Bohemians and kangaroo

Do you have a bucket list?? I don't really have one. I have places I'd like to go and things I'd like to do, but I've never written them down. So when I was on my way to see La Boheme at the Sydney Opera House, it occurred to me that I never even thought about this happening! Here I am, a music major and never thought about going to the SOH. Wha???!!!

Boy, am I glad my life's not dependent on a bucket list. I first. visited the SOH on a previous trip. But we just walked around it. So this trip, I thought, why not see what's playing?? So when I saw it was La Boheme I knew it was a must. I vacillated, as it wasn't cheap, but sometimes you take the plunge knowing you may never get the chance again. And boy am I glad I did!! We were about 10 rows from the top but we were perfectly centered. The best part of being up there was the ease of seeing the translation. (I didn't even know Operas had them!). It was a very surreal experience and so, so glad I did it!!!

Then the other thing I got to experience that I really wanted to was eating kangaroo. I'm not gonna say it was easy but I did it. (Now before anyone goes postal on me here, kangaroo down under is no different than deer in the US). I had a hard time with that 1st bite though. I had to keep telling myself, it's just like eating deer. I had to get the image of that cute little roo face out of my mind. :). And I have to say it was really good. Very lean, tender, dark red meat. It's cooked to a medium rare - just like I like my steak! It's a bit gamey tasting, but I did enjoy it.

Sydney is a friendly and fascinating city. I always felt very safe and knew I could always find someone to help if I ever needed it.
But after a week in the city, we were ready to move on. And so begins our journey along the southern coastline. Stay tuned for more on that adventure.....

Sydney City Sightseeing - Say that 10 times fast!!!

This is our 2nd trip to Sydney. Unfortunately, the 1st one we stayed north of the city, across the harbor, Scott was at a convention, so we didn't see much of the city. This time we are staying right in the heart of the city, and I have to say it is fantastic! We are staying in the Sydney Hilton, which is a beautiful hotel. And since Scott has status with Hilton we get a few perks. Access to concierge lounge, free full breakfast (which is $45/person) and a corner room with a view of the harbor. (Well, I can see the reflection of the harbor in the building next to us!)

As far as a city goes, Sydney is pretty much a city like any other. Australia, being a fairly young country, reminds us a lot of the US. Very similar architecture and lay outs. But what makes it so special is the tropical climate. Comparable to Hawaii. And the beautiful waters of the South Pacific.

The people are friendly and the city is clean. They don't even throw their cigarette butts down! But there is one major problem with them. THEY WALK ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE SIDEWALK!!! We are constantly dodging people and I am constantly pulling Scott to the left side of the sidewalk. :). The number 1 fatal accidents in Australia are pedestrians getting hit. But, there is an obvious reason for that as well. Think about when you step off a curb to cross a street. Which way do you look first? Left, of course! Well, look left here and step into the street before you look right, and......SPLAT! You just became another statistic. So unless you're from here, the UK, or Japan, it can be a bit daunting just trying to walk!! Sunday we pick up the car to drive south. We've done it before, but I'm still a bit nervous nonetheless.

Just outside of Sydney is the famous Bondi Beach. That's bond-eye, not bond-ee. Famous for surfing, it is an absolutely beautiful place. We loved it so much we may have stayed a bit too long. And our red faces and arms are showing it today!

Is it the destination, or is it the journey?

After a 25 hour journey to reach the destination of down under, I'd have to say the destination wins this one!!! But on the other hand, did the destination just miraculously happen? Of course not! It took detailed planning, forethought, and labor. Yes, parts of the journey were fun and invigorating - like researching and planning all we would do - and parts were excruciatingly painful - like the last 5 hours of the plane ride. But all combined its what makes the destination so much better! I know where I'm going, I have a sense of what it will be like when I get there, and the hard times make me appreciate it all the more!

So wouldn't you say the same is true about life - and the end as we know it? A few weeks ago I asked my Facebook friends to tell me where they thought a soul went after death and how it got there. First let me thank those that responded. It was great and helpful! But then let me say, I was not surprised by how few responses I got. It's the one destination people are just not as excited to talk about. And the main reason, I believe, is because they are unsure of it.

How many of you have ever been going through your normal everyday routine and suddenly end up at an airport, look at the destinations board, go purchase your ticket, and off you go? No preparation, no luggage, no passport. Just a whim. I dare say - NONE OF YOU!!! So then why do so many people do that for their Final destination. One day you will be going through your normal everyday routine and then BAM - you're in front of the destination board of your eternity. But guess what?? At this point it's too late to choose.

Think about a God that created the universe, down to the smallest detail. The tiniest particles, atoms, molecules, have an oh so important role in the operation of the universe. So there is a God that took great care and detail creating this, creating you, wouldn't He also have the exit plan in order? Of course He does! Would He leave it a mystery to us to figure out, or hope for? Of course NOT!! His heart's desire is for all of us to spend eternity with Him, in Heaven. (Matthew 18:14 - it is not the will of the Father that any should perish)

Scott and I made a plan to get to Australia. We bought tickets. Took care of things at home for while we are gone. Purchased necessary items and packed our belongings. Stopped the mail, alerted our bank and credit card. Tiny details to insure a successful trip. Then we went on line and researched where to go. Read blogs and reviews of what people had seen and done. We could "see" where we were headed and got so much more excited about it!

Well, God did that for our life as well. That's what the Bible is. A roadmap to the destination and how to prepare for the journey. He used reviews and "blogs" of others to give us insight. And He gave us clear steps as to how to insure we reach that destination planned for us. I loved what one friend told me about the end. He said he believes "the same thing happens to both Christian and non-Christian souls, it's just that for the Christian and his lifetime of faith and belief makes him more joyous and less fearful." Why? Because of the planning and knowing about the destination!!!

You can be sure! The guidebook is there!! And the bottom line of your soul and its destination is clearly stated there.

John 3:16 -18 "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him." - The Message

It's about Jesus! He is THE way, THE truth, and THE life. NO ONE can get to God without Him!! (John 14:6) He is God's plan for your life! You CAN know. The journey is not a mystery and the destination is glorious!! So what would stop you? If I'm wrong (and everyone in my family knows I'm never wrong), then no harm done. But, if I'm right, your eternity depends on it.

(If you have any questions regarding this blog, please feel free to comment or email me at barb2012hhl@gmail.com.)

Politically Correct Much???

Politically correct(PC) - conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated (Merriam-Webster)

Yeah, sounds good on paper, but where does one draw the line?  Black/African American.  Indian/Native American/1st American.  Flight Attendant/Stewardess/Steward.  Server/Waitress/Waiter.  These identifiers could go on and on.  Some offensive or racist....but most "who cares!"

But, more importantly are the certain things you just shouldn't say because you may offend someone who might believe differently. (Like let's say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas!) 

Don't offend........Well, guess what???  Probably THE most offensive piece of writing would be the Gospel of Jesus.  Pretty sure it would not be considered PC.  Why, how could you ever tell anyone they are doomed to Hell if they do not believe as you do??  Hmmpph.

But, I don't want to say too much about it, because the lack of PC in this man's speech is absolutely brilliant.  I truly believe much of what he said flew right over the heads of most participants.  (A few parts I myself had to listen to twice!)  So this is all I need to write today, so please take the time to hear this man through.  Take note of his thoughts on a "dumbed" down America and the implications of that.  And his parables are thought provoking and oh so true of where our government stands today.  He takes no sides - left or right - and hits them both in the gut a few times, and I'm sure they never saw it coming!! So ladies and gentlemen (or to be PC, my fellow gentlepeople) I give you the director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Dr. Benjamin Carson.  Enjoy!!!

Click on link to view:
Dr. Benjamin Carson