During the last several years, before I decided to return to work, I devoted myself entirely to charity work; making sure my church ran in a smooth, business-like manner; making personal appearances for several foundations, usually raising funds for the less fortunate, and generally doing what I could to improve the community I lived in.

In a way, I felt immortal, in the sense that I thought, So long as I’m doing what the Lord expects, He’s going to watch over me until the job is completed.

Now, realistically, I know I could go at any time. The flesh is mortal. It breaks down. It dies. End of story. This, I’ve known since childhood and being electrocuted.

However, I have also known that the Lord has my destiny in His hands, and only He knows the appointed time I am to return Home. That’s a comforting thought, because it means I don’t have to worry or deal with that particular issue. None of us can skip out on the meeting with our Maker, therefore we may as well settle in and get to work; running the race that was given to us.

And doing charity work; helping others in need can be very good for one’s self esteem. I also believe it has many health benefits; peace of mind being one of them; not being bored is another.

Helping others; being involved with local, national and international charitable organizations also gives me the sense of the many blessings the Lord has bestowed upon me, as I carry another’s burdens; listening to their needs and praying with them to find the Lord’s guidance in which path their Provider wishes to lead them, and then encouraging the people I meet to walk that path with renewed joy and optimism.

About this time two years ago, I felt a nudge; an urging to change course in a new direction. I was quite happy and content to be where I was... retired and wrapped in a cocoon. Why would I want to upset the happy balance I was in?

Because God does not like contented, slothful children. Character of strength does not build that way. Oh, He’ll allow you to be in a certain mode for awhile, just for you to renew your energies; your spirit, but after awhile, He’s going to give you a gentle pat on the behind and tell you it’s time to look another way. Yes, you’ll hesitate and procrastinate. He expects this, and actually allows it for a short time, but after awhile... here comes the two by four.

The belt came to me during the Spring in 2003. I remember that evening so clearly. I was in my living room with Jean and another friend sitting nearby. I began to feel trapped; constricted and restricted. My breathing heavy and panting as I spoke with conviction and passion that it was time to sit down and write that story that had been in the back of my mind for years.

For hours, I poured it out to them. I was like a man possessed, and I could actually feel the strain wanting to burst forth from my chest. It was almost as though I were about to give birth. I could not be held back, and if I didn’t do something about it soon, I would have gone stark raving mad!

I’ve known this kind of feeling in the past. I didn’t just want to ride a bicycle atop the Great Wall of China from one end to the other, I had to do it else be committed. It was as though I were being pushed beyond my control. If it wasn’t done soon, I’d have died.

And so it was with returning to work of turning another dream into reality. I saw the story so clearly in my mind’s eye. I could see the plan outlined as to how we would go about the process.

And I could also hear the logic behind the project... doing charity work is taking all your time and energy and producing very little in return, whereas if you go back to doing what you know, you’ll make more money that can be divested and diverted to the charities you now support.

Made sense to me when I heard it. The more you make, the more you can give away.

So, I allowed the possession to take over, praying endlessly that this was not my doing but the Lord’s. I trust no one. Not even myself at times, and constantly test the Spirits.

I practically locked myself away; chained to the computer, as I wrote the script whenever there was free time in my schedule (I was also busy cleaning my church, as well as helping to care for my neighbor’s elderly parents). In 10 days it was finished, and the next 15 months was spent putting the rest of the puzzle together, such as the casting and fund raising (always a fun part).

Then the real work began, as I became a man of many hats as writer (and re-writer), producer and lead actor (I don’t feel comfortable with the term star, because I’m not one. I’m just me). Not to mention having to deal with the publication of my first book while shooting the film in another state.

And who would believe I did this stone cold sober? This was true madness.

But I knew the Lord was with me every step of the way. We were in this together and I like that feeling; that comfort of knowing I could depend on Him. We got through the ordeal and turned out a product I could be proud of; a film I know will please my target audience of Baby Boomers, Senior Citizens and women, not to mention my own people, the Christians.

Sometime this year Yesterday’s Dreams will hit the theatres and the public will give their verdict. I’m not worried about flying tomatoes. Just so long as the Lord is pleased with my efforts that’s all I’m concerned with, and ready to move on to the next project He has for me.

Being a servant has many benefits; the blessings too numerous to count. When you place yourself on the side of the Lord, you really are immortal.

Until Next Month,