High crime rates, mud slides, wild fires, long commutes. outrageous price of living - what were the other reasons for living in California?

We are lax today

"Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you."
"Abstain from every appearance of evil."
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
"That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God."

We have become awfully lax today, haven't we?

Lord Massereene

Clotworthy John Eyre Skeffington, 11th Viscount Massereene. How about that for a handle? Not to be outdone, however, his son was Algernon William John Clotworthy White-Melville Skeffington, 12th Viscount Masereene. The kid was probably in the 8th grade before he could spell his name.

More about "Wildflower" by Skylark

"Wildflower" Interesting note about the song I referred to in the post below. I got a reply from the man who wrote the words to the song:

Hello Mark, and blessings to you and your dear wife from Jerusalem.

Well, when I read your message about Wildflower, as forwarded to me by Valley, I was moved to tears - and I do mean literally. That I could have played a role in such a beautiful story as the love you describe with your wife - well, I am more than moved: I am truly honored. Over the years since I was first inspired to write those lyrics (and Doug Edwards subsequently added his beautiful, almost haunting music), I occasionally get word of how the song has been instrumental in changing the lives of a number of people. In one such case it saved the life of a teenaged girl who first heard the song as she was walking into the ocean to drown herself. I don't know if you read about that or not, but if you would like to, you can see it at: http://www.olografix.org/krees/dfnet2/?p=93.

A bit of an update on me, personally, if I may be so bold: I retired in 2000 after a 35-year police career in Victoria, Canada, and then spent the next 6 1/2 years working an alcohol/drug addictions ministry through a church with which I was involved in Victoria. Then 16 months ago I was blessed enough to have the Lord lead me to Israel where I have been volunteering with a ministry called Jaffa Gate Ministries (JGM), which includes feeding at least some of the less fortunate people of Jerusalem. (See: http://www.jaffagateministries.com/kitchen.htm ). It is a wonderful ministry that even leaves me enough time to be working on a book I am writing about the Biblical perspective on addiction, and the freedom from that particular bondage that is attainable.

Anyway, I won't take up any more of your time, Mark. I just wanted to express to you my sincerest gratitude for your beautiful email. You have no idea how wonderful it was for me to read such a wonderful story as you documented it in your message, and I am honored just to make your acquaintance via email. Also, please give my kindest regards to your dear wife and convey to her how humbled I am to have contributed in some manner, from so far away, to the effort you both have put into the last few decades of your lives together. Again, I am honored. I pray that God will bless you both in every aspect of your lives together - including the lives of your children and grandchildren.

"Finally ... whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things ... And the God of peace will be with you."

(As much as I would like to have written those uplifting words, they were written by the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:8).

Blessings to you again...

Dave Richardson.