To go there required a preliminary landing at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island to clear U.S. Customs first.  Then, with the invitation of a local Victoria pilot, it was on to ‘Spyden Island’, a smaller ridge-backed island just North of San Juan Island where a very short and a-la-natural airstrip greeted us.

It may not have required exceptional piloting skill to land there, but it wasn’t exactly a ‘piece of cake’ either.  Up-hill and rocky, with an approach through the trees, it was never-less very worthwhile.

The first time I went there I was solo, having followed the aforementioned guide in his airplane, and he introduced me to the caretakers, a Mormon couple, who were very accomodating.  This was in the ‘70’s so I have no idea what has transpired since that time, although I heard the business idea had not progressed.

At that time they were employed by investors that had envisioned the entire Island as an elite African hunting game reserve! In fact they had actually imported African game animals, including gazelle’s, giraffes, and even a tiger!

I was given a courteous tour of the island, in a zebra-striped open jeep mind you, and although I didn’t see any giraffe or tiger, I did see many gazelles, who seemed to thrive there, not least because of the man-made shelters provided for them. There was also a massive African style hunting lodge constructed out of the timbers logged from the Island, with huge man-sized fireplace at one end and private rooms off the main lodge room.

Later, back on the Saanich Peninsula near Victoria, I was told by local residents on the higher hills, with views to the South, that they had seen giraffe and other animals on Spyden Island with binoculars. This was just one example of many enjoyable flying experiences out of the Butler-Howroyd airstrip on the Saanich peninsula on Vancouver Island.

There is much discussion these days of ‘pedophilia’, for the very good reason that it has become a malignant boil on society in general. 

I won’t try to list the underlying reasons why this has developed into a full-blown world-wide trend, right along with homosexuality.

My purpose is to just provide an object lesson for youth’s today, with my own experience;  a ‘close encounter’ with a sexual predator that took place years ago.

I was an early teenager, 14 or 15 at the time, frustrated and angry with parents for one reason or another as most teens experience.

I decided to hitch-hike, on my own, to wherever it led me that night.  Of course hitch-hiking was far more commonplace and seemed much less dangerous in the ‘50’s.  

So there I was standing on the curb at Kingsway and Slocan Streets in Vancouver, just after sunset, with my thumb stuck out.

It didn’t take very long before a big sedan pulled over, the driver opening the passenger door for me.  But within seconds after hopping in, a sudden cold fear gripped me.

Without saying anything, the driver  immediately turned off at the very next corner into the Slocan park parking area!

Even as the car was braking hard I sensed the need to bail out, and grabbed the door handle.  The driver realized this, and he reached over and grabbed me by my left leg.  The car had not quite come to a sliding stop yet so he still had to keep his other hand on the steering wheel.  I opened the door and lunged, using all my body weight to pull away from his strong grip. With every bit of strength I could muster I was barely able to yank my leg out of his grasp, than I ran for my life!  

With wheels spinning he threw his car into reverse backing out of the parking area onto the road, then screeched away back up to Kingsway again to my great relief.  Evidently he thought better of chasing me down, as I headed across the street to houses facing the park rather than out into the park itself.

That was a frightening lesson in life I’ve never forgotten, and I hope if you are a young person reading this you will take heed!!

So proud and complete the magnificent tree, with dauntless resolve to remain truly free.
Directed, strengthened, creations sure dye,
reaching and spreading to mature in the sky.

Like thoughtful mankind, you search for pure light, though bound to the earth, your leaves take to flight.

Majestic, serene… ever unseeing,
over all man and beast, yet having no being.

When, comes the time, from past up to date, yes on us all, will soon be this fate;

To find a place ‘neath your shadow to rest,
and thereby return to those living blest,
the greatest of gifts so pure and profound…
life without judgment, peace to abound.

 
                        ‘Mum’

May we never forget to give our affection,
to the one who sought to give us direction.

How easy to see that certain connection
‘tween gentle love and sterner correction,
when the delicate balance between these two, has been struck so nicely, as it was by you.

While times may change and certainties dwindle,  there’ll be no less of the hopes you kindled.

T’ward the seed of your husband as his dear wife, you gave loving devotion, a summer of life.

So accept this thanks for being my Mum,
I’ll always remain your loving third son.

                       ‘Headlands’

Rolling hills so green and shadowy,
completely untouched by human insanity.
Rounded with headlands so gallant and blue, smooth sides glide down to seas green hue.

Nations and culture, unknown and uncaring, who can dismiss your bounty and bearing.?

No bias reflected, not crude or indignant,
yes beauty for all, from wise to ignorant. 
 

Search your heart through, strive for knowing, those hills of beauty, insights bestowing,

to all who seek it, gain deeper perception,
of God’s great plan needing human reception.

                   ‘Black Woman’

Poor little dark woman so humble and worn like a shriveled fall leaf, shriveled and torn,
you have no direction, care not why your born,  to exist only for now…  loveless, forlorn.

                        ‘JOB’

O’ ancient man, yet a man flesh and blood,
your grave opened up deep down in the mud.

Searching for mercy and help from your patrons,  questions unanswered, filled with vexations.
 
Torture and trial, no wisdom or knowing, t’was the burden of proof God was bestowing.  

Tested by Satan, revealed to mankind, a symbol for all, this justice, not blind.

Frailties of life, near death Job rebounded,
God’s good purpose through him was recounted.

True faith and devotion like a crown can be worn, by those who remember, while crushed and forlorn…
 
integrity, endurance, proved Job his Creator, how sweet the reward for righteous behavior.

Note: The following is based primarily on a true Canadian experience by the author, with only names, and ending, changed.

(copyright © 2002 all rights reserved)                                                
               
No one remembered who had injected the ‘brain-wave’ into the usual excited chatter that noon hour… perhaps it was divine intervention.?

The day began normally enough.  Terry’s customized English Morris Minor squirted around the neighborhood picking up buddies.  They ended their raucous 10 minute  ride to school in a gravel-flying slide beside the shop teacher’s new Buick.

There was just enough time to jostle with the rest of the gang, while other students condemned world pollution.  By the time the warning buzzer sounded a dozen cigarette butts lay crushed on school steps.

Classes dragged on even more than usual that morning.  Dry school curriculum simply couldn’t compete with hypnotic shafts of autumn sunshine spotlighted pine desktops as it filtered down classroom aisles.

Acting like isolated prisoners, the youthful gang members only glimpsed each other between periods as they shuffled along crowded, green, locker lined halls to their next classes.

The student body was a multi-racial collage of shapes and sizes.  Male recognition of passing friends resulted in heartily punched shoulders, while girls merely snickered and waved multi-ringed fingers.

As another long-awaited lunch hour reunion approached, final seconds were counted off.  Finally the noon hour buzzer echoed through the neighborhood like amplified killer bees – it was a bugle call to freedom for the cafe crowd!

Exploding from school exits with miraculously renewed energy, some of the students foot-raced three full city blocks in order to claim scarce booth seats at the Roses’ café…  (just outside school jurisdiction).

Time was of the essence, late comers and junior wanabees would be relegated to socially inferior counter stools.

A gray and grizzled waitress/owner braced herself as the first sweaty teenagers came charging in.  Dusty venetian door blinds banged loudly against a steamy glass door.  Moments later, all four plain wooden booths were filled…. only a few spaces were saved for less athletic but attractive females who would eventually make their entrance.

As brown-bagging students, like me, retrieved flattened peanut butter sandwiches from under shirts and sweaters, others competed for the harried waitresses’ attention by all shouting their orders at once.

Her body language quickly re-establish her authority, with narrowed puffy eyes and flashes of nicotine stained teeth.  The gang correctly interpreted this as the ‘cease and desist if you want to eat’ signal.  It quieted them temporarily.  

Brad Gawdin carefully timed his arrival to coincide with freshly delivered ‘tatter dogs and Pepsi’s to customers.  His prized cherry red and chrome ex-police Harley skidded across boulevard and sidewalk, stopping just inches from the large greasy front window, (low on gas as usual).

Some of the gang acknowledged Brad with a subdued, but friendly, cheer as he entered the steamy scene grinning, pleased to be re-united with his former school chums.  Even a flicker of recognition from the scowling waitress’ didn’t go unnoticed.  He quickly combed his black ‘duck tail’ hair while squeezing into the central booth.

Brad really hoped to forget his fruitless days of job hunting since quitting school at mid-term.  For the moment, reconnecting with school friends, while mooching a few bites from their lunches, was comforting.

His lean semi-adult six-foot frame perfectly matched the prized Harley.  He rode it with sublime confidence, shaggy hair flying up from under a vizored ‘Brando’ motorcycle cap.  But away from his bike, a boy-man personality emerged with slouching posture, gaunt acned cheeks; and deep dimpled chin.

His well-worn black leather jacket and sunglasses portrayed a motorcycle gang persona, except to a keen observer.
    
"Good ‘old B.G.!" cried freckle faced Ron Andrews as self appointed spokesman.

Someone else chimed in;

"No books; no exams; no hassles; you’ve got it made Brad!!"   

"Yeah, just call me Marlin, he said, slightly self- conscious of his noticeably deeper voice…
    
"Who’s got all the cig’s?"

Brad wasn’t above taking advantage of the temporary adulation, besides, bumming cigarette’s served to deflect some of the attention overload he was now feeling.                                  

Soon a free-for-all conversation flowed quickly through familiar topics, including ‘schoolteacher dictatorships’; ‘bikes versus cars’; and of course ‘dating’.  It was then that something quite unique came up…  

Brad was expertly striking a huge wooden kitchen match with his thumbnail while maintaining a firm grip around Josey Scotts pink sweater with his left hand, as ever-grinning Gary Philips took advantage of a break in the general din of noise to ask;  

"Hey, do you guys realize this is Halloween and no one’s got any plans yet?"   

It was really only intended as a checkup, to make sure he wasn’t being left out of anything, but the immediate loud response surprised him.

 
"Yeah, that’s right!"

There was an immediate chorus of voices from all booths – each sex having a completely different social motive.

  
"Last Halloween, me ‘n Bill laid a mannequin on the Renfrew Street Hill and tied fishing line to it.  We hid behind a bush", 

Gary continued between heavy bites on his tatter  dog, while checking to see if he was getting sufficient attention.

"Along comes this guy in a pickup truck, screeching to a stop just before running over it."   

Gary began his infectious chuckling…

"…so this old guy jumps out to check on the body, an’ just when he bends over to get a closer look, Bill yanks it across the street!  The guy was so mad he chased us for two blocks!"

Rose cafe now exploded with unrestrained teenage cackling.   The waitress could only shrug and sigh, conceding yet another noon hour without legitimate customers.

Several more Halloween pranks were next recounted, both real and imagined.  Each sounding more daring than the last.

Fiendish new pranks were quickly hatched with brain storming group input.  Finally, as their fateful noon hour was running out, a proverbial fuse was lit…

"Hey Brad, why don’t you call the office and tell ‘em there’s a bomb planted in the school, so we can all get the afternoon off!"

    
Unusual quiet suddenly fell over the cafe gang crowd, as if waiting for a mandatory response to a fight challenge.  Attention once again focused on Brad as his social instincts told him that ignoring the question might increase the growing distance with his former school peers.   On the other hand he sensed opportunity to improve his rebel image.

Brad took a deep drag on his unfiltered Player’s cigarette, dramatically allowing twin streams of thick blue smoke to flow, mouth to nose.  He was skillfully allowing tension to build.

Then he said flatly;
   
"I would if I had a dime." 
 

A wry grin flickered at the corners of his mouth as he inwardly congratulated himself on his politically correct, non-committal, answer.  

But before his attentive audience could even react, a shiny dime seemed to literally materialize right out of the smoke filled air and came spinning to a stop on the initial-carved table, right in front of Brad!                        

Regardless of the dime’s secret launch-site, it was  More than enough reason for delighted  teenage howls of laughter.  It all seemed to bring noon hour festivities to a natural conclusion. 

In fact within minutes the whole conversation was mostly forgotten by the cafe gang.  Reluctantly they paid their bills, and headed back to their ‘love to hate salt mines’.

Few had even noticed Brad scraping up the dime and stuffing it into his worn jeans’ watch pocket.

Some of his former school gang watched admiringly as Brad expertly kicked the Harley to life and roared away down the street in a cloud of dust and smoke.

   
Just over one hour later as fourth period neared the end, Principal’s personal secretary disrupted classes with an urgent public address summoning the principal.

Only one of the gang suspected what was coming.

But when their portly white haired Principal, himself, came on the p.a. and ordered immediate evacuation of all 2200 students – followed by nerve-jangling fire bells – many of the cafe gang began to suspect that good old B.G. had indeed answered the Halloween challenge!
   

Strictly controlled by teachers, students quickly filed out of the school complex.  They lined up on sidewalks and school playing fields.  They looked like military recruits.  Most believed it was just another fire drill.  With no opportunity to retrieve coats, shivering students and teachers complained.

Minutes dragged by as only the cafe gang crowd realized what was afoot, and they dared not break their code of silence!      

Finally, instructions were passed along outdoors: “school is closed for the rest of the day – students are dismissed”.  Only teachers willing to volunteer for unspecified duties were allowed to re-enter the building at all.

Finally, any remaining doubts in the minds of the café gang disappeared as a police ‘bomb squad’ truck arrived, escorted by several police cars, sirens wailing!  

Forty minutes later wide-eyed fellow teenage conspirators tried to burn off excess adrenaline by dancing to the beat of ‘blue suede shoes’.  They had rendezvoused at their favorite after school hangout, latch key Ron Brown’s musty basement rec room.

Now they anxiously awaited their hero.

When Brad did arrive, after cautiously phoning first to make sure it was safe, it was clear he too was surprised by the dramatic reception to his telephone call to the school office.

Joining his back-slapping friends, his fearless motorcycle hands trembled slightly.  Pleased as he was to receive accolades from his contemporaries for his bold telephone booth performance, seeds of doubt nibbled at his conscience.  Still it was another good excuse to collect more cigarettes from his admirers.

Some of the group actually shared his telephone conversation experience vicariously.  Other’s proudly suggested they had a role in dreaming up the idea at the cafe.

But somehow, both the originator of the idea, and the fateful contributor of the dime remained unidentified.

Despite the gang’s inside knowledge, major events unfolded even as they now reveled in their imagined triumph over authority.

In fact memories were being deeply etched in the minds of all volunteers.  Fearful, anxious, men and women, police and teachers, searched courageously through storage rooms; boiler rooms; classrooms; and student lockers in their school.

And after finding the carefully wrapped package containing 13 sticks of dynamite, breathlessly defused by the bomb squad with its simple but deadly timer; none of them could possibly know that teenage school drop-out, Brad Gaudin, was, now, a ‘true hero’.
                            – the end -

This is a re-print of a well-circulated email I received.  I do not know the author, but am very impressed with the logic offered, perhaps you will be also…?

Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God?

During a question and answer session at a recent speaking engagement, a university student asked me, "Why do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God?"  Now this is a very interesting question; and probably one of the most important questions any Christian could ask themselves.  What is so special, so unique about the Bible that Christians believe it is literally the inspired word of God?

In answering this student’s question, I encouraged him to consider the following facts about the Bible:

First, the Bible is not just one single book.  This is a more common misconception than many people realize, especially with people who do not come from a Judeo-Christian background.  Rather than being a single book, the Bible is actually a collection of 66 books, which is called the canon of scriptures.  These 66 books contain a variety of genres: history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, letters, and apocalyptic just to name a few.

Second, these 66 books were written by 40 different authors.  These authors came from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, and others.  And most of these authors never knew one another personally.

Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1500 years.  Yet again, this is another reminder that many of these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing these books.

Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different

languages.  In the Bible we have books that were written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were written.

And finally, these 66 books were written on 3 different continents:

Africa, Asia, and Europe .  Once again, this is a testament to the varied historical and cultural circumstances of God’s people.

Think about the above realities: 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents.  What’s more, this collection of books shares a common storyline- the creation, fall, and redemption of God’s people; a common theme- God’s universal love for all of humanity; and a common message-salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and commit to following God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. In addition to sharing these commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions.  God’s word truly is an amazing collection of writings!

After I had shared the above facts with this student, I offered him the  following challenge: I said to him, "If you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, if you do not believe that the Bible is of a supernatural origin, then I challenge you to a test."  I said to the student, "I challenge you to go to any library in the world, you can choose any library you like, and find 66 books which match the characteristics of the 66 books in the Bible.  You must choose 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, written on 3 different continents.  However, they must share a common storyline, a common theme, and a common message, with no historical errors or contradictions."  I went on to say, "If you can produce such a collection of books, I will admit that the Bible is not the inspired word of God."  The student’s reply was almost instantaneous, he emphatically stated, "But that’s impossible!"

"But that’s impossible!"  It truly is impossible, for any collection of human writings.  However, the Bible passes this test.  The Bible contains 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents, with no historical errors or contradictions.  The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, bears the mark of Divine inspiration.

The next time you encounter someone who asks you why you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, try sharing this challenge with them.  Better yet, don’t wait until you’re asked, just go ahead and share this challenge with a friend today. You don’t even have to mention the Bible up front, just ask them if they think it would be realistic to assemble such a collection of books.  After they say, "But that’s impossible!" you’ve got a ready-made opportunity for sharing the truth of God’s word with somebody!

This blog is not intended to foster belief in menacing aliens from outer space as recently theorized by the noted cosmologist  Stephen Hawkings.

It is, however, intended to stimulate consideration of a surprisingly similar conspiracy!

The “lights went out in 1914” is a famous historical reference to the so-called ‘Great War’ of 1914-1918. 

It well describes how a relatively stable human society quickly devolved into chaos, a condition that continues at an accelerated pace today! 

Few people alive today actually saw the change take place, yet there is plenty of bona fide historical evidence to confirm a dramatic turn-around occurred at that time. 

Little wonder there is support for the belief in subversive ‘alien’ visitors from outer space! 

Indeed there has arguably been a cancerous decline in human affairs, especially in key areas of politics, economics, religion, and environment, so that now how many reasonable people express real optimism for the future?

Few people disagree that even our future existence is threatened. This all beggars the need to ask a very serious question, namely;

What is it about the events of 1914, and thereafter, that has so crippled mankind, causing this steady downward spiral in human affairs?

Similarly;  in spite of all human imperfections and mistakes, why is the common goal of mankind, reported to be underway prior to 1914, seemingly out of reach today?

The so-called ‘Great War’ was the first global conflict in history.  It was marked by massive civilian deaths.

However what I am attempting to do here is to focus on an underlying cause, not only for that conflict, but for the ongoing and accelerating decline in human affairs since then.  That necessarily includes the second World War, which the ‘Great War’ was supposed to prevent! 

If mankind possesses some ability to learn from mistakes, why haven’t things improved?

Instead, its commonly accepted that history repeats itself, not just regionally, but on a global scale. World population increases must magnify mistakes, but isn’t it unreasonable to conclude that human imperfection alone is the root cause of failure to achieve any global stability.?

After all, ‘Stability’ is the desire of the great majority of people everywhere. It surely isn’t rocket science, or mere idealism, that international stability is in everyone’s best interests. That’s a simple fact.

Therefore its my intention to propose an underlying cause of generations of human failures, particularly since 1914, one that is exclusive of population increases; history repeating itself; national power struggles; or any other common excuses offered for failures. It may be controversial, but it is also supported by compelling facts.

Looking at it objectively, there simply has to be something ‘external’ to mankind that is pushing humanity towards a destructive precipice while the very opposite is desired and sought after by the vast majority of law-abiding people.

Instead of achieving a degree of stability and progress, chaos and confusion tends to govern most human affairs today, I think you will agree.

Therefore its my assertion there is implicit evidence mankind is being manipulated and crippled by ‘malevolent external sources’, especially beginning in 1914.

I firmly believe that external sources are preventing humanity from making progress in the key areas of politics; economics; religion; and the environment. All these areas require leadership, and that is where this adverse influence is most evident!

As previously mentioned I do not believe these mysterious unidentified sources are ‘malevolent aliens from outer space’.

(Neither are there inner voices counseling me in this matter – other than logical reasoning I hope you will agree.)

I simply believe it is self-evident for all rational thinking people, given the facts, there has to be sinister forces undermining humanity, forces preventing progress toward the betterment of mankind in general.

If you contract a disease, symptoms reveal the adverse effects, a conflict between the ‘unseen cause’, and a decline of normal functionality of your body.

There is just such evidence, especially since 1914, of a very similar invasion taking place in human society!

Please suspend any initial skepticism you may have and continue reading with an open mind.

Inspite of notable gains in scientific knowledge since 1914, science knowledge has most often been applied to the detriment of mankind. Weapons of mass destruction; chemical and biological agents; genetic engineering, and many other harmful applications of science have had alarming effects on the global environment and on flesh and blood mankind in general.

Of course scientific knowledge in and of itself isn’t the culprit, but bad applications have caused enormous damage and ongoing consequences. Still, its unreasonable to conclude that advances in scientific knowledge is the cause of declining human relations. 

So if the ‘root cause’ of declining human relations isn’t science, and neither is it solely our human imperfections, it must logically stem from a more subtle source or sources, like a disease that is adversely influencing human decisions, including our emotions and motivations. 

Consider for a moment theories developed from the mathematics of ‘quantum mechanics’.

For years is has been regarded as the leading explanation for mysterious random physical properties that do not conform to well-established physical laws.

Is it possible that this branch of science may be inadvertently pointing us towards the hidden cause we are seeking?

Indeed, there have been discoveries made by this realm of science that offer clues.

Based on intensive studies in the ‘quantum world’, radical new theories have emerged, even speculation that quantum physics is cracking open a door to the existence of parallel universes, or multiple dimensions.

In fact the existence of particles, quarks and mesons for instance, entities with properties that literally defy the known physical laws of time and space have now been proven. In addition there is new evidence of mysterious ‘dark matter’ filling the vacuum of space.

All these things should raise our awareness that there are properties beyond the range of human senses.

Since mysterious entities with qualities that defy Newtonian and other physical laws of the universe have now been proven to exist, who can deny the possibility there are other, undiscovered but related, forces (or entities) which may also exist.?

The question can therefore be fairly asked; is it possible unknown ‘forces and/or entities*’ are negatively impacting on humanity?

In other words, could there be undetected entities related to the root cause of rapidly worsening world conditions?   Please read on.

‘Cause and effect’ is basic to human reasoning.  So by this means we can and we should be seeking explanations for the downward spiral in human affairs. As mentioned earlier, it is simply not reasonable to conclude that imperfect humans, all by ourselves, are the root cause of world-wide chaos and disaster. For all our human failings we are not so completely lacking in collective intelligence to do no better than take one step forward, followed by two steps backward, especially from 1914 down to today.

If you agree with me that all our continuous world problems could not be caused ‘solely’ by human mismanagement alone, then simple logic dictates mankind is quite possibly being manipulated by external forces or entities.

This implies living, intelligent, non-material creatures are involved no matter how improbable this may seem.

Can we find support for this theory outside of the complex world of science and math? Yes! 

There is a completely separate line of reasoning that points to this very same conclusion!  This may require suspending personal doubts and skepticism, as well as various religious interpretations, but by accepting certain passages at ‘face-value’, we find an amazing parallel in ancient Bible scriptures.

Physicists may be oblivious to any connections between science and Bible scriptures, but when we look to the Bible for similarities to quantum science, we can see a connection, and a startling description of unseen events!

As mentioned, current studies by means of quantum mechanics have already provided a sound basis for belief in mysterious ‘forces and/or entities’ which exist beyond our human senses. By comparing that information with Bible scriptures, lets see where it goes.

It’s been estimated that 75% of the Bible is devoted to ‘historical’ records, with the remainder being primarily made up of ‘prophecies’ pertaining to Jesus Christ.

Though frequently challenged, the historical portions have proven to be amazingly accurate. While no guarantee, such remarkable historical accuracy certainly adds to the credibility of the prophetic portions also. Passages such as the description of Jesus having existed in a non-material world, before, and after, he lived on the earth.

According to scripture, while he existed in that other plane of existence, Jesus retained the title of ‘Archangel’, meaning the chief or principal one presiding over ‘myriads’ of others of his kind. In other words his rule extends over multi-millions of other ‘spirit entities’.

Since the focus of this article is to identify the ’cause from the effect’ of human ongoing failures, particularly beginning with the ‘great war’ of 1914, how does the existence of millions of spirit entities relate to this matter?

Scriptures from the book of Revelation describe a war taking place in the spirit realm of existence, (undetected by human senses).  In a place our minds can perhaps envision, but where no human body can exist.

Could this war have some parallel relationship to the so-called ‘Great War’ of 1914-1918? 

Could it be that there was a parallel ‘Spirit-War’ in the invisible Universe, as prophesied to take place at a very precise point in time and clearly described in the book of Revelation that took place at precicisely the same time!!  **.

As described in scripture, it resulted in a large number of spirit entities, (angels), being ‘cast down to the vicinity of the earth’, the result of rebellion against Godly authority. And note the tragic consequence for earth; ‘Woe for the earth and sea because the devil has come down to you having great anger’, along with all those ones who followed him in rebellion against God.

Here then is where science and scripture may actually come together, a root cause for global chaos continuing from the pivotal date of 1914 down to our present day.

Scriptures are unequivocal that these downed ‘angels’ would create a major handicap for mankind, no doubt by exaggerating, and exploiting, human imperfection.

External forces, yes intelligent spirit creatures, are clearly identified as the culprits who negate honest attempts toward human betterment!

That scriptural description of intelligent ‘forces and/entities’, undetectable by human senses, strongly indicates they exist in what may be described as ‘another dimension’.

This also tends to fit the description of that which is theorized by present day science, namely, a place that is related to, but not conforming with, our material world. A world of existence that is in the ‘vicinity of the earth’ but undetected by modern science. 

The fact is there is simply no denying that the earth has suffered serious ‘woes’, particularly since 1914.

According to a plain reading of scripture, those forces and/or entities have now been relegated to the vicinity of the earth by the Creator of all life.

Consider the expression: vicinity of the earth, does it not strongly suggest a close connection to our ‘material world’ and yet somehow ‘extraneous’ to it?

My suggestion is that this description well matches scientific discoveries and theories about related worlds with properties that do not conform to our known physical world.

Of course a direct connection between these two lines of reasoning is not conclusive, but science fact, and theory, tends to support the scriptural account in this new experimental area.  Indeed, science  now adds credibility to scriptures, and scriptures to science.

Hard scientific evidence for this theory may not exist, yet. However worlds, or dimensions, beyond our material world can now be visualized, and they are much closer to becoming scientifically verified!

Circumstantial evidence of their existence fits the analogy; ‘if it walks like a duck, and it sounds like a duck, most likely it IS a duck’.

Bible scriptures describe malevolent ‘downed angels’ as being the cause of ‘woes to the earth’, seeking to undermine and destroy mankind, and they do so by ‘inspiring utterances to mislead the nations’. It is not my purpose here to discuss their motivations for doing so.  (If you are motivated to discuss this further I will certainly try to assist you if you make a comment.)

Is this not the ‘smoking gun’ explanation we are seek?  Namely the root cause of mankind’s apparent ‘fatal handicap’.?***

Clearly all well-meaning attempts to uplift and harmonize mankind have consistently been thwarted especially since the pivotal year 1914.

Therefore it seems entirely plausable that year also conforms to the time of war in the heavenly realm described so clearly in scripture!

To summarize;  there exists theoretical, factual, and circumstantial, scientific proof, also supported by plain-speaking Bible scriptures, that non-material entities are reeking havoc on humanity by influencing decisions, emotions, and motives of mankind, particularly world leaders,  especially since 1914.

Truly ‘the lights went out in 1914′! 

* ‘Entities’ are defined as things that have a distinct, separate existence, though they need not be a material existence.  

** References: see Bible book Revelation chapter 12 verse 9 and 12; and chapter 13 verse 14.   

*** Reference: Bible book of Jude verse 6.

From deep within her bowels came a foreboding, muffled,   “BrrruuUMMPUMPP!”

Like a wounded beast with its belly ripped open, the pride of B.C. Ferries ‘Queen of Prince Rupert’s’ fate was sealed. Thirty-five hundred tons momentum rammed her onto Haddington Reef, fifty miles from the Northern tip of Vancouver Island.

Moments earlier, throbbing engine vibration masked the quick rise and fall of our ship’s deck underfoot. Always in tune with his ship, Captain Callan sensed the aberration even in his sleep. Sitting bolt‑upright in his elevated Captain’s chair, he pushed off the armrests and reached the central bridge console in two strides. Grasping large twin aluminum control handles, he arcing them back ninety-degrees against stiff hydraulic pressure, neutralizing forward thrust. Another ninety degree arc forced nine meter (30′) stainless steel props into full reverse pitch!

Five decks below, engine machinery thrashed wildly. Our ninety-nine-metre (325′) ship shuddered and bucked like a startled mare!

It was ‘too little, too late’. As quickly as it had begun, all ships’ movements abruptly ceased. Suddenly it was eerily quiet!

For early rising passengers strolling the passenger deck, the braking force felt much like a sudden stop in heavy city traffic. Only minor injuries were reported.

It was just after 0600 hours (six a.m.) Saturday, August 12th 1967.

Most passengers and crew were aroused from sleep by the abrupt silence of diesel engines and cessation of motion. Many were in small, overnight cabin berths.

Back on the bridge, the Captain bowed his head momentarily, as if experiencing actual physical pain. He suddenly looked much smaller than his tall, lanky, middle-aged Anglo Saxon frame.

“That’s it. . .” He stated flatly through clenched teeth, to no one in particular;

“We’re on it.”

Struggling to comprehend the meaning of his words, my mind raced back recalling recent events.

We had departed Prince Rupert, B.C. in mid-afternoon on our regular Southbound summer schedule, with nearly a full load of passengers and vehicles.

To maintain the twenty hour one-way schedule, we sliced through a thick summer fog at normal cruising speed of almost eighteen knots (about 20 m.p.h.).

In such fog conditions, navigation fully depends on ships’ radar and well-defined charts, much like an airliner flying solely on instruments.

Only a few minutes had passed since a three-man bridge crew began their six-hour ‘morning watch.’ I was one of two relieving Quartermasters, a.k.a. Helmsmen.

Captain Callan was present on the bridge also. His concern for safety in heavy fog conditions had kept him up most of the night, backing up the watch keepers. (Ironically, some speculate that Captains presence on the bridge ‘contributed’ to the accident owing to an unconscious reliance on his support.)

My own responsibility for that first hour on watch was to assume a fog ‘lookout’ position on the port side of the wheelhouse  (bridge), and to alternate on the helm with the other quartermaster hourly. On the wheel, we steered a course ordered by the Watch Officer.

Pre-dawn morning coffee was just beginning to kick in, while the Captain was now understandably dozing in his traditional oak chair on the Starboard side of the bridge. As we headed for our home port of Kelsey Bay on Vancouver Island, first light was just beginning to filter through the surrounding cotton-like fog and gloom. It was like floating in a big wet cloud.

Fog ‘lookout’ is an oxymoron since the only thing actually visible was our bow wave some eighty feet below the bridge lookout position.  With the port wheelhouse window open, I listened intently for horns or whistles.  The idea being to try to detect any small boats that may have escaped radar detection. It was difficult to hear anything over waves of throbbing vibration from our twin diesel engines.

Wiping freezing condensation from my eyebrows, I zipped up a heavy seaman’s jacket. For his part, the Officer of the Watch had seemed to confirm our ships’ precise location by checking both short and long range radar screens. He peered down into their cone shaped hoods for several moments as soon as he had assumed the ‘con’ as officer of the watch.

The ship’s position, course, and speed, became his exclusive responsibility when bridge control was turned over to him. This was true even with Captain present, (unless the Skipper assumed that role by clearly stating he was “taking the con”).

Steering between B.C.’s many coastal islands and the mainland requires skillful multi-course adjustments on the ‘Inside Passage’ route. Fjord-like passages such as the fifty-mile long Grenville Channel near Prince Rupert are narrow for a ship the size of ours. Observing ‘rules of the road’ with a mixture of other marine traffic, large or small, is always vital.

Clearly it was the deck officer who bore the burden for any navigational errors. Regardless, as soon as we struck the reef, I too felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach!

Just before we struck rocks, I observed Kelp vegetation on the surface of the water, passing down the port side. However, since this was only my second two-week tour of duty on the Prince Rupert run, I quietly asked my senior (Quartermaster) partner if that should be reported. Fatefully, he shook his head, dismissing it as trivial information.  However in hindsight it may have been an indication we were already off course.

At that precise moment all else seemed perfectly normal because we were blinded by the fog. The Watch Officer, after checking radar, had stepped into the radio shack, aft of the bridge, in order to review weather forecasts.

He was chatting with the Radio Officer when we first grazed the rocks.

Shock, mixed with guilt, at first numbed this young husband and father. Thank God, facts would soon reveal that a last minute change of course could have led to an even more tragic consequence, perhaps even a ‘Titanic-like’ disaster, rather than prevention!

Boring through that soggy, porridge‑like coastal fog at full normal cruise speed was routine in mid-August.

Regardless, in one brief moment, two hundred and ninety-nine passengers and several dozen crew members were forced to accept a new reality; we were now dead-center in a serious maritime accident. In fact we were all just catching up to what the Captain had instantly realized; our ship’s hull was seriously damaged and held by a submerged rocky reef or shoal.*

When fog later cleared, the ship was within sight of First Nations fishing community Alert Bay, on Cormorant Island, just a few miles away.

In the eerie silence following the grounding, Captain Callan only sagged for a moment. Then with British ‘stiff upper lip’ grit he quickly regained his composure, taking charge of himself and his crew.

Immediately he sounded the ships horn 6 or more time, the international distress signal.  He then ordered the evacuation of all passengers and most crew members. There was no way of knowing if we would remain on the reef, or even capsize as the tide went out!

As chance would have it, my emergency station assignment was designated ‘bridge messenger.’ This allowed me to witness unfolding events on the bridge, right alongside the Skipper. If other means of communication failed, my job was to relay messages throughout the ship, including the engine room crew if necessary.

It soon became clear that all crew members’ drew needed strength and courage from the Captains calm display of authority.

Below the car deck level, matters quickly became critical. Engineers and Oiler assistants were shocked to see their beloved twin-diesel engines literally bounce up and down half a meter (19") when we first hit the rocky sea bottom. Then machinery had nearly flown apart as the Captain hurriedly reversed prop pitch.

That was enough to put the fear of God in them, but now sea water began flooding into fuel tanks and engine room spaces. They only needed to be told once to shut down whatever they could and evacuate up steel ladders to the car deck.

Meanwhile, on the upper decks, catering staff, making up the majority of total crew members aboard, took care of frightened, rudely awaked passengers by directing them to lifeboats, and life-rafts. The crew also went to their assigned emergency evacuation stations.

Seaman (deckhands) took charge of loading and launching our four, fifty-two-person, fiberglass lifeboats, and many life rafts. Carefully they lowered passengers down to water level and cleared the ship.

Crew members did their jobs quite well in this hour of test. In only ninety minutes all passengers had evacuated the ship and safely arrived in Alert Bay or were en route there. Some passengers were transported by Alert Bay fish boats. These had quickly responded to our emergency radio calls, or the ship’s whistle, cautiously maneuvering through fog banks to locate and assist us.

Fish boats also towed some of the lifeboats and life-rafts to shore, tied together chain-like so they wouldn’t get lost in the fog. Less fortunate boats were rowed with oars manned by ship’s crew members or slightly bemused passengers.

Despite the fog, or perhaps because of it, there were few signs of panic. Of course there was little sense of abandoning a ‘sinking ship,’ since the flagship of B.C. Ferries fleet was solidly grounded, showing no signs of leaving her perch anytime soon.

Few passengers realized how close we had come to a real tragedy. Gratefully, I now understood that a last minute attempt to alter course would not have avoided  our hull damage. In fact, an emergency ‘hard to starboard’ turn might very well have created another major B.C.coastal shipwreck. Rather than coming to rest crosswise on top of Haddington reef, we could easily have gone to the bottom, in minutes, with the loss of many lives!

As it happened, the only injuries were a few bumps and bruises when we came to a sudden stop.

As fog burned off in early afternoon sunshine, passengers and crew joined local onlookers in amazement at the strange sight. The receding four and one-half metre (15′) northern tide now created the optical illusion the Queen of Prince Rupert was rising out of the water.

Firmly held by the reef, while surrounding tidal water dropped, gave the impression a giant undersea creature was raising her on its back.

Reporters soon arrived in float planes, circling the unique sight. Camera’s clicked as fog banks lifted. At maximum low tide the ship’s water line was more than two metres below normal.

Very fortunately the ship remained nearly level with no apparent threat of capsizing despite her ungainly appearance. Sludge-like ‘bunker c’ fuel oil leaking from her punctured hull was clinging to the sides, completing the sad picture – a picture soon to be published around the globe.

Over the next twelve hours, tidal action carried oil and sea water in and out of lower decks, crews’ quarters, engine room machinery spaces, and mixing with surrounding kelp beds. It was a minor ecological disaster and not a pretty sight.

With passengers safely ashore, a salvage plan was soon put into action. Professional scuba divers arrived on the scene to survey the hull damage.

They quickly located a number of gashes and punctures. For temporary repairs, fiberglass insulation bats were packed into two of the largest holes, eleven meters (36′) and three and one-half meters (11′) each, by fifteen centimeters (6") wide, located near the keel.

With incoming sea water slowed, powerful high capacity pumps brought alongside on a barge began extracting tons of sea water, reducing it to a manageable volume inside.

To further lighten her load, forty cars were cautiously driven off across timber planks onto a barge. It was a dangerous job accomplished by volunteers, mostly from crew members.

Famous, ocean going Island Tug and Barge Company towboat ‘Sudbury II’ arrived on the scene the next day.

Just before high tide at 1900 hours (seven p.m.), with other boats acting as stabilizers, the tug tried, but failed to refloat the stricken ferry. Finally, after several attempts, the white, blue, and oil streaked Queen of Prince Rupert quietly and gracefully slid off the rocks, her dignity only slightly restored.

Everyone now held their collective breath to see if she would remain afloat! Straining pumps maintained the status quo against the incoming sea water.

With another forty-seven cars, trucks, and recreation vehicles still chained to the car deck, the ship was towed across Broughton Straight to Vancouver Island, dead slow, to preserve those temporary patches. 

While anchored in the safety of shallow waters off Port Hardy for 24 hours, an emotionally drained skeleton crew ‘diligently’ monitored water volume throughout the night, and divers reinforced the temporary patches.  In the morning with everything appearing stable, it was decided to attempt a risky, thirty-six-hour slow-tow to Burrard Dry dock in North Vancouver.

While en route, we anchored for a few hours in Nanoose Bay on Southern Vancouver Island after water pumps quit owing to contaminated fuel.  A decision was made to off-load the remaining passenger vehicles, and reunite them with anxious owners waiting on shore. Again using wooden planks for ramps, vehicles were ‘tipsily’ transferred to a barge and taken ashore. .

With generators off-line, the normally air conditioned ship became like a floating sauna in August heat.  Those of us acting as a skeleton crew had to sweat it out all the way to the destination port.

Numerous curious boaters circled our lifeless vessel as we travelled down Georgia Straight between Vancouver Island and the mainland. Finally we passed under scenic Lions Gate bridge and entered Vancouver Harbor. Many local residents turned out to watch our passage as radio stations broadcast regular progress reports.

Once secured in Burrard dry dock, intense bidding on repairs began. No other ship in B.C. Ferries fleet was well suited for the demanding Inside Passage route and salt water had caused extensive damage to engines, electrical equipment and wiring. Getting her back in service became a priority.

Surprisingly, the entire incident became a ‘media event’ throughout the world. That publicity nearly offset the 1.5 million dollar repair costs. Subsequent seasons were fully booked, especially by American tourists who became aware of British Columbia’s beautiful ‘Inside Passage’ route through the publicity surrounding the accident! It seems that ‘any publicity is good publicity.’

In addition, many passengers involved in the accident actually spoke highly of their experience. Not only had serious hardship been almost miraculously averted by the solid grounding, but residents of Alert Bay proved to be gracious hosts during their brief stay there.

While they had waited for transportation to Vancouver Island, passengers were temporarily ‘bivouacked’ on cots in the Alert Bay (Indian) school, were entertained by traditional native dance, and served a ‘potlatch’ salmon dinner.

For tourist passengers, this turned out to be a ‘highlight’ of their vacation. A few even returned to travel again on the refurbished Queen of Prince Rupert ferry in subsequent seasons, (perhaps hoping for de ja vu!)?

All aboard B.C. Ferries, eighth largest maritime fleet in the world (in 1967).

* Haddington Reef is described as “a bank of glacial material embedded with boulders” by Oceanographer Dr. W.H. Mathews.

Ride your bicycle to the Canadian border and bus to Bellingham, a great low-cost day trip!

Summer bike riding isn’t just healthy, it can also be a mini adventure.  Starting from the city of White Rock at the South end of Surrey B.C., you can reach the Peace Arch border crossing in 15 minutes – less if your one of those hot-shot racing cyclists.

Just make sure you have your passport in a safe pocket, and a little travel money or credit card.  Ride past that border car lineup and divert to a new U.S. border facility at Peace Arch crossing. 

Park your bike and present yourself at the inside counter, it usually takes only a couple of minutes to show I.D., and answer questions about the purpose of your trip, such as ‘day-tripping’ to Bellingham for shopping’ etc.

Once past customs, you may want to take a brief ride around the border city of Blaine, Washington. There’s an excellent beach-park and fishing wharf to the South.  Just turn right immediately behind the border crossing area.

To continue on to Bellingham you need to carefully observe the bus schedule.   Catch the 70x to Bellingham from right in front of Blaine City Hall at 6:50 or 7:50 a.m.   Its located  just three blocks from the border area; turn left past the Chevron gas Station, and its right across the lane from the library.  The same 70x Bellingham/WWU (Western Washington University) bus returns from Bellingham ‘Bay Square’ bus depot at 5:09 and 6:09 p.m., making for a nice day’s outing.  Bus fare is only $1. each way, and don’t forget you need U.S. coins or bills.

These WTA (Washington Transit Authority) buses have three bike carrier bars on the front, and the driver will assist you with mounting if needed.  The 70X flies down the I-5 corridor, and you can be in Bellingham choosing your lunch cafe in about 30 minutes.

There are many inexpensive places in to eat in this unassuming historical town.  My favorite is an eclectic, all-Mexican food joint right across the wide (car parking) street from the bus depot in the heart of town.  Its very popular with the University crowd also. After that you could cruise the downtown core for antique or pawn shops.

Another alternative to the Bellingham outing is the quaint, slightly more upscale town of Lynden.  To get there you can transfer to the 25x at the Cordata transit station, half-way down I-5 to Bellingham from Blaine, or you could take the same bus starting out from Bellingham.

Lynden certainly is worthy of a separate day trip also.  Its very comfortable for bikes, with wide, tree-lined boulevards and many small shops.  Its more tourist oriented than Bellingham, featuring a Dutch theme throughout, with mini-malls and Euro decor.   Of course rubber-necking from bicycles offers better views in any environment.

I highly recommend you take your time and enjoy these Northern Washington towns by ‘B & B’ (bike and bus)!

‘what charlie-brown says about the meaning of Christmas’!).

Ok, I have to sadly admit it;  the prestige, respect, admiration, and self-sacrifice of the RCMP members that I knew as a youngster is in serious decline.

One significant reason for this is political pressure.  The members won’t say this, but I can.  And I have worked with them.

As I understand it, each ‘contracting’ province, mandates the RCMP to comply with their own provincial guidelines.  In other words they must do what the provincial Attorney General specifies, since they operate as a police force under contract.

For example, in B.C., they have been directed to intervene in domestic affairs in a most ineffectual and destructive manor according to provincial guidelines! 

Case in point; recently (it is November 2011 as I write this), a young husband and father was shot to death in his bedroom, no less, after a complaint (presumably) by his own spouse.

Even if her complaint was genuine, and she felt threatened at the time of her complaint, clearly she was in ‘no danger whatsoever’ when this shooting took place!   Can this possibly be the best way to resolve a domestic matter…  Hardly!  

There is no way that such violent action is justified, barring extreme danger to the public, or to an RCMP member, and it probably would not happen but for this bad government policy. 

In B.C. the Attorney General’s, past and present, have evidently specified that whenever domestic assault is alleged, the (so-called) perpetrator should be arrested and held in custody. 

In other words ‘guilty until proven innocent’, and 9 times out of 10 that will be the hubby of a distraught wife.

How many times have we seen serious criminal elements getting way with murder, yet a simple ‘complaint’ by a spouse will result in even violent ‘apprehension’ owing to this wrong-headed policy!

This flies in the face of a basic policing principle, namely to ‘keep the peace’.  Only when a member of the public is ‘genuinely’ at risk should lethal police force even begin to be employed.  However, because of the present political pressure, RCMP believe they must arrest and detain on the basis of mere domestic ‘complaints’! 

I believe this has been B.C. government policy for years, and its arguably a violation of human rights.

Rather than protecting the public, this policy actually precipitates a gross disregard for public safety, as is evidenced by this latest episode and many others in the past.  Its yet another case of the ‘quick fix’ method of dealing with problems, so common to all governments.  Elected officials shirk their responsibility to come up with better social policy to deal with domestic disputes.

There has got to be better ways to handle domestic disputes before arresting alleged offenders, or worse, breaking down their door and shooting them when there is no clear danger to anyone else!  But real solutions take discreet thought, and public input, rather than what the current policy involves. 

Of course it’s much easier for elected officials to simply order arbitrary, and often abusive, police action, rather than engage in serious consultations with all parties involved. 

The fact is, RCMP members only have minimal skills to deal with domestic disputes.  They’re far more inclined to exercise their police powers, attempting to resolve issues by force in these emotionally charged matters, and that often leads to violent confrontations.

So the current political policy prompts one to ask;  “When will the government of B.C. begin to implement balanced policies and so instruct the RCMP, policies aimed at the betterment of society and not violent confrontations with its citizens?!”