God Already Loves You Perfectly

I realize that I’ve written variations of this basic thought many times before, but I am reminded that I need to write it again:  God is not out to get you and you don’t have to do more nice things in order to get Him to love you.  He loves you completely and unfailingly, right now.  Go ahead and do nice things.  That’s wonderful, helpful and good.  But the nice things you do won’t finally convince God to love you more.  He already loves you perfectly!

An Intellectual Journey

In my early adult life I began to wonder about God and Christianity.  And I began to ask myself questions along these lines:

Is this Christian faith—that I say I believe—something I really do believe?  Or, is it something I’ve just accepted because it is what my parents have handed to me?

Can the Christian faith hold up to hard questions and intellectual scrutiny?  Or, is it simply a blind leap in the dark?

This began a process that has prompted much thinking, questioning, searching, self-reflection and study.  I am not a brilliant person.  But I have enough intellectual capability to think and reason and investigate.  And this has led me to discover and read authors such as:  Paul Little, Ravi Zacharias, G.K. Chesterton, Josh McDowell, Philip Johnson, William Lane Craig, C.S. Lewis, James Sire, Norman Geisler, Frances Schaeffer, Os Guinness, J.P. Moreland, Charles Colson, Paul Copan, N.T. Wright, Lee Strobel and many others.

I have discovered that the Christian faith has an incredibly deep and rich intellectual heritage.  It turns out the hard questions have actually been asked and wrestled with for a long time.  In fact, I found that questions I would have never even thought to ask have been grappled with for many centuries.

Have all my questions been answered?  No!

But I realize, now, that no worldview, philosophy, or scientific approach can answer all the questions.  There are simply things we do not know.

It’s almost like “life” says to all of us, “There are things you don’t get to know.  Get used to it!”

Do I still have faith in Christ at this point in the process?  Yes.  I still believe.  My heart still tells me that He is the way, the truth and life.  I cannot walk away from that conviction.  This may sound strange to those who do not share my convictions, but the truth of Jesus seems as true to me as the fact that I breathe.  But now my intellect is satisfied that it is a reasonable faith based on truth that is supported by credible evidence.

Dan Marler

Oak Lawn, IL

A Minute And A Half of God Stuff Podcast - No. 16

God reveals Himself in the world He created.

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Obedience To God, Not The Expecatations of Others

Sometimes we find that other people have scripts for our lives.  Their scripts may be good or bad; they may be well-meaning or they may be motivated by their own self-interest.  I’ve often been far too influenced by the expectations [or demands] of others.  But it’s helpful for us to remember that the point of our lives is not to live up to other people’s scripts, it is to be obedient to God’s call.

God Cares About The Details

Some people think it’s arrogant to believe that Almighty God is concerned about the details of one individual’s life.  “He has bigger things to deal with!” they say.  Actually, it is demeaning to God to believe that He cannot pay attention to every little detail of the universe.  He is totally aware of everything.  That’s part of what makes him God.

E-Flash From Dan, July 26, 2013

Dear E-Flash Friends;

It is the desire of Jesus, as expressed in His prayer to the Father in John chapter 17, that His followers would experience loving unity.  But, if you think about it, that’s a pretty tall order.

What does He mean?

How can we be unified?

After all, people seem to have this terrific knack for rubbing each other the wrong way.  Well, those are such terrific questions that we’ll be dealing with them this Sunday.  You won’t want to miss!

We’ll have music that will inspire.  You know the worship team is cooking up something great, right?

So, make plans to be here.  God will be here and you will be blessed.

Love and blessings,

Dan

P.S.  Here’s the latest “A Minute And A Half of God Stuff Podcast.”  What is prayer?  Click on the link and check it out.  It’s 90 seconds of helpful inspiration!

Link…    http://visitusonline.org/scmedia.php?type=mediaplayer&loc=visitusonline.org/media/media/mediaplayer.php&id=2013072610073393F40F

P.P.S.  By the way, we’ve created a new “A Minute And A Half of God Stuff Podcast” page online.  Click on this link to check it out!

Link….    http://aminuteandahalf.blogspot.com/

A Minute And A Half of God Stuff Podcast - No. 14

What is prayer?

                  Click here for podcast!

No Fasting Necessary? Ah... The Simple Pleasures

My doctor’s office called because I am scheduled to have some blood tests done tomorrow.

They called to remind me about the appointment and they added, “By the way, since we are not checking your cholesterol you do not have to fast tonight or tomorrow before the test.”

I’m amazed and chagrined at how quickly a smile spread across my face when those words hit my brain: No fasting necessary, after all!

It’s the simple pleasures, you know what I mean?

Being Respectful And Gracious Even When We Disagree - Real Tolerance

The modern notion of tolerance has somehow come to mean that we will all agree that everyone is right.  In other words, everyone’s personal “truth” is correct. This is illogical and self-evidently incorrect.  The real challenge of true tolerance is to acknowledge that we disagree and, yet, continue to communicate in respectful and gracious ways with those whom we disagree.

In The Light, The Truth Is Revealed

In the Bible Jesus is referred to as “light.”  In the darkness things are hidden.  In the light, those hidden things become visible.  The truth is revealed in the light of Jesus.  People who do not want certain hidden things to be revealed don’t like Jesus.  This is one of the reasons why Jesus said “the world” hates Him.

A Minute And A Half of God Stuff Podcast - No. 13

There is salvation in Jesus Christ.

                       Click here for podcast!

In The World But Not Of The World - Audio Podcast

John 17:13-19

                      Click here for podcast!

"Stop Worrying!" Sure! But It's Easier Said Than Done

Some of us are wired up in such a way that we worry about… um… let’s see… well, pretty much everything.  By the way, when I write about being “wired up” in such a way, I’m not trying to use that concept as an excuse.  We need to trust in God and not worry.  However, this tendency for worry and anxiety is a part of the natural psychological profile for some of us.

I hate to admit it, it’s embarrassing, but I’m one of those with this tendency to worry.  I know, some of you are saying, “Just stop worrying, Dan.  Stop it.  Don’t do it anymore.”  I agree with your words of challenge.  You’re right.  But I hope you will be gracious and understand that it is easier said than done.

So, I find myself frequently, turning to the book of Philippians chapter 4, verses 6 and 7, and reading these words:  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The good thing about my struggles in this area is that they are, yet, one more reminder of my need for God’s help, His mercy, His love, His presence, His grace.

I’m glad that He is so generous with these qualities.  And I am thankful for the peace which transcends all understanding!

A Minute And A Half of God Stuff Podcast - No. 12

 God is all-powerful.  He is the creator and sustainer of everything that exists.

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Receiving God's Love So We Can Give Love To Others

It’s important for us to really believe that God loves us in order to generously extend love to others.  People who love others willingly and graciously are people who truly understand that they are recipients of unconditional, unfailing love.

A Minute And A Half of God Stuff Podcast - No. 11

No condemnation? Really? Yes, for those who are in Christ Jesus.

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Drive Thru Delay

I pulled up to the drive thru window and ordered my food.  Several cars were in line ahead of me and they were serviced in a normal amount of time.

After paying for the food at the first window, I pulled forward to the second window to pick up the order.

That’s when an unusual amount of waiting began.  At first, I reasoned, “Well, sometimes things happen.  So just relax, hold on a moment, and don’t get excited.”

But as the time ticked on I couldn’t help but look inside and I didn’t see anyone moving around.  I could see a couple of the cashier stations and they were not being covered by anyone.  I could see customers in the restaurant, but not workers.

I knew there were workers in the place because someone took my order and someone took my money.  As I mentioned, the cars in front of me were served in a reasonable amount of time. 

As the wait time increased, cars were lining up behind me and I could see the driver in the car directly behind my car.  He was looking at me and shaking his head as if to say, “What in the heck did you order?” 

I tried to give him a shrug and an I-don’t-know-what’s-going-on look.  But his body language and facial expression suggested to me that he wasn’t buying it.  He had determined I was at fault for this long delay.

But I had only ordered two items!  Two normal, popular items from the menu.  Nothing unusual.  (And the main item was a salad, so, don’t get upset that I was at a drive thru window!)

“What’s going on in there?” I thought, as I looked around for signs of life.

Finally, a young person came to the window and said, “Here.  Here you go.”  And practically threw the bag containing my order into the car.  Then, laughing, she disappeared from the window in a flash.

I glanced in the bag, verified that it contained my two items and pulled away.

I was puzzled but then I remembered the days when I worked at a place with a bunch of young folks and the adult bosses were gone.

As I recall, that’s when a lot of fun happened.

We Are Not Responsible For Controlling Others

There are times when it’s very important and helpful to remember that we are not responsible for controlling other people.  Most of the time, self-control—being disciplined and responsible in our own lives—is plenty for us to handle.

E-Flash From Dan, July 19, 2013

Dear E-Flash Friends;

                                                                                          

Check out this phrase: Christians are called to be in the world, but not of the world. 

Have you come across this concept?  It’s an idea that I’ve heard for many years—“in the world but not of the world.”  The idea is rooted in something that Jesus said in a prayer to the Father that is recorded in John 17.

This idea applies to you and me.  We are challenged to be in the world, but not of the world.  The question is:  How are we supposed to do that? 

Well in 28 minutes, this Sunday, I will answer that question precisely for us.

(See how specific I am?)

I know you’re interested in issue of how God expects us to live our lives.  So you will definitely want to be here this Sunday!   My heart is already beating a little bit faster just thinking about us all being here together.

Did I mention the worship team will be helping us praise and honor God with exciting music?  Okay, well I’m mentioning it now.  They are planning a great time for us.

                                                                                                             

When YOU are encouraged, strengthened, challenged and blessed that is a wonderful thrill for me.  That’s going to be happening this Sunday.

Invite a friend, load up the car, and we’ll see you then!

Love and blessings,

Dan

P.S.  I’ve been getting a great response from people on the “A Minute And A Half of God Stuff Podcast.”  It’s quick, encouraging, helpful and fun.  Click on the link for the latest episode!

Link….

http://visitusonline.org/scmedia.php?type=mediaplayer&loc=visitusonline.org/media/media/mediaplayer.php&id=201307190707341E91C5

A Minute And A Half of God Stuff Podcast - No. 10

God is light and the darkness can never extinguish the light.

                   Click here for podcast!

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God Walks With Us Through The Predicaments

“Life” sets these strange, unrequested, unsought predicaments on our doorstep and says, “Okay, here’s something for you to deal with.”  We’re likely to look at these predicaments as “interruptions” or “hassles” but, frankly, they are a necessary, important and, even, inevitable part of our journey.  And as we begin to move forward attempting to sort out the components of this new reality, God walks with us.

A Minute And A Half of God Stuff - No. 9

I know you're busy.  So here's some helpful, biblically based... QUICK... info about God!
We cannot live the way God calls us to live without the help of the Holy Spirit.

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The Way To Have Eternal Life

John 17:1-5.  This podcast talks about how to have real life, according to Jesus.


             Click here for podcast!

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Intelligently Interpreting The Media Spin

When talking heads in the media speak about the need to have a “conversation” or a “dialogue” regarding certain subjects in the culture, I’ve noticed that there seem to be times in which the real meaning is this:

“Your opinion is actually unwelcome and will not be tolerated. But I use words like ‘conversation’ so you will think the communication is going both ways while I tell you what you’re supposed to think.”

By the way, I know this post comes across as kind of cynical and I don’t like cynicism.  Actually I don’t mean it in a cynical way I mean it in this sense:  When people in the media talk it is not unusual that it involves “spin” or loaded words.  Therefore, it’s helpful for us consumers of media to be savvy and discerning so that we can intelligently interpret what they really mean.

God Can Always Handle The Truth

God is always gracious, loving, compassionate, patient and understanding. That means we can always be honest with Him.  He is never frightened or put off by the truth. Even if no one else can handle the truth—the real truth—about what we think and feel, believe this: God can.

Acing The Stress Test

I took a stress test today—it’s the test that involves walking/jogging on a treadmill—in order to determine if it would be medically sound for me to engage in a “cardiac rehab” program.

As I was being prepped for the test I felt that everything would go well.  But you never know how a test is going to turn out until after the test because that’s the point of taking a test in the first place, right?

Anyhow… immediately following the test my cardiologist came into the room to examine the results.  Speaking to the technician who administered the test, while viewing the results, I actually heard him say the word “wow!”  [No kidding.]

Then he turned to me and said, “You did great.  You don’t even need cardiac rehab!”

He didn’t literally mean that I shouldn’t engage in the rehab program he was just indicating that my performance on the stress test was very good.  Obviously, I will be entering into the rehab program.  But as you can imagine, I felt tremendously encouraged by his comment.  It’s nice to get some good news regarding my physical condition, these days.

By sharing this story, am I suggesting that I’m some type of amazingly strong, wonderfully fit physical specimen?  No.  Don’t be silly.  Of course not.  I’m just saying that my fitness level is fairly similar to Batman’s at the peak of his training.  But other than that, I’m not making any type of unusual claims.

Don't Let Religious People Be A Distraction From Jesus

I know there are some religious people who can be a great disappointment and, frankly, a pain in the…in the… rear end!  (See how diplomatic I can be, when I make the effort?)  But, don’t let those people distract you from the truth of Jesus and who He is.

The Security Check Point

After walking through the full body security screening check point, at the airport, I went to retrieve my computer.  An agent was holding my bag and had a very grim look on her face.

“Sir, do you have any electronic devices in this bag?” she asked.

I have heard that airport security agents do not respond very well to joking.  So, I resisted the impulse to offer one of my witty responses.  (After all, she was pointing to what was obviously a computer bag and asking if it contained any electronic devices.)

Instead I gave a succinct, honest response:  “There’s a Kindle, an I-Pod Nano and a lap top computer in the bag.”

“Your bag triggered a security alarm, sir.  I need you to step out of line, please.” she said.

“What does that mean?” I asked.

She said, “That means we’ll have to do a search of your bag.”

At that moment another agent stepped up, began putting on rubber gloves and said, “Sir, I’m going to have to do a fully body pat down.”  [I’m not kidding about the rubber gloves.]  He was not smiling so, again—mustering up heroic will power—I resisted the urge to offer one of my knee-slappingly funny lines.

The agent explained the “pat down” procedure, describing in detail exactly what he was going to do.  Where he would touch me.  How he would touch me.

Then he pointed to a little room about 25 feet away and said, “Would you prefer that we did this in a private area?”

I said, “No, we can do it right here.”

He did the pat down.  And then he mumbled something that I couldn’t understand.

By the way, both of the agents that I dealt with spoke so softly that I had to ask each of them to repeat what they said several times.

He repeated, “Okay, we’re done.”

“May I retrieve my belt and the items that I removed from my pockets, now?”

“Yes,” he said.  But he kept staring at me with a look that seemed to say, “I’ve got my eye on you, bub!”

The other agent returned from the more thorough search and second X-ray of my bag.  She looked at me, pointed at the bag and mumbled.

“Pardon me?”

A little louder, “Okay, you can go.”

“Do you know what triggered the alarm?” I asked.

She shook her head and said something that I couldn’t understand.

So, holding up my pants with one hand—I still didn’t have time to put my belt back on—I grabbed my computer bag and got the heck out of there!

In the back of my mind, I wonder if the terrorists have hacked into the airport security video feed and are sitting, somewhere, having a really good laugh, right now.

Perils Of A People Pleaser

Are you a “people pleaser?”

I’ll admit it.  I am.  In fact, I was hesitant to even write about the subject because I thought it might displease some people.  (I know.  It’s bad, isn’t it?)

I’m not actually thrilled about this aspect of my personality, but it’s a hard thing to change.

Now, on the one hand, people pleasers tend to give lots of consideration to the thoughts and feelings of others.  So, in that respect there are times when it can be a nice trait.

On the other hand, however, people pleasers often care too much about the opinions of others.  That can be a hard way to live.

Also, people pleasers inevitably run into the discouraging reality that we simply cannot please everyone, no matter what we do.  That has been a source of considerable disappointment to me.  But I’ve found that it’s better to come to grips with this truth sooner rather than later.

I read an article a while ago in which the advice of the author was, basically:  Screw other people and their confining opinions.  The main thing is to please yourself!

(He actually used more colorful language but I toned it down a bit.)

(Are you pleased?)

I can understand that there is a certain appeal to that way of thinking.  One of the problems, though, is I honestly do not believe that always seeking to please myself is the main objective of life.

In fact, I shudder to think how ugly things would get if I only sought to please myself in every situation of life.  Wow, what a disaster that would be!

As I ponder this matter it occurs to me that one of my great challenges in life, as a slightly embarrassed, but self-confessed, people pleaser, is to try to keep in mind this truth:  Actually, my main goal is not to please myself or to please others.  My main goal is to please God and then be alright with letting the chips fall where they may.

I’m working on it.

Why I Share God Stuff

Several years ago, a good friend suggested that I get on Facebook.  I was a bit reluctant but I figured, “Oh well, let’s give it a try and see what happens.”

I hoped to share a few fun stories and, hopefully, spread a little humor. 

(By the way, it hasn’t escaped my attention that my humorous stories that get the best response are the ones that reveal my weaknesses, mistakes and foolishness.  Hmm…)

But I also wanted to write some things that would be thoughtful, sincere and helpful.

So, you may notice that I frequently write on Facebook and other social media forums about God and my faith in Christ.  Please understand, I don’t do this because I believe myself to be holier than others or as an attempt “force my religion” on people. 

Some of my friends have no interest in this “God stuff.”  I am aware of that reality.

But I hope you will understand that the reality of God and my love for Him is the essential truth of my life.  It would be dishonest for me to attempt to write things that are important and true and not mention God.

It is my desire to express truth in my writing.  I am thankful for your patience and respect with my understanding of these matters.  I will always attempt to extend that same respect to you.

Love and blessings,

Dan

E-Flash From Dan, July 11, 2013

Dear E-Flash Friends;

The will to live is a powerful desire that God has put in each of us. You want to live, don't you? Of course you do. Me, too!

This is part of why we resonate so powerfully with the idea of eternal life. We have a strong desire to experience the reality of living forever with God.

Jesus spoke about eternal life and how we can have it in the book of John chapter 17, verses 1 - 5. We will be talking about that passage of Scripture this Sunday, July 14th. I believe that God has given me a message on this topic of eternal life that will challenge, motivate, encourage and inspire us!

Being gone for a while always reminds me that there is no church where I experience the presence of God and the fellowship of God's people like our church in Oak Lawn. I'm really looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday!  I hope you can make it.

Love and blessings,

Dan

P.S.  Take a moment to check out the “A Minute And A Half of God Stuff” podcast!  God has always been and He will always be.  Click on the link to hear more.

Link…    http://visitusonline.org/scmedia.php?type=mediaplayer&loc=visitusonline.org/media/media/mediaplayer.php&id=20130711080722F12F88

The Three Year Old And His Language

I was sitting at a table in a park doing some writing when I spotted a little boy, who was probably about 3 years old, jump out of a car in the parking lot.  The little boy was followed by his older brother, who was probably about 5 or 6 years old.

The boys ran over to an area where I could see them and hear them while their mom was unloading some things from their car.

The 5 or 6 year old boy was teasing his younger brother—that didn’t surprise me.  That’s fairly normal behavior for brothers.  I still tease my brother, and we’re in our mid-50’s. 

(He almost never chases me around the backyard anymore, though.)

What did surprise me was the language that came out of the little boy.  He used foul words and combinations of foul words—sexually charged combinations—that were stunning to me in terms of their explicitness and vulgarity.

Again, he was probably about 3 years old.

I don’t blame the little boy for the obscene language that he was using, I realize that he was just repeating things that he heard in the environment in which he lives.  But my reaction to what I saw and heard made me extremely sad.  In fact even now, 8 hours later, my heart is still heavy when I think about that little boy.

I’m not perfect and, obviously, I haven’t always said things that I’m proud of, so, I’m not writing this in a self-righteous way.  I mean for this to be a word of encouragement and challenge to myself, as well as anyone else who reads it.  Here is my challenge:  Our little ones are listening and watching and soaking in what we do and say.  Therefore, with God’s help, let’s do our best to let them hear good, positive, lovely, praiseworthy, helpful, admirable words from us. 

A Minute And A Half of God Stuff, No. 7 -- Audio Podcast

God is the Creator and He is worthy of our worship!

               Click here for podcast!

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I Got Nervous At The Redbox Line

I’ve only rented movies from Redbox a couple of times.  So, I don’t work my way through their system of screens and prompts quickly. 

I know you’re probably thinking, “Sheesh, Dan, it’s not complicated!”  And you’re right, it’s not complicated.

But, although I didn’t realize it at the time, I made a tactical error in my approach to this situation, this evening.  You see, it was already early in the evening on the 4^th of July when I embarked on my movie rental excursion.  I should not have waited that late to rent a movie.  When I arrived at the Redbox station, there was a line of people.

When my turn finally came, I did not know in advance which movie I wanted to rent.  I really wasn’t sure what would be available.  I was unwisely counting on the time and freedom to scroll through the various movie options at a leisurely pace.  But as I worked my way through the Redbox screens I was keenly aware that there was a group of people looking at their watches and waiting.  In fact, I think I may have heard a couple of deep sighs and some impatient toe-tapping from those who were in the line behind me.

So, the pressure was on.  Unfortunately, I don’t perform well under pressure.  Also, I am not particularly fast when it comes to selecting movies.  I like to think it over—pondering the subtleties of the mood that I’m in—and weigh my options carefully.

I suppose all of these stress factors help to explain how this nervous, rapid selection process resulted in my accidental rental of, “Barney Meets The Smurfs.” 

Oh sure, this is probably a wonderful film with outstanding acting and a brilliant plot, but it was not the movie that I was hoping to view, this evening.

E-Flash From Dan, July 4, 2013

Dear E-Flash Friends;

I was just reading a portion of the “Declaration of Independence” (yeah, I know, I’m a guy who really likes to live it up!) and I was reminded again of the courage, intelligence, faith and resolve of our country’s founding fathers. 

One of the lines in the document that caught my attention refers to the fact that the signers of the Declaration were appealing “to the Supreme Judge of the world” on behalf of their cause.  They understood and they acknowledged a higher authority than the powerful “British Crown” or, for that matter, any earthly ruler.  I believe that is an indication of their wisdom.

What they did is noble and inspiring and we have benefitted greatly from the country that they founded.  I realize that these men weren’t perfect and that our country is not without its flaws.  But I am still impressed by what they did and I am, still, deeply, deeply grateful to live in a place with the kind of extraordinary freedoms and opportunities that we enjoy.

My hope and prayer is that your 4^th of July is happy, safe and enjoyable.   As we celebrate the independence of our country I am also hoping that we are acknowledging this Higher Authority to whom our country’s founders appealed.  He has blessed me far beyond what I deserve and I’m trusting that you recognize and appreciate His many blessings in your life, too!

Happy Independence Day!

May God bless the U.S.A.

Love and blessings,

Dan

P.S.  We will be having great services this Sunday.  The worship team is planning wonderful music and Chris is bringing a message on the work of the Holy Spirit that will inspire and encourage you!  You won’t want to miss it.

P.P.S.  If you have a minute and a half (come on, that’s only 90 seconds) I invite you to listen to a new episode of the “A Minute And A Half of God Stuff” podcast for 7/4/13.

Click on this link…  http://visitusonline.org/scmedia.php?type=mediaplayer&loc=visitusonline.org/media/media/mediaplayer.php&id=2013070407073257FC40

A Last Minute Room

Three months ago, I made reservations for a room in Fort Myers where we were planning to stay for several nights.  Yesterday—which was the day before we were scheduled to arrive—I received a call from the company through whom we made the reservations and I was told, “Mr. Marler, the room that was reserved for your family was flooded and it is no longer available.”

“Flooded?!?”

“Yes, it was flooded.”

“Well, that’s not good,” I replied.  (One of my gifts involves confidently saying things that are obvious.)

“We are working on getting a new place for you,” the rep explained.  “But this is a holiday time and there is not a lot available.”

“We have to have a place to stay!” I said.

“I know,” said the rep.  And at that point he tried to crack a joke…but neither of us laughed.

Today, we woke up and did not know whether we had a place to stay, or not.  Did I mention that it’s not good to be on vacation and be homeless, too?  It takes a lot of the fun out of it.

Fortunately, our rep came through and we have a place to stay.  Whew!

Upon arriving at the room I have to confess that I looked around for a manger, but…no… it turns out that there are regular beds here. 

…Sure, we have to share the beds with other critters, but beggars can’t be choosers, right?