little incident. Those were the "old school" days - where discipline meant what it stood for!

Looking at these few pictures sent to me by my good friend Ken, sure stirred up fond memories of life growing up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. None of the photos resemble what used to be...the vibrant exciting city is being laid to waste - sure the structures are there, but life will never be the same.

If you could turn back time in your life today, have you ever wondered what you would do differently to shape your future? Like Dad said to me many years ago...son you should have finished what you started...

3...2...1...Happy 2007!!

2006-12-31T22:04:00.000-08:00

Ok this is really weird, from Australia to Holland across to the UK, down south to Zimbabwe and across the wide oceans and far away, 2006 passed many hours ago, and yet here in California we still have two glorious hours remaining before we usher in 2007. Our prayer for everyone we know and love is that 2007 will be a turning point and that blessings will be your portion throughout the next 364 days! Look out over the next few days for a nice little update on the newest addition to the Jubber Family in Holland...

Tolmay Family Christmas '06

2006-12-25T07:55:00.000-08:00

One of the nicest gifts of Christmas that I have received is this post of pictures from the Tolmay family in Adelaide. They say pictures say a thousand words. I didn't need a write up when these photos arrived - just seeing the food, the people, the tree and the gifts tells me that Christmas was special in the Tolmay home this year. Have to comment on Kim's artwork - talent need I say more?

So, here is a challenge - anyone else got some Christmas photos you would like the world to view? If so email me and we will make it happen. Click on "View my complete profile" then under contact click email and send 1 unique Christmas photo with a short discription and I will assemble a post-mix celebrating Christmas 2006.

Merry Very Merry Christmas

2006-12-24T17:44:00.001-08:00

Time flies! It feels like just the other day we had Linda and Kristen here from Zims for Christmas but that was a whole entire year ago...

2006 has been an awesome year with many a story to tell. Funny how people are drawn more to stories that sound like something went wrong, rather than the goodness of the experiences that took place. You know what I mean when there has been an accident on the freeway our first reaction is to want to see what happened, our secondary thought is "was anyone hurt..." - some of the stories that were really life events that occurred during this year are worth mentioning in this blog as we close out 2006 in anticipation of a new year dawning.

Looking across the oceans to Zimbabwe, much took place and continues to do so. Is it for the better? Well, hard to say, but truthfully, the answer would have to be a resounding no! Life is hard back there. For those who have no alternative but to face each day with the challenges of basic survival, life continues to be a struggle, even for those with wealth the pressure of sustaining life and its' comforts is ever growing. Of greater concern is the plight of the children who innocently have to plot their future, some not even in their teens having to parent their siblings due to the impact of AIDS/HIV. Grandparents being burdened with the tremendous losses they face of their children and children's children. Instead of the elderly being cared for, which would be considered normal, they now are having to fill the gap created by this crippling fatal sickness. So, looking at those types of statistics I would be more inclined to say things are not as they seem, the situation is bleak, and coupled with a continued crumbling economy, starvation and brain-drain life is not all that right now...

Over in Holland, there are a number of stories to share. The most noted story is more of a miraculous testimony. Dad this time last year to the day was diagnosed with Stage 4 NSCC, which in layman's terms is sure death from cancer, in some cases within weeks, but usually within a few months after chemotherapy. Through each session, test and examination Dad stood on the promises of the Lord that by His stripes we are healed. He continued to improve and astound specialists, doctors, friends and family. To this day, Dad has no cancer present in his body. Is this a coincidence? NO. This is a miracle. Why? Because God can. I wonder why such things happen in life, and without a concrete sure answer can only say from my heart that the Lord always has a plan. Whether it is for a loved one to live, or die, He still has a plan. The most obvious plan is so that man can see the awesome intervention of the Lord and return Glory to God.

For us here in California this has been a year that seemingly passed quickly. We have continued adjusting to the actual changes in the seasons and have loved the way nature transforms. Other States do have more noticeable and visible changes, so everyone says - we don't know any different yet. One factor that takes time getting used to is the adjusting of clocks twice a year, and also the fact in winter it really does get dark faster, and in summer stays light later - those are unique and interesting adjustments. The girls have had a good year in School and College and are working hard on progressing to their next levels in the new year. Life comes at you fast when you see your own kids sprouting up, turning into young adults! The decision to move here was hard, but looking at the future and potential they can achieve has made this worthwhile to say the least.Nancy and I take great comfort in having the fortunate ability to be together 24/7. In retrospect we wouldn't have life any other way unless the Lord has an alternative plan. As far as the shop and business goes we have seen a big transition in industry technology and wrapping our minds around it at the same pace as everyone else has been challenging and a lot of hard work. Daily we thank the Lord for our clients and that He prosper, bless, lead and guide them in all their ways so that we can continue to grow.

Further afield we have the Tolmay Family in Adelaide. For the first time since their arrival down under we have been in consultation about posting a few of their pics on the Jubber Journal and so below this post are some interesting shots of the family. I can assure I have permission to post so viewer discretion is advised - you have been warned! No really, I chat with Karin often, and although they are a huge 18.5hrs ahead of us here in California when we do chat it is as good as being in the same room. The one thing we always come back to is how we miss the family get-togethers and would give anything to have those moments back. I mean every Sunday we would all converge on Mom and Dad on Berwick Drive and have a wonderful Sunday lunch come dinner followed by watchng DALLAS (who could forget that...?) and then one by one we would peel off home. Now, we have family spread all over the globe and cling to precious memories and share them when ever we make contact. The times have indeed changed...all the photos in this paragraph are of Karin, Dave, David jnr, Mandy, Danielle and Kim...

Being Christmas Eve for us here at the back end of the earth, we cheated a little and decided to open gifts tonight rather than wait until the morning. As I stood watching the gifts being handed out by Vicky it amazed me that all of us, no matter how old, still love the joy and excitement and element of surprise in tearing open a gift. The funny thing is even when you know what it is, or have an idea what you think it is, you still eagerly rip that wrapping paper off to reveal your gift. I think it is the child in us that never really lets go of wanting to be spoiled, wanting to experience the joy of receiving a gift. I recall being a kid not being able to sleep the night before anticipating Santa would stop over, deliver my presents (written out on a wish list, remember that...?) eat the cookies I left and drink the milk. Today the same excitement is relived in millions of kids the world over, then I think how fortunate millions are to experience all the trimmings and wonder about those who never will. I am reminded of a story I heard today of a child in Zimbabwe who was fortunate to travel over Christmas and be blessed with the life changing experience of seeing Santa, seeing a beautifully lit Christmas Tree with gifts, eating all the delicacies and treats and tearing open gift after gift being showered with blessings. When asked how her Christmas was going to be back home, she was sad and said "Santa isn't coming to us this year...there is no fuel for him to travel, and he will be harmed here...". Quite a thought in the mind of a child! Sometimes to reflect on abundance and blessing is humbling, and so my wish this Christmas is that those who have, would consider those who do not have, and that there can be an enlarging of our hearts towards such in time to come to make their dreams come true.

A Merry Verry Merry Christmas from the Jubber Family in California!

Thanksgiving!

2006-12-16T07:55:00.000-08:00

Wow, would you believe that an entire month shot by without a post to the blog? So the saying "time flies" whether you are having fun or not bears some truth. This is just a mini post because as we draw to the end of 2006 I will be recapping on the highs and lows of a year that passed at lightening speed.

This year's Thanksgiving we decided to make a family day, by sharing a meal and talking about what we considered issues to be thankful for. I sat upstairs behind my computer for a while, the girls were doing their 'thing' of relaxing, and Nancy spent the morning and the night before preparing a little feast for us.

Traditionally - Turkey is the favored dish, we were different, opting for cornish hens (one each) and a leg of ham which we lazy grilled on the Weber. It is ironic that when your eyes lay hold of the table and the food present, you think and believe that you can get stuck in and finish what ever is laid before you - we proved that theory wrong. Not one of us actually finished the food on our plate - how sad.

The one story that made us really think back on how good the Lord is, how blessed we are to serve Him and enjoy His provision is a story of Nancy's cousins in Zimbabwe. When they were young boys they would have to walk for 10km's to school every morning, which meant waking crazy early. For breakfast Llyod and Charlie would prepare a few handfuls of cold "sadza" (from the night before) which is ground maize from the harvest of their crops, and snack on that as they trekked off to school. Before arriving in class they would have to make sure they looked neat and presentable and so would dust each other off and proceed to class. After a long day at school and activities in the afternoon they would begin the journey home and so the cycle would repeat itself. So, what would there be to be thankful over such a long lost childhood memory?

Years later Nancy and I were able to bring these two lads from the Zimbabwean rural area of Chivhu, accommodate them by us, and give them a job at the printshop. Today both these young men are successful in their own right, Charlie has recently married and has successfully started his own little business of servicing printers and refills, Llyod is the head pressman and in charge of the pressroom at our old shop - now the thought of Thanksgiving starts taking shape...

We were able to just sit back and ponder how good the Lord is. Out of nothing He made something wonderful for these two kids growing up without hope, without a future. We sat and shared how thankful to the Lord we are for His blessings, and ability to turn situations around where everything is seemingly lost and without a future - Charlie and Lloyd are a testimony. It is refreshing to be thankful for moments in life that you know you played a tiny part and were able to see the bigger picture as being the Lord's plan - that to us was Thanksgiving! ...and of course good food, family time, and fond memories spent together...

What was I thinking...?

2006-10-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

Yes that's a real question! Who in their right mind would post the most random topics, thoughts and ideas across the internet under the banner heading "blog"? Umm...I would. You have got to admit this is a pretty unique way of conveying a message, a thought, an idea, something funny and something sad. Of course there are limits and no liberties should be taken when posting information across a platform that sadly is abused for wicked intent and content. I am reminded of a sting operation that was going on in the county just up the road, MSNBC aired the documentary and I was horrified. That makes for interesting reading so check it out when you have a moment.

Anyway, that's going off topic, so lets get focussed on some of the events making news in our family of late. Inflation in Zimbabwe is set to climb Everest and make history as the fastest climbing statistic across the African continent. Check this artical out: "Both Marah Hativagone, the president of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) and Callisto Jokonya, the president of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) blamed Zimbabwe's runaway inflation, which at 1 023.3 percent is the highest in the world, and a host of other tribulations ranging from critical shortages of foreign currency, intermittent power outages to the high cost of borrowing funds from banks". Let me add this is the official rate of inflation, trust me, on the ground you can easily slap on an additional 500% dependant on what commodity you are seeking to purchase. Is it going to improve? The central bank dropped three zeros from the currency value, and all that did was make the situation not look as bad as it really is, truth is the situation is deteriorating, not improving! I have to hand it to Gideon Gono, this guy rose to fame in Zimbabwe in the banking sector, and was later handed the job of Minister of Finance and after many attempts has admitted failure.

So, a few weekends ago, we woke up to a lovely sunny day, decided on an outing, printed out a mapquest, and headed for the hills. Destination: Lake Cuyamaca. First stop - Julian for apple pie. If there was a famous apple pie it would have originated from a little wood cabin store up in the mountains that makes the most delicous pie. The October fest was going on so the little town of Julian was busy, and we headed out to our destination some 11 miles up the road. Funny story here. Everyone that was there had their picnic baskets and sandwiches and salad kicking back taking it easy. What do the Jubbers do upon arrival? Well we did what we know to do when out in the wild for a picnic - we started a fire, threw coals in the pit and grilled steak, chicked and corn on the cob. Widely known here as a BBQ - the African equal of BRAAI (pronounced BR_EYE). I know beyond a shadow of doubt every person who drove by our spot wished they were siting at our table sinking their teeth into a delicous steak! Zane, Tam & Vicky had the bright idea of hiring a boat and asked me to join them - it was a paddle boat! Everyone else had a motor boat, but noooo...we had to paddle. You suddenly learn real quick how unfit you are when sitting in one spot peddling like there is no tomorrow. Ok - yes it was fun...was it?

October 31st is Halloween. The kids were busy for weeks on end making their costumes for a College party that took place Friday night. Nancy and I watched our house turn upside down with material, hot glue, more material, paint, glitter and more hot glue. I wondered to myself "would I have done this in my younger years...probably", but making an outfit...no...I would buy one and be done with it. You know when there is talent when something looks good, so much to the kids dismay I have posted a few pics of them without consent and will reap later on for that I am sure - but the need to share their creativity is overwhelming. You know this is coming - but we have gorgeous kids don't we? Don't you worry, shotgun is polished constantly and ready to be displayed at a moments' notice.

Nancy's sister, Linda when she visited last year brought with her a traditional African outfit made by Chris in Zimbabwe. There was another of these school functions and so Tam decided to go dressed in traditional garb and the moment was captured thanks to digital technology. Note the cool posed Zane.

Ok, this is weird, but have you ever cleaned out your fridge and found stuff in there that either shocked, surprised or scared you? Talk about ideal conditons...we had a red cabbage tucked away in the vegetable cooler, and one morning a few weeks ago Nancy summoned us to the kitchen to view a "surprise" find. This red cabbage decided conditions were perfect and it started growing! I have never seen this happen before, and was pretty amazed.

Some sad news. This week in the Palm Springs area a raging wildfire fire has caused a major disaster in the area. As of this morning, four firefighters are dead, and a fifth is holding onto his life with 90% burns. Authorities suspect this was arson, and a reward is posted for the capture of the perp. If you have driven through the mountains, down into the desert basin you will know that this area of Southern California is majestically beautiful why anyone would stoop to such a level so as to engulf over 40 000 acres, 62 square miles of God's creation is beyond me. The fact that there are firefighters who have lost their lives in their endeavor to protect and serve is heartbreaking.

Many will know my love and passion for Formula One Motor Racing. Since 1992 I have watched nearly every race ever held, from the tragic accident that claimed the life of Ayrton Senna through history being made with seven time world champion Michael Schumacher. I will be paying tribute to the greatest motor racer in our history in a post, but for now, I salute and bid farewell to Schumi as he enters the world of retirement from Formula One Motor racing, having put his helmet on the shelf after the Brazillian Grand Prix last week, that saw Fernando Alonso claim his second world championship.

What was I thinking...? This is a real mixed grill of a post, hope you enjoyed its' content and that you will keep coming back. Famous last words - - - have a good one!

Nostalgia

2006-09-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

SOME OF THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS PARTICULAR POST AND BLOG ENTRY HAVE NOT BEEN SANCTIONED OR ENCOURAGED BY ANY POLITICAL PARTY AND I AM EXERCISING MY RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF SPEACH AND HOLD TRUE TO THE CONVICTIONS HEREIN NOTED WITH REGARD TO CERTAIN CONTENT MATTER. WHERE POSSIBLE I HAVE USED AS A COMMON REFERENCE ENGINE THE USE OF WIKIPEDIA.

Right, so I was going to put up a post about life in Zimbabwe prior to our moving to the States. I had no idea it would come close to mission impossible locating my archive of pictures collected over the years and have gone to some length sorting and re-archiving into some kind of order that can be used as a means of sharing bits and pieces of our life. Funny question - why would I want to do that - simple - because I can and want to!

Over the next few weeks I will be going back in time a few years, along with some pictures and edits and posts to give you an idea of what life was and is like in Zimbabwe today. Many people have a misconception that most of Africa is mudhuts and wild animals all over the place. To some degree there is truth in that perception but in most capital cities and major development areas there are highrise buildings and people going about their daily lives just like any other city. The city we lived in is called Bulawayo - or in the local Ndebele language KwaBulawayo which translated is "slaughter ground". Why such a base name for the country's second largest city? Well, history tells us the unforgetable truth of an age old battle between two tribes - the Shona and Matabele. The Ndbebele warriors occupied the souther region of Zimbabwe, and the Shona warriors the northern region. The two never saw eye to eye and were at war with eachother and even to this day tribal differences are noticable and obvious. We won't digress into that at this point in time, because that is a history lesson for another post one day.

There are so many places to start with so I will just go ahead and post in the order that comes easily to memory. One particularly frustrating problem which has never eased since 2000 has been the shortage of fuel - gas! Yes there is a huge shortage of this liquid gold in Zimbabwe. Running a business and trying to source fuel for company vehicles became a nightmare. There would be often times where vehicles would line up for over a mile sometimes for days awaiting fuel delivery from refineries. This was a place where both the ordinary man in the street and top level CEO's would line up together and share the same woes until that liquid gold arrived. Status means nothing when you can't drive a fancy car, and have to leave your prized trophy baking in the hot African sun while waiting for fuel. The typical rush hour in Zimbabwe does not take you more than 15 minutes in any direction out of the city to reach your destination. You can always be on time, never stuck in traffic - imagine that? Fuel did become available on the street being sold at blackmarket pricing far higher than the price at the pump, but out of shear desperation everyone would make a plan to purchase fuel to run their vehicles at all costs.

In 1993 I left Zimbabwe for a short period of time to go work in the UK in order to raise enough capital to buy equipment and start a business. I worked in a meat packing plant in the freezer cold room which I hated with a passion but knew the goal set before me, and so labored daily in freezing temperatures to earn and buy equipment. During my stay in the Uk - Nancy took the bold step of renting an office, she went ahead and painted it, furnished it, and only told me about it upon my return while driving home from the airport! You may be wondering why all the details? Well, this little office would become a national focus point many years later. In Zimbabwe there are two major political parties; zanu-pf (note that this link leads to an article which will explain why the site will not open - Zimbabwe has not paid the Service Provider for internet accessibility and so 99% of sites and web connectivity are down across the nation) which has been in power/dictatorship since 1980 and THE MDC headed by Morgan Tsv angirai(this link opens because MDC had the wisdom to host their site externally!) Well, MDC needed a regional office in our city and the very same office that we started our business in became the regional head quarters for the MDC. During the run up to the parliamentary elections in 2001 street violence between the two parties reached alarming levles, and saw the regional office of the MDC bombed. The same afternoon MDC struck back and bombed zanu pf offices. Our business was located between the two offices and so the chaos on that day and the days preceeding these events were tantamount to being engaged in a civil war - you had to be there to feel the tangeable fear, anger bitterness and hatred between two parties filling the air. There are numerous stories and events that took place during this explosive period which I am not at liberty to expound on.

Onto more tranquil events now, a few weeks prior our departure we decided to drive to one of the world's seven wonders - the mighty Victoria Falls. This was a wonderful vacation spot for us as a family, and many fond memories of the drive, the food, the people and the experience are inscribed in our hearts and minds forever. At night as far as 5 miles away you could hear the mighty Zambezi River racing over the edge of the 420ft drop. From even further you could see the smoke or mist rising from the impact of the waterfall down below. We would find a spot along the 1.7km (just over 1mile) length of the falls to sit, and gaze mesmorized into the torrent of water going over the edge. This is a place where you experience nature in a form that will impact and change your life forever. Often on our drive between the Victoria falls and where we would stay it would be common place to see herds of elephant, buffalo and wildebeest going across to the Zambezi River to drink water. During summer the land is parched and dry and rainfall is scarce so the animals instictively make their way to the waters edge, and disregard human obstructions for the sake of quenching their thirst. The rule is obvious in Zimbabwe - do not exit a vehicle, do not attempt to be tarzan, and never attempt to feed wild animals - some folks have sadly not lived to tell the tale of their crazy bravery.

On our journies across the nation of Zimbabwe in certain areas and at certain times of the year an interesting phenomina would occur. The Mopani Worm starts its life out as a moth, it feeds on the Mopani Tree, then through the amazing process of metamorphosis it becomes this beautiful worm that is on average approximately 3 inches long and perhaps half inch thick. Here is the interesting twist; this beauty is edible and is harvested across the nation in huge volumes for human comsumption. Sounds gross - but, let me tell you when this beauty has been processed and cooked in the real traditional african way it is a delicacy par none. How is it prepared you may ask? Well, if you have time on your hands and venture into the wilds of souther Zimbabwe, you can harvest your own catch, take them home and begin the process yourself. How? Take said Mopani Worm pull of the head at one end, take finger at other end, press said Mopani Worm inside out, rinse, salt and place in hot baking African sun to dry. Be sure to watch over your "curing" process because the birds and others will make every attempt known to man to steal these delicious little protein filled delicacies. The most traditional way of eating the mopani worm would be to cook collared greens, peanut butter, Mopani Worms and ground maize commonly known as SADZA. Did we eat these...? You decide! The picture of the infamous Mopani Worm is actually our youngest Vicky who developed a relationship with our catch, and so these few worms were spared the process of being preapred and eaten.

Do we miss our home? Ummm...yes without doubt. Home is where the heart is, and also home is what you make it. Nancy has a real gift for making things look pretty, and so of the many hobbies and interests we share, the one project that I stepped aside from was anything to do with the house. This was her project and she did a fantastic job! Whenever a contractor showed up asking for the boss, I would point over to Nancy and their jaw would drop...and I would exit leaving them to discuss plans and production - pretty cool combo!! Of course my responsibility would be to make sure I brought home more than the bacon to make all of this possible - and it was tremendous fun! You would have to know us to understand...

There are a number of people that are very near and dear to my heart, and within that number are the people who committed 10 years of their lives to working alongside Nancy and I as team players achieving the common goal of ensuring client satisfaction regardless of how big or small the account. We started the business in 1993 with the two of us, and in 2002 walked away from 26 team players whom over the years we had developed relationship and bonds that to this day stand firm.

As a start to sharing life in Zimbabwe - this ends the first part and I hope that you have enjoyed this and will come back for more when you receive notice that the blog has been updated. Hope you have all had a wonderfu lweekend and ready to head into a new week.

Watch this space...........

2006-09-13T20:05:00.000-07:00

I have realized my blog entries have slowed - BUT there is good news for those who check it out often. This weekend I am going to do an entry that is well overdue; our life in Zimbabwe pre-USA. I have rummaged through my personal archives and some fond memory pictures have surfaced and I will be sharing a little with you.

You will receive the usual prompt by email and so I hope you will come on by and see and read what this family was like in another lifetime.

Go Padres!

2006-08-13T16:09:00.000-07:00

Having a small shop can definately be a challenge. However, along with challenges come good breaks - and last weekend was such a break! We run Digital equipment through Xerox. Let me start out by saying in this industry and in terms of digital technology in the small shop arena Xerox have come to the table every time with fantastic solutions and great product support. Ok, that is actually for another post in time to come, the focus of this post is the events of last weekend.

We have built a really good relationship with Xerox and as it happens they came by the shop a few weeks ago, and asked if we would like to go along to the ball game - baseball that is! Well, what do we know about baseball? Nothing... Mention cricket and I will tell you that a One day game is packed with action from start to end, a 5 day test series is a political mindset that requires strategy and game plan to win. But baseball...still gotta learn the nature of the game and how it all comes together at the ball park.

Saturday was a really neat day to go to the game because the heatwave had backed off, and the Washington Nationals were in town to take on our home team the San Diego Padres. Saturday was also a special event as San Diego hosted the "best fireworks" city display. So we drove down town which was fun with the traffic and multitude of people. After parking in a lot, we took a vote and decided to grab a bite to eat before the game in the gaslamp quarter. The atmosphere downtown is unique. People fill the walkways, bars and restaurants, and there seems to be a constant air of excitement which makes for a pleasant experience if you love the hustle and bustle of people.

Entering Petco Park was an awesome experience, talk about a brand new stadium built for the perfect baseball game - that has to be Petco Park! The atmosphere was filled with excitement and we had a really great time. Guess which team we support...ahh - Go Padres!

Disneyland 101

2006-07-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

So, we have been living in California for a few years, and would you believe Disneyland is just an hour up the road, and we haven't visited yet! This last weekend was a great opportunity because Vicky does babysitting for a couple that really trust and love Vicky to take care of their baby. They had planned a family getaway over the weekend and invited Vicky along with Tammy to stay with them. They had their own room in the Hyatt Hotel - from what the girls say it was an experience to remember! The deal was that the girls would look after the baby Saturday and then have Sunday free. The opportunity arose and we had no option but to take it, and drive up towards Los Angeles early Sunday morning to meet the girls and have a day atDisneyland. I must commend Julian and Zane - they forfeited the World Cup game to drive up and be with the girls and have a day of fun instead.

On arrival, we parked the car and had to catch a mega long train type of bus, seating well in the region of 300 people. It was a short ride but when we arrived I felt for my wallet and that sudden deathly rush of blood gushed through me trying to figure if I left it in the car or had dropped it in transit - a mad rush back to the car park, up the stairs, running down to the car only to discover I had left it in the car - big sigh of relief! This is Disneyland's 50th year celebration and so the entire theme in the park is focussed on the 50 years of Walt Disney and all the achievements. The weather was superb for photography but bad for sunburn - and that is what lead me to the wallet incident because I distracted myself with the ritual of applying sun screen!

The very first character we bumped into was "Cruella De Vil" and suddenly tammy and Vicky became little kids again almost begging for a photo with her - that was a cute moment as these characters of course will oblige for photos and it was a treat to get this shot donewith the girls. You can see tam's expression - she obviously is a fan! Vicky didn't look too sure about the whole photo with Cruella idea. That is meant to be Cruella's smile - would hate to see her unhappy...I must add that the sun was beating down and I kept wondering throughout the day - how on earth are these Disney characters surviving this heat under all those costumes!

As soon as we entered the park, we heard this really fancy band playing Disney theme music, and it was an absolute pleasure to stand there in the shade and listen to them and take in the view of our first visit to the world renowned famous Disneyland. What amazed me was that throughout the day each and every event, theme and show was performed with the most impeccable professionalism and showmanship it made me see the reality of how great the achievement of Walt Disney has succeeded through the years and even with all the changes to modern technology and digitalization of this industry - this is something that will still be around 50 years to come.

People people everywhere...I had thought it wouldn't be busy - was I wrong! It is estimated that an average 200 000 visitors will visit Disneyland on the weekend! Since 1955 over 515 million people have visited the park - now that is some statistics right there...do the math at an average of $50 per person per entry. This shot was taken right after the music band, and it is the main street that runs from the entrance all the way down to the castle - it is lined with old fashioned stores doing trade (buying their goods) from memorabilia to candy and ice-cream. And speaking of ice-cream we had some mega delicious ice cream from this little store, what a treat. Sitting outside and eating ice cream watching all the peopple go by. The sights the sound the music the atmosphere - really a great experience.

This is the guy who started it all way back in 1955, this build stands tall, and I thought it was a nice bit of history to have that included in this post comemorating 50 years of Disneyland. If you look closely to the right you will spot the three ladies in my life ambling off seemingly unaware I was click happy behind them trying to get some decent shots done before the sun angle changed..and of course the day we go to Disneyland turns out to be the hottest day ever! A little way after this statue I had to get this on camera, the biggest horse I have ever seen in my life pulling a carriage. As I got the camera ready this horse stared right at me until I took the picture, almost like it knew it was being put on show. One thing I did notice though, through out our day at the Park, was the cleanliness, really amazing good job they do to make it every bit of the best experience possible.

At the end of Grand Avenue, is the palace, well it is every bit a dream as you can see. The girls demanded a photo right there, and I had to waite for other people standing in the way to get this shot. I never would have imagined that we would see what we had once heard of in Zimbabwe, and to walk through this place was an awesome experience. The variety of people, the sites and sounds, all added to the day of excitement. You know what is really funny that all three girls, every time we saw a character would shreak with excitement and I could see the rushing desire to run up and get a photo, and did I oblige..? Well...not all the time, at the bottom of the post are some pictures of the characters...

Of course Zane and Julian had to be the coolest dudes in the park. Check the shades (sunglasses...!!). Notice Tammy looking super agitated - the result of standing in line for longer than anticipated. Vicky just chilling, at this point we didn't factor in that the ride we were lining up for would be a super 45 minutes away...nice! But let me tell you, talk about breaking sound barriers in screaming...go on a ride with the three ladies and you will soon discover they can yell like three soparanos. The ride was well worth it after standing baking in the sun, we rode the log, and it went slowly through a cave, with soft music, and Disney characters acting out on staged sets, fooled us big time, because at the end of the ride is a climb, and you know after a climb, is always a drop...super drop....the rush of falling headfirst at a rate of speed into a bowl of water at the bottom was exillirating. Needless to say we were all totally drenched and loved the ride, because we needed to cool off. This shot of Nancy and I believe it or not is us totally drenched, thank goodness for the camera case because the camera would definately not have survived the water plunge!

After a few hours of walking around and taking in all the excitement we went into the Indiana Jones ride, let me tell you that was mega fun! Trying to even come close to explaining the thrill of each ride is impossible you actually need to be here to experience it. But I can assure you even grown ups can scream...during our walk down under ground to the ride, we came across something that startled us - amazing what our mind conjurs up when we for that first split second out of the corner of our eye see something. My first thought was...mmm...this unlucky guy never made it out of the ride alive...but then reality kicked in and ofcourse this is Disneyland...this sort of thing doesn't happen...or does it!?!

After the sun set we took time out to sit down, rest our feet, and people watch. You have to admit that is everyone's favorite pst time. Just to sit there and watch people go by, all shapes, sizes, colors, just a real mix of entertainment. At 9pm we gathered around the lake and watch what I have to admit was one of the best shows and imagery I have seen yet. They did all kinds of amazing effects using a water mist spray to project 3D animations followed by a really magic fireworks display choreographed with Disney cartoons and music. talk about perfect timing...they got it right! After the show we headed across the park to do our last ride, which was an indoor rollercoaster, in space. Trust me...if you didn't scream on any other ride this was the screamers delight. The entire ride simulates being in space, with billions of stars all around you, and pitch black darkness - truly incredible effect! You almost feel weightless as you hurtle through "space" even pulling a few 'g' in some turns...This ride topped the whole day of rides, and had it not been for the crazy silly line another ride would have been exactly what the doctor ordered.

We had fun people - real family adventure and fun...if you are ever in this neck of the woods, and you happen across our doorstep, we would love to take you up the road for a day of fun that you will never forget. Below are some random pics I selected to share at this time, if you would like to see more, I will be posting them on another link at a later stage and will let you know.

...don't even ask...that last photo is us going down the wood log shoot into the water drop that drenched us. As you can see Julian is making it a moment to remember, Vicky, Nancy and Tammy are breaking the sound barrier, Zane is Mr. Keeewl...and I am smiling, sitting back and enjoying the ride.

Random Access

2006-06-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

So, this post was supposed to happen last weekend and it didn't. I have thrown in a mix of pictures with occassions that will give you a better understanding of where we are at right now in life, all be it enjoying brilliant weather in Southern California. I mentioned to Dad in an email that it is sad we live 20 minutes from the Pacific Ocean, yet haven't actually been down there for a few months. Drove by a couple of weeks ago after dinner with Vicky and Julian just to watch the sunset. As summer approaches I will need to make a concerted effort to work on a tan of some sort. It has been a busy week, which we are always thankful for, but to park the ride for a couple of days and relax is also nice. Having said that relax just means doing something else constructive around the house!

So, some news first up is that Dad has moved from Vorthuizen to Apeldoorn. This is a beautiful city that we lived in when we were in Holland in the 70's. Even as a kid the memories of yesteryear still ring fresh in my mind, and knowing that Dad is back in our old city is quite amazing after all these years. An update on Dad first - he is doing wonderfully! The Lord has touched Dad and restored him in every area of his life, and today he is a man following after the very heart of God. Ok, back to the move. It started out first as a "locating a place" trip first, once a place was secured, Billy and Tante Nel and Oom Henk did some hard work in transforming an empty shell into a livable place of comfort. What Billy didn't realize is the fact that the camera angles of his shots which were I think a month apart match almost identically...could he have planned it that way - I wonder!?! The first two pics are of the shell before the design and work was done, the following two pics are the work of art, truly impressive:

A few weeks ago was Africa Day for the Church, we had Pastor Dan, Kirk and Marilee share on their recent trip to Kenya. They had gone with World Vision to a village to set up a support structure for 45000 people in that area. Imagine good old Africa, no running water, no Doctor nearby, no medicine, sharing the watering hole with cattle. Well, they had a really special time there. They shared how they thought they would go to Africa and be the blessing, yet they returned home with hearts overwhelmed at how the folks there with very little were the blessing instead. I had shared with Pastor Dan that Africa will change your life, the people are beautiful, the experience is life changing. Anyways, as part of honoring the weekend at Church Tammy wore a genuine authentic hand made traditional wedding dress made by Chris Goredema from Zimbabwe. Linda brought it with her on her visit in December. You will see in the pic below tammy indeed looked splendid.

You knew this was coming - I made another batch of biltong two weeks ago. This time the mix was perfect, just the right cure, well balanced, well cured, and seriously delicious. The problem with making your own biltong, is that instead of giving it the correct number of days to hang and dry, one is always tempted to sneak a preview taste, and so the number of sticks and slices slowly goes down. Nonetheless, this batch was mega lekker. There is nothing like sitting down and chomping a seriously tasty stick of biltong. Memories flash back from the good old days of lining up at Tilbar Butchery in Bullies and then selecting your sticks of biltong, heading home to snack on the treat. Well, what can we do...gotta make your own now or order online and pay an arm and a leg for it. So just for the record, the picture looks kind of gross, but this was a picture taken right after the cure was spiced....trust me it was really good!

Little Lotus celebrated her first birthday and we went along for the occassion. Ian and India have the cutest little girl! As you can see from Tammy and Vicky, it does seem to me that mixed couples produce outstanding kids. No offense, don't get me wrong we are all beautiful (are we...?) Nancy insisted I take the camera along, so I did, and managed to get a few decent shots. This is little Lotus in the arms of Vicky, whom she by the way loves big time! And then a group photo from left to right, Zane, Tammy, Vicky and Julian. Wow, just looking and the girls with their boyfriends gave me a real chill! It suddenly dawned on me that time is racing by, and that can only mean we are aging - what a shocker. Well, better enjoy these moments, because they build and shape the memories for tomorrow.

Bill's got talent. Pity I don't have any before pictures but he tackled the downstairs of his home, and redid the entire wallpaper and painting. Makes you wonder what we do working regular jobs instead of doing stuff we are really good at. I do remember what the scheme was before and now looking at this scheme, I am really impressed. So, Bill you might want to make a note of this - next time youare in Southern California there is a small job here that needs your attention. Just kidding, I think this is a great job, and I am sure Linda loves it as well as the kids.

Sorry Snoo, you also had to figure this was coming. This is Nancy setting up the "House Cafe" at Church. She had no idea I was doing pics and so I sneaked this one in. She will soon be telling me to take it off...ummm...how do I do that? Sometimes the best photos are taken when you don't know it! Taske note of the color scheme, wasn't even planned talk about random that is pretty neat don't you think? Hey here is a thought - click the link above, and check out the Church website. There is a resource area that you can browse to and listen to services online. Here is a teaser for you - I am speaking in one of the services...won't tell you which one. Thats the fun of checking out a website, if you come across it let me know. There is some good stuff in there.

Finally - what a pleasure not to ink up a press anymore. This is the way of the future. Two inline fully networked digital machines! The beauty is clients upload their work direct to our server and its a simple matter of converting files to print ready, load the machine, walk away and let it spit the work out. This is the way of the future in this industry. Sounds simple but there is more to it, trust me. I won't bore you with too many details, but let me say for those of you who visited Victory Printers you will remember the mess and fuss of getting a printing press to run. Thank goodness I have done this for over 20 years. Nevertheless the transition from offset litho to digital is no walk in the park. From, points, picas and hairlines, to ftp uploads, pdf and native files...ahhh the beauty of seeing it all come together in an absolute fraction of the time compared to conventional offset printing.

Hey thanks for stopping by here today, at least I have mixed it up and posted a variety today, hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and take care out there.

No Mess, No Fuss...

2006-06-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

So, we are well into June, and before you know it 2006 is half way through. I have been trying to think what would make an interesting post and draw traffic to this blog, and the truth is right now, my mind is drawing a blank. Sometimes that is a good thing! I have however some good news, in that I have been in contact with a school friend from over 20 years ago - who would have thought! We were in the same Junior School, and have had a good laugh sharing memories of pre-teen era - I look back on life and am stunned at the fact that I now have two teenage daughters and wonder where all the years have gone...

Ok, I have a few topics that will be blogged perhaps this coming weekend, so please stay tuned, and as they say in the business..."watch this spot..."

I wonder if any visitors check out the link of my favorites - there are two that are of good interest. The link to our Church - where if you browse to the "resources" link you can listen to services online. The other is a link to Zimbabwe news, if you want to catch up on what is going on over there check out that link.

Hope you are all having a great weekend, take care and come back soon to see whats news.

Memorial Thoughts

2006-05-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone - I know this is by far the longest I have been taking to post anything to my blog. I am really glad however that the traffic is constant and people still come back and see what is new. You would think that would be enough motivation to keep it going...mmm! Well, Monday is 'Memorial Day', and it is a special day here in the States. At Church today one of the brothers who is a Major in the Marine Corps honored fallen heroes and it suddenly dawned on me that the freedom this nation enjoys is largely due to the ideals and convictions of this great nation, and the young men and women who go and do the work of keeping those ideals in place. A new documentary that has started on tv here is a real crew over in Iraq filming the medical side of the war "Baghdad-ER" this touched our hearts deeply as we watched in total helplessness the casualties being brought in and the events that unfold. Such a moving Documentary - we truly salute all the courageous Military Forces for their valiant courage while on their tour in Iraq. A Real Estate agent did something really wonderful - they bought little American flags and went through our entire neighborhood and pegged the flags in all our driveways - how patriotic is that! Nevermind the cost - the thought is huge...thank you for that! Well, I have had my turn on the soapbox, let me just say that sometimes it is good to slow down, look a little higher, and totally appreciate the bigger picture. True FREEDOM is beautiful and should not be treated lightly, it comes at a price that no man can pay except by laying down his life...

Mother's Day

2006-05-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

I have seemingly slowed dow on my posting which isn't a good thing. I have noticed that the last few weeks have been really hectic both at home and at the shop - but that's no excuse. This weekend marked Mothers' Day - a good time to give honor to our Moms, wives and Mom's to be. I never really thought about it much, but looking back in my life, I would have to say that my Mom payed a pretty significant role in my life. For all you Dads out there don't panic your turn will come in a few weeks time! This was just a good time to reflect on what it means to have a Mom who took the time to nurture and establish our lives as we were growing up.

I recall a time when we lived in Holland and life wasn't easy making a new start in a new country, learning the language and adjusting to a whole different culture. Although Mom was dutch, and knew the life she worked with us to help us overcome a number of hurdles. I know both my parents worked long hard and very difficult hours. Dad was on the road by 430am, and got home when I was heading for bed, Mom caught the bus to work daily, and worked equally hard to put food on the table. There was a day I nagged her when she had just arrived home - there was a particular toy that I really wanted. The toy shop was close to her office - my brother and sisters don't know this story - do you know what Mom did? She put on her coat, took me along for the ride and went all the way back to that toy shop and bought the toy for me. She never complained, never argued, never told me how tired she was...willingly she saw my desire for a toy...and went completely out of her wa to fulfill my need. Sometimes, we overlook the goodness of a Mother's heart, what valuable life lessons can be learned along the way that shape us and make us who we are!

It is good to take a moment just to look back and see how awesome our parents have been to us all over the years growing up under their care.

To all you special Mothers out there, we treasure your care, your love and your faithfulness, always we will love you...Thank You and God bless you all...

Geek Alert

2006-05-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

Did you hear just the other day that the richest man in the world is Bill Gates. Yip - you guessed it. He has a net worth of over 50 Billion Dollars. How does one man acquire such wealth? He has however indicated that before he dies he will give it all away to causes such as teh fight against AIDS-hiv, malnutrition and variou other foundations. Pretty noble....time will tell -

So back to the Geek Alert; you know when you buy a computer nowadays, you plug it all in and start playing right away, the machine is factory setup to run with minimal setup issues. After asking a few questions and experimenting, I have figured out a trick to free up resources. I won't get too detailed in this post, but if you check on your system resources you will be able to work out that close on 66% of system resources are running and being used ALL THE TIME. This is normally pre-installed "gunk" that really serves no purpose other than to have sponsors and advertisers pay for the manufacture of the unit in the first place. Well, the trick is to head on into the deep and dreary depths of the operating system, make a few changes, and presto - resources are freed from your systems' operating ram, and you increase the speed of the system without having to make drastic costly changes.

Geek Alert #2 is this; if you find that Explorer trips you up every now and then, may I give you a suggestion to give Mozilla a try? You will be pleasantly surprisedat the speed of this free browser, and furthermore the layout and preferences tab allow yu to custom build your broswer so that it runs and performs the way you want it to, not like the very generic Explorer. Mozilla has a wealth of tricks in there - the ability to disable cookies for one, build your browser to run the way you want it to, view complex sites and graphics in a fraction of the time Explorer does...all I can say is give it a try, you will be pleasantly surprised...

Out-Back?

2006-04-19T19:49:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have been quiet for a couple of weeks. So now is a good a time as any to catch up and let you know what has been happening lately. The best news is that Dad is doing very well. He had a blood transfusion last week because his bloodcount was low, and that has rejuvinated him on top of the world again - great news!

As Easter approached it was time to head out of town for the weekend, so the mountains and dessert seemed attractive and the right thing to do. The drive out was good, opting to use no major highway or freeway but to experiment and follow the unconventional routes of the outback. I was thinking traffic would be a nightmare but oddly enough it was pretty good. This time of the year schools are out for "Spring Break" so my guess is everyone headed for the beach due to the magnificent weather we have been experiencing lately.

Being out in the hi-dessert was relaxing and peaceful. No traffic; no noise; no tv; no phones; no people for miles; no distractions....the list is endless. The weather was really good, apart from Friday crossing over the mountains into the dessert was pretty interesting, I should have been alert and grabbed a few pics but I didn't...right on the crest over into the dessert the weather changed and the wind picked up to a pretty scary level. At one point the vehicle was almost difficult to control. I took a bunch of photos and tried to exclude people from the shots to give you the sense of peace and relaxation and beauty that can be experienced just a few hours from madness in the city! The first pic is just after the sun went down, and above the dessert there were a bunch of military fighterplanes doing manouvres high in the sky. The after burn effects through the distant sun was spectacular. The other pics are pretty self explanatory.

Ahh before I forget, I just want to give a big congratulations to our dear friends in Perth, Australia, the Bingham Family - on receiving citizenship downunder - and to Debbie who this week arrived safely in New Zealand to start a new chapter in her life - congrats to you all....

Making Biltong!

2006-04-03T20:06:00.000-07:00

Ahhh after over three years of not having the luxury of driving down to Tilbar Butchery to buy a few sticks of the best biltong ever, I have finally got round to making a batch here at home.

So what is biltong? Well, it is dried meat that is cured and spiced and given 4-6 days of hanging to mature before eating. After much online searching for a decent recipe I found one that I was able to modify and not only did it have the recipe but it had the blueprint for making a biltong box. At the bottom of this post are a few pics of my biltong box, and some of the contents. I managed to buy a really good peace of London Broil approximately 8lbs with the fat trimmed off. Making biltong until you master it should have as little outside fat content as possible to avoid curing issues from spoiling the whole batch. I bought my chunk of meat at "Sprouts" where the blockman was very helpful.

Here is a list of the spices I used:

Whole Coriander Seeds, WholeBlack Pepper seeds, Kosher Salt, Brown Sugar and Organic Cider Vinegar.

My modified recipe goes like this:

Cut meat across the grain into half inch strips. trim away any excess fat. Put some of the cider vinegar in a clean sterilized spray bottle, evenly spray both sides of the strips, and place on a paper towel to soak up excess liquid. Place coriander in frying pan and heat through for approximately 10 minutes. Place coriander in grinder, and blitz until you have an even mixture of powder, husks and whole seed. Mix brown sugar, kosher salt (not as salty as regular iodized salt...) and coriender mix in a bowl, and then evenly coat each strip. Once all strips are evenly coated place in a bowl with paper towels at the bottom to soak up excess liquid/blood etc. Allow meat to cure for 4-6 hours. Once complete - take each strip and dip into hot water and cider vinegar mixture, place on paper towel to soak up excess fluid. Mix spice to taste in a small shaker (my spice is: coriander/blackpepper/kosher salt) Some recipes include garlic flakes, piripiri - I guess whatever your taste is mix accordingly, I prefer the more traditional flavor. Spray each strip once more gently with cider vinegar, and then shake your spice mix minimally on both sides, and then pierce strips, and hang in biltong box. My biltong box is just a regular shipping carton, modified with a light fitting at the bottom, a few holes punched out at the bottom and top to ventilate and keep air circulating evenly. I have placed my box in a cupboard area that is not opened frequently - this will spoil your meat with temperature fluctuations...be tempted not to open the box too often, and especially don't be tempted to snack on the biltong until it has had a good 4-6 days hanging time to avoid a mega upset tummy...been there done that...not a good feeling.Sit back, waite for a few days, open the box and presto...you have made your own biltong - a famous delicacy throughout Southern Africa.

I have attached a few pics below for your viewing pleasure so that if you are trying to visualize it now you know what we mad Africans love to snack on! As you can see in the pic on the right, it turned out spectacularly good!!!

Spring Time

2006-03-24T20:37:00.000-08:00

So, here is the deal. Spring began here on Monday this week at 10:30am - what has somewhat amazed me is the fact that people can now pinpoint the start of a season right down to the hour and day it is due to begin. What is even more striking is the almost incredible turn around in the weather. Literally overnight the temperature has changed and feels a little like summer already. Yes sure that is early days, but the good thing is the cold is finally behind us.

What I do at the end of every day when the sun has fallen below the horizon, I go out and fill the bird feeder with food for the birds as they make their breakfast stop by us. Well, this morning I didn't hear our little friends, and so I peeped out the window to see the neighbors' cat sitting directly under the feeder flicking it's tail in a real frenzied way. I watched this very same cat a couple of weeks ago pull a bird of the fence as mentioned in a previous post. What strikes me is that even a common household cat has an inbuilt predator mechanism that will never change. What is that saying " you can take a monkey out the bush, but you can't take the bush out the monkey..." I guess it is true. I opened the bedroom window, and tried a civil approach, and spoke to the cat - it turned its' head and looked up at me and seemed to be listening. "Please leave my yard, and the brids that come here alone, go away..." I said. Well ,it didn't move. So, I changed the tone in my voice, and yelled "scram...get out of here" - it took one look at me, and bolted over the fence into its' safe haven, looked back over at me, and calmly walked away.

Could it be that animals are becoming more and more domesticated than we think? Why would a cat want to catch and kill a bird when it feasts on 'eats' that are almost so delicious that humans could if need be eat them too? I know this is such a random post but it amazes me nonetheless...

MIRACLE 101: BECAUSE GOD CAN!

2006-03-11T15:25:00.000-08:00

Ok, so my posts have been mediocre for a while. This post is going to knock the socks of you!

I mentioned in an earlier post that in December 2005 my Dad now living in Holland with my eldest brother was diagnosed with cancer -Non Small Cell Lung Cancer - NSCLC or large cell carcinoma. At the time of diagnosis Dad was in stage four and was given two options.

Option one: No Treatment and two months to live.

Option two: Immediate chemotherapy.

I had phoned him and had a chat with him, and at the beginning of January, he did not sound too good. He told me not to worry because God was going to turn this around. Right after that call we got Dad onto "The Father's House" prayer list, his Church in Holland started praying for him too, as well as family in South Africa, Holland, UK, and of course us here in the States. What really was a wonderful gesture was the family in South Africa called us to a fast, and knowing the power of God working in a circumstance when we fast, it was a welcome and timely thing to do.

Dad's next scan revealed that his right lung had cleared and that the tumor had not grown. He continued the treatment, going into the third segment of the process. Knowing that with this particular strain, there are only 4 rounds of treatment when it has advanced to stage 4 - Dad went last Monday for a scan and check up...what was to unfold that day is an absolute indication that God still works miracles today!

The xrays and tests were brought to Dad and my brother, and the tumor is GONE! I am compelled to Praise the Lord because this is a miracle from God! Thank you Jesus Christ for working in this circumstance - all the Glory is returned back to You.

I know that to many people this sounds off the wall, weird and strange. But how do you cry out to God, asking Him for a miracle, and then to know the full extent of a situation, knowing the end prognosis is poor, yet after physical tests evidence a super-natural experience. If you were to ask my Dad "what happened" he will tell you straight up "I am healed because God touched me". His life has transformed - he tells me that he wishes he had followed the Lord earlier because he has missed out on His goodness - this is a work of God, there is no doubt.

Why would God bring healing to Dad, and yet Mom isn't with us anymore? Well, because He can, it is His call, to give life, healing, salvation - it is all upto Him. I know in my heart that Mom is in the presence of the Lord rejoicing and worshipping God. What matters is how we live through the years given to us, and make sure our destiny is secure in Christ.

I rejoice in the events of this week, and am compelled to share this testimony with you. All we know is for this time God has performed a miracle and therefore the Glory is returned back to Him 100 fold.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post - it is the best post I have penned yet!

Glory to God...!!!

megs, gigs and kilos #$@^!

2006-03-03T19:14:00.000-08:00

Ok so I remember back in the day working out of Victory Printers, I would often chat with Naresh when he still worked at Lithocraft Industries. One of our age old chats centered around being able to design work and send it across the internet platform to other vendors and service providers for proofing and filmout. At the time it was a mere thought and possible technological switch that would kill deadlines, and time wasting for the need to burn images and files to CD, and then driving across town to drop the work off for processing.

Amazing how such a thought back in Africa 5 years ago is reality now in the States. Such e-technology has been up and running here for years. What made it soo easy to transition chats and thoughts into reality? BROADBAND. Zimbabwe still does not have the infrastructure for broadband capabilities, and "dial-up" is still the only source of ISP connection. Although 56kbps Modems are sold under the thought that a true 56kbps connection is possible - is simply untrue. The cable network and infrastructure still at best will only allow a true connection across the nation of nothing more than 28.8kbps. Frequent "booting" is the order of the day, and so for most folks who can afford a web connection and internet access, the best time connecting is after 10PM at night. The prohibitive factor then becomes = cost. Some providers are charging zw$25000.00 for very 15 minutes of connection! So, knowing the limitations of connection, this makes the transfer of data basically impossible until the issue of connectivity is resolved, which is going to cost billions, and require incredible man hours of work in putting in place fibre optic cable in major centers. What becomes more important in a difficult situation - Putting food on the table or being able to access broadband internet connectivity? You decide...

So, back to the reality of being able to send data across the web for purposes of production, proofing, filmout and design work. My brother setup our company website and added a nifty little feature that enables the transfer of huge volumes of data across a secure internet connection. Clients can design their work from the comfort of their home or office, logon to our website, drag and drop their data into our secure FTP (File Transfer Protocol) link, and within a short space of time dependant on file size, I have their work on my desktop in a matter of minutes. AMAZING! Just an example - a brochure printed both sides in full color, with high resolution graphics with an estimated file size of 120mb will transfer into our FTP server within less than 10 minutes. What makes this possible? It is the use of Broadband, unlimited internet access and the knowledge on how to make it all work. The beauty in this industry is being able to have a secure constant connection 24/7 for literally pennies on the dollar, a truly magnificent investment if transfer large files and data is required.

I often think back to how much we wanted this technology to work at Victory Printers in Zimbabwe, and wondered when it would be possible. Sadly the answer is still as dim as it was 5 years ago...it may never happen. Today, out of Artistic Printing here in the States, we are able to use technology as a silent partner to drive business to our front door, to capture the unseen client who browses the web for their requirements, it is our silent marketing agent working across the globe drawing traffic and business to itself. It seems that the closer we get to harnessing this huge leap forward in technology makes us wonder what we actually ever did without it to begin with. The internet has made life easier...BUT it should be used for the purpose for which it was intended, and not abused in the very many ways that we see today.

This is just a bit of a thought pattern that I have penned tonight, and so it may be very boring, but fear not, some good posts will be on the way soon. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, take care out there.

High Resolution Winter Bulbs

2006-02-25T17:56:00.000-08:00

I am starting to enjoy messing around with my digital camera. I figure why have the technology and not experiment with it. Being winter and heading into spring there are some very picturesque plants in bloom at this time of the year, and so I flipped my camera onto macro and did a variety of interesting plants in our garden. The sunlight was gone, and so I used my flash in some of the pics. Talk about needing a steady hand...well, I am going to need some practice. Hope you like these shots...

POST 40...

2006-02-25T08:35:00.000-08:00

This marks Post # 40...

Woo hoo...it's the weekend! Ever had a week that never seems to be ending? This past week was mega long for some weird reason. I worked a couple of nights at the office and remember the hours were similar to what I used to do at Victory Printers in Zims.

All across the States it is winter and snowing and real cold, yet here in Southern California the skies are crispy blue, the sun is shining, and yes it is still chilly at night but the days are magnificent. We have noticed in the garden some winter bulbs have begun flowering and they are really a sight to behold, later on I think I will hook up the ccamera and post some nature pics. Just saw a real bad cat do a dirty deed. I had just filled the bird feeder while making my first cup of coffee, and like clock work the doves, and finches arrive for breakfast, well a little red finch was sitting on the fence obviously debating breakfast, and out of nowhere the neighbors' cat pulled the bird off the fence and killed it...Made me think of how we "sit on the fence" in some of our own life situations. I guess the moral of the story is be in or out, don't opt to sit on the fence the end results are bleak.

I see in the news that Mozambique had a tremor measuring over 7 on the $%$#@scale. Shook parts of Zimbabwe's eastern highlands, and was felt as far down as Bulawayo. Pretty weird for that part of the world to have such a tremor.

Hope you all have a lekker weekend to all my friends in Aussie, NZ, UK, Holland, SA & last but not least...Zims, keep in touch and take care out there.

The Father's House - Our Church

2006-02-11T18:24:00.000-08:00

I have just noticed that I haven't posted to the blog for a few days already, so here goes. This isn't a huge post, but I just wanted to share with you all the launch of our new Church website.

I have had the honor of being able to work with the team on making the launch a success and want to share our new site with you. Here is the address, all you need to do is click this link: The Father's House.

On the new website, if you go into the Resources link you can listen to services online, at the moment these are all audio, but we are looking to add video in the near future. Check out all the other exciting links relating to Ministry, Missions, Gallery of pics, and a bunch of interesting info.

It is amazing to see how technology is crossing airwaves and arriving on the desktops of millions of people across the world, if we can harness this powerful tool and use it to touch lives, can you imagine the impact it would have? I think it is a unique feature to be able to click on the Listen Online link and be able to hear the service and be a part of what God is doing. Who said God's family isn't huge? Whether you are here in the States, or all the way over in Australia, the Gospel can touch your life and be challenged to change - amazing! The one thing that has really been a revelation to us is that the Lord wants to build solid lives in His body, so that we can be a shining light to the world and reach out with His grace to bring others to His saving mercy.

I hope you take a moment to have a look check it out...

Reality

2006-01-29T20:51:00.000-08:00

As usual I have slacked off on my updates. Pretty crazy start to the year has taken me away from being mindful to create new submissions. Well, let me back up the story a little to give you some insight...

The week of December 19th Dad was scheduled for a regular check up with the family Doctor. So, Bill took him and the doctor was not too happy with what he saw, and had Dad put in Hospital that same day for tests. Dad has been feeling very tired constantly, lost his appetite, and had a bad chest, so they did a Biopsy and had it cultured. The results were not what we were hoping for - turns out Dad has lung cancer, and through excellent research by Bill, we have been able to gain more insight and it isn't as simple as everyone thinks. Dad was presented with this news and given two options: no treatment and have a couple of months, or go for Chemotherapy and extend the time frame. Well, of course Dad opted for the treatment and has already started it. I know this sounds rather candid, but Dad would like me to share and be open, because he knows the seriousness of what is going on.

Over the last number of months, Dad has made a concerted effort to turn to the Lord and has developed a lovely walk with his Savior - Jesus Christ. He found a fellowship in Barneveld, has been attending regular meetings, and even connected with some lovely brothers and sisters in the Church. They now visit with him, and share and pray and this is a wonderful testimony. On the other hand, Bill and Linda have worked round the clock to ensure that everything continues to run smoothly, and that Dad continues to receive the best treatment and care possible. I am so blessed to have a wonderful family both in the Church and out, and wouldn't have life any other way!

I think knowing what happens to us through this life is such a big confrontation - I have found myself asking questions about it, and trying to figure in my mind what it is all about. My answers are far from the deep theological type of bantering, rather I think of it in a few simple terms. We were created, given a purpose to this life, and are journeying through to our final destination. The way we walk life out here, determines pretty much where we will finally end up in the hereafter. I know for a fact, that our purpose through being created by God - was for God! He predestined us to walk through this life serving Him, and ultimately to spend eternity in His presence worshipping Him. Sounds pretty easy but it isn't. There are many ups and downs, but through it all if we can see His mercy and grace and understand that He loved us first, and chose each of us for His good purpose then the complications in life become easier to deal with.

I often wonder why bad things happen in life, but the more I focus on the "why" the less I see the "because". Sometimes we don't really understand what it is all about, and that is ok, because I don't think we need to know every answer to every question. What I do know is that I need to try and live my life in such a way that I bring glory to God. Do I fail? YES. Do I give up? NO. It is part of the journey to keep focussed on the big picture and continue to walk that narrow path that leads to life.

I am pretty much phillosophying here, but just felt I wanted to share how I am feeling about all of what is going on this year. Some of it has been good, and some of it has been bad, but that is how it is. It's not the situation that matters really, it is how we deal with it when we are confronted by it. One thing I know for sure, God promised in His word, that we ought to "...hope...in Him, because hope - does not dissappoint..."

So, would you consider your destiny today? We need to know for sure where we are headed in the future...some questions cut real deep, but we need that from time to time. Thanks for reading this post...

Biltongless in San Diego

2006-01-14T20:42:00.000-08:00

So, many of you are not aware that for the last three weeks we have been blessed with having Linda - Nancy's sister visit us from Zimbabwe. What a treat this has been to have family visit with us. The last visit we had was from my brother Bill, and so it has been refreshing to see Linda, and to catch up on life and the many trials and tribulations of life in Zimbabwe.

She flies out Sunday morning and we can confirm in the short period of time she has been here the situation has not eased but intensified back home. Just today the news is school fees have gone up between 150% & 500% - I would love to know how you budget for such price hikes. What happened to free education for all? Surely kids of today will be our leaders of the future? So, where does it all come from one wonders?

Well, nonetheless, Linda and Kristen had a good time, all be it we didn't do much or go too many Places, just to have family was a blessing a plenty. For Kristen, it was her first flight, her first ocean viewing and tasting of Sea water, for Linda a time to take her mind off the stress level back home, and for us the blessing of having family in our home once again. If you are ever in this neck of the woods let us know we would love to have you come by here and stay with us a while. This is ofcourse for family and if you are our friends you are family!

My submissions have slowed a little but in the next few weeks I will be back upto speed again. It is difficult being the butcher, baker and candlestick maker and juggling many acts at the same time. So here is to a wonderful week, the middle of the first month of 2006, lets go out there and make it a good one...I know my Redeemer lives...!

The first ten days...

2006-01-10T22:42:00.000-08:00

And so here we are heading off into 2006. Who would agree that time is really flying by? I wish I could remember how fast time went as a young boy growing up. Seems the more I try and think back to those days, the slower it seems the days were. Now, we no sooner get to Friday, and Monday is right on the doorstep. My guess is the key to this zooming time is that we try and make it fun, despite hardships along the way. One thing that really dawned on me when pastor Dan preached a couple of weeks ago was the following:

Are we merely existing or living for God? I have to say that for the most part, I have simply been existing. It is time to start living - living for God! There is more, we just have to go to the right source...give it some thought.

All the best for 2006!

2006-01-01T19:17:00.000-08:00

As promised here is my video clip wishing you all the best of success as we go into 2006...

CLICK HERE

Belated Christmas wishes

2005-12-25T16:50:00.000-08:00

Greetings all,

As promised slightly later than anticipated, here is our short family Christmas greeting to you all. I think that if none of our videos and audio files are playing you might consider downloading the new version of Windows Media Player from the official Windows site. But fot the rest of you folks who are upto date on the software side of things CLICK HERE for the Jubber family Christmas wish.

Beautiful Day?

2005-12-24T19:48:00.000-08:00

This is a goodie - enjoy! I have found a few that bring back memories, and also sound pretty kewl. Hope you like the updates that will be posted here as and when I come across them...